Chapter 12: First-Class Martial Artist 4

The faint beam of light filtering through the window gap reflected off the blade Baek Moo-jin had slightly exposed.

The distance between Baek Moo-jin and Jang Geon was about 2 chang (approximately 6 meters).

As Baek Moo-jin still did not draw his sword, Jang Geon, who had been waiting for an opportunity, silently closed the gap.

Zhang Jian’s upper body leaned forward, and he swiftly drew his straight sword vertically. Simultaneously, this time Zhang Jian’s left foot rolled across the floor, thudding loudly.

For the first time since descending the snowy mountain, Baek Moo-jin’s sword revealed itself. With a sharp whirring sound, the gleaming white blade was drawn, emitting a brilliant white light.

Jang Geon’s eyes flashed.

‘That insolent brat, he finally drew it.’

But the moment Zhang Jian clashed with Baek Moo-jin’s ordinary sword draw, not only his straight sword but his entire body was pushed back, both feet planted firmly on the ground.

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What kind of attack was this?

The milky-white blade energy erupting from Jang Geon’s straight sword stretched out like Sun Wukong’s magic staff, enveloping Baek Moo-jin’s entire body.

Those watching watched in awe, their eyes widening at Jang Geon’s display of power.

‘Danger!’

As soon as Zhang Jian released his sword energy, Bai Muzhen swung his sword again with a simple motion. But from Bai Muzhen’s sword, a bizarre sound flowed out, as if he were displaying a sound technique. It was like the sound of a frozen river surface violently cracking.

Crack!

But it wasn’t just sound.

As Baek Moo-jin formed the Ice Wheel Sword Barrier, the defensive sword technique of the White Flower Divine Art, Jang Geon’s sword energy collided with jagged white ice fragments.

It was as if Zhang Jian’s sword energy had crashed into an iceberg.

A series of clattering sounds echoed, yet Baek Moo-jin suffered no damage.

Helplessly, ice shards flew up between Baek Moo-jin and Jang Geon.

Cutting through the wind, Baek Moo-jin thrust his sword, aiming for Jang Geon’s solar plexus. However, the sword’s trajectory was simple enough for Jang Geon to block easily.

Startled, Zhang Jian hastily raised his straight sword to block, and sword and blade clashed.

Clang!

Had Jang Geon not been wearing his mask, those present would have witnessed his face contorted in shock.

Another clang! rang out as Baek Moo-jin twisted his wrist, flinging the straight sword away. He charged instantly, striking Zhang Jian’s shoulder with the scabbard held in his left hand.

Bang―!

The movements flowed together as if planned, and Jang Geon’s knees hit the floor.

Zhang Jian was a stubborn man. Like lightning, he thrust out his left hand and grabbed the scabbard pressing down on his shoulder.

“Stop it!”

Someone in the spectator seats shouted, but Jang Geon only let out a battle cry and tensed his legs even more. His left hand, gripping Baek Moo-jin’s sword hilt, was swelling as if the veins were about to burst.

Baek Moo-jin looked down at Jang Geon and thought.

‘It won’t work.’

Jang Geon couldn’t move, nor could he pry Baek Moo-jin’s sword from his grasp. It was as if he could only move once Baek Moo-jin gave his permission.

Baek Moo-jin did not repeat his previous mistake.

His opponent was a master.

Having clashed with him, Baek Moo-jin judged that he could take the life of someone like Gang Yeop, the deputy commander, with a single strike.

Therefore, showing mercy like he had with Kang Yeop could make the duel itself dangerous. Baek Moo-jin, having fully channeled his power, was crushing Jang Geon, giving him time to accept this defeat.

But when Jang Geon finally shifted his gaze to prepare a counterattack, Baek Moo-jin brought the tip of his sword to Jang Geon’s jaw.

Baek Moo-jin and Jang Geon’s eyes met again. Jang Geon’s shoulders heaved as he struggled to catch his breath.

For a moment, Jang Geon felt as if he might faint, forcing himself to snap back to his senses.

‘Have I ever been defeated so completely?’

Baek Moo-jin gave a slight nod, as if seeking agreement.

“I will sheathe my sword.”

His tone was calm, as if he had never harbored any ill will.

Only when he saw the sword, which had been thrust up to his chin, withdraw did Jang Geon regain his senses. The spot where the sword hilt had struck throbbed, but his heart ached even more.

But he knew Baek Moo-jin had clearly shown mercy… He needed to steel his resolve and admit defeat.

Jang Geon spoke while kneeling.

“I have lost.”

Hearing those words, Baek Moo-jin’s heart sank. He thought his opponent didn’t need to say this while kneeling.

‘My oversight.’

Startled, Baek Moo-jin approached Jang Geon, who was still kneeling. With an extremely natural motion, he grabbed Jang Geon’s arm and helped him up as if offering support. It wasn’t a forbidden action, but it wasn’t a common one either.

‘Oh?’

It might not have been a big deal, but for those watching, it was a tense moment.

After all, it was a situation where Jang Geon could have suddenly unleashed his martial energy at Baek Moo-jin as he approached, striking him.

But that didn’t happen.

Baek Moo-jin’s demeanor was respectful, and Jang Geon accepted his help to stand. Baek Moo-jin continued.

“Senior, I apologize for my rudeness. I’m not accustomed to duels.”

Baek Moo-jin, having heard Jang Geon’s voice and surmised he was a martial artist in his thirties, used the term “senior” without hesitation. Uncertain whether it was an apology or modesty, Jang Geon shook his head and replied.

“Rude? …You’re quite impressive at your age. I’m at a loss for words.”

Only then did the two men, as if by prior agreement, widen the distance between them once more and assume fighting stances facing each other.

Baek Moo-jin spoke first.

“I’ve learned a great deal from you today.”

“The compliment is mine. Seeing such splendid swordsmanship today has broadened my horizons.”

2.

Jang Geon walked over to the wall, drew the straight sword that was sheathed there, and approached Gu Ihwan, the deputy head of Eunyeonggak. In a halting voice, he apologized.

“Deputy Director, I’m sorry. Did I disappoint you greatly?”

“Enough noise. You did well—why apologize now…?”

Gui Hwan didn’t seem particularly angry either.

Executive Hall Chief Woo Tae-jeong, who had been watching with one hand propping his chin, finally stood up.

Woo Tae-jeong was the one who had enjoyed watching this duel the most. But he couldn’t bring himself to speak easily about Baek Moo-jin’s performance. He was itching to report it to the North Heaven Alliance Leader immediately.

‘Lee Yeon-seong’s report was accurate.’

Woo Tae-jeong said, looking at Baek Moo-jin.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Woo Tae-jeong, Chief of the Executive Hall.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Chief.”

Woo Tae-jeong nodded, then greeted Baek Moo-jin with renewed warmth.

“Baek Moo-jin, welcome to the North Heaven Alliance.”

As if to lighten the mood, Woo Tae-jeong clapped once before addressing the assembled crowd.

“Everyone, you’ve worked hard. I should be the one apologizing to these two for accepting such a sudden challenge. Former Deputy Chief.”

“Yes.”

When Gu Ihwan looked up, Woo Tae-jeong smiled faintly.

“Thank you for agreeing despite the inconvenience. And to your escort as well…”

Woo Tae-jeong seemed to have discerned Jang Geon’s true identity from watching the fight. Gu Yi-hwan nodded and replied.

“Hmm… You figured it out? Anyway, I’m in for a beating from our leader. Please put in a good word for me.”

“I’ll speak well for you, so don’t worry.”

“Understood.”

After a brief pause, Woo Tae-jeong walked toward the door of Yongho Hall, leaving a statement as if for everyone to hear.

“I’ll pay my respects to the leader and report today’s events. Since this was a private duel, everyone present must keep the outcome and details confidential.”

“Understood, Master.”

Woo Tae-jeong nodded, then stepped out of Yongho Hall first and said,

“Ah, Jang Yuseung, escort Baek Muin back.”

“Yes, Grand Master.”

“The rest of us, let’s go.”

As the members of the Executive Hall rushed out with a clamor, Gu Ihwan, the Deputy Head of Eunyeong Hall, finally approached Baek Mujin.

“Baek Moo-in, I am Deputy Chief Gu Yi-hwan of Eunyeong Hall.”

“Deputy Chief.”

Baek Moo-jin took a bow, and Gu Yi-hwan nodded in response.

“I thought losing would leave a bad taste, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. I appreciate you considering my circumstances.”

“Not at all.”

“What do you mean, no…”

Gu Ihwan tapped Baek Moo-jin’s shoulder and walked out. Jang Geon, who had been quietly following behind, bowed his head slightly toward Baek Moo-jin.

Baek Moo-jin quickly returned the slight bow.

Now, the only people left in Yongho Hall were Baek Moo-jin and the talkative Jang Yoo-seung. Only then did a human-like sigh escape Baek Moo-jin’s lips.

“Huuu…”

Watching him, Jang Yuseung chuckled softly and spoke.

“Master Baek, you’re about to rise to prominence. I envy you.”

“Success? I haven’t done anything yet.”

Jang Yuseung shook his head and stated firmly.

“No, you will.”

As Jang Yuseung continued with words that felt awkward to respond to, Baek Mujin didn’t reply. He took a deep breath and thought to himself.

‘Success… I intend to achieve it not within the North Heaven Alliance, but among the countless heroes of the martial world.’