Chapter 98
The members of the Martial Arts Alliance gathered in one place, the main gate locked shut, and gazed up at the platform.
They had neither the leisure to enjoy the festival nor the inherent flair for such things, yet each filled their cup at the command of Chief Yoo Jeong-hong. When every cup, high and low, was filled, Chief Yoo Jeong-hong rose and looked at his members.
“I called you all to share three cups of wine.”
Leader Yu Jeong-hong held a small bottle of liquor in his hand. Raising it, he declared:
“The first cup is offered to the Master.”
The members raised their cups and shouted.
“We drink this wine with our senior apprentice!”
Yoo Jeong-hong gazed up at the sky, then brought the bottle to his lips and gulped down a mouthful. The members of the secret society drank alongside their leader. As each began drinking, their heads tilting back looked like waves crashing.
Yoo Jeong-hong reminisced about the apprentice.
He was the sword of the Namgung Clan and the king of swords. He led the Namgung Clan into battle at the Great Battle of O-Ryeong, slaying countless demonic cultivators. On the day he died, he slew five demonic swordsmen possessing bodies impervious to blades before taking his own life. Though suicide is a disgrace to a warrior, he chose this path because the demonic cultivators had mastered demonic arts that absorbed his internal energy. Our paths diverged, our thoughts differed, our natures were distinct, and our ambitions were separate. Yet had I been present where the Master fought, my choice would have mirrored his. Where is the man without blemish in life? Only this we share: we lived aspiring to be heroes. The Master died a hero. Will the Mighty Warriors join in avenging the Master?”
