The significance of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering is not merely about fostering friendships.
As a meeting fitting for the future inheritors of the righteous faction, it goes beyond words—it involves exchanging bonds through martial arts.
That is the purpose of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.
Since I remembered the gist of the original storyline’s episodes, I knew this Dragon Phoenix Gathering could be a great opportunity for me, and I used it for a martial exchange with a Taoist master from the Wudang Sect.
Originally, the main event of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering was a martial exchange between Peng Jeoksan and the protagonist, but I didn’t need to do that.
The sect pursuing a sword style closest to mine…
And the sect where the person who could most aid me in breaking my limits might reside…
For me, the useful martial artist was not from the Peng family but from Wudang.
So, after sheathing my sword, I greeted Academic Taoist with a martial salute.
“Your swordplay is as impressive as I’ve heard.”
“It truly was a remarkable sword.”
“Both of you put on a fantastic martial exchange! This Namgung Hwi is utterly impressed!”
A drunken, excited voice shook the banquet hall. The words, laced with inner energy from drinking, made our ears slightly uncomfortable, but the guests laughed heartily instead of wincing in pain, cheering at his words.
“Witnessing a match like this was worth the visit!”
“This match has me itching to spar myself!”
“How about you and me give it a try?”
“Sounds good!”
“If you’ve agreed, come out already! Thanks to these two gentlemen, the area’s already clear, so no need to tidy up!”
That guy seems to have a hidden talent for being an event host.
Naturally, I stepped back with Academic Taoist and struck up a conversation. Since my goal hadn’t been fully achieved yet.
“Your swordplay was excellent indeed. I am saddened that we didn’t face each other in the tournament.”
“I was equally impressed. To see such sword techniques from the Western Regions is astonishing… Every movement bears the traces of a sword art refined over long years.”
“Is that so?”
“Over time, martial arts are improved through the hands of many. Naturally, a sword art that has developed over centuries will carry the weight of history within it.”
“Especially for fluid swordsmanship like ours, it’s even more important. Our style requires years of commitment.”
Academic Taoist wasn’t mistaken. Most sword arts can be effective even when one’s level isn’t that high. However, fluid swordsmanship, which can seem somewhat unconventional before one becomes proficient, is a challenging form to master.
A technique that redirects an opponent’s force and uses it against them requires great skill. There’s a risk of falling victim to one’s own tricks with even a slight misstep — it’s a risky sword style.
Therefore, fluid swordsmanship can only produce meaningful power after extensive cultivation and experience.
This is why Wudang martial arts have the characteristic of “great development after long maturation.”
For knights, though—well, while their techniques may be complex, their basic moves aren’t particularly different from fundamental arts, so they can still be clumsily wielded.
After all, the main weapon for knights has always been the lance.
The auxiliary art shouldn’t be too challenging. After all, European knights viewed the refinement of basic skills as paramount, according to Roland’s philosophy.
“I would like to visit Wudang someday to see the source of such a sword style.”
“Haha, feel free to visit when you have the time. Wudang does not turn away guests. If you visit, I’ll personally guide you.”
“I’ll visit to study the culture of Jianghu. Thank you.”
“Then I shall take my leave… Please enjoy your time here.”
Did I just secure a good reason to visit Wudang? Being guided by someone familiar would definitely be preferable to visiting as a regular guest. Considering this, it was a well-planned setup.
Unless, of course, I can’t find the Taoist I seek. But that’s not a concern for the moment.
There’s someone waiting for me—Hye-ryeong.
“Ah.”
I immediately turned and approached Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong. They were seated at a distance neither too far nor too close, not exchanging any words.
Hye-ryeong seemed to be wary of Mok-kyeong for some reason, while Mok-kyeong maintained an awkward silence due to her aloof nature.
“Hye-ryeong, did you wait long?”
“No! Hehe. What were you discussing?”
“Just a simple talk about sword techniques.”
“Hehe, you two were really into it, weren’t you?”
“What else do martial artists have to talk about besides martial arts?”
Though I had a bit of personal interest, it’s true that martial artists easily bond through discussions about martial arts. Clearly satisfied with this explanation, Hye-ryeong nodded and enthusiastically asked,
“Uncle, what are we going to do now?”
“Hmm.”
I had successfully established a relationship with a Wudang warrior—my primary goal. Now, I could either expand my network or simply enjoy the food before heading out.
“Is there anything you’d like to do?”
“Hmm…not really! There’s nothing much to do here besides eating and drinking…”
“A martial match?”
“No thanks. I dislike being the center of attention for all these men.”
That’s understandable.
Considering Hye-ryeong’s beauty, avoiding unwanted attention is wise.
Her seemingly innocent actions tend to ignite the passions of men.
Though her skin tone is a bit darker than what people here are used to, it is still seen as an appealing trait rather than a flaw.
“If you don’t want to, there’s nothing that can be done. It would still be good to make some friends though.”
“I think I’m fine without them.”
Perhaps she’s a bit shy? Or maybe there’s another reason. Either way, as someone who’s not her family, I shouldn’t concern myself with such matters too much. Friendship cannot be forced after all.
As I picked up my chopsticks and placed a piece of Dongpo pork into my mouth,
Indeed, food tastes best when someone else treats you.
“Friends…I think I could do without them.”
“Even if you don’t seek them out, it might be beneficial. If making new friends is difficult, at least try getting along with Mok-kyeong…”
“…Uncle, are you suggesting we become friends?”
“At least I’d like to see less tension between you two.”
There’s nothing to be gained from animosity. Ideally, I’d prefer keeping Mok-kyeong close as much as possible. It’s not easy finding someone as talented as her elsewhere.
“Why?”
“Since we’re likely to see each other often, it would be awkward if things were strained.”
Given my plan to bring Mok-kyeong along, a bad relationship between her and Hye-ryeong would create an uncomfortable atmosphere. So, I hoped Hye-ryeong would ease the tension and get along.
“Since Uncle says so…”
Hye-ryeong turned her gaze to the side, naturally looking at Mok-kyeong. Feeling her name being mentioned, Mok-kyeong glanced back at Hye-ryeong.
“I do not wish for animosity with Lady Hye-ryong.”
Conversely, she doesn’t appear too eager to become friends either.
From Mok-kyeong’s perspective, whose goal is vengeance, social relationships might seem unnecessary. When fixated on a single emotion, one often loses sight of the world around them.
The only reason she still maintains some connection with me is likely due to gratitude—I’ve helped her in more ways than one. She might even subconsciously consider me as someone who could assist in her vengeance.
“Therefore, I’m asking both of you not to be too distant. Comrades of the martial realm should get along.”
“Miss Hye-ryeong, my respect.”
“…My respect as well.”
…Even if it’s just a slight bow, it’s better than nothing.
With a sigh, I stood up from my seat.
“Let’s head back.”
Our errands here are done. It’s time to rest.
Following my words, Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong also stood up.
“You can stay longer if you wish.”
“I’ll go back if you do, Uncle.”
“To attend ceremonially is all. There’s no real reason for me to stay.”
If that’s how you feel, so be it…
“Let’s go.”
————————
“The Lion Sword Hero.”
“Hearing it, his build is…”
“Apparently, he’s always accompanied by a girl who looks like a plum blossom from Hainan.”
“Uncle, everyone is talking about you.”
“Inadvertently, you’ve become famous.”
It’s more annoying than anything else. I hope this won’t drag me into unnecessary trouble.
Like someone challenging me to a duel just because they’re interested in Hye-ryeong. Though I doubt such fools exist here in the Martial Alliance.
“What shall we do now, Uncle?”
“Train.”
“Are you going to keep swinging your sword?”
“No.”
Training at the master level is not about repeatedly swinging the sword.
You grow through life-and-death struggles in actual combat.
“For the first time in a while, I plan to loosen up a bit.”
If the story follows its original path, about half a month after the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, a villain will appear.
A yet-to-be-known cultivator of darkness, Blood Wolf Daoist Gwak Mu-sam.
Technically, he hasn’t yet appeared in the martial world at this point—but regardless, I intend to capture him before he causes trouble.
If the story unfolds as written, he’ll massacre all the villagers living at the foot of Mt. Jingshan in the northwest.
Apart from training, I couldn’t sit idly by knowing such a fact beforehand.
“I want to come too!”
“Feel free to follow, but don’t stray too far from me.”
“Understood!”
Good answer; though she’s always willing.
I chuckled softly as I slurped some noodles into my mouth.
