Chapter 31: Gaining Martial Fame
Gocheok muttered with a deeply furrowed brow.
“Useless trash.”
Seeing his subordinate and Jong Seok running toward him, Gocheok stepped forward. The martial artist smiled in relief, thinking the Sub-Sect Leader had come to rescue him.
But the moment the subordinate came within reach, Gocheok kicked him straight in the abdomen.
Startled, Jong Seok—who had been right behind—instinctively thrust his sword forward and stabbed the martial artist in the back.
Puk!
Jong Seok’s sword pierced through the subordinate’s back.
At the same time, Gocheok, dodging the sword protruding from the man's chest, thrust his own sword deep into that very chest.
Jong Seok’s sword had only gone through the shoulder, not fatally. But Gocheok’s blade pierced the left side of the chest—delivering a mortal blow.
“Urgh!”
The scream didn’t come from the subordinate, but from Jong Seok behind him.
Gocheok’s sword had passed through the subordinate and pierced even Jong Seok’s chest behind him.
When Gocheok pulled out the sword, the subordinate raised a trembling finger and pointed at him.
“W-why… would you…?”
Irritated by the words, Gocheok swung his sword again.
The subordinate’s pointing finger dropped to the ground with a thud. As the man collapsed with a twisted face, Jong Seok gave a bitter smile and said,
“You’ve done something even demons wouldn’t do. A true monster, aren’t you.”
“We dwell somewhere between righteousness and evil.”
Spitting the saliva gathered in his mouth toward Gocheok, Jong Seok shouted,
“Come on, then! If I’m going, I might as well take you with me!”
Gocheok smirked.
“If you can, be my guest. Jong Seok, was it? If you had died gracefully, I might’ve given you a gravestone. But now… dog feed suits you better.”
Jong Seok’s wound was severe—if left alone, he’d soon bleed to death.
Watching him with concern, Yong Hwarin was struck by a thought that flashed like lightning through his mind.
“That’s right!”
He hadn’t thought about it deeply before, but the name Jong Seok wasn’t unfamiliar.
Then he gasped in shock.
“My god, how did I not recognize the name Jong Seok? He’s…”
The reason Yong Hwarin hadn’t immediately recalled it upon hearing his name was because his past self wasn’t a martial artist.
Jong Seok would eventually rise to become one of the foremost demonic masters, forming a power on par with the Three Demonic Heavens fifteen years from now.
As later became known, Jong Seok was the last disciple of the Hidden Saint Cult’s leader, whose clan had been exterminated by the Three Demonic Heavens.
Taken in by the cult leader not long before its destruction, Jong Seok had not been highly skilled at the time. However, the remaining forces of the Hidden Saint Cult rallied around him, establishing a new faction—and he became a rising storm in the martial world.
The reason Yong Hwarin hadn’t remembered his name right away was because the man was far more famous by his nickname.
Demonic Hero Among Demons
Though he pursued the demonic path, he was known for upholding righteousness—thus earning the title.
After acquiring the Hidden Saint Cult’s true legacy, he even contended with Ha Cheolryeong for the title of strongest under the heavens.
Such a man couldn’t be left to die a meaningless death in some foreign land.
Moreover, if Jong Seok were to die here, it would largely be Yong Hwarin’s fault.
Originally, Jong Seok wasn’t supposed to cross paths with Gocheok at all—let alone be persecuted by him.
Strictly speaking, all of this had happened because of Yong Hwarin. Gocheok was supposed to head to the Serpent Dragon Sect with a fake Demonic Petrification Stone, but must’ve realized its falseness midway and started tracking it.
Somehow, he had followed Yong Hwarin into Pungnyang County, but the Black Wolf had ended up targeting the wrong person.
Had Yong Hwarin not stolen the Demonic Petrification Stone from Gocheok, the man would have had no reason to show up here—hence, Yong Hwarin felt responsible for Jong Seok.
Part of him was also intrigued by the future power Jong Seok would wield and wanted to assist him—but more than eighty percent of his motive was guilt.
“Wait!”
Yong Hwarin had wanted to make a grander entrance, but with Gocheok seemingly about to kill Jong Seok at any moment, he settled for a plain announcement.
“If you’re a passerby, it’s best to keep walking quietly.”
Gocheok revealed a murderous intent as he glared at Yong Hwarin.
“I may be new to the martial world, but I cannot just overlook what’s happening here.”
At that, Gocheok seemed to recall something and looked intrigued.
“Hmph. Are you the one who defeated Great Smashing Saber today?”
‘Great Smashing Saber’ was the alias of Do Gye-gong.
Do Gye-gong had gained martial renown through his saber skills.
Thinking his opponent had easily defeated someone like Great Smashing Saber, Gocheok assumed Yong Hwarin was no ordinary master and grew cautious.
Still, since he hadn’t witnessed it himself and only heard rumors, he didn’t take it too seriously.
“This isn’t your business.”
“No, it is. That wandering martial artist over there was invited as a guest of my clan.”
“Hah! Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been chasing him this whole time. When could he have met you?”
“Hahahaha! Of course. That’s why I’m asking Brother Jong to protect me now.”
Yong Hwarin let out a hearty laugh. Gocheok’s eye twitched.
This was a clear provocation.
As the situation escalated, a crowd began to gather.
“Huh? Isn’t that the Sub-Sect Leader of Heavenly Central Sect who fought Great Smashing Saber?”
“Yeah, seems like he’s fighting again. Does he enjoy it or something?”
“No, he stepped in because the Serpent Dragon Sect’s warrior tried to kill a wanderer.”
“Maybe he’s just new to the martial world and doesn’t understand how things work?”
“What are you talking about? I’ve been watching since the beginning—no one tried to stop the Serpent Dragon Sect guy from killing the wanderer. They all pretended not to see. But the Sub-Sect Leader didn’t. He didn’t act out of ignorance.”
Now there were even people defending Yong Hwarin outright.
And with word spreading that a battle between top experts was about to happen, even passersby began flocking to watch.
Dozens of people surrounded the area.
Upon hearing the news, Mo Biyoung and the Two Wook Sword Demons rushed over in a panic.
But they had already missed the moment to intervene.
Yong Hwarin and Gocheok stood on the verge of a fight.
“The Sub-Sect Leader looks like someone itching for battle. He might not live to die of old age.”
Grumbled Namwook. Jungwook scolded him.
“Namwook, I heard on the way here that the Sub-Sect Leader just couldn’t ignore injustice. We should be proud of him.”
“Well, yeah, of course.”
Could just anyone jump into a mess like this?
Now that they had entered the martial world and lived by the sword, they realized how difficult that really was.
One couldn’t ignore a foe’s background or backing in the world of martial artists—that was the nature of the murim.
Even knowing all that, the Sub-Sect Leader still chose to fight the Serpent Dragon Sect’s Sub-Sect Leader.
In truth, wasn’t that the very essence of *righteous chivalry* they’d heard so much about from martial artists?
They couldn’t bring themselves to act that way, and yet this Sub-Sect Leader—newly stepped into the martial world—was living it out in action.
On the other hand, Jong Seok was deeply moved by Yong Hwarin’s consideration and sense of justice. No one else had tried to help him, even after seeing how unjustly he was treated.
And yet Yong Hwarin, fully aware that his opponent was the Serpent Dragon Sect’s Sub-Sect Leader, stepped in to help him. For the first time since entering the martial world, Jong Seok was experiencing true chivalry.
The murim wasn’t as overflowing with righteousness and honor as people thought.
In a world where the strong reigned supreme, power was authority, and strength defined justice.
Only a little more than ten people could truly be called righteous warriors in the entire martial world. These rare individuals were honored as the Thirteen Grand Chivalrous Heroes of the Martial World
Each of the thirteen provinces of the martial world honored one such hero, and to be called by this title was considered the greatest honor of all.
It also proved just how rare true chivalry really was.
“I’m grateful for Young Master Yong’s goodwill, but there’s no need for you to suffer disgrace on my behalf.”
Jong Seok respectfully offered a martial salute toward Yong Hwarin and declined. Though his words were composed, his trembling hand betrayed the urgency of his condition.
“Brother Jong, after entering the murim, I’ve found there are many people, but little righteousness. I came to the martial world in search of it—yet I have yet to see it. That’s why I now act it out myself. Not for your sake, but to fulfill the righteousness I seek. So please don’t be overly burdened.”
At those words, Jong Seok burst into hearty laughter.
“Wahahaha! I, Jong Seok, have finally witnessed true chivalry since stepping into the martial world. I too have long searched for a righteous warrior.”
“Indeed. You may consider me that warrior. So don’t worry. Now let me ask—will you accept employment as my bodyguard?”
Jong Seok smiled softly and replied.
“Gladly. I accept Young Master Yong’s offer.”
Knowing that Jong Seok’s condition would worsen the longer they delayed, Yong Hwarin decided to end things quickly. He cleared his mind and gathered his internal energy to activate a technique.
Among the many abilities he inherited from the Demonic Master, the one he could use safely for now was Tongue Control Art.
In a way, it was no different from a miraculous opportunity for Yong Hwarin.
“You’ve made a mess of my bodyguard. As the one who hired him, I feel obligated to respond.”
Yong Hwarin drew his sword and faced Gocheok.
Seeing this, Gocheok felt a sudden pang of fear.
Looking around, he realized all his subordinates were dead—he stood alone.
Even if he somehow dealt with Yong Hwarin, there were still three of Yong Hwarin’s bodyguards. He couldn’t imagine they would simply let him go.
He had lived by that code, and assumed others would too.
‘This isn’t good. If his martial arts are weak, I’ll subdue him and take him hostage. If he’s strong… I’ll retreat.’
“What’s the delay, Young Master Go? If you won’t come, I’ll strike first.”
As Yong Hwarin attacked with the Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword, Gocheok countered. After exchanging a few moves, he realized Yong Hwarin’s internal energy wasn’t especially strong.
But the way he disrupted Gocheok’s flow showed he wasn’t an easy opponent.
It would take at least a hundred moves to win.
By then, he’d be too exhausted to defend against anyone else.
‘Now’s the time to fall back!’
Chaang!
Gocheok blocked Yong Hwarin’s blow and leapt back ten steps. Glancing around from a distance, he finally spoke.
“I caused this mess by mistake. I’ll take my leave now. Best to end things here.”
With that, he turned and ran.
Yong Hwarin stood frozen, dumbfounded by Gocheok’s sudden escape, and let out a dry laugh. But then he spotted the Black Wolf chasing after Gocheok and quickly threw his sword.
He couldn’t risk the Black Wolf tracking him later by scenting the Demonic Petrification Stone.
Shweeeeeee!
It was a technique from the Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword called Sword of Windborne Flight.
This move required the mastery of ascension arts, like Heavenly Thunder Soaring Dragon.
Seeing the blade fly toward him, the Black Wolf instinctively swerved right. It looked like Yong Hwarin’s sword would miss and hit a tree.
At that moment, Yong Hwarin flicked the middle finger of his right hand.
The force he released struck the left side of the blade, changing its direction and increasing its speed.
Clang!
The sword embedded itself deep into the Black Wolf’s skull and pinned it to the ground. The beast thrashed briefly before going limp.
“Waaaah!”
Cheers erupted at once.
Many wandering martial artists and escort warriors who had watched in bitter silence felt a rush of satisfaction watching Yong Hwarin slay the Black Wolf.
Some even gave him a thumbs-up in admiration.
Despite the applause, Yong Hwarin fell into thought.
Sword of Windborne Flight was a technique he had practiced dozens, even hundreds of times, but had never executed properly before.
Yet after the old man’s internal energy merged with his body, such high-level moves began manifesting easily.
Even Yong Hwarin was amazed at the explosive growth he was experiencing.
Jong Seok stared at Yong Hwarin, stunned.
The Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword was a martial art from the Hidden Saint Cult, and as the cult leader’s youngest disciple, Jong Seok would recognize it.
That was why Yong Hwarin deliberately used *Sword of Windborne Flight* within his view.
Still, one technique alone wasn’t enough to be certain.
Many sword arts had similar moves.
“From now on, Brother Jong, you’re my bodyguard. You will follow my command.”
Jong Seok gave a martial salute.
“Please, give your orders.”
Yong Hwarin finally turned to Mo Biyoung and the Two Wook Sword Demons.
“Let’s treat the injuries first. Master Mo, we need to heal Brother Jong. Let’s head to the medical ward.”
As Yong Hwarin and his group rushed toward the ward, the spectators began buzzing about the battle.
And through this fight, Yong Hwarin unexpectedly earned himself a nickname.
One that was quite fitting—and he was very pleased with it.
Flying Dragon Sword Hero.
The way his sword had flown when he struck down the Black Wolf reminded people of a flying dragon. The title also implied that he was a swordsman who practiced chivalry.
For a nickname coined by the wanderers and escorts of Pungnyang County, it had surprising class.
And because of that, Yong Hwarin’s title began to spread in all directions.
The one who defeated Azure Pine Sect’s Sub-Sect Leader Jeok Gwang, forced the Serpent Dragon Sect’s Sub-Sect Leader Gocheok to flee, and brought even Great Smashing Saber Do Gye-gong to his knees—a rising master.
He gained not only recognition for his skill, but also a reputation as a man of justice.
For Yong Hwarin, this journey out into the world had become an incredibly meaningful one.
While Jong Seok was being treated in the medical ward, Yong Hwarin stood outside, lost in thought.
He was pondering what to do next.
“Young Master.”
Mo Biyoung approached.
Seeing her face full of worry, Yong Hwarin smiled.
Right now, Mo Biyoung probably felt like she was watching over a child playing near the water’s edge. Everything he did seemed to end in conflict or disaster, and her expression screamed that she was close to going mad from worry.
“You must be thinking your Young Master is nothing but trouble, right?”
Mo Biyoung’s eyes widened sharply.
“Do you think this is the time to joke? What are we going to do now that you’ve made an enemy of the Serpent Dragon Sect! Azure Pine Sect may belong to the orthodox faction and thus can’t recklessly use force against us—but the Serpent Dragon Sect stands in the middle ground. No one would stop them if they decided to act with force. That’s just the kind of group they are.”
“That’s true.”
Hearing her grounded explanation, Yong Hwarin nodded.
Just as she said, the Serpent Dragon Sect had a high chance of retaliating against the Heavenly Central Sect. Attacking its Sub-Sect Leader could easily be seen as a provocation warranting war.
They might claim to be neutral between orthodox and unorthodox, but that usually meant they leaned more toward the unorthodox.
It meant that, while they might not act openly, they could still engage in secretive and underhanded tactics.
However, Yong Hwarin remained calm, because he knew that the Serpent Dragon Sect wouldn’t initiate a full-scale attack on the Heavenly Central Sect within a year.
“Still, if they want to start a war, they need justification. Without that, the Northern Justice Alliance won’t just sit by. They’ll formally request apologies and compensation from us a few times, and in the process, at least a year will pass. So don’t worry—there won’t be any war for now.”
But even as he said that, a chill ran down Yong Hwarin’s spine.
‘Wait, am I being too optimistic just because of what happened with Gocheok? It feels like the future is starting to shift. Gocheok meeting Jong Seok alone proves that. This isn’t something to take lightly.’
Yong Hwarin began to feel that he had been too careless, relying on the fact that he knew the future.
If the future changed because of this incident and the Serpent Dragon Sect attacked the Heavenly Central Sect, all his logic and expectations would collapse.
And that wasn’t the only problem. The more he thought about it, the more complications he saw.
Even the situation with Jeok Gwang was unpredictable. There was no way to foresee how he would react.
‘It’s foolish to feel safe just because no force is expected to attack the main family for a year.’
Realizing that his actions could indeed change the future, Yong Hwarin decided to be more cautious going forward. And for the things that had already been set in motion, he needed to come up with countermeasures.
Meanwhile, Mo Biyoung sighed as she looked at her Sub-Sect Leader, who now showed a more realistic grasp of the situation.
He wasn’t wrong.
Wars between sects didn’t happen overnight. They went through several formal procedures, and only when compromise failed did martial conflicts break out.
When Jong Seok emerged from treatment, Mo Biyoung stopped scolding Yong Hwarin. No matter the circumstances, it didn’t look good for a subordinate to lecture her sect’s Sub-Sect Leader in front of outsiders.
“Thank you, Young Master Yong. I believe I’ve finally met a true chivalrous warrior.”
Jong Seok was deeply moved, especially since he had even been treated for his injuries.
Yong Hwarin helped him partly because he knew Jong Seok would one day become a great master of the generation—but also because he simply liked the way Jong Seok conducted himself.
“Hahaha, now you’re making me blush. But since things turned out like this, you’re my bodyguard until our contract ends.”
“Understood. But if the client is stronger than the guard, what kind of bodyguard am I really?”
Yong Hwarin waved his hands dismissively.
“What are you saying? I know you weren’t fighting at full strength earlier.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Jong Seok flinched, surprised.
Yong Hwarin knew exactly what Jong Seok’s secret martial art was.
Jong Seok’s unique martial skill wasn’t swordsmanship.
Not now, but later, his poison arts would become so refined that even the Tang Clan’s poisons would pale in comparison.
The Black Wolf had tracked Jong Seok by scent—because his poison arts released a fragrance similar to the Demonic Petrification Stone. That’s why it had followed him.
“That’s just the feeling I got.”
Only then did Jong Seok ease his expression and nod.
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me. Until the contract is voided, I am your bodyguard, Young Master Yong.”
Yong Hwarin pulled out a pouch from his robe and handed it to Jong Seok. Jong Seok opened it and was startled.
“What?! This much… this is too much.”
The money inside far exceeded what one would normally pay a bodyguard. The pouch contained ten silver bars.
Enough for a typical family to live comfortably for a year.
The Two Wook Sword Demons were quietly fuming. The Sub-Sect Leader hadn’t even bought drinks at inns, saving every coin—only to now hand it all to some wandering martial artist?
That money was supposed to be their travel expenses.
Mo Biyoung let out a sigh.