Chapter 113

The current Luoyang is divided into two parts by the Luoshui River.

However, before the Martial Alliance settled in, the old Luoyang County only referred to the area north of the Luoshui River, and it was nothing more than a small town with a separate ferry landing.

But now, not only the new Luoyang south of the Luoshui River, which was newly built by the Martial Alliance, but also the old Luoyang north of the Luoshui River has achieved great prosperity. Among them is the Yi Royal Residence, which was granted Luoyang as a fief by the Imperial Family.

The previous Yi King, who promised coexistence with the Martial Alliance, sucked the taxes from the new Luoyang south of the Luoshui River to successfully redevelop the old Luoyang north of the river. Regardless of his abilities, it seems he wasn’t talented in raising children, as he died without an heir, and the position of Yi King was passed to his younger brother.

It was only three years ago that Ju Si-yeol, his younger brother, was enthroned as the 4th Yi King.

The incompetent and tyrannical grandfather, the 2nd Yi King. The wise and capable older brother, the 3rd Yi King.

Following them, Ju Si-yeol, who ascended to the position of Yi King, was bearing the weight of the crown under considerable pressure, but today, for some reason, his face was filled with smiles.

Ju Si-yeol, who had even come out to the front gate of the Yi Royal Residence, smiled brightly at the presence he felt beyond the gate and shouted.

“You’re here!”

Forgetting even the dignity of a king, Ju Si-yeol urged the servants to open the gate as if he would do it himself. And as the gate opened, the figures of visitors who were clearing their throats to announce their arrival came into view.

It was Princess Jihyang, who had unilaterally declared her departure from Beijing and rushed to Luoyang, and the poor lamb Yang Se-rim, who had been forcibly dragged along by her.

“Uncle!”

As soon as Princess Jihyang saw Ju Si-yeol, who had come out to greet her, she ran towards him with a bright smile.

“How long has it been!”

“It’s been about three years since I became the Yi King.”

“Wow… already? But uncle, why have you lost so much weight? Isn’t the food good in the royal residence? Aren’t you practicing martial arts? You were so happy to go to Martial Village at first.”

Ju Si-yeol smiled bitterly, recalling himself three years ago.

Yes. There was a time like that. The immature royal family member who hadn’t yet realized the weight of the crown, the time when he was just diligently practicing his favorite martial arts.

Back then, it seemed easy to go to Luoyang, known as Martial Village, and indulge in martial arts, but somehow, it turned out like this.

“Being a Yi King is not easy.”

A royal family member without a royal title is nothing more than a rich idler. He couldn’t even hold an official position, and his only hobby was practicing martial arts.

Similarly, Ju Si-yeol and Princess Jihyang became close because of their common interest in martial arts. Here, Ju Si-yeol’s age of 24, though he was an uncle, wasn’t much older than Princess Jihyang, which greatly narrowed the distance between them.

Therefore, despite having the titles of Yi King and Princess Gasang, they called each other uncle and Jihyang, using familiar family terms.

In terms of kinship, they were ninth-degree relatives, but their relationship was closer than that of third-degree relatives.

Even though Princess Jihyang was the youngest sister of the emperor, who feared nothing in the world, she didn’t just run out of Beijing without any preparation.

The Yi King ruling Luoyang, Ju Si-yeol, was the very support that allowed Princess Jihyang to rush out of Beijing and come to Luoyang.

“Anyway, let’s go inside and catch up.”

“Yes, uncle!”

After finishing the first greeting with Princess Jihyang, Ju Si-yeol also showed interest in Yang Se-rim, who was behind her.

“Se-rim, you came too. Is Lord Shinchang doing well?”

Despite being the Yi King, Ju Si-yeol addressed Yang Se-rim’s father as Lord Shinchang, showing respect. It was a behavior that showed he was still more familiar with his identity as a martial artist who practiced martial arts than as a king.

“Yes, yes… Your Highness. He is doing well. He is currently in Beijing.”

“That’s good… Since Kang Yonghu has gone, Lord Shinchang must protect Beijing. I’ve been talking too long again. Being the Yi King, the only thing that increases is my words.”

With words close to lamenting his situation, Ju Si-yeol led Princess Jihyang and Yang Se-rim to the inner palace.

Unlike other guests, as the youngest sister of the emperor and the closest royal family member to Ju Si-yeol, he was prepared to give her a room in the inner palace.

“Ah, and I sent my messenger to Beijing after receiving your message. Even so, you should have properly informed them before coming. It seems Empress Dowager Haedong is very worried.”

“Ugh… I might get beaten to death by grandmother when I go back.”

As Princess Jihyang made a pained sound, shrinking her neck like a scared turtle, Ju Si-yeol burst into an extremely cheerful laugh.

“Hahaha! No matter what, she wouldn’t beat you to death. But you should refrain from requesting sparring. If you really mess up, you might break a bone or two?”

“…That’s why I said you should have gone back earlier…”

“Huh? Who was it that was excitedly saying how amazing Martial Village was just a while ago?”

“Did something happen on the way?”

“Ah, I got lost and separated from Se-rim, but Se-rim found me with the help of a martial artist. He said he came to find my energy. He was at the level of a unit leader of the Eight Extremes Unit, right?”

“Hmm… Even for unit leaders, that wouldn’t be easy. Unless it’s the Wind Chasing Unit leader, who is good at detection, but the Wind Chasing Unit isn’t in Luoyang right now… By the way, the main tournament of the Martial Duel is in a few days. I prepared a special seat for you since you came, Jihyang.”

“Eh~ There was no need for that. Uncle, Se-rim and I will just watch normally.”

“This uncle is lonely watching alone. Will you keep me company?”

“Well… if you say it like that, I have no choice.”

The Yi Royal Residence, which had been busy with the succession of the royal title and the new king’s adaptation, was finally stretching out towards the outside after a long time.

§

The annex of Changmu Inn, where everyone had gathered, with Namgung Woo being the last to arrive.

Along with a slightly late dinner, they talked about today’s results.

“No, but I never dreamed that the young lady would make it to the main tournament alone… I mean, it’s not that the young lady’s skills are lacking…”

“Stop pretending. You said it was a lie when you first heard it.”

“Hehe~ That was just an exclamation! An exclamation!”

Although Yang Kwae protested like that, no one believed him. In reality, Namgung Sol’s martial prowess was indeed the lowest among them.

“But it’s still quite shocking that Geumshin was eliminated.”

Namgung Woo’s words showed that Geumshin’s elimination in the preliminaries was unexpected.

Within Changcheon Pavilion, Geumshin’s martial power was second only to Namgung Woo. Although the gap was enormous, he was still the second strongest. With Geumshin eliminated, the plan for Changcheon Pavilion members to advance to the main tournament and elevate the pavilion’s reputation was practically ruined.

“Isn’t it really the Holy Half-Nun? Among female martial artists, I can’t think of anyone other than the Holy Half-Nun who could defeat Geumshin… and she also wears a veil…”

“That’s not it. I’ve met the Holy Half-Nun before.”

“You’ve met the Holy Half-Nun before? Well… the Holy Half-Nun is from the Emei Sect, so it makes sense that you’d know her.”

Emei Mountain, where the Emei Sect is located, is one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism, along with Guhwa Mountain, where Hwaseong Temple is located.

Just as the factions based on the Five Peaks, known as the Five Peaks Sword Faction, feel a sense of kinship, the factions of the four sacred mountains also have various exchanges based on the same Buddhist faith.

“It’s unfortunate about Geumshin, but at least the young lady made it. Isn’t that a good thing? Actually, the young lady is more… um.”

Yang Jeong, who was speaking, glanced at Jegal Seon-a.

As a Peak Master, Jegal Seon-a couldn’t miss that gaze. Without relying on Resonance Power, Jegal Seon-a could feel an invisible wall between Changcheon Pavilion and herself.

“Ugh…!”

Under the table, unseen by others, Jegal Seon-a clenched her fists tightly. Even though they had fought together on the battlefield… the sense of exclusion from the boundaries that weren’t allowed to her was overwhelming.

“Ahem, so, what title will Seok-mae receive? Making it to the main tournament at 20, the title of Phoenix is confirmed…”

Pang Ha-ryeong quickly changed the subject in response to Jegal Seon-a’s reaction.

As a close friend, she wanted to comfort her, but only Namgung Woo could reveal the secrets of the Namgung Family that Changcheon Pavilion shared.

The best Pang Ha-ryeong could do was avoid the topic as much as possible and ensure Jegal Seon-a wasn’t left out.

Others also noticed Pang Ha-ryeong’s efforts and immediately followed suit. The discussion about Namgung Sol’s title unfolded like the naming discussion for the Bonding Sword back then.

But there was someone who couldn’t participate in that discussion. It wasn’t Jegal Seon-a. It was Namgung Woo.

“Great Master, you seem preoccupied. Did something happen? You arrived late alone.”

“Hmm… well.”

Myorin narrowed her eyes at Namgung Woo’s reaction.

Although he had always been conscious of his future as a descendant of the Namgung Family, Namgung Woo now seemed to have his mind elsewhere.

Namgung Woo answered Myorin’s question with Whispering Transmission.

[I have something to do with you tomorrow.]

[Tomorrow? I’m busy too.]

[I sensed an energy similar to Yi Ja-ryong. I need your help with a spell.]

[…I’ll definitely go.]

Although Namgung Woo sought Myorin’s cooperation, for some reason, his unease didn’t easily dissipate.

The timing was too coincidental.

Luoyang, where the Martial Alliance Assembly is held. The appearance of someone with an energy similar to Yi Ja-ryong.

In this situation, what role was assigned to Namgung Woo himself?

‘I’ll have to find out from now on.’

But the flow aimed at him even faster than Namgung Woo had anticipated.

“Great Hero Nam, you’ll need to come with us for a moment.”

The next day.

Deung Jong-yu came to find him with the Jinroe Unit.