Chapter 43

The Central Plain had its share of societal phenomena like the modern world, making it tough for a dragon to rise from a muddy river.

The term “후기지수” referred to promising young masters who would be the main characters in the next generation.

Yet, these young masters all hailed from prestigious families or powerful clans.

Of course, being groomed from birth with Bee Hair Washing to refine their blood vessels, gulping down elixirs as baby food, and wielding weapons as they took their first steps did play a big role.

But the biggest obstacle was that even if a young master from a non-prestigious background emerged, it was hard for them to gain proper recognition.

If a rising star named Qing supposedly slaughtered the Cannibal Demon, people would immediately be skeptical.

“They must not have fought alone.”

“We have masters in the river and lakes who wouldn’t have let someone go at it solo. It was probably a group effort and they got lucky in finishing off the beast.”

“Isn’t it likely the Cannibal Demon wasn’t in a right state of mind?”

“They say he practiced Demonic Arts—would he even be in a condition to judge correctly with that cursed sorcery messing with his brain?”

“Oh, and don’t forget—she’s just a girl!”

“She probably used her body to curry favor with the masters of the river and lakes. Heh heh.”

That was pretty much the general vibe.

Of course, the truth was that Qing’s rumors did not spread.

Bokhaun, the renowned figure in the Martial Alliance, knew well about these peculiarities of the martial world.

For the sake of saving his benefactor’s reputation, the rumors had to be kept under wraps.

And while they couldn’t completely stop whispers from circulating in the shadows, the heavyweights of the river and lakes kept silent, brushing it off as mere nonsense.

But what if the rumors said a child from a prestigious family defeated the Cannibal Demon?

For instance, if people started talking about Namgoong Shin-jae slaying the Cannibal Demon, the reaction would be:

“Of course, the Namgoong clan! I knew they had it in them!”

“This is the power of history and tradition!”

“We must send a celebratory drink to Master Namgoong!”

“The future of the Orthodox Martial World is truly bright!”

“I could see that sword-crazy bastard causing a ruckus!”

Thus, it became increasingly tough for an unknown young master to make a name for himself, even if dragons rose from the muck.

Naturally, this trend didn’t create issues for those in power, as they have always worked to kick away the ladders that lead to success.

To maintain the world of martial arts dominated by prominent sects and major clans.

In this situation, the only people that the rising stars established connections with were basically other rising stars.

Moreover, those rising stars grew up in their own playground, lavished with praise and doing whatever they wanted.

Ultimately, the young masters were molded in the upper echelons of the martial world and were welcomed no matter what.

This was the perfect environment for a weirdo who only cared about being liked.

And indeed, it was happening.

“Hey, little brother, look over there at that Young Lady.”

Swordmaster Chang-bin, in a drunken stupor, was given the nickname “Sleepy Demon Slayer” after single-handedly wiping out a band of thieves attacking a village.

He was the biggest hope of the Hwasan Sect, and also the elder brother in a family hierarchy.

“No, I’m saying, check out that Young Lady over there!”

“Sigh. What now?”

Pang Dae-san snapped back in an annoyed tone.

But Chang-bin casually piped up, “The lady in the striking red dress sitting third from the left is stunning, isn’t she?”

“If you like her, go say something to her.”

“Oh come on, a flower needs sunshine! Would that lady even listen to me if I spoke?”

Why were all the rising stars like this?

Pang Dae-san showed just how much he disliked them.

“I have no business here.”

“Come on, don’t be like that. I’m just trying to drink alone, feeling all lonely!”

“Then am I just a statue or what?”

“Haha, do I really need to recognize you as a person?”

Pang Dae-san sighed deeply again.

This guy was the big brother of the rising stars meeting in secret?

The future of the Orthodox Martial World was looking pretty grim.

For reference, the “Secret Gathering of Rising Stars” was a collective of rising stars from orthodox backgrounds, a traditional fraternity spanning generations.

“Chang-bin, can’t you just keep drinking your booze?”

“Ah! My arm’s about to fall off! Iyo, my little brother! Drink is the essence of life, you know! It’s much better with a beautiful lady around to enhance the joy!”

“Are you spouting that nonsense again?”

“Ahh, I really want to drink with a lady!!”

Another deep sigh escaped Pang Dae-san.

If I had to name the one rising star I couldn’t stand the most?

It’d undoubtedly be him.

A good person, sure, but he always lived with drink in his mouth and babbling nonsense.

If he weren’t such a likable guy, I would’ve fought him hard and cut ties ages ago.

Not to mention, just when he was yakking on—

“Oh, little brother! Look over there!”

Chang-bin’s commotion broke Pang Dae-san’s train of thought.

Whatever it was, it was probably about another beauty.

With his expression still contorted, Pang Dae-san felt it wouldn’t get any better.

“Wait, I’m serious. That’s Namgoong’s little brother.”

“Oh… this is just ridiculous.”

The “Namgoong little brother” must be referring to the Sword King, Namgoong Shin-jae.

And Namgoong Shin-jae was the biggest weirdo in the Secret Gathering of Rising Stars.

Just my luck, the most annoying dude was also the biggest oddball.

If it isn’t one thing, it’s another, huh?

“Hm? Seems Namgoong has found himself a lady. And as a swordsman, he only considers women who can wield a sword as worthy. Ugh, here he comes.”

Pang Dae-san stifled the annoyance inside him.

Of course, he should know I was around here.

This is why I keep running into people I dislike.

The persistence of women had already rendered me fed up.

Throwing trash, all sorts of oddly intricate attempts at contact, and an endless watch on one’s private life.

Pang Dae-san had plenty of reason to detest women.

And one big reason was that he was always snagged by their attention.

As soon as he stepped into town, news would spread like wildfire: “Oki-rin is in town!”

Ladies flocked to him.

Then, passing members from the Secret Gathering or seniors from the Martial Alliance would flock to say, “Ah, Oki-rin is up to his usual tricks again,” and show up right away.

…But what’s this? A swordsman with a lady by his side?

That was quite curious for Pang Dae-san.

It was astonishing that a swordsman even had a lady with him in the first place.

If you asked who was the one person in the Secret Gathering you’d never see with a lady?

There was only one who would always take the crown for that.

The sword-crazed Namgoong Shin-jae had eyes for nothing besides swords.

When I say “besides swords,” I mean he truly had no interest in anything else.

While Pang Dae-san typically avoided eye contact with ladies, this time, he was a bit intrigued by the swordsman’s lady.

Turning his head slightly, he spotted a pretty young girl clad in a neat uniform.

She looked to be around twenty, with her beautifully braided black hair, fair skin without any makeup, large eyes, and plump lips.

Though her chest was a bit too ample for her outfit, overall she would definitely be classified as beautiful.

And she had a sword at her waist.

“She’s got a sword?”

“Well, that’s obvious, isn’t it? She’s with a swordsman after all.”

“True, can’t argue with that.”

Pang Dae-san nodded in agreement with Chang-bin’s remark.

Which was quite a rare occurrence.

“Chang-bin, though, don’t I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before?”

“I’m not sure. She looks unfamiliar to me.”

“I’m positive I’ve seen her. Isn’t she just someone’s little sister?”

“Well, that’s true. I don’t think he’d be someone who mingles with women.”

As the two were whispering, Namgoong Shin-jae approached and waved.

“Hey, Pang, I came to see you! Chang-bin, you’re here too?”

“Yeah, been well?”

“Of course! I’m doing great! How about you, Pang?”

“I’m good too.”

“Great! Being well is the best, right? By the way, let me introduce you—this is Young Lady Seomun. Though she looks delicate, she’s quite a remarkable swordsman.”

Ah, as expected. Of course, a swordswoman wouldn’t suit him at all.

Pang Dae-san and Chang-bin exchanged affirmative glances.

This, too, was an incredibly rare occurrence.

“Greetings, great heroes. This young lady is Seomun Mo. It’s so thrilling to meet the renowned great heroes I’ve only heard of through rumors. If I happen to make a mistake, please be gentle with me, okay?”

The girl greeted in a charming voice.

Her face was decent, but her voice was refreshing and striking.

When Pang Dae-san’s eyes met hers, she subtly smiled and wagged her tail like a playful puppy.

Feeling a sense of likability from that, Pang Dae-san lost interest almost instantaneously.

“I’m Pang Dae-san.”

Pang Dae-san stated his name bluntly, suggesting he didn’t want to exchange any further pleasantries.

“I’m Chang-bin from the Hwasan sect.”

Surprisingly, Chang-bin replied rather succinctly as well.

“Oh! So you’re the great hero Oki-rin, huh!”

Her broad smile came off as rather annoying.

Pang Dae-san’s voice dipped a notch.

“Did you not know?”

Pang Dae-san shot back.

Immediately, the girl’s expression morphed into a gloomy one.

“Oh… did I mess it up somehow…?”

“Seomun Mo, don’t mind him. Pang isn’t really one for warmth. You shouldn’t feel down. He’s even this rude in front of the most beautiful ladies. It’s just his nature.”

Namgoong Shin-jae reassured the now sullen girl.

Even if what he said was laughable!

Does he really think it’s comforting to say that even the prettiest lady wouldn’t fare any better in Pang Dae-san’s eyes?

He was practically telling her to give up!

It was truly a careless thing to say.

While decidedly shocking, he was not wrong.

“Besides, this guy employs Dao. There’s really no value in impressing a sword freak like Young Lady Seomun.”

Pang Dae-san had picked a terrible day to wear a sour expression.

With such a remark, it was easy to see why Namgoong Shin-jae was referred to as a swordsman.

Yet, even it would displease many to say such outright in front of someone’s father.

But who knows? Would she even care?

“I heard Master Pang had an eye for women.”

“Well, not really.”

“Then why don’t you tell me how you think I look? Just rank me, how do I stack up?”

“Ugh, listen here, Young Lady.”

Pang Dae-san quietly chided.

“I am not into women. So if you’re looking to engage me, go talk to Chang-bin instead.”

With that said, Chang-bin who had been quietly sipping rolled up straight in shock.

“Wha—what are you talking about? No, really. I’m just not interested in all that, Namgoong. Just hand me a drink.”

“Ah, come on, a drink for you, my friend!”

Chang-bin, the honest man, never lied.

And he often proclaimed that the joy of drinking was heightened when accompanied by a lady.

So, once a lady appeared at a drinking party, his performance was usually the star of the show.

He claimed the drink was so delicious that he couldn’t get a single word out beyond mere guzzling—such was his heroics.

And now that there was a lady? It was fair to say Chang-bin’s standout performance was at its end.

In the meantime, the girl kept trying to engage Pang Dae-san.

“So, Master Pang? How do you think I look?”

“Enough! Don’t pay any mind to me. I’m just keeping my cool because of Brother Namgoong’s presence. I really don’t want to say anything harsh to a Young Lady.”

Pang Dae-san’s voice dropped.

He was getting close to exploding.

And then the girl finally spoke-up.

“Why do you speak with such airs? Don’t you realize you shouldn’t act that way?”

Pang Dae-san did a double-take.

“Why does she always have to put on such a tone whenever she talks?”

The girl had suddenly leaned in with her elbow resting on the table, supporting her chin while leaning back casually.

“Hey, nothing’s changed with you! Feeling miffed? Just because we haven’t seen each other for a bit, you’ve gone and forgotten my face? It was only a little over six months since we parted—you almost cried when we split up! Or did you not shed a tear?”

“…No way.”

“Why, can’t you recognize me just because my face changed a little?”

Pang Dae-san gaped in astonishment.

Finally, Qing’s face blossomed with satisfaction as she smiled.

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