Chapter 528

I just can’t get my head around those Sapa guys, or should I say, the so-called Sado Geon-a, teaming up with the elite young folks to help Qing.

Seriously? What do they get out of cozying up with the disciples of the Divine Maiden Sect?

When it comes to Sapa, the Divine Maiden Sect is like a joke compared to the Sado Ten Great Stars, and even doubling that to Sado Twenty Great Stars wouldn’t cut it.

It’s not like they can compete when the Zhengpai has the legendary Gu-Pailang Ten Great Families holding all the cards with full twenty spots filled up.

And that’s ignoring the Divine Maiden Sect, which is just a bunch of women’s martial faction known for their fame, but in terms of hierarchy or strength, they’re seriously lacking.

So if the Divine Dragon comes out of there, it’s only right for the established Gu-Pailang Ten Great Families to look down on him, throw some shade, and naturally, try to either hold him back, sabotage, or, best case scenario, eliminate him.

After all, he’s a big deal, a challenger for them, plus a fresh new force.

If Qing heard about this, he’d probably just shake his head in disbelief.

Ah, the Sapa level of thinking. I mean, it makes sense for them, right?

Though I can see how Sapa might feel wronged.

What’s so great about that little bubble they’ve made for themselves, with their “we’re all in this together” mentality?

It’s not about good versus evil; it’s more like, how far does that line for “us” stretch?

In this chaotic mess where everyone’s biting each other to grow, the only person I can trust, aside from myself, is…well, no one!

So, I just get things done without worrying about anyone else.

But what about the Zhengpai?

They can’t afford for other factions to get greedy over the rewards held by a proper martial faction; there’s no room for upward mobility in the hierarchy.

As long as they don’t go belly up, a seat at the Ten Great Families table is still reserved for them.

A century ago, the Five Great Families were the Five Great Families, and before that, the Gu-Pailang was still the Gu-Pailang.

And the leader of the Zhengpai martial world is Shaolin Temple; it’s been said they’ve held that title for a thousand years.

In that time, there’s been zero fluctuation in the rankings—now that’s what you call a flawless class system.

So when a powerhouse like the Cheonhwa-geom shows up, is it not natural to be on guard?

Jumping into a Life and Death Match without even revealing your name or affiliation? That’s seriously putting your neck on the line.

Why on Earth? What’s so special?

“Hmm. I mean, he is pretty handsome; I guess even Seossi, the beauty, would agree she’s got competition.”

“Oh, is that it? So, if he’s a guy, fair enough. But don’t forget there are women in the Tang Family. Are we saying a girl fell for another girl’s looks?”

“Surely you know Oki-rin, right? He probably followed Oki-rin.”

“If he’s chasing after Oki-rin, shouldn’t he be rooting for us instead? Should’ve made his move on his rival first! If it were me, I would’ve jumped in, no hesitation, and delivered a fatal blow.”

“……? Wait, didn’t you say your wife was a widow? Her husband died from some disease?”

“Ha! Well, that’s just how it is. Just saying.”

The Divine Maiden Sect doesn’t scare me much.

Sure, there’s the Best Female Martial Artist, but she’s just one person; the only folks who really remember her are probably some old-timers.

Let’s be real, the Sapa warriors have a significantly shorter average lifespan compared to Zhengpai.

The Best Female Martial Artist is basically a tale from ages gone by.

But the Five Great Families? They’re terrifying.

The Tang Family and Peng Family, sure—Je-gal is a bit easier to handle.

The Je-gal Family hasn’t established a name for itself in martial arts, which is why the Je-gals are constantly raging and shouting about how they too have divine skills and aren’t just riding on the coattails of the ancestors of the Five Great Families!

Thus, the avengers plan for the future.

Even seeing that list of names, how could revenge even pop into one’s head?

In the Central Plain, a grudge is only healed when it’s clapped for the one who can handle it, so all this whining just means that someday, the time will come.

And for those who aren’t out for revenge, the martial artists are borderline giddy.

Honestly, among all these martial artists showing up, the revenge seekers aren’t that many.

Most are still enamored, unable to let go of the Heart Consumption Technique, desperately hunting for it.

Most of the warriors trailing Qing don’t even realize they have a grudge against him.

Because they think the raid on their temporary haven was all the Blood Sect’s scheme.

Those who dug through the empty shrine were shocked when the Blood Sect’s witch finally showed her face. They’re all like, “Oh wow, that was definitely the Blood Sect—such a shame.”

But?

The divine skills are a whole different ballgame, aren’t they?

The reality is that the existence of the Heart Consumption Technique remains not fully confirmed.

If it truly existed, then the Cheonhwa-geom would definitely be the one to grab it.

They claim to have tried to get rid of it, but if the divine skill exists, how could a mere warrior wipe out such a strong technique?

Or they could always take it to their fancy Zhengpai and have it interpreted and refined. Heck, even those from other factions could find a way to make it work.

If Qing caught wind of this, he’d probably be banging his head against a wall or something.

But human nature is always this way.

Even back in Qing’s hometown, they dive right into stocks and coins, conflating analysis with faith, claiming they can have a laugh while knowing it’s a scam.

But is the Heart Consumption Technique a common martial art?

No way!

It’s the number one martial art in the world!

The greatest master of our time!

That’s what guarantees its status as the strongest demonic art.

One strike could flip your life upside down!

Even those who are well-educated would hang themselves for that single strike, let alone the uncivilized warriors of this primitive era without any formal training—not surprising they’re going crazy over it.

The existence of the Heart Consumption Technique hasn’t been confirmed.

You can’t prove something doesn’t exist, so you can’t say it doesn’t exist.

Nonetheless, the Heart Consumption Technique assuredly existed.

It had to exist because the time demanded it, because people wanted it to exist.

This was their undeniable truth.

For some, the earth is flat.

Some seriously challenged individuals believe that all of humankind are from a single race—the descendants of Hwan-guk and Daehan—and swear that this is proven by a pseudo-historical novel published back in 1979.

I’d rather take the age-old watermelon-peddler’s story any day.

Or how about believing a snake monster rules the world?

Or that beneath the ground lies another version of humanity?

Like thinking if they scrawl in blood on the floor and decorate it with random body parts, somehow, a demon king would grant them powers.

Fooled by the wicked tongue of the Cheonhwa-geom, they couldn’t even challenge their enemies.

After all, in a Life and Death Match, when you’re told “I want the truth from Cheonhwa-geom,” would you even have time to ask?

But the stubbornness stays, not letting go, especially when a major variable crops up.

Maybe those guys will argue about the divine skills, right? I mean, Heart Consumption Technique is definitely something even Zhengpai folks would drool over.

Now that the Life and Death Match is opened up, Cheonhwa-geom can no longer keep his mouth shut for good.

He’s not exactly going to be around to command armies for a thousand years, so there’s still a chance left.

Due to all this, the companions felt more relaxed.

Man, they feasted and had a grand old time.

Well, it helps when there’s someone generous hosting.

“Haha, seeing the friends of the Cheonhwa-geom, what a splendid gathering! The finest of the martial world are gathered here, shining like the sun on the righteous path! Though military and martial have their differences, I’m just a great general who must repay the loyalty of those serving to protect our nation! Come now, let us drink together!”

“Your reasoning is quite impressive. Truly a great talker. Of course, not that I can compare with my sister.”

Qing couldn’t help but chuckle at the commentary coming from the side.

It’s not every day a general himself goes around distributing drinks!

Which martial artist in this world ever gets to sip from a general’s cup?

Except for Tang Nan-ah, of course, the unofficial princess of Sichuan, who had always been revered.

It was quick to pick up on the subtle differences in courtesy shown when compared to how he treats Qing.

So once the general moved on, they whispered.

“Qing Ah, who’s that person? Why does he treat you like a servant?”

“Oh, um. Apparently, he’s a friend of my mother.”

“Eh? Didn’t you say your mom was gone?”

If anyone else had heard that, they’d think it’s a bit much, but how often had Qing even met Tang Nan-ah?

It wasn’t meant as an insult but a simple fact-check.

Tang Nan-ah is the kind of person whose actions are driven more by reflex than thought, so it’s not surprising that her words don’t always hit the mark.

In truth, Qing’s judgment was spot on, so it’s only fair that she’s still alive and kicking.

Believing in her ultimate death blow, once she acts, she’s always forgiven.

“Is there really no one in this world without a mom? Like, suddenly popping up… uh. Ergh.”

Oh, look who’s talking—there’s someone here who just crawled out of nowhere.

Feeling a bit pricked by her own words, Qing gulped down her drink.

Thanks to the crude methods of alcohol production, all the sharp spirits are both pricey and top-shelf.

Buzzing without much effect, only to have her stomach flip from the intense burn.

“I don’t know the specifics. Just a lady claiming to be my mother, but surely it can’t be a lie.”

“Then why not just call her Mom? Looking at that general’s demeanor, he must be a high-ranking figure, right?”

“Um, it’s a bit complicated.”

“Why? Is she trying to control you or something, like asking for gold coins, or claiming to finally want you back after all this time?”

“Nothing like that. She’s a good person.”

“Then what’s complicated? Isn’t good just…good?”

Well, soon I will have to meet the Empress as well.

I did call in the deputy commander wearing the royal badge, so I’m bound to meet her eventually.

If it turns out that Princess Yeonsul’s body was occupied by someone else, I’d gladly take on that role.

Sure, I’d be nothing more than a stand-in for a grieving mother, but I don’t plan on living in the palace. Just visiting occasionally to entertain her is all I’d need to do.

But what if the opposite were true?

What if Yeonsul is still alive?

If the Empress’s daughter had somehow barely survived, and I had taken over her body?

That changes everything.

Hmm. Never mind that for now.

Right now, I’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Like, how do I shake these guys off without hurting their feelings?

That’s the dilemma Qing faces right now.

Just a glance tells me they’re going to stick to me like glue.

Just telling them to leave isn’t going to work.

If that were the case, they wouldn’t have barged into the Life and Death Match, right? They could’ve at least announced their backgrounds before plunging in.

The willingness to join me in battle is heartwarming.

It’s a level of kindness I never expected.

But, seriously, you guys are genuinely fragile…

There have been countless times where someone snuck in and used poison during the Life and Death matches, yet Qing merely let it slide since he’s immune to the Blood Poison Body’s toxins.

Thinking back, perhaps that’s why no one tried to bolt during the event, assuming anyone poisoned would be done for pretty quickly.

And it’s not just poison, right?

Working as a physician has shown me that any thorn can lead to infection and death in this primitive age.

But strength?

High realm?

This is exhausting; I can’t even think when I’m on edge.

It’s not like I need to swarm around my friends during major events.

Sure, for weddings or funerals, I get that you’d want a crowd, but there’s no reason for them to gather in hordes whenever something goes down.

Though Qing is excited to see his friends, he can’t help but think, “Ugh, this is complicated.”

So, how on earth do I manage to split away without stepping on anyone’s toes?

Qing is intensely racking his brain.

But he’s tough against evils but soft against kindness, so he’s totally stuck here.

Just then, the deputy commander’s aide, Yang Sa-mok, who handles all the practicalities, comes over to report.

“Um, your friends are currently waiting outside the kitchen.”

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