Chapter 66

Chapter 66: The Blood Star Shines and All Hold Their Breath (1)

The first to pass through the Ten-Fold Labyrinth Formation was, surprisingly, a young martial artist named Jo Gyeong-ui. He received the Azure Moon Sword from Lee Sin-pung and was beside himself with joy.

"Thank you, Great Hero Lee. To think you would entrust me with such a precious treasure."

"The treasure has found its rightful owner. Please cherish the Azure Moon Sword."

"I will. I will treasure it as I would my own body."

"I appreciate it."

Lee Sin-pung patted Jo Gyeong-ui's shoulder with his thick hand. Jo Gyeong-ui looked even more deeply moved.

"I am overjoyed to have formed a bond with such a fine martial artist as yourself."

"It is I who am honored to receive your sword, Great Hero Lee. Should you ever require my aid, you need only call upon me. Both I and Unyang Martial Academy will be at your service whenever you wish."

"Ha ha! Your words alone give me great comfort."

Lee Sin-pung let out a hearty laugh.

Jo Gyeong-ui was the current Sect Leader of Unyang Martial Academy. A prodigy since childhood, he had ascended to the position of Sect Leader before the age of thirty.

He was particularly skilled in swordsmanship, and his inability to find a sword to his liking had long been a source of distress. To receive a treasure blade like the Azure Moon Sword was a joy beyond measure.

Lee Sin-pung wore a satisfied smile. Unyang Martial Academy was one of the largest martial academies in Lanzhou. For the Sect Leader of such an institution to pledge his loyalty was as good as a vow of fealty.

A single sword in exchange for such a pledge was a bargain. The Azure Moon Sword was no longer of use to him anyway.

Countless onlookers watched with envious eyes—those who had been defeated in the competition with Jo Gyeong-ui.

Lee Sin-pung addressed them.

"It was meant as mere entertainment, but it seems I've left many feeling sore. My apologies."

"Not at all, Great Hero Lee. It was a splendid event."

"Indeed."

Though they denied it, their expressions could not fully conceal their disappointment. Lee Sin-pung read their thoughts.

"Then I shall make this announcement. Next year, on my birthday, I shall host a martial arts tournament. The champion shall receive a treasure sword no less valuable than the Azure Moon Sword."

"Waah!"

Before Lee Sin-pung had even finished, thunderous cheers erupted. The people chanted his name in excitement.

Watching from the platform, the Southern Scholar's expression hardened like a block of stone.

*'That old fox…'*

At this birthday celebration, he had offered the Azure Moon Sword; at next year's celebration, he would offer another treasure blade as a prize. It was an event that would inevitably draw the full attention of the martial world. Gansu Province's influence under Hongam Mountain Villa would only grow further.

The expansion of Hongam Mountain Villa was not a welcome development for the Tongtong Sect. Gansu Province needed only one sovereign.

While the Southern Scholar watched Lee Sin-pung with cold eyes, a disciple of the Tongtong Sect came running up urgently.

"Great Senior Brother."

"What is it?"

"Well, you see—"

The disciple whispered something in the Southern Scholar's ear. The Southern Scholar's expression changed instantly.

"Is that true?"

"Yes. They say a physician is tending to him now."

The Southern Scholar's eyes narrowed sharply.

Even below the platform, someone was seen rushing toward Jo Gyeong-ui. It was Mo Jung-hyeon—the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy and Jo Gyeong-ui's Junior Brother.

Though it was unclear what Mo Jung-hyeon whispered, Jo Gyeong-ui's complexion turned to ice. He offered Lee Sin-pung an apology and departed.

The Southern Scholar rose from his seat as well.

"Let's go. Where?"

"I will lead you."

The disciple hurried ahead. The destination was a separate pavilion within Hongam Mountain Villa.

Inside the pavilion, a man lay upon a bed. It was a face the Southern Scholar recognized.

"Sang-han."

"G-Great Senior Brother?"

The man spotted the Southern Scholar and tried to sit up. But his right arm was broken and useless—he could struggle but apply no force.

"Stay still, Sang-han."

"Great Senior Brother."

The man was none other than Yoon Sang-han, the outer disciple of the Tongtong Sect.

"What happened?"

"I have no excuse."

The Southern Scholar's eyes glinted coldly, and Yoon Sang-han's face went pale. The Southern Scholar was the man Yoon Sang-han most revered within the Tongtong Sect. He feared the Southern Scholar more than any other elder—and respected him all the more for it.

Yoon Sang-han himself was a recognized talent, but compared to the Southern Scholar, he was insignificant. The reason he had never become a main mountain disciple was that he had recognized early on that crossing the towering wall that was the Southern Scholar was impossible.

The Southern Scholar's gaze fell on Yoon Sang-han's right arm. Twisted and broken, it had turned black and was grotesquely swollen.

"Who did this?"

"Senior Brother—"

"Who made it like this?"

"It was my own fault. I do not wish to make an issue of it."

"Sang-han."

"I am sorry."

Yoon Sang-han closed his eyes.

Seeing him thus, the Southern Scholar bit his lip. Yoon Sang-han had always been this way—fiercely stubborn, once he made a decision, never to reverse it.

It was the same within the Tongtong Sect. Everyone valued his talent and wished him to become a main mountain disciple, but Yoon Sang-han stubbornly followed his own course.

The Southern Scholar liked that about Yoon Sang-han. Though they were separated as main mountain disciple and outer disciple, he had never once forgotten him.

"Even if you do not tell me, I will find out. And I will never forgive the one who did this to your arm."

"Senior Brother."

"I am a man who acts when he says he will."

"I am asking you not to. This is a personal matter. I do not wish to escalate this further."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

Yoon Sang-han's will was resolute. The Southern Scholar let out a quiet sigh, recognizing that he could not persuade him further.

"Very well. I will honor your request. But in exchange, tell me who did this."

"Senior Brother."

"Though you are an outer disciple, your skill is not greatly inferior to the first-generation disciples of the main mountain. Tell me. What happened?"

"Fine. The truth is…"

Yoon Sang-han's lips parted with a sigh.

"Hyung, you're late."

Bang Jin-bo sat on a bench before the guest quarters, greeting Dam Ho.

The smell of oil clung to Bang Jin-bo's body. Spending the entire day cooking in the kitchen, the scent had seeped into him.

It was mixed with sweat and might have been unpleasant, but Dam Ho did not so much as furrow his brow. It was proof of how hard Bang Jin-bo had worked.

"How was work?"

"It finished a little while ago. They said I only need to come through tomorrow. Hehe!"

Even though Dam Ho had not asked, Bang Jin-bo launched into a detailed account of everything that had happened in the kitchen.

"The head chef is truly incredible. I don't know how he knows so many secret recipes. I've been busy stealing glances to learn. Today we made beef meatballs, and—"

Dam Ho listened silently as Bang Jin-bo chattered on with increasing enthusiasm.

While Bang Jin-bo was still talking—

"Whoever is inside, come out."

A cold voice suddenly came from outside. Bang Jin-bo startled and looked at Dam Ho.

"Hyung?"

"Let's go."

Dam Ho showed no surprise. He opened the door and stepped outside, where dozens of martial artists stood arrayed in the courtyard. Among them were familiar faces.

Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon stood at the forefront, with Jo Gyeong-ui and Lee Sin-pung positioned behind them.

When Dam Ho appeared, Mo Jung-hyeon shouted.

"That's the one! That's the man who made Brother Jwa half-paralyzed!"

Mo Jung-hyeon's finger pointed squarely at Dam Ho. Jo Gyeong-ui stepped forward.

The Azure Moon Sword hung at Jo Gyeong-ui's waist. Perhaps because he now possessed the blade, his face seemed brimming with confidence.

Dam Ho's gaze turned to Jo Gyeong-ui. The moment their eyes met, Jo Gyeong-ui flinched. The numbness in Dam Ho's gaze sent an inexplicable chill through him.

But Jo Gyeong-ui squared his shoulders. This was Hongam Mountain Villa, and behind him stood its master, Lee Sin-pung. There was not a single reason to feel intimidated.

Jo Gyeong-ui hardened his expression.

"Why did you do it? This could have been settled with words."

"Did I attack first?"

Dam Ho asked.

The one who answered was Jang Hak-gyeong, standing beside Mo Jung-hyeon.

"Did you not attack Brother Jwa without provocation? Surely you won't deny that?"

The veins stood out on Jang Hak-gyeong's neck.

He did not particularly care that Jwa Sang-cheon had been reduced to paralysis. Their bond had not been strong enough to leave any lingering attachment.

But if they let Dam Ho leave like this, their pride would suffer. Jang Hak-gyeong was the young master of a great trading company; Mo Jung-hyeon was the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy. They were men accustomed to living under the admiring gazes of others.

When had they ever suffered such humiliation? They had considered letting it pass, but they simply could not. Their damaged pride had to be restored somehow, or they would never sleep soundly again.

Their solution was to involve Jo Gyeong-ui. By a fortunate turn, Jo Gyeong-ui had just forged a close bond with Lee Sin-pung.

By drawing Jo Gyeong-ui in, they naturally brought Lee Sin-pung into the matter as well. For Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon, this was the best possible outcome.

They knew Dam Ho was strong, but they did not believe he could afford to disregard both Jo Gyeong-ui and Lee Sin-pung.

Mo Jung-hyeon cried out.

"He is undoubtedly a demonic cultivator. Look at the killing intent in his eyes!"

"Indeed. He must have practiced demonic arts. His cruel methods are proof."

Jang Hak-gyeong echoed Mo Jung-hyeon's words.

Jo Gyeong-ui did not fully believe them. He did not know about Jang Hak-gyeong, but Mo Jung-hyeon was someone who valued profit over principle. This affair was surely of his making. Yet he could not simply ignore Mo Jung-hyeon's words.

Regardless, Mo Jung-hyeon was the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy and his right hand. His pride had to be appropriately preserved.

Jo Gyeong-ui turned to Dam Ho once more.

"Have you practiced demonic arts?"

"…"

"Every bone in Jwa Sang-cheon's lower body was shattered. No orthodox martial art could produce such cruelty. You must provide a clear explanation."

"Why should I explain anything?"

"Because if you don't, it will amount to an admission that you are a demonic cultivator. You know what kind of treatment demonic cultivators receive in the martial world, I trust?"

A smug light appeared on Jo Gyeong-ui's face. He glanced around and lowered his voice.

"Truthfully, it doesn't matter whether you're a demonic cultivator or not. I'll simply make you one."

The Azure Moon Sword alone was not enough to secure his fame. Having forged a connection with Lee Sin-pung, he needed even greater renown.

Fame was earned through great deeds. If he could slay a legendary demonic cultivator with the Azure Moon Sword, his reputation would soar.

The walls of the guest quarters were lined with onlookers. Martial artists who had attended Lee Sin-pung's celebration had followed the commotion here.

They watched the unfolding situation with keen interest. None wore serious expressions or raised objections—this was merely another source of entertainment for them.

Whatever the truth, they could simply watch and enjoy. They settled comfortably on the walls and observed. If Jo Gyeong-ui performed a great deed before them, his name would gain renown.

Jo Gyeong-ui whispered.

"So I suggest you surrender quietly. If you don't wish to experience pain."

But Dam Ho offered no response.

"Hyung!"

Behind Dam Ho, Bang Jin-bo surveyed his surroundings with a worried expression. Countless gazes were fixed upon Dam Ho. He did not know why this was happening.

But Bang Jin-bo trusted Dam Ho. Though Dam Ho's methods were harsh, he had never once initiated a conflict with anyone.

This time would be the same. Bang Jin-bo was certain of it.

When time passed and Dam Ho still did not speak, Jo Gyeong-ui's expression hardened.

"Are you ignoring me now?"

"There's no need to respond to every dog's bark."

"What did you say?"

Jo Gyeong-ui's eyebrows shot upward, but Dam Ho paid him no attention.

His gaze turned to Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon.

"So you really are friends."

"What?"

"You risked your lives for your friend."

"You—"

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Mo Jung-hyeon and Jang Hak-gyeon stumbled backward.

"But empty boasts in the martial world invite bloodshed."

Dam Ho's chilling voice echoed through the courtyard.

*CRASH!*

"AAAGH!"

Thunder crackled, and a scream tore through the night sky.