Tangmunjeon - Chapter 375



Only Krnovel

Tangmunjeon Episode 375

three months

After hearing the story of Hong Geol-gae and Namgung Myeong, Dang Mu-jin was deeply moved.

‘I knew he was a guy with many shortcomings, but I didn’t think it would be this bad…’

But if you think about it, it’s not that strange that Cheonryeonggae Honggyeon beat Honggeolgae.

The problem is not that Hong Gyeol-gae’s abilities are lacking, but that Cheonryeong-gae’s performance was too flashy. How impressive must his performance have been for the warriors who went to rescue Wang-ho to know about Cheonryeong-gae Hong Gyeon?

Although the results of the non-competition tournament were a source of considerable interest among the martial arts community, not all winners became this famous.

I could also understand the reactions of the open senior executives.

Up until now, Dang Mujin had met many Gaebodos, and they all had one thing in common: they harbored a great admiration for those with overwhelming power. Of course, all martial artists admired masters, but Gaebodos had it even worse.

The perception of martial artists toward openness is largely the same.

The number of people is shockingly large, but the vast majority are just a bunch of people who can’t even be called martial artists, and even the ones who have become executives with recognized skills are not of a high standard.

Of course, it was completely true. Where would street beggars learn the art of ascending?

In order to shake off the perception that they were a group of beggars with nothing but numbers, the Open Party wanted someone with overwhelming power.

In this situation, how could the people of Gaepo forget Hong Gyeon, the Heavenly King who might become the next best person in the world?

Dang Mu-jin sighed deeply and spoke to Hong Geol-gae.

“Why didn’t you do that in moderation?”

“···I didn’t know it would turn out like this.”

“So, is there a way to get the ark back?”

“no.”

Hong Geol-gae answered Dang Mu-jin’s question immediately. Dang Mu-jin had a hard time understanding Hong Geol-gae’s attitude.

“Are you giving up already? Try persuading the elders or the lawgiver. If you continue like this, you’ll have to live with a lower status than Wang Jinqing.”

“Persuasion… I would have tried if it was worth a try. But the atmosphere supporting Hong-Gyeon was unusual, and it wasn’t something that could be overturned with words. They say it in front of me, so it would be even worse when I’m not around…”

“Why don’t you just show us your skills? Hong Gyeon is known as the best. Right now, you’re the only one who’s at the top of the class. You just have to show us how cool Hangryong Yuhoe is.”

Hong Geol-gae trembled after hearing Dang Mu-jin’s story.

“If we were to solve it with our own skills, what would happen if Hong-Gyeon and I were to talk about doing something together? That would really be the end. It would be better for me to drop the name Hong-Geol-Gae and become the head of the ark under the identity of Hong-Gyeon.”

“Then you show up with the face of a Hong Gyeon and declare that you will hand over the position of Yongdu Bangju to Hong Gyeol Gae?”

This time, Hong Geol-gae shook his head.

“It seems too strange to transfer the position of the ark when we have never met before… Besides, if you think about it, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Hong-Gyeon to become the Dragon Head Ark.”

“why?”

“Hong-Gyeon is the Master’s title. Hong-Gyeon, the Demon King. In terms of a disciple who exalts the Master’s name, this might be a pretty good result.”

Dang Mu-jin was inwardly amazed. It had such a deep meaning.

“Besides, if you think about it, the Chief of Staff is a pretty great position. Although he’s on the same level as the elders, he actually feels a little higher than them. There are six elders, but only one Chief of Staff.”

Looking back, it was clear that it wasn’t meant to have any deeper meaning, but was just an attempt at rationalization.

But what can I do since he seems to have already made up his mind? Either way, it might actually be a good thing since Hong Geol-gae has the position of the commander and the captain.

Only one last question remained for Dang Mu-jin.

“Honggeolgae.”

“why?”

“Does Wang Jinqing know about the current situation?”

“···no.”

Indeed, even if it was a master-student relationship, it was an ugly thing that could not be easily revealed. Dang Mu-jin earnestly asked Hong Geol-gae.

“I don’t know about other people, but don’t let Jincheong find out.”

Hong Geol-gae nodded with a serious expression.

*

There was only one thing that Dang Mu-jin and Hong Geol-gae had to do at Namgung Se-ga. They had to briefly greet Jeong Ok-ryeong, who had come to visit Namgung Se-ga in the evening. In fact, that wasn’t even necessary.

That was the end. There was still quite a bit of time left until Namgung Myung’s wedding, and Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae had nothing to do.

In this situation, there was only one way for Dangmujin and Honggeolgae to pass the time. Bimu.

As Hong Geol-gae’s martial arts were very well known within Namgung Se-ga, several warriors bravely challenged Hong Geol-gae.

A duel was currently unfolding between Namgung Hwan, the head of the Ipcheongdang, and Hong Geol-gae.

Namgung Hwan, the head of the Ipcheongdang, carried a sword without a blade and used the simple Cheonryeo Samjang (Heavenly Thunder Three Palms) and Daeyeon Geombeop (Great Extended Sword Technique) to fiercely corner Hong Geol-gae.

At first glance, it seems like Namgung Hwan is in the lead.

However, no one predicted Hong Geol-gae’s defeat, as similar scenes had been repeated several times until now.

Hong Geol-gae was staggering around in a strangely disheveled state, slightly drunk from drinking alcohol.

However, Namgung Hwan’s sword cut through the air time and time again, and even when it occasionally got close, it was inevitably blocked by Hong Geol-gae’s limbs.

The biggest characteristic of the Chupalseonbo is that it seems like it will touch but never does, and the blow comes from an unexpected direction.

“Whoa!”

In the end, Namgung Hwan unleashed his Lonely Soul Sword and deeply targeted Hong Geol-gae’s weak point. It was a move that was difficult for anyone to avoid.

Hong Geol-gae fell backwards as if he had lost his balance, but then supported himself for a moment by leaning on his heels as if he were spreading out a steel bridge.

Then, Hong Geol-gae’s two hands touched the ground. However, it was not an evasion, but rather an attack. At the same time, Hong Geol-gae kicked Namgung-hwan with a strangely swaying technique. Hong Geol-gae’s shoe marks were clearly visible on Namgung-hwan’s shirt.

Namgung Hwan was impressed, but he couldn’t shake off his regret, and he let out a sigh of relief.

“Whew. I’ve already lost four times, but I haven’t been able to read the attacks even once. I can’t guess when, where, or what kind of herbivore will come at me…”

Hong Geol-gae smiled with a humble yet arrogant expression.

“It was a good fight. Next time it’ll be really dangerous.”

“Haha, you’re always so humble.”

Namgung Hwan shook off the dirt on his clothes and then looked at Dang Mujin naturally. Following Hong Geol-gae, he also asked Dang Mujin for a favor.

“···.”

Dang Mu-jin calmly drew his sword.

After the Namgung family’s warriors lost to Hong Geol-gae, they would ask Dang Mu-jin for a secret fight as if it was natural. As if they had lost once without a fight, they had to win once.

The Namgung Se-ga’s warriors did not know that Dang Mu-jin was a master of the highest level.

The martial artist Dang Mu-jin they see is just a young man who became a top martial artist at a young age.

Of course, they had seen or heard that Dang Mu-jin had mastered the art of secret techniques and poison techniques, but no one could guess that Dang Mu-jin had reached the pinnacle of poison techniques.

‘···Should I also say that I am a top-notch expert?’

No, that’s too ugly.

In times like these, there has to be someone there to find out. However, Hong Geol-gae and Namgung Myeong, who knew the truth, seemed to have no intention of letting people know about Dang Mu-jin’s incompetence.

In the end, Dang Mu-jin picked up the sword without a blade and paid his respects.

“Please help me out.”

This time, Namgung Hwan used a sophisticated combination of Cheonryeo Samjang, Daeyeon Geombeop, and Gohon Ilgeom to corner Dang Mujin.

Dang Mu-jin also swung his sword quite skillfully and blocked Namgung Hwan’s sword.

After a long exchange of blows, Namgung Hwan’s sword finally touched Dang Mujin’s forearm. Dang Mujin lowered his sword and saluted.

“You lost again this time.”

Of course, the win or loss itself was not important. If Dang Mu-jin could use poison and secret techniques, it wouldn’t be difficult to subdue Namgung Hwan.

However, the reason Dang Mu-jin did not avoid the rain was to secure the ability to block the opponent’s attack.

Taking an opponent’s life through extreme offense may be the true value of secret techniques and poison attacks, but it is not possible to take an opponent’s life in all situations, right?

Namgung Hwan smiled quite leisurely.

“Still, it is a great achievement. No one would have known that the young man who came to Namgung Sega with the evil spirit in the past would be such an outstanding talent. Furthermore, it is widely known that the head of the Tang family is better at dark arts than swordsmanship…”

It was clearly a story of humility, but the tone was closer to consolation for the loser. Namgung Hwan actually tried hard to control his expression, but he looked somehow pleased.

Having stayed at Namgung Se-ga for some time, Dang Mu-jin found Namgung Hwan’s attitude distasteful. He was fed up with his attitude of bragging about winning a match without being able to properly demonstrate his abilities.

But now, Dang Mu-jin was overcome with a very strange feeling.

Today, Namgung Hwan’s attitude should have felt unpleasant, but deep in my heart, I felt a faint sense of anticipation.

If I showed all my skills in front of Namgung Hwan, what kind of expression would Namgung Hwan make? How would the people of Namgung Se-ga react? Such curiosity gradually rose to my mind.

At that moment, Dang Mu-jin was startled. He realized that he was smiling faintly.

‘Ah···. No!’

They say that the dark and gloomy nature of Hong Geol-gae is reflected in his actions.

Dang Mujin didn’t want to fall to the bottom yet. So he took a deep breath and calmed his mind. Hoo, hoo.

Fortunately, Dang Mu-jin was able to bring out some regret and a sense of triumph.

Dang Mu-jin once again bowed to Namgung Hwan.

“I will definitely win next time.”

“Don’t expect it.”

Namgung Hwan returned to his seat with a grin on his face.

The fight didn’t end there. Since most of the Namgung family members, regardless of gender or age, had an interest in swordsmanship, there were many who wanted to challenge Hong Geol-gae and Dang Mu-jin.

Of course, there were more people who challenged Dang Mu-jin than Hong Geol-gae. After all, Dang Mu-jin felt a bit easier than Hong Geol-gae.

While the battle continued for a long time, Dang Mu-jin felt something strange. It felt like the grounds of Namgung Se-ga had become a little quieter.

Dang Mu-jin and Hong Geol-gae turned their heads almost simultaneously and looked in the direction of the Namgung Se-ga’s main gate.

A dozen or so people were coming in through the wide open front door.

On the left side of the group were Seonwooja, the leader of the Hwasan faction, and other masters of the Hwasan faction, and on the right side were two or three masters of the Jongnam faction.

Behind him was a master of the Gongdongpa, and beside him were people who did not seem to be masters.

And at the very front of the group was someone very familiar. Hyun-gong.

Hyun-gong stood in the middle of the group, walking half a step ahead of the others.

It’s clear that he’s leading the pack.

‘Could it be that they have brought together the nearby Taoist sects under the name of Jeongcheonmaeng?’

That wasn’t the end.

Dang Mu-jin recognized the sword tied to Hyun-gong’s waist. It was the Songmun Sword.

The fact that Hyungong possesses the most precious sword of the Wudang faction means, in other words, that Hyungong has risen to the position of leader of the Wudang faction.

The people around them were gossiping as they watched Hyun-gong.

“Jeong-eon Hyeon-gong… A young leader of the Mudang faction has appeared. This is the first time I’ve seen him in person.”

“Look at those straight, unwavering eyes. He is truly worthy of being called the next generation of the Jeongpa martial arts world.”

“This is no ordinary momentum. I won’t be pushed back by the master···.”

“It seems like the people around here are members of the Jeongcheon Alliance?”

People’s expressions of admiration were evident.

But on the contrary, Dang Mu-jin felt dizzy.

The guy who should not have been given power has gained too much power. It seems like the downfall of the martial arts world is approaching.

Hyun-gong stopped in front of Dang Mu-jin and Hong Geol-gae. Nam-gung-myeong, who had appeared without a trace, was also standing next to Dang Mu-jin.

Namgung Myung said.

“Shall we go inside first?”

*

Four people gathered at the Namgung Se-ga family’s house.

Only then did Hyun-gong take a deep breath and relax his posture.

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“okay.”

Dang Mu-jin nodded and asked again.

“You said you were the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance. It seems like all those people earlier are members of the Jeongcheon Alliance?”

“that’s right.”

The Mudangpa, Hwasanpa, Jongnampa, and Gongdongpa were united as one.

Even your sect wasn’t everything. People who didn’t seem to be Taoists. They also had a lot of energy. They were probably the heads of nearby small and medium-sized sects or people of similar status.

Dang Mu-jin was purely amazed.

“How did you do it? I know the situation is not good for the Gongdongpa these days, but I remember that the Jongnampa, Hwasanpa, and Mudangpa were secretly in a competitive relationship.”

“There are many ways. It wasn’t that difficult.”

Dang Mu-jin didn’t bother asking about the method, because he felt like he was becoming an accomplice.

Instead, Dang Mu-jin changed the subject in a different direction.

“It’s only been a little over half a year since we broke up. Even if there was a way, it wouldn’t have been easy to move things forward that quickly.”

“half a year?”

Hyun-gong laughed.

“It took a month.”

“what?”

“I didn’t become a long-term leader as soon as I returned to the non-partisan faction. I ended the situation after becoming a long-term leader a month ago.”

“···Just a month? Is that possible?”

When Dang Mu-jin asked again, Hyeon-gong answered.

“Instead of oppressing everyone, we just need to unite everyone and take a half step forward. A month should be more than enough.”

It was half a step metaphorically, and it was also half a step in reality. Wasn’t Hyun-gong leading the group at exactly half a step intervals earlier?

Dang Mu-jin asked Hyun-gong.

“What are you going to do now?”

“··When the leader of the Cheongseongpa was still alive, did it take a whole year to convene the Mudeungsan Conference?”

“That’s right.”

“It shouldn’t take that long.”

Hyun-gong said confidently.

“First, let’s unite the martial arts world within three months. That should be enough for the first step.”