The World of Sound - Chapter 5



Only Krnovel

After the Battle of Jeongma, the martial arts world developed into a place where the Jeongpa and the Sinpa factions coexisted.

Since the power of the political faction was not strong enough to suppress the Sapa with force and power, they recognized them and went in the direction of maintaining an appropriate line and protecting their own territories.

Even so, the power of the political faction could not be ignored.

Although they lost many masters in the Jeongma War, the five great factions of the Gupaebang still held a position of absolute power and authority in their respective fields, and the Sapas were doing whatever they could as long as it did not go against their wishes.

However, they were the only ones who could wield such great power and influence. It was also a story about a part of the Central Plains where they had their homeland.

In other areas outside the sphere of influence of the Gupa Ilbang and the Five Dynasties, there were many cases where the Sapa faction gained power, and among them, Guizhou Province was the most notable.

An area where none of the five great families of the old family exist.

Because so many small sects, both righteous and evil, were proliferating, Guizhou was even referred to as Guizhou Martial Arts World.

“Congratulations, Master Ark!”

“Haha. Thank you. It’s a nice day, so enjoy yourself.”

Among them, Heukhobang occupies a fairly large place.

It was the wedding day of the Fire Lord, the son of the Black Tiger Lord and the next Lord of the Ark, so it was natural that not only Gaeyang County but also numerous warriors and merchants from Gwiju came to Jangwon to congratulate him and give him gifts.

In order to gain an advantage in the future by getting to know him and the next Bangju, many people lined up from the morning all the way to the far corners of the garden and waited for their turn.

The line was so long that the time it took to exchange greetings took longer than the wedding ceremony itself.

“With the status of the Black Tiger Club so high, the future of Guizhou’s martial arts world is bright.”

“What are you talking about? Look at that hopi. Isn’t it all the will of heaven that such a treasure has come to find its owner at just the right time?”

Moreover, time passed by without a trace as those who had been personally invited by the Black Tiger Lord and were waiting in line to say a word of congratulations or to hand over congratulatory gifts, which were essentially bribes.

“Haha. That’s right. I’ve been looking everywhere for a tiger that would fit our Black Tiger Room, but I haven’t been able to find one. Since you came to me on your own time, I don’t regret paying you 300 nyang. I plan to treasure it as my family heirloom and take good care of it.”

‘300 nyang of silver?!’

For Cheonhwa, who had to wait all this time, it was extremely boring and tedious.

But what was more annoying was the fact that the mountain man’s hopi that he had sold to the top of the non-responsive group was sold for 300 nyang, not 200 nyang.

‘Wow, this guy is such a conman.’

But the reason wasn’t just because it was a firefighter’s wedding.

It seemed that the reason the mountain man’s leather that he had sold was dyed black was because of this.

If he wasn’t planning on making a killing and running away, he wouldn’t have falsely delivered to a place like Heukhobang, so he must have kissed the owner of Heukhobang and dyed himself to look like he was a Heukho from the beginning.

Thanks to this, it became a stylish black tiger leather decoration worthy of the name Heukhobang.

‘As expected, there is a lot to learn.’

Could it really be said that he is like Mr. Jang, who studied salesmanship?

Cheonhwa felt bitter when he confirmed that the price of the book had been raised by more than 100 nyang with a simple trick, but he did not forget his attitude of learning.

He remembered this exquisite move well and vowed to himself that he would use it someday.

“But… … it seems like he’s going to be late?”

However, the seat next to the Black Tiger, who enjoyed such great prestige, remained empty for a long time.

Since he is the host of this place and the master of ceremonies at this wedding, it was natural for him to sit at the head of the table, but surprisingly, there was an empty seat on the same level as him.

And in an even more extravagant manner.

In fact, it meant that it was a seat for someone higher than the Black Tiger Ark.

Of course, it’s not your wife’s.

His wife’s place was reserved separately, and she would be seated only when the wedding ceremony began.

“Oh my. How can we mere mortals understand his profound intentions? Since you said you were diligently practicing the exercises last night, I think you have probably gained a clue to great enlightenment. So please do not act rashly and displease your brother. If you make my brother angry and get beaten to death, I will not be able to stop you.”

So, one of the guests asked the owner of the place about his whereabouts, but soon heard only bad news and kept his mouth shut.

Rather than being offended by his absence, the Black Tiger Ark seemed to have a higher status simply by his presence.

It was thanks to his name that he happened to have as his brother-in-law that he and Heukhobang, who were just at the beginning of their peak, were able to enjoy the prosperity they have now.

And after a while, the owner of the seat belatedly appeared.

“You’re here, brother!”

With the appearance of the Iron Lion Margin, not only the owner, Black Tiger, but also all the guests who had been invited stood up and paid their respects.

Margin passed by, waving through the gap, and sat down at the head of the table as if it were a given.

It was already the behavior of a person in power that was ingrained in him.

“… … .”

Shudder.

However, Margin, who glanced somewhere while sitting down, couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Because Cheonhwa, who was at the end of his gaze, was rubbing her thumb and index finger and saying something.

He asked that he not forget to hand over the 10 nyang of gold he had promised.

The pressure was to pay back the money I hadn’t received yet because I passed out yesterday.

“… … Continue.”

At that sight, Margin bit his teeth and pretended not to know.

Because I was afraid.

Rather than being afraid of disaster, I am afraid that what happened yesterday might become known.

Because the people of the Central Plains value their appearance to an unusual degree.

Sometimes, to the point of risking one’s life.

“Brother. What is that on your forehead…?”

At that moment, Black Tiger Ark pointed at his face without noticing.

The red energy that rose up after being hit by Cheonhwa yesterday had not yet disappeared, but Black Tiger Ark, who had no way of knowing this, discovered it while examining the margin.

“Thank you for your reduction!”

Then he quickly bowed and trembled.

“… … What do you mean?”

“That vivid red aura. Isn’t this one step closer to the realm of the Red Iron Man?”

Black Tiger Ark, who knew quite a bit about Margin and his martial arts as they were sworn brothers, made a guess by seeing the red trace.

Iron Man.

It was a reference to the level of Iron Man’s invincible rise that Margin had mastered.

When I mentioned that which not only made the inside and outside of the body as hard as steel, but also made it emit a red heat as if pickling, Margin’s expression, which was almost stained with discomfort for a moment, changed strangely.

I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that the scar was from being hit, so I had no choice but to hit him.

“Red Iron Man? Oh, right. You really do. I had a little epiphany last night.”

“Thank you for your reduction!”

“Thank you for the reduction!!”

Then congratulations rang out from all directions.

The arena was filled with cheers that were louder and more thunderous than those given to the Black Tiger and Firefighters, the main characters of the day.

Because they also knew who the real power in this place was.

Without realizing that it was actually the thing that was making me mad.

“Pfft.”

A small laugh could be heard from someone within it, but it was drowned out by the commotion.

The only one who heard it just clenched his teeth and pretended not to hear it.

“Oh! You even cut off the dandelion that you had been raising with great care. I guess you must have had some kind of determination and realization.”

“… … That’s about it.”

The Black Tiger’s banter continued, seemingly unaware of the fact.

Margin’s eyes were already burning with blazing fire, but he was busy flattering me, not even realizing that I had touched his sensitive spot.

“How could a younger brother ignore his older brother’s good fortune? It shouldn’t be like this… … .”

“I told you to stop!”

In the end, the situation ended with the Black Tiger Lord, who failed to keep his line, shrinking his neck like a giraffe at Margin’s shouting and dying in despair.

“… … .”

Thanks to this, the atmosphere in the room became awkwardly cold, but a strange situation was created where everyone was more concerned about the guest, Margin, than the host.

“… … I’m sorry. I felt embarrassed to come to someone else’s party and make a fuss.”

“Oh, no, brother. I was just touched by the way you thought of me.”

Eventually, Margin opened his mouth again, and the chill eased somewhat, but there was no commotion like before.

That was because he was keeping an eye on Margin, who might be upset again.

“It’s boring. Do I have to keep doing this? I think I can just write up a ledger and store it in the warehouse.”

“Why not? I was going to do that anyway. Brother, listen up! The meal will start soon, so get ready!”

As the situation dragged on, Margin became slightly irritated again, and Black Tiger Ark quickly responded, fearing that he might offend him.

For those who had spent time and money coming a long way just to get their face stamped, this was a bolt from the blue, but simply writing down who they were and what they brought in a register or ledger cut through that long line.

‘Why is that swindler talking so right?’

Thanks to that, Cheonhwa’s expression brightened up significantly.

This is because the time spent waiting for one’s turn has been drastically reduced.

As the wedding ceremony time was brought forward, they had to hurry up and prepare, but at least he was always ready to perform, so it wasn’t too much trouble.

Since the groom and bride’s side were busy and making a fuss, it had nothing to do with him anyway, so he waited for a while and then moved to the prepared seats.

“The wedding will now begin!”

“Wow!!!”

The ceremony was held with the loud voice of the unmanned officiant.

If it were a normal wedding, it would be conducted based on the six rites, but a wedding of a shaman is different from a normal wedding.

Unlike a regular wedding, which can be considered a family event, it was more focused on inviting many famous martial artists to show off their power and receive their congratulations, thereby forming new relationships or strengthening relationships.

Receiving congratulations from the masters of martial arts, getting to know them, and taking over their connections from previous generations was the best gift that could be given to the bride and groom.

As the awareness that I am the one who witnessed the wedding takes hold, an inner intimacy is formed.

Therefore, for the convenience of the martial arts masters rather than the people who were getting married, the procedure was simplified and there were differences in the seating arrangements and the way it was conducted.

The wedding ceremony was held in a position where the groom’s parents and other famous martial artists looked down on the bride and groom, while other guests watched from below.

“The groom enters!”

“It’s my turn now.”

With everyone seated and ready to celebrate, the groom entered the wedding hall.

“Shall we begin?”

Doo-woong!

In response, Cheonhwa displayed his skills with an unknown language.

The only instrument he had was a jade flute, but since a jade flute was hardly suitable for a wedding, when he started playing the geum he had borrowed from Gaeyangru, the people’s expressions changed dramatically.

The deep and powerful sound of the bell filled the palace, and it matched perfectly with the groom’s footsteps as he entered, making him feel like a big person.

“Hmm. What a devoted look. You’ve really grown up so well.”

“It seems like you’ve recently achieved some great feats in martial arts. Your steps are more powerful and solemn than when I last saw you. You look like a tiger coming down from a mountain.”

It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it was a performance that moved people’s hearts.

Rather than drawing attention to the musician with grandiose techniques, the music had the power to make people feel and think as the performer intended.

However, it is not simply a matter of accumulating internal energy or manifesting sound energy with some effect.

Rather, there was not even a single bit of inner strength in the current performance.

However, the fact that he was able to convey the meaning meant that Cheonhwa was a great musician.

“Wow!”

“awesome!”

“It’s the best!”

“The black tiger spreads its wings and flies, and the martial arts world of Guizhou is left to tremble in fear!”

Thanks to that, he was given the nickname of “Bi-ik-heuk-ho,” which means “son of the black tiger,” “fire owner,” and “little black tiger.”

Even though he is still in his father’s shadow and has not yet been able to properly step into the world of martial arts.

“The bride is entering!”

Before the excitement could even die down, the bride entered.

As the heavenly flower gently stroked gold, this time it touched people’s hearts with a different meaning.

“iced coffee……!”

“It is as fresh as a flower bud!”

“How can your gait be so graceful and your heart tremble!”

Her face was covered with red cotton so she couldn’t be recognized, but people watched her vaguely as if they were seeing an old image of their first love.

Thanks to that, even the bride’s exposed face turned red, but as she was a person coming to a family of nobles, she had some degree of courage and continued walking without stopping to stand next to the groom.

Fighting

When the pair’s fate was finally complete, Cheonhwa struck gold again.

That one note awakened the minds of those still wandering in their dreams and refocused them.

“Bride and groom, greetings to the guests!”

The infinitely loving and delicate emotions of lovers spread.

In fact, since it was a political marriage, the two had only seen each other a few times, but everyone was happy and congratulated them as if they had witnessed the love of the century.

“Next, there will be a congratulatory speech and a wedding declaration by Iron Lion Majin, the brother-in-law of Na Ho-young, the pillar of Heukhobang and one of the 100 greatest masters of Sapa!”

After the two finished greeting each other, all other congratulatory remarks were omitted and they moved straight to the declaration of marriage.

Originally, he would have had to listen to the congratulatory speeches of the many martial arts masters he had worked hard to invite, get to know them, and build up his network, but Majin, who was very upset, wanted to proceed as quickly as possible.

So the order went straight to Margin.

Originally, the elders of the family were supposed to announce the marriage by conveying the wishes of the couple and congratulating them, but the Black Tiger Lord strongly wanted to put Margin first.

Through this, he once again declared to the world that Margin was his brother-in-law, and he also wanted to strengthen his bond with Margin by emphasizing that brothers-in-law are like family.

So, on behalf of everyone, Margin stood up and stepped forward to bless the couple and make their marriage happen.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I don’t have the talent for long speeches, so I will declare your marriage here. Also, I couldn’t prepare a separate congratulatory gift because I came in a hurry, so if you ever run into trouble, come see me. I will make time for you.”

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!”

“Long live the Black Tiger! Long live the Iron Lion Margin!!”

“Long live the Black Tiger!!!”

The congratulatory remarks and wedding declaration were brief.

Because he had devoted his entire life to martial arts, he had no talent for long-winded speeches, and did not like them either, so Margin made a very short declaration of their engagement.

And instead of a gift or congratulatory money, he declared that he would perform a military service whenever he wanted.

It may have been a small gift for a grand banquet, but since it was said by none other than Margin, the cheers from the guests could not have been louder.

If Majin, who was a top-tier master, could show his martial arts skills, the next Black Tiger Lord would also be able to join the ranks of top masters, and his relationship with him would become even stronger.

“Thank you, brother. You have given these children the greatest gift. Now, this is the end of the relationship between the two of you. Today is a happy day, so I hope you eat and drink as much as you can to celebrate the two of you!”

“Wow!!!!”

Thanks to that, Black Tiger Ark, whose shoulders were shrugged, stepped forward in front of everyone again.

He announced the start of the feast by repeatedly proclaiming that the two people were married.

So, the wedding ceremony ended more simply than expected and the banquet followed.

A sumptuous meal was served not only to the guests and dignitaries, but also to the musicians, and this time, unlike the previous night, it was a grand meal filled with meat.

“Can I have a bottle of alcohol too?”

“I’m sorry. The wedding is not yet fully complete, so we have been instructed not to serve alcohol to the musicians.”

“Ugh… … .”

However, the only regret is that although the food is generous, there is no alcohol to go with it to liven up the mood.

Cheonhwa licked her lips, feeling sorry for that, but there was nothing she could do.

After all, he had come to work, and it was not that he did not understand their position.

Instead, I asked the Sibi, who was about to leave, one thing I had been curious about.

“By the way, is there a separate congratulatory performance prepared? I haven’t heard of anything.”

“Yes? Maybe… … if there are some talented people among you who came, they might do something to liven things up, but I haven’t heard that there’s anything prepared in particular.”

“Hmm. Really? Okay.”

It was because I felt a rustling sound inside the gift boxes that had been piled up around the banquet hall, perhaps to show off the power of the Black Tiger Room, as Margin had said.

He was so careful with his movements and his energy that others could not sense or hear it, but his ears could not be deceived.

Is it a surprise performance or something?

I have every confidence that I can keep up with whatever anyone does, whenever they do it, but I asked because I thought it would be better to know in advance, but I didn’t get a clear answer.

So Cheonhwa turned her attention back to herself and reached out to the plentiful food laid out in front of her.

Since the performances at the banquet will be performed by other second-rate musicians anyway, and he only needs to play a few parts here and there, he plans to enjoy the meal for now.

“You prepared this well!”

“It tastes really good. It makes my throat feel greasy!”

“The taste of alcohol is also… … ahem?”

That’s when I took a big bite of the thick duck meat.

Before that, those who had received the food and drinks and started eating were impressed by everything and kept praising it, but then one by one, they started showing symptoms.

“Ugh! My heart… … !”

“Breathe, I can’t breathe!”

“Save me… … Please… … !”

Then, suddenly, he started complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing and started collapsing on the spot.

“What is this!”

Black Tiger Ark, who realized something strange too late, jumped up from his seat and shouted, but instead of an answer, all he heard was the sound of people falling.

“Coolook! What the… … all of a sudden!”

“poison?”

Then, Black Tiger Ark also grabbed his chest and took a step back.

Symptoms of addiction that follow pain.

Those who sensed something was strange quickly tried to expel the poison by swaying their internal energy, but it seemed that it was not easy, and they had stiff expressions and were sweating profusely.

“… … ?”

At that moment, Margin and Cheonhwa’s eyes met in the air.

I thought about Cheonhwa’s suspicious behavior yesterday and looked at him with suspicion.

It’s not me? I said it’s not me.

I think I’m going to break your head!

Because of that, Cheon-hwa, who was shocked, insisted on her innocence with her eyes, but in the meantime, the situation got worse.

Those who were weak in martial arts or had not practiced it fell one after another, and even those who could push away some of the poison with their internal strength were unable to control their bodies properly.

“?!”

BANG!!

At that moment, some of the gift boxes that had been piled up around the banquet hall exploded. To be exact, they exploded from within, spewing out their contents into the world.

“What, what… … ?”

“Kwak!!!”

“The enemy! This is a surprise attack!!”

The things that popped out of the box were people.

Each of them is armed with a weapon, and their intentions are clear.

As they appeared, those who were staggering from addiction began to be mercilessly cut down.