LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 41
Chapter 41: The Most Beautiful in the World
Sichuan Province, Chongqing.
Known as the “Fog City” because of its misty weather year-round, this land is steeped in history, having once been home to the Ba Kingdom during the Warring States period.
Though a part of the ancient Shu territory, Sichuan stands as a vast province in its own right, with size and population comparable to a standalone region.
Today, the martial arts force ruling this breathtaking land, shrouded in clouds, is the Black Dragon Clan.
Sichuan is home to the Qingcheng School and the Ami Clan, along with the Tang Clan, which isn’t exactly a powerhouse. Except for Chongqing, the land is essentially ruled by the Orthodox Faction.
The only prominent evil faction in Sichuan, the Black Dragon Clan, reigns supreme in Chongqing. However, the Black Dragon Clan couldn’t easily overpower the combined might of the three major Orthodox factions: the Qingcheng School, Ami Clan, and the Tang Clan.
In their attempts to expand into ancient Shu territory, the Black Dragon Clan faced repeated setbacks against the alliance of the Tang Clan, Ami Clan, and Qingcheng School in the Yongchang region.
To fulfill the ambition of previous Black Dragon Clan leaders to dominate Sichuan, their current leader, the Supreme Master of Hwakyung, Wi Cheon-myeong of the Gwangma Dodgun, hatched a plan. Instead of a direct assault on Sichuan, he decided to extend influence into Gansu Province, which borders Sichuan.
Once Gansu was fully under their control, he intended to leverage the combined strength of both regions to gradually invade Sichuan with the help of the Sado Family.
Historically, the Gansu Province was home to the now-fallen great faction, the Gongdong Sect, but it had since declined into near extinction.
The Seomun Family had risen in place of the Gongdong Sect, but they were no match for the strength of the Black Dragon Clan.
Thus, they supported the Sayeong Hoe to secure a foothold in Gansu and completely eradicate the remnants of the Gongdong Sect.
But then…
“What did you just say?”
Inside the Black Dragon Clan’s stronghold.
In the largest, most majestic building where the Black Dragon Chief resides, the Black Dragon Hall, the rough-looking middle-aged man, more akin to a bandit than a leader, frowned at a report from Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom, who knelt before him.
“The Gongdong Sect has requested a martial arts contest, claiming to resolve matters the Jianghu way.”
“Is that what brought you to ask for a private audience with me, Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom?”
Wi Cheon-myeong’s brows narrowed.
The situation in Gansu was paradoxically important yet a backwater in the grand strategy of the Black Dragon Clan.
While it was significant in their overall strategy, it was largely unimportant, as the tacit agreement on slaughter from the Seomun Family meant they had little to do until the Gongdong Sect was eradicated.
The Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom, being a woman of lesser significance among the guests, had been assigned as a monitoring agent due to this background.
The true battlefield would begin only after the Gongdong Sect faced annihilation, leading Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom to be replaced once that day came.
Yet now this Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom had gone beyond the borders of Gansu and dared to request a private audience with the leader.
“It seems there must be something of great importance for you to request an audience… but to bother me over such trivial matters? This is preposterous.”
True, a martial arts contest was indeed the Jianghu way.
However, since the Black Dragon Clan was an evil faction, there was no real necessity to honor a rightful request from the Gongdong Sect.
Had the Gongdong Sect been the powerful Gudaimun Sect from fifty years ago, the situation might have been different. The name Gudaimun, with its long history in the martial world, couldn’t be overlooked even by the largest evil faction, the Black Dragon Clan.
They would have had no choice but to respond to the contest request.
But the current Gongdong Sect is of such a low caliber that they couldn’t even handle a small-time faction like the Sayeong Hoe.
As a member of the Eight Palaces, there was no need for the Black Dragon Clan to step in.
“Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom. Does my private audience with you seem like a joke?”
From Wi Cheon-myeong emanated an intangible pressure.
The daunting energy of the Black Snake Nine Dragon Technique shot from his body like invisible arrows.
Though Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s position was indeed a trivial one, it was somewhat a position not to be abandoned heedlessly.
The Supreme Master of Hwakyung and a leading figure among the seventeen absolute masters, Wi Cheon-myeong knew this well.
He understood that all evil factions delighted in treachery and betrayal as if it were a staple food.
This was precisely why he had assigned a monitor.
“Such trivial matters should have been handled at your level! You don’t need to report to me!”
With a flick, Wi Cheon-myeong hurled the martial arts competition document that the Gongdong Sect sent toward Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom.
No matter how infamous Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom was for her outrageous antics within the evil faction, she was merely a first-rate weakling to Wi Cheon-myeong.
The martial arts competition document flew through the air with destructive force driven by his intense energy.
If she were merely a regular first-rate master, catching such a document filled with energy would have been out of the question. She might have even taken the blow and been rendered half-dead.
‘Useless. I’ll have to send someone else.’
At that moment, as those thoughts crossed Wi Cheon-myeong’s mind.
Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom raised her hand.
In stark contrast to her name, a hand, pure white and beautiful, caught the flying document that was supposed to hit her face.
Without any backlash or shock, the graceful movement of Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom catching the document widened Wi Cheon-myeong’s eyes.
Even if she were the essence of non-combat, how could she catch a powerful document thrown with deadly intent without harm?
Such a feat could only be accomplished by a master in the upper echelons, at least.
The skills of Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom, known to be of first-rate level, shouldn’t have allowed it.
Wi Cheon-myeong’s expression twisted.
“You’ve been hiding your power, haven’t you? What’s your true identity? Which faction are you working for?”
From Wi Cheon-myeong, beyond the intangible pressure, surged a solid stream of tyrannical, dark energy.
His eyes gleamed with a menacing light.
RWAAAAARRRR!
The energy released from Wi Cheon-myeong swept across the entire room. The furnishings and documents within the office swirled chaotically, creating a mess.
It was the true release of a Supreme Master of Hwakyung.
Even a peak master couldn’t face it head-on.
Yet Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom remained calm amidst the raging storm of energy.
“Hah.”
A sweet sigh escaped Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s lips.
With a flick of her left hand, she removed the facial covering, creating a veil of silence around her.
Her features were breathtakingly beautiful, akin to the legendary beauties Xi Shi and Wang Zhaojun, radiating a beauty so extreme that no mundane term could define her.
The Undisputed Beauty of the Martial World.
A supreme master recognized without contest by all in the martial world.
The very definition of enchanting beauty was revealed: the female leader of the Sado Family, the one who brings storms, Yeomwang Jeoksawol.
“….My little star.”
Yeomwang Jeoksawol spoke.
Her voice was as beautiful as her title suggested, dripping with an enchanting allure that captivated both men and women alike.
Her unique Beauty Temptation Technique, the Capturing the Heart and Bewitching the Soul Technique, unleashed its ethereal power which naturally radiated around her.
With every gesture, every smile, and every word, she wielded the power to enthrall.
It was a potent manifestation of the Capturing the Heart and Bewitching the Soul Technique, and anyone who laid eyes on her would inevitably fall under her spell.
Even the most revered Shaolin masters and esteemed Wudang sages were no exception.
One could only resist the allure of the Capturing the Heart and Bewitching the Soul Technique after reaching an extraordinary level of mastery.
No matter how powerful Wi Cheon-myeong might be, he could not escape the magic woven by Yeomwang Jeoksawol, an absolute being of the current realm.
“Y-your Highness, what brings you here?”
Wi Cheon-myeong’s face flushed red.
He could not defend against the full might of the Capturing the Heart and Bewitching the Soul Technique, which he was experiencing firsthand.
While the instincts of men stirred from within, Wi Cheon-myeong had to endure it with superhuman restraint.
Yet he could not dare show any sinful thoughts before Yeomwang Jeoksawol. Those who had done so in her presence faced dire consequences.
At the same time, his heart raced in astonishment.
As a member of the Five Evils, who holds a penchant for working undercover, Wi Cheon-myeong was aware of Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s preference for stealth.
But why, of all disguises, had she chosen Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom and made the Black Dragon Clan her cover?
“The kid who once practiced horse stance in the Black Dragon courtyard has become quite bold, to question me?”
Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s eyes tinged with crimson.
Her hair soaked in a scarlet hue.
The power of her Ten Kings of the Hell Technique surged forth.
A tangible red aura manifested from her body.
With it, the dark energy that had been swirling throughout the office vanished entirely.
The atmosphere inside the office grew unbearably hot, like hell itself.
Cold sweat dripped down Wi Cheon-myeong’s back.
‘How much stronger has this monster, Yeonju, become?’
The space was under her complete control.
This meant that no matter what martial arts skills he attempted to unleash, he couldn’t lay even a finger on Yeomwang Jeoksawol.
Although she stood still, her presence conveyed no weaknesses.
Wi Cheon-myeong had reached the peak of the realm.
Yet, facing her, he was rendered powerless as she effortlessly dominated the environment.
“N-not at all.”
Seeing Wi Cheon-myeong’s cold sweat, Yeomwang Jeoksawol let out a faint sigh.
She glanced at the martial arts competition document in her hand.
Fortunately, it was intact, with no tears or damage.
‘Thank goodness?’
The thought crossed her mind, and Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s eyes flickered with confusion.
It was a document from the Orthodox Faction.
Yet, why was she feeling this way?
Her cheeks turned a shade of peach.
Clearly, it was due to that obnoxious little brat from the Gongdong Sect.
The events of that night flashed through her mind.
That audacious fool, daring to discuss the duality of philosophies with her and standing so boldly against her.
It was the first time she had not harmed someone with ulterior motives.
‘Trash!’
CRUNCH!
Yeomwang Jeoksawol ground her teeth in irritation.
THUMP!
Yet paradoxically, merely thinking of him sent her heart racing.
The ones who passed her trials would have their wishes granted.
Why had she spoken such words in her past?
But regardless, that brat from the Gongdong Sect had passed her test, and it was her duty to grant his wish.
An oath must be honored.
It was her pride as the leader of the evil faction.
And perhaps granting that wish would…
As her thoughts reached that far, Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s hands trembled slightly.
She shook her head slowly.
‘I am the Undisputed Beauty.’
The Undisputed Beauty.
An object of longing that all men covet and hail in admiration.
Even the hypocrites of the Orthodox Faction acknowledged her beauty, addressing her as the most beautiful, yet had never dared approach her out of fear.
‘Just because he passed Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s trial doesn’t mean I grant him my heart easily.’
That’s right.
It was just that.
As Yeomwang Jeoksawol tried to calm her wildly racing heart at that moment.
“Yeonju, you don’t look well. Is anything wrong?”
“My little star. I am always well.”
“Yes! Of course! Youth shines at sixty…”
“Why are you suddenly so chatty, my little star?”
Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s power increased as she spoke about age.
Cold sweat poured down Wi Cheon-myeong’s back even more.
This was because the space Yeomwang Jeoksawol dominated weighed down on him.
“…”
“Silence is nice now.”
Observing the quiet Wi Cheon-myeong, Yeomwang Jeoksawol lightly smiled.
She radiated an allure reminiscent of celestial beings, making Wi Cheon-myeong’s face turn even redder.
Yes.
This was the nature of men.
That little brat from the Gongdong Sect was no different.
THUMP, THUMP.
Struggling to calm his heart, which raced wildly contrary to his thoughts, Yeomwang Jeoksawol used the Hovering Object Technique to send the contest document back to Wi Cheon-myeong.
FLYING!
Gliding through the air like a bird, the document’s appearance caused a flicker in Wi Cheon-myeong’s eyes.
“The martial arts contest proposed by the Gongdong Sect, accept it. After all, isn’t it favorable for you? Or do you fear losing to a mere Gongdong Sect?”
SWISH!
At her words, Wi Cheon-myeong’s face hardened.
The Sado Family leader desired a contest?
There were indeed benefits to holding a contest.
The Gongdong Sect, after all, was a historic Orthodox faction.
Should he defeat the Gongdong Sect, which belonged to the Gudaimun Sect, it would severely damage the reputation of the entire Orthodox faction.
‘Yeonju aims for that.’
Having concluded his calculation, Wi Cheon-myeong cautiously and respectfully accepted the floating document and proclaimed.
“Certainly not! We will win! I shall dismantle the Gongdong Sect’s main base, leaving no stone unturned and put an end to those repulsive hypocrites before laying waste to the Seomun Family, so that the flag of the Sado Family will fly gloriously in Sichuan!”
Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s beautiful expression warped slightly upon hearing Wi Cheon-myeong’s declaration.
The thought of annihilating the Gongdong Sect?
That brat from back then rose unbidden in her mind.
She hoped for a victory for the Black Dragon Clan, but watching that brat perish was something she preferred not to witness.
“…Do not destroy the Gongdong Sect’s main base.”
“Excuse me?”
“Win, but do it moderately. That is my order as your leader.”
Wi Cheon-myeong bowed his head at Yeomwang Jeoksawol’s frigid command.
“…Understood.”
“Then I shall take my leave. It will not do to reveal that I am Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom to the outside world.”
With her orders affirmed, Yeomwang Jeoksawol donned her mask and veil once more, with the White Face Heavenly Transformation Technique in effect.
Her form changed, the crimson energy that had risen within her instantly vanished.
Returning to her guise as Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom, she spoke in her voice amid the chaos of the office.
“Then I shall take my leave now. Chief.”
“Very well.”
CLAP!
After Yeomwang Jeoksawol departed, the Black Dragon Clan chief sighed at the disarray that filled his office.
‘To win moderately, has that old monster finally lost her marbles?’
Yet, as he lacked the confidence to rebel, the Black Dragon Clan chief could only mutter this inwardly.
This was what had unfolded in Sichuan while Lee Cheol-soo was being nurtured.