The representative color of the Baek Noble Clan was undoubtedly red.

It was probably because the renowned Red Dragon Corps, which was most active and well-known outside, wore red uniforms. And the place from which the Red Dragon Corps got its name was none other than the Red Dragon Hall, which was the residence of the Clan Head.

Those who visited from the Seven Stars Conference have arrived in front of the Red Dragon Hall.

“Please come in; the Clan Head is waiting.”

The red dragon carved into the eaves looked incredibly lifelike and magnificent. The grand red gate itself seemed to showcase the towering prestige of the Baek Noble Clan.

“Let’s go in.”

“Yes!”

However, the brothers Moyong Tak and Moyong Jin did not marvel. The Moyong Noble Clan they belonged to was also a prestigious clan, and it would be undignified to gawk in such a place.

“Wow, it’s splendid.”

Of course, Peng Mu-ah, still a child, blurted out her admiration. The splendor of the Red Dragon Hall was impressive even compared to the other buildings of the Peng Clan of Hebei.

But the same girl, previously admiring, looked to the side with a worried expression.

“Sister, are you okay?”

“…Huh?”

“You’ve looked upset since last night.”

“Ah.”

Jin Ri-yeon absentmindedly touched her lips. Unbeknownst to her, her expression showed deep contemplation. Since she returned from her walk last night, she had been like this, making Peng Mu-ah worry if her advice had been misguided.

Jin Ri-yeon gently patted Peng Mu-ah’s head.

“I’m sorry, it’s nothing.”

She passed it off with a slight smile, but internally, she felt conflicted. The experience of the previous night remained vivid in her memory. Though she had retreated out of embarrassment then, the thought of the broken bracelet kept resurfacing.

What could be the identity of that boy? Could he be related to the “auspicious matter in Xi’an” that the Forest Lord had mentioned?

Jin Ri-yeon composed herself. It would be inappropriate to show weakness, especially in front of the head of the Baek Noble Clan.

She and the members of the Seven Stars Conference entered the main hall of the Red Dragon Hall.

Members of the Baek Noble Clan and their vassals had lined up on either side. And in the very center stood a man, his back turned to them.

“Hmm.”

The moment he casually glanced over his shoulder, the entire group tensed.

His cold gaze seemed to pierce through the group. His age surpassed that of most, but for a martial artist, he was in his prime. His demeanor was as sharp as a sword and perfectly matched his reputation.

“So, it’s you.”

Iron-Blooded Merciless Baek Ryu-san.

Stepping forward as the representative of the group, Moyong Tak bowed respectfully.

“I am Moyong Tak, the martial arts scholar of the Moyong Clan! It’s an honor to meet the head of the Baek Clan!”

“Indeed, how is the Gentleman Sword doing?”

“Thanks to the Clan Head’s concerns, my father is doing well.”

Baek Ryu-san inquired about the well-being of the Moyong Clan Head. Typically, when prestigious clans interacted, they would exchange various formalities.

How is so-and-so doing? We are grateful due to someone’s grace. Thank you for your concerns.

Moyong Tak was well-versed in these courtesies, and it was as if his words had been oiled and prepared in advance.

However, Baek Ryu-san cut through the pleasantries after just one exchange, directly addressing the main issue.

“You’ve visited as representatives of the Seven Stars Conference…”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Did you come to test Ha-jun?”

Such a direct manner of speaking was rare. Moyong Tak was inwardly taken aback.

“That’s not our intention. We thought it would be good for the young ones to interact and share experiences.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Baek Ryu-san’s response was curt.

“I’ve heard you are a disciple from Azure Forest.”

Suddenly singled out, Jin Ri-yeon quickly lifted her head.

“I am Jin Ri-yeon, a second-flower disciple.”

“I see. Azure Forest and our clan have not interacted until now. You should also make yourself comfortable during your stay.”

“Thank… you.”

However, as the group still stood in place, Baek Ryu-san gestured broadly with his hand.

“You may leave now.”

“Ah, in that case, we will take our leave.”

The group bowed once more and turned away.

After leaving Red Dragon Hall, the guide who had escorted them told them to wait for a moment.

Under the long shadow of a birch tree, Moyong Tak let out a sigh.

“Phew, they say he’s cold as steel and heartless. Indeed, his reputation is not unfounded.”

Even for someone as shrewd as Moyong Tak, meeting Clan Head Baek Ryu-san was a nerve-wracking experience. Moreover, who would have thought he’d be such a distant man.

“How was it, Jin? How did you feel meeting the Iron-blooded Merciless face to face?”

“My heart was racing.”

Not just her, everyone felt an intense pressure from Baek Ryu-san. His sharp, refined aura, akin to a well-forged sword, was indeed legendary.

“A long time ago, I heard that Clan Head Baek defeated our Clan Head in a duel.”

Jin Ri-yeon and Peng Mu-ah were taken aback by Moyong Tak’s statement. It was an unfamiliar tale, and certainly not a light matter to be mentioned so openly.

However, Moyong Jin merely nodded and remarked,

“Nowadays, I believe my father is stronger.”

“Hahaha. Although it’s a story from a long time ago.”

“The sword of Moyong is the best in the world after all!”

Whether that comment was Moyong Jin’s youthful bravado or a fact that even Moyong Tak agreed with was uncertain.

Peng Mu-ah whispered to Jin Ri-yeon,

“Just like I told you, unfortunate, right?”

“Shh.”

In the midst of that, Neung Ji-pyeong, the guide who had escorted the group, returned.

Bringing with him a young boy.

“My name is Baek Ha-jun.”

The boy who introduced himself gently and bowed was Baek Ha-jun. He seemed a year younger than Moyong Jin, yet his demeanor was more composed and mature.

Moyong Tak cordially acknowledged Baek Ha-jun’s greeting.

“Haha! So you are the famed Ha-jun that everyone’s been talking about.”

Moyong Tak then examined Baek Ha-jun from head to toe.

“Hmm, hmm, just as I’ve heard. If you join the Seven Stars Conference in the future, you’d certainly make an outstanding cultured young man.”

“…”

“However, your expression is a bit cold. Boring men aren’t popular. You should learn to smile, like this.”

Saying so, Moyong Tak flashed a grin. His white teeth sparkled in the sunlight.

“Yes.”

Yet, Baek Ha-jun only responded with that single word and then fell silent. Even the usually witty Moyong Tak seemed taken aback.

Seeing her chance, Peng Mu-ah whispered to Jin Ri-yeon,

“Hee, he somehow seems a bit more likeable, doesn’t he?”

She seemed to find amusement in the awkwardness Moyong Tak felt.

Although she did not nod in agreement, Jin Ri-yeon internally felt the same way.

Having been watching quietly, Neung Ji-pyeong spoke,

“Please, follow me. I will guide you.”

Neung Ji-pyeong led the group and showed them around various places. It was not originally his job, but as he was responsible for teaching Ha-jun, he had taken it upon himself.

Moyong Jin seemed only half-interested in the guided tour and approached Ha-jun.

“My name is Moyong Jin. I’m a year older than you, so I’ll speak casually. You can do the same.”

“…Alright.”

Moyong Jin confidently extended his hand.

Not knowing what it meant, Ha-jun just stood still.

“Oh, don’t you know a handshake? It’s already quite trendy in our main house and in Beijing.”

Moyong Jin said so, wearing a somewhat proud smile.

“It’s a custom from the West called a handshake. Just take my hand and shake it.”

“Like this?”

“Yes. Haha.”

Martial artists typically avoid holding each other’s hands. Capturing even a pulse can be dangerous.

However, perhaps because of that, the handshake felt even more novel. A boldness that did not show fear, and a sign of trust and intimacy.

Having exchanged handshakes with Baek Ha-jun, Moyong Jin looked back at his brother and Peng Mu-ah with confidence.

Moyong Tak nodded in approval, and Peng Mu-ah turned her head with a “hmph.”

“This place is the Red Jade Training Hall. It’s made from the red jade that, in ancient times, the Immortal Divine Sword had taken after defeating the Evil Cult Leader.”

Neung Ji-pyeong cut off the group’s chatter with his words.

“Ah, this is the statue of the Immortal Divine Sword.”

The entire group looked at the statue with interest. It was a sculpture of a swordsman pointing to the sky with a magnificent sword.

[World’s Greatest Swordsman]

That phrase was inscribed on it. The statue of the once greatest martial artist seemed to showcase the pride of the Baek clan.

“This is the last stop of our tour. The Clan Head recommends you exchange martial arts knowledge here.”

“Thank you for the guidance, Master Neung.”

Moyong Tak expressed his gratitude on behalf of the group. Neung Ji-pyeong nodded and opened the doors to the Red Jade Training Hall.

The training ground was covered in red jade. It was well-maintained, with high-quality wooden swords and knives available. There was also a stage set up in the center.

“Aha! So this is the famous Red Jade Training Hall.”

What would martial arts clans do when they interact? Demonstrating their martial arts skills and sparring was what they call an “exchange.”

“I’ve heard that, Ha-jun, you have quite a talent with the sword. It’s delightful to have a competitor among fellow swordsmen.”

“Yes.”

“I hope you become good friends with our Jin, haha.”

While Moyong Tak said this, Moyong Jin and Peng Mu-ah were busy admiring the Red Jade Training Hall.

Moyong Tak smirked and spoke up.

“Our Jin might be young, but he’s not a bad swordsman. How about testing him out?”

“…”

“Hehe, seems you’re not too eager.”

At this age, the desire to test one’s skills was strong. However, Ha-jun’s impassive face did not show any sign of competitiveness.

But his words told a different story.

“I’m ready whenever.”

“Haha! Contrary to how you look, you already have the temperament of a master.”

He had no intention of avoiding the demonstration.

“You will probably train alone here, I suppose?”

From what Moyong Tak heard, the Red Jade Training Hall was a place not easily accessible even by the Baek clan. Only the direct descendants of the Clan Head or those with his permission could enter this nearly sacred place.

“That’s not the case. My brother also trains here.”

“Brother? Ah… you mean that kid.”

It seemed Moyong Tak knew of Baek Yi-gang. For a moment, a mocking smile played on his lips. Seeing that, Ha-jun’s eyes turned cold.

At that moment, Moyong Jin’s voice echoed throughout the Red Jade Training Hall.

“Ah, yes! He’s here too.”

“Really? So, he’s your older brother?”

Moyong Jin was in a conversation with Peng Mu-ah, his face slightly flushed.

Peng Mu-ah, who usually disliked Moyong Jin, had a rare twinkle in her eyes. That was why Moyong Jin was so enthusiastic.

“Yes, he’s here. His name is Baek Yi-gang. Since the Peng clan isn’t a sword clan, you wouldn’t know.”

“I didn’t know. Why hasn’t he come out then?”

The Moyong clan was as prestigious in swordsmanship as the Baek Clan. Moyong Jin knew the story about the brothers Baek Yi-gang and Baek Ha-jun, and he was very pleased that Peng Mu-ah was interested in his tale.

“He has the Great Yin Meridian Blockage, so he can’t use martial arts. He’s also very weak.”

“Weak? Even though he’s from a martial arts clan?”

Seeing Peng Mu-ah’s eyes sparkle, Moyong Jin became increasingly spirited.

“Because of the meridian blockage disease. So, originally, he should have entered the Seven Stars Conference.”

“Huh, that’s pitiful.”

“No, there’s nothing to pity.”

“Why?”

While it would be hard to blame the child’s innocence, Moyong Jin was slowly crossing the line.

“They say he’s become lazy and is leading a dissipated life. That’s why nobody seems to like him. I wonder if he’s out there wasting his time right now.”

“Hmm…”

“It’s a bit pathetic. I do feel sorry for his illness, but he shouldn’t live like that. If it were our Moyong clan, we’d just…”

Thud!

At that moment, someone forcefully pushed Moyong Jin’s shoulder.

Startled, Moyong Jin wobbled but quickly applied his light footwork technique to regain balance.

Turning his head in surprise, he found Baek Ha-jun, who had been far away, now standing behind him.

“You, you… You dare to!”

“You.”

“What? You?”

Baek Ha-jun’s eyes were extremely cold. There was no sign of the awkwardness he displayed when he shook Moyong Jin’s hand earlier. Neung Ji-pyeong also had a cold expression, and Jin Ri-yeon looked uncomfortable.

Moyong Jin realized his verbal mistake. However, when he looked at his brother Moyong Tak, he was just smirking.

So, he mustered some courage.

“I-I am your elder brother. Who do you think you are?”

“I don’t have a brother like you. I have one brother, the one you just insulted.”

Baek Ha-jun spoke with composure.

“What! Did I say something wrong? It’s well-known how pitifully your brother lives.”

“…”

In response to the yelling from Moyong Jin, Ha-jun threw a wooden sword at him.

“Come up.”

Then, he ascended the sparring stage. Unexpectedly catching the wooden sword, Moyong Jin looked flustered.

It was only natural for them to spar, and there was nothing to fear. However, this was more sudden than expected.

Was a sparring match not about exchanging words, showcasing each other’s martial arts skills, and growing together?

“Get up here.”

“…”

Honestly, more than anything else, the issue was Baek Ha-jun. The cold gaze he cast down on Moyong Jin was unsettling.

However, Moyong Jin could not back down. Right next to him was Peng Mu-ah, and his brother was watching from behind.

He did his best to steady himself and climbed onto the sparring stage.

“It was you who proposed to spar first. I only spoke the truth. You’d know if you listened, but…”

“That mouth of yours—”

As if he had been waiting for it, Baek Ha-jun immediately assumed his fighting stance.

“─Shut up.”

A single phrase that felt laden with murderous intent. Moyong Jin quickly assumed the Star Cloud Sword Technique stance.

Though it was called a friendly spar, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Jin Ri-yeon, who was watching, voiced her concern.

“Young Master Moyong, shouldn’t we intervene and stop Jin and that boy?”

“It should be fine. They’ll eventually have to cross swords at some point anyway.”

However, Moyong Tak seemed rather pleased.

Even Neung Ji-pyeong, who could be considered responsible, remained silent, so Jin Ri-yeon held her tongue and continued to watch.

Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun glared at each other.

Their sharpness was incredible for those who were just twelve or thirteen years old.

“Heh, don’t blame me if you find my hand to be merciless.”

“…”

The tension tightened to its limit, and just as the sparring match seemed to be about to commence.

Screeeech—

The doors of the Red Jade Training Hall swung open.

Considering the guest’s presence, it could not have been a servant. Who could it be?

Both Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun lowered their swords and turned to look at the door.

“Cough, ahem. Hmm.”

The person who approached with a cough and a slight limp was a young boy dressed in a splendid long robe.

Recognizing him, Baek Ha-jun’s face brightened slightly.

“I apologize for my tardiness.”

“Ah!”

The sound, which was unclear whether it was a gasp or a scream, was unmistakably made by Jin Ri-yeon.

She recognized the face.

“I’m Baek Yi-gang.”

Greeting simply, Yi-gang, without even sparing a glance at Jin Ri-yeon, surveyed the sparring stage.

“Hmm, starting the sparring match already?”

“Ah… Yes.”

Baek Ha-jun, who had previously shown no mercy to Moyong Jin, suddenly became timid in front of Yi-gang. For a moment, he looked as if he was about to get scolded.

“Did I arrive that late? You didn’t even have a chance to introduce your brother.”

“Ah, no…”

Baek Ha-jun seemed at a loss for what to do.

Seeing this, Moyong Jin felt a sense of relief. It seemed that the suddenly appeared Yi-gang might stop the martial arts match.

However, Yi-gang did not stop Ha-jun.

“The introduction can wait. What are you doing?”

“Huh?”

“If you’ve drawn your sword, you should swing it.”

Saying so, Yi-gang leisurely leaned back.

Baek Ha-jun nodded and assumed his combat stance once again.

“However, if you lose, you will offer a bow of respect.”

“Alright!”

Moyong Jin, taken aback, swallowed hard.

Ha-jun’s momentum had become even sharper than before.