In a spar, getting distracted was taboo, but Moyong Jin sneakily glanced at his brother.

Moyong Tak was merely smiling. However, his demeanor felt terrifying. Moyong Jin swallowed hard.

He had been flirting with Peng Mu-ah and ended up provoking Baek Ha-jun. Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue because he knew about the discord between the brothers Baek Ha-jun and Baek Yi-gang.

‘I absolutely cannot lose.’

He had indeed come here to initiate a dispute as a member of the next Seven Stars Conference.

However, he did not come merely to laugh and enjoy himself. As a descendant of the Moyong clan, he could not lose to the Baek Clan. If he were to lose to Ha-jun, Moyong Jin would be severely reprimanded by his brother.

Baek Ha-jun also had a brother.

Moyong Jin slightly shifted his gaze to look at Yi-gang.

A lazy bum, the disgrace of the Baek Clan — there were even rumors labeling him as a joke.

But why did Baek Ha-jun seem to tremble at his brother’s words? Moyong Jin could not understand.

Regardless, Baek Yi-gang did not attempt to stop the spar; he was just spouting arrogant words and leaning back.

There was no time to be lost in irrelevant thoughts.

Thud, thud, thud—

Moyong Jin and Ha-jun’s wooden swords clashed in the air three times. It was a courtesy performed during friendly spars.

Baek Ha-jun lowered his stance and held his sword horizontally. He had adopted the stance of the Heaven’s Shadow Sword Technique.

Moyong Jin, in contrast, prepared his clan’s martial art, the Star Cloud Sword Technique.

Unlike Baek Ha-jun, who appeared to be purely offensive, Moyong Jin stood straight up, using his sword to shield his upper body. His stance seemed as solid as a fortress.

However, in comparison to his fortress-like sword posture, Moyong Jin’s heart began to waver.

‘I can’t find any openings…’

Though he had not experienced real combat, Moyong Jin had participated in numerous spars. Moreover, the Moyong Clan secretly studied the Baek Clan’s Heaven’s Shadow Sword Technique.

From its inherently aggressive nature to the strategies for countering and breaking it.

Yet, Baek Ha-jun did not easily move. While his eyes radiated anger, the tip of his sword was unyielding.

Daringly, Moyong Jin took a step forward.

Thud—

At that moment, Baek Ha-jun retreated a step back.

It was not a step taken out of fear. Instead, the sharpness of Ha-jun’s sword felt as if it could pierce through his neck, making Moyong Jin momentarily stunned.

Thus, he took another step back. However, this time, Baek Ha-jun advanced a step forward.

Somehow, their distance felt closer than when they initially confronted each other.

Moyong Jin’s breathing faltered slightly. He felt like a snake facing a famished predator.

“…Are you just going to stand there?!”

Though he shouted in an attempt to overcome his fear, Baek Ha-jun did not reply. He only stared with cold eyes.

Unbeknownst to Moyong Jin, he was already being pushed back in the psychological battle. Something that could be called an inner demon began to stir within him.

Yet, throughout all of this, Baek Ha-jun calmly sought out Moyong Jin’s weaknesses. They might be on par in terms of sword skills, but their mental strengths differed.

Just as Baek Ha-jun was about to exploit Moyong Jin’s opening and thrust his wooden sword, a noise broke the silence of the spar.

“Kulruk! Keuk. Kolrok.”

It was the sound of intense coughing. It emanated from among the people who had been silently watching the spar.

“Keuk! Kulruk!”

Despite the gut-wrenching sound of coughing, neither of the two engaged in the spar dared to avert their eyes.

However, the subsequent scream shattered Baek Ha-jun’s calm.

“This! Hemoptysis!”

“Sh-shouldn’t we call a doctor? He’s coughing up blood…!”

Those were the voices of Jin Ri-yeon and Peng Mu-ah.

Only one person was known to have hemoptysis: the elder brother, Baek Yi-gang. Everyone had believed his condition was improving and that he was past those fits.

Baek Ha-jun could not help but turn his head.

Supported by Jin Ri-yeon, Yi-gang held a handkerchief soaked in blackish blood.

And at that moment, Moyong Jin hesitated.

‘During the spar…!’

Being distracted on the sparring stage was a blatant mistake, and it was Ha-jun’s fault. If he were to strike at that stupid neck now, it would be Moyong Jin’s victory. If it were a real fight, that is.

If it were a real fight.

Being of a prestigious clan, would it be appropriate for him to swing his sword now? Or is even having such a thought too soft?

His hesitation did not last long.

Tsk.

The sound of a tongue clicking seemed to assault Moyong Jin’s ears.

Even amidst the noisy training hall, that slight sound was heard clearly. It was made by Moyong Tak.

Every time Moyong Jin showed a disappointing appearance, his brother clicked his tongue that way.

“Eeyaap!”

Thus, Moyong Jin swung his sword.

Perhaps he let out a somewhat embarrassing shout because of his shame.

Baek Ha-jun quickly turned his head, but it was too late to counter.

The wooden sword approached him as swiftly as a flash of light.

Just like a falling meteor, the wooden sword was heading straight towards the widely exposed clavicle of Baek Ha-jun—a strike that could decide the outcome.

On Moyong Jin’s face, a mix of elation from the impending victory and a touch of guilt surfaced.

However, Ha-jun did not show any signs of panic.

Whack—!

The wooden sword did not hit the clavicle as intended. At that very moment, Ha-jun twisted his shoulder to deflect the blow.

Instead of the clavicle, the sword struck his arm, but he still did not let go of his sword. Instead, he spun his body around and raised his left arm.

Harnessing that rotational force, he swung his elbow. It squarely hit Moyong Jin’s face.

Thud!

The sound was as dull and impactful as that of the wooden sword.

It was not a flashy sword technique, nor was it a sophisticated body technique, but it was powerful enough. Powerful enough to cause a nosebleed.

“Krak!”

“…”

Baek Ha-jun swung his wooden sword at the retreating Moyong Jin.

However, the aftereffect of the blow on his arm was still evident. His entire right arm tingled as if it had been struck by lightning. Naturally, the force behind his sword weakened.

“Euaaaa!”

Even while bleeding from his nose, Moyong Jin did not give up.

Though it was a sword technique meant for display, there was force behind the wooden swords. In mid-air, the two wooden swords clashed.

Clack—!

The well-maintained wooden sword slid off at a precise angle, striking each other’s wrists as if in a deceptive dance.

“Kuk!”

“Eh!”

Both of them lost their grip on their swords simultaneously.

But their gazes shone even brighter.

If there were no teeth, use the gums; if there was no sword, use both hands and feet. Moyong Jin employed foot techniques, and Baek Ha-jun met them with the fifth form of the Great Yin Flow.

Whack!

The sound of the intense blow echoed. What began as a friendly spar was on the brink of turning into a full-blown fight.

However, the spectators could no longer stand by idly.

“Stop!”

Moyong Tak and Neung Ji-pyeong intervened with flashy light footwork techniques, breaking into the stage area.

They each grabbed Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun by the collar, pulling them apart.

“Have you forgotten this is a friendly spar!”

“You’re both being too hot-blooded.”

The emotions had become too intense, and the situation had overheated.

Slumping down, Moyong Jin only then realized he was bleeding profusely from his nose. His wrist was also slightly swollen. Thankfully, it did not look like a severe injury.

“Bleeding so disgracefully from the nose…”

“…”

The quiet rebuke from his brother tugged at his heart.

Moyong Jin glanced at Baek Ha-jun. His wrist also seemed to be in pain, but his face was composed.

With a concerned face, Neung Ji-pyeong inspected Baek Ha-jun’s condition, then looked up.

“Thankfully, you seem to be unharmed. Is the Moyong son alright?”

In place of Moyong Jin, Moyong Tak responded,

“Although my younger brother can be a bit naive, he is sturdily built.”

“…I see.”

“It was a scuffle between the young ones. Such things can happen. But I didn’t expect them both to be so passionate.”

He used the word “passionate” to describe the messy display that had just transpired. Moyong Tak even added,

“Ha-jun. Being careless in a martial arts spar is not good. However, your sword technique is certainly splendid. I hope in the future you’ll become an exceptional swordsman alongside our Jin.”

With a refreshing smile as he offered advice, he resembled an inspirational senior figure.

However, there was a sting in his words. He pointed out Baek Ha-jun’s mistake of losing focus during the spar.

“I did intervene myself, but it’s a pity. The match couldn’t come to a conclusion. Haha!”

Baek Ha-jun did not join in the laughter.

Moyong Jin felt the same. Despite launching an attack that could be seen as cowardly, he failed to overcome his opponent.

As a result, he could not lift his head.

-How pathetic.

When Moyong Tak’s whispered words reached his ears, he was startled.

-You should have struck quietly, not with such energy. You’ve embarrassed both yourself and our clan.

Contrary to the amiable demeanor he usually displayed, Moyong Tak’s whisper was shockingly cold.

A hand rested on the bowed head of Moyong Jin.

“This kid, you seem embarrassed after the spar. Lift your head, Jin. Haha.”

Moyong Tak, patting his head with a smile, on the surface appeared as a loving elder brother.

Reluctantly, Moyong Jin raised his head.

He caught sight of Baek Ha-jun. And unexpectedly, Baek Yi-gang, who had ascended onto the sparring platform.

That same Baek Yi-gang gave Ha-jun a light knock on his head.

Thud!

“Ouch!”

“Idiot.”

Though it was a light fist, it felt surprisingly painful. That was because Baek Ha-jun grabbed his head and wore a pained expression.

“You get distracted during a spar? If it were a real sword fight, you could have died. You’re lucky it wasn’t.”

“Because you suddenly vomited blood…”

“How many times have I coughed up blood? Don’t make a fuss about it.”

“How can you be like that?”

“And I’m fine today. I didn’t cough up blood because I’m sick but because of training…”

“Training?”

“Forget it. Just pull yourself together.”

As Yi-gang made a motion to give another playful knock, Baek Ha-jun quickly covered his head. The fierce look he had moments ago was nowhere to be seen.

Moyong Jin felt a surge of emotion.

His brother was patting his head, while Baek Ha-jun’s brother playfully knocked his younger sibling’s head.

But why did Moyong Tak’s hand feel so cold, and those brothers seem so warm?

After admonishing his younger brother for a while, Baek Yi-gang opened his mouth.

“Regardless, we won.”

“…Huh?”

Moyong Tak, who had been listening, chuckled as if taken aback. This was just after he had declared the fight a draw.

“You said your name is Yi-gang, right? Nice to meet you, I’m Moyong Tak.”

“Pleased to meet you, Young Master Moyong Tak.”

“You say you won, referring to your younger brother?”

“Yes, isn’t it obvious to anyone?”

Moyong Tak’s eyebrows twitched. Although the spar had been forcibly halted, it was clear that no victory had been determined.

“Hahaha, this young fellow seems to have quite a competitive spirit.”

“Not particularly.”

“Then, do you have any bones to pick?”

Could he be referring to the time when Moyong Jin swung his sword at the distracted Ha-jun?

“While your younger brother’s actions were undeniably rash.”

“…What?”

“But ultimately, the greater fault lies with Ha-jun for letting his guard down.”

“…”

The atmosphere turned tense. Moyong Tak still wore a smile, but it seemed cold because of it.

“I’d appreciate a clear explanation.”

“Had they continued fighting, Ha-jun would have won in no time.”

“I heard that due to meridian blockage, you couldn’t properly learn martial arts. Do you have such keen insight? I didn’t see it that way.”

“Yes, I have a good eye.”

Even in front of Moyong Tak, who was taller by a head, Yi-gang did not back down.

“Don’t force it.”

“We both have two eyes. If you couldn’t see it, there’s nothing I can do. Help him up and see for yourself.”

“You’re quite audacious.”

“I told you, help your younger brother stand up.”

“…”

Moyong Tak coldly stared at Yi-gang for a moment. It was unclear what he was thinking.

“…Jin, stand up.”

“Ah, yes.”

Moyong Jin, who had been sitting down, hurriedly tried to stand at his brother’s command.

“Klut!”

Suddenly, he grabbed his right leg and crumpled down.

Moyong Tak was taken aback.

“What?!”

Instead of the shocked Moyong Tak, Yi-gang extended a hand as if to assist Moyong Jin. However, when Moyong Jin glared at him while biting his lip, Yi-gang retracted his hand with a smug smile.

And then, he demonstrated the Great Yin Flow.

“The Fifth Form of the Great Yin Flow is called ‘Cloud Dragon Emerging from the Sea.’”

Such a natural stance of Cloud Dragon Emerging from the Sea.

Just as the name implied, the stance that Yi-gang displayed with his hand was absolutely flawless. Even Neung Ji-pyeong and Baek Ha-jun were impressed.

“Ha-jun’s Cloud Dragon Emerging from Sea hit this kid’s Chengjin point1, as it passed.”

Then, Yi-gang lightly tapped Moyong Jin’s calf with his finger.

“Aaargh!”

“At the very least, his leg would’ve been numbed. It’s only natural he would lose the spar.”

Moyong Tak was at a loss for words.

Did this seemingly frail Yi-gang see everything, even the instant when Moyong Jin’s and Ha-jun’s limbs collided?

“You… saw that?”

It must have been a very brief moment. At least, Moyong Tak had not seen it. Even if he had jumped in to halt the spar at that instant, it was inexcusable.

Being able to observe such fleeting moments could not merely be brushed off as having sharp eyes.

Only a martial master with exceptional perception and judgment could do it.

Moyong Tak’s eyes wavered.

‘How could such an ordinary, no, such a frail guy…’

He could not believe that the smugly smiling Yi-gang was capable of it.

Neung Ji-pyeong muttered softly,

“Indeed. I did have a feeling about it.”

The most skilled person here, he backed Yi-gang’s claim.

Moyong Tak caught his breath for a moment.

And then he spoke,

“Ha-ha-ha, this is embarrassing. Young Master’s judgment is truly exceptional.”

“You flatter me.”

Yi-gang also smiled thinly.

It was infuriating for Moyong Tak, but that was precisely why he forced a laugh.

“It’s just that I have good eyes.”

「This guy, he’s quite clever with his words. He wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t informed him.」

Next to Yi-gang, who would have thought that there was someone with even sharper eyes than anyone else here? The Immortal Divine Sword commented, chuckling as he said so.

「Just look at that Moyong Tak’s face. It must be quite refreshing inside. Wohoho!」

Yi-gang merely smiled serenely, concealing his inner feelings. Even without the advice from the Immortal Divine Sword, he was confident in Ha-jun’s victory.

Moyong Tak had no intention of graciously accepting a draw, even as he laughed.

During the time that the Baek brothers managed to secure a win over the Moyong brothers, the onlookers too were left perturbed.

Notably, Jin Ri-yeon was among them.

She stared at Yi-gang with a complex gaze.

‘As expected, he’s no ordinary man.’

Though her bracelet had vibrated, signaling something important, she had been puzzled when they had met a short while earlier.

His pale complexion and flamboyant clothing made him look more like a nobleman’s son than a martial artist.

Yet, just watching him review the martial arts moves showed he was anything but ordinary. He had caught the strike from Ha-jun that even Jin Ri-yeon had missed.

However, Jin Ri-yeon was not the one most shaken.

“Uh, sister…”

Peng Mu-ah tightly gripped Jin Ri-yeon’s sleeve.

“Hm?”

“I…”

Peng Mu-ah’s eyes shone as if she had seen a precious gem.

From the moment Yi-gang briskly walked in, and especially during the moment he executed a rough acupressure move.

“I, kind of like that guy.”

“Ah…”

Someone she wants to protect.

Only then did Jin Ri-yeon understand what kind of person Peng Mu-ah’s ideal type was.

Located on the back of the calf️