NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 132
Chapter 132: Birds of a Feather
Hero’s Hall.
Located on the outskirts of Deungbong County, the villa resembled a lavish mansion with breathtaking views and pristine surroundings, unlike the bustling downtown.
“…The Gongdong Alliance’s So Hyup and your companion, So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin and Geombong Seomun Yeohyeong. The invitation has been verified. You may enter.”
Glance.
The gatekeeper, performing his duty, looked over while confirming our invitation.
On either side of me, So Geom-hu and my older brother were intensely staring at each other.
And behind us stood Seomun Cheong-ha.
Outwardly, it looked like I was surrounded by three gorgeous girls, with two lovely ladies linked to my arms, a dream come true.
But really, it was a toxic situation.
My older brother, clinging to my right arm, was technically a male—though things were a little complicated right now.
On my left was So Geom-hu, who, despite her clear disinterest in me, had been incessantly making absurd false confessions since last year’s competition.
Not exactly thrilled about it.
“Both of you, let go.”
We had to enter Yongbong Jiyeon. Being this close would be troublesome at the party.
Especially with the rumors of Chaehwa Eumjeok making things more complicated.
I was here to become the Sword Dragon, not a Color Dragon.
“…If Cheon Sojeo lets go of this gentleman’s arm first, then I will too.”
Zap.
My brother glared at So Geom-hu hanging off my other arm and spoke.
“The same goes for the young lady. Hmph! If the disgraceful Jin Sojeo detaches from Eungong, I will too!”
So Geom-hu responded fiercely to my brother’s statement.
Their gazes clashed in the air.
This is giving me a headache.
[Older Brother, could you let go? This is getting troublesome.]
I sent a silent message to my brother.
[No way. Sorry, disciple.]
But the reply was a resolute “no.”
Wait, no?
Is my older brother outright ignoring me?
He was someone who would normally do anything for me. Ever since I first met him after joining the Gongdong Sect, he had never turned down any of my requests.
But now, this overly nice and naive older brother… is rejecting my plea?
That’s quite shocking. Like a resistant teenager suddenly rebelling against their once-obedient parent.
Just as I was about to say something to my older brother,
“What’s going on here?! We’re heading into Yongbong Jiyeon soon! Aren’t you both embarrassed?!”
Seomun Cheong-ha intervened, forcibly unlinking their arms.
Thanks to her, I broke free from their clutches.
“Thank you.”
“Hmph! I didn’t do it for your thanks! Try to consider your dignity more!”
Seomun Cheong-ha turned slightly red as she avoided my gaze.
Now that I was free, it was time to attend Yongbong Jiyeon properly.
I led both of them inside the opened villa doors.
The banquet hall was already set up inside. Tables laden with mountain and sea delicacies and drinks decorated the beautifully landscaped garden.
Gold Zun Qing and Daughter’s Red, the expensive wines often featured in martial arts novels, were scattered across the tables.
Daughter’s Red was a wine brewed on the year a daughter was born, buried to age underground until the wedding day. I couldn’t fathom why there was so much of it.
Maybe they just slapped the Daughter’s Red label on any kind of alcohol and jacked up the price?
Just as I pondered this,
“Is that the Gongdong Alliance’s So Hyup?”
“That must be him, considering he’s with So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin.”
“I also see Geombong Seomun Yeohyeong!”
Whispers from the post-stimulation indicators reached my ears.
Yongbong Jiyeon was a banquet led by the post-stimulation indicators of the six great family clans of the Nine File Room. Naturally, only those who were either members of the six great clans or connected members of medium-sized martial sects could attend.
In simple terms, it was a gathering of diamond and gold spoons.
Those present would be the future of the Orthodox Faction Martial World.
Dressed in splendid silk garments, they radiated wealth befitting their status.
It was rare for someone like me to be present here, so their reactions were to be expected.
Hehehehe. Everyone’s watching me!
If I could defeat the charming Namgung Cheong here today, I could easily become a star in the martial arts social scene.
As I was grinning like a grown man plotting great ambitions,
“Who is the beautiful woman next to this So Hyup? She’s stunning!”
“There’s no comparison; she rivals Jeoksawol’s beauty!”
“…I’ve entered a new realm of beauty today. It feels surreal.”
“The stunning beauty of such magnitude? No wonder the past idols were smitten!”
“I heard the mysterious master, Ilgeumyuhee, is accompanying the Gongdong Alliance’s So Hyup, but I never imagined she would be this extraordinary!”
People’s gazes were focused on my brother, showering her with praises.
Flushed from the attention, my brother clung back to my arm like a cicada on a withered tree, clearly overwhelmed.
[O-older Brother…!]
Her voice whispered in my ear, warmth enveloping my arm from her soft grip.
“Hmph.”
Seeing this, So Geom-hu shot a glare at my brother before latching onto my left arm.
“…Whaaa…! So Geom-hu as well, even Ilgeumyuhee…!”
“The Gongdong Alliance really knows how to charm their ladies; it must be true!”
“It’s no wonder ‘Color Alliance’ is attached to their name!”
“The rumor about So Geom-hu falling for both soul and heart is indeed true!”
The whispers echoed around me as their glances fell on me in disdain. This is the very sight I was trying to avoid when attempting to separate them…
As I was about to sigh internally,
“Looks like I arrived ahead of you, Gongdong Alliance’s So Hyup.”
Someone’s voice from the entrance interrupted me. I turned my head.
There stood Namgung Cheong, the charming firstborn of the Namgung family, more handsome than me. His pleasant laugh was accompanied by two lovely ladies beside him, who, while not as stunning, were still beautiful.
“The firstborn of the Namgung family has arrived.”
“Isn’t Namgung Cheong going to compete with the Gongdong Alliance and So Geom-hu to see who wins their heart?”
“A meeting of the elegant and refined sons; it’s like a grand event unrolling!”
“Birds of a Feather is quite the fitting term.”
As Namgung Cheong called out to me, the evaluations from nearby post-stimulation indicators flooded in.
Birds of a feather?
Me, amongst this ruffian? How ridiculous! To equate me, the grandmaster of the color spectrum, with a mere ruffian is downright offensive.
Feeling irritated, Namgung Cheong gazed at me, dressed in elegant clothes and wielding a sword.
He approached with his lovely ladies and smiled.
“How have you been, So Hyup? I didn’t know you were involved with Ilgeumyuhee. They say she’s supremely beautiful, and it seems the rumors hold true.”
Namgung Cheong’s gaze was fixed intently on my brother. Despite laughing heartily, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
“…Nice to meet you, Namgung So Hyup. The term supreme beauty is just a label given by the public. A martial artist proves themselves through skill, not beauty. I pay no mind to my superficial looks.”
My brother replied coldly to Namgung Cheong.
That was practically a polite dismissal. Yeah, that’s our older brother!
“Hahaha! Fair enough. It’s been a while, So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin.”
“Hmph. I have nothing to discuss with you!”
So Geom-hu scoffed, sticking close to me in a showy manner.
“There’s nothing to discuss? Oh, you’ll have something to say rather soon, So Geom-hu.”
Namgung Cheong’s expression grew serious as he raised his hand to signal, and the two beauties accompanying him began organizing the area with the Namgung family warriors.
Their movements showcased the refined martial arts I had heard about.
‘Those two are the famous Changcheon Double Flowers, aren’t they?’
They weren’t just simple courtesans; they had learned martial arts well.
“Now that the stage is set…”
Namgung Cheong directed his gaze toward me.
As he said, the banquet hall was instantly transformed into an impromptu martial arts arena.
The noted members of the Orthodox Faction eyed us eagerly, holding their Daughter’s Red.
“Now, according to our previous agreement, it’s time for you and I to face off for So Geom-hu’s heart! The winner gets her affection!”
With Namgung Cheong’s declaration, cheers erupted in the banquet hall.
Hold on, who says So Geom-hu’s heart is up for grabs? I never consented to that.
But given the current situation, protesting would only invite ridicule.
No one would believe me anyway. It would backfire.
But it’s not all bad.
True, So Geom-hu isn’t particularly fond of me, but publicly, it’s known that she harbors feelings for me.
So I can twist this situation to build a rugged masculine image that protects my woman from a ruffian.
Since So Geom-hu doesn’t genuinely like me, I have no qualms about using her in this scheme.
It’s a stepping stone for both So Geom-hu and Namgung Cheong to achieve their dreams of becoming a Sword Dragon.
I held these grand ambitions in mind, smoothly slipping out from between my brother and So Geom-hu’s arms while incorporating the elegance of Flowing Cloud and Water.
All the promising talents from the Orthodox Faction’s martial world centered their gaze on me. In this spotlight, I had to nail my image as a rugged man.
Hehehehe. Alright, Okirang. I accept your challenge. But you won’t win. I will definitely win this duel, for So Geom-hu’s sake!
“Should I lose, as the Namgung, I will naturally accept the results. What about you, So Hyup?”
“Of course, I will accept as well. Enough pretenses; draw your sword, Okirang.”
Swish.
I slowly drew my practiced sword with perfect angles, posture, smiles, and expressions.
“…A martial artist speaks with their sword. Today, I’ll shatter the Namgung’s sword with the Sword of the Community.”
Hearing my provocation, Okirang’s brows narrowed slightly.
Despite being known as the prince of elegance, he is the firstborn of the Namgung family, a prestigious lineage. In the hierarchy of the sword arts, he holds a legacy rivaling Wudang.
He would never let my provocation slide easily.
“I’ve heard the Gongdong’s Demon has returned. I’d like to see today if the rumors hold any merit.”
The moment Okirang drew his sword, an overwhelming aura dominated the impromptu arena.
Changgung Muae Geom.
The Namgung family’s ultimate sword technique, encapsulating the infinite skies, revealed itself.
I smiled at him.
Hehehe.
Just wait and see.
I will prove to the Orthodox Faction’s martial world that I am the sexiest swordsman!