SWNOVELXO Chapter 169
Chapter 169: Why Isn’t Anyone Picking a Fight?
In the Martial World, a banquet is not just a simple party.
It serves as a demonstration of power, a gathering to manage connections, and a wild field where subtle battles and reconnaissance take place.
Just before the Yongbong Society’s event, the Orthodox Faction’s Post-Stimulation Indicators gathered at the Yongbong Jiyeon to socialize, and the Demon Sect did the same.
They host a banquet ahead of the Heavenly Horse Ceremony to gauge each other’s strengths and manage connections.
After all, the Demon Sect is also a place where people live.
Of course, I’ve only heard about such events; attending the Heavenly Horse Banquet for the first time in either this life or my past life.
‘It’s like being in the heart of enemy territory.’
In both past and present, the Demon Sect has always been the enemy. Since the founding Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang expelled the Demon Sect from Xinjiang, there has been enmity between the Imperial Palace and the Demon Sect.
There’s no need to mention the relationship between the Orthodox Faction and the Demon Sect. It’s incredibly unusual for the Heavenly Horse to invite the Right’s Post-Stimulation Indicators.
So of course, enjoying and laughing together like at the Yongbong Jiyeon was practically out of the question.
Glares alone could lead to a fight, and the likelihood of a martial arts demonstration at the banquet was a solid 100%.
‘It’s going to get annoying, but there’s no better opportunity than this.’
With my current skill, I could easily defeat Baek Cheon-hwa, but annoyance is unavoidable.
But at the same time, this was a golden opportunity.
The Demon Sect’s eternal nemesis. Winning consecutive victories against the Post-Stimulation Indicators of the enemy at their stronghold?
Then my reputation in the Orthodox Faction would soar. Naturally, the young ladies of the Orthodox Faction who had heard of my legends in the Demon Sect would be unable to sleep at night, writing fan letters to the Gongdong Sect.
Perfect.
“Hehehehehehe.”
As I thought this with a manly smile, I arrived at the banquet hall where the Heavenly Horse Banquet was to be held with my brother.
In the banquet hall sponsored by the Heavenly Horse Hall, a feast of various exotic dishes and alcohol, including boiled pig bones, was laid out.
“Ah, you’re here, my junior!”
It seemed like she arrived first. Yeon Sowol, or rather Jeoksawol, waved her hand as she ran towards me.
“My dear junior, I’ve missed you! Hohohoho.”
Blushing shyly, she threw herself at me in front of everyone. Her sweet fragrance tickled my nose. Why is this happening? In front of everyone?
It was absurd. I tried to pry Jeoksawol off me, but she wrapped her body around my waist, refusing to let go with some technique.
“Hehehehe. So, you missed me too, my junior?”
Jeoksawol’s crimson eyes turned toward me as she smiled seductively. It was ridiculous; even though I know her true identity, her acting coy is just laughable.
No matter how much I like women, this is too much, especially from a fake persona.
Just when I was about to detach Jeoksawol from my arms, I heard a familiar voice.
“Older brother.”
As I looked up, a familiar face appeared.
A lovely girl, dressed in a tight black outfit that subtly revealed her curves, with shiny black bobbed hair like ebony and sparkling jewel accessories. Her face looked more radiant and transparent than usual—it was strikingly beautiful. A soft fragrance wafted from her, causing Heuksaryong’s cheeks to flush pink.
In the back of her short bob, she had a ponytail tied back like a little tail.
“D-Do I look different today?”
Swish.
Heuksaryong awkwardly clasped her arms around herself and spoke in a hesitant manner.
She definitely looked different. Originally a boyish tomboy beauty, the current Heuksaryong resembled a more polished version.
But why is everyone sticking to me today?
Just as I was preparing to respond to Heuksaryong and trying to detach her, suddenly…
“Wow! You’re really embracing two beauties, aren’t you? Truly like the Goeryong!”
“Even though you’re an Orthodox person, you’re quite awe-inspiring!”
“I heard you’re switching out the ladies from the Orthodox Faction every night. Guess the rumors are true!”
“Is it true that you have two beauties who are disciples in Hangshan Sect?”
“You’re so bold! I can hardly believe you’re an Orthodox person!”
“I heard stories about you being brothers with the Colorful Horse?!”
Voices of the Demon Sect’s Post-Stimulation Indicators echoed in my ears.
What the heck? What kind of delusions are these guys having?
Of course, it’s true I’ve devised a grand plan to win the hearts of the Demon Sect beauties by preaching the Color Spectrum. However, this situation clearly presents problems.
The first problem is that the ones sending that longing gaze are not beauties, but rather guys, and the second problem is that while it’s nice to show interest, it’s a problem that they’re doing so like they are from the Demon Sect.
Of course, I had intended to win the affection of the Demon Sect, but not in this manner.
To overcome the Right’s Post-Stimulation Indicators through sheer strength and charm them both out of respect as opponents, that was my original plan.
But what is happening now? It’s utterly ridiculous.
I’m an orthodox Post-Stimulation Indicator, and they’re showing interest like they’re from the Demon Sect? If this truth spreads to the Central Plains, the ladies from the Orthodox Faction will see me as a bug—it’s a given.
This can’t happen. I could almost see the fan letters piling up in front of the Gongdong Sect turning to ash before my eyes.
‘Are these guys not going to pick a fight?!’
I never expected the Demon Sect would be so brazen.
As I sighed inwardly, a familiar voice rang out from afar.
“Hahahahahaha!!”
A boisterous voice that didn’t match her feminine tones.
It was Saekma.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Saekma!”
“Here comes Saekma!”
As if parting the Red Sea, the Demon Sect’s Post-Stimulation Indicators stepped aside, and Saekma walked gracefully towards us.
Wearing a translucent garment that revealed her voluptuous chest and curves, Saekma looked at me with a smile.
“It’s been a while, little brother.”
No.
Why is she talking to me at this moment? I forced a smile, hiding my discomfort as I replied to Saekma.
“It’s been a while for me too, sister.”
“Hahahahahaha! Have you already stolen the hearts of two beauties from the Post-Stimulation Indicators of the Demon Sect? As expected of my little brother, regardless of the Right, you possess the charm to captivate women.”
Tap tap.
Saekma laughed, glancing at Jeoksawol and Heuksaryong by my side, and patted my shoulder.
“I never would’ve thought that the Goeryong and Saekma became sworn brothers!”
“Indeed, you are more suited to the New Religion than the Orthodox Faction!”
“I’m surprised even Saekma recognizes the Goeryong…!”
“Maybe the Colorful Dragon suits you better than Infernal Dragon!”
“So admirable…!!”
“It’s certainly impressive, but it just feels wrong for a Colorful Dragon to fit in,” they murmured, growing more raucous.
And now there are even the wannabe beauties of the Demon Sect chiming in.
I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry anymore. Just as I was about to try to detach Heuksaryong and Jeoksawol from my sides once more, someone spoke coldly from afar.
“It’s getting lively, isn’t it, Goeryong?”
Everyone turned their attention towards the source of the voice.
There she stood.
With a dazzling golden ponytail shining like spun gold and violet eyes reminiscent of amethyst, it was Baek Cheon-hwa.
“It’s So Cheonma!”
“We meet the So Cheonma!”
At the sight of Baek Cheon-hwa, the Demon Sect’s Post-Stimulation Indicators immediately bowed and paid their respects.
Baek Cheon-hwa approached me, accepting their reverence.
“…I had some expectations when I heard perhaps a name was going to rise from the White Path, but to think you were just an idiot basking in the skirts of women. Have you finally shed the Orthodox’s hypocrisy, Goeryong?”
Baek Cheon-hwa fixed her gaze on me, her voice icy.
I smiled wryly.
Finally.
At last, a Demon Sect Post-Stimulation Indicator was picking a fight with me, not some random lackey, but So Cheonma Baek Cheon-hwa herself.
Baek Cheon-hwa had earned the title of So Cheonma by dominating all Post-Stimulation Indicators from the Demon Sect even before becoming the Sect Leader.
How wonderful it is that she is picking a fight with me; it’s like a slap in the face when you want to cry.
Hehe.
Now all that remains is defeating Baek Cheon-hwa and stealing the hearts of both the Orthodox and Demon Sect young ladies.
A brilliant future unfolded before my eyes.
I could see the sight of the fan letters from the young ladies of both factions piled up in front of the Gongdong Sect.
Today, I will resurrect as the number one idol of the Martial World by making Baek Cheon-hwa my offering. As I wriggled my arms free from Jeoksawol and Heuksaryong’s grasp, I declared.
“Just an idiot seeking pleasure with women, huh? Baek Cheon-hwa, you fail to recognize the true worth of this Sword Dragon, Lee Cheol-soo. What a waste of your heavenly name.”
I grinned as I added, “Sword Dragon, you say? Nah, it’s more like the Goeryong, or maybe even the Colorful Dragon. Your debauchery has spread all the way to this land of Xinjiang. For a hypocritical Orthodox to claim to be a Sword Dragon? That’s beyond absurd.”
Baek Cheon-hwa retorted, her voice sharp as I feigned indignation, placing my hand on the hilt of my sword.
“How dare you insult this Sword Dragon? I can’t hold back, So Cheonma… Very well. According to your barbaric rules of the Demon Sect….”
Just as I was about to challenge her to a duel.
“Wait! Lady! What’s the deal? Why are you bothering my older brother?!”
“Y-Yeah! So Cheonma… don’t bother our older brother…!”
Swish.
Yeon Sowol jumped between me and Baek Cheon-hwa, and Heuksaryong timidly added a comment from behind.
Baek Cheon-hwa’s face twisted in confusion.
“What? Lady?!”
Completely opposite to her calm demeanor until now.
I was at a loss.
No, just how old is Auntie Jeoksawol calling her Ajumma? More importantly, I didn’t expect that she’d step in and ruin the good vibe with Baek Cheon-hwa just now.
To revive the chilly atmosphere, I tried to take charge.
“Yeah! Ajumma! Sowol is a delicate flower at fifteen, while you’re sixteen! Hmph! How dare you insult this junior—insulting him is equivalent to insulting the lady! I shall deal with Ajumma!”
Swish.
Yeon Sowol pulled out a blunt weapon resembling a big iron club, called Cheolpyeon.
“I can’t believe it. To dare to insult a lady like this, you lowly wench….”
Baek Cheon-hwa’s hands began to shake furiously. Her violet eyes brimmed with anger.
Swish.
Baek Cheon-hwa drew her sword, the dark blade glistening ominously.
“Today, I will show you the greatness of our New Religion.”
“Hmph. You sure talk big with an open mouth,” Yeon Sowol retorted, swinging her iron club confidently.
My hands were trembling too.
Are you kidding me? After all that buildup, just when I was about to confront Baek Cheon-hwa, Jeoksawol messed it all up.
Just as I prepared to intervene yet again, a heavy voice echoed across the banquet hall.
“Enough! Stop this at once!”
All eyes in the banquet hall turned toward the source of the voice.
There he was.
A handsome man with striking black hair.
The Heavenly Horse had finally arrived.
Wait, why is the Heavenly Horse showing up now? What’s going on here?