The Lazy Young Master of the Jin Clan

"Who are you?"

"My name is Jin Hyeon."

"I am Ju Gilyeon. I haven't seen a handso... no, a man like you while I've been here."

"It's probably because I haven't been working as a hand at the Hongjung Sect for long, miss."

At Jin Hyeon's call of 'miss', Ju Gilyeon's heart pounded.

A handsome appearance and a strong physique.

Except for his status, he was a perfect man in every way.

A handsome man to the point that it was apologetic to compare him to Go Cheolji, the ugliest man in Hebei.

Ju Gilyeon felt her breath quicken.

"You're just a hand who sweeps?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"No, it's nothing."

Ju Gilyeon felt her mind go blank whenever she was face to face with Jin Hyeon.

"If you're a hand, follow me. There's something you need to do."

"Yes."

Ju Gilyeon took Jin Hyeon and headed to her quarters.

Come to think of it, there were many strange things.

It was strange that a man with a handsome appearance that would turn anyone's head was working as a mere hand, and it was also strange that he was sweeping late at night.

However, Ju Gilyeon's mind was not in its right state to think about these things.

Ju Gilyeon, who had entered her quarters, had Jin Hyeon stand and slowly looked him up and down.

"Beautiful. You're the first man I've seen who is as beautiful as you."

"You're too kind."

As Jin Hyeon shyly lowered his head, Ju Gilyeon became even more anxious.

"Why is a jewel like you in a place like this? Well, the Hongjung Sect only has men, so it's understandable."

The back of Ju Gilyeon's hand caressed Jin Hyeon's cheek.

"How long have you been working?"

"It's only been a month."

"Are you satisfied with your salary?"

"I'm satisfied just by receiving it."

"With your face, you could eat and live well anywhere... why are you staying in a place like this?"

"The world isn't that easy."

As a sorrowful light flashed in Jin Hyeon's eyes, Ju Gilyeon felt her own heart ache.

"From now on, you are my person. Do you understand?"

"What? But I am of the Hongjung Sect..."

"Don't talk back. I don't like people who talk back to me."

"Ah, I understand."

As Jin Hyeon lowered his head, an ecstatic light appeared on Ju Gilyeon's face.

‘To think I would obtain such an unexpected treasure!’

The moment Ju Gilyeon's fingertips, filled with desire, touched Jin Hyeon's neck, a man's voice was heard from outside the door.

"Sister! Are you inside?"

"Ju Gilseok? What is it at this hour?"

"Father has summoned everyone. It seems he's planning to go to the Deungho Sect now."

"Now? Weren't we supposed to leave tomorrow?"

"After talking with the Four Swords Unit Master, it seems he thought it would be better to launch a surprise attack in the evening rather than during the day."

The door opened and Ju Gilyeon showed her face.

"Honestly! Without a single word of consultation!"

"So it is father's order to get ready right now."

"I understand."

While Ju Gilyeon was annoyedly getting her clothes, Ju Gilseok's gaze moved to Jin Hyeon.

"Who is this man?"

At his question, Ju Gilyeon quickly pulled Jin Hyeon behind her and said.

"He's my personal servant, so mind your own business."

Ju Gilseok decided not to care about Jin Hyeon.

Since her fiancé, Go Cheolji, was famous as the ugliest man in Hebei, it wouldn't be strange for her to have a handsome servant.

‘Well… with Ju Gilyeon’s personality, just being engaged to an ugly man would have been annoying.’

"I will go to the training ground first."

"Do as you please."

After Ju Gilseok left, Ju Gilyeon, who had finished getting ready, handed Jin Hyeon a large robe.

"Wear this. And from now on, don't leave my side for a moment."

"I understand."

Jin Hyeon obediently put on the robe and followed Ju Gilyeon.

The place the two arrived at was the huge grand training ground of the Hongjung Sect.

There, over a hundred Hongjung Sect martial artists who had finished their preparations were standing, and next to them, fifty martial artists of the Four Swords Unit were standing.

Jin Hyeon's eyes, watching this, took on a faint blue light.

"We will move as quickly and stealthily as possible. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

Ju Hyeol, who had finished his preparations, looked around for the unseen Ju Giltae.

"I don't see Giltae."

"He's probably drinking somewhere again. Ju Giltae is not needed for this matter anyway."

"Tsk... Gilseok. You will command the martial artists this time. As we are launching a surprise attack, you must move stealthily and quickly."

"I will keep that in mind."

Ju Gilseok personally led the martial artists.

In accordance with his command, the Hongjung Sect martial artists left the sect, and behind them, Cheolgyeom followed, leading the Four Swords Unit.

Ju Gilyeon got into the carriage she had ridden to the Hongjung Sect, and Jin Hyeon got on next to her.

"Where are we going?"

When Jin Hyeon asked with an anxious voice, Ju Gilyeon showed her characteristic venomous smile.

"To the Deungho Sect."

"The Deungho Sect... is that a martial arts sect?"

"Yes. Well, it will soon burn down, so you don't need to remember it."

"Is a war breaking out?"

Was he scared of war?

Jin Hyeon's body trembled slightly.

Ju Gilyeon, who felt his trembling, stroked Jin Hyeon's head with her hand as if dealing with a young puppy.

"Don't worry. We will win the war, and the Deungho Sect won't last through the night."

"Why are we fighting a war?"

"It's simple. The Deungho Sect has what we want, and I want it."

Jin Hyeon's gaze met Ju Gilyeon's.

The moment their gazes met, Ju Gilyeon smiled brightly.

"Are you curious what that is?"

At Ju Gilyeon's meaningful question, Jin Hyeon flinched and showed the awkward smile he had shown when they first met.

"No. What's the point of a man like me knowing such things? I'm happy as long as you are happy, miss."

"Hahahaha!"

Ju Gilyeon laughed heartily and lightly pinched Jin Hyeon's cheek.

"The more I see you, the more I like you. After this is over, let's go to the Saseong Sect together. There, you and I will enjoy unparalleled glory."

"A man like me will enjoy glory?"

When Jin Hyeon asked with an innocent face, Ju Gilyeon slowly nodded her head.

"Yes, because we will receive the blessing of the Alliance."

Ju Gilyeon's pupils became hazy.

In contrast, the eyes of Jin Hyeon, who was sitting next to her, sank heavily.

Jin Hyeon mulled over one word and looked out the window.

"Alliance."

***

Dang dang dang dang—!!

The sound of the bell signaling a threat spread widely throughout the Deungho Sect's manor.

Ham So-eon and the elders, who had been up all night with their eyes open, immediately ran out.

"What happened?"

At Ham So-eon's question, the martial artists guarding the main gate hurriedly ran over and shouted.

"The Hongjung Sect has appeared with their martial artists!"

"The number?"

"It's well over a hundred!"

"Damn it...! Disciples of the Deungho Sect, listen! Get your weapons right now and prepare to face the enemy!"

"Yes!"

At Ham So-eon's resounding shout, all the martial artists of the Deungho Sect gathered.

But their number was not even eighty.

"What's going on?"

Yu Oseon and the rest of the members of Group Three, who had woken up at the sound of the bell, appeared one by one.

"It seems the Hongjung Sect has come."

Un Bang, who had grasped the situation, hurriedly looked for Jin Sohyun.

However, the group leader, Jin Sohyun, was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Jin Sohyun?"

"He's not in his bedchamber."

"I can't see brother anywhere."

Similarly, when Peng Ogyeong, who was also looking for Jin Sohyun, said he couldn't see him, Un Bang became greatly enraged.

"That bastard... don't tell me he knew the Hongjung Sect was coming and ran away alone!?"

"Hey! Do you think brother is that kind of person!"

As Peng Ogyeong hurriedly defended him, Un Bang shot back even more sharply.

"Then where is he? Where is that Jin family brat!"

"That is..."

"This is not the time for us to be like this! We need to find a way to face the Hongjung Sect!"

The four Blue Dragon officials fell into confusion.

It was understandable, as their group leader, Jin Sohyun, had disappeared, and the Hongjung Sect had come with their martial artists.

As the situation became urgent, the four hurriedly changed their clothes and joined the martial artists of the Deungho Sect.

"Oh! You've come!"

Ham So-eon looked at the faces of the four in turn and realized that Jin Sohyun was not there.

"Where is Young Hero Jin?"

"That is... we can't see Jin Sohyun."

"Don't tell me Young Hero Jin ran away?"

Un Bang said with a devastated face.

"As of now, it seems so."

"Heo!"

Ham So-eon, who was wiping his face with a mournful expression, found Ham Mun, who didn't know what to do.

"Mun. Have you seen Young Hero Jin by any chance?"

"That... actually..."

Ham Mun told him about the last time he had seen Jin Sohyun.

"You mean... Young Hero Jin took black clothes, a mask, and Nam Sohyun's map?"

"Yes..."

"Good heavens."

If that was true, it meant that Jin Sohyun had slipped out of the Deungho Sect without anyone knowing before the Hongjung Sect's surprise attack.

Didn't he actually disappear with black clothes, a mask, and a map?

"Cowardly bastard!"

"What do we do now? He has the Alliance token."

"Damn it!"

The Martial Arts Alliance token, the only thing that could protect them, was with the group leader, Jin Sohyun.

In a situation where they could neither do this nor that, a loud explosion was heard.

Kwa—ang!!

With a huge explosion, the screams of martial artists erupted.

Following that, the Hongjung Sect martial artists rushed in through the shattered main gate of the Deungho Sect.

"Prepare for battle!"

At Ham So-eon's shout, the martial artists of the Deungho Sect drew their swords and aimed them at the martial artists of the Hongjung Sect.

Soon, a man walked out from among the Hongjung Sect martial artists.

He was the sect master of the Hongjung Sect, Ju Hyeol.

"Greetings."

"Ju Hyeol..."

Ham So-eon stepped forward and stood facing Ju Hyeol.

"Sect Master! What is the meaning of this!"

"What do you mean, what is the meaning? Have you already forgotten that you unilaterally attacked the martial artists of the Hongjung Sect?"

"Th-That... there is a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding? A very convenient excuse. If you commit a wrong and say it's a misunderstanding, does everything become as if it never happened?"

"What do you want?"

"A blood debt is repaid with a blood debt. Choose one, whether to give up the Deungho Sect or the Deungho Mountain, Sect Master."

"..."

Ham So-eon's clenched fist trembled.

If they fought the Hongjung Sect without any preparation, it was a certain defeat.

Moreover, there were martial artists they had never seen before with them.

Especially the man who had come leading the fifty martial artists was emitting an unusual aura.

‘Is there really no way?’

While Ham So-eon was despairing, Un Bang witnessed an unbelievable scene.

"Th-That... isn't that Jin Sohyun?"

"I think it is."

"Why is Young Hero Jin over there!?"

"Brother?"

The four found Jin Sohyun among the martial artists of the Hongjung Sect who had invaded the Deungho Sect.

He was standing with a beauty with a venomous impression.

As if he himself were a member of the Hongjung Sect.

"Damn it! I was wondering where he went, and he's stuck with the Hongjung Sect!"

"That traitorous bastard!"

"He caused the trouble himself and then stuck with the Hongjung Sect... I can't believe it."

"Brother wouldn't do that..."

As Peng Ogyeong still showed a reaction of disbelief, Un Bang shouted roughly.

"Get a grip! You can see with your own eyes that that damn bastard betrayed us and stuck with the Hongjung Sect!"

"I... I will ask..."

As Peng Ogyeong tried to step forward, Un Bang and Sangsuk blocked him.

"Wait! This is out of our hands now."

"What do you mean?"

Un Bang grabbed Peng Ogyeong's shoulder and said.

"We have no choice but to plan for the future. We have to leave this to the Deungho Sect now."

"Are you saying we should pretend not to see the Deungho Sect's crisis?"

"We can't help it. If we die here too, everything is over. So we have to retreat for now."

Un Bang, who had calmly assessed the situation, tried to persuade Peng Ogyeong somehow.

However, Peng Ogyeong did not back down.

"Who are we?"

"What?"

"We are the martial artists of the Martial Arts Alliance who protect the orthodox martial world. If we run away, who can help them?"

"Is this the time to be concerned about that!?"

"I am Peng Ogyeong of the Hebei Peng Clan."

Peng Ogyeong, who had shaken off Un Bang's hand, walked forward with long strides and stood at the front.

At his appearance, the gazes of the Hongjung Sect and the Four Swords Unit naturally moved.

Peng Ogyeong, who had stepped forward in front of everyone, took a breath and shouted with all his might.

"I am Peng Ogyeong of the Hebei Peng Clan!"

"The Hebei Peng Clan?"

Ju Hyeol's face slightly contorted.

Following that, new men appeared to the right of Peng Ogyeong.

"I am Sangsuk of the Changlong Sect."

"I... I'm Yu Oseon of the Yu Family Stronghold."

Following that, Sangsuk and Yu Oseon stood next to Peng Ogyeong and revealed their affiliation and names.

Finally, Un Bang walked over and drew his sword next to them.

"I am Un Bang, a disciple of the Kongtong Sect."

As disciples of the Kongtong Sect and the Changlong Sect appeared, following the Hebei Peng Clan, Ju Hyeol's expression instantly contorted.

‘The Hebei Peng Clan and the Kongtong Sect?’

Troublesome people had appeared.

Especially the Hebei Peng Clan was the hegemon of Henan.

Since they were the practical owners of Henan, he could not touch him carelessly if the man was really of the Hebei Peng Clan's bloodline.

"What brings the Hebei Peng Clan here?"

At Ju Hyeol's question, Peng Ogyeong proudly bared his chest.

"I am here as a guest of the Deungho Sect. What brings you here at this late hour?"

"We are just here to receive what we are owed."

As Ju Hyeol hesitated, unable to step forward readily, Cheolgyeom approached.

"How about you just kill them to silence them?"

"Are you telling me to kill the bloodline of the Peng Clan?"

"No one knows that the bloodline of the Peng Clan is here anyway."

As Ju Hyeol still hesitated, Cheolgyeom said even more firmly.

"Choose. Whether to lose the chance to obtain the Deungho Mountain and become enemies with the Saseong Sect... or to kill everyone here and obtain both the Deungho Mountain and the favor of the Saseong Sect."

It was an arrow that had already left the bowstring anyway.

As Cheolgyeom said, if he killed everyone and buried them, no one who knew the truth would remain.

"Sect Master Ham. Have you made your choice?"

The ultimatum presented by the Hongjung Sect.

Ham So-eon drew his sword.

"We will not accept any proposal."

At Ham So-eon's unyielding appearance, Ju Hyeol clicked his tongue.

"Foolish man... you're throwing away the chance to survive."

Ju Hyeol raised his hand.

"Kill them all."

As the order was given, the martial artists of the Hongjung Sect all raised their swords.

Just at that moment, when the war between the Deungho Sect and the Hongjung Sect was about to begin.

At the resounding shout that echoed through the manor, everyone's movements stopped for a moment.

"Stop!"

At the sudden shout, everyone's gaze turned to where Ju Gilyeon was.

To be precise, it was Jin Sohyun, who was standing next to her.

"You... what are you doing?"

At Ju Gilyeon's question, Jin Sohyun took out a silver token from his bosom.

Ju Gilyeon's eyes, who recognized it, became fierce.

"You... you...!"

Jin Sohyun, who was smiling brightly, walked to the middle of the battlefield and raised the token even higher.

"My name is Jin Sohyun, affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance Special Operations Unit. I am here to mediate the dispute between the Deungho Sect and the Hongjung Sect. Therefore..."

Jin Sohyun's gaze met with the Four Swords Unit and Cheolgyeom, who was leading them.

"The rest of you, please leave."

(End of Chapter)