The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

The Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

It’s said to be a gathering where dragons and phoenixes meet. This could be considered a sociocultural meeting and event deep within the traditions of the Murim Alliance.

The core participants were composed of the next-generation successors of the Nine Sects One Gang. Each major sect meticulously selected these successors, who then became official members of their generation.

These official members participated in the launching ceremony within the Murim Alliance, showcasing their martial skills and talents.

Originally, one person from each of the Nine Sects One Gang was selected, totaling around ten official members. However, a few generations ago, the rules changed.

The mysterious and prestigious Azure Forest was drawn into the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

Jin Ri-yeon also participated as a previous official member of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

However, this meeting wasn’t just a feast for them.

Young successors from all over Jianghu gathered like clouds.

To witness the martial skills of the future of the orthodox faction and to seize the treasures offered by the great sects.

When the Dragon-Phoenix Conference occurred, various treasures were presented by the great sects, from elixirs to precious swords.

It was tempting for young talents who believed they could compete with and win against the successors of the Nine Great Sects.

Of course, most of these treasures were often taken by the official members of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

That day, the location was the Kuiying Hall, where the major and minor matters of the Azure Forest were decided.

“This year’s Dragon-Phoenix Conference is approaching,” said Elder Sage Ji Kyung, who was representing the Sect Leader, as he gently stroked the invitation with his wrinkled hands.

The secretary of the Murim Alliance’s Guest Hall, Sama Ryong, smiled broadly.

“Excluding the nearby Shaolin and Wudang, you were the first to visit the Azure Forest.”

Sage Ji Kyung, indifferent, examined the invitation.

Wrapped in bright red silk, the invitation was embroidered with golden threads depicting a dragon and a phoenix. It was incredibly lavish.

And right in the center, it read ‘Personal Invitation for the Lord of Azure Forest.’

“With the Sect Leader at White Cloud Peak, I’ll open it.”

“That would be appropriate.”

Sage Ji Kyung tore open the seal of the invitation. The letter inside was written in extraordinary handwriting.

Ji Kyung narrowed his eyes as he read the letter.

“It wasn’t written by the Alliance Leader. The handwriting…”

“The Divine Monk is too busy with official matters…” Murim Alliance Secretary Sama Ryong said awkwardly.

Ji Kyung chuckled. “Busy with official matters, huh.”

“Instead, it was written by the Guardian Chief.”

“I see.”

Sama Ryong gave a bitter smile at Sage Ji Kyung’s penetrating gaze.

The person using the unremarkable moniker “Divine Monk” was the only one in the vast Jianghu. This referred to Master Mu Myung, who had been the Murim Alliance Leader for decades.

Originally reticent in the power struggles within the alliance, he refused to write the invitation for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

Had it been the era of only the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, it wouldn’t have mattered, but this year, the Seven Stars Conference was to be held simultaneously.

If the Alliance Leader were to write the invitation only for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, while the Seven Stars Conference, led by the Seven Great Clans, was happening, it would undoubtedly lead to controversy.

“This time, it just so happens that the Seven Stars Conference is being held at the same time.”

The Seven Stars Conference, a newcomer compared to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, usually happened at different intervals. However, this year, they coincided.

Competition between the next-generation successors of the Nine Sects One Gang and the Seven Great Clans will be intense.

The issue was that the invitation brought by the secretary of the Murim Alliance wasn’t just for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

“Why did the Seven Stars Conference send us an invitation too?”

Next to the red invitation was a contrasting blue silk invitation. This invitation was adorned with the Big Dipper and celestial orbits.

“We were planning to send our disciples to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.”

“Haha… Please read it.”

Ji Kyung calmly read the invitation.

Sama Ryong added more, “The Vice Alliance Leader personally wrote this invitation.”

“Huh, is that even allowed?”

“He takes great care in these matters.”

If it’s about the Vice Alliance Leader, it’s Namgung Yu-baek of the Namgung Clan, the former Clan Head known as Emperor King Sword. Unlike the Alliance Leader, he openly supported the Seven Stars Conference.

“We’ve always participated in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.”

“The Vice Alliance Leader said it’s not necessarily set in stone.”

“Is it because this time, the Azure Forest accepted a child from the Baek Noble Clan as a disciple?”

Sending an invitation to the Azure Forest from the Seven Stars Conference was unprecedented.

The reasoning seemed to concern the origin of the newly admitted Yi-gang.

-The noble disciple sent by the Azure Forest; wouldn’t it be impossible to not create an eighth position in the Seven Stars Conference?

That’s what was written on the invitation.

Sage Ji Kyung looked around, seeking opinions.

“What do you all think?”

The first to respond was Do Seung, the head of the Academy Hall.

“Before even considering honor, it goes against our principle of non-intervention. We cannot involve the disciples of the Azure Forest in a power struggle. While participating in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, as we have already sent our disciples, is fine, changing that is problematic.”

Sama Ryong gave a bitter smile at the blunt words. The reaction of other first-generation disciples was similar.

Ji Kyung, with a gentle smile, said, “I see. We cannot replace the Dragon-Phoenix Conference with the Seven Stars Conference. Is that alright?”

“Yes, who am I to disagree?”

Sama Ryong took a step back.

Sage Ji Kyung chuckled heartily and suggested, “How about we send one to each? One to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, and one to the Seven Stars Conference. To be fair.”

“Th-that might be a bit…”

A drop of cold sweat ran down Sama Ryong’s forehead.

That would be the worst outcome. Sama Ryong, dispatched here, would be the one suffering between the Nine Sects One Gang and the Clans Meeting.

The Taoists of the Azure Forest seemed to completely see through Sama Ryong’s inner thoughts.

“Step back. We’ll take care of sending the children.”

A dismissal order was given.

As the envoy from the Murim Alliance left, Sage Ji Kyung turned to the first-generation disciples.

“Have the children for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference been decided?”

“Yes, except for two, all are ready to depart.”

“Jin Ri-yeon will lead them, right?”

“Yes, as a child who has previously participated in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, she can be trusted. She is also a very meticulous child.”

The preparations to leave for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference were already set.

Sage Ji Kyung furrowed his brows, his thoughts seemingly complex.

“Tell the children to be careful in their conduct. The Forest Lord has read the heavenly signs… He said troubled times are not far away.”

The Forest Lord, residing atop White Cloud Peak, often surveyed the world below. If he spoke of the advent of troubled times, it must indeed be true.

“The reason for accepting third-generation disciples so soon after the second generation was all because of that.”

The age difference between the first and second-generation disciples was enough to distinguish between master and disciple.

However, the third-generation disciples were selected less than ten years after the second-generation.

It was a move that could disrupt the order of the sect, but the Forest Lord and the elders took the risk.

“I will remind the children once again to be cautious.”

The first-generation disciples bowed deeply.

Unaware of the seriousness the elders held, the excited third-generation disciples were about to leave the Azure Forest, thrilled about the outside world and meeting peers from other sects.

The anticipation of meeting successors of the same age and the excitement of the world beyond.

Especially for the one among the third generation who was selected as an official member of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, the excitement was so great that it was hard to sleep.

And that person was…

---

“How about this? Does the belt look okay?” happily asked Yu Su-rin, who surpassed Son Hee-il to become an official member of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

The silk belt tied around her waist was embroidered with two red flowers. It marked her promotion to second flower, four years after becoming a first-flower disciple.

Gone was the image of the child who used to cry at the slightest thing.

Instead, she became an attractive swordswoman with particularly sparkling eyes.

“I don’t really understand.”

“That’s why Great Senior Brother isn’t selected.”

“What?”

“This is a popular trend in Kaifeng.”

“Re-really?”

Son Hee-il, feeling awkward, scratched his chin. He too had grown tall and become a handsome young man.

But his understanding wasn’t as developed.

Having lived in the Azure Forest all his life, he had no knowledge of the outside trends.

Of course, the same was true for Yu Su-rin, but she spoke confidently.

“It’s amazing. The silk is thick like this.”

Yu Su-rin’s hands, which were fiddling with her waistband, moved swiftly. Suddenly, a whip sword hidden in her belt sliced through the air.

“Hiding a whip sword and then, just like this. It’s possible.”

The reason she liked the belt was less for its beauty and more for its ability to conceal a whip sword.

The atmosphere turned a bit tense because of Yu Su-rin wielding her whip sword.

That was until Jun Myung started clapping.

As Jun Myung, the largest of the three, clapped his pot-lid-like hands, the sound echoed loudly.

“Wow. That’s really cool, Senior Sister.”

“Hmm, is it really fashionable for that reason?”

Son Hee-il also nodded in admiration.

Watching this, Jin Ri-yeon sighed and touched her forehead.

“Su-rin, you can’t just suddenly draw your sword like that when you’re outside.”

“Huh? But… I practiced hard.”

“I’ve told you many times. Even though Jianghu is dangerous, it’s not that harsh.”

Children who grew up in the Azure Forest often lacked worldly wisdom.

“Hehe, if Senior Ri-yeon says so, I must listen.”

Yu Su-rin smiled brightly. She had never been as happy in her life as she was now.

Following her respected Jin Ri-yeon, she was designated as the next member of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

Moreover, she was overjoyed to accompany Jin Ri-yeon to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

Fortunately, the official guide was Jin Ri-yeon, not Yi-gang.

Of course, she hadn’t completely gotten rid of Yi-gang.

“But still, is it really okay to go ahead without waiting for Yi-gang?”

When Jin Ri-yeon asked that, the third-generation disciples all waved their hands in unison.

“Senior Yi-gang is wise and smart, so he’ll surely come on his own.”

“That’s right, we’re slow on our feet, so it’s better for us to leave first. We need to go and get ourselves ready in body and mind to wait.”

Their fervent response was enough to surprise even Jin Ri-yeon.

“Well, Yi-gang won’t be alone, so it should be fine… Alright, let’s do that.”

Relieved, the third-generation disciples sighed.

Yi-gang too would depart for Kaifeng, where the Murim Alliance was located. However, he couldn’t leave yet as he had unfinished business in the Grand Library.

“Let’s go quickly, Senior.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

The third-generation disciples hurried their steps as if worried Yi-gang might catch up.

Jin Ri-yeon kept glancing back as they left.

She could just make out the Grand Library, where Yi-gang and Dam Hyun were, halfway up the mountain.

---

Dam Hyun and Yu Jeong-shin stood side by side in the underground chamber of the Grand Library.

Even after several years, Yu Jeong-shin hadn’t changed much.

He had a bit more of a widower’s air and looked gentler, but those were the only changes.

On the other hand, Dam Hyun had changed significantly.

His sharp eyes and dark circles remained the same. So did his tendency to make cynical and disdainful remarks whenever he got the chance.

However, he no longer displayed madness. While abnormal impulses still existed in his heart, he had learned to restrain them.

Now, he understood the fear of the Disciplinary Head’s punishment and no longer spoke rudely to the respected elders of the sect.

Yu Jeong-shin once shed tears seeing such changes in Dam Hyun.

‘To think that a person who rarely cries would shed tears… I’m glad.’ He had been overjoyed.

He knew all this improvement was thanks to the youngest disciple, Yi-gang.

Somehow, Yi-gang had corrected Dam Hyun’s behavior and mind.

Yu Jeong-shin noticed that the process was not entirely gentle.

But he left everything to Yi-gang’s discretion. Seeing Dam Hyun’s conduct improve, he had no other choice.

Then, what did Dam Hyun think of Yi-gang?

“This time, Yi-gang must succeed. Right, Hyun?”

“…Yes.”

At first, Yi-gang’s ruthless violence had instilled fear in him. Even now, his legs trembled if Yi-gang suddenly approached.

But surprisingly, he didn’t hate Yi-gang. The reason was simple.

Yi-gang, like Dam Hyun, despised particularly loathsome humans.

He often meted out punishment himself. The arrogant scholar who had visited recently was one example.

It wasn’t just that.

From Dam Hyun’s perspective, animals were far more noble than humans, and even yokai followed Yi-gang.

That alone was enough for Dam Hyun to trust Yi-gang.

In any case, Yi-gang had earned the trust of both his master and his senior brother.

This was why Yu Jeong-shin decided to lend a precious Treasure to his disciple, who was preparing to venture into Jianghu.

“The Black Snake Belt does not easily recognize its owner.”

“So it seems.”

The Treasure was no ordinary one. It was the Black Snake Belt, one of the most secretive Treasures, excluding the forbidden ones.

Literally, it was a black snake belt.

It possessed incredible power, but being a living, moving black snake, it discerned its own master.

To wear the snake around one’s waist, one had to gain the Treasure’s recognition.

Yi-gang stood there, determined to finally earn the recognition of the Black Snake Belt.

Yu Jeong-shin clenched his fist and shouted, “Yi-gang, be strong!”

Yi-gang didn’t turn around but slightly twisted his lips into a smile.

In the span of four years, he had grown significantly, almost reaching six chi, or two meters in height.

Still lean, his body was now covered with resilient muscles.

His hair, pale and shining under the sunlight, was tightly tied up. His skin was still fair, and his eyes had softened a bit.

It seemed likely that Yi-gang would acquire a nickname related to his appearance once he ventured into the martial world.

In front of such a Yi-gang, the black snake stood erect around his waist.

A snake with horns on its head. It looked utterly ferocious.

“Don’t bite this time.”

Nineteen years old and of age, Yi-gang’s voice was gentle but unmistakably masculine.

The Black Snake Belt was still glaring at Yi-gang.

“As expected, it’s going to try to bite again.”

And then Yi-gang’s figure flashed.

He leaped up, leaving a trail behind.

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