Reincarnation of the Cloud Dragon - Chapter 101

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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Chapter 101.
“Black Dragon Gang Master Yun Cheon versus Nak Wol Bi Yeong Sect Lesser Sect Master Nak Wol.”
The final match of the Guang Feng Yalü Family’s martial arts tournament had been confirmed.
“We shall commence the duel between these two warriors, who will grace the final moments of the tournament, at noon tomorrow.”
Though today’s matches had concluded, the crowds lingering around the Grand Martial Arena showed no signs of departure.
The quality of the eighth and ninth matches had been exceptional, leaving a lingering impression that sparked murmurs of analysis throughout the arena.
Moreover, with three representatives from the Twelve Orthodox Families competing and even a Lesser Sect Master from the Ten Demon Sects participating, the Guang Feng Yalü Family’s tournament was objectively of remarkably high caliber for a martial arts competition hosted by a single clan.
“A Master and a Lesser Sect Master. Considering the rest were all in the early stages of their cultivation…”
“What are you saying? The scale of their forces is entirely different!”
“How can you even compare the Twelve Orthodox Families with the Black Dragon Gang on equal footing?”
“Hmm… you have a point there.”
The murmurs spread like waves through the crowd.
Yun Cheon withdrew his gaze from the Combat Platform, standing amid the swelling commotion.
“Yet… it’s the Guang Feng Yalü Family’s tournament, and none of the main family made it to the finals?”
“Hmm… the Guang Feng Yalü Family must be feeling rather bitter about this.”
“All the substantial prizes and glory will go to outsiders.”
Yalü Hee, having finished her ninth match, returned to her seat.
The Black Dragon Gang’s section.
“Lost. I’m back.”
“You did well. It seems you grasped the next technique. You’ve grown considerably through this tournament.”
“…It’s disappointing, but you’re right. Since I’ve grown through the tournament, it was a worthwhile experience.”
“I’ll return this to you.”
The secret manual of Feng Ying that Yun Cheon had been holding temporarily.
He slowly withdrew it and handed it to Yalü Hee.
“Now I can examine this secret manual with a clear mind.”
“A wise decision.”
At that moment, Kang Hui beside him scratched his head and pouted.
“Master, that masked woman… she just looks elegant at first glance… but seeing her block the sister’s strikes with just a short blade and bare hands, she’s no ordinary fighter. Don’t you think you’ll really need to draw your sword this time?”
“…That may well be the case.”
Three other women approached Yalü Hee’s side.
Yeon Ha Ran spoke first.
“Wow…! Sister, you fought so beautifully! Nak Wol is scary in some ways too, but she’s amazing!”
Her voice was brimming with excitement.
Yalü Hee couldn’t help but smile at such honest praise of her opponent, offered without reservation before the defeated warrior.
“Sister, what was that last move by Yalü Hee? It felt like she was trying to do something but stopped.”
Yeon So Ran cut off Yeon Ha Ran’s rudeness and answered instead.
“Didn’t she say it was an incomplete technique? Warriors gain enlightenment even during matches like that.”
Then she bowed her head toward Yalü Hee and spoke.
“Congratulations on your enlightenment.”
“It’s still only at the initial stage. But thank you regardless.”
Yeon So Ran offered her congratulations while contemplating Yalü Hee’s standing.
‘…She lost, yet her value hasn’t diminished one bit. To be recognized for her qualities as a sect leader… and now she has a foot in both the Guangfeng Yalü Family and the Black Dragon Gang, two formidable powers?’
Yeon So Ran’s gaze shifted toward Nak Wol.
‘That woman isn’t merely strong. She appears to be around our age, yet she’s a minor sect leader… There must be a reason she entered the Guangfeng Yalü Family’s martial arts tournament.’
Finally, Yeon So Ran’s eyes turned toward Yun Cheon.
Regardless of tomorrow’s final outcome, Yun Cheon had already reached the finals of the Guangfeng Yalü Family’s martial arts tournament. Should he defeat the minor sect leader and claim victory, his standing would rise even further.
‘After today, the Black Dragon Gang will be treated as far more than a minor faction in Qinghai! I must secure an invitation from the Black Dragon Gang…!’
Beside Yeon So Ran, who was busily calculating the shifts in status in her mind, Yeop Cheong A sat quietly with a slender blade resting peacefully upon her knee.
‘I’m glad I attended this martial arts tournament. Though I only reached the Eight Strongest… I’ve observed several individuals who will shake the martial world’s landscape in the future. A worthwhile gain.’
Yeon Ha Ran, thinking Yeop Cheong A was disheartened, approached and linked her arm through hers.
“Sister Cheong A and Brother Kang Hui were amazing too! Making the Eight Strongest!”
“Haha… we were fortunate.”
“Sister, don’t be modest… Brother Jae Gyeom and Brother Chun were eliminated in the Sixteen Strongest!”
She mentioned the two she’d nearly forgotten, ensuring that Yeop Cheong A and Kang Hui’s spirits wouldn’t be dampened.
Yeon So Ran, witnessing her younger sister’s thoughtful behavior—something she always seemed too naive to display—chimed in.
“That’s right, both of them worked hard. Now that today’s tournament is over, shall we return to the Inner Hall?”
* * *
The commotion of the Grand Martial Arena settled, and people began to leave one by one.
Around that time, in a corridor within the main residence of the Guangfeng Yalü Family.
The family head, Yalü Jin, sat before a tea table.
Three elders of the main family had gathered before him.
A moment for the martial arts tournament to catch its breath.
It was the final opportunity for the main family to settle their accounts before the finals.
The white-haired elder spoke first.
“Family head.”
His voice was low, tinged with a metallic quality.
“…An outsider has claimed the finals at our family’s celebration.”
His shoulders were more rigid than usual.
“Our family’s direct heir has been eliminated, and Yalü Hee only reached the semifinals. Doesn’t this make us appear foolish for hosting the tournament?”
The lean elder drew a short breath.
“No, there is an undeniable fact. A martial arts tournament with talent of this caliber gathered in one place is our family’s tournament. It is only natural that a minor sect leader of the Ten Demon Sects reaches the finals. Moreover, the Black Dragon Gang leader’s strength is, in my assessment, not inferior to our young family head. Therefore, the masses will judge not only that our family’s tournament was fair, but that it was of the highest caliber.”
The portly elder ran his finger along the rim of his teacup once.
“…Both elders speak truly. However, in practical terms, there is only one path to preserve both face and profit. Do not forget the purpose of this martial arts tournament.”
His voice carried a different gravity than the other two elders.
“Who shall we bind through connection?”
Law, face, profit.
Politics encompassing all of it.
The three elders’ gazes converged simultaneously upon the family head.
Family head Yalü Jin remained silent for a time, his fingers resting upon the teacup. He slowly opened his mouth.
“…This martial arts tournament was never intended to determine the strongest. Moreover, our family already possesses an outstanding young family head, so there is no need to establish further prestige.”
The Family Head paused for a moment.
“Had this martial arts tournament not taken place, I would never have confirmed Hee’s talents and accomplishments. Nor would we have established a connection with the Black Dragon Gang. Not only have we strengthened our ties with the other Twelve Orthodox Families, but we’ve also rekindled our relationship with the Nak Wol Bi Yeong Sect after so long. With the Demon Sect Tournament approaching, this is a significant achievement.”
“…The Demon Sect Tournament! Surely… are you suggesting that the Family Head intends to…?”
“Do you believe the Black Dragon Gang Master or the Sect Leader will participate in the Demon Sect Tournament?”
“If that’s the case… the situation changes entirely….”
Yalü Jin nodded.
“The Sect Leader, being the successor of the sect, is uncertain… but the Black Dragon Gang Master is different.”
“Do you have any information to share?”
“Since the Second Family Head has secured this information, he should report it directly.”
“Yes.”
Yalü Cheok, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward.
“After confirming that the Black Dragon Gang Master’s strength was extraordinary, I met with him directly to assess his abilities. From that day until now, I’ve devoted myself to gathering external intelligence, and based on what I’ve discovered thus far….”
“Come now, get to the point!”
“Yes! What information do you have?”
As Yalü Cheok paused deliberately, the elders couldn’t bear the suspense and urged him on.
“The Black Dragon Gang Master doesn’t reveal it himself, but behind him stands Saengsa Jjon.”
“What?! Saengsa Jjon!”
“How… how could such an important fact not be disclosed?”
“It’s simply his nature. Even Saengsa Jjon is said to harbor considerable dissatisfaction. What’s certain is that Saengsa Jjon has officially taken on the role of his patron.”
“Is… is that truly the case? Saengsa Jjon has never wielded any faction before, has he?”
“That’s right! I’ve always heard he searches for rare medicines and shows no interest in sect affairs or worldly matters, save for treating his granddaughter….”
“This is information gathered unofficially, but it appears Saengsa Jjon’s granddaughter has been completely healed thanks to Yun Cheon’s efforts. There are numerous accounts of a woman who appears to be his granddaughter practicing medicine at Saengsa Jjon’s side.”
“Ah…! If… if that’s the case, it’s hardly surprising that Saengsa Jjon would take the Black Dragon Gang Master under his wing!”
“Patronage is one thing, but what of discipleship or succession… or even marriage arrangements? Regardless, it’s now clear that Saengsa Jjon stands behind the Black Dragon Gang!”
“In fact… the information we’ve gathered extends further. The Ilwol Trading Company is pouring full support into the regions where the Black Dragon Gang is expanding. They say the gang is growing at an alarming rate. The Gang Master may be young, but this is no force to be underestimated.”
“The Ilwol Trading Company!”
“The Black Dragon Gang has grown to such an extent? Though Qinghai is distant from the main headquarters… how did we lack such information?”
The elders began recalculating the advantages their connection with the Black Dragon Gang would bring, based on Yalü Cheok’s explanation.
“If the information we’ve gathered is accurate… isn’t the Black Dragon Gang deliberately controlling information in secret?”
“Could it be… that Saengsa Jjon is plotting something at this Demon Sect Tournament?”
“If what we know is only the surface… where are Saengsa Jjon’s allied forces?”
“Among the Venerables, he shares close ties with Yeom Hwa Jjon. Coincidentally, both of them reside outside Tianshan….”
“This Demon Sect Tournament… could it be that unexpected powers are rising?”
“…Perhaps this martial arts tournament will bring the greatest benefits to the Guang Feng Yalü Family. Had we ignored Hee or failed to invite the Black Dragon Gang to this tournament….”
“But… who sent the invitation to the Black Dragon Gang? It wasn’t the Family Head, and the elders seemed completely unaware….”
The Family Head gestured toward Yalü Cheok with his chin.
A signal to reveal himself and receive recognition for his achievement.
“…I sent the invitation to the Black Dragon Gang.”
“The Second Family Head?! Ah…! Second Family Head! A brilliant move indeed.”
“What we elders failed to perceive, you saw clearly.”
“A connection with Saengsa Jjon… Perhaps, if the opportunity arose, could we not invite Saengsa Jjon into our family? He might be able to treat the elder who fell into demonic possession during our closed-door cultivation.”
“Hmm… After the martial tournament concludes, how about making an official request to the Black Dragon Gang’s leader?”
The atmosphere had already shifted.
Saengsa Jjon’s patronage.
And with that qualification, considering him a talent to represent in the Jamashejeon, there was no need to weigh face against profit or deliberate further.
“…Young Master, you’ve met him face-to-face, have you not? How was he? Could you suppress him?”
The elders’ gazes, brimming with anticipation, converged upon him.
“…”
A prodigy born of the family, praised since childhood as possessing talent exceeding even Yalü Hee’s.
Though he was more than five years younger than the Black Dragon Gang’s leader, he should be able to gauge him accurately.
Yet Yalü Cheok shattered everyone’s expectations and shook his head.
“It is difficult. He is not beneath me.”
“…What?”
“The Young Master, who reached his peak before even entering adulthood, cannot suppress the Black Dragon Gang’s leader?”
“…That is correct. The Sect Leader might manage it somehow. But Yun Cheon, the leader… is at minimum my equal, or perhaps…”
“Surely… you’re not suggesting he might possess martial prowess superior to the Young Master? That’s absurd!”
“To be honest, I cannot say for certain. He is a man difficult to gauge. My inner energy may surpass his in quantity… but the depth of his martial force…”
“That… we shall understand once we observe the finals.”
“Very well. If we can establish amicable relations with both the Black Dragon Gang and the Nak Wol Bi Yeong Sect, there is no reason to spare the prizes we’ve prepared as tournament rewards.”
“Hehe… The Young Master’s invitation and information as well. I feel completely played in the palm of the Young Master’s hand. Yet, the feeling is not entirely unpleasant. It is for the sake of the Guang Feng Yalü Family.”
“I concur. Young Master, you have grown splendidly.”
“No… all of this is not thanks to my efforts, but rather the merit of Hee and Hyeon.”
“Hehe. Such filial devotion is admirable, and Family Head, you have raised the Young Master exceptionally well. Shall we conclude the family council here?”
The elders’ conference, which had begun with a grave atmosphere, ended with praise for Yalü Cheok, the Young Master. The elders departed one by one, leaving only Yalü Jin, the Family Head, and Yalü Cheok in the chamber.
“…Father. It seems matters have unfolded favorably.”
“Truly, was this board not of your design? It went so smoothly that even I was astonished.”
“No. The connection with the Black Dragon Gang’s leader was Hee’s doing from the start, and sending the invitation was at Hyeon’s request. Rather, my delayed action only hindered our information gathering.”
“Haha… Such things happen at times. Was this not a result born from the trust and affection between you three? Had you not trusted them and acted upon that trust, this outcome would never have come to pass. So there is no need to be so embarrassed.”
“…Understood. Tomorrow, the martial tournament finals and the closing banquet. And… I shall prepare the prizes and private audience without any oversight.”
“Good. Should you conclude the martial tournament well, the elders will place far greater trust in your leadership as Young Master.”
* * *
A night when the moon waxed full.
In a corner of the rear courtyard, Nak Wol stood alone, gazing up at the sky.
Nak Wol slowly unwound the cloth veil from her face.
The severed edge of the veil fell below her shoulders.
Beneath the moonlight, her bare face was revealed.
A fair and elegant countenance.
A beauty that no man could look upon once and turn away from.
In her serene eyes, a trace of excitement lay subdued.
Before her unveiled face knelt a woman clad entirely in black martial robes.
Nak Wol opened her mouth softly.
“Bi Young, tell the Sect Master.”
A brief silence.
“He might be the man we’ve been searching for.”
After drawing a short breath, Nak Wol added.
“The Vice Sect Master wants to bring him here, even if it means staking the Moonlit Covenant.”
“…Understood.”
The black shadow vanished.
“…Black Dragon Gang Master.”
A fresh veil covered her face once more.
“At last, tomorrow has arrived.”

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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