TRHF 42

Chapter 42 “A Distinguished Guest Arrives (1)”

Announcements were posted in the cities and towns under the Martial Arts Alliance that a Heroes’ Tournament would soon be held.

The notice stated that those who achieved outstanding results in the competition would have the opportunity to become a warrior of the Martial Arts Alliance, along with receiving prize money and treasures.

“Oh ho, a Heroes’ Tournament. This is a perfect chance to make my name known in the world.”

“I’ll use this opportunity to make the name of our Hoyeon Sect known!”

Upon hearing this news, countless martial artists from the orthodox sects were stirred.

It was a golden opportunity to make a name for oneself in the martial world.

Especially those from minor sects, those without a sect, or third-rate martial artists considered this their chance for advancement.

Of course, the Nine Major Sects and the Six Great Families didn’t remain idle upon hearing the news either.

Moreover, the prize for winning the tournament was enough to attract the attention of the masses.

“The former Martial Arts Alliance leader’s treasured sword as the prize?”

“To put such a relic on display…”

It was the sword of Yoo Ja-hyuk, famed as the Supreme Sword of the Martial Way and the Taiji Sword Emperor, who had distinguished himself in the war against the Cheonma Cult.

If it was a famous sword once wielded by the greatest martial artist of the age, its value was beyond words.

As a result, hundreds, even thousands, of martial artists gathered in Wuhan, where the Alliance headquarters was located.

“It’s truly a sea of people.”

Namgung Hyuk thought to himself as he looked at the crowds filling the city streets.

Though there was still a month until the tournament, the streets were already packed with martial artists eager to participate and spectators wishing to watch.

Not only the lower-ranking Alliance warriors but also the warriors under the envoy corps were on the streets, working hard to maintain order.

“Phew! To think we have to endure this heat.”

Next to him, Ok Tae-hyung complained.

Still, whenever a pretty girl passed nearby, he made sure to give her a nod and glance.

“I don’t even feel that hot,” Namgung Hyuk said. In fact, he hadn’t even broken a sweat.

Though he hadn’t yet reached the state of Han Seo Bulchim, his constitution had changed thanks to Cheonyang Divine Skill.

“You’re lucky. Well, since you’re now a squad leader, this heat shouldn’t bother you at all,” Ok Tae-hyung said with a mix of envy and jest.

After returning from his leave, Namgung Hyuk had been recommended by Gi Woo-sung and offered the position of squad leader by Vice-Head Yang Mi-ryeong.

For now, it was just a titular position with no subordinates, which actually pleased Namgung Hyuk.

“Anyway, I’m not capable of commanding anyone.”

But the downside was that without subordinates, he had to work outside like ordinary squad members.

At that moment, a commotion erupted on one side of the street.

“Do you know who you’re messing with?!”

“Don’t push your luck!”

Two martial artists suddenly drew their weapons on the street.

Namgung Hyuk, expressionless, walked over and swiftly snatched their weapons away.

“Do not draw weapons recklessly on the street.”

Upon seeing Namgung Hyuk’s attire, the two martial artists immediately backed down.

This had happened several times just today.

Even though they were from the orthodox sects, many were hot-headed young men.

“I hope this shift ends soon.”

Namgung Hyuk longed for his watch to end.

But it would still be half an hour before the next shift.

“Clear the way!”

This time, noise erupted from the opposite side.

What now? Namgung Hyuk thought as he headed over.

“Step aside!”

“Open the way immediately!”

The warriors, who appeared to be guards, pushed the crowd to either side without mercy.

Behind them, a lavish carriage slowly approached.

“There should have been a notice to keep carriages outside the city.”

This had been an arrangement agreed upon with the authorities to minimize congestion in the crowded streets of Wuhan.

Yet someone had ignored the rule and brought the carriage straight into the city center.

“Stop right there.”

Namgung Hyuk blocked the way.

The guards approached aggressively.

“Move aside!”

“That’s impossible. Didn’t you receive notice to park the carriage by the city gate?”

“Hah! Do you know who is in that carriage? It seems to be someone from the Martial Arts Alliance. Guide them properly!”

Namgung Hyuk frowned.

It was clear that a person of high rank was in the carriage.

Moreover, their destination was the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters, which concerned him.

“Rules must be followed regardless of status. If you wish to proceed on foot from here, I will personally guide you.”

“That…!”

The guards’ eyes widened as they reached for their swords.

Before they could act, a voice came from the carriage.

“Please stop.”

It was a beautiful voice, like jade beads rolling on a silver tray.

The carriage door opened, revealing a woman in an elaborate red palace dress.

“Whew!”

Ok Tae-hyung, who had quietly arrived beside Namgung Hyuk, let out an admiring whistle.

Even though her face was covered with a veil, her beauty shone through.

“Your Highness the Princess!”

The guards immediately lowered themselves, addressing her as princess.

Namgung Hyuk couldn’t help but notice the formality.

Unlike Gongsu’s world, the country currently ruling Central Plains in this world was the Huang Empire, with its capital in Beijing, resembling the Ming Dynasty that Gongsu vaguely knew of.

The Huang Empire had five princely states, directly appointed by the Emperor. One of them governed the former land of Qi, ruled by the Prince of Qi.

The Prince of Qi had only one daughter: Princess An-sook, who had just stepped out of the carriage.

“Show proper respect!”

Everyone on the street immediately prostrated themselves.

Namgung Hyuk reluctantly bowed as well.

“Rise.”

Princess An-sook spoke, and Namgung Hyuk was the first to stand.

From behind her veil, she looked at him.

“You didn’t know you shouldn’t ride your carriage all the way here. I apologize for causing a disturbance.”

“Y-Your Highness…”

The guards were flustered. A princess of such high rank appearing in the common streets was a big deal.

It’s best to escort her to the Alliance headquarters before the situation escalates.

Namgung Hyuk nodded at Ok Tae-hyung’s mental message.

It seemed impossible to turn the carriage back now.

Then Princess An-sook spoke again.

“Since we’ve come all the way to Wuhan, walking through the city and seeing it isn’t a bad idea.”

A member of the royal family showing such consideration!

Namgung Hyuk escorted Princess An-sook personally to the headquarters.

While walking under the strict guard, she spoke to him.

“What is your name, young hero?”

“Namgung Hyuk.”

Though she was a princess, Namgung Hyuk treated her no differently.

The nearby guards tensed at his attitude.

Princess An-sook, however, found him more interesting for it.

Tilting the paper umbrella behind her, she turned her head toward him.

“With the surname Namgung… are you perhaps from the Namgung family in Anhui?”

“Yes, though a branch family.”

“I’ve heard that the Namgung family is a well-known martial clan.”

Surprisingly, she knew quite a bit about the martial world.

Looking at Namgung Hyuk, she said wistfully,

“I also wanted to learn martial arts like you, but my frail body made me give up.”

Namgung Hyuk glanced at her face. Though she looked pale from living in the palace, it was clear she was indeed physically weak.

“You seem very interested in martial arts.”

“Yes, but being in the palace, I could only hear rumors about them.”

Upon hearing that the Martial Arts Alliance was holding a Heroes’ Tournament, she had begged her father, the Prince, to make this long journey.

Walking with the excited princess, they soon reached the headquarters gate.

Many high-ranking members of the Martial Arts Alliance were already present to greet the distinguished guest.

“Welcome, Princess An-sook.”

At the forefront, General Jegal Hyo bowed.

“Had we known Your Highness would visit, we would have prepared a reception. I apologize for not doing so.”

Her visit had been completely unannounced.

Princess An-sook smiled gently.

“I apologize for not giving notice. Upon hearing about the Heroes’ Tournament, I was eager and hastened my schedule.”

“No apology is necessary,” Jegal Hyo said, flustered by her candidness.

Namgung Hyuk noticed Jegal Rin among those behind Jegal Hyo, but it wasn’t the right time to acknowledge him. He turned back to the princess.

“The Alliance Master is busy with official duties and cannot meet you. We ask for your understanding, Your Highness.”

“I’ve heard the Alliance Master is like a king in the martial world. It’s appropriate for me to go and pay my respects.”

“We are grateful for your courtesy, Your Highness. Let us first guide you to your accommodations.”

“Very well.”

After speaking with Jegal Hyo, Princess An-sook approached Namgung Hyuk.

“Namgung Hyuk, if it’s not too much trouble, could you show me around while I stay here?”

“Me?”

Namgung Hyuk wasn’t particularly thrilled about this.

Jegal Hyo quickly sent a mental message:

Accept the princess’s request.

The royal family and the martial world were untouchable by each other, but a martial artist was still a subject of the Huang Empire. The Alliance had no choice but to heed the princess’s wishes.

“I understand.”

Princess An-sook smiled and turned.

Was this really a wise choice? The thought of tending to a princess of such high rank before the tournament already made Namgung Hyuk weary.