The Unorthodox Alliance executives sat in the VIP section. Even amid the crowd's cheers for the Alumni Tournament, the area remained detached.
"So that's the Handsome Swordmaster. His sword is quite sharp."
"I heard he's the Azure Dragon Hero's father. Now, I finally understand where that man's ridiculous talent comes from."
"Tsk, tsk. What a shame. If the Handsome Swordmaster had wielded a dao instead of a sword, he would have become an even greater martial artist."
"Is your head filled with nothing but daos...?"
Their reactions never went beyond the occasional remark about the duels. The Heavenly Martial Festival was a grand celebration for the orthodox sects, but it held little meaning for them.
Of course, as martial artists, they enjoyed a good fight. However, unless blood and lives were on the line, a friendly spar was simply not enough to hold their interest.
"So, is the little brats' talent show about to start?"
Jeok Manpae, the Yama Keep Vice-Boss, whispered anxiously, "Hyung-nim! Aren't you being a bit too indiscreet?"
"Yaaaawn! This is going to be incredibly boring."
"It'd be nice if they called in some musicians to play a few tunes."
The Unorthodox Alliance leaders yawned, bored out of their minds. The fight between the Handsome Swordmaster and the Emei Sect Elder had been decent, but they weren't at all interested in orthodox kids playing children's games.
Except for one man, that is.
The Unorthodox Alliance's Head Strategist, the Viridian Scholar Ju Pyo, had kept a dignified posture through the Alumni Tournament. When Baek Muheun emerged victorious, he had simply remarked, "...Hmm. So the Azure Dragon Academy has an unexpected hidden dragon."
However, the moment the students' external arts competition began, he started to fidget oddly.
"...That's it! Good job! Smash it all to pieces!" he cheered, clenching his fists tightly.
He was so excited and engrossed in the festival that he threw all the dignity and class which set him apart from the other bosses of the Seventy-Two Viridian Forest Keeps to the wind.
The reason? Ya Suhyeok from the Azure Dragon Academy had entered the competition.
The Unorthodox Alliance executives shook their heads helplessly as they eyed the Viridian Scholar.
KRAKOOOOM!
The moment Ya Suhyeok smashed through the last obstacle and emerged from the pit, the Viridian Scholar shot up from his seat, unable to contain himself.
"That's it! That's how you do it, you rascal! Hahahaha!"
Countless eyes turned to the Viridian Scholar when he threw his head back and roared with laughter. His voice was so loud that even prominent members of the orthodox camp glanced his way.
The Viridian Scholar quickly composed himself, cleared his throat, and sheepishly sat back down. "Ahem! My, that boy is incredible. I wonder whose son he is? He has a very promising future."
What a shameless bastard...
We all know that kid's his adopted son. Does he really have to act like this?
He might as well just announce to the world that the boy is the Viridian Forest's heir.
Even the coldest and most rational Unorthodox Alliance executive couldn't contain himself when it came to his son, it seemed.
Jeok Manpae, the Yama Keep Vice-Boss, whispered anxiously, "Hyung-nim! Aren't you being a bit too indiscreet?"
The Viridian Scholar narrowed his eyes menacingly. "You saw what just happened, and that's what you've got to say about it? Our Suhyeok has grown so much..."
"Grown? He was already bigger than you at twelve, Hyung-nim. Anyway, you have a visitor. I think you should meet him."
"A visitor?"
The Viridian Scholar's expression darkened. The Unorthodox and Murim Alliances had formed a treaty, but he couldn't think of anyone who would visit him here and now.
"The Obstacle Course Event has concluded! We will now clear the stage for the duels!"
Just then, the first round of the external arts tournament ended. The students who had passed either chatted about the competition or returned to their camps to seek their instructors' advice on the upcoming duels.
The Viridian Scholar regarded Ya Suhyeok with pride before turning to Jeok Manpae. "Bring the visitor here. I suppose I could meet him."
A moment later, a large, middle-aged man approached the Unorthodox Alliance camp. Despite the fierce glares from the unorthodox martial artists, he remained perfectly composed, a sign of incredible nerve.
The Viridian Scholar's eyes flashed with interest. Could it be...
Though it was their first meeting, the man looked familiar.
Rising from his seat, he greeted the man with a smile. "Your son clearly inherited his powerful physique from you."
"A strong frame runs in the family, I suppose. Everything else is thanks to his excellent teachers."
"You're right. Who else in the world could train those children to such a degree?"
"Suhyeok's skills are no less impressive. I thought I was witnessing the rise of a new mountain lord, one who commands every peak in the world."
"Haha! You're praising him too highly! He's still lacking in many ways."
After exchanging pleasantries, the large man extended a formal greeting. "I am Geo Ilsan of the Golden Dragon Trading Company."
The Golden Dragon Trading Company was one of the Ten Great Companies. This made Geo Ilsan, Geo Sangwoong's father, a tycoon who ranked among the ten wealthiest people in the world.
"I am Ju Pyo of the Viridian Forest Alliance."
The Viridian Scholar, Ju Pyo, presided over the Seventy-Two Viridian Forest Keeps. To cross the jianghu's many mountain ranges, one needed his permission. Hence, trading companies, escort agencies, and peddlers all monitored the unified Viridian Forest Alliance's activities with keen interest.
"I've heard much of the Viridian Forest Alliance Leader's excellent reputation. I've also taken an interest in the business you conduct at Yama Keep."
"I'm humbled that the Golden Dragon Chairman thinks so highly of our work."
This was no ordinary meeting. Immense financial power and a global distribution network converged right here. If these two men joined forces, they could one day reign as the ultimate Bandit and Merchant Kings.
Well, it doesn't have to be now. Leaving it to the next generation would be fine, too.
Realizing they were thinking the same thing, the two men shared a knowing smile.
"It seems we have many important matters to discuss privately, don't we?"
"Please, take a seat. How about we talk things over while we watch the children's duels?"
The two men erected a sound-blocking barrier and began conversing enthusiastically. Judging by the smiles on their faces, everything went swimmingly.