It was the second day since the tournament began.
There had been another match after the first one, but nothing as captivating as when Tang Soyeol was eliminated had occurred.
The reality that one of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes was eliminated in the very first match was unbelievable.
Thanks to that, rumors spread like wildfire.
“Did you hear? The Poison Phoenix has already been knocked out.”
“What nonsense are you talking about? Did you start drinking this early?”
“…Why don’t you believe me? It’s true, I swear.”
It was easy to doubt just by hearing about it, but evidence was scattered everywhere.
“The son of the Alliance Leader?”
“Exactly! I heard the Poison Phoenix couldn’t even unleash their full power and got pushed aside. They claimed you could visibly see the difference in their levels!”
“…That Poison Phoenix? Is that really possible?”
“Well, he’s of the bloodline of the Harmonic Sword… and isn’t there one spot open among the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes?”
“Yeah, that’s why everyone’s excited; a new dragon might rise!”
“But what about that boy from the Gu Clan…?”
This was the reputation that the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes held across the Central Plains.
The title of the greatest genius representing the Orthodox faction.
Even the Murim Alliance was well aware of it, which is why they tried to pay extra attention to the match-making.
If they faced each other right from the start, it could lead to a troublesome situation.
_‘Even this much is enough to realize.’_
The Murim Alliance was pushing for Jang Seonyeon.
Under the banner of a new star.
At this point, my thoughts began to wander a bit.
I had to ponder the absence of the Sword and Dragon this time around.
The Sword Phoenix could surely sit out.
Knowing my crazy sister’s personality, it was highly likely she skipped it just because she felt like it.
But the Sword Dragon…
And the Water Dragon.
Did they really just choose not to show up voluntarily?
_‘I’m not entirely sure.’_
Yet, I began to suspect whether there was some hidden coordination with the Murim Alliance regarding their absence.
Thinking back to the Celestial Plum Blossom I had met at Mount Hua, he didn’t really seem like the type to allow such a situation to slip by.
Who could say what was going on in someone else’s mind, though?
_‘…Tsk.’_
Anyhow, the Snow Phoenix and Lightning Dragon easily advanced upward through their matches.
It was the same for Gu Jeolyub and Namgung Bi-ah.
Especially Namgung Bi-ah, who won while maintaining a bored expression throughout all her fights.
A few of the crazed folks, smitten by her demeanor, spread rumors that she was the flower of the Namgung Clan or something.
It really reminded me again of how many nutjobs there were in this world.
_‘Gu Jeolyub was a bit of a surprise, though.’_
I’d known Gu Jeolyub had talent, but it was more that he got lucky with the matchmaking.
He avoided the few that caught the eye and faced the weaker opponents.
It was a bit different from my expectations.
Most of the ones I thought would win ended up getting eliminated.
Including the young man I had fought, Bi Yeonsum.
_‘…Talk about bad luck.’_
He was definitely not bad.
If he could clearly wield his Qi and strike with his sword, that meant he was among the upper echelon of young talents.
But the dilemma was that he had to face me.
_‘Did I hit a little too hard?’_
Maybe I should have taken it easier on him, but at that moment I was under pressure to show my abilities.
“My name is Woo Leehyun, a third-generation disciple of the Wudang Sect.”
“Gu Yangcheon from the Gu Clan of Shanxi.”
From the way he held his sword, pointing it ever so slightly, and the manner in which he glared while breathing deeply…
_‘A Wudang Sect member, huh.’_
I realized right away.
It wasn’t from his introduction but the aura he emitted.
He seemed like a calm martial artist, perhaps a year or two older than me.
This was the second day of the tournament.
And this was also the most important match, determining who would advance to the final eight.
As I stretched, Woo Leehyun suddenly spoke to me, “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”
“Hmm?”
“That you dispatched all your previous opponents with a single strike.”
“Oh… well, it just sort of happened.”
Who would turn a blind eye to an opening that obvious?
Every opponent I faced had left themselves wide open, whether it was their chin or chest.
If we took this as a real fight, they would have met an instant death.
Kids these days, I swear… tsk tsk.
_‘And did rumors manage to spread while I wasn’t paying attention?’_
I think I overheard some whispers earlier about me possibly being the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable or something.
However, the buzz had slightly faded due to the uproar surrounding Jang Seonyeon’s victory over Tang Soyeol.
In response to my words, Woo Leehyun’s eyes glinted with intensity, “I won’t fall as easily as others.”
“Ah, alright.”
Everyone seemed to say that, too.
_‘If you’re going to prepare, at least fix your leg—wait no, never mind.’_
What was the point of even trying to hint at him inwardly?
Especially since I had a lot to say regarding the Wudang folks.
It brought me to mind someone who would boast enthusiastically about their swordwork.
“Disciple Woo.”
“Yes?”
“Can I ask you something?”
When I unexpectedly became curious, Woo Leehyun showed signs of nervousness.
Maybe he thought I would taunt him as he did to me.
_‘Why taunt me in the first place if he’s going to be all anxious?’_
I was genuinely annoyed by the taunting.
However, I didn’t call him over to provoke him.
“Why didn’t the Water Dragon participate in this event?”
“…”
When I brought up the renowned prodigy of the Wudang Sect, Woo Leehyun’s expression turned subtly grim.
“…Why do you want to know?”
His voice was dripping with wariness.
I understood his unease.
_‘Looks like he hasn’t changed a bit.’_
The Water Dragon was a maniac in a different sense than Peng Woojin.
He wasn’t referred to as the Water Dragon in the Wudang but rather by another, more infamous name.
_‘A guy too embarrassing to showcase in public.’_
He was probably treated with that level of disdain.
Despite his talents, his repulsive personality didn’t help matters.
Thus, Woo Leehyun’s dread likely stemmed from not wanting to talk about the Water Dragon with someone else.
So, having confirmed that was enough for me.
“I was just curious. We were actually pretty close.”
“…Huh? Young Lord Gu and our Senior Brother?”
He looked at me as if I was out of my mind.
Sure, this reference was to my previous life—after all, we weren’t exactly close yet.
“Just something like that.”
As I said so with a smile, Woo Leehyun became even more tense and doubtful.
Why was that…?
Could it be that people retreated every time I smiled?
That was rather disheartening.
Letting out a sigh filled with emotions, the judge proclaimed the match to commence, signaling both sides to be ready.
Woo Leehyun promptly raised his sword and relaxed his stance a little.
Observing that made me nod inwardly.
_‘Not bad.’_
Instead of drawing tense strength, he loosened up.
He was embodying some principles of the Wudang Sword Art.
It focused on blocking rather than striking outright.
Redirecting the attack rather than outright defending.
If Mount Hua’s sword embodied the roots establishing their foundation deep within…
Then the Wudang sword became like a tranquil stream.
But…
_‘Not bad, but…’_
Sadly, it seemed he hadn’t grasped the essence of their Sword Art fully.
To be fair, a third-generation disciple of the Wudang Sect mastering their Sword Arts entirely was a tall order.
Thus emphasized the Water Dragon’s exceptional nature.
The way he pointed his sword and cautiously held his stance suggested he was waiting for my move.
_‘Good strategy.’_
Perhaps it was due to everyone who charged at me head-on ending up sprawled on the ground like they were dead.
Now, more cautious challengers began to emerge in my matches.
Swish.
As I slightly shifted my foot, Woo Leehyun’s gaze glued to the motion.
Using your eyes effectively isn’t a bad strategy.
_‘Wudang surely knew how to pick them.’_
Though I heard some of their members came in place of the Water Dragon, it seemed Mount Hua didn’t send anyone over.
Did any others from the Ten Sect Alliance show up?
I honestly couldn’t say since I hadn’t looked into it that much.
It felt a bit ambiguous; just a few years back, young prodigies sprung up like wildfire.
But it appeared we were in a dormant time now.
Most of the exceptional individuals belonged to what was now known as the Meteor Generation.
This era was a living hell for young prodigies trying to flourish.
As I stood back, merely observing, Woo Leehyun’s sword commenced its slow dance.
The motion gradually depicted his clan’s circle.
The manner in which he shaped the attack demonstrated his relentless training.
Smack-!
“Ugh…”
However, he also left his chin wide open.
Woo Leehyun collapsed.
We were never close to being on the same level anyway.
Even when implying that he had openings, it didn’t mean he could have blocked or redirected my strike regardless.
“…Victory goes to Gu Yangcheon.”
Upon hearing the judge’s call, I exited the arena.
His team would probably handle him.
“A one-hit victory again…?”
“They must’ve been weak…”
“Do you think the Wudang Sect is a joke? If you keep saying that, who knows what’ll happen to you.”
“But seriously, whether it’s the Wudang Sect or your mom… how is it that he’s won every fight with one hit? We should talk about that.”
I could hear more and more people discussing me.
Truth be told, it felt like I was a bit late to the party in terms of rumors flowing out.
Seeing things like this, I started to think there should have been whispers emerging sooner than this.
Maybe it was because so many unpredictable events took place?
Still, such gossip could potentially serve me well, so…
“I knew it… he’s really the Dishonored Venerable’s-”
“I’m not!”
“Ugh!”
I couldn’t hold myself back and yelled, causing the gossipers to scatter in haste.
Ah, this damn personality.
_‘I really lost my cool again, didn’t I?’_
This ridiculous attitude of mine kept surfacing. Feeling frustrated by my tendency to snap so easily, I roughly ran my fingers through my hair.
Let’s try to act my age, Yangcheon.
While I settled down, I felt someone closing in.
“What… is wrong?”
A voice that was calm yet chilly.
Normally, I would’ve stood on high alert upon sensing someone’s approach, yet the perfume I recognized eased my tension.
Her white hair drifted gently in the winter breeze.
“It’s nothing.”
I replied to Namgung Bi-ah, who wore a worried expression. Because really, it was nothing at all.
Just something small that had gotten me riled up.
“Did you do well?”
“…Yeah.”
That appeared to be the case.
I knew she had fought around the same time as me.
But judging by her elegant presence here and her immaculate attire, it was clear.
“Who was your opponent?”
“…I don’t know…?”
She genuinely seemed clueless. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her opponent.
To lose and leave no name behind; how pitiful.
“Where… are you going? The medical room…?”
“Huh? Why on earth would I need the medical room all of a sudden? I’m not injured!”
“…Soyeol.”
“It’s fine. She’s probably recovering well.”
In truth, I did drop by to see Tang Soyeol this morning, but she was completely unaware as she slept.
“…Then where to?”
“Where you were headed.”
“Hmm?”
Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head in confusion, clearly not comprehending what I meant.
Then, perhaps realizing something, her eyes widened.
With a quirked expression, she looked at me as if to say, ‘So you were worried about me.’
“What? Why?”
Namgung Bi-ah smiled softly at my response.
Then she shook her head, as if to brush it off. Her expression really didn’t sit well with me.
I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that this airheaded girl was looking at me with such pride…
“…Where’s Seol-Ah?”
As I absentmindedly chewed my tongue, Namgung Bi-ah asked.
“She went out.”
“Today too…?”
“Uh-huh. She seemed busy.”
I admit, that was starting to make me feel a bit put down too.
She had sounded assuring that she’d cheer for me the whole time, yet she hadn’t even appeared in the stands.
Of course, there hadn’t been particularly long matches for her to witness yet.
_‘Though she did seem a bit worn out.’_
It was rare for Wi Seol-Ah to appear drained.
Even when she juggled numerous tasks, she generally radiated joy.
There were times she slacked off, sure, but…
_‘I should catch her sometimes and ask.’_
The simplest way would be to find Hongwa.
Yet, it appeared even Hongwa was difficult to track down.
Bam-! Bam!
As I ambled along lost in thought, I began to hear sounds in the distance.
Somehow, I found my way to the arena of the first group, where Namgung Bi-ah had just fought.
And in that space currently…
“Why is it these guys again?”
Gu Jeolyub and Hwangbo Cheolwi were sparring against each other. Those guys again, huh.
What a tenacious bond they had. Perhaps they were destined to cross paths again and again?
At this point, I could only perceive it that way.
Boom-!
Hwangbo Cheolwi’s hefty, enormous fist swung through the air.
Contrasting his enormous physique, his movements were swift.
Crash-!
But Gu Jeolyub was faster.
As I had indicated at the banquet and at Bacheonmaru, this match didn’t really require watching, to be honest.
After all, as long as that oaf doesn’t mess up, he’s not losing.
“So what brings you here…?”
Caught off guard by the probing voice of Namgung Bi-ah, I found myself temporarily speechless.
Why did I come?
“I was bored.”
That response felt utterly uncool, even to me.
Made me think back to Elder Shin’s jab about aging backwards.
_‘That old man isn’t a Taoist, I swear.’_
A Taoist? Pfft.
To hear that, from some self-proclaimed hero at that.
“Yeah… just bored, huh?”
From her end, Namgung Bi-ah casually agreed, pretending to fall for my words, yet her eyes sparkled in amusement.
Namgung Bi-ah, who rarely smiled, occasionally showcased this side of her.
That side where her eyes revealed she was amused.
_‘What kind of life have I led to reach this point?’_
“Victory goes to Gu Jeolyub!”
“Oops.”
How long had I been spaced out?
I snapped back to reality thanks to the judge’s proclamation, only to realize the match had concluded.
Gu Jeolyub’s sword was already at Hwangbo Cheolwi’s neck while Hwangbo Cheolwi’s fist had merely brushed past Gu Jeolyub’s cheek, frozen mid-air.
Woaaah-!
As soon as the fight ended, the spectators erupted into cheers.
There was nothing that ignites their hearts quite like an intense match.
“But was it really close…?”
Shouldn’t it have been a clear-cut victory? It didn’t feel right that it was nearly so even! Wasn’t it plain that Gu Jeolyub should’ve won easily?
“Oh?”
Gu Jeolyub even clasped hands with Hwangbo Cheolwi afterward. What on earth was happening?
_‘What am I even witnessing right now?’_
It felt oddly heartwarming for some reason as the match drew to a close. Why did it seem so wholesome…?
Gu Jeolyub then descended from the fighting stage.
As he walked down amid cheers, he stiffened upon noticing me.
“Hey.”
He flinched at my call.
Despite that, the proud grin remained plastered on his face.
“Must be nice. Your mouth’s practically lifting up towards the sky, huh?”
“…Uh, no, that’s not it.”
Not even remotely.
“You… never mind, you did well.”
I almost wanted to point out how narrowly he managed to win, but decided against it.
I honestly hadn’t expected Gu Jeolyub to make it this far. Same for Hwangbo Cheolwi.
“Uh, so what brings the Young Master here?”
“I passed by and wanted to see if there were any matches left.”
“Oh…”
Gu Jeolyub nodded, seeming to understand.
That part wasn’t incorrect either.
I truly had come to watch the remaining fights.
“Did you catch that last bit, by any chance?”
“What part?”
It was rather unexpected to spark a conversation with Gu Jeolyub, whom I usually intimidated to silence.
Despite slight excitement in his tone.
“I dodged Young Master Hwangbo’s Tiger Fist Barrage and used my sword to—”
“Wait… you know the Hwangbo Clan’s martial arts?”
“Um… no? Young Master Hwangbo shouted the name of his technique when attacking me…”
_“…He announces the names of his attacks as he uses them?”_
What was he, insane?
Might as well announce to your opponent, “Hey, I’m attacking on the left now~.”
Imagining a big guy fighting like that felt a bit nauseating.
“…Please tell me you’re not doing that, too?”
“…”
“Why can’t you answer? You’re driving me crazy!”
“I-I didn’t.”
“Right? If you had done that, you’d facepalmed due to the embarrassment.”
“Why would Young Master feel that way if I did that—”
“Because we share the same surname, you idiot… It’s embarrassing for the whole clan, seriously.”
Even if he wasn’t the brightest, he likely wouldn’t have done such a thing. There was no way he’d shout out the name of his own technique.
If he did, I’d burn any affiliation to our last name to the ground.
While mulling over those thoughts, Namgung Bi-ah approached me again.
“Hey… aren’t you going to watch the others?”
“The others?”
Namgung Bi-ah pointed somewhere with her finger.
That direction definitely led to the arena where the other competitors were battling.
“No need.”
I wasn’t even remotely curious.
This was the area where Namgung Cheonjun and Moyong Hi-ah battled.
Those two would undoubtedly advance.
After all, it was practically written in the brackets.
And, as anticipated…
I soon overheard conversations about what had just occurred.
In this close space, gossip spread like wildfire.
As I surmised, those two succeeded in making it through to the top.
Thus far, nothing had really surprised me—besides Tang Soyeol and Jang Seonyeon grasping at each other.
After the last fight of the day came to a halt…
The eagerly awaited new pairing was unveiled.
“Woah…”
Upon hearing the newly revealed opponents, surprise flooded through me.
The first match of tomorrow.
– Namgung Cheonjun of Namgung Clan vs. Gu Yangcheon of Gu Clan.
I couldn’t quite comprehend how it happened, but this was undeniably an entertaining scenario.
I couldn’t help but smile slightly the moment I caught sight of the matchup.
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