Chapter 153: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (6)
Thud thud!
With a surge of intense heat, debris scattered in all directions.
The smoke, driven by the flames, was swiftly whisked away by the following gust of wind.
As the appearance of the arena became clear, the observers fell silent.
The stage was a chaotic mess as if a storm had just passed through.
Unlike its original height, it was filled with enormous marks, resembling those left by a beast tearing at flesh.
The unextinguished embers flared up inside, burning fiercely.
Fiery Fangs of the Beast.
This was a strike that required the user to concentrate their Qi into one point.
Only at this level could one wield the secret skill of the Gu Clan.
The flames shot out from my fingertips, resembling a beast gnawing at its prey.
‘Not bad for firepower.’
This was satisfactory enough for me.
What mattered wasn’t perfection but the fact that I could actually use it right now.
How much I could condense the Qi and how strong I could make it were secondary concerns to think about later.
Moreover, this confirmed that I had enough Qi for actual combat.
‘The Qi usage isn’t too shabby either.’
Considering all the resources I had consumed so far, using one ability wasn’t enough to drain my reserves.
Finally, as the last wisps of smoke dissipated from the arena…
I spotted Namgung Cheonjun standing nearby, looking utterly astonished.
“Brother-in-law.”
I called to him, noticing the tremor in his eyes.
“Didn’t I say this last time?”
I was sure I had mentioned this previously.
“There’s nothing more pathetic than letting your guard down as a martial artist.”
I believed I had told him that back in Sichuan. It seemed like my words, which came from bitter experience, didn’t reach him.
And that was why he found himself in this state.
“Have you finally come to your senses?”
“How… is this…?”
“Everyone else said something similar to you. Do you know why that’s a bad thing? It means you couldn’t assess your opponent properly. If this were an actual battle, you would’ve been dead by now.”
I could grasp the situation.
How many martial artists would truly remain vigilant against someone like me?
What kind of threat would they feel from this child-like frame?
But even so…
They shouldn’t have let their guard down.
Especially if they claim to be martial artists in this era.
The distance between Namgung Cheonjun and I was about two to three meters, which wasn’t far at all for high-level martial artists.
From my perspective, it was merely a step or two.
Thus, I closed the distance.
As I appeared right in front of him, Namgung Cheonjun hastily tried to react, but his unprepared movements were futile.
Sure, his lightning Qi was intimidating, but it was useless if he couldn’t reach me.
I tilted my head slightly and dodged his sword.
In that instant, my kick bent Namgung Cheonjun’s knee.
His posture collapsed.
And a body that’s off-balance tends to reveal more vulnerabilities.
There were at least five vital spots where I could end this fight in one hit.
However, I aimed for a different target.
Smack!
With a resonating sound, Namgung Cheonjun’s head snapped to the side from a perfectly delivered slap.
His cheek reddened, and his eyes shook like an earthquake, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
*
‘What just occurred?’
Namgung Cheonjun wondered if he was dreaming.
Wasn’t it reasonable to think that?
If not a dream, then how could that brat have done something like this?
Aside from the stinging pain on his cheek…
He was far more concerned about the arena that lay in ruins beside him.
From what he could see, this stage was made of material that couldn’t easily be destroyed.
He thought that even if he used all his power, he might only leave a scratch.
‘…But he shattered it so effortlessly.’
With just a single move—
His simple fist released a raging fire that brought destruction.
He was a calamity.
A calamity Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t even compare to.
“How dare you…!”
Finally, he felt the sting in his cheek.
And the shame of his current state.
A member of the great Namgung Clan had been slapped in front of a crowd of spectators.
That kind of thing was simply unacceptable.
Instantly, he summoned his Qi.
Determined to unleash the full force of his lightning Qi,
Namgung Cheonjun swung his sword at Gu Yangcheon with all his might.
But Gu Yangcheon was faster.
Smack!
Namgung Cheonjun’s head was turned again by the force of another slap.
The sound echoed harshly.
“At the very least, you should’ve kept your distance; instead, you’ve swung your sword so close? What a dumbass.”
This time, it seemed that the impact shook him even more than before.
Gu Yangcheon seized Namgung Cheonjun’s collar and easily threw him aside.
Despite being a head shorter, Gu Yangcheon tossed him away without effort.
Namgung Cheonjun’s unsteady body couldn’t even brace for landing and rolled across the floor.
“What on earth am I witnessing right now?”
“…The Lightning Dragon is losing to that small boy?”
“Forget that; just look at the state of the arena!”
“Who is that kid and where did he come from…? Was it the Gu Clan from Shanxi?”
The once-silent crowd, who had held their breath during the massive explosion of flames, began to buzz with excitement.
The Sword Phoenix, the Sword Dragon, and the Water Dragon had not come to this tournament.
Thus, the Lightning Dragon, who was already a strong candidate, was rolling around on the floor. How could this not astonish people?
Moreover, his opponent was an unknown child.
This wasn’t just a surprising thing for the audience; even the onlookers who had been quietly observing were taken aback.
“Boss, should we report this…?”
A disheveled young man, caked in dirt, turned to the middle-aged man beside him.
They belonged to the Beggar’s Sect, often referred to as the mouth and ears of the Orthodox Faction.
“Just hold on for now.”
“If we hesitate, they’ll whine about us being late with the intel.”
“I said wait, you brat….”
Such an unexpected event had just unfolded.
The members of the Beggar’s Sect needed to reorganize their thoughts regarding this unprecedented situation.
They had been preparing to spread word of Gu Yangcheon, boasting about how promising he was after defeating everyone in a single blow.
But never had they expected him to be strong enough to humiliate the Lightning Dragon so thoroughly.
‘Did he surpass the wall?’
Even the Beggar’s Sect couldn’t hide their shock upon witnessing Gu Yangcheon’s recent attack.
Crossing the wall indicated reaching the peak realm…
And the peak realm was a pivotal turning point for martial artists embarking on the path of superhumans.
Even those noble bloodlines, who received ample backing, generally required over twenty years to reach such heights on average.
Yet this young boy was already at the peak realm.
If that wasn’t the case…
There wasn’t any other explanation for the incredible power he had just displayed or the aura he radiated.
Members from the Beggar’s Sect, known for their acumen in gathering information about martial artists, were suddenly enlightened.
That boy was a total monstrosity.
‘Can we even call that a fight?’
This was more like one-sided bullying than an actual duel.
The disparity was simply too glaring to label this as a contest.
The duel continued, but the momentum was unmistakably tilted.
Namgung Cheonjun swung his sword.
His strike was precise. It was a magnificent display worthy of his clan’s name.
But the boy from the Gu Clan was faster. He wasn’t even using the flames he had shown off earlier.
He toyed with Namgung Cheonjun using only basic moves.
There were no flashy techniques; he merely adapted to the fundamental strikes and evasions.
Boom!
“Ughh…!”
His small fist connected directly with the Lightning Dragon’s abdomen. Although the fist appeared soft, the impact was anything but, causing Namgung Cheonjun to flinch painfully.
Without letting up, Gu Yangcheon spoke to Namgung Cheonjun.
“Are your legs just for show? You only fight using your upper body. Is that how your family trains you?”
Namgung Cheonjun gritted his teeth and attempted to retaliate again, but nothing had changed.
The proper technique and Qi of the noble clan deserved recognition; however,
His opponent appeared to care little.
While Chu Wong marveled at this performance, another of the Beggar’s Sect members spoke to him, as if realizing something.
“Boss, that guy, he seems to practice fire techniques, but he isn’t using them right now. It seems he exhausted them earlier.”
Hearing this, Chu Wong wore a look of disdain at that member.
“Your pathetic eyes are why you’re starving, you foolish beggar.”
“…Why are you talking like that among fellow beggars? I mean, you were like that last time too-”
“Shut it and watch. Do you think he can’t use it? He’s just choosing not to.”
Chu Wong had seen the massive flames that engulfed the arena. This was a boy who barely lived half his life yet managed to unleash a level of power no onewould expect him to have.
‘If I tried to unleash something like that, I would collapse from running out of Qi.’
But this boy was different.
Not only did he radiate an intimidating presence, but he appeared incredibly composed.
He seemed to know precisely where the Lightning Dragon would strike. He interrupted the attack before it could fully execute.
Moreover, he struck first before Namgung Cheonjun could even begin his own attack.
Just his sheer abilities indicated enough.
He was a monster.
‘…It’s unbelievable.’
This generation was said to possess the highest level of talent in history. The Lightning Dragon, currently rolling around on the floor, was certainly not to be underestimated.
It was known that the Sword Phoenix and the Sword Dragon were even more phenomenal.
Chu Wong, who faithfully attended the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament yearly to gather information, had a more profound comprehension of the situation than most.
Therefore, he felt uncertain if he could appropriately call that child a genius.
The term seemed painfully inadequate to describe him.
None of the Sword Phoenix, the Sword Dragon, or even the Heavenly Dragon, Peng Woojin, had ever matched that level of prowess.
And all that at such a young age.
“This is troublesome.”
“What do you mean?”
“…I received an order, but I’m not sure I can fulfill it.”
“Huh? Out of nowhere?”
The order had been to gather information about Jang Seonyeon, the son of the Harmonic Sword, and spread news about him.
The fact he had effortlessly defeated the Poison Phoenix as well as the other matches had already sparked some rumors.
As a new star, he would become known as the Divine Star.
‘This is a problem.’
Sweat trickled down Chu Wong’s face as he frowned.
It appeared they might succeed in spreading information about the newly labelled ‘Divine Star’…
But would that title even belong to the Alliance Leader’s son?
‘Is it even a question for me? What a joke. I already know the answer.’
The beleaguered veteran of the Beggar’s Sect had seen it coming even before most.
The answer had been forged as soon as the crowd witnessed this recent engagement.
Boom!
As Chu Wong immersed in thought, the Lightning Dragon rolled once more on the stage.
He swiftly rose using his sword as a makeshift cane.
Drip.
But he couldn’t stop the flow of blood from his nose.
“You’ve become quite pathetic, brother-in-law.”
The graceful young master was long gone.
“You… bastard…!”
“Can you even afford to talk like that? There are too many eyes on us right now.”
Namgung Cheonjun steadied his breathing after Gu Yangcheon’s taunt.
Indeed, he was right; many eyes were now on him.
As he stood there, Gu Yangcheon wore an amused smirk.
It was quite entertaining to see Namgung Cheonjun cling to his fake persona even after such a disgrace.
When he noticed Gu Yangcheon’s mocking expression, he shouted in irritation.
“Don’t get too cocky…!”
“Since when was I cocky?”
“Do you think you’ve won just because you’ve kept one card hidden?”
‘Why is he the one getting riled up when all of this is his own doing?’
“Do you listen with your anus? Did you not hear what I said last time? There’s nothing for me to hide since you’re pathetic, so why can’t you grasp your own place?”
“You… you know nothing about me!”
“Yeah, I don’t; I’m not remotely interested in what you keep hidden.”
Namgung Cheonjun swung his Qi-enhanced sword once more, but just as it approached halfway, he was sent flying from the impact.
In that instant, Gu Yangcheon had kicked Namgung Cheonjun in the chest every time he drew close.
‘How come… it’s this bastard.’
Namgung Cheonjun had no choice but to stand up before he could fully collect himself.
Gu Yangcheon had no intention of easing up on him, the way things were going.
But the issue was that Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t evade it.
“Ughh…!”
‘I can’t understand.’
‘Why?’
‘Why am I losing to that bastard?’
‘When it’s me, Namgung Cheonjun?’
‘This is absolutely impossible!’
‘I am a genius. Even my father acknowledged it, and so did the Heavenly Lord. I’ve had no issues up until now.’
‘I’ll inherit my father’s position eventually.’
‘And with my incredible ability, I will become the new Sword King.’
‘The Sword Dragon? He’s just ahead for now.’
‘I’m certain one day I will surpass him.’
Yet…
‘That piece of trash has ruined everything.’
‘Sichuan; yes, that’s where things began to go awry.’
‘Everything went wrong the moment I crossed paths with that bastard—decisions, my beloved sister’s change; it all started from that meeting.’
All the gears had shifted.
‘So, to return things to normal, I came all this way. But why?’
— You’re a gifted vessel.
‘That’s what they claimed. That I possess significant talent.’
— We shall grant you power, but hold off on using it for a while. It will take time for it to become fully yours.
‘They promised that a brave new world would unfold, entirely unlike the current one. That’s why I acted behind my father’s back, knowing this.’
‘Does that not matter? Ultimately, I will be the future leader of the clan.’
“Ugh…”
‘But why am I now subjected to humiliation at this bastard’s hands?’
‘My vision is starting to blur.’
Namgung Cheonjun was aware that this guy had been toying with him the entire time.
He recognized it just by watching the initial attack he handed out.
This guy was significantly stronger than he appeared.
How did it come to this?
That bastard had once seemed inferior to him when they met in Sichuan.
There had always been a distinct gap.
‘I might have experienced a loss, if it could be called that, but without Qi, that wouldn’t have been a fight I could lose.’
‘But what about now?’
“…Shit…”
Namgung Cheonjun inadvertently let a curse slip out, too overwhelmed to contain himself.
It had barely been a year since that moment.
Namgung Cheonjun swung his sword wildly, chasing the shadow of the Sword Dragon that loomed before him like an impenetrable wall.
The day he first crossed blades with the Sword Dragon had been a nightmarish experience.
In that moment of dueling, he had glimpsed how distant the Sword Dragon’s talent was.
He’d understood what true God-given talent looked like.
That day, he assumed the title of Lightning Dragon.
The title of Sword Dragon became the burden he wished to surpass one day in order to claim it.
With that thirst, he swung his sword, relentlessly cultivating strength.
‘But to this… to this mere piece of trash!’
Did he not strive hard? No, he did.
‘I couldn’t even recall how many times I swung my sword.’
His hands, battered and blistered from training, served as undeniable proof.
Moreover, how effortlessly he could channel his lightning Qi now further testified to his effort.
‘So why!’
‘Why can’t I hit that guy?’
His illuminated blade was halted once more by Gu Yangcheon’s fist. He could only ponder how this brat could fend off all his strikes.
Could it be that this was merely a difference in talent? If so, perhaps he should take it up with the Almighty.
Namgung Cheonjun could no longer hear the audience’s cheers. All that remained were their shocked expressions upon him.
‘My downfall is undoubtedly their delight.’
Namgung Cheonjun had a clear understanding of the cruel reality, perhaps more than anyone else. After all, he had been born into a noble clan.
‘But I… shall I fall?’
To that wretched bastard?
“Gasp… gasp…”
Namgung Cheonjun’s weary body screamed out in agony, even as he merely breathed.
The accumulated pain from being interrupted mid-strike took its toll.
Namgung Cheonjun’s gaze locked onto one particular spot.
Across the arena, Tang Soyeol was cheering brightly for Gu Yangcheon.
‘Was she actually rooting for him? How ridiculous.’
Once, they had exchanged vows; they were on friendly terms to some extent, but that was all.
Namgung Cheonjun’s thoughts now shifted to the lady seated on his side of the arena.
The Snow Phoenix, Moyong Hi-ah.
Though she displayed interest in him, as if she had feelings, Namgung Cheonjun was wise to the truth.
There was no inkling of affection in her gaze.
His surroundings were exclusively populated with such individuals.
His father, the clan, and the members of the alliance; all the same.
‘…Sister.’
Namgung Cheonjun recalled his sister. At the very least, she didn’t demand anything from him.
Her sword dance was enchanting, and her demeanor, devoid of empty words, radiated exquisite elegance.
Despite sometimes losing her way…
‘And now was no different.’
‘She is just lost right now. She’s wandering aimlessly, and I should guide her in the right direction.’
Just as he always did.
‘Then, one day, my sister will recognize my heartfelt intentions.’
— Young Master Guuu!
Namgung Cheonjun heard a voice ringing through his fading vision.
It was Tang Soyeol, who had been loyally cheering for Gu Yangcheon.
“…!”
And beside her stood Namgung Bi-ah.
His sister looked just as beautiful as always.
Her hair, representing the Namgung Clan, shimmered even more brilliantly under the moonlight.
Namgung Cheonjun longed to run to her immediately.
However, he found himself frozen.
For he could clearly see the direction of her gaze.
Gu Yangcheon.
His sister’s eyes were solely fixed on that loathsome brat.
Why? Why?
Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t fathom it.
Their familial engagement? Sure, that was plausible.
He had initially believed it was an arrangement his sister never desired.
But as he gained more influence in their clan… When he earned a more elevated position after satisfying the Heavenly Lord…
The first thing he would do was to break the engagement with the Gu Clan so that she wouldn’t have to endure any more suffering.
Everything was for the sake of his sister.
But then, what were those eyes conveying?
Why were they directed at that bastard with a loving gaze?
‘There’s no way.’
‘There’s no way my perfect, noble sister could harbor feelings for that disgrace.’
‘If she did, then that damned brat must have done something to her.’
‘Did he perhaps drug her?’
‘Right, since it seems he’s close to Tang Clan’s lady, he must have slipped something to her.’
“How dare you… how dare you.”
‘My sister is beyond par.’
‘She is like a blank canvas.’
‘She is not a person that a little scum like you could even dream of tainting.’
‘Only I… Only I could…’
— Swish.
A chill ran through his veins.
It wasn’t Qi, but something akin to the coldness of winter.
It was undoubtedly the energy he had obtained from his clan previously.
The energy that they had firmly instructed Namgung Cheonjun to withhold from use, regardless of the circumstances.
His arm trembled, depending on the bracelet that wrapped around it.
As though it was resonating with that very energy.
An item gifted by the Heavenly Lord resonated with him.
And because of that, Namgung Cheonjun sensed a boost in his strength, feeling as though he could accomplish anything with this strength—
“You scumbag.”
“Ugh!”
As he slowly summoned his power, Namgung Cheonjun collapsed heavily onto the floor.
It was Gu Yangcheon’s grip on his throat that had slammed him down.
Bam!
With a thunderous echo, Qi erupted outward in every direction.
Namgung Cheonjun hadn’t even noted Gu Yangcheon’s advance until it was too late.
“Where did you get that power?”
“Ugh…”
Blaze!
With a rough curse accompanying it, flames erupted from Gu Yangcheon’s back.
The flames began to coalesce into a sphere around them, forming a nearly indestructible barrier to anyone outside.
Feeling the pressure mount on Namgung Cheonjun’s neck, it eventually tightened further.
It felt as though his neck would snap at any moment.
“Answer me. Where did you get that energy wrapped around your body?”
Gu Yangcheon’s expression was fierce, and he exuded a heavy, threatening aura that bore down on Namgung Cheonjun.
Gu Yangcheon’s dark hair took on a reddish hue…
His black eyes glowed ominously.
The menacing energy oozing from Gu Yangcheon had rendered Namgung Cheonjun on the brink of unconsciousness.
The two streams of fire spiraling behind Gu Yangcheon resembled wings.
‘D…Demon.’
That’s how Gu Yangcheon appeared to Namgung Cheonjun.
A being seemingly capable of igniting the entire realm.
The energy that Namgung Cheonjun had been slowly gathering dissipated like sand in the wind.
As if it had been startled by Gu Yangcheon’s flames.
“Not going to answer? Maybe I’ll just burn your arm— hmm?”
As Gu Yangcheon spoke, he glanced down toward Namgung Cheonjun’s lower body, sensing something off.
“…”
A strange warmth wasn’t coming from him.
A salty scent wafting past his nose made Gu Yangcheon instinctively loosen his grip.
Namgung Cheonjun had wet himself.
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