Chapter: 704
After the preliminary round, evening arrived.
Having finished the tasks of the morning and wrapped up my meal, I looked at Bongsoon, who was sitting in front of me, and asked her.
“Nothing happened?”
“Hmm?”
Bongsoon tilted her head at my question, looking confused. I frowned, realizing she didn’t quite catch me, and asked again.
“I’m asking if you didn’t cause any trouble.”
Only then did she seem to understand, nodding her head energetically.
“I didn’t! The leader told me not to do anything!”
“Really?”
“Yep! I really didn’t do anything! So go on, let’s pair up.”
“Shut up.”
“Okay.”
I preemptively cut her off, sensing she was about to spout nonsense.
‘Did she really not do anything?’
Given her usual behavior, I had my doubts, but I had no means to verify it.
Under normal circumstances, I would have sneaked after her to check.
‘But penetrating into the formation is out of the question…’
The formation laid out around Maeng for the examination was the problem.
While I could potentially dismantle it, the risk of being caught if anything went wrong held me back from even trying.
Perhaps my suspicions were the real issue here.
“I’m telling you, I really didn’t do anything!”
Bongsoon shouted as if she felt hurt by my doubts.
“I didn’t kill anyone! Not yet!”
Not yet…?
That little addendum was rather unsettling, yet for now, I simply nodded.
“…Alright… Good job.”
“That’s right! I did great! So, let’s pair up…”
“Get lost.”
“Okay.”
It seems she’s obedient enough to actually vanish upon being told to go away.
I let out a deep sigh as I watched her scurry off.
Even if she has become a bit more civilized, her naive streak remains steadfast.
‘Wait, not “naive.” More like a beast pretending to be human, perhaps?’
A beast shows a hint of human traits.
Bongsoon’s essence was just like that.
I brought Bongsoon, who had been living with wild dogs in the Gwangju area, two years ago.
She used to tear into the local strays like a savage.
Back then, Bongsoon was practically a talking monster.
While she had some language skills, her actions were driven by instinct.
In that state, her progression was virtually indistinguishable from a monster.
‘It’s rather fascinating, isn’t it?’
The expertise she showed was undoubtedly beyond the peak, yet her mentality was still childlike.
I couldn’t help but ponder who taught her and how she achieved such mastery.
It’s certain that she is related to the former Swordmaster, yet it has been over a decade since her death.
The likelihood that Eulryeonggeomhu taught her is slim.
‘Especially since she claims she has no memories. It’s hopeless to dig deeper.’
I inquired about this to Bongsoon, but she insisted she didn’t recall anything significant.
Thanks to the magic, she couldn’t lie to me, so I had to take her word for it.
After thinking briefly about it, I decided it was best to let it go.
‘It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t remember, anyway.’
What truly mattered was having access to Bongsoon’s level of prowess.
It’s solely about utilizing her to enhance the completeness of my plans.
In this scenario, Bongsoon’s past mattered not at all.
“The problem lies with the Amipa,” I said, reflecting on the events from that morning as I sipped my tea.
My tongue tingled as the tea flowed into my mouth.
This was due to a hint of poison I had mixed into the tea.
When consumed this way, it could amplify toxicity, and mixing it didn’t ruin the flavor, so I intentionally drank it.
“…Hmm.”
Amipa. The nuns of Sacheon.
‘What’s their connection to Bongsoon?’
It seemed they were more interested in her possessions than in her personally.
‘So, what you’re saying is… you weren’t looking for the Swordmaster in the first place?’
The responses were ambiguous, and the circumstances were shallow, making it challenging to grasp for now.
But.
“The traps have been laid, and a reaction should come shortly.”
I had already set things in motion regarding this part.
I’d killed one of the Amipa women and sent her to their hideout.
Using the power of the net, I mixed the Maeng’s emblem and vague terms together and calculated the timing for erasing them appropriately.
‘I wonder what their response will be.’
This was done primarily to observe their reactions.
If they were plotting behind Maeng’s back, changes would undoubtedly appear.
And if they maintained a covenant with Maeng, changes wouldn’t be far behind.
‘If the head of the Amipa isn’t a fool, maybe a suitable warning will register.’
I believe the leader of the Amipa is Bunwol Gwonseon.
The Seven Iron Three Ways, Powder Moon Fist Immortal.
It’s said that she earned this nickname due to her extraordinary punches, even if she looked like just another woman with makeup on.
I trusted she wouldn’t be as dull-witted as a typical teenager.
In a situation where a blind faith emblem was used so openly, one could expect a third-party intervention as prevalent.
Those who anticipated friction or cooperation might be using them to spy on themselves.
If I were in that position, I would protect myself, bearing such situations in mind.
Furthermore.
‘If they knew I actually possess it, they’d be even more cautious.’
Grinning, I glanced at the letter in my hand.
The letter’s identity came from a warrior of the Amipa, pilfered from her possession.
A few letters contained familiar names, including some martial artists’ names, myself included.
The names of participants in the martial arts competition were written down as well.
‘Likely, these are the names of those who slipped in the poison.’
The names I recalled from my intel overlapped with those I obtained from pursuing details.
Adding a handful more names seems to include individuals who didn’t find the information they sought.
“Hmmm.”
The righteous faction.
‘Why would an uncivilized bunch like the Amipa bother with this?’
Until now, they hadn’t been on my radar, yet the odd situation piqued my interest.
‘Shall I dig a bit deeper?’
Since it did pertain to Bongsoon, investigating is a must.
Ah, naturally.
Of course, I wouldn’t be the one doing the digging.
I cleared the tea I had been drinking and turned to speak to the side.
“Well then, I’ll ask for your help.”
“…Huh? What?”
Cheol Ji-seon, who had been diligently eating, tilted his head in confusion at my words.
—
Thud thud.
I ambled down the path, examining the letter in my grasp.
Several of the letters were densely packed with writings, all consolidated data arranged by Zhuge Hyuk and Cheol Ji-seon.
“…Looks like Hubei is almost taken care of. I can leave the Shandong region to Huangbo Gaju…”
Even with the dense notes, it was easy to grasp since Jegal Hyuk had already sorted through most of it.
‘I need to keep an eye on Ilryongdaeju’s movements separately… and check the situation with that Dangdeok fellow too.’
Nahi was dispatched on the Dangdeok front, so things should be mostly under control there.
It would be great if I could restrain or eliminate Ilryongdaeju in the process.
I reckoned that might be difficult, though.
‘At least it’s tough as things currently stand.’
With my feet bound here, excessive actions needed to be curtailed.
‘To fully address matters, it should be just after everything wraps up.’
By the time the martial arts competition wrapped up, I’d need to see how things had turned out.
If it all proceeds as expected, it should be fine. But I know my life has never been that kind.
‘…Always be prepared for unfavorable outcomes.’
So that when mishaps occur, I have an easier time managing them.
‘The challenges here are…. Dang So-yeol and Wi Seol-ah.’
It appears these two who participated in the martial arts competitions are in some predicament.
Wi Seol-ah passed on the first day, and Dan So-yeol, of course, passed today as well.
‘Hmm.’
Frankly, I question why the two of them went to the martial competition, but that alone isn’t really a problem.
The issue is…
Once the preliminaries wrap up, it immediately transitions into the actual competition.
It becomes problematic if they end up matched against me in that scenario.
‘I wished it had been Woohyuk instead.’
If it were Woohyuk facing the martial combat, I could comfortably go all out without a care.
Unfortunately, Woohyuk couldn’t participate in the martial arts competition.
‘What was the reason again?’
From what I heard, the leader is a shaman, so they said shamans wouldn’t participate for fairness?
“Ha.”
Fairness?
How ridiculous to bring that up now.
It’s already at a point where only those with a certain level are recommended to compete, and now they’re worried about fairness?
‘If that were the case, they should’ve followed through from the onset.’
The previous leader, Nakgeom.
Recalling how that guy sent his disciples to mess with the competition during the Yongbong society gathering, Maeng’s sense of fairness has long since been tossed aside.
‘Is he just trying to maintain the illusion of being clean now?’
In fact, right after Geumseon voiced those sentiments, the public response was decent.
Did they even say that he was a different leader from before?
‘Tsk….’
I had a lot to say, but I refrained.
From the beginning, Woohyuk didn’t seem like he wanted to compete.
‘…It’s dangerous for him to be out there right now.’
Sometimes they pounded each other under the pretext of sparring…
Woohyuk has even turned into a dragon, even if he’s half one now.
That kid had trouble controlling his strength due to his newly enhanced physique.
He didn’t even seem aware of how strong he has become, I need to keep him in constant rotation until he realizes it.
‘I need to keep rolling myself, you know.’
Time is running short.
I’ve surpassed the realms of my previous life, but I can’t afford to get complacent.
‘The potential exists to be in a situation where I can’t utilize the Guyeonhwaryun technique.’
This danger dawned on me during my grandfather’s visit.
I’m not entirely sure how, but it seems my grandfather could retract any essence I possess.
If that flame were to be seized, all my plans would collapse.
Just for a single martial art being taken away from me.
‘I really am useless.’
…Not being able to do anything should I lose my strength? What a ridiculous state of incompetence.
I had to prepare, even from a place of fear.
I needed to make arrangements where I could handle what needs to be without my full power.
Creak.
I halted in stride.
Before I knew it, I had reached my destination.
A door stood before me, and I instinctively rapped on it with my knuckles.
Knock-knock-.
“…”
No response. I knocked again.
Knock-knock-.
“…”
Still silence.
Knock-knock…
Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock…
Knock…
BANG!
After a flurry of knocks, an awaited figure swung the door open and greeted me.
“You rotten brat! Do you even know what time it is!?”
An old man with white hair and a beard appeared, gaunt and yet surprisingly spry.
Shin-ui smiled broadly at me.
“It’s dawn! Dawn! Everyone’s asleep at this hour. Why are you bothering me?”
“It’s dawn, sir. It’s not even past noon yet!”
“It’s true that it’s when everyone else is asleep.”
“But you’re not sleeping, are you, Shin-ui?”
“This son of a gun…!”
Responding like that made Shin-ui’s face flush bright red.
Oh, that’s dangerous. That was a surefire sign of true rage.
Quickly, I took out the letter from my pocket and displayed it to Shin-ui.
“What do you really think I am-!”
“This is a letter sent by Hyuk. Please receive it.”
“…”
Shin-ui, who was on the verge of losing it, turned ghostly pale after reading the letter.
Yep, good thing I brought this.
“Hmm…”
“I just got it and brought it right away. Please calm your anger.”
“…I’ll overlook this since it’s from Hyuk, but there won’t be a next time.”
“Then may I enter?”
“You’ve already walked in, you little brat…”
As soon as Shin-ui finished speaking, I stepped into his quarters.
In contrast to the adjoining treatment space, it appeared much smaller and shabby.
I heard that it was deliberately requested by Shin-ui to be constructed smaller.
If it were too large, he would feel overwhelmed.
In any case, he was a man with no greed.
I slipped off my shoes and stepped into the room.
Inside was a small table and a lamp, and upon the table sat a massive pile of letters.
All relating to treatment methods and herbal remedies.
I couldn’t help but exhale at the sight.
“Do you really review all those?”
“See them? How could an old man like me read through everything?”
“Then what’s the purpose?”
“I memorized them when I was young. They’re there for when I forget.”
“How do you even find what you need when they pile up like that?”
“If you can remember where everything is and which page it’s on, finding it becomes easy-peasy.”
“…”
So how exactly do you commit all that to memory…?
I forced myself to refrain from asking that.
“Well then.”
As I was examining the letters scattered about, Shin-ui posed a question.
“Are you planning to do the same today?”
I responded affirmatively as if it were obvious.
“Yes.”
Upon hearing my reply, Shin-ui frowned.
“I heard there’s going to be a group sparring match in a few days. Wouldn’t it be better to rest up a bit?”
“Group sparring? You mean the Martial Arts Competition, right?”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“Well…”
I couldn’t argue; his statement rang true.
Group sparring indeed seemed fitting.
Anyway.
“The body can rest after I kick the bucket. If I get injured, there’s a healer right next to me.”
“Isn’t it already indulgent to speak about dying before the doctor? You’re going to use this old man as you please?”
“Since you’re already going to do it, why not go all out?”
“Hah! You’re quite shameless, aren’t you!”
Although he seemed annoyed by my response, I knew well.
Despite his words, Shin-ui was a deeply caring person.
Thus, he’d ultimately help, as always.
“…Sit down. We should hastily finish up and then get some sleep.”
“Thank you.”
With a smile, I sat down at his invitation.
The reason I sought Shin-ui at this hour is none other than this.
“Prepare yourself.”
Right after meeting with grandfather.
I went straight to Shin-ui to learn about sorcery from him.
When I first mentioned sorcery, he seemed pleasantly surprised, but once I explained that I had gone to the North Sea to learn it, he appeared to grasp it somewhat.
Having witnessed him treat Zhuge Hyuk’s injury, it was clear he was knowledgeable about sorcery too.
I received training in this field from him because there was little information available to me.
Honestly, I didn’t think it would yield immediate results.
It was a peculiar power; I was curious to experiment with it…
Yet, after using it a few times, I began to feel as if I was starting to comprehend something.
The ring of sorcery flowing through the heart.
‘This…’
If my speculation is correct, it feels like even if the sorcerer were to filch the flame from my grandfather, I could devise another method.
Furthermore.
‘I might be able to harness greater flames.’
It seems I could strengthen various martial arts, including the Gu Flame Wheel Technique.
“…Hey, try unspooling the ring.”
As per Shin-ui’s order, I gradually focused my energy into my heart.
And thus, my training continued, time flowing by.
—
Two days passed.
I found myself within the Murim Alliance that I had visited previously.
The three-day preliminary round had concluded, and now I was just on the verge of the main competition.
“Are we going to proceed with the main event by grouping them?”
“The preliminaries were held in pairs, so wouldn’t it be the same this time?”
The crowd seemed no different from the first day.
At a glance, it felt like hundreds of warriors were present.
The only significant difference was that all of them had easily surpassed their peak levels.
They were the ones who had passed by shattering eternal iron and breaking formations.
Real martial artists, having been rigorously filtered, were gathered in one spot.
‘This feels entirely different from what I sensed on the first day.’
The air’s density felt different, and the momentum they emanated was also on another level.
It felt overwhelmingly intense.
Unabashedly, they flaunted their might, resulting in a silent battle of wills unfolding in the air.
I frowned, watching.
‘What a ruckus, what a ruckus.’
I wondered how they intended to handle it if they lost their powers already.
At that moment.
“Wow, there are so many people! Look there, sis! It’s so packed over there… Ugh, ugh!”
As Bong-soon gawked at the crowd, she attempted to speak, but Dang So-yeol swiftly covered her mouth.
“Please… please keep it down…!”
“Gah! Gah…! Slurp?”
“Yikes!”
Upon uncovering her mouth, Dang So-yeol flinched, pulling her hand away.
Apparently, Bongsoon had licked Dang So-yeol’s palm.
“…”
I shook my head at the bizarre sight.
For some reason, it seemed Bong-soon had taken a liking to Dang So-yeol.
Thanks to that, Dang So-yeol was practically dying at the hands of Bong-soon’s antics.
From my perspective, it was a relief that there was finally someone who could rein in that brat…
‘The preliminaries lasted three days, and the finals span two days.’
I was set to engage in the first match yet again today, just like Dang So-yeol and Bongsoon.
“… You. You didn’t forget what I told you yesterday, did you?”
“Hmm? Of course not!”
“I’ll say it again: just win. Don’t make a ruckus.”
“Of course! I’ll break no bones, kill no one! Just win!”
Despite her seemingly braggadocious declaration, the look in Bongsoon’s eyes gave me no confidence.
Tsk.
Even trying not to worry, I couldn’t help it.
Starting from today, just like the moniker of the Shinryong Martial Arts Festival, the warriors would clash ferociously.
This had already been announced by the Maeng.
‘Today marks the true kickoff of the martial arts competition.’
Before me lay a gigantic wooden board.
Beyond the massive crowd, the Maeng’s members were arranging something on the board.
The match-ups.
A paper detailing today’s main-event bracket hung prominently in front of the board, attracting a multitude of observers.
A spectrum of varied emotions reflected in the eyes of the unmanned individuals gazing upon it.
Equal parts yearning.
Some faces glimmered with anticipation.
Most carried diverse emotions, each one longing for something.
Could the martial arts competition hosted by Maeng be that coveted?
To be honest, I found that aspect hard to fathom.
As I perused my surroundings and calmed my thoughts,
“Master, I’m slated to fight.”
Dang So-yeol relayed the information to me.
I redirected my gaze back to the board.
As she reported, a piece of paper meticulously prepared by the Maeng was displayed there.
‘Hmm.’
I squinted slightly, scrutinizing it further.
‘It doesn’t seem like they’ll be paired within the same group.’
White teams and blue teams.
Green and red teams.
It appeared they had organized the fights based on color.
“Ah, come on…”
“A clever swordsman!? How am I supposed to beat him…?”
Sighs of agitation welled from the unmanned competitors as they beheld the bracket.
These were the laments of those well aware of their standing just from the names and those unfortunate enough to get matched alongside them.
Simultaneously, contrasting voices erupted.
“Great! I’ll finish off the first match easily.”
“I’ll wrap this up and head straight to grab a drink.”
Their laughter overflowed with confidence, signaling their certainty that none would outmatch them.
Amid this gradually spreading atmosphere, I zeroed in on my name.
White team.
Sanxi District, Guyangcheon.
‘Found it.’
A name inscribed midway; having located it, I confirmed my opponent’s name as well.
Blue team – the famed Ming and Qing from Guangdong.
‘Ming and Qing?’
The name of my challenger rang familiar in my mind.
‘Ah.’
It clicked.
They were the one making a big deal about that winding martial arts move from day one.
‘Notably known among martial artists.’
To be fair, my knowledge on this is limited.
So I followed through, casually assessing my opponent before checking on other matches.
‘Bongsoon seems paired against someone I don’t recognize either.’
What about Dang So-yeol’s opponent…
‘Hmm?’
Upon confirming Dang So-yeol’s opponent, my eyes widened.
‘Look at that!’
It became considerably more amusing.
Green team – from the Sacheon Tangmun – Dang So-yeol.
Red team – the one and only Baek Cheong-jin.
Baek Cheong-jin of the top-tier faction. Yet another well-known name. How can I not know it?
Immediately, I realized that Dang So-yeol’s opponent was Yu Tan-geom.
What sort of prankery is this?
Was it some intention on Maeng’s part?
Or merely coincidental?
It felt rather unlikely to be a mere happenstance. Nonetheless, I withheld confirmation.
I shifted my gaze to Dang So-yeol.
She too seemed to have recognized her opponent.
I felt reassured upon viewing the composed expression on Dang So-yeol’s face.
‘Looks like there’s no reason for concern…’
With her low-set gaze and serene poise, Dang So-yeol appeared akin to tranquil waves.
In fact…
‘…There’s a hint of intimidation here?’
I couldn’t shake the uncanny chill I felt observing Dang So-yeol.
What to say? Right now, the look in her eyes mirrored…
‘Her thoughts on how to toy with her opponent.’
It seemed that way.
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