Chapter: 719
A large pavilion located on the left side of the martial arts hall.
This building was designed to provide a panoramic view of the competition stage.
This was a place specifically set aside by the Maeng faction. Individuals, led by the faction leader, who have a significant influence on the Central Plains, were gathered here.
“Her….”
Among them was Baek Yu-jeok, the head of the Guangdong Baekga family, known as Heoulgeom, letting out a deep sigh.
At the same time, he swept his arm down.
His skin was tingling so badly that he couldn’t sit still.
“… I have nothing to say.”
There was indeed nothing to say. The current situation demanded that.
What words could one possibly utter after witnessing that?
Kwadddddddd—!!!
The chaos swirled around.
A massive wind pressure, like a whirlwind.
It seemed to be devouring everything around it recklessly.
Kwaddeok–!!
Sounds of breaking came from everywhere.
Just witnessing it made him tense up.
The Qi from his danjeon was activating his body on its own.
‘… Everything is made of Qi.’
This wind was no natural phenomenon.
It was akin to a calamity, entirely comprised of Qi.
It was rough, and it was savage.
How could such a murderous force possibly be unleashed?
As Baek Yu-jeok suppressed his trembling, questions started forming in his mind.
“Haha. Isn’t this truly amazing?”
“…!”
A voice came from beside him.
Baek Yu-jeok snapped his gaze to the side and flinched.
The old man who had spoken was a rather unusual figure indeed.
The master of the Hwasan faction and one of the top ten masters of the Central Plains, a member of the Seven Iron Three Fists.
Plum Blossom, also known as Tao Hwa.
He had directed his attention toward Baek Yu-jeok.
In a hurry, he was trying to adopt a respectful posture.
“… It’s an honor to meet the master of the volcano…”
“No need for the formality; just be yourself, Baek Ga-ju.”
Mae Hwa-seon gently deflected Baek Yu-jeok’s attempt at formality. Hearing this made Baek Yu-jeok flinch again.
It was because he realized that Mae Hwa-seon knew him.
“Do you… know me?”
“How could I not know you? I’ve shared a conversation or two with the father of the Baek family. Truly a kind-hearted individual. And seeing you grow up, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride.”
Despite having barely caught glimpses of his father’s face during childhood, Mae Hwa-seon remembered Baek Yu-jeok.
“I merely wanted to engage in pleasant conversation, so the old man might have dropped decorum… If that makes you uncomfortable…”
“No…! How could I…”
“Tch, tch.”
The atmosphere, despite its seriousness, held a faint aroma of flowers.
Refreshingly pleasant.
Definitely, those from the Hwasan faction could be regarded as the most respected masters of the Volcano Sword.
“Oh dear, that foolish fellow. He said he’d keep a low profile but here he is acting up… Tsk tsk.”
…Huh?
“I’ve won the bet, so I suppose it’s time to tell him to buy the drinks. Hehe.”
“… Master…?”
“Oh, forgive me. I’m just delighted to see a familiar face. Hehe.”
Did I hear that wrong?
Baek Yu-jeok pondered, nodding his head.
That made sense.
There’s no way someone as esteemed as Mae Hwa-seon would actually call someone a fool.
He must have just been hallucinating from the shocking scene he witnessed.
Baek Yu-jeok decided that was his explanation.
‘… Is it shock?’
Indeed, it was shocking.
A sight likely to be etched in memory for a lifetime.
Baek Yu-jeok continued to stroke his tingling arm.
Moreover, he wasn’t alone in feeling this way.
Most of those gathered here were experiencing the same situation.
“You mentioned it was from the Bi family.”
“Is it Seoanbi?”
“I wonder about the age, and if there’s any news on their fiancé…”
It looked as though they were silent yet moving rapidly.
These individuals were all top-tier figures, and despite their trembling eyes and pale complexions, they were martial artists like Baek Yu-jeok.
Everyone stood frozen like statues.
Their faces wore expressions as if they’d seen something they absolutely shouldn’t have.
It was clear.
This was a shock and a calamity.
If you were a martial artist, the thoughts would be universally shared.
‘… So Yeomra and Dokkwon. Also Geomryong and Shinryong. And Seonmulgeom.’
Martial artists belonging to the late index or of late-index age.
When they declared their participation in the martial arts tournament, no one envisioned such a scene.
Late index refers to late index.
They might shine in the longevity council, but this martial arts tournament hosted by the Maeng is different.
It’s the prime of their lives.
In other words, martial artists that bridge between youth and the forties would be competing.
If those of the later index lead the future of the Central Plains…
Then they are the forefront figures steering the current Central Plains.
At best, they’d be insurmountable mountains for those who haven’t even yet reached maturity.
He was certain he was thinking that way.
Tut-tut-tut…
What should he label the sight unfolding before them?
Ah, yes.
He was left speechless.
That seemed like the only way to express it.
The martial arts that the Dragon King would perform. The warriors in the pavilion didn’t hold much anticipation.
The strength of a martial artist could induce some excitement.
It was assumed the Dragon King wouldn’t be able to perform adequately since his opponent belonged to the later index.
He’d probably lose in a mundane manner.
Everyone believed that.
“…”
Watching the situation unfold left him at a loss for words.
The Dragon King was rendered helpless against the later index.
Something unfathomable unfolded before them.
It wasn’t just a defeat.
No, he was being toyed with. The Dragon King was being toyed with.
Every action was being thwarted, and even his breathing was manipulated.
No movement could occur without the opponent’s consent.
Was there anything more humiliating for a warrior than that?
Especially when being toyed around by one far younger.
‘It resembles social annihilation.’
Most notably, the owner of the Baek family was in such a predicament…
Baek Yu-jeok turned his gaze to look backward.
The place where the leaders of the large guilds had gathered was quiet now.
“… It seems we might need to adjust the ratios.”
“It might be wise to send separate word to the Habuk branch.”
“Would Master Geumcheon wish to deal with this matter…?”
As expected, whispers had already begun.
Just as warriors valued strength and reputation dearly, the guild members felt the same.
The reputation of martial artists mattered greatly to the guild leaders.
Should that reputation falter, it puts the investment they made at risk.
‘This is troubling.’
Baek Yu-jeok began connecting dots on why the heads of the families seemed reluctant to join the martial arts festival.
At that moment.
“You’ve really made a mess here.”
Someone else entered the scene.
A hunched old man.
He was dressed poorly and exuded a not-so-pleasant smell. To put it nicely, it was a real stench.
Yet, even while inhaling that, Baek Yu-jeok couldn’t express his distaste.
‘… Well then.’
In the pavilion arranged by the Maeng.
How many people could come in looking like him?
At least as far as Baek Yu-jeok was aware, there was only one individual.
‘Open Ark.’
He was the leader of the beggars scattered throughout the Central Plains and known as the eyes and ears of the Maeng.
Woo Bong-chui-gae Baekdo.
That must be the identity of the old man.
As the old man approached, Mae Hwa-seon’s eyebrows trembled slightly.
“Baekdo, you smell worse today. Did you just crawl out of a cesspool?”
“Hah, did you think a beggar would smell like roses? It’s a disgrace to greet someone again after a long time like this.”
“Meaning, you should clean up and come.”
“A beggar can’t wash his backside. Where’s he to find water to wash when there isn’t even enough to drink?”
“Is the river’s water toxic? There’s plenty of water in the world.”
“I’m about to lose my mind from the flowery scent, so you should wash yourself, Peach Blossom. Why insist on a beggar washing?”
“…”
What kind of conversation is that?
Baek Yu-jeok found himself unable to say anything.
Could a conversation between the two leaders of old be this absurd?
As the two elderly men continued their rough banter several more times, they suddenly turned their gazes away.
The martial arts stage was still swirling with gusts of wind.
“If that’s the case, it raises the question of why I advised you to keep quiet.”
Suddenly, Woo Bong-chui-gae clicked his tongue vigorously as he remarked.
“He said he’d wipe out all the beggars if they didn’t listen… But here he is about to mess around instead. Annoying.”
“It surprises me more that you actually kept your mouth shut after hearing that.”
“Hah. I may not know about others, but I have to honor what I said.”
If he says he’ll do it, he’ll genuinely destroy all the beggars in the nation. The beast from Shanxi knows how to uphold virtues over personal feelings.
That individual wasn’t merely a monster.
No matter how many teeth have fallen out, its fundamental nature remains unchanged.
Considering the level of danger alone, that could be even more menacing.
If it went awry, there’s no telling how uncontrollable it could become.
One who could tip into chaos at any moment, depending on the mood.
Woo Bong-chui knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this person was that very individual.
“Thanks to that, I’ve been called by the leader. That’s one issue.”
Woo Bong-chui-gae gently shifted his gaze.
In the middle of the pavilion were the leader, Geomseon, and Geomje.
While observing the martial arts, Geomseon was glaring down at Woo Bong-chui-gae with intent.
He seemed to have noticed something under the water.
“Cough.”
He swallowed the phlegm building in his throat but managed to gulp it down again.
“This is becoming troublesome.”
Upon closer inspection, it felt as though he’d been caught on to something.
Should I hide for a while? The thought crossed his mind, but he couldn’t bring himself to do that.
If it were just Geomseon, maybe it would have been fine.
Yet Geomje was also subtly scrutinizing him.
With those repetitive gazes toward him, Woo Bong-chui-gae quietly whispered.
“Peach Blossom.”
“Speak.”
“Aren’t we friends?”
“Ha-ha. Of course not.”
“What a direct guy. You didn’t hesitate for even a moment.”
Mae Hwa-seon said with a smirk, while Woo Bong-chui-gae shook his head in response.
Sure, he hadn’t expected much from these fellows at all.
‘Tsk.’
He could only hope.
Simply wishing that nothing more bothersome would arise. That was all he wanted.
Passss…
The strong gust of wind gradually calmed down.
The intense breeze that had been howling suddenly subsided.
It was a sight that demonstrated fully that the wind was entirely at the caster’s will.
As the chaos vanished from the air and the lingering dust finally cleared…
The once concealed martial arts stage revealed itself entirely.
“…”
“This…!!”
The warriors in the pavilion had to swallow their gasps at the sight presented before them.
The stage, resembling a battlefield, was marked as though large claws had ravaged it.
The arena, a mix of iron and steel, no longer resembled its original form.
The sight was horrifying for just a single individual having generated it.
Surprisingly, on this stage, there were only two pieces that remained unscathed.
One was the area where the dual dragons stood.
The two dragons appeared as if they hadn’t moved at all while unleashing their martial arts.
The surface they stood upon remained intact.
And the other spot?
That was where the Dragon King himself had collapsed.
Just a few steps away from the two dragons.
“… Huh… Gasp… Huh.”
There he was, slumped down.
The sword he had clutched was nowhere to be seen, and he was gasping cold sweat.
What was astonishing was that there wasn’t a single wound on the body of the Dragon King.
The area around him was devastated, his original form scarce; yet the Dragon King, having endured such a display of martial prowess, looked completely unscathed.
How does one even begin to interpret this absurd scene?
It felt as if the Dragon King was facing death.
Fear and sweat etched across his face.
His fighting spirit had long since vanished.
Survival instinct took precedence over anger, leaving him unable to comprehend the situation or regain his muddled senses.
Was it really that overwhelming a sight?
Baek Yu-jeok held no doubt.
‘… The Dragon King lost.’
This was the defeat of the Dragon King.
A truth recognizable to anyone witnessing it.
One of the six thrones, the Dragon King, had fallen to the later index of the Bi family.
Silence fell among the warriors stationed in the pavilion.
The heads of the guilds busily checked if there were branches in the West.
How many children were in the Rain family? Did the dual dragons have any females? They were racking their brains, gathering intel.
Six dragons and three peaks.
Even among them, the least recognized figure was Two-Ryong.
Yet his value began to skyrocket.
This wasn’t merely a thought process confined to the guild leaders.
It’s likely that most martial artists present were grappling with the same thoughts.
If it were me.
Or if someone else happens to be present.
‘Could I have defeated the dual dragons?’
Could I have truly bested that strikingly handsome young fellow?
No conviction could bubble up as a response.
Words failed to charm the monstrous figure standing there.
The celestial dragon and the moon sword drew breathless awe.
The two-fold dragon might compel you into a trance. Merely gazing upon it felt like it could cloud your senses.
There weren’t even enough descriptive words to express such a sight.
Only questions lingered in the air.
Why on earth did the dual dragons refrain from properly attacking the Dragon King?
Why did they leave him as he is now?
Was it consideration?
Could it be a form of childish compassion stemming from their youth?
If that’s the case, wouldn’t they lack the decorum expected from martial artists?
As he pondered this.
“No way.”
“Hehe.”
The two elderly men from the old ledger room reacted.
Woo Bong-chui-gae gaped slightly in surprise.
While Mae Hwa-seon chuckled easily.
What on earth were they up to?
The moment Baek Yu-jeok narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Hmm.”
The two dragons glanced at the Dragon King and then turned their heads elsewhere.
Initially, they peered toward the stands.
Glancing in that direction, Two-Ryong couldn’t help but smile slightly.
For some reason, Baek Yu-jeok felt a shiver creep down his spine at that smile.
An unknown fear swelled within him.
What was he looking at to provoke that smile?
Just as those questions began to flood in.
The two dragons turned their stares to the referees.
The referees gazed up at them from under the stage, too timid to step in.
The dual dragons met their gaze and declared:
“Abstention.”
‘Huh?’
Was this a hallucination?
Hearing such bizarre words, Baek Yu-jeok froze in place like stone.
However, it wasn’t an auditory hallucination.
The referee boasted the same expression as Baek Yu-jeok.
“I abstain.”
The dual dragons repeated their declaration once more.
Only then did everyone who heard this have to mirror the same expressions of disbelief.
That moment.
“Wow. That lunatic… What in the world should we do about that?”
“… Has his body become younger, causing his brain to regress too? Hehe, now he’s turned into such a fool.”
“… Peach Blossom, isn’t that a bit too harsh?”
Woo Bong-chui and Mae Hwa-seon exclaimed, exchanging dismayed glances.
Yet, their musings went unheard by Baek Yu-jeok or any of the nearby warriors.
Such was the magnitude of their shock.
The dual dragons who overcame the Dragon King had declared abstention.
The Dragon King, who had succumbed to the dual dragons, emerged victorious.
This victory would live on as the most humiliating event in the history of the Central Plains.
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