Chapter: 730
Time flowed on as the sun gradually began to set.
It was around the time when the lanterns in Hanam were starting to light up one by one, preparing for the night.
Normally, this would be the time when people would head to their stalls or return home, but the streets were packed with people.
It was said that it had been like this every day since the martial arts festival began, but even taking that into account, the crowd was exceptionally large.
Especially the Murim Alliance.
The place where the martial arts festival was held was overflowing with people, even beyond the stands.
The reason for this was simple.
“Is it time to move on?”
“That’s right. It will be Shenlong’s turn soon.”
“Ah… If only we were a bit closer, I wouldn’t have any more wishes.”
They were here to see the great Shenlong’s duel.
One couldn’t help but wonder how people could gather to see a single warrior’s match like this.
Yet, after hearing the rumors that spread throughout Hanam, it was somewhat understandable.
Shenlong, the hope of Shaolin and the pinnacle of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.
He succeeded in proving his worth in a duel against the Seonmulgeom.
He showcased what it meant to be the youngest Hwagyeong and clearly demonstrated his own value.
At merely his early twenties.
It was far too lofty to say he was just transitioning from a boy to a young man.
As a result, another title for him emerged.
The greatest talent of the next generation.
Or rather, a being destined to become the greatest in the world.
In the current Middle Plains—no, at least in Hanam—this was the value that Shenlong held.
While it may not be true now, it was a certainty that he would someday stand at the summit.
This is how high Shenlong’s value was.
The name “greatest in the world” was more than enough to draw such a large crowd.
“No, is Shenlong that amazing?”
As a man raised his voice from beyond the stands, someone beside him replied as if they had been waiting for the question.
“What? Haven’t you heard the rumors about Mr. Jang?”
“I’m saying this because I’ve heard them. But you can’t trust rumors, right….”
“I say this with confidence. The rumors are even more modest than the reality.”
“No… Does that even make sense? You said he used the Hundred Steps Divine Fist. Can a mere latter stage really do that?”
The Hundred Steps Divine Fist.
The martial art considered the essence and foundation of Shaolin.
It was said to be named so because one could cover over a hundred paces with a single strike.
It is said that only a handful of warriors from Shaolin are capable of using it.
So, to think a mere latter stage practitioner could wield it, was hard to believe.
“Ha.”
Mr. Cheon, the innkeeper of Muryanggaek, burst into laughter at Mr. Jang’s skepticism.
“That’s why I can’t find common ground with those who haven’t seen martial arts tournaments.”
“… You’re acting like you’re extraordinarily knowledgeable just because you’ve watched a martial arts tournament once.”
“How could I not? You don’t even believe in the Hundred Steps Divine Fist.”
“Just that?”
At Mr. Cheon’s words, Mr. Jang’s eyes widened.
“Just that? How can the Hundred Steps Divine Fist be ‘just that’?”
“Anyone who has seen the martial arts tournament would say the same thing a hundred times out of a hundred.”
As he said this, Mr. Cheon subtly moved closer to Mr. Jang.
“Don’t be surprised. Shenlong not only used the Hundred Steps Divine Fist but… even the Hwang-A Gangram.”
“… What? Hwang-A Gangram!?”
Startled by Mr. Cheon’s statement, Mr. Jang asked:
“What is that?”
“…”
“… No. Do you really not know…?”
When Mr. Jang awkwardly responded, Mr. Cheon cleared his throat in disbelief.
“How disappointing. You don’t even know about Shaolin’s Hwang-A Gangram…?”
“I’m not even from Shaolin… How could I know all their martial arts?”
Fair enough, Baekboshin Kwon is a well-known martial art.
But Hwang-A Gangram? What on earth is that?
Even after thinking hard, Mr. Jang couldn’t recall anything.
This was to be expected.
If only a few can use Baekboshin Kwon in Shaolin, the practitioners of Hwang-A Gangram would be far fewer.
It was an esoteric skill from Shaolin only available to those who reached peak enlightenment through diligent training.
One would embrace the teachings of Buddha, donning golden armor as a symbol.
An armor of enlightenment that could be dubbed indestructible.
Undefeated martial arts.
That was how Shaolin’s Hwang-A Gangram was defined.
“… Are you implying Shenlong used something like that?”
A mere youth wielding this skill at his age.
That is why he is heralded as the greatest talent of his generation.
“If the rumors hold any truth… this many people should gather.”
“I’m just holding out hope. Perhaps he’ll showcase it again in this duel.”
Donning golden radiance, Shenlong exuded brilliance beyond anyone else.
In current Shaolin, a mere handful could use Hwang-A Gangram.
In fact, the number is likely to be even smaller. Opportunities to witness Shaolin’s martial arts were scarce, fueling many to eagerly anticipate this event.
“Hearing you say that certainly raises expectations.”
“Right? I knew Mr. Jang would say that.”
“But, it also has to be shown to be seen.”
If only it were that easy to witness. Yet, there was a concern in the air.
As stated before, this wasn’t just about wanting to see; it required power as well.
“It also seems Shenlong is fighting while injured.”
The last finals.
The battle at that time was quite fierce, they say.
As Shenlong’s fame rose, so too did the notoriety of those who faced him then.
Seomwolgeom Wisul-ah.
One of the three prominent figures.
Among them, she was known as the heir to the Swordsman.
She showed no sign of backing down against Shenlong, who had reached Hwagyeong. Although she was ultimately defeated, she still managed to inflict significant wounds on him.
The Moonlight Sword Technique was distinctive and well-known enough to affirm her status as the successor of the Swordsman.
Given that she didn’t falter against Shenlong’s overwhelming power…
“The future of the Central Plains looks bright indeed.”
Mr. Cheon beamed proudly, prompting Mr. Jang to nod along.
“… It certainly feels that way. Besides, with Seomwolgeom showing up, it’s possible… the Swordsman might reveal himself again.”
“Hmm? Why are we talking about the Swordsman here?”
“I can’t speak for the future of the Central Plains; it doesn’t feel dark now. If that man were to show up again… I would feel considerably more at ease.”
“Dark? Come now, at this moment, it is the brightest time we’ve had in a while.”
At Mr. Cheon’s remark, Mr. Jang forced a pained smile.
Bright… is it truly bright?
‘I’m barely managing to hold back the red monsters… just what is bright about this?’
While it was true that people were thrilled with such an unprecedented festival, claiming the times were bright would be a lie.
Right now, it was a crisis, and Mr. Jang was well aware of that.
“What do you have to worry about with the Sword Master around? Just enjoy yourself for now.”
“… You’re right…”
Even if he spoke, no one would understand.
Perhaps he was simply wrong in his thinking.
Resigning himself, he tried to change the subject by expressing a little agreement.
“Oh, by the way, who is Shenlong’s opponent?”
While he noted the crowd gathered for Shenlong’s appearance, he was curious who it was that would face him.
Curiously asking, Mr. Cheon responded with an odd expression.
“Well… I heard he’s the son of the Gu family.”
“Gu family? If we’re talking about the Gu family… you mean the Shanxi Gu family?”
“Correct. The renowned chivalrous family.”
“If he’s the Gu family’s child… he wouldn’t be Geombong. Ah.”
Mr. Jang recalled.
He had indeed heard of it.
On the first or second day, there were tales of the Gu family’s son having taken down a Hwagyeong warrior in one blow.
His alias was probably.
“So-Yom-Ra.”
Soyeomra Gu Yangcheon.
A young warrior who thwarted a tremendous incident a few years ago.
Mr. Jang was also aware of him.
He had heard he had seen no activity for several years, despite the rampant rumors.
‘Now that I think about it…’
Soyeomra Gu Yangcheon. When he stirred the Central Plains, another rumor had also followed the young man.
“Wasn’t that guy also called the youngest Hwagyeong?”
When Mr. Jang mentioned the thought that occurred to him, Mr. Cheon burst into hearty laughter.
“What a story! That’s from ages ago. More so, it was just a rumor.”
“Just a rumor?”
“Of course! If it weren’t a rumor, how could the alliance say Shenlong was the youngest Hwagyeong?”
“…Hmm.”
That made sense.
“Mr. Jang. You’re surprisingly naïve, you know.”
“I just felt like saying what I thought.”
Does any of it hold any significance?
The vital point is this.
“… He defeated a Hwagyeong warrior, so doesn’t that mean Soyeomra has reached Hwagyeong status too?”
“Perhaps that could be said, but… that part generated quite the chatter.”
“What do you mean?”
“It was said that Soyeomra’s opponent had just recently entered Hwagyeong… Many speculate it was a victory attained due to negligence.”
Mr. Cheon’s words elicited a curious reaction from Mr. Jang.
An unmanned warrior letting their guard down?
Especially against an opponent offstage?
‘…Does that make sense?’
Such thoughts crossed his mind, but he did not display them.
In times like this, it’d be better to think of it differently.
‘Perhaps Soyeomra was just so strong that they reckoned it was an easy win… wouldn’t that be right?’
The fundamental question bubbled up.
Of course, that too was an improbable scenario.
Thus, he held his tongue on that front.
Even if there’s something strange about the rumors concerning Soyeomra.
‘Eventually, I’ll find out.’
If questions arose, he would soon know the truth.
Mr. Jang was not a man to easily believe anything unless he witnessed it himself.
-Waah!-
Suddenly, cheers erupted.
Mr. Jang quickly lifted his head to look.
At that moment, he barely caught sight of someone taking the stage.
‘That young man…’
A little monk with sculptural features stood there.
And as if symbolizing a Shaolin figure, his benevolent and warm demeanor became the focus.
-Shenlong! Shenlong! Shenlong!-
As the youth emerged, the crowd erupted into cheers.
As everyone continuously shouted “Shenlong,” the atmosphere around them heated up dramatically.
At that moment, instead of looking at Shenlong, Mr. Jang found his eyes drawn to the other side.
That is, to Shenlong’s opponent.
‘Huh?’
Mr. Jang frowned, sensing an entirely different vibe from the other man.
Not only was he sitting with his legs crossed, but he also frowned and was digging at his ears as if the noise bothered him.
The young man had jet-black hair tinged with a faint blue glow… .
‘…He looks… intimidating.’
It was the kind of look that made you flinch even at first sight.
What was that? How could a person look so menacing?
Was this young man Soyeomra?
‘Something…’
His first impression was rather dreadful.
He openly exuded a defiant attitude, clearly unbothered by the gazes of onlookers.
Was it appropriate for someone of his standing to act that way in front of so many people?
An attitude as if he didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions.
Observing this, Mr. Jang felt an unsettling sensation.
For some reason, he sensed no discomfort from the man.
Could it be that his demeanor suited him too well?
Childish whimsy—he didn’t appear that innocent.
What was this feeling?
With these unfamiliar sensations lingering, Mr. Jang turned to Mr. Cheon.
“Brother Cheon.”
“What’s wrong? I’m a bit busy right now, so can we talk later…?”
“Who do you think will win, Cheon Hyung?”
“Huh?”
Mr. Cheon, who was focused on Shenlong, flinched at Mr. Jang’s question.
His expression shifted.
Oh? What a bizarre question this is!
“Oh dear. Why would you ask such a thing?”
Of course, the answer was obvious.
“Isn’t it Shenlong?”
“…It seems so?”
“Then do you think Shenlong would even be defeated?”
“Who can say in this unpredictable world?”
“Ahaha. You’re quite the gentleman, aren’t you? Even a businessman like you knows little of the world!”
I certainly do.
Mr. Jang nodded to Mr. Cheon’s words.
Everyone was touting Shenlong as the best, so why did he feel this way?
A young man he’d never seen before.
Once known for his fame, yet the crowd dismissed it as mere talk.
Why was he drawn to this unfamiliar figure?
Despite knowing everything, he couldn’t shake the feeling.
He sensed that, for some inexplicable reason, Shenlong wouldn’t win.
As he thought that, a moment passed.
-Guyangcheon of the Shaolin’s flexible Shanxi Gu Clan.
-Begin the match!
From afar, a signal announcing the duel echoed.
At that moment,
Whoosh!
“…!”
Mr. Jang felt the surrounding air shift immediately.
It felt heavy, stifling.
Woosh!
“Ugh!”
People around him quickly shielded their eyes.
A tremendous burst of light erupted from the stage, a golden beacon resembling the sun illuminating the surroundings.
Simultaneously, warmth began to fill his heavy chest.
Phew!
A gentle wind wafted by.
It enveloped him in warmth and kindness.
Feeling this wave, Mr. Jang opened his eyes.
“Hu…?”
His breath caught as he bore witness to the scene on the stage.
“Hahahaha!! That’s it! That’s what I’m talking about!”
Mr. Cheon exclaimed joyously at his side.
Only then did Mr. Jang realize what he had meant.
The Huang-A Gangram.
The signature technique of Shaolin.
An overwhelming pressure cloaking the entire body.
A massive suit of armor, glimmering gold, adorned Shenlong’s figure.
“I never thought I’d see that right from the start…!! It seems Shenlong is genuinely going all-in against anyone!”
“…”
Mr. Jang couldn’t muster a response.
Could this truly be the power exhibited by a human?
‘Indeed… it’s a force worthy of being called indestructible.’
Just gazing at it revealed the truth.
That formidable armor seemed unbreakable by any standard.
No, even the very thought of it breaking seemed preposterous.
Wooooowaaaaaaaaaaaa—!!
As Shenlong unleashed the Huang-A Gangram from the get-go, cheers intensified.
A monumental moment destined to be etched in history.
It felt like they were part of that moment together.
Shenlong was at the emotional heart of the history yet to unfold.
Knowing this made the excitement amplify all the more.
‘…This…’
Watching this unfold, Mr. Jang couldn’t help but smile with a bittersweet irony.
‘Incredible.’
They claim he’s the front-runner for the greatest in the world; that much is true.
Without a doubt, he was a warrior deserving of the title Shenlong.
But…
‘Why am I still watching that other guy?’
Mr. Jang’s gaze returned to Soyeomra.
Even amidst the dazzling brilliance of Shenlong, Soyeomra maintained the same expression he had before.
Could it be that he’d given up on the fight?
Had his motivation vanished at the mere sight of it?
That seemed to be the expression he projected.
No thought, no concern.
An attitude signaling utter disinterest in the martial arts being showcased by the dragon.
How could that be possible?
Such a stunning sight; how could one not be awed?
Mr. Jang found himself plagued by such questions, but those questions didn’t linger for long.
The match had commenced.
Immediately, Shenlong, adorned in the Huang-A Gangram, charged towards Soyeomra.
Crack!
Then, a sharp sound resonated.
“…Huh?”
Waaah waaah waaah… Huh?
Cheers intermingled with confusion.
How could it not be so?
“What was that?”
“…Huh? What…?”
The golden armor, said to resemble the indestructible vajra.
That armor which Shenlong was clad in.
Rip!
Soyeomra began tearing it off with bare hands.
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