Chapter: 738
The day the Sixteenth Round begins.
The number of people gathered in the waiting room was significantly smaller compared to the first day.
On the final day of the main event, non-participants were allowed to come and go briefly, but starting from the Sixteenth Round, that was no longer possible.
Thanks to that, I could sit in a much quieter waiting room.
Ah, the weather is nice.
Looking up at the sky, it feels unusually clear today. Not a single cloud in sight; it was genuinely sunny.
If one felt like it, today was perfect for a picnic.
In this kind of weather, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and survey my surroundings.
Unlike the bright day outside, the atmosphere around me was extremely gloomy.
All because of the oppressive energy being emitted by the warriors.
Oh dear.
I sighed, feeling the weight of it all.
Under the clear sky, this place felt like a dark cloud hung over it.
Tension and wariness permeated the air, turning it rough around the edges.
As I mentioned earlier, it was all due to the warriors.
However, calling them “unmanned” would be a bit of a stretch.
What a sight that old man is!
This energy primarily emanated from a middle-aged man sitting far away.
It was coming from the head of the Peng Clan, Tao Wang.
A pressure so heavy it felt like it was crushing the surroundings.
Tao Wang was radiating an immense aura, spreading it far and wide.
At first, it looked like he was just putting on a show for the bets, but…
Is he for real this time?
His vibe was entirely different from before.
All the emotions and overflowing energy seemed to be amplified, mixed with the deep emotions of Tao Wang.
The Tao Wang sat quietly with his eyes closed.
I could feel a furious rage emanating from him.
I wondered why he was so angry, but the reason was obvious.
It’s because that old man got beaten up.
Even though my fight with Shenlong had calmed down a bit, the recent bout between Two Dragons and Tao Wang was still a hot topic.
An incident where the Two Dragons, one of the later indices, had beaten Tao Wang and then forfeited.
Because of that, Tao Wang had to deal with all sorts of petty rumors.
Wasn’t he unworthy of carrying the title of King?
The incompetent clan leader hidden behind the fame of the Peng Clan, among other things.
Oh well, the second point is kinda valid, so we could let that go.
Anyway.
Thanks to that, all the intertwined support groups started to run away.
The support that used to flow back and forth to the Peng Clan was pretty much shattered, and people from the Central Plains began pointing fingers at Tao Wang.
While it’s understandable that the old man was in such a state, I couldn’t help but think…
How old are you? Taking your frustration out on innocents?
If you’re going to be so irritable, why even show up?
He just sits there, adding weight for no reason.
Tsk tsk.
I clicked my tongue once and slightly waved my hand.
Whoosh-!
I let my energy drift into the air.
The energy that escaped mixed with the atmosphere, unraveling the tension around.
Hwaak-!
As Tao Wang’s aura began to ease, I heard the sound of relieved breaths from those around.
I thought things might finally get better.
“What are you doing?”
A deep voice came from a distance.
It was Tao Wang, the master of the energy.
“What do you mean?”
I responded promptly, knowing it was directed at me.
Tao Wang opened his eyes and glared at me.
His gaze was sharp.
It was even scarier seeing that already scowling man look at me like that.
“How dare you interfere with my energy…”
I wondered what part of it bothered him.
Tao Wang suddenly stood up from where he was sitting.
Then, with a whoosh-! sound, an even thicker aura burst forth.
Hmm.
What on Earth?
Is he really insane?
I knew that the King wasn’t in great shape, but now he looked as if he were ready to brawl.
Fighting without permission during a wait would lead to disqualification. Is this guy seriously out of his mind?
As I observed him in bewilderment, the other warriors also gazed at Tao Wang similarly.
Swish.
I heard a slight sound from the side.
Dang So-yeol, who was with me, seemed to be grabbing something from her sleeve.
Is that a knife?
“Stop that.”
As soon as I spotted her reaching for it, I grabbed her wrist.
I understood her intentions, but if she acted here, all the consequences would fall on her.
Then what should I do?
Should I just get up and block it off somehow? I was nodding my head while debating it.
“Your Majesty.”
Someone grabbed Tao Wang’s shoulder.
It turned out to be Peng Woo-jin.
“Calm down. There are lots of eyes watching—”
Slap-!
The surroundings flinched at the sound of a furious slap.
Tao Wang had suddenly slapped Peng Woo-jin across the face.
Peng Woo-jin’s head twisted sharply.
I could see blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
“Do you dare disregard me? Does this mean you covet my seat as you rise through the ranks?”
“….”
At Tao Wang’s words, Peng Woo-jin wiped the blood away.
It appeared he had taken quite a hit, as his cheek was reddening.
“Don’t let your talent inflate your arrogance. I am the one who leads. Don’t attempt to climb over me.”
Yikes.
Just the sight was enough to make one want to vomit.
I could feel the wounded pride and abundant sense of entitlement radiating from him.
It was truly ugly in every sense.
Additionally.
I sense a dark energy.
The traces of dark energy were palpable in Tao Wang’s demeanor.
Though it seemed faint, if left unchecked, it could consume him completely.
It had to have been hard getting beaten up by that traitor.
If he had faced the traitor, he wouldn’t have ended up in this pitiful shape, but it looked like he thought he was beaten by Two Dragons.
How pathetic.
While I looked at him with that expression.
Peng Woo-jin, who had just been slapped, started to smile.
I couldn’t help but frown at the sight.
“I’ll keep that in mind. However, I believe it’s better to restrain yourself for now.”
Everyone around was watching Tao Wang.
No matter how bizarre his condition was, it was obvious he knew it wasn’t good.
“…Huh.”
After hearing Peng Woo-jin’s words, Tao Wang glanced around, locked eyes with me, and uttered a single word.
“You’re lucky, Aesong. But know that there won’t be a next time.”
“….”
After saying that, he turned and walked away.
Oh my God.
I couldn’t help but grimace at that sight.
What sort of third-rate villain talk was that?
I think it’s probably the first time I’ve heard something like that in my life.
I must have heard it somewhere, but…
I likely would’ve killed him before he even got the words out.
Ugh….
That gave me goosebumps.
I scratched my skin and shivered slightly.
Oh, that’s just horrendous.
What’s got into him?
I had to hold back my growing discomfort.
Is this what it means to have a shattered pride and lost stature?
I’d better not age that way.
Those thoughts came to me involuntarily.
On top of that.
The family situation seems messy too.
The reason I frowned at the sight of Peng Woo-jin.
The moment he got slapped by Tao Wang.
I could see a glint of killer intent in Peng Woo-jin’s gaze.
It wasn’t just anger; it was a hungry kind of malice.
Whatever the situation was, it seemed like that family wasn’t doing well, either.
Hmm.
But that’s something I shouldn’t concern myself with.
They’ll figure it out.
My own household was a mess, so focusing on others was not a priority right now.
I shifted my gaze from the retreating Tao Wang and spoke to those flanking me.
“Let’s loosen up a bit. It seems there’s nothing wrong.”
As I said that, Dang So-yeol relaxed her shoulders.
Clatter.
I heard Yeong-pung on my left adjusting his sword.
While Dang So-yeol was like that, what was up with Yeongpung?
“…Were you planning to fight? Why are you holding your sword?”
I asked, bewildered, and Yeongpung laughed awkwardly.
“Hahaha. I didn’t mean to… just unconsciously tensed up a little.”
What a thing.
He was clearly on the verge of drawing his sword if I got any closer.
I was grateful, but it was a bit overboard.
“I have to do martial arts; I can’t afford to waste strength on pointless things.”
Especially not in such an unhelpful situation.
I glanced at the Tao Wang while averting my gaze.
“Is he the King?”
The Six Seats.
Those who inherit titles based on their influence.
Martial artists who aren’t at the teenage level but stand at the peak.
Influence.
That subtle feeling rang in my head as I thought about it.
Hmm.
Again, the weight of the title seemed more significant than the martial prowess alone, leading to a unique sense of alienation.
If handled correctly, this could work.
I feel like I could pull something off here.
And I wasn’t suggesting using Tao Wang. Such an incompetent guy was of no use at all.
Rather, what I meant was finding a way to tap into the credentials of kings and queens.
How can I make use of that?
I pondered it thoroughly.
These ideas popping up needed to be seized.
Because ideas like those always led to favorable outcomes.
Just as I was about to think seriously about it.
“To all waiting participants, please prepare!”
I clicked my tongue at the announcement that came from the entrance.
Unfortunately, it seems there wouldn’t be time for contemplation.
“Sanseo-gu and Guyangcheon’s Yeongpung, please come up immediately!”
Because I was the first to compete in this round.
“Looks like it’s our turn.”
As soon as I heard those words, Yeong-pung stood up.
“I look forward to it.”
Yeong-pung said with his characteristic smile.
As I looked at his face, I nodded in agreement.
“Alright.”
For now, I need to concentrate on the one in front of me.
Yeong-pung had something to say to me.
“I have my own business to attend to too.”
Because I had something to discuss with him.
To be precise… it was more about the energy within Yeong-pung.
The familiar aura in the air.
I had business with it.
—
If there’s one thing that has changed the most since the Sixteenth Round was prepped, it’s definitely the martial arts stage.
It seemed they had made some arrangements, as the martial arts venue was different from the main event.
It had become much sturdier, but above all.
“It’s gotten wider.”
The stage was now twice as broad.
I guess this was why they allowed me a few days of rest.
Originally, it would have been quite far from the audience seats.
As the stage expanded, it looked like the distance had lessened as well.
Tap-tap.
I tapped my toes a few times.
Just from that, I could tell.
“It’s solid.”
This was definitely tougher than what was used during the main event.
It seemed they mixed in a larger quantity of the original Mannyeonhancheol.
“With this much…”
It shouldn’t break easily.
While nodding along as I gauged its sturdiness, cheers erupted from the audience.
“Soyeonra!”
“Wow—!!”
The crowd roared from the stands, their cheers echoing.
I lifted my head to see countless people waving their hands at me.
“Wow—!!”
“Soyeonra!”
“…Hmm…”
The roar of excitement was deafening, along with the thrill of my nickname, which still felt unfamiliar to me.
It was hard to maintain my composure while I witnessed people waving excitedly at me.
“Cheer up!”
“So cool!”
“Handsome…! Wow, he’s cool!”
What’s with the sudden change mid-cheer?
“…Well, dang.”
I found it ridiculous but couldn’t help but chuckle.
Should I wave back at them?
No, that felt a bit excessive.
I just calmly clenched my fists instead.
It was hard to respond.
Even if this situation was crafted intentionally, it still felt off.
These cheers and attention were things I surely didn’t deserve.
I continued to feel that way.
“You seem embarrassed.”
Yeongpung, standing across from me, spoke up as he noticed my reaction.
Again, I scratched my neck lightly upon hearing that.
“…Not particularly.”
“It’s fine. In fact… isn’t this the kind of attention that you, Duke, should have received long ago?”
I tilted my head slightly, puzzled at Yeongpung’s words.
“What do you mean by that?”
Yeong-pung continued, glancing at the audience as he spoke.
Even now, the stands were brimming with fiery interest.
“I thought about this for a while, but with your abilities, Duke… it would’ve made sense to receive this kind of attention long ago. That’s what I believe.”
“Why take it that far?”
“I’m more amazed. You’ve reached such heights while maintaining humility. That’s something many should respect.”
“….”
I felt like I might throw up.
What on earth was he angling at, gilding me with compliments?
Continuing down this road would undoubtedly ruin my expression.
Just as I considered plugging my ears from the compliments, fortunately, Yeongpung changed the subject.
“I’d like to seize this moment to express my gratitude once more.”
Thank you? That came out of nowhere.
“Suddenly?”
“Yes. If I hadn’t met you back then, I might have spent my life trapped in a well, staring blankly at the sky.”
Ah.
I seemed to understand; it was about when they met at the volcano.
“The outside world is filled with countless individuals. Many I couldn’t even have imagined.”
It was about the first volcano.
If we were to assess talents among swordsmen, Yeongpung would surely stand out the most.
Throughout my youth, he had been categorized as such.
So, in my previous life, he remained cooped up inside the well, unable to bloom.
“Ultimately, it holds true.”
I wasn’t going to argue with that.
If we were judging based solely on skill, he was well-deserving of that claim.
“Whenever I encountered exceptional talents, I’d remember meeting you at the volcano.”
“…It feels a bit disgusting to say that.”
“Haha… I apologize. But I genuinely feel that way.”
The sincerity was even more off-putting…? Those thoughts flew through my head, but I managed to hold my tongue.
“Due to your impact, I often find myself thinking how fortunate I was to meet you first.”
“What do you mean?”
“Every time a hint of arrogance seeks to creep in, thinking of you brings me back down to earth, as if saying, ‘What possible thoughts have I to offer?’”
“….”
Hearing that made me gulp a little.
Wouldn’t that sound worse than better?
Had I taken it too far…? No, I didn’t think I’d gone that far.
Plus, I hadn’t even perfected it during that time.
pfft!
How excessive could I have been?
“Thanks again. Thanks to you, Duke Gu, I’ve come this far.”
“…Yes… uh… yes, well…”
Him thanking me for the ass-kicking back then was a tough reaction to handle.
I awkwardly scratched my cheek, then suddenly turned to look at Yeongpung with a question.
“So, Yeongpung’s dojo.”
“Yes.”
“What’s your take on the present situation?”
“What?”
That was purely out of curiosity.
“Now, do you think you could win?”
“…”
At that moment, I had seemed like a wall to him, but how would that play out now?
Upon my question, Yeongpung fell into a moment of silence.
The referee seemed to sense the pause but ignored it.
A few seconds of silence passed until Yeongpung finally spoke.
“I don’t know.”
It was an ambiguous answer.
“But.”
Fwoosh.
He swiftly drew his sword.
“I’m always thinking of reclaiming my hero’s sword from you, Duke.”
I found myself smiling as I observed the keen edge of the sword.
When I first went to the volcano, I had received something from Yeongpung during our farewell.
When we would meet again, I had asked for that item back.
Of course, that’s exactly what I said. Yeongpung and I both understood what that conversation truly meant.
It wasn’t merely about getting it back when we met again.
“A satisfactory match.”
Or it could mean to ask for it back when Yeongpung emerged victorious.
We both accepted that meaning, knowing full well.
Thus, my response to Yeongpung remained unchanged.
“Dojo. That won’t fly.”
Tap.
With a slight release of my hand, I addressed him.
“You’ll likely never receive the hero’s sword.”
I would always remain your wall, so try and climb over me if you dare.
Now and then.
My answer remained the same.
As soon as he went into position, the judges raised their hands as if they had been anticipating it.
Swish.
“The Sixteenth Round of the Ascended Dragon Martial Arts…”
As the judge’s hand went up and their voice resonated, the audience fell into silence.
The prevailing sentiment was a focus solely on the match.
“Sanseo-gu’s Gu Yangcheon against Hwasan’s Yeongpung… Non-combat. Begin!”*
Upon the shout, the fight kicked off.
Woosh—!!!
Magnificent plum blossoms erupted around Yeongpung.
There was no hesitation. The plum blossoms, much deeper than before, burst forth in full bloom, scattering everywhere.
The quality of the display was truly unparalleled compared to the last time.
He has truly grown.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, gazing at the blooming petals, I suddenly thought.
Huh?
I happened to notice Yeongpung among the swirling plum blossoms.
Through the petals that bloom and fall without pause, Yeongpung shone through.
But then…
…What’s going on?
Something felt off.
What?
Each time a petal brushed past, it seemed Yeongpung’s appearance shifted oddly.
He seemed to grow taller one moment and then it felt like his clothes were changing the next.
What kind of situation is this?
“Is it some kind of transformation or illusion?”
It didn’t seem to be actual changes.
It felt like it was just within my perception…
While I was pulling my brow together, surveying the circumstances.
…!
My eyes opened wide in shock.
His face was transforming. Yeongpung’s face was literally changing.
Wrinkles formed and the shape of his face gradually morphed.
For a second, I thought Yeongpung was showing the traits of an elderly man, but that could not be the truth.
It looked fierce. His gentle eyes were nowhere to be found, replaced by a completely different, aggressive look.
An old man with sharp, fierce eyes and a fierce countenance.
A person who definitely seemed nasty and coarse.
Yet, strangely familiar.
I hadn’t seen much of him, but the few memories of those eyes lingered.
A face that would likely click its tongue and exclaim over my rotten fate at any moment.
The instance I gazed upon that face.
Shwoosh-!
Boom-!
“Gehk!?”
My fist flew out without my consent.
Yeongpung got hit square in the face and went flying, rolling across the floor.
“Uh.”
Yeongpung was rolling on the ground.
It looked like he took quite a hit since blood stained the ground where he rolled.
That’s when I realized.
“…Oh no.”
I inadvertently mismanaged my strength.
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