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Chapter 152: Friendship Martial Arts Tournament (4)

The Friendship Martial Arts Tournament had entered its second day.

Since the first match, there had been another duel, but nothing interesting had happened, unlike when Tang Soyeol was eliminated.

In the beginning, it seemed unthinkable that the Five Dragons and Three Peaks would be eliminated right off the bat.

As a result, such stories quickly spread like wildfire through whispers.

“Did you hear? Poison Phoenix has already been eliminated!”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Did he start imbibing alcohol in broad daylight?”

“…No, why don’t you believe what people say? It’s true!”

Those who only heard this would be skeptical, but evidence lay scattered everywhere.

“The Great Lord’s son?”

“That’s right! They say Poison Phoenix couldn’t perform and was pushed around, the difference in skill was clear.”

“…Could that really be Poison Phoenix?”

“Given that he’s the bloodline of Nakgum… Is it true that one of the Five Dragons is vacant?”

“That’s precisely why everyone is so excited—there could be a new dragon emerging!”

“And what about that boy? Is he from Gu Clan this time…?”

That’s the kind of prestige the Five Dragons enjoy across the Central Plains.

They’re known as geniuses representing the current sects.

Thus, the Great Lord is particularly keen on avoiding early clashes in the tournament.

If they face each other from the start, it could lead to troublesome outcomes.

‘Just by looking at this, it’s clear.’

The sect was pushing Jang Seonyeon forward.

As a new star.

At this point, I had to consider something different.

I had to think about the notable ones that did not attend the tournament, like Yong and Bong.

Sword Peak could be excused.

Knowing that crazy sister’s temper, she might have just decided to skip it.

But Sword Dragon and Sleeping Dragon—did they truly not come of their own volition?

‘Not certain, but…’

I couldn’t help but feel there might be some kind of conversation about them within the sect.

Reflecting on my encounter with Maehwa Seon, she didn’t seem like the type to skip a good match.

But you never know with people.

‘…Tsk.’

In any case, through the match brackets, Seolbong and Thunder Dragon were climbing easily.

Gu Jeolyub and Nangong Bi-ah fared similarly well.

Especially Nangong Bi-ah, who maintained a bored expression throughout the tournament as she secured victory.

Some crazy fans started spreading rumors, calling her the flower of Nangong.

Everywhere you look, there are indeed a lot of lunatics.

‘Gu Jeolyub was a bit unexpected.’

Though Gu Jeolyub had some talent, it was mostly due to sheer luck in the matchups.

He faced weaker opponents while avoiding the stronger candidates.

The scenario was a bit different than I’d anticipated.

Most of those I expected to rise had actually fallen early.

That included the young lad I had faced during my first match, known as Bi Yeon-seom.

‘…That really is a stroke of bad luck.’

It wasn’t an unimpressive skill, mind you.

If he could so clearly throw bets around at the sword tip level, he would surely be among the upper ranks of the Late-Stage Talents.

The issue lay in the fact that he was up against me.

‘Was that one strike too much?’

I should have perhaps held back a bit, but at the moment, the circumstances were pressing.

And now I needed to show an even clearer display of my abilities.

“I am Wudang’s Three Great Disciple, Wu Yi-hyeon.”

“From Mount Shan Clan, Gu Yangcheong.”

From the hand gripping the sword to the tip of the toe extending slightly forward.

The gaze meeting and the breath being exhaled.

‘A Wudang disciple.’

That thought naturally crossed my mind.

The atmosphere was tangible, filled with an air of seriousness.

He looked slightly older than me, reflecting the calm demeanor of a martial artist.

It was the second day of the tournament—and the final duel that mattered for ascending to the Eight Strong.

Loosening my slightly tense body, Wu Yi-hyeon suddenly spoke to me.

“I’ve heard much about you, Junior.”

“Hmm?”

“They say you dispatched your opponents with a single blow.”

“Ah… well, it just kinda happened that way.”

Could I leave such openings unchecked?

Every opponent I faced ended up vulnerable.

But if you meet in true battle, a single strike could end it all.

Those kids these days… tsk tsk.

‘Did that rumor spread too?’

I thought I heard some whispers earlier regarding my supposed reputation as the disciple of the Pejon.

Most of the chatter revolved around Jang Seonyeon knocking out Tang Soyeol.

Wu Yi-hyeon’s eyes brightened slightly at my response.

“I won’t fall easily to that.”

“Of course.”

Everyone says that.

‘If you’re going to prepare, at least stretch your legs… no.’

What could I do just by whispering inside?

Especially about Wudang, I had plenty to say.

Because I remembered the guy who proudly flaunted his sword skills.

“Senior.”

“Yes?”

“May I ask you one thing?”

Wu Yi-hyeon’s face tensed ever so slightly at my sudden question.

Just like he did, it seemed I too had a knack for provocation.

‘Why would he be so nervous if he was just gonna provoke me?’

Though I was a bit caught off-guard, it wasn’t my intention to provoke him outright.

“Sleeping Dragon doesn’t seem to have come this time.”

“…”

Mentioning the infamous Late-Stage Talent brought a subtle shift to Wu Yi-hyeon’s expression.

“…Why do you ask that?”

His voice was even laced with wariness.

I understood the reason for his vigilance.

‘So, he’s still around, huh?’

Sleeping Dragon was a bit of a madman, different from the usual types.

Within Wudang, they had even come to call him by another name.

‘A guy not fit to be shown in public.’

That’s how the treatment of him went.

Separately from his outstanding talents, his personality was just as wild.

So the reason Wu Yi-hyeon would be wary was likely due to concerns about discussing Sleeping Dragon with outsiders.

With that confirmation, I moved on.

“I just asked out of curiosity. We are somewhat close.”

“…Wait? You’re friends with our Senior Brother?”

The incredulity on his face was almost amusing.

Of course, I was talking about memories from my previous life, and we weren’t particularly close yet.

“In any case, that’s just how it is.”

I smiled while saying this, which seemed to only raise Wu Yi-hyeon’s caution.

Why…?

Why does everyone seem to step back as soon as I smile?

It’s really disheartening.

As I sighed heavily, the judge called for the match to begin, deciding it was time for us to start.

Wu Yi-hyeon immediately took his stance with his sword.

Seeing this, I nodded inwardly.

‘Not bad.’

He was more relaxed than tense.

His sword style carried the essence of Wudang’s principles to some extent.

Instead of merely striking, he focused on defending.

And instead of purely defending, it flowed gracefully.

If Hwasan’s sword is a rooted tree slowly piercing the ground.

Then Wudang’s sword is a peaceful current of water.

However.

‘Not bad, but…’

Unfortunately, it seemed he hadn’t fully realized the essence of it.

It’s not that the Three Great Disciples fully understanding Wudang’s sword principles would be ordinary.

So Sleeping Dragon would have to be quite remarkable.

Holding the sword tip directed at me, he was cautious, likely trained by the fallen bodies of numerous opponents from before.

‘A wise choice.’

Because of all those who carelessly charged me ending up sprawled on the floor.

Now there were those starting to be careful around me.

Distantly.

As I slightly shifted my toes, Wu Yi-hyeon’s eyes followed my movement.

It wasn’t bad to pay attention like that.

‘Seems fitting for Wudang.’

Though Sleeping Dragon hadn’t shown up, I heard that a few disciples from the Gu Sect had come.

It seemed Hwasan didn’t make an appearance at all.

I didn’t know if anyone from Gu Paibang was present at all.

There was a certain ambiguity concerning the timing. For just a few years later, there would be an overflow of Late-Stage Talents.

At this point, you could view it as stagnation.

A generation entirely composed of outstanding individuals from Yuseong.

If you were a Late-Stage Talent alive at the same time, it must feel like living in hell.

As I quietly observed, Wu Yi-hyeon’s sword began to move a little.

The sword tip quivered as it drew out the principles of the Taiji.

Little by little, the sword path was being constructed, showcasing the diligence he practiced, but…

BANG-!

“O…”

He too was left wide open.

Wu Yi-hyeon collapsed heavily.

From the start, the difference in skill wasn’t even close to being comparable.

Though he left me with a sense of “open,” the reality was he was in no state to block or evade my strike.

…Gu Yangcheong wins.

Hearing the judge’s words, I stepped down from the dueling stage for the second time.

His fellow disciples would likely assist him with the aftermath.

“Another quick finish…?”

“They say the opponent was weak…”

“Do you see Wudang as chaff? You’ll face divine retribution for that.”

“No, be it Wudang or anything else… Is it really acceptable to end that fight in just one strike? That’s what needs addressing.”

I could hear more and more conversations about me buzzing in my ears.

To be honest, it was a little surprising to note how late gossip circulated.

By this point, given my display, something should have emerged much sooner.

Were there just too many variables?

Of course, this kind of rumor could serve as a double-edged sword, not necessarily a bad thing…

“Absolutely… it seems the rumors are true about being the disciple of the Pejon…”

“Not true!”

“Ugh!”

I couldn’t keep it to myself, shouting in exasperation, causing those who were talking to scatter away quickly.

Damn personality.

‘Getting annoyed at trifles.’

It was just the same annoying temperament popping out. I was getting frustrated with myself for getting angry over nothing.

Live life to the fullest, Yangcheon.

Calming my rising temper, I felt someone approaching me from the side.

“Why… what’s wrong?”

It was a calm, almost cold voice.

Normally, sensing someone approaching meant I’d stretch out my hand first, but the fragrance that came along eased my heart.

The chilly winter wind rustled my blue and white hair.

“Nothing.”

I replied to Nangong Bi-ah, who had a worried look on her face. It genuinely was nothing.

I was just getting upset over something trivial.

“Did you finish your match?”

It seemed so.

She probably realized I was aware that they sparred at the same time.

Given the way her martial robe hadn’t been torn, it was clear enough.

“Who was your opponent?”

“…I don’t know…?”

She genuinely seemed clueless. To be honest, I felt a tinge of sorrow for the unrecognized opponent.

That someone could lose without leaving a name was somewhat disheartening.

“Where are you heading? The medical room…?”

“No, where’d you get the idea of a medical room? I’m not injured or anything.”

“…Soyeol.”

“Don’t worry, she’s probably fine and is getting treated well on her own.”

In truth, I had dropped by briefly in the morning. Tang Soyeol was asleep then, so she must not have been aware.

“…Then where are you going?”

“To where you were.”

“Huh?”

Upon hearing my reply, Nangong Bi-ah tilted her head, not fully understanding my meaning.

Then her eyes widened in realization.

Her expression swiftly changed to a somewhat strange look, as if to say, ‘Is that you worrying?’

“Why, what is it?”

Nangong Bi-ah smiled slightly at my words.

Then she shook her head, indicating it was nothing. It was a look that didn’t quite sit well with me.

Being looked at with a proud gaze from that empty-headed Meong Tang…

“…What about Seol-a?”

I chewed my tongue, feeling a bit irritable, and then Nangong Bi-ah asked.

“She went out.”

“Again…?”

“Yup. She seemed busy.”

To be fair, I was feeling a bit upset about that.

She seemed to be full of support yet purposely absent during the tournament.

Of course, no match had yet dragged on long enough to warrant complaints.

Though she looked weary, as if she had a lot on her plate.

It was rare for Seol-a to appear disheveled.

She always looked bright and cheerful.

While sometimes it did seem like she slacked off a bit…

‘Next chance, I’ll just have to catch her and ask.’

The simplest way to inquire would be to ask Honghwa, but finding her was no easy task either.

RUMBLE—! BOOM!

As I wandered with my thoughts, there was a sound from a distance.

I had arrived at the main dueling area.

It had just been the dueling ground for Nangong Bi-ah a moment before.

And there, I spotted…

“Ugh, why does it have to be them again?”

Gu Jeolyub and Huangbo Cheolwi were clashing in a duel. Those two again.

What a long-standing bad connection this was. It might just be destiny at this point.

In light of all this, I figured it was time to see them.

RUMBLE-!

Huangbo Cheolwi’s massive fist cut through the air.

With his gigantic physique exceeding a span of arms, his movements remained surprisingly spry.

BAM-!

But Gu Jeolyub was faster.

Just like earlier in the banquet hall and even at Bachunmaru, I’d said it repeatedly.

To be honest, there was no point in thinking twice about this match.

As long as that fool didn’t screw up, there was no way he could lose.

“Why did you come here…?”

Being probed by Nangong Bi-ah made me momentarily shut my mouth.

Why indeed?

“Just felt bored.”

Was that really the best I could come up with?

At this moment, I couldn’t shake off the memory of Noya jesting me about being so old.

‘…That guy is no sage.’

What did a sage know about foolishness?

That, too, from someone being hailed as a hero.

“Yes… I’m here out of boredom.”

Meanwhile, Nangong Bi-ah replied that my answer was correct, but her eyes were already half-laughing.

Almost never showing emotion, Nangong Bi-ah would occasionally let it slip with her eyes.

‘Life.’

How did my treatment come to this?

“Gu Jeolyub wins!”

“Oh my.”

How long had I been spaced out?

Coming back to my senses at the judge’s shout, I realized the match had ended.

Gu Jeolyub’s sword tip was resting against Huangbo Cheolwi’s neck, while Huangbo Cheolwi’s fist passed harmlessly by Gu Jeolyub’s cheek.

WAAAAH—!

The moment the match concluded, spectators erupted in cheers.

There was nothing that could ignite their hearts quite like a fierce duel.

“Was it that intense…?”

A match that shouldn’t even have been close ended up being called intense?

It wasn’t that precarious, was it? Unless perhaps Gu Jeolyub had had an easy victory.

“Eye-opening?”

Huangbo Cheolwi and Gu Jeolyub even shook hands afterward. What on earth was that?

‘What am I witnessing right now?’

The atmosphere orchestrated a surprisingly warm moment post-duel. Why was it so warm…?

Gu Jeolyub stepped down from the dueling stage.

Receiving attention, he displayed a somewhat proud yet annoying expression, then suddenly froze upon noticing me.

“Hey…”

As I called to him, he flinched slightly.

Yet, the expression of pride did not fade away.

“Looks like you’re feeling quite good. Your lips keep curling up towards the sky?”

“…Kugh, not at all.”

What’s there to not admit?

You… no, whatever, well done.

I nearly told him that he was barely scraping by but held back at the last moment.

Honestly, I hadn’t expected Gu Jeolyub to rise this far. Huangbo didn’t surprise me either.

“What brings the First Prince here…”

“I just passed by. Thought I’d see if any matches were left.”

“Ah…”

Gu Jeolyub nodded, clearly getting the gist.

It wasn’t wrong to say he had come to watch the remaining matches.

“Did you manage to see the end?”

“See what…?”

In a usual context, Gu Jeolyub would likely be too scared to bother talking, and I was taken aback by his inquiry.

It felt like a little excited comment given the way he was speaking.

“I managed to evade Huangbo’s vice, and then—”

“Oh… you know Huangbo’s martial arts?”

“…Yes? No, I mean, Huangbo-sohyeop was just shouting so—”

“…He speaks while using his techniques?”

Is he alright?

If that were the case, would he kindly announce something like, ‘I’m going to hit you from the left~’?

Imagining that massive figure intimidatingly making those announcements made my stomach turn.

“…Wait, you don’t also do the same, do you?”

“ ”

“Why can’t you answer? You little…”

“I didn’t, I swear!”

“There we go, if you had done that, it’d be a disgrace to the family name.”

“Why would you care if I used that…?”

“Because we share the same last name, kid… You’d be bringing shame to the family name, truly.”

No matter how immaturely reckless one might be, even they wouldn’t cross that line. Surely not using a martial technique and its name openly.

If that were the case, both the lineage and reputation would be completely ruined.

As I continued to groan in exasperation, Nangong Bi-ah subtly approached to inquire.

“Are you not watching anything else?”

“Anything else?”

Nangong Bi-ah pointed at something over there.

Clearly, the other dueling spots were where the sects were facing off.

“You don’t have to watch that.”

I wasn’t really interested.

Given that it was likely housing Nangong Cheonjun and Mo Yong-hee’s match.

Those two would likely move on, given how the match brackets looked.

Sure enough.

Before long, I heard the fate of the sect was decided.

In this narrow space, the gossip spread faster than the wind.

As expected, the two that rose to the next round were those fellows.

There was no surprise about that part.

Except for Tang Soyeol and Jang Seonyeon, nothing extraordinary occurred.

After finishing their respective group matches, a while later, the updated brackets were displayed.

“Oh…”

Upon checking the news, a gasp escaped my lips.

In the first match of the day.

– Nangong Clan’s Nangong Cheonjun vs. Mount Shan Clan’s Gu Yangcheong.

I didn’t know how it had turned out this way, but it felt like an interesting situation.

So much so that I couldn’t help but smile faintly as I looked at the brackets.

 

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