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“Grrrrgh!”

Yu Tan-Geom rolls on the floor.

“Urrrgh!!”

Holding his groin and twisting around seems a bit ugly, but no one dares to point it out.

At least, the men don’t.

“I heard a noise…”

“It definitely broke. No doubt about it.”

Who knew the sound would be so clear?

All that remains is for everyone to watch Yu Tan-Geom with pity on their faces.

“Ugh… ugh…”

He barely stops writhing and tries to adjust his posture, but his expression is grim, and cold sweat pours down.

“Th-this!!”

Seeing this, Gu Yangcheong says.

“Ah, my mistake. I intended to kick your thigh, my apologies, Senior.”

He speaks his apology with a face that looks absolutely unrepentant.

Upon hearing this, Yu Tan-Geom’s eyes turn bloodshot.

“You devil—!!”

“Then why did you play around like that, resulting in this mess…?”

Even as Yu Tan-Geom yells, Gu Yangcheong just shakes his head in response, showing no reaction.

Yu Tan-Geom, unable to hold back any longer, draws his sword.

Swish–!!

The thin blade glimmers in the world.

Following that, something vivid overlays it.

Strong energy.

A faint blue energy swirls around the tip of Yu Tan-Geom’s sword.

Although it looks a bit bizarre because he is holding his groin while emitting sword energy, those watching can’t help but admire.

“…Such beautiful sword energy…”

“That’s the Elegance of Yu Seon! Truly as beautiful as the rumors said.”

The Elegance of Yu Seon.

A direct martial art of Yoryeongbaekga, often mentioned when discussing beautiful martial arts as its flowing energy resembles stars drifting in the sky.

Swish-!

As the sword tip sways, the energy slowly begins to spread.

Despite the excruciating pain, his grip on the sword remains firm.

Unlike the scumbag he is, the youth appears calm.

“How dare… you use… demonic techniques!?”

“Demonic techniques?”

Gu Yangcheong tilts his head at Yu Tan-Geom’s words.

Demonic techniques?

The mention of demonic techniques caused a stir among those nearby.

“Demonic techniques, you say?”

“Did Yu Tan-Geom just call it demonic techniques?”

“Then, what just happened was caused by demonic techniques?”

The ripple effect of his outburst was quite significant.

This was proportional to Yu Tan-Geom’s reputation.

“Indeed. It is odd that such a young man managed to pull that off against Yu Tan-Geom…”

“Yet nothing about what just happened seemed particularly strange…? No, could no one even see it?”

For ordinary folks or even lower-tier martial artists, the speed was simply too fast for them to catch.

Only those of elite status would have been able to glimpse the recent events.

Those who had barely grasped the situation wore uncertain expressions.

It couldn’t be helped.

Who is Yu Tan-Geom?

One of the absolute masters among the top hundred in the Central Plains, renowned even beyond his significant woman troubles for his sword mastery.

Such a master in the Central Plains—

‘He lost to that young guy?’

It was unbelievable, even seeing it with their own eyes. How could one believe it?

It was an occurrence that could only be the result of demonic techniques.

“Hanam, using demonic techniques within the Martial Alliance…! It’s simply unimaginable unless one is insane!”

Yu Tan-Geom shouts and thrusts his sword at Gu Yangcheong.

Seeing the swirling energy, Gu Yangcheong breaks into a smirk.

“It’s been a while since I heard such words.”

Demonic techniques.

He used to hear it often back in the day, but recently, it felt like a breath of fresh air due to its rarity.

Well, after all.

‘We often killed before they could say such nonsense.’

Continuously dealing with those who chattered before they got the chance to speak, leaving no time for such phrases to pass.

With his characteristic gaze, Gu Yangcheong looks at Yu Tan-Geom.

“Keep going then. So? Where’s the demonic techniques in this?”

“Are you still trying to mock me!”

“No, it’s not mockery… Sigh…”

He tries to speak but ends up letting out a deep sigh.

Why is it that conversations always seem to break down to this level when it reaches this point?

“That’s enough. What kind of conversation is this? Let’s just get to it.”

As he steps forward, Gu Yangcheong scans the surroundings.

All eyes are glued to him.

A heavy sensation piles up on his head.

It felt stuffy and burdensome.

“…Now that I think about it, that young man…! I wondered who he was, but it’s So Yeomra.”

“What? So Yeomra?”

The name escapes like a curse, causing the crowd to sway like a tidal wave.

“I definitely saw it yesterday! Bi Seongdo acknowledging that young man.”

“Yesterday the Lesser Clan Leader caused quite a stir, didn’t he? Was that really true?”

As the conversation deepens, the gazes intensify.

Gu Yangcheong has always felt this way, but such interest was never welcomed.

The nausea of overwhelming attention washes over him.

But he had to endure it. A shallow regret flickered within.

‘Shouldn’t have stepped in.’

He originally had no intention of intervening, nor did he want to draw attention to himself.

The martial arts tournament hadn’t even started yet, and already such an incident occurred, making things troublesome later on.

He had intended to let things slide.

‘That bastard.’

If that scoundrel Yu Tan-Geom had just kept his mouth shut, none of this would have happened.

If he had handled it appropriately, he could’ve just passed when the Martial Alliance master obstructed, but how could he endure him running his mouth even further?

‘His looks annoy me too.’

Despite his horrible nature, he was quite good-looking.

Even for someone over forty, he was striking enough that one couldn’t help but think women would find him irresistible.

And that was all the more irritating.

Even when trying to handle things appropriately, things didn’t unfold as he wished.

As Gu Yangcheong kept walking, he heard a voice.

“Brat—! Do you think you can get away with this a second time?”

Yu Tan-Geom expressed his momentum and executed a move.

The blue sword energy sliced through, creating a pathway.

Swish—!!

It was a smooth and fresh sword path, displaying his level.

Gu Yangcheong made a slender movement as he examined the sword path.

Then he slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

The reason?

‘This guy’s scared.’

He detected a thin hesitation from Yu Tan-Geom’s sword trail.

‘He’s not completely foolish. Looks like he’s aware.’

As he prattles about demonic techniques, it seemed that in reality, his head isn’t solely filled with nonsense.

Fortunately, it seemed he had some sense remaining.

Yu Tan-Geom knew very well that what had just happened was not solely due to demonic techniques.

So, that hesitation in his sword tip was reasonable.

Watching this, Gu Yangcheong moved gracefully.

He subtly brushed against Yu Tan-Geom’s sword path while steadily closing the distance.

“This punk—!”

As attacks continuously failed, Yu Tan-Geom’s sword energy deepened a shade.

At that moment.

Boom—!!

Energy ripples exploded, rising into the air.

It resembled stars appearing in the broad daylight.

Seeing that, Gu Yangcheong’s eyes sparkled with interest.

‘Is it a similar category to the Plum Blossom Sword Technique?’

At first glance, it appeared to be that way. But diving deeper could lead to more revelations.

Hmm.

Opening his heart eye, he observed Yu Tan-Geom’s martial arts.

‘Based on what I see, it seems to have a bit of destructive power.’

Though it appears somewhat weak, the energy contained within was organized.

If that power were unleashed, it could sweep through this area.

Considering Yu Tan-Geom’s level…

‘He’s above Tang Soyeol in direct confrontations.’

If the assassin Tang Soyeol fought Yu Tan-Geom during the day, he would lose.

But at night…

‘That’s uncertain.’

Not knowing Tang Soyeol’s true capability, that part was hard to conclude.

But it was evident that Yu Tan-Geom’s reputation was not unfounded.

‘Should I preemptively give him a beating?’

If he flared up now, he could easily subdue Yu Tan-Geom.

So, should he half-kill this scoundrel?

While pondering this, Gu Yangcheong shook his head inwardly.

‘It’s too wasteful to reveal that much.’

Although he stepped in, he had clear boundaries set, and even if he refrained from igniting his energy now—

‘After all, someone else will step in.’

The character who would put an end to this incident was already prepared ahead of time.

Recalling that made Gu Yangcheong’s gaze shift somewhere.

Across the vast crowd, his perception shifts, and sure enough, he begins to feel it.

‘If I went this far, I ought to get some benefits.’

If he caused a commotion, he shouldn’t be left at a loss.

He intended to gain whatever he could.

Making that judgement, Gu Yangcheong fixated his gaze on Yu Tan-Geom.

Swish—!!

In the blink of an eye, Yu Tan-Geom’s sword path begins to accelerate.

Gu Yangcheong distanced himself.

Immediately, the blade followed like a ghost.

Along with it, the energy Yu Tan-Geom unleashed surged towards Gu Yangcheong.

It came pouring in.

A plethora of shattered energy poured onto Gu Yangcheong.

Thud, thud, thud—!!!

Energy began to sweep across the ground.

“Ugh!”

“Eek!”

The sudden explosion caused those nearby to scream.

Fortunately, those present manage to dodge without any harm, as it appears Yu Tan-Geom had adjusted that portion.

‘He must be scared.’

Though he seemed ready to fight, he knew very well there would be no benefit to him from making a scene in the Martial Alliance.

Swish—!

The tip of the sword brushes the edge of his hair.

Ducking away from the sword energy, Yu Tan-Geom relentlessly continued to swing his sword.

His martial arts were quite troublesome to contend with. It would have been very simple to push him away with pure energy, but being unable to do so presented more challenges.

But it is of no concern.

“Running away like a rat!”

After all, it’s not long now.

Boom—!

As Yu Tan-Geom thinks he’s pushing Gu Yangcheong back, he raises his momentum high.

With a thump!, he stomps down on the ground and launches his body forward in an instant.

The distance closes in the blink of an eye.

Actually, saying it was closing in would be inaccurate.

“It’s the end—!”

Yu Tan-Geom thrusts out his sword. The energy-laden blade rushes toward Gu Yangcheong’s upper body, who also slowly extends his hand.

Slower than the coming blade, but at the speed that it seemed their points would touch first.

Finally, just before the blade reaches Gu Yangcheong—

“Stop.”

Someone interjects between them.

Thud—!

“Huh!”

Both Yu Tan-Geom’s sword and Gu Yangcheong’s hand are simultaneously blocked.

Woooom—!!! The sound of the clashing swords rings loudly.

The blade of Yu Tan-Geom lets out a cry as it is caught between someone’s fingers.

The sword’s tip and Gu Yangcheong’s hand fail to connect.

“Seems you two forgot where you are for a moment.”

The chilling voice makes Yu Tan-Geom’s shoulders flinch.

In contrast, Gu Yangcheong lifts the corners of his mouth upon hearing that voice.

‘He’s finally here.’

Fortunately, he has arrived properly.

With a flourish.

A white martial robe flaps in the breeze.

Those witnessing the scene gasp in admiration.

“That, that person is…”

“…Sword Master Jin Ryung!”

A murmur of admiration spreads.

The entire area falls silent in an instant.

Wearing the white martial robe that symbolizes the Martial Alliance.

The presence of the elder, clad in it, silenced the crowd.

The elder glances at both youth with raised white eyebrows.

“Within the Martial Alliance, drawing weapons is prohibited, except during duels permitted by the Alliance.”

He speaks while looking at Yu Tan-Geom, whose hands are trembling.

“Furthermore, during the martial arts tournament, conflicts between martial artists are also prohibited.”

Sword Master Jin Ryung.

Also known as the First Sword of Hanam.

He is the one defending the Martial Alliance, being one of the true martial artists among the top ten in the current Central Plains.

‘Top ten masters of the Central Plains.’

He was one of the legendary figures.

As the elder’s words finish, his eyes glint sharply.

“According to the laws set by the Alliance, I shall arrest both of you for breaking them.”

“H-however!”

Yu Tan-Geom, now pale, tries to say something.

But as the elder’s sword-like gaze turns towards Yu Tan-Geom, the words vanish before they can escape.

“Are you resisting? Yu Tan-Geom.”

“…!”

At the weight of the question, Yu Tan-Geom’s lips tremble with fear.

“…I-I’m not….”

The one who once held his head high as a White-Grade Master now appeared as nothing more than a coward before the Sword Master.

As countless whispers had circled about him before, now only silence enveloped him before the Sword Master.

That is the presence of a top ten master.

Once Yu Tan-Geom shut his mouth with an expression of utter despair, the Sword Master then turns his gaze towards Gu Yangcheong.

Their eyes meet.

Gu Yangcheong immediately smiles brightly and says.

“Please go ahead and arrest me. I won’t resist or anything.”

“….”

For some unknown reason, the elder’s expression twists slightly, but Gu Yangcheong pays it no mind.

Neither does he care much about being arrested.

‘Even if I get taken away like this…’

I’ll be released soon anyway.

 

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