---

Chapter 7: The Arena of the Gods

A massive pavilion was prepared on the left side of the Martial Arts Tournament.

It was constructed so that one could overlook the sparring stage in its entirety.

This place was a reserved spot from the Alliance. Each influential figure from the Central Plains was gathered, led by the Alliance Leader.

“Ugh…”

Among them, the clan leader of the Hundred Families, Xu Shoujian Baek Yu-jeok, let out a long sigh.

At the same time, he wiped his arm.

His skin felt prickly, making it impossible to sit still.

“…I have nothing to say.”

There were no words to express. The current situation demanded nothing less.

What could one possibly say after witnessing that?

<Ka-boom!!!>

It roared.

A massive whirlwind pressed down, ready to engulf everything around.

It swept the surroundings with a ferocity as if it wanted to consume everything.

<Crash!>

Sounds of destruction echoed from everywhere.

Just watching it made his body tense.

His lower dantian was activating his physical body uncontrollably.

‘…All of this is composed of energy.’

The wind was no natural phenomenon.

It resembled nothing less than a calamity solely produced by one’s energy.

It was rough and merciless.

How could such a ferocious power be unleashed?

As Baek Yu-jeok restrained his trembling, a voice echoed nearby.

“Hoho. Quite a spectacle, isn’t it?”

“…!”

Baek Yu-jeok jolted at the unexpected voice.

The elder who spoke to him was not an ordinary person.

He was the Sect Leader of Hwasan, an influential figure in the Central Plains, and a prominent master of the Seven Iron Souls.

Maehwa Seon Dohwa had approached Baek Yu-jeok.

Flustered, he tried to assume a posture of submission.

“…I’m honored to meet the Sect Leader of Hwasan…”

“There’s no need for such formalities, Baek Clan Leader.”

Maehwa Seon gracefully dismissed Baek Yu-jeok’s attempt at submission, making him shiver upon hearing that the elder knew him.

“You know… me?”

“How could I not? I’ve had a few conversations with your father. A truly warm-hearted individual. Seeing you grow like this brings me a sense of pride.”

Though he had only brushed past the elder a few times as a child, Maehwa Seon remembered Baek Yu-jeok.

“I just thought it’d be nice to chat, but if it’s inconvenient for you…”

“Not at all…! How could I…?”

“Hoho.”

In the somber atmosphere, a hint of floral fragrance lingered in the air.

An immortal.

Indeed, the members of Hwasan sect revered him as the most respected Sect Leader, aside from the Hwasan Sword God…

“Ugh, that foolish kid. Promised to behave and now he’s acting out… tsk tsk.”

…Huh?

“I won the bet, so that brat should treat us to drinks, isn’t that right? Hehe.”

“…The Sect Leader…?”

“Oh, pardon me. I got a bit carried away seeing such a familiar face.”

Did he mishear?

Baek Yu-jeok nodded, thinking so.

That would be impossible.

A figure as close to the immortal as Maehwa Seon wouldn’t make foolish comments like that.

He itched to think it was merely delusions brought on by the shocking scene before him.

Baek Yu-jeok decided that.

‘…Is it the shock?’

Yes, shock it was.

A sight perhaps unforgettable for a lifetime.

He continued to brush his goosebump-inducing arms.

And this was not only Baek Yu-jeok.

Most of those gathered shared the same situation.

“Was that something from the Bi Clan?”

“Seo Anbi, was it?”

“Age-wise, do we have info on potential fiancées…?”

Though looking silent, they were moving quickly.

Those were all prominent figures of the upper house, and those who bore pale expressions with trembling eyes were martial artists like Baek Yu-jeok.

All were as stiff as stones.

As if they had seen something they shouldn’t have, their faces were filled with shock.

He understood.

That was shock and calamity.

Every martial artist would think the same.

‘…So Yeomra, along with the Sword Dragon and Shin Ryong. Also, the Sword Moonblade.’

Late-stage talents or perhaps those who belonged to that age bracket.

Even when they had entered the Martial Arts Tournament, no one had anticipated such a sight.

Late-stage talents were just that.

Though they may shine in the Dragon Meeting, this tournament hosted by the Alliance was different.

Peak period.

Meaning that martial artists passing adulthood and the chaos of life would be participating.

If the late-stage talents were to lead the future of the Central Plains…

They were the very protagonists who would steer the current affairs of it.

Fighting didn’t merely consist of those who barely crossed adulthood.

For certain, it was widely judged as a great mountain they could never surpass.

They believed so without a doubt.

Yet…

Thud thud thud…

What lay before them could hardly be described.

Ah, yes.

Words failed him.

The duel the Sword King would unfold. The martial artists within the pavilion bore no particular expectations.

Given that it was a duel of powerful martial artists, they had their anticipations.

Yet considering the opponent was a late-stage talent, they had thought the Sword King wouldn’t show much of his might.

It would probably end in a dull manner.

Everyone had thought so.

“…”

They were left speechless upon witnessing the reality.

The Sword King was utterly at the mercy of the late-stage talent.

An unfathomable turn of events was unfolding—one they could never have imagined.

No, it was far worse than that.

Manipulated, the Sword King was toyed with.

Every move was blocked, every breath controlled.

None of his movements proceeded without the opponent’s permission.

What could be more humiliating for a martial artist?

Especially being subjected to such a disdainful display by someone much junior.

‘That’s akin to societal annihilation.’

Especially since the leader of the Peng Clan faced such humiliation…

Baek Yu-jeok turned his gaze towards the back.

Where the leaders of the greater clans were seated.

“…At this rate, we need to revise the ratios.”

“Perhaps it would be wise to send word to the Hebei branch.”

“How will the Danju of Geumcheon handle today’s events…?”

True to expectations, discussions began to arise swiftly.

Just like how martial artists valued strength and fame.

Those in the upper echelon also felt the same.

The fame of martial artists mattered to the clan leaders.

If that wavered, the investments they had made would also fluctuate.

‘How terrifying.’

Baek Yu-jeok began to comprehend why the clan leaders were hesitant to participate in the tournament.

At that moment.

“What a complete mess you’ve made.”

Another figure appeared.

An elderly man with a bent back.

Clad in ragged clothing, he emanated an unpleasant odor. This was perhaps optimistic wording; in truth, it was foul.

Yet, Baek Yu-jeok couldn’t reveal any distaste.

‘…This is bad.’

In the pavilion organized by the Alliance.

How many could come dressed like that?

At least to Baek Yu-jeok, there was only one person.

‘The Beggar Clan’s leader.’

The leader of the beggar community scattered all over the Central Plains, known as the eyes and ears of the Alliance.

Woo Bongchwigae Baek Do.

The identity of the elder was surely that.

As the old man approached, Maehwa Seon’s eyebrows trembled slightly.

“Baek Do. You reek more today than usual. Did you roll around in a pigsty?”

“Hmph, did you expect a beggar to smell pleasant? The first greeting after a long time is a real disgrace.”

“I merely meant you should try bathing now and then.”

“A beggar, how the fluff could I wash? There isn’t even drinking water, let alone bathwater.”

“Is the river poisonous? The world’s a sea of water.”

“I think the floral scent is making my senses dance; you should wash yourself more often, Dohwa.”

“…”

What kind of conversation was that?

Baek Yu-jeok couldn’t bring himself to say a word.

Was that really how the leaders of the Gu Paibang spoke?

After more rough banter between the two elders, their gazes suddenly shifted back to the sparring stage.

The whirlwind was still raging on the stage.

“If we’re going to chatter like that, why did we keep our mouths shut?”

Woo Bongchwigae exclaimed, flicking his tongue.

“If you didn’t listen, I’d wipe every beggar in the country off the map, yet here we are chatting. It’s rather troublesome.”

“I find it more astonishing you actually kept quiet upon hearing that.”

“Because unlike others, I have to keep my word.”

If he would wipe out all the beggars in the country, then he would. The beast of Mount Shan may prioritize duty over feelings, though.

He was no monster.

No matter how many teeth he may have lost, his true nature never changed.

In terms of danger, he was far more perilous.

If angered, one couldn’t predict his actions.

Should he wish, he could even switch sides to the Demonic Faction.

Woo Bongchwigae was painfully aware of this truth.

“Thanks to that, I may soon be summoned by the Alliance Leader. That’s my problem.”

Woo Bongchwigae casually shifted his gaze.

In the center of the pavilion stood the Alliance Leader Geomseon and the Sword Sovereign.

Geomseon was watching the tournament while casting a glaring gaze towards Woo Bongchwigae.

It appeared the rumor mill churned abuzz.

“Cough.”

He almost swallowed his own spit as he chewed over that intense gaze.

“Seems I’m in trouble.”

It seemed he had sensed something.

Should he hide for a while to avoid those eyes? For a split second, he pondered, but that wasn’t an option.

It wasn’t just Geomseon who was taking note.

The Sword Sovereign too was glancing meaningfully at the leader.

With those piercing gazes upon him, Woo Bongchwigae whispered quietly.

“Dohwa.”

“Yes?”

“We’re friends, right?”

“Hoho. Of course not.”

“What a heartless guy. Without a moment of hesitation.”

Maehwa Seon chuckled, and Woo Bongchwigae shook his head in disbelief.

Indeed, he had no expectations of that lot.

“Tsk.”

He could only wish.

Hoping for no more troublesome incidents to arise. That was all.

Whoosh…

The fierce winds gradually calmed down.

The tempest that had been raging suddenly fell still.

It was a display making it clear that the wind was wholly governed by the caster’s will.

As the bet dissipated into the void, the thick dust settled.

The sparring arena was fully revealed.

“…”

“…That’s…!”

The martial artists in the pavilion had to swallow their breaths upon seeing the scene.

A veritable disaster.

The sparring stage bore marks as if giant claws had slashed through it.

The arena, crafted from rare materials, had lost its original shape completely.

The macabre sight seemed beyond the capability of any single human’s making.

Yet shockingly, two spots remained remarkably intact upon the sparring stage.

One was the space where the Two Dragons stood.

It seemed he executed his martial arts without moving an inch.

His platform remained unscathed.

And the other…

Was the position of the Sword King.

Just a few steps away from the Two Dragons.

“…Huff…huff…huff…”

There, he was doubled over.

His sword was nowhere to be seen, and he was dripping with cold sweat.

The astonishing point was that the Sword King bore not a single wound upon his body.

While everything around had been utterly ravaged, he remained unharmed.

How should one rationalize such an absurd state?

The Sword King appeared to be staring death in the face.

His expression was filled with faint fear and drenched in sweat.

His former bravado had completely faded.

It was survival instinct surpassing anger, unable to comprehend the situation or even gather his scattered senses.

Was it that overwhelming a spectacle?

Baek Yu-jeok was convinced.

‘…The Sword King lost.’

This was clear: the Sword King had been defeated.

It was evident to anyone witnessing this.

The Sword King, one of the Six Seats, had been bested by a late-stage talent from the Bi Clan.

Silence loomed among the martial artists in the pavilion.

The leaders of the upper house were busily checking on the branches of Seo An.

How many offspring did the Baek Clan Leader have? Did the Two Dragons have a female? They were rolling their minds for information.

Among the Six Dragons Three Peaks.

The one usually overlooked was indeed the Two Dragons.

And his worth began to shoot through the roofs.

It certainly wasn’t solely the clan leaders who thought this way.

Most of the martial artists standing here were likely grappling with the same thoughts.

What if it were them?

Or anyone else here…

‘Could I have defeated the Two Dragons?’

Could they really win against that seemingly delicate and elegant martial artist?

There were no assured answers.

What stood before them defied description.

There lay a being that could only be called monstrous.

Shin Ryong and the Sword Moonblade were left agape.

The Two Dragons provoked numbness. Just witnessing him felt so bleak, it might evoke the evil spirit.

There weren’t even words to describe it.

Just questions remained.

Why on earth did the Two Dragons not strike at the Sword King?

Why had he left him practically unharmed?

Was it some sort of consideration?

A youthful naivete blooming in his heart?

If so, there would be no semblance of decorum for one on a martial artist’s path.

As thoughts spiraled through him, suddenly…

“Could it be…?”

“Hohoho.”

The two elders from Gu Paibang reacted.

Woo Bongchwigae’s mouth slightly parted in surprise.

Maehwa Seon smiled leisurely.

What was causing that reaction?

The moment Baek Yu-jeok squinted his eyes.

“Hmm.”

The Two Dragons cast a glance at the Sword King and then turned away towards somewhere.

Initially, it was to the stands.

While looking at that spot, he smiled slowly.

For some inexplicable reason, Baek Yu-jeok felt a chill course through him at that smile.

A wave of unwarranted fear washed over him.

To where was he smiling?

As doubt crept in.

The Two Dragons turned to face the judge.

The judge had not dared to step in, looking up at him from below the stage.

The Two Dragons spoke.

“I forfeit.”

‘Huh?’

What was that?

Was it an auditory hallucination?

Baek Yu-jeok hardened like stone upon hearing that strange statement.

But that was no delusion.

The judge wore the same expression as Baek Yu-jeok.

“I forfeit.”

The Two Dragons reiterated.

At that moment, everyone wore the same bewildered expression.

And in that instant.

“Whoa. That nutjob… what on earth should we do now?”

“…His body may have grown stiff, but his brain has turned young. Hoho, he’s acting like Gu Ryoon now.”

“…Dohwa, aren’t you being a bit harsh there?”

Woo Bongchwigae and Maehwa Seon exchanged remarks in disbelief.

However, their voices did not reach Baek Yu-jeok nor the surrounding martial artists.

Such was the weight of the shock.

The Two Dragons, who had defeated the Sword Monarch, declared a forfeit.

The Sword King, who had lost to the Two Dragons, was proclaimed the victor.

It was the most disgraceful victory that would echo throughout the history of the Central Plains.

 

---