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Looking at the match bracket, the first thought that struck me was one thing.

‘Why did they do it like this?’

Why on earth did they create the bracket this way?

It was obvious to anyone that someone had tampered with the matchups.

I had realized this from the moment they added more people and altered the lineup.

Surely, they were up to something again.

I knew that much, but still—

‘Why?’

This bracket was beyond my expectations.

Tap. Tap.

I tapped my waist with my fingertips as I pondered.

What could the reason be?

‘Was Shin Ryong not supposed to face the Sword King?’

I was already aware of their manipulations.

The goal of this martial arts tournament was to match Shin Ryong against the Sword King. Whether it was the semifinals or the finals, that outcome was inevitable.

I had known that from the moment the Sword King decided to participate.

At the end, Shin Ryong would put on a good show and then be eliminated, while the Sword King would come out on top.

That was the scenario I anticipated.

‘The Sword King losing is impossible.’

It wasn’t about the realm or skill level.

‘The Meng won’t allow the Hebei Peng Clan to lose.’

The Peng Clan was one of the prestigious families supporting the Martial Alliance.

If their clan leader entered the tournament and lost, the damage to the Meng would be substantial.

‘From the very beginning, the Sword King surely entered with the agreement of the Martial Alliance.’

The Sword King wasn’t an idiot.

No, he might be, but it was simply illogical for a King-Ranked Martial Artist to enter a tournament like this.

What would he gain from fighting in a match that only brought him losses?

‘There must be something exchanged for his participation.’

It could have been good conditions.

Or it could have been a threat he had no choice but to comply with.

However, the crucial point was that the Sword King had shown up.

‘They likely intended to use that to elevate Shin Ryong.’

The plan was for Shin Ryong to display an impressive performance before ultimately losing.

It was meant to showcase that a Transformation Realm Martial Artist like Shin Ryong could indeed put up a fight against the Sword King.

That’s how I had thought it would go.

But then—

‘A twist has occurred.’

A twist had indeed occurred.

‘The Sword King has fallen.’

During the recent fight with Two Dragons, the Sword King’s standing was shattered.

It was his most humiliating victory in over ten years.

He had been toyed with by the late-stage talent, Two Dragons, screaming as he forfeited.

The slim grip he had maintained in the Central Plains was obliterated that day.

‘I doubt the Peng Clan is in turmoil right now.’

After witnessing the sparring, the upper houses must have started to distance themselves. Other houses must also be moving cautiously in response to the sudden shift.

Given this situation, it was unclear how the Meng would react to their disrupted plans.

Would they proceed as intended and match the Sword King against Shin Ryong, or would they use an alternative tactic?

I had no way of knowing, but—

‘I never expected it to turn out this way.’

To have me facing Shin Ryong at this point in the main round was utterly incomprehensible.

‘What could the reason be?’

Why, at this point, was I facing Shin Ryong?

This situation hadn’t been one of the variables I had considered.

After all—

‘The Meng must be trying to elevate Shin Ryong somehow.’

Even with the Sword King’s humiliating state, they still had things they needed to address.

They needed Shin Ryong to appear formidable, without it being too easy to finish him off.

If we exclude those who’d already shown off their strength in this tournament, like Tang Soyeol and a few others—

‘The only suitable candidates would probably be four or five people at best.’

If I were to pick those who showed even a modicum of skill, that was about all I could come up with.

And yet, I wasn’t among them.

Or—

‘Did they think I appeared weak? Is that why they paired me with him?’

It was entirely possible.

‘But that can’t be it. The Martial Alliance may be incompetent, but…’

How many times had I shown my strength?

I had caught the attention of both the Sword Sovereign and Geomseon. I had displayed my power in the sparring—no one would truly think that I was weak.

‘Rather, they would wonder…’

Just how strong am I?

‘With Pejon causing a stir, they’d probably be thinking harder about it.’

Only because of that reckless incident with Two Dragons had the anticipation and wariness regarding all late-stage talents increased.

Given such circumstances, matching me against Shin Ryong felt like a gamble.

A gamble where anything could happen.

‘Why would they take such a risk instead of opting for an easier path?’

From the Meng’s perspective, it was incomprehensible.

And that made it all the more puzzling.

‘What could their intent be?’

I quickly racked my brain.

An unknown variable.

To deal with this, I had to figure out their reasoning somehow.

While I was deep in thought, someone called out to me.

“Gu So-hyeob.”

“…!”

I turned my head at the sound calling my name.

A familiar face came into view.

Dressed in white martial robes, adorned with plum blossom embroidery, and possessing the unmistakable features of a handsome man from the Hwasan Sect.

“…Yeongpung.”

It was the Sword Dragon, Yeongpung.

“Ha ha! I hope you’ve been well!”

His cheerful approach was as lively as ever.

Ah… that kid. He’s grown even more handsome since we last met.

Not only was he better-looking, but I think he’s also taller. I’ve been struggling to gain inches all this time…

“…Yes, I’m the same as always.”

“I see. Oh, I conveyed my regards to Wi Seol-Ah, but… did you hear?”

“I did.”

I think I recall hearing that.

Seol-Ah mentioned talking about me with Yeongpung last time.

“I originally meant to meet you as soon as I arrived in Hanam, but… I got delayed due to some business.”

“It’s alright. It’s just a greeting. I didn’t even greet you first.”

I was also aware that the Hwasan Sect was in Hanam and that Yeongpung was participating in the tournament.

I hadn’t sought him out either, so there was no need to apologize.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, I noticed hesitance pass through Yeongpung’s expression.

“…And about that last incident…”

“Forget it.”

I immediately cut him off as he seemed poised to apologize for something.

He probably wanted to apologize again for whatever happened at Wudang.

“It’s fine, no need for apologies. I’ve already forgotten.”

Yeongpung probably didn’t hold onto that anger from when I received Gui Jeong, even though he seemed emotional back then.

‘He’d acted rather strangely then.’

Considering Yeongpung’s usual demeanor, it was understandable but also not something I held against him.

Since I said I wouldn’t take an apology, he momentarily bit his lip before saying—

“…Thank you.”

He voiced a light gratitude instead of an apology.

It wasn’t particularly necessary, but I decided to let it slide, as it was better than an apology.

“Ah, Sword Dragon.”

“Yes, Gu So-hyeob?”

“By any chance… have you heard any strange sounds at night? Like an old man’s angry voice or something?”

“Uh…?”

He looked at me as if to say, why would you ask something so strange.

“I think you might have asked about it before… ha ha. Not at all.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m not sure why, but don’t worry. I’m somewhat of a sage myself, so if anything like that happens, I can deal with it immediately.”

Oh… you really shouldn’t be doing that.

Yeongpung teased back, and my heart dropped slightly.

‘What will you do if you banish your ancestor?’

That would be a huge issue.

Though he might not be directly related to me, that idea still felt rather perverse.

‘Anyway, it seems he doesn’t hear any voices.’

Even though Yeongpung had become the successor of the Hwasan Sword God, it seemed he wasn’t hearing voices like I did.

Having thought of Noya after a long time brought back memories from the North Sea.

‘Didn’t I say I was the reincarnation of Noya?’

Indeed, in terms of the physical body.

Nangong Ming had said so through Woo Hyeok’s body.

‘…’

Suddenly, that thought made me feel a bit repulsed.

‘You’re telling me that vile old man is my previous life?’

That was far too disgusting.

“Gu So-hyeob? What’s wrong? Your expression…”

“Nothing. I just suddenly remembered something unpleasant.”

“Ah… really?”

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, so I quickly shook my head.

“Anyway, moving on… how is she doing?”

I brought up another topic to change the mood.

“Who… are you referring to?”

“My sister.”

“Oh, you mean Sa-Oh?”

The younger sister who stayed back in Hwasan.

As I inquired about Gu Ryeonghwa, Yeongpung laughed, looking a bit flustered.

They must have come together, but…?

“She should be back at the residence. She seems a little… upset.”

“Upset?”

“Um… I think it might not have been the best thing that I didn’t come looking for you.”

“Ha.”

I burst into a short laugh at that.

“That’s funny. She didn’t look for me either.”

Even though I’ve been here for a few days, Gu Ryeonghwa hadn’t come to see me either.

It had been quite some time, but why was she upset?

“…I tried to convey that, but Sa-Oh said she couldn’t just come here…”

“…Hmm?”

What do you mean she couldn’t come here? Just walk over…

‘Ah.’

I suddenly halted as the realization struck me.

‘It’s because of Lady Mi.’

Lady Mi.

Since she held the residence nearby, it seemed Gu Ryeonghwa did not want to come here.

‘That makes sense.’

Lady Mi and Gu Ryeonghwa have never seen eye to eye.

I had momentarily forgotten that.

‘Oh dear…’

It seems I truly need to pay her a visit.

I clicked my tongue as I noticed Yeongpung wearing a soft expression.

“I may have caused you inconvenience with my words.”

“It’s not like that. It’s just that she’s angry with me, so it isn’t your fault.”

I had just momentarily forgotten something I should have remembered.

When that thought crossed my mind, my mood soured.

Holding back a sigh, I turned to Yeongpung.

“…Could you tell her I’ll visit within three days?”

“I’ll be sure to deliver that message.”

“Thank you.”

I expressed my gratitude and awkwardly scratched my cheek.

I didn’t want to suddenly play the role of an older brother, but…

‘Still, I should be considerate.’

I couldn’t entirely brush it off.

While the lingering bittersweet feeling made me want to savor it further—

“Regardless, it was a conversation I had long anticipated, and I enjoyed it.”

Yeongpung suddenly concluded the conversation.

“Are you leaving?”

“Yes. Though it’s unfortunate, I think this is enough for now.”

Having finished his business, Yeongpung also carefully prepared to take his leave.

With a serious tone, he addressed me.

“Let’s be sure to discuss the rest… on the sparring stage.”

I couldn’t help but smile at that statement.

‘Is this a declaration of war?’

Until we meet again, I intend to hold my ground and win.

That meaning was conveyed clearly.

“Yes. Well… I will look forward to it.”

If you can, show me what you’ve got.

I certainly wouldn’t stop him.

I had pulled the same trick before.

To draw Yeongpung out from his well, I would continue to remain an unscalable wall.

That mindset hasn’t changed at all.

Let’s see if you can surpass me. I had that same feeling toward Yeongpung.

‘Thanks to this, I’ll be fine, won’t I?’

After finishing our greetings, Yeongpung turned to leave.

I watched his back with a strange expression.

‘He’s gotten strong.’

Yeongpung had clearly grown much stronger since the last time I saw him a few months ago.

I couldn’t quite tell if it was because he entered the Transformation Realm or not, but he certainly had an ambiguous aura about him.

‘Hmm.’

As I stared at him, I turned to my side.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

At my call, someone raised their head.

It was Bong-Soon, who had been dozing off against a pole.

Seeing the drool dripping from her mouth made me feel a mix of disgust and exasperation.

She looked pretty decent, but her current state was just terrible…

“How is it?”

“What is it…?”

“Speak clearly. It’s annoying to hear you mumble.”

“What is it?”

“Like that kid. What do you think?”

I gestured towards Yeongpung, who was moving away, as Bong-Soon watched him with interest.

Then—

“Oh.”

She let out a short exclamation.

“Super strong!”

“That’s obvious, you idiot.”

“Then?”

“Do you think you can beat him? He’s your opponent, you know?”

“Hmm.”

She was set to fight against the Sword Dragon in this tournament.

Only now did she seem to take a more serious look as she regarded Yeongpung.

Quietly. Then silently.

After staring for a while, Bong-Soon turned to me with a somewhat dazed expression.

“Can I kill him?”

“No.”

I answered immediately.

Upon hearing my response, Bong-Soon nodded and said.

“Then I don’t know. It seems vague.”

Bong-Soon had a knack for self-objectivity.

If she felt that way, then that was probably the case.

But I decided to ask differently.

“Then, what if you could kill him?”

What would happen if you could kill him? I asked her that.

“If I can…”

Her dazed expression transformed, and emotion sparked in her eyes.

As she broke into a broad smile, the way she grinned was—

“I’ll win.”

It was a smile that sent chills down my spine.

 

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