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“Here’s your neck token.”

I accepted the neck token handed to me by the martial artist of the alliance.

As I returned the one I had, they stamped it with an imprint.

Clearly marked on the token was the number seventeen.

“Hmm.”

It seems they’re giving each participant a number.

I wonder how many people there are in total.

“Probably just over two hundred.”

Since the preliminary rounds spanned three days, that seems about right.

“So, they’ve gathered at least a hundred peak-level experts…”

It was indeed an absurd number.

It’s hard to find a peak-level martial artist anywhere, yet they’ve gathered hundreds of them.

“I think I’ve only seen this many when I dominated Sichuan in my previous life.”

Unless it was when everyone first assembled to capture the Heavenly Demon.

That timeline seems accurate.

It was when martial artists from all sects converged.

“Though they were all swept away by the Heavenly Demon’s influence.”

The fact that this fleeting thought arose while surrounded by martial artists is something I find quite strange.

“What’s your number, Prince?”

“Seventeen. What about you?”

“I’m number sixty-eight!”

“I’m ninety-one!”

Each of us had different numbers.

Was there a rule beyond just sequential numbering?

Or is it completely random?

If there is a rule, what was the intent behind it?

Thoughts flickered through my mind.

“Tsk.”

Amidst my contemplation, I clicked my tongue.

Now I’m even suspicious about the number assigned to me.

How ridiculous! Am I being overly paranoid at this point?

I felt the need to be careful.

To clear my mind, I briefly scanned the surroundings.

It was already loud everywhere.

“Ugh, I need to figure out some kind of method.”

“Damn it. I can’t go back home like this…”

As numbers for the match brackets were assigned, the noise around intensified.

Most of the people were trembling with anxiety.

Those who had met favorable opponents remained relatively calm, while the others often expressed their reactions.

“Damn it! A six-fold technique…He’s just about in the Transformation Realm! How am I supposed to win against him?”

“…My spear style doesn’t match well against him. Is there any way to overcome this…?”

“If I lose and go home like this… the clan will…”

They were truly a sorry sight.

‘What a bunch of dropouts.’

They had already resigned to defeat.

Not even a six-fold technique and they were in such a state.

‘What’s with these youngsters these days?’

Why do they jump to thinking they’ll lose without even trying?

I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

If that’s the case, they shouldn’t even bother to participate. What’s the point of being at the peak if they’re like this?

I sighed as I watched the deteriorating spirits around me.

‘…Not that it’s completely incomprehensible.’

The preliminaries were over, and now we were heading to the main event.

Though calling it a main event feels wrong with so many participants, it meant that from now on,

“Martial arts sparring stages will have spectators!”

Unlike the private rounds, the main event would allow spectators.

For this, the Martial Alliance had constructed an enormous sparring stage within their premises.

The upper houses are fully funding it.

With incredible rewards on the line, efforts were invested to resurrect the legendary sword team, the Divine Dragon, to stabilize the alliance’s shaken position.

This meant that the value of this martial arts tournament was unprecedented in history.

To be eliminated right at the start of such an event, especially with countless spectators and the greatest clan heads in the Central Plains watching,

That alone would be an immense pressure.

“Hmmm.”

Honestly, I can predict the reason for their worry.

But as someone who doesn’t really care about others’ gazes or defeat, it didn’t concern me much.

“I’m not planning on losing anyway.”

I shifted my gaze around.

Setting my focus on those who appeared resolute rather than the gloomy faces.

“Hmmm…”

There were several proficient peak-level martial artists and a few close to the Transformation Realm.

Some had already surpassed that level.

What’s surprising is,

“They’re hiding their momentum.”

Some were concealing their levels.

“Are they at Elder level?”

It seemed like there were individuals from prestigious families or distinguished backgrounds.

The world is indeed vast; hidden power is far more numerous than I had thought.

As I curiously observed the surroundings,

“Woo Hyeok.”

“Hmm?”

I felt gazes on me from several directions.

It wasn’t just one gaze; multiple pairs were scanning me.

“What gives?”

Why am I attracting so much attention?

Pretending not to notice, I slightly expanded my qi perception.

As soon as I did, the gazes vanished.

“See that?”

They must have sensed me attempting to broaden my perception and withdrew their gazes instinctively.

I doubted they could actually feel it; it was likely just their instincts.

“Hmmm.”

It’s not unusual to check someone out, but being simultaneously stared at was peculiar.

What was the sudden interest? I pondered for a moment and then recalled a possible reason.

“Was it because of the prelims?”

Perhaps I attracted attention by being a bit too flashy during the preliminaries.

The issue is,

“Didn’t they say they wouldn’t reveal the Golden Binding?”

Only those who fought alongside me would know what I had done.

“Hmmm.”

Who could it be?

It was hard to pinpoint amidst such a large number of people.

For now, I could only acknowledge that someone was watching me.

“How long will the main event take?”

With so many participants, it might progress over two days even if it wasn’t as long as the preliminaries.

I don’t know exactly how long this martial arts tournament will last, but considering the condition of the martial artists, I doubt they’ll hold two match-ups a day.

“That means it should wrap up in about ten days.”

Though it sounds lengthy, it was just the right amount of time for me.

After all, they said the Heavenly Demon’s great lord was also preparing.

“I have to find the right moment.”

It was a complicated plan, and I had to find the perfect time to execute it.

Just as I was organizing my thoughts,

“Those from number one to fifty, please get ready!”

A voice came from the exit.

Have they finished preparing already?

Hearing that, I stood up.

“I’ll be off.”

“Be careful!”

“Take care!”

The two waved me off.

I chuckled softly at their farewells as I walked away.

Along with me, fifty participants moved together.

Most had expressions filled with despair, looking as if they were being dragged to a slaughterhouse.

“Geez.”

I had to suppress a laugh at their expressions.

“Wait, it’s not like the real competition has even started yet. To be this anxious on the first day.”

Neither the members of the Gu Paibang nor those of noble birth were participating on the first day.

They must have sorted them out separately.

They likely only planned to showcase a few notable figures for the first day’s excitement.

They needed to tease the audience to keep their interest alive.

However, they probably wouldn’t have picked up on those with hidden skills among the group.

-Therefore, at this gathering…

As we walked, voices began to echo from a distance.

From the looks of it, it was someone stirring up the crowd with bets mixed in.

-“…And the disturbance that fell upon the Central Plains, the Martial Alliance shall take hold…”

If you listen closely, it was Geomseon’s voice.

He was likely addressing the crowd outside.

-“…So, I earnestly request that you welcome those celebrating this festival with great cheers!”

As we reached the entrance, his voice dramatically increased in volume.

As the martial artist of the alliance pulled open the gates,

-“Now! Allow me to introduce the key figures who will lead the righteous factions!”

As the doors swung open,

-“Waaaaaah—!!!”

An incredible roar erupted.

-“Waaaaaah—!!!”

Countless spectators filled the stands, all filled with excitement and cheering.

The sound washed over me, sending a tingle through my skin.

When was the last time I heard such cheers?

“Though I’d been feeling a bit hesitant on the first day…”

I had viewed it as a mere showcase of nobodies.

Honestly, I had thought it would just be like this up until now, yet the cheers felt like a sensation I might only experience on the first day.

The only question I had was,

“If they’re doing this, why not call everyone at once?”

Wouldn’t it make more sense to gather everyone and create a real spectacle?

Only calling fifty initially and showing this felt like an opportunity lost.

Furthermore,

“I guess I’m not quite mature yet.”

I sighed slightly, stroking my arm as I smiled.

Cheers.

That massive shout ignited an unexpected fire within me.

I thought for sure I wouldn’t fall for something like that.

Perhaps because it was a sensation I hadn’t felt or heard in ages, it shook me for a moment.

“Don’t get carried away.”

Those cheers aren’t for me,

And I’m not walking this path for their applause.

I had to keep reminding myself.

Calming my breathing and tempering my emotions,

“Remember what I need to do.”

I must not forget.

Resolutely, I reaffirmed my resolve.

Just as I was narrowing my eyes, the final words echoed out from ahead.

“Now, let the Shinryong Martial Arts Tournament begin!”

With Geomseon’s declaration, a wave of cheers erupted once more.

Waaaaah—!!

Thus began the cursed martial arts tournament.

 

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