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As time passed, the sun began to set.

The lanterns in Hanam flickered to life, casting light in preparation for the night.

Normally, it would be the time for people to head home or enter stalls, but the streets were overflowing with crowds.

Since the Martial Arts Tournament had begun, this was a common sight, but today, there seemed to be an unusually large number of people.

Especially from the Martial Alliance.

Beyond the spectator stands where the tournament was held, more people were gathered.

The reason for this was simple.

“Soon, it’ll be his turn, right?”

“Indeed. In a bit, it’ll be Shin Ryong’s turn.”

“Ah… If only I could get a little closer, I’d have no regrets.”

Right now, they were all there for Shin Ryong’s sparring match.

It was hard to believe that so many would gather just to watch a martial artist’s duel.

But having heard the rumors circulating in Hanam, it made sense.

Shin Ryong, the hope of Shaolin and the peak of the Six Dragons’ Triad.

He had successfully proven his worth in the duel with the Sword Moonblade.

He showcased what it meant to be the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist and clearly demonstrated his own value.

At just a tender age.

His presence was so overwhelming that it was hard to claim he was merely transitioning from youth to young adulthood.

Because of him, another title arose to call Shin Ryong.

The future number one in the world.

Or rather, the potential to become the number one in the world.

In the current Central Plains — no, at least in Hanam, that was the value Shin Ryong possessed.

Although not now, one could be certain that he would someday be at the top, representing the Late-Stage Talents.

Shin Ryong’s value was indeed that great.

The name of the Future Number One was enough to gather such an enormous crowd.

“Is Shin Ryong really that amazing?”

As a man beyond the stands voiced his doubts, someone next to him seized the chance to reply.

“What? Haven’t you heard the rumors?”

“I have, and that’s why I’m asking. Can you really trust rumors…?”

“I assure you, the rumors are an understatement.”

“What… Does that even make sense? They say he used the Hundred Steps Divine Power. Can a Late-Stage Talent really do that?”

The Hundred Steps Divine Power.

An essential technique within Shaolin’s arsenal, known for being able to cover distances greater than a hundred steps.

It was said that only a handful of martial artists in Shaolin could even use it.

So, the fact that a mere Late-Stage Talent was said to have used it was hard to accept.

“Ha.”

The owner of the Winsome Inn, Cheon, burst into laughter at Zhang’s skepticism.

“This is why talking to someone who hasn’t seen the Martial Arts Tournament is pointless.”

“…You can’t just brag about seeing one tournament.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You can’t even believe the Hundred Steps Divine Power.”

“Just ‘only’?”

Zhang’s eyes widened at Cheon’s words.

“Just ‘only’? How is the Hundred Steps Divine Power ‘just’ anything?”

“Anyone who has seen the tournament would tell you that’s the case.”

As Cheon casually approached Zhang,

“Don’t be shocked. Shin Ryong didn’t just use the Hundred Steps Divine Power… But even the Hwang Ah Gangram.”

“…What? The Hwang Ah Gangram!?”

Zhang gasped in surprise at Cheon’s statement.

“What’s that?”

“…”

“Wait, are you really that clueless…?”

Cheon cleared his throat with an awkward chuckle.

“Disappointing. Can you really not know about Shaolin’s Hwang Ah Gangram…?”

“I’m not from Shaolin…. How could I possibly know all their techniques?”

Sure, the Hundred Steps Divine Power was famous enough, but the Hwang Ah Gangram?

Zhang couldn’t recall what it was no matter how hard he tried.

That was to be expected.

If only a few in Shaolin could use the Hundred Steps Divine Power, the Hwang Ah Gangram would be far rarer still.

Shaolin’s secret technique could only be wielded by those who have reached enlightenment in cultivation.

Encrusted with the teachings of the invincible, it manifests as a suit of armor made of golden light.

An impenetrable armor, so strong people say it’s unbreakable, known as the Solid Gold Body.

The undefeated martial skill.

That was Shaolin’s Hwang Ah Gangram.

“…You’re telling me Shin Ryong used that?”

At such a young age, using what many would dream of.

That’s why he was called the top talent in the world.

“If that rumor is true… it makes sense that there’d be this many people gathered.”

“I’m just hopeful. I’m wondering if he’ll show it in this spar too.”

Shin Ryong, radiating a golden shine, was more dazzling than anyone else.

There were only a few martial artists in Shaolin who could wield the Hwang Ah Gangram today.

In fact, there might even be less, and with so few chances to see Shaolin’s martial arts, many people eagerly came to witness it.

“Now that you mention it, I do feel quite the anticipation.”

“Right? I knew you’d feel that way.”

“However, he has to actually show it for us to see it, right?”

If only we could see it… but there was one thing that worried me.

As mentioned earlier, it wasn’t a matter of wanting to see; it was about the power to do so.

“Moreover, I heard Shin Ryong is actually injured.”

During the last main round.

The battles were extremely fierce back then.

As Shin Ryong’s value grew, so did the fame of the person he fought.

Sword Moonblade Wi Seol-Ah.

The number one among the Three Eminent Beings.

She showcased her strength against Shin Ryong, who had reached the Transformation Realm, and though she ultimately lost, she managed to inflict a significant wound on him.

Her Moonlight Sword Dance was a remarkably distinctive technique, well-known in its own right, proving her as the successor to the Sword Sovereign.

Not to mention, considering she didn’t back down in the face of Shin Ryong’s overwhelming power…

“The future of the Central Plains looks bright.”

Cheon’s proud expression earned a nod from Zhang.

“…That seems to be the case. And with the Sword Moonblade showing up, perhaps… the Sword Sovereign will make his appearance again.”

“Hmm? Why bring up the Sword Sovereign here?”

“I can’t say for sure about the future of the Central Plains, but it’s rather dark right now. If he were to show up again… I’d feel a bit at ease.”

“Dark? Man, this is the brightest it’s been in a while!”

Zhang managed a pained smile at Cheon’s words.

Bright… Can it really be that bright?

‘We’re barely holding off the Red Demon Beast… What’s so bright about this?’

It was true that people were happy because of the grand festival held — but calling this time bright was a lie.

Right now, it was a crisis, and Zhang was well aware of that.

“With the Sword Sovereign present, what’s there to worry about? Just enjoy the moment.”

“…You’re right…”

Saying this wouldn’t earn him any acknowledgment.

Perhaps his thoughts were misguided.

So, he nodded vaguely, trying to change the subject.

“Oh right, who’s Shin Ryong’s opponent?”

It was clear why the crowd was gathering for Shin Ryong, but who could his opponent be?

Curious, he asked, and Cheon gave a strange expression.

“Well… I heard it’s someone from the Gu Clan.”

“The Gu Clan? You mean the Mount Shan Clan?”

“Correct. The renowned clan of heroes.”

“If he’s from the Gu Clan… it’s not Geomseon, then. Ah.”

Zhang recalled.

He had heard it somewhere.

On the first or second day, it was said that a child from the Gu Clan had taken down a Transformation Realm martial artist in one strike.

Their nickname was probably…

“So Yeomra.”

So Yeomra Gu Yangcheon.

He was a young martial artist who thwarted a great incident several years ago.

Zhang was familiar with him too.

Though he was said to have been inactive for years after the rumors circulated.

‘Now that I think about it…’

So Yeomra Gu Yangcheon. When he was stirring things up in the Central Plains, there was another rumor that followed the young man.

“That friend was said to be the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist, wasn’t he?”

As Zhang mentioned his thoughts, Cheon burst into laughter.

“That’s an old tale. That was just a rumor.”

“A rumor?”

“Of course. If it weren’t, how would the alliance say Shin Ryong was the youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist?”

“…Hmm.”

That made sense.

“Zhang, you’re more naive than I thought.”

“I just felt like saying it.”

Does anything really matter?

What’s important is…

“…If he managed to defeat a Transformation Realm martial artist, doesn’t that mean So Yeomra is close to the Transformation Realm himself?”

“That’s one way to look at it… but there’s a lot of talk around that.”

“What talk?”

“There’s talk that So Yeomra’s opponent was someone who had just recently reached the Transformation Realm… and that he won because of his opponent’s carelessness.”

Zhang displayed an unusual reaction to Cheon’s words.

The fact that a martial artist who had just reached the Transformation Realm was careless?

Even in a sparring stage against an opponent?

‘…Does that even make sense?’

While those thoughts crossed his mind, Zhang didn’t let it show.

At these times, one might more readily think,

‘So Yeomra was so strong that the opponent couldn’t even gauge his strength… Wouldn’t that be the correct view?’

He recalled that fundamental question.

Of course, that makes sense, too.

Yet, he didn’t voice that either.

Even if there was something weird about So Yeomra’s rumors,

‘In the end, I’ll find out.’

If it was a question, he would discover it soon enough.

Zhang wasn’t the type to easily believe anything unless he witnessed it himself.

-Waaaaaah!

Suddenly, cheers rang out.

Zhang immediately lifted his gaze.

He could finally see someone stepping onto the sparring platform.

‘That young man…’

A monk with sculpted features appeared.

Reflecting the symbol of Shaolin, his presence radiated kindness and warmth.

-Shin Ryong! Shin Ryong! Shin Ryong!-

As the youth emerged, the crowd roared.

Everyone shouted Shin Ryong, and the atmosphere instantly heated up; however, Zhang was gazing not at him but at someone else.

That was Shin Ryong’s opponent.

‘Huh?’

A distinct feeling caused Zhang to frown.

Not only was he standing with his legs crossed, but he was also digging in his ears as if annoyed by the noise.

The young man had black hair tinted with a faint blue hue…

‘…He looks scary.’

He gave a little start at the first sight.

What the heck is that? How can a person look so menacing?

Is that young man So Yeomra?

‘Something feels…’

His first impression was quite unruly.

It seemed he wasn’t even making an effort to hide it, acting openly defiantly.

With so many people watching, could a righteous martial artist behave that way?

As he observed the young man, Zhang experienced an odd sensation.

There was an unsettling aura that seemed absent.

Was it simply an attitude that fit him too well?

It didn’t look like the impulsiveness of youthful days.

What is this feeling?

Zhang turned to Cheon.

“Cheon-hyung.”

“What is it? I’m a bit busy right now, so can we talk later…?”

“Who do you think will win?”

“Hmm?”

At Zhang’s question, Cheon, who had been looking at Shin Ryong, stiffened.

His expression changed.

He looked as if he found this to be a strange question.

“Goodness, why would you ask that?”

Of course, the answer was obvious.

“It’s surely Shin Ryong, right?”

“…It seems so?”

“Then do you think Shin Ryong could possibly lose?”

“The world is unpredictable, you know.”

“Ha ha. For someone who runs a business, I find it hard to believe you don’t understand how unpredictable the world can be.”

And yet,

Cheon’s words made Zhang nod in agreement.

Why did everyone believe in Shin Ryong, and yet he felt differently?

An unfamiliar young man he had never even seen before.

Someone who was once famous, even when others claimed it was all hearsay.

Why was he drawn to this young man he had just met?

Even knowing all of this, Zhang felt.

Somehow, he had a feeling Shin Ryong wouldn’t win. There was something unsettling about it.

As time slipped by for a moment,

-So Yeomra of the Shaolin Young Yeon, Gu Yangcheon of Mount Shan Clan—

-The sparring match starts!-

The announcement echoed from afar.

In that instant…

Whooooosh–!!

“…!”

Right away, Zhang felt the air around him shift dramatically.

It was heavy and suffocating.

Fwoosh–!!

“Ugh!”

The people around quickly blinded themselves.

From the sparring stage erupted an incredible light. A golden gleam like the sun illuminated all around.

Simultaneously, warmth began to fill Zhang’s once-chilling chest.

Wooooosh-!

The wind swept through.

It was warm and nurturing, almost enveloping his body.

As he opened his eyes, still feeling that warmth,

“Whoa…?”

He couldn’t help but swallow hard at what he saw on the sparring stage.

“Hahaha! That’s it! That’s the stuff!”

Cheon exclaimed next to him excitedly.

Hearing him, Zhang recalled what he had just mentioned.

Hwang Ah Gangram.

Shaolin’s ultimate secret.

An overwhelming pressure encased Shin Ryong’s form.

A suit of armor dyed in golden light enveloped his body.

“I never thought I’d witness this from the start…!! Shin Ryong is going all out, regardless of who his opponent is.”

“…”

Zhang couldn’t muster any reply.

Could this really be the power of a human?

‘Indeed… it’s fitting to call it indestructible.’

Just by looking, he could tell.

That solid armor seemed unlikely to break.

In fact, the very thought of it breaking was unfathomable.

Waaaaah—!!

As Shin Ryong unleashed the Hwang Ah Gangram right from the start, the cheers grew louder.

It was a moment of greatness that would be etched in history.

It felt like they were all part of that moment together.

Shin Ryong was at the center of the upcoming history.

Knowing that, their excitement was climbing even higher.

‘…This…’

Zhang couldn’t help but smirk.

‘Incredible.’

They were right when they said he had the potential to be the future number one in the world; it seemed deserved.

Indeed, Shin Ryong was a martial artist worthy of such a title.

Yet…

‘Why am I still looking at that guy?’

Zhang’s gaze once again settled on So Yeomra.

Even in the face of the brilliant light, So Yeomra wore the same expression as before.

Had he perhaps given up the match?

Could the sight of it cause him to lose all fighting spirit?

His expression led him to think that.

He was completely disengaged.

The martial art gifted by Shin Ryong caught no interest from him.

How could this be?

With such an overpowering display, how could he remain untouched?

Zhang harbored that question, but it didn’t linger long.

The sparring had kicked off.

Immediately, enveloped by the Hwang Ah Gangram, Shin Ryong charged at So Yeomra.

Kaboom!

A brief sound echoed.

“…Huh?”

-Waaaaahhh…. Huh?-

Confusion mixed with the cheers.

It was only natural.

“What the heck is that?”

“…Wha…?”

The golden armor that was akin to being indomitable.

So Yeomra was effortlessly ripping it apart with his bare hands.

 

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