Chapter 717

Chapter: 717

It had already been two hours since the third preliminary round began.

As I sat there, time passed even more slowly. But.

“Waaaaaaah—!!”

The surroundings were still filled with excitement.

Kuwung—! Thump thump—!

“Whoa!”

A tempest of fierce contests swept through like a typhoon.

The loud shouts and the sounds of flying blades filled the air.

Even though the sky’s color was gradually changing, the enthusiasm remained undiminished.

“Pungpa Kwon… I had only heard rumors, but he truly is a formidable martial artist.”

“… I definitely want to face him someday.”

“If it’s the Gyeongseon Sword, it’s bound to heat up.”

People around me were gathering information while marveling at the martial artists.

Perhaps because everyone nearby had partaken in martial arts, their perception seemed exceptional.

Moreover, the fact that they had made it to the third round indicated they were quite strong; simply watching them could offer enlightenment.

That’s why even after sitting for a long time, the martial artists didn’t lose their fervor.

And that’s also why the audience cheered tirelessly, thrilled by the opportunity to witness the skills of such masters.

Of course.

‘This is boring.’

From my perspective, it was nothing but a tedious schedule.

The reason is.

‘The gap between the competitors is just too vast.’

First of all, the levels of the opponents that were paired together were too mismatched.

I had seen a few of the Hwagyeong martial artists throughout the two hours, and the ones they faced were particularly weak.

Perhaps because I felt the difference in skill level, there was hardly any sense of urgency.

Actually, since I encountered a strong opponent, I felt more inclined to learn at least one more thing.

‘What kind of training practice is this?’

It’s not entertaining.

There’s no killing intent, no sense of desperation or despair.

Of course, since it’s a spar, this feels correct…

‘But it’s a bit dull.’

Just staring at it makes me yawn.

‘… Maybe I’ve gone crazy.’

A peaceful spar and yet, it’s boring.

Shouldn’t they be fighting to the death to make it interesting?

‘That’s true.’

Imagining that does seem more entertaining.

‘Yeah, I guess I really have gone nuts.’

If I mislive, I suppose I’ve mislived for quite a while.

I shifted my gaze to the side.

Dok-kwon Dang So-yeol and Seomwolgeom Wi Seol-ah were quietly sitting, watching the spar.

Their expressions didn’t seem very lively either.

If there’s one difference between us, it’s that they appeared to harbor a smidge of interest.

‘Well, that makes sense.’

Considering both of them were martial artists who had reached Hwagyeong, a somewhat indifferent response was only natural.

And just like that, two hours had slipped by.

‘In that case, maybe Mo Yong-hee or Namgung Bi-ah would’ve been better off.’

Mo Yong-hee was watching the busiest days since the martial arts festival began.

There were times when the upper echelons moved due to the appearance of hidden martial artists, and as a result, the Baekhwa Sangdan also began to stir, making the master Mo Yong-hee busy as well.

Namgung Bi-ah simply withdrew, claiming it would be boring.

Recalling that made me slightly regretful.

‘I should have just trained instead.’

Why did I think to come watch this?

‘If it weren’t for that bastard Seong-yul, I wouldn’t have shown up at all.’

I came here thinking something might happen, but it felt like I really didn’t need to come.

‘If I had left it alone, it would have managed itself.’

I questioned why I had insisted on interfering when I had said I would let it be.

‘Yet I told Cheoljiseon not to do anything trivial.’

Such contradictory behavior.

It felt even more uncomfortable because I was fully aware of it.

“Hmm.”

Feeling a bit uneasy, I exhaled slightly.

“Next.”

After the previous match concluded, the martial artists appeared for the next fight.

Only then did I slightly adjust my posture.

Because the announcement had been made immediately.

– Posture. Sit up straight. It’s not good for your back.

“…”

I frowned at the reprimand but chose to listen.

“Waaaaaah—!!”

A middle-aged man with a massive build appeared at the entrance.

Immediately, thunderous cheers erupted.

Perhaps because it was the most anticipated match of the day.

“It’s the Sword King!”

King Peng Zhou.

He was the patriarch of the Peng clan, the guardian of Hebei.

And now, the six thrones in the Central Plains had emerged.

– Waaaaah.

With his appearance, the cheers became even louder.

Peng Zhou walked silently, even amid the chants.

Boom—! Boom—!

With each step, vibrations radiated outward.

It felt as if an earthquake had struck nearby.

The audience appeared to revel in the sight, cheering even louder.

“Unbelievable! Is this…. the power of the Four Great Families?” “Just stepping causes such a tremor!”

As everyone admired it, I couldn’t help but put on an expression that said it all.

‘Is it just walking?’

Feeling the heat around me, I silently cursed.

Why doesn’t that old man change?

‘He’s doing the same thing he did during the preliminaries.’

He was overflowing with bets that burst in all directions.

“… Oh my.”

“Hmm.”

Both Dang So-yeol and Wi Seol-ah let out low sighs upon witnessing this.

It was a bonus that they turned their gazes away as if they couldn’t bear to observe.

That was purely for show. It’s an action anyone who had reached a certain level would inherently understand.

Fortunately,

“Waaaaaah—!”

Judging from the reaction, it seemed like it was well-received.

As the Sword King walked onto the stage, releasing his pressure.

Behind him, someone quietly followed. My attention was naturally drawn to that figure.

A mysterious figure entirely dressed in black.

It was the demon who wore a dragon mask.

Paejon walked subtly, hiding among the thunderous applause directed at the Sword King, hands clasped behind his back.

“…”

Even walking, his gaze remained fixed on me.

Amidst this crowd, he found me in an instant.

He must have sensed me even before he stepped out, indicating he’d detected me from beyond the barrier.

‘Scary old man.’

I felt an intense sense of foreboding.

Just then, voices around me broke through the tension.

“The opponent of the Sword King is a two-legged dragon?”

“They mean the two-legged dragon… the one said to be the disciple of the Fallen King?”

“Exactly! He’s gained quite a reputation lately.”

There was chatter about the rain. I found myself listening intently.

“I don’t recall ever hearing anything in this martial arts tournament that he showed anything special. Is that rumor accurate?”

“You can’t say no; he brought an official letter of recommendation from the Emperor himself. Moreover, to reach this point already proves his capability.”

“However, since the opponent is quite formidable… that’s a bit disappointing.”

“That’s a valid point as well.”

The fallen king’s disciple.

The expectations stemming from that were beyond imagination.

The Three Lords were notable figures that illustrated just how significant these individuals were within the sect.

But.

Even such expectations had a realistic side to them.

“The opponent is the Sword King.”

“Isn’t it self-evident? Just looking at the Seomwolgeom… Two-Ryong could indeed stand at a great level.”

As I mentioned it, Wi Seol-ah’s ears perked up slightly.

It seemed she was paying attention.

As shown by Wi Seol-ah and Shin Yong, even late-game players could be incredibly skilled.

Those discussions were circulating among the group.

“Haha… That might be true. But you see,”

The unmanned audience’s response to this was skeptical.

“No matter what, the opponent is the Sword King.”

“Hmm.”

The opponent is the Sword King.

That single fact erased all possibilities.

King of Swords.

The six figures that currently exist in the Central Plains.

The Sword King of Namgung.

The Sword King of Peng Clan.

The Poison King of the Tang Clan.

The Sword Queen of Mount Volcano.

And the independent figures, such as the Flame King and the Brilliance Queen of Seojang.

The six individuals who wield immense influence across the Central Plains were referred to as the Six Thrones.

They were appointed based on their position and presence in a specific field, but even if they didn’t receive their status solely through brute force, that certainly didn’t imply their weakness.

All of them were exceptionally powerful martial artists.

‘I’m unsure about the Flame King or the Clear Queen. They’re probably strong.’

Even excluding those I’ve never seen from my past life.

Everyone was a formidable figure.

‘Though they might not reach the level of teenage experts.’

Each and every one of them was likely a warrior in the prime of their lives; no one should underestimate them.

The Divine Dragon and the Moon Sword reached Hwagyeong?

That was merely astonishing.

But reaching the realm of the Six Thrones was next to impossible.

That was the perception of the world.

‘Yes, just a simple perception.’

Even if he were a disciple of the Three Buddhas, he remained merely a disciple.

He wouldn’t ever touch the Sword King.

In other words:

‘Can the Sword King ever reach the Three Lords?’

Whether it’s the Six Thrones.

Whether it’s the teenage experts.

Can an insignificant human stuck in the mud ever reach the transcendent being floating in the sky?

Although the heavens have come down to earth, shrouded in chains, can someone like the Sword King dare glance upward?

‘Absolutely not.’

The mere thought is trivial.

Even if he is an old man with a horrid demeanor.

Even broken, he remains a great figure.

‘How dare someone like the Sword King.’

Worries?

Not a single one.

As mentioned before, the rain is just a separate presence.

That single fact resolves everything.

Thus, I wasn’t concerned about Paejon’s safety.

‘… Please, be moderate.’

I only hoped that old man would think somewhat sensibly.

That’s all I was wishing for.

Waaaaaaaah—!!

Cheers resonated from all directions. Amidst the relentless excitement, two martial artists faced each other in the arena.

The middle-aged man was glaring at the young man with his arms crossed, while the young man was gazing elsewhere, not even looking at him, while carrying his baggage behind.

Seeing this, King Peng Zhou raised an eyebrow.

‘What on earth is he looking at?’

With his opponent right in front of him, where could that young man be staring?

The action displeased Peng Zhou; his expression grew increasingly vexed.

‘Tsk.’

Today’s youth really do seem to lack manners.

A senior, and not just any senior, is right here before you; what kind of behavior is that?

‘I was prepared to give him some respect since he is a disciple of the fallen one.’

The disgraced Biju.

A man who fought countless life-and-death battles and endured innumerable defeats yet ultimately survived.

An old man who significantly contributed to the war against the Sapa, rising to prominence due to his unique martial arts.

Thinking of that old man, Peng Zhou clicked his tongue briefly.

‘It seems both master and disciple are the same in that regard.’

Peng Zhou had seen the Paejon several times.

He was said to have met Pang Tae-woo in his youth and saw him again when he was older.

‘The look in their eyes was damn infuriating.’

I still remember it.

The look in that old man’s eyes when he looked at me.

As if he were looking at a stone, utterly void of interest.

Peng Zhou had felt intimidated by that icy gaze.

Yet of all things.

‘That kid has eyes like his.’

Is it because he’s a descendant?

For some reason, a powerful aura resonates from that kid named Two-Ryong.

A giant, scarred Paejon.

Yet, unlike that old man, Two-Ryong is a soft-faced youth; yet, for some reason, he gives off a similar vibe.

‘That kid too. And this one too… all are just the same.’

The son of that bastard Gu Cheol-woon is the same.

That kid called Two-Ryong resembles him as well.

‘I may need to squash this sprout.’

Everything about this entire situation started to irk me.

Even the fact that I was standing in such an unremarkable place.

‘… Tsk.’

Peng Zhou grit his teeth in silence.

Had I not brought up the past in Maeng, I wouldn’t have needed to be here at all. What a shame.

‘Does he think of using me, Peng Zhou, as a mere clown?’

I will never forget the humiliation I felt at that time.

Peng Zhou continued to grind his teeth.

I am determined to rise to the top and punish all those who have looked down upon me.

For that moment, I’ll endure the present.

Peng Zhou reassured himself inwardly, keeping his focus forward.

The dragon remained aloof, refusing to meet his eyes.

Normally, he would express rage at this sight, but instead, Peng Zhou simply lifted the corners of his mouth.

The reasoning was simple.

‘What a relief; I have the opportunity to fix that disgraceful behavior.’

Now is the perfect moment to legally thrash this opponent.

It meant that even this unrefined demeanor could be swept clean by him.

I couldn’t care less.

Feel free to act arrogant. The more you do, the rougher my hands become.

With that mindset, Peng Zhou drew his sword.

Kuwung.

A heavy sword emerged into the world.

Originally wielded by the Sword King; it was not the black-fanged ink sword.

Since precious weapons were not allowed in martial arts tournaments, it was merely a weapon provided by the alliance, but its value dramatically shifts when held by the Sword King.

An immense air pressure erupted from Peng Zhou as he gripped the sword.

Gugugugugu.

“… Hahah!”

“Ugh!”

Groans echoed from everywhere.

It was a pressure that felt distinctly different from all the previous combatants.

Just the simple act of preparing brought forth such presence, drawing everyone’s attention toward the Sword King.

“Wouldn’t it be better to prepare?”

As Peng Zhou unleashed his pressure, only then did Two-Ryong finally glance towards him.

Still, his expression remained passive.

Seeing this made Peng Zhou late to realize.

‘Was it due to excessive nervousness?’

Now it seemed that the dragon didn’t ignore him so much as he was too intimidated to look him in the eye.

‘Yeah. So, that was it.’

It didn’t make sense that the late game player would overlook someone like him; if nervousness was the issue, then it could certainly happen.

“Do not worry. I won’t show my true intentions to a junior like you. Plus, this will be a rare opportunity for you. Spread your wings to your heart’s content.”

He chuckled softly as he spoke.

Go ahead, do whatever you want.

Those words held that meaning.

Yet.

“Hmm.”

When the young man observed that, he inclined his head.

“Indeed. Father is certainly much stronger. That’s quite unfortunate.”

“… What?”

Peng Zhou reacted to the words muttered by the young man.

“I will prepare.”

With the referee’s words, there was no room left for inquiry.

What did he just mean?

Father?

Peng Zhou was puzzled by the unfathomable comment, but pushed it aside for now.

“… In the third round, Peng Zhou from the Peng Clan versus Bi Eejin from the Seogang Family.”

The referee promptly raised his hand.

“Begin the fight.”

The duel began once more, quickly.

Right after the fight commenced.

The two stood facing each other, observing without any particular action.

The Sword King, noting that Two-Ryong seemed to be standing stiff from tension, proclaimed, “As a courtesy to my junior, I shall yield three moves.”

“…”

Three moves. Upon hearing that, the eyes of the Two-Ryong widened.

Was the youth taken aback by the Sword King’s consideration?

“… Ah, indeed. Senior… understood.”

“…”

Indeed, he appeared to be extraordinarily tense. He seemed like he wasn’t in his right mind.

After momentarily widening his eyes, Two-Ryong swiftly assumed his stance and addressed the Sword King.

“I had some things I wanted to confirm anyway. Thank you for your consideration.”

What was he planning to confirm?

Just as the Sword King felt a tinge of curiosity arise.

Thud.

Two-Ryong began to walk forward.

Slowly approaching the Sword King, step by step.

The Taoist King couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

‘Walking up?’

Even if he charged at him earnestly, it wouldn’t be enough, and now he was casually strolling toward him? This was utterly ridiculous.

Shiiing.

Boom!

“!?”

The sudden change in situation caught the Sword King off guard, causing him to take a sharp breath.

‘What’s happening?’

He found himself lifting his arm, almost instinctively.

Moreover, he could feel the impact.

What on earth? The King of Swords began to comprehend the gravity of the situation and was left utterly astonished.

The Two-Ryong who had been walking from afar was now right in front of him.

He delivered a kick aiming for the Sword King, who instinctively raised his arm to block it.

A situation solely avoided due to instinct.

The Sword King, who hadn’t properly grasped the flow of the attack, felt panic rise within him.

Yet, surprisingly, this wasn’t the end of it.

“This is too weak.”

The Two-Ryong muttered as he withdrew his foot.

Then.

Kuung!

“Ugh!? Gasp!”

Suddenly, an immense shock hit the Sword King in the abdomen.

Once again, it was the same.

The fist of the Two-Ryong punched straight into the Sword King’s belly.

Crack!

The protective energy surrounding him shattered.

Whoosh! The massive body lifted slightly off the ground.

The Sword King quickly landed, stabilizing his form.

Thud!

At the same time, he took a few steps back, clutching his stomach with his massive hands.

“Ugh… gasp…”

Without realizing it, he almost hurled.

“You… what on earth…!”

The persistent pain gripped his abdomen.

The Sword King, suppressing his trembling body, inquired.

“Hmm.”

Two-Ryong nodded twice while observing the Sword King.

“This one is too strong. Just the mid-level will suffice.”

Later, he seemed satisfied, wearing a smile as if he confirmed something.

He then pointed a finger at the Sword King.

“Three moves aren’t necessary. Just enter now.”

The Paejon was confident.

Yeah, this much should be enough.

He thought that it seemed possible to deliver a beating to the Sword King without necessarily killing him.