Chapter 95
Chapter 95
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: The Bracket Reveal
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After that, Goegeolgae stood up. It wasn't because he'd changed his mind at this late hour to recite a congratulatory address he'd never planned on giving. Instead, he boldly raised both hands high.
Then, a massive scroll that had been rolled up behind the VIP seats floated into the air. The students let out gasps of admiration at the sight.
This was all part of the Alliance Leader's staging. It made him feel like a clown, which wasn't pleasant, but Goegeolgae harbored no complaints about the task itself.
He knew it was necessary.
Behold.
What was mere casual telekinesis for Goegeolgae drew awe from the Uicheon Academy students and even the sect leaders.
The boredom from the lengthy speeches had vanished. The eyes of the students and VIPs were now fixed on estimating the weight of the scroll Goegeolgae had lifted with telekinesis.
Goegeolgae raised both hands even higher. At this point, he was fully committed to playing the showman.
The massive scroll floated high into the sky, visible to everyone.
Whoosh!
The strings binding the scroll snapped.
Unfurling downward, the scroll revealed a gigantic tournament bracket. Fully spread out, it hung rigidly in place, unmoved by the wind.
Wi Seongcheon quickly scanned the bracket. As Jeong Mi-ju had said, he was assigned to Group 4.
Wi Seongcheon glanced toward the third-years. Standing at the front was Jinwoo, hands behind his back, gazing up at the bracket.
'Group 4 finals.'
Unless there was an upset, Wi Seongcheon would face Jinwoo on that stage.
His Group 4 had no one strong enough to disrupt the finals. Even with second- and third-years mixed in, there were no noteworthy experts.
Wi Seongcheon was certain he would advance to the Group 4 finals and fight Jinwoo.
Once confirmed, he shifted his gaze elsewhere.
'Mu Yeonjun is in Group 6.'
There were no real rivals for Mu Yeonjun there either.
The academy's standout prodigies and other experts were evenly distributed across the brackets, so barring major upsets, they would all advance to the main tournament.
Among them, Wi Seongcheon's eyes lingered on Group 1. Unconsciously, he turned to look at Dang Heeran.
Her face was pale and rigid. Wi Seongcheon wasn't the only one staring at her.
Most of the students watched Dang Heeran and Dang Seona with eyes mixed with shock and intrigue.
'How mischievous.'
Group 1, and the very first match at that.
The opening bout that everyone would watch had become a sisterly clash between the Tang Clan daughters.
Wi Seongcheon pieced it together. Dang Seona had pulled strings. Through Pharmacology Professor Hwa In-ah? Or someone from the Medical Institute? If she wanted it done, there were plenty of ways.
If Jeong Mi-ju had manipulated the bracket using the Golden Name Escort Agency's funding, Dang Seona wielded the "honor" of one of the Three Great Families that the agency lacked.
Moreover, as the direct disciple of the Ten Heroes' Poisonless Marquess, she also had close ties with Pharmacology Professor Hwa In-ah and the rest of the Medical Institute faculty.
The bracket was already out. Wi Seongcheon looked away. In the twenty preliminary groups, he could clearly see who would win and advance to the main draw.
The prodigies and the Four Blossoms were spread across different groups.
In that sense, Bang Jun and Paeng Yeonhwa were lucky. Their Groups 9 and 14 lacked any prodigies or Four Blossoms. Following the flow, they would advance to the main tournament.
'If they perform properly.'
Bang Jun wasn't the type to try hard in these sparring matches. Paeng Yeonhwa was the same, albeit for different reasons.
Wi Seongcheon glanced at Paeng Yeonhwa's expression. As expected, it wasn't good.
Once the opening ceremony ended, the VIPs from the stands came down. Most of the gathered dignitaries were the students' parents, mentors, and sect elders.
Wi Seongcheon subtly stepped back. Not because of the uncomfortable stares from the prestigious guests watching him.
He wanted to meet his father.
"Wait a moment."
As he retreated, Mu Yeonjun grabbed his wrist. The leaders of the Nine Great Righteous Sects, accompanied by their disciples, were approaching Mu Yeonjun, but he ignored them and held on.
"What's this?"
Mu Yeonjun hesitated at the question.
Wi Seongcheon frowned at Mu Yeonjun's uncharacteristic pause.
[Stop it.]
Just as he steeled himself to speak about the Cheonhwa Sect Leader, the Tai Chi Sword Master's transmission halted him.
He turned to look for the Tai Chi Sword Master, but he was still in the VIP seats conversing with the Alliance Leader.
The Tai Chi Sword Master's eyes weren't on Mu Yeonjun, but he felt the firmness in the transmission.
"...Nothing, then. I'm going."
Mu Yeonjun released Wi Seongcheon's hand without a word.
* * *
Wi Juseok had already left the stands and was waiting outside the sparring grounds. Sticking around wouldn't have done him any good, and the Tai Chi Sword Master made him uneasy.
Wi Juseok smacked his lips and scratched the back of his head vigorously.
'The Ten Heroes are the Ten Heroes, alright.'
It stung that he'd been seen through.
Blame it on having such an outstanding son. If the boy hadn't drawn all that attention as the Hidden Dragon or whatever, it would've slipped by unnoticed like always.
Wi Juseok swallowed a deep sigh. Now that he was found out, the Tai Chi Sword Master would keep watching him. How to smooth it over... What excuse to make? As he pondered,
"Good to see you've been well."
He turned his head.
His son, whom he hadn't seen in ages, was smiling brightly. He'd grown a bit taller... perhaps. Wi Juseok thought so as his approaching son came into view.
"The outside world's air must be good for you. I thought you wouldn't grow any more."
"It's not that I grew, Father—maybe you shrank?"
"Look at this cheeky mouth on you."
"Why are you out here?"
"What good would come from staying in there? I felt eyes on me the whole time, thought I might die of it."
"You're acting new to it. It's not like this is your first time eating sidelong glances."
"This sidelong glance felt different from usual. All thanks to my outstanding son."
"So you hate it?"
Wi Seongcheon asked with a smile.
Wi Juseok blinked without answering. Then, he burst out laughing.
"You wouldn't get it. It's not good, not bad."
"I told you clearly. When you first told me to go to Uicheon Academy."
"You said you didn't want to go. Yet you've been doing just fine."
"If I hadn't come at all, that'd be one thing—but since I did, of course I have to thrive. Still, I've taken your words to heart."
There was no need to hold back on embarrassment.
The Cheonhwa Sect was strong.
"Don't you have questions?"
"Of course."
Wi Juseok chuckled at the immediate reply. Clasping his hands behind his back, he stared straight at Wi Seongcheon.
"What do you want to know?"
"What is the Cheonhwa Sect?"
The moment he met his father,
He'd already decided what to ask. Things he hadn't questioned while in the Cheonhwa Sect.
Now out in the world, he realized the Cheonhwa Sect had more than a few oddities.
"My grandfather and great-grandfather. The Cheonhwa Sect and its martial arts. And my constitution. I have more than one or two things to ask you, Father."
"Naturally. If you came 'out' and didn't question them, I'd doubt your wits. Wonder if the son I raised for twenty years was a dimwit."
Wi Juseok spoke flatly.
"I understand your curiosity, but son—I've got my position to consider. My mouth itches to tell you, but I can't answer your questions."
"What position?"
"The Cheonhwa Sect Leader's position."
Wi Juseok raised a hand and patted his chest, shaking his head.
"The Cheonhwa Sect has its own history and traditions, you see. Even ancient texts passed down to the sect leader."
"How straightforward."
Wi Seongcheon let out a hollow laugh as he stared at Wi Juseok. Wi Juseok sensed the challenge in his son's gaze.
"So, you mean you can't tell me because I'm not the sect leader?"
"That's right. What you're curious about are secrets passed only to the sect leader."
"Then isn't it perfect? Father—no, Sect Leader. You're getting on in years—why not step down now?"
"You little punk."
"Punk? I'm speaking out of filial piety. Retire to the back room, live leisurely—how nice would that be?"
Wi Seongcheon teased. Wi Juseok chuckled dryly and shook his head.
"To become sect leader, you need the qualifications. No matter how cherished a son, I can't put a hat too big for his head."
"If I hadn't left the Cheonhwa Sect, I wouldn't be this curious. Was pushing me out, despite my reluctance, also for the sect leader's position?"
"No. That was a decision as your father, separate from the sect leader."
Wi Juseok replied. He narrowed his eyes, staring at Wi Seongcheon.
"If I'd only cared for sect traditions, I wouldn't have sent you to Uicheon Academy. Or if I did, I wouldn't have tolerated you being called by some grand title like Hidden Dragon."
Wi Juseok grimaced as he spoke.
Crack.
The sound rang clearly in Wi Seongcheon's ears. He instinctively stepped back.
The hairs on his body stood on end. His once-smaller father suddenly loomed large, pressing down on Wi Seongcheon's mind.
"From the Cheonhwa Sect Leader's view, I shouldn't send you out. If I did, I'd order you to endure any humiliation and stay hidden. Defy that... and as sect leader, I'd punish my foolish disciple."
His heart pounded wildly.
Wi Seongcheon glared as his father cracked his knuckles one by one.
It had happened countless times. From his childhood training in the Cheonhwa Sect, Wi Seongcheon had never once beaten his father.
"As my personal stubbornness—not as sect leader—I sent you to Uicheon Academy and tolerated your freedom. That was a clash between father and sect leader. I'd grown sick of the Cheonhwa Sect's history and traditions too. But... that's as far as it goes. If you're curious about the sect's truths, I'll fulfill my duty as sect leader. What? Step down? Ha!"
Wi Juseok lowered his clenched and unclenched fist. Clasping his hands behind his back, he laughed heartily.
"Foolish son. Save that talk for when you can surpass the current sect leader!"
"...Shall we try?"
"No, let's not. Brawling with my son at my age would just draw more eyes. If you really want to challenge for sect leader, fine. Wait till you're older... and have the confidence. Or wait till I'm even older."
"...Yes, alright."
Wi Seongcheon steadied his breathing and nodded.
He hadn't expected his father to answer honestly from the start. If he would, he'd have told him before the questions even arose.
Hearing the refusal face-to-face actually lifted his mood.
The Cheonhwa Sect had secrets. That much was certain.
"What about big brother, exactly?"
Wi Seongcheon blurted out. Wi Juseok, who had been approaching with hands behind his back, halted.
"What do you know about big brother? Right now, he's..."
"Enough."
Wi Juseok snapped. His tone brooked no questions. But Wi Seongcheon wasn't one to back down. Grimacing, he pressed.
"Why? You could tell me this much. It wouldn't trouble you as sect leader..."
"That's exactly why I can't tell you."
Wi Juseok shot back. Wi Seongcheon's expression changed at the answer.
With that, he gave up prying further about his brother.
Wi Juseok sighed deeply, approached, and patted Wi Seongcheon's shoulder.
"Sorry."
"...You could just tell me clearly."
"It's not that I won't—it's that I can't. Don't resent me too much."
"I don't resent you. It's just frustrating."
"When you become sect leader, you'll understand. And... you'll even thank me."
"Pardon?"
"I wasn't as free as you. This mess is partly thanks to that. Ahem. Tournament starts tomorrow, right? You've come all this way—put on a good show."
Hastily adding that, Wi Juseok turned sharply and left. Wi Seongcheon didn't bother stopping his father's quick retreat.
The prestigious guests exiting the sparring grounds approached the motionless Wi Seongcheon from behind. Hearing their footsteps, he composed his expression.
The murmurs about his son being the Hidden Dragon faded as he walked away. Wi Juseok didn't look back. Staying longer would've gotten him caught up in it too.
"Why didn't you stay longer?"
"I'm not used to that sort of thing. And you know I'd just embarrass myself more if I stuck around."
Wi Juseok grumbled.
U Chonggwan had appeared at his side before he knew it.
Wi Juseok glared at U Chonggwan with annoyance. U Chonggwan grinned playfully.
"Even I, no sect leader, sitting in the VIP seats looks ridiculous, doesn't it?"
"So you snuck out for a smoke?"
"Eyes were on me too. And who knows—someone might recognize me."
Wi Juseok frowned at U Chonggwan's words.
"Who'd recognize you? You changed your face completely."
"Still, better safe than sorry."
U Chonggwan grimaced. Wi Juseok snorted.
"You grew your hair, swapped your face—who'd know? You're supposed to have died decades ago anyway."
"True, but..."
"More importantly. My boy Cheon ends up matched against a Shaolin disciple in the tournament."
Wi Juseok glanced at U Chonggwan with a sly smile. U Chonggwan coughed awkwardly, looking displeased.
"Don't be petty."
"What's your take? Who wins? Our boy, of course?"
"...Shaolin martial arts aren't to be underestimated."
"Well, well. Whose side are you on?"
"Side? What are you saying? I'm just saying Shaolin arts aren't weak..."
"Still defending them because you were a monk once."
At Wi Juseok's jab, U Chonggwan looked around seriously, worried someone might overhear.
Wi Juseok chuckled as he passed by.
"...I was a monk, true, but Shaolin wasn't my sect. Why take sides? I'm just saying their arts are impressive."
U Chonggwan grumbled, sticking close to Wi Juseok.
"And anyway, that was long ago. I'm no monk now. ...The Blood Monk died in the Demonic Palace twenty years ago."
"I know."
Wi Juseok gave a bitter smile.
"I died then too."
Now he just lived on, unable to die.
Recalling that distant past made his shattered dantian throb anew.
"Forfeit."
His father, whom he hadn't seen in months, said it outright.
Dang Heeran could say nothing, just bowed her head deeply.
"...Family Head. Is that necessary?"
"Better to forfeit than lose and shame yourself. Or do you want to point a blade at your sister?"
Dang Jinhu tried to intervene out of affection for Dang Heeran, but Poison Righteousness Lord Dang Taejin ignored him.
He merely stared at Dang Heeran with his jaundiced eyes.
...Her breath caught in her throat.
"Forfeit?"
Dang Seona spoke up. With the Twin-Headed Poison Serpents at her back, she smiled coyly at Dang Heeran.
"Uncle's right. Forfeiting would be such a waste. Especially as the tournament's first match—if Heeran forfeits, it'll dampen the crowd's excitement, and the other dignitaries will look down on the Tang Clan."
The Poison Righteousness Lord whipped his head around to glare at Dang Seona. Even under her father and family head's gaze, her smile didn't falter.
"...The skill gap is too wide. It won't even be a fight."
"No, Father must not realize. Heeran has mastered the Tang Clan's Heaven-Slaying Shadow Arts superbly, even unleashing its ultimate technique, Ten Thousand Heavenly Flowers Rain."
At Dang Seona's soft reply, Dang Taejin and Dang Jinhu's eyes widened. They stared at Dang Heeran in disbelief.
Dang Heeran bit her lower lip, silent.
"You unleashed Ten Thousand Heavenly Flowers Rain...? How could you...?"
"Ha... haha! Excellent, excellent! To manifest Ten Thousand Heavenly Flowers Rain at your age!"
Contrasting reactions. Dang Taejin looked shocked and incredulous, while Dang Jinhu beamed and clapped Dang Heeran's shoulder.
To an outsider, it might seem like Uncle Dang Jinhu was her father.
"Yes. Heeran worked hard and reached the ultimate technique of the Heaven-Slaying Shadow Arts. But... it wasn't enough. So in this spar, I'll guide Heeran personally."
Dang Seona's eyes slithered over. Dang Heeran sensed a snake-like chill in her sister's gaze.
"Of course, if you want. If not, forfeit by all means."
"...I won't."
Dang Heeran stammered it out. Her heart pounded. Her beaming uncle and still-incredulous father's eyes pushed at her back.
* * *