Chapter 154: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 154: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (7)
A sphere of fire engulfed the entire arena.
No one could comprehend the sheer amount of Qi required to conjure flames on such a massive scale. The inferno blocked all view of the surroundings, rendering the events within the fiery dome completely invisible.
“What in the world? What’s happening?”
“I can’t see a thing…!”
“Show us already! What’s going on in there?”
The audience grew increasingly restless, their eyes wide with trepidation. It had all happened in a flash. The Lightning Dragon, struggling to rise with his exhausted body, had been suddenly trapped within the flames by Gu Yangcheon. The fierce conflagration now hid everything from sight, leaving the judge and the Alliance swordsmen utterly perplexed.
“Isn’t it impressive?”
A young man watching from afar spoke with a smile. “I didn’t expect it to be to this degree. It seems I was mistaken once again.”
His black uniform fluttered in the breeze. A thrill ran through him—a excitement he had never felt in his life. That boy always made his heart burn hotter. The proof was right before his eyes. He had exceeded expectations again.
Could I beat him in a fight?
It still seemed possible. ‘Still’ being the key word.
As the young man in black, Peng Woojin, steadied his thoughts, the boy standing beside him furrowed his brow. “Did you call me here just to say these things?”
The speaker, with a rather cold voice, was none other than Jang Seonyeon.
Peng Woojin smiled slightly while looking at him. “Of course not. I would never call a busy Young Master for something so insignificant.”
“Then what for?”
“I just thought it would be more fun for us to watch it together?”
In the end, it was basically insignificant. Hearing this, Jang Seonyeon frowned.
Seeing his reaction, Peng Woojin giggled and continued, “Just kidding.”
“I know.”
“Tsk. Lame.”
“Get to the point. I can’t afford to stay here much longer.”
Upon hearing Jang Seonyeon’s words, Peng Woojin’s expression grew serious, taking on the same intensity he had when speaking with Namgung Cheonjun in the carriage previously. Jang Seonyeon felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a pressure that made it difficult to breathe.
Did he use his Qi? It doesn’t feel that way. Which means it must be his sheer presence.
“I came looking for you because I have something to ask.”
“You may ask.”
“Why did you call the Namgung Clan’s Young Master?”
Jang Seonyeon’s eyes widened. He met Peng Woojin’s gaze, then slightly turned his head away as he answered. “He was needed.”
“That lacking talent of his?”
“The Lightning Dragon isn’t lacking.”
Peng Woojin burst out laughing. “Don’t bother pretending. It’s making me nauseous.”
“…Young Lord Peng, I suggest you watch your words.”
“Why? Are you offended that a mere Young Lord of the Peng Clan is speaking to you like this?”
Peng Woojin’s words were filled with thorns, his tone cold and devoid of any amusement—completely different from when he spoke to Gu Yangcheon.
“Young Lord Peng.”
“I do not believe you are unaware of everything. Isn’t that correct? All the pieces laid out on this board are for you.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I don’t have anything particular to say. I’m not in a position to give you advice, nor am I here to relate.”
“Then what is your intention?”
“I suppose the most accurate description would be… consolation?”
“What—?”
Peng Woojin’s gaze shifted from Jang Seonyeon back to the arena stage. A smile crept back onto his face, as if it had been waiting just below the surface. “What do you think?”
Jang Seonyeon looked at the arena, pondering Peng Woojin’s words. Even from this distance, the fierce flames were unmistakable.
Once more, Peng Woojin’s voice reached his ears. “I think of Young Master Jang as someone who thankfully knows his place. Though the Lightning Dragon seemed otherwise.”
Is he implying that I’m still lacking?
Jang Seonyeon’s carefully constructed mask always seemed to crack when facing this man. Was it because he consistently knew how to poke at his nerves?
“That boy will gain much from this.”
“I know that. He looks talented,” Jang Seonyeon responded, unamused.
Peng Woojin smiled slightly. “Is that all?”
“What more do you want?”
“Didn’t I say? I’m here for consolation.”
“Consolation for what, exactly?”
“For the many things that you won’t be able to obtain from this tournament.”
Jang Seonyeon’s shoulders flinched. Simultaneously, a blue light flickered in his eyes. The air around them grew dense as his Qi surged. “I advise you to be cautious with your words.”
“Huh… How intimidating. It seems I’ve made Young Master Jang very angry.”
Jang Seonyeon’s body released more Qi, yet Peng Woojin’s expression didn’t change. Instead, he began to chuckle, completely unaffected. Observing this, Jang Seonyeon reined in his Qi flow. He had acted out of anger for a moment, but he realized he couldn’t afford to challenge Peng Woojin. Not yet.
“It seems Young Lord Peng isn’t too fond of me.”
Peng Woojin responded in a laughing tone. “No way. Of course not. I do like Young Master Jang.”
The words sounded absurd. Jang Seonyeon found them impossible to believe given their previous exchange.
“You may find it hard to believe, but it’s the truth. We may not have a brotherly relationship, but I am fond of you. You are certainly a figure who can shine as well.”
It might have been too late to say that now, but Peng Woojin didn’t elaborate further.
“As you said, it is not something I can believe. Your attitude toward me hasn’t been favorable since our first meeting.”
“That was me being rather kind. What? Were you expecting love from me?”
For the first time, Jang Seonyeon’s mask slipped, revealing a rough expression filled with disgust.
“Don’t worry, Young Master Jang. I’m not that generous.”
Peng Woojin wasn’t lying. He was indeed fond of Jang Seonyeon—a boy with the potential to shine like a star in the future. It was just that…
When placed next to a star that shines much brighter, he seems lacking in comparison.
That was the only reason.
“Be honest. You’re just taking your anger out on me because you dislike me.”
At Jang Seonyeon’s sudden words, Peng Woojin looked at him with confusion.
“Aren’t you just unhappy that the Lightning Dragon, whom you once deemed lacking in talent, received a baptism from his clan before you did?”
“Woah…”
Peng Woojin seemed impressed for the first time—not because Jang Seonyeon had guessed his thoughts correctly, but because he was astonished that Jang Seonyeon could even entertain such an idea.
“It just means the Lord of Heaven’s input was significant… The Meteor’s intentions are—”
“You seem to be misunderstanding something, Young Master Jang.”
Jang Seonyeon shut his mouth at Peng Woojin’s icy tone.
“Whether it’s baptism, the Meteor, or whatever else, I have no interest in any of it.”
“What are you…?”
“I’m sorry, but I am strong even without that garbage, and I will only grow stronger. I will climb higher than anyone has ever reached.”
His arrogant words were filled with unwavering confidence. His overpowering presence intensified, stronger than before. Jang Seonyeon gulped nervously.
Just as Peng Woojin knew Jang Seonyeon’s true self to some extent, Jang Seonyeon also knew Peng Woojin. He was an abyss. No one knew what he was thinking; his mind seemed like an endless void—a darkness with no bottom. What was even more unnerving was that he didn’t even try to hide it.
“…Or, do you think I will lose to that young man over there?”
“Let me answer with a question: do you think you’ll win? Against that monster?”
Monster.
Peng Woojin, who was cruel and ruthless in his judgments, had just called someone a monster. Gu Yangcheon. It was a name that already bothered Jang Seonyeon. Where had he come from? All Jang Seonyeon knew was that he was the son of the Gu Clan. The Gu Clan of Shanxi—a bothersome clan. Even the Chief Abbot of Shaolin, who could read the laws of nature, had warned against provoking the Sword Phoenix, who was second only to Peng Woojin, solely because she carried the Gu Clan’s blood.
But even so, he’s just an ordinary martial artist.
Even if he had overcome his limits, Jang Seonyeon wasn’t afraid. He acknowledged Gu Yangcheon’s talent, but that was all. No matter how highly Peng Woojin spoke of him, Jang Seonyeon didn’t believe Gu Yangcheon deserved such praise. The incompetent Lightning Dragon had only ended up humiliated because he didn’t know how to use the power recently granted by his clan.
…Though it was still unexpected that the Lightning Dragon was beaten.
Jang Seonyeon had expected a closer match. He hadn’t foreseen such a one-sided defeat. His back tensed; his muscles grew taut from watching the duel unfold.
As if that guy could pose any threat to me.
Peng Woojin watched Jang Seonyeon for a short moment, then looked away again, his attention returning to the arena stage.
How did he do it?
A small curiosity stirred in his mind.
How did you find out, Young Master Gu?
Peng Woojin didn’t know much about the baptism conducted in the basement of the Murim Alliance. Not that he wanted to, to begin with. But he could feel it—that nasty, cold energy. The others couldn’t sense it because they lacked the talent.
Then, does this mean you felt it too?
Gu Yangcheon was different. Peng Woojin was certain he had also noticed the energy. His actions proved it. The moment the Lightning Dragon began to harness that energy, Gu Yangcheon had charged at him with his true power.
Though I’m not sure if that even is his true power.
Gu Yangcheon’s level, which Peng Woojin had seen clearly in the past, now appeared foggy. If even Peng Woojin, with his keen eye for assessing ability, struggled to see through him…
Good. Very good.
Just like the Tiger Warrior and the Sword Phoenix, the Gu Clan of Shanxi was a den of dragons. He wanted it. If given the chance, he would have abandoned his position as Young Lord and headed straight for the Gu Clan. That was why Peng Woojin had tried to join the Gu Clan’s swordsmen after running away from his own clan. Though he had failed.
Flinch. Flinch.
A persistent twitching in his dantian bothered him. Peng Woojin had to rein in his excitement and suppress his roaring Qi. How long had it been since he last felt this way? Probably not since his parting with the Sword Phoenix back at the Heavenly Dragon Academy.
Peng Woojin’s life was gray. It had lost all color, leaving him feeling nothing. It wasn’t a problem with his eyes; he simply saw the world this way, and the sight made his life boring. Even his own sky-reaching talent contributed to the monotony. Yet, there were rare moments when Peng Woojin saw different colors—threads of light in his dull existence. These colors were the only reason he could endure his tedious life.
Jang Seonyeon, standing beside him, was shining as well, though it seemed dimmer than before. He had likely done something different. But unlike him, that boy was special. Not only did he shine the brightest, but he also made those around him glow. Perhaps his light was contagious?
The ones who had no color are starting to show colors now.
Tang Soyeol was a prime example. The girl, who previously had only one shining eye, now radiated brightness throughout her entire body. Peng Woojin knew it was because of that boy. This was the first time Peng Woojin had experienced something like this, making it all the more impactful. The process of imparting color to a colorless existence… It could not be more beautiful.
If such a miracle is possible…
Perhaps Gu Yangcheon could even bestow color upon him as well. Lost in such thoughts, Peng Woojin watched the boy who had conjured the engulfing flames. After all, the darkest thing in his gray world was none other than himself.
* * *
“What is with this bastard?”
I released my grip on Namgung Cheonjun’s neck. “Why is he pissing his pants?”
This was absurd. I had overpowered him due to the chilling energy I felt, but I never expected this outcome. “…The fuck…?”
I had been a little rough given the urgency, but I hadn’t expected him to piss himself. Especially since he was a blood relative of a noble clan. “You were so proud, and then you do this.”
He’d even fainted. What kind of chaotic situation was this? “What do I do…?”
I didn’t have much time to interrogate him. I was in the middle of a duel watched by countless people, and this bastard had pissed his pants. Oh, for fuck’s sake… I didn’t care if he fainted. I didn’t care if he pissed himself. Good for him! Our Cheonjun would get a new nickname out of this. Instead of the Lightning Dragon, ‘Pissing Dragon’ would suit him better.
“I shouldn’t be thinking about this right now.”
It was a funny thought that almost made me laugh, but my situation wasn’t ideal. I had erected a wall of flames to block the view, but it was consuming far more Qi than my initial attack. I couldn’t maintain it much longer. Setting aside my amusement, I immediately placed my hand on Namgung Cheonjun’s body. It was uncomfortable to touch him like this, but the situation was urgent.
…I knew it.
I felt a strange energy inside Namgung Cheonjun’s body. It’s not… Demonic Qi. It wasn’t Demonic Qi, which I had already suspected. If it were, I would have sensed it the moment I saw him. This energy was similar yet different. And I recognized it. I had experienced it many times before.
“…Wi Seol-Ah.”
I blurted out her name without thinking. This energy was eerily similar to what I had faintly sensed from Wi Seol-Ah in my past life. To be precise, it felt lighter, less potent. It reminded me of how the current Black Palace’s Demonic Qi paled in comparison to the Heavenly Demon’s Qi.
“But why?”
Why was I suddenly reminded of Wi Seol-Ah’s energy here? And why did this bastard have such energy inside him? As curiosity piled upon curiosity, the flames surrounding me began to weaken. My Qi was running out. “…Ugh!”
I still had so much to uncover. I used my remaining Qi to generate heat and directed it at Namgung Cheonjun. The smell of urine stung my nose, but I had no problem drying his clothes.
Not that I care what happens to him.
I honestly didn’t care if he was called the Namgung Clan’s Pissing Dragon. But he bore the Namgung surname. And since he reminded me of the woman who always slept beside me, this was my final act of kindness.
Just as Namgung Cheonjun’s clothes dried completely,
Sss—
“…!!”
A sudden sensation shot through my arm. I instantly leaped up and put distance between us. At that moment, the wall of flames vanished, revealing the spectacle to the spectators. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me.
The judge and Alliance members rushed forward to check on Namgung Cheonjun and me. I stood unharmed. He lay there as if dead. The winner was obvious. I had held back when beating him; he shouldn’t have any lasting injuries, though my last strike might have been a bit too strong.
“…The victory in the quarterfinals goes to Gu Yangcheon of the Gu Clan!”
As the announcement, amplified by Qi, echoed through the air, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, understanding its significance.
—!!
Deafening cheers drowned out all other noise. This was what I had wanted from the start. I came here to make a name for myself, considering it my most important task. But as I heard the cheers, I realized my name had already been etched into their memories.
However, neither the cheers tearing at my eardrums nor the praise I never received in my past life mattered to me now. I was too busy enduring the chilling sensation that had crept up my arm and was now spreading throughout my body. I had tried to block it, but this energy had dug into my dantian and made itself at home.
Yes. I had absorbed some of the unknown energy that was inside Namgung Cheonjun—an energy that wasn’t even Demonic Qi.
“…Oh, please, you crazy pig-like fucker.”
My body was already a hostel for uninvited guests, and now another one had joined the gang. “Why are you eating it when it’s not even Demonic Qi…!! Stop eating, for fuck’s sake!”
My outburst made the judge flinch. I couldn’t afford to apologize. Because of what had just happened… I rubbed my face with my hand amid the roaring cheers.
And then,
[He… He…]
Whether I misheard it or not, it sounded like a satisfied, mocking laughter coming from somewhere.
