Chapter 693: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 693: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (4)
Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel.
Before the discovery of even greater treasures, it was the ultimate material for forging divine artifacts. Unlike other types of steel, it possessed overwhelming durability. It was so incredibly hard that no one but a master craftsman could even dream of smelting it.
Centuries ago, in the distant past…
It was the era when the Gates of Demons swung wide and the demonic hordes poured forth—the beginning of what came to be known as the Age of Despair.
Even back then, Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel was exceedingly rare. But it was an age where one had to use every available resource just to survive. Noble clans and prestigious sects alike were forced to empty their vaults, forging every scrap of cold steel into weapons.
Why? Because for a low-realm martial artist to even stand a chance at hunting a demon, they needed a weapon forged from cold steel. Furthermore, it was a time when the number of clans and sects wiped out for hoarding such precious materials had already reached double digits.
It was that kind of era. An era where you had to grab onto anything you could and struggle with all your might just to glimpse a chance at survival.
This historical anecdote served to demonstrate the sheer power of Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel. It could effectively elevate a low-realm martial artist by an entire level. That was how exceptional and resilient the metal was.
Combat Qi—the hallmark of those at the Peak Realm or higher. Unless one reached that level, they couldn't hope to leave so much as a scratch on Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel. That was the immutable law of the martial world.
Clatter!
“...”
Song Yu, the "Dark Bow" of the Red Dragon Army and a Captain of the Murim Alliance, stood frozen, lost for words at the scene unfolding before him.
A chunk of Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel fell to the floor.
Watching it roll, he glanced at the pillar next to him. The cold steel pillar was covered in various scratches, both large and small—marks left by the hundred or so martial artists who had preceded this moment.
But among them, one stood out.
A perfect imprint of a human hand.
It was clear that someone had literally gripped the pillar and torn a piece off. The mark, created right before his eyes, made it impossible for Song Yu to believe what he had just witnessed.
What in the world just happened…?
This was Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel. It was an object that shouldn't break unless one shrouded themselves in Combat Qi and struck with absolute, concentrated force.
No matter… no matter how much it was diluted with other metals.
The Dao King, Peng Jeowoo. A master of the Fusion Realm and the lord of a noble clan that ruled Hebei. Song Yu looked at the gash the Dao King had made. It was long and deep. In terms of sheer depth, that scratch might have looked more impressive, but this couldn't be judged by such simple metrics.
Song Yu had seen the Dao King swing with all his might. It was a blow of such force that had it struck a person head-on, not even their bones would remain. In the first place, the Dao King was an opponent against whom Song Yu couldn't be certain of victory even if he fought with his full strength.
For such a powerful figure, one who wielded hegemonic martial arts, to damage the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel was expected. Song Yu, who specialized in archery, knew he could never leave such a mark.
And yet.
What is this?
What had just happened? Song Yu’s eyes trembled as he stared at the hole in the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel. It was much smaller than the mark left by the Dao King, but it was a far more shocking sight.
…He just tore it off? That cold steel?
Focusing one’s breath, condensing one’s Qi, expanding one’s muscles, and releasing that power at a single point—that was the all-out effort the Dao King had chosen to break the steel.
But.
There was no sign of preparation at all.
Even a master like the Dao King had to go through a process to generate that kind of power. But just now, there had been no such prelude. The young man had lightly reached out, touched the cold steel, pushed his fingers in, and simply ripped a piece out.
There was no recoil to generate force, no preparatory motion whatsoever. To put it bluntly, it looked as if he were crumbling a block of soft tofu.
Is that even possible?
A fundamental question arose. Was it possible to crush something that could only be broken with Combat Qi?
He thought to himself: If it were me, could I have done it?
Song Yu immediately reached a conclusion. Impossible. He couldn't do it. Even though they were both in the Fusion Realm, Song Yu did not specialize in external arts. He could imbue an arrow with Combat Qi and make it pierce the surface, but he could never use such a brutish, direct method.
Then, could someone else do it? Another martial artist? Perhaps someone with a legendary grip from a close-combat discipline? He wasn't sure. No matter how he turned it over in his mind, he couldn't comprehend the situation.
What on earth did he do?
To stand still, extend a hand, and crush cold steel. What level would one have to reach to achieve that?
As he pondered, a figure flashed through Song Yu’s mind.
Could the Sword Emperor do it?
One of the Ten Masters of the Central Plains. A member of the Seven Steel and Three Fists, and the current Guardian Captain, the First Sword of Henan. Perhaps he could do it. No, at his level, it would surely be possible.
If that’s the case…
Did that mean the person standing before him was on the same level as the Sword Emperor?
It was absurd. As if the others realized it too, the martial artists who had been watching in stunned silence began to let out the sounds they had been holding back.
“…What just happened?”
“I think he just ripped it off.”
“He ripped a piece off Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel? Don’t be ridiculous!”
The silence was shattered. Song Yu swallowed dryly behind his mask.
Just then.
“Excuse me.”
“…!”
Song Yu flinched at the man’s voice. The man held out the piece of cold steel in his hand and asked, “So, did I pass?”
“…That is.”
“I didn’t break any rules.”
“...”
He was right. He hadn't broken any rules. One chance, and the attempt ends once you touch and let go. Since he had pushed his hand in while still in contact, it wasn't a violation. This might reveal a flaw in the rules themselves, but…
Who would dare raise an objection to this?
If you want, you can try it too. Even if Song Yu said that, would anyone be able to replicate it?
“Number… one hundred and two.”
“Yes.”
Song Yu asked the man, his voice hesitant. “What is your name?”
“Hm?”
The young man tilted his head at the sudden question. Then, he answered calmly.
“I am Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan.”
“…!”
As the young man introduced himself, not only Song Yu but also the martial artists behind him began to murmur.
“Gu Yangcheon? If it’s Gu Yangcheon…”
“That’s the Lesser King of Hell.”
“The Lesser King of Hell?”
“…The young hero from the Heavenly Dragon Academy? You’re saying he tore off the cold steel?”
While everyone was reeling in surprise at Gu Yangcheon’s identity, Song Yu was surprised for a different reason. While not on the level of the Sky Dragon Army—the Alliance's intelligence division—becoming a Captain meant he had access to high-level information. He had heard a few things about the Lesser King of Hell.
One of the individuals the Alliance and Shaolin are keeping a close eye on.
He was an individual who had been added to the ranks of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes due to an unforeseen incident. Because of that, the Alliance was said to be monitoring him closely.
That’s also why rumors about him haven’t spread, despite his skill.
Not only had he won the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament, but he had also made his presence known by stopping the ambush at the Heavenly Dragon Academy. The reason his reputation hadn't spread despite this was that the Alliance had deliberately worked with the Beggar’s Sect to kill the rumors.
Was that really necessary?
Song Yu wore a sour expression. He didn't care for the political side of things, but for the Alliance, which supposedly championed chivalry, such an action felt completely out of place. To block the path of a junior who was just beginning to shine… there was nothing more unpleasant.
However, the Alliance must have its reasons. As the guardians of the Central Plains, they surely had a justification. He could only convince himself of that.
So… the Lesser King of Hell is this young man.
What should he say? Ignoring the reactions of the crowd, Song Yu bit his lip as he observed Gu Yangcheon. The reason was simple: I can’t see anything.
He could see nothing from Gu Yangcheon. Song Yu had lived his entire life shooting a bow and hitting targets. When it came to observing and understanding someone, he was more confident than anyone, regardless of their realm.
But looking at Gu Yangcheon, Song Yu frowned at the sensation that suddenly washed over him. A suffocating pressure, as if his throat were being squeezed. A frustrating tension rising from within. All sorts of uncomfortable sensations began to dominate him.
This is…
His toes tingled. The hairs on his arms stood on end as a sniper’s instinct screamed at him. It told him that the person before him was a beast—a ferocious predator baring its fangs.
Shudder.
“…!”
A chill ran down his spine, and Song Yu unknowingly took a step back. Fortunately, it was a fleeting movement, and he managed to regain his composure before it became too noticeable.
Just then.
Did he smile?
Unless Song Yu was mistaken, it seemed as though Gu Yangcheon had looked at him and smirked. Could it be? Had he seen through him? As the tingling sensation left Song Yu speechless, Gu Yangcheon spoke as if to hurry him.
“Examiner. So, what’s the result?”
“…You pass.”
As he barely managed to get the words out, Gu Yangcheon nodded. Then he glanced somewhere and let out a smirk.
“Hiek!”
A startled gasp came from among the waiting contestants. Who was he smiling at?
Whoosh.
Before the question could even fully form, he casually tossed the piece of cold steel to the ground and began to walk away. As he moved, the contestants who had become noisy fell silent once more.
Gu Yangcheon seemed to be enjoying the silence. Not a hint of tension could be felt from him. The fact that the Dao King had been here before him, the fact that he had taken the test in front of so many people—he seemed to have no interest in any of it as he walked away leisurely.
Watching Gu Yangcheon’s back, a thought crossed Song Yu’s mind.
He is truly an awl in a sack.
The Alliance had tried to hide him, but he was determined to stick out, just like an awl in a sack. In that brief moment, from just a simple movement, Song Yu could tell. That man was an awl so sharp that no matter what you used to cover it, it would eventually pierce through.
Does the Alliance truly not know? Or are they pretending not to know?
This was the thought that haunted Song Yu the moment Gu Yangcheon disappeared. A momentary doubt gave rise to a strange feeling, but Song Yu immediately shook his head to clear it.
Do not doubt the Alliance.
Value righteousness and chivalry. It was a vow he had made when he first decided to place chivalry at the tip of his arrow. The Alliance must have its reasons. Recalling his vow, Song Yu turned his head.
“Next! Number one hundred and three!”
The test had to continue. Whether it was the Dao King or the Lesser King of Hell, he had a job to do. He suppressed his emotions.
But strangely, the next person in line didn't come forward.
“Did you not hear me?”
In such silence, how could they not have heard Song Yu’s voice, which was laced with internal Qi?
“Number one hundred and three!”
Only when Song Yu called out again did a man finally walk forward. For some reason, he had the expression of a man walking to his own execution.
“…Ye…yes.”
After the Dao King and the Lesser King of Hell had left the stage in chaos, all eyes were fixed on the man’s back. Perhaps this person would also show them something spectacular. Their gazes were filled with such anticipation.
“Hyaaaaaah!”
In response, the man swung his sword with all his might, but… he failed, unable to leave even a single scratch on the cold steel.
* * *
Right after the first preliminary round ended, I headed to the area where the successful candidates were gathered. It wasn't far. The forest had been completely cleared out, so the path was easy to follow.
A building.
A moderately sized residence, neither too large nor too small, built of wood. Its position at the end of the path seemed to be beckoning me over. As I walked toward my destination, I recalled what had just happened.
The Dark Bow, was it…?
The Captain of the Red Dragon Army, Song Yu, the Dark Bow. Martial artists who used bows were already rare, and among them, he was a peculiar individual who had reached the Fusion Realm. This was the first time I had met him in person.
He wasn't bad.
In my assessment, he was a decent individual. His realm was stable, and his instincts were sharp. The Dark Bow had tried to size me up, but he read the situation and backed off before going too deep. If he had probed further, I would have grabbed him and given him a good scare, but it seems he’s got some sense. It meant he wasn't letting his guard down. They called him the Alliance’s best sniper, and true to his name, he was a solid asset.
Not that it matters, since he’s with the Alliance and I’ll have no business with him.
Other than that…
It seemed like a good enough show, but I wonder how it’ll turn out?
I thought about how I had crushed the cold steel. I might have overdone it a bit, but judging by the reaction, it was better than I expected. Originally, I had planned to just hit it hard and break it moderately. But with the Dao King raising hell before me and that moron scratching at it behind me, I decided to show off a little.
Thanks to that, I had to use a considerable amount of Qi. It was impossible to do it normally. Even if it was a mixture, it was still Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel. To break it while standing still without any recoil, what did one have to do?
What else? Just brute-force it with Qi. Use enough Qi to make it possible. It was a simple principle. The problem was that the "possible amount of Qi" was half of my total reserves, but as long as it succeeded in the end, it was fine.
If there was one thing that stung a little, it was that the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Steel I’d sold off was being used for something like this. Did they really buy that expensive stuff just to use it for this kind of nonsense? If they were going to use it like that, they should have just donated it to me. Dammit.
“Haa.”
I let out a sigh and clicked my tongue. In any case, I wasn't pleased. The test itself was like that. If the first round was this simple, what are they planning for the second?
They said there would be two preliminary rounds today. Seeing how quickly the first one ended, it seemed manageable. Which meant they’d prepared something for the second round that would also end quickly. That meant it probably wouldn't be a brawl between martial artists.
It was absurd. What kind of martial arts tournament holds a test like this? A tournament is where people fight each other, so what was with this ridiculous test? I couldn't understand it. What on earth were they trying to do? It was just so annoying.
What can I do? If they tell me to jump, I jump.
If I came here to participate, I had to do what they told me. Of course, I could always lose my patience and break something else, but that was for later.
Thud.
I stopped walking. Lost in thought, I had arrived at the residence before I knew it.
Creeak.
Without hesitation, I pulled open the door. At that moment…
Wooooong!
Hm?
Feeling a strange sensation, I only moved my eyes, quickly scanning my surroundings. After a slight nod, I closed the door and entered.
Well, well.
At the same time, I covered my mouth with my hand and pressed down on the corners of my lips. I barely managed to suppress the laughter that was about to burst out. I was wondering what they were planning for the second test.
Fortunately, or perhaps not, I had figured out what the second preliminary round was. And what's more…
Nice.
This, too, seemed like a test that would be perfect for me to raise hell in.
* * *
Just as Gu Yangcheon entered the prepared residence…
Fwoosh!!
An ember suddenly burst in the empty air. It was so far away that even Gu Yangcheon’s senses couldn't detect it. The countless embers that erupted began to gather and transform into a human shape.
Soon, the flames became a person and opened their eyes. The figure floated in the air and looked down. His gaze was fixed on Gu Yangcheon, who had just entered the building. Red eyes, filled with dancing flames, stared intently at the black-haired young man.
Then, he opened his wrinkled lips and spoke calmly.
“I see.”
The old man smiled.
“So, it is you.”
He had finally found him.