Chapter 694: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 694: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament
I entered the residence.
Inside, just over twenty people were already waiting. My skin tingled with every step I took, the sensation making me click my tongue inwardly.
Tsk.
‘Good grief, these old men and their ego-measuring contests.’
They were all trying to act profound for no reason. It was always the same when martial artists gathered; they couldn't help but deploy their domains and clash with their internal energy.
What a bunch of morons.
‘Wouldn't it be nice if they saved some of that energy for once?’
Did they really have that much power to spare? I’d wager I had more than all of them combined. This was exactly how people got themselves killed—by showing off. In a real war, fools who wasted their strength like this would find themselves depleted when it actually mattered. It was common for them to be worn down and slaughtered.
‘This is why you should never associate with bastards who’ve never seen a battlefield.’
Cursing them under my breath, I gave a casual wave of my hand.
Fwoosh!
As I gently unraveled the tangled knots of Qi, the air cleared, and I could finally breathe a little easier.
However...
“…!”
“…”
Noticing that I had tampered with their auras, the successful candidates all snapped their gazes toward me. Feeling their stares, I offered an awkward smile.
“Sorry. It was getting a little stuffy in here.”
After that brief explanation, I found a spot nearby. There didn't seem to be any assigned seating, so I sat on the edge of the wooden veranda where the sunlight was less intense. Their eyes followed me, but I did my best to ignore them.
‘How long is this going to take?’
Right now, all I cared about was the schedule. The preliminaries were still ongoing, so I wondered how long it would be until the second round began. And it wasn't just the time that weighed on me.
‘I wonder how Wi Seol-Ah and Seong Yul are doing.’
I was worried about the others who had entered the preliminaries with me.
‘They should be fine, right…?’
If the test was the same everywhere else, I didn't think they would fail. Still, a worry is a worry—especially when it came to Wi Seol-Ah.
‘…Is she doing okay…?’
My mind was completely preoccupied with her, like a parent who had left their child by the water’s edge. If I could, I would have stormed out right then to check on her.
‘She used to just giggle whenever she had to do anything. Surely she wouldn't be like that here.’
Unlike in her past life, this Wi Seol-Ah was a bit of an airhead. The Celestial Sword had been cold and sharp, but her current self was completely different. While her present life was much better to see, her lack of social awareness was a concern.
‘Then again, who am I to worry about someone else…?’
I chose to be antisocial. Wi Seol-Ah was just naturally like that, which was why I was so worried.
‘Maybe I coddled her too much.’
I wanted her to live a different life than her previous one. Could it be that the actions I took with that goal in mind were now causing problems? The thought suddenly bothered me. It wasn't about judging right from wrong; it was about determining what was better for her in the long run.
‘This is difficult.’
It truly was. What was the right way to handle things? For me, that was the most difficult question of all.
Tap.
As I was lost in thought, I sensed a presence. I lifted my head to see a shadow looming over me, blocking the sunlight.
“It’s been a while.”
The voice was rough and deep. I looked up to see a giant of a man dressed in dark clothes. Dao King Peng Jeowoo was standing right in front of me.
This was unexpected.
‘I can’t believe he’s actually acknowledging me.’
I never thought the man would approach me. I’d assumed we would both pretend the other didn't exist. Was I mistaken?
As I looked at him with a puzzled expression, the stares from those around us grew even more intense. The fact that the Dao King had initiated a conversation was a spectacle in itself.
Well, I had no choice now.
“It has been a while, Lord Peng.”
As I offered a short greeting, the Dao King’s brow twitched slightly.
“I had my suspicions, but it really is you.”
“Yes, I’m that guy.”
I stood up as I spoke. I wanted to remain seated, but I had to show some semblance of courtesy.
“A member of the Gu Clan greets the Dao King.”
I performed a fist salute and bowed my head slightly. As I made the gesture of respect—however cursory—I felt the Dao King’s imposing aura soften a bit. Don't tell me this old man is actually pleased by something like this?
“You seem to have better manners than I thought.”
I guess it was true. A simple greeting was really enough to improve his mood—
“It seems you’ve changed. Back then, you seemed utterly worthless.”
Or not.
“Have you finally matured with age?”
“…Yes. Something like that.”
His words stung, but I held back. I was clearly at fault for his attitude.
‘It’s karma for my younger days.’
The price for living like an idiot. I could tolerate this much. This was the father of my former fiancée, after all. To make matters worse, I had broken off the engagement by verbally abusing her. It was a truly shitty history. Perhaps the Dao King was dwelling on that as well.
“I heard you’re now engaged to someone from the Namgung Clan.”
Of all things to bring up, it had to be my engagement.
“Yes. That’s how it turned out.”
“The Sword King’s daughter… They call her the Sword Dancer, don’t they?”
My shoulder started to itch. It was a subtle, irritating feeling, like someone was poking me repeatedly. That’s what talking to the Dao King felt like.
“The Gu Clan is truly remarkable. To break an engagement with the Peng Clan only to form another with the Namgung Clan… you’re quite capable.”
To think you’d crawl to the Namgung Clan after throwing us away.
Do you really want to be tied to one of the Four Noble Clans that badly?
That was the hidden meaning behind his words. Hearing them, I smiled faintly.
“Thank you. I was merely lucky.”
“Nonsense. It’s all thanks to your Lord’s ability.”
The poking sensation turned into a sharp prod.
“I once thought you were a fool who kicked away his own fortune.”
He was right. With the Peng Clan, I could have lived in luxury, but I’d ruined it with my insults. His words were spot on.
“But now I wonder if my Ah-hee was the one who was somewhat lacking.”
“Haha… Thank you for the compliment.”
It sounded like a compliment, but it wasn't. While he feigned humility, his eyes were filled with a thick, sticky resentment.
“The fact that you’ve made it this far must mean you’ve broken through the wall. A remarkable achievement for your age. The future of the Gu Clan is very… bright.”
“Compared to you, Lord Peng, my achievements are nothing to speak of.”
Grin.
The corner of the Dao King’s mouth lifted, as if he enjoyed the cheap praise. This old man seemed to think I had barely surpassed the Peak Realm. Since I passed the first preliminary, he assumed I’d "broken through the wall," but he seemed unaware that I had already reached the Fusion Realm.
It was partly because I was concealing my level, but it seemed he couldn't even fathom the possibility. It didn't matter. In fact, it was more helpful this way. He’d offered praise, and I’d accepted it. This was a good point to let things go.
Just as I was thinking of excusing myself, the Dao King added another comment.
“Indeed, the Gu Clan will surely grow greater in the future.”
The poison laced within the compliment dug deep.
“Unlike Lord Gu, his son knows how to conduct himself so well.”
The prodding fingertips suddenly felt like a sword stabbing me.
‘This son of a bitch.’
I tilted my head and looked at the Dao King. His words weren't just thorny; they had been sharpened and honed before being thrust at me.
“I was quite worried when I first saw you, but it seems that friend of mine has educated his son very well.”
“Hmm.”
I gently gripped my wrist. The Dao King was right—I had matured. Wasn't that true? To hear such words and not immediately beat him to a pulp… how mature of me.
“You seem to be quite close with our Lord.”
“Of course. We’ve been close friends since we were young.”
If that was the case, why were his eyes filled with such hostility? I barely managed to suppress a sigh.
‘It would have been better if this bastard had become the Alliance Leader.’
I was genuinely disappointed. I’d heard he failed to become the Alliance Leader after losing a close battle with the Sword Immortal, but if the Dao King had taken the position, things would have been much easier to handle. I could have played with him like a toy.
Hiding my disappointment, I forced a smile.
“Won’t the Peng Clan also prosper, not just the Gu Clan?”
Pfft.
At my words, the Dao King’s smile deepened. Was he sneering because he thought I hadn't understood his jab? Looking at him, I was filled with questions.
“They say a clan’s prosperity or decline is determined by its lord… The Peng Clan seems to be very fortunate in that regard.”
“You don’t have to sweeten your words so much. I’m not one to be swayed by such—”
“Though it may be faltering now, the day Young Master Great Saint Blade ascends to the lordship, the Peng Clan will surely take flight.”
“...”
“Isn’t that right, Lord Peng?”
I let my smile fade as I spoke, and I saw the corner of the Dao King’s eye twitch. He kept embedding thorns in his words, so I decided to try it myself. It seemed to have worked perfectly.
The Peng Clan is faltering because you’re the one leading it.
But it will stabilize once a man like Peng Woojin becomes lord, unlike you.
So shut your mouth and stay quiet.
That was the message I intended to send.
“You bastard…”
Fortunately, the Dao King understood perfectly, as his face began to contort.
“I’ve met him a few times. Young Master Peng is quite a remarkable person.”
“…Hah…”
I was complimenting his own son, yet the Dao King’s expression only continued to crumble. At the same time, I felt a suffocating pressure. The aura flowing from the Dao King grew thicker.
“I thought you only looked a little like him.”
Grind.
Clang!!
As the Dao King’s fighting spirit intensified, those around us instinctively took their stances.
“But even the way you speak is exactly like your father.”
At those words, I tilted my head. Was that supposed to be an insult? It sounded like a compliment to me. I pondered this as I looked into the Dao King’s eyes. The hostility in them was much thicker than before.
What was the problem? I had managed to provoke him, but such a strong reaction was unexpected.
‘Lack of ability as a lord? Comparison with his son? Or was it something else?’
As I thought, a strange sense of dissonance washed over me. It wasn't that those things were the problem, but rather…
‘Am I the problem?’
No, that wasn't right. To be precise…
‘Is my father the problem?’
His aura had definitely spiked when he said I was just like my father. Could that be the issue? If so, what happened? After a moment of thought, a possibility came to mind, and I asked the Dao King directly.
“Lord Peng. By any chance…”
“What else are you trying to say—!”
“Have you ever been beaten up by my father?”
“...”
Freeze.
At my words, the Dao King’s body went rigid. Even the aura he had been emitting vanished in an instant. Seeing that, my eyes widened.
“Oh, so it’s true?”
He really got hit? Judging by his reaction, it was definitely real.
‘Wow.’
I was wondering why he was being such an ass, and I had a hunch my father might have done something to him. Was he taking out his frustration from being beaten by my father on me?
‘Father… what on earth were you doing in your youth?’
How did he end up thrashing the lord of one of the Four Noble Clans? It was a moment that made me suddenly curious about my father’s past.
“Grrrrr.”
A low, guttural sound came from the Dao King. His jaw was clenched tight, and the fighting spirit emanating from his balled fists was palpable. Then, forcing his expression under control, he spoke.
“…Child of the Gu Clan.”
“Yes.”
“Be grateful that we are within the Murim Alliance and that the Alliance’s laws exist. If not for the established rules, you would be crawling on the floor right now.”
Fighting without permission during the preliminaries meant immediate disqualification. That was one of the rules we were informed of before the test began, and the Dao King was telling me to be grateful for it.
“I know, right?”
That was a truly unfortunate part for me as well.
“These rules… they’re something to be thankful for, aren’t they?”
A beast that doesn't know its place needs to be beaten like a dog. It was a real shame that this rusty cage was protecting him.
The Dao King, who had been radiating killing intent, glared at me for a long moment before turning his back. Just as he said, it seemed he couldn't control his temper any longer.
What a pity. If he were more like a bull, things might have been different. By the way, was that really all he came for?
‘Did he really come just to pick a fight?’
A clan lord must have a lot of free time on his hands.
‘Tsk.’
Even after seeing him for just a moment, I felt like I understood why my father had beaten him up. Suppressing a sigh, I sat back down on the veranda. I already felt tired. I closed my eyes for a moment.
Just let time pass quickly.
With that wish, I took a brief rest amidst the flood of stares. The next test began one hour later.
* * *
The sky was stained red. The sun was setting, casting a twilight glow over the grounds. Considering the test had started at noon, a significant amount of time had passed.
I stood among the gathered crowd, preparing myself once again. The first round was over. All the successful candidates had gathered to begin the second preliminary round.
“There are fifty-eight successful candidates from the first preliminary round.”
A martial artist from the Alliance organized a document and handed it to someone. The person who took it was an old woman with stark white hair. Her sharp gaze and stern expression made her look like someone who wouldn't bleed a single drop even if stabbed.
The old woman glanced at the letter, then turned her ramrod-straight posture and rigid gaze toward us.
“Heh heh… A pleasure to meet you all. I am Yeoseon, the Captain of the Wind Dragon Army…”
Hearing her introduction, I sensed a slight flinch from the people around me.
Yeoseon, Captain of the Wind Dragon Army. Also known as Bimapa Yeoseon.
She was the only female captain in the Alliance and, as far as I knew, the martial artist who had been active in the Murim Alliance the longest, aside from the Sword Emperor. However, she wasn't an exceptionally skilled individual in terms of raw martial prowess.
The Wind Dragon Army itself specialized in formations and sorcery, and its captain, Bimapa, was an expert in that field. In terms of martial might, she was likely the weakest among the captains.
But that didn't mean she was weak. In some ways, that old woman was the most troublesome person among the Alliance captains.
‘…I had a hard time because of that old hag.’
It was Bimapa who had aided the Alliance’s strategist, Zhuge Jihee, in killing the Young Prodigies in my past life. The formations and sorcery she deployed were nothing short of a nightmare. From illusions to traps using formations, she was an individual specialized in warfare rather than single combat.
The Sword Demon and the Deer King, who usually fought each other on sight, had even joined forces to kill that old woman—a testament to how dangerous Bimapa truly was.
“I will be in charge of this second preliminary round, so I ask for your cooperation…”
There was no murmuring at Bimapa’s words. It was a completely different atmosphere from the first round. But of course—most had already been filtered out by the cold steel-breaking test. What remained for them was not the excitement of seeing a master, but the tension of the unknown.
Everyone was swallowing nervously as they looked at Bimapa.
“The second preliminary round, much like the first, is not a complicated test.”
Bimapa began her explanation without hesitation.
Tap! Scraaaape.
As she spoke, she used the staff in her hand to draw a long, horizontal line in front of her feet. Then she said:
“From now on… those who cross this line will pass.”
“…What?”
“Cross the line?”
The voices that had been barely held in check spilled out. All we had to do was cross that line? Everyone wore dumbfounded expressions at the simple task. It seemed too easy.
But then...
“I have already set up a formation around this residence…”
At Bimapa’s continued explanation, everyone’s expression hardened.
“Since you have already entered the residence… it will not be easy to escape…”
She had set up a formation in the residence. At her words, everyone looked around with grim faces. When on earth had they entered a formation? It was something none of them had noticed. This was the power of Bimapa, the Alliance’s greatest formation master.
As everyone sent her looks of astonishment, she continued.
“Fifty-eight, you said… Exactly half should be fine.”
Bimapa said to the martial artists.
“First come, first served. Twenty-nine.”
At her voice, everyone’s focus sharpened. Break through Bimapa’s formation. Everyone intuitively understood that it was a task that seemed simple but was anything but.
“Only the twenty-nine people who cross this line and tap my shoulder will be able to pass the second preliminary round.”
Bimapa swept her gaze over the crowd, the corners of her wrinkled eyes curving into a smile.
“Now then, we will begin—”
“We just have to tap your shoulder?”
Just as she was about to start, a question rang out, and Bimapa paused. She had just explained it, and hearing the question again, she looked displeased.
“…Yes, cross the line and tap my shoulder… Hmm?”
Bimapa, who was about to repeat herself, suddenly froze. The voice had come from far too close.
Tap, tap.
At the same time, she felt a touch on her shoulder. Bimapa turned her head, and her eyes met mine.
Looking into Bimapa’s eyes, I smiled brightly and asked:
“So, can I go home now?”
“…?”
Just like in the first round, no answer came this time either.