Chapter 730: Falling Dragon (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 730: Falling Dragon (2)
Time passed, and the sun began to set.
Lanterns across Henan were lit one by one, soaking up the fading light in preparation for the night. Normally, this was the hour when people would drift toward food stalls or head home, yet the streets remained packed.
It had been like this every day since the martial arts tournament began, but the crowd today was exceptionally large—especially around the Murim Alliance. The tournament grounds were overflowing, the crowds spilling far beyond the spectator stands.
There was only one reason for this.
“Is it his turn soon?”
“That’s right. The Heavenly Dragon’s turn is coming up.”
“Ah… I wish I could get a little closer.”
They were all there for the Heavenly Dragon’s duel.
One might wonder how so many people could gather just to watch a single martial artist fight. But for anyone who had heard the rumors spreading through Henan, it was perfectly understandable.
The Heavenly Dragon—the hope of Shaolin and the pinnacle of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes.
He had already proven his worth in his duel against the Moonlight Sword. He had shown the world what it meant to be the youngest to ever reach the Fusion Realm, demonstrating his value with absolute clarity.
At just twenty years of age, he was a boy transitioning into a young man, yet his presence was already far too immense. Because of this, a new title had been bestowed upon him:
The future Zenith Under the Heavens.
Or, the one destined to become the Zenith Under the Heavens.
In the current Central Plains—or at least in Henan—that was the weight the Heavenly Dragon carried. He was a young prodigy who, if not now, was certain to one day stand at the very summit of the world. Such a reputation was more than enough to draw a massive crowd.
“So, is the Heavenly Dragon really that amazing?”
When a man standing behind the stands voiced his doubt, the person next to him spoke up immediately.
“What’s this? Haven’t you heard the rumors, Mr. Jang?”
“I’m asking because I have. It’s just… the rumors are hard to believe.”
“I can say with confidence that the rumors don’t even do him justice.”
“What… how does that make sense? They say he used the Hundred Steps of the Fist. Can a young prodigy really do that?”
The Hundred Steps of the Fist.
It was a supreme art of Shaolin, said to be its very foundation. It was named as such because a single strike could obliterate a target over a hundred steps away. It was said that few even among Shaolin’s own masters could master it. For a mere youth to have used it was almost inconceivable.
“Ha.”
At Mr. Jang’s doubt, Mr. Cheon, the innkeeper of Muryang Inn, let out a scoff.
“This is why you can’t talk to people who haven’t seen the tournament.”
“…Hmph, you’re acting awfully high and mighty just because you saw one match.”
“How could I not? You can’t even believe something as simple as the Hundred Steps of the Fist.”
“Simple?” Mr. Jang’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, simple? How is the Hundred Steps of the Fist ‘simple’?”
“Anyone who saw the tournament would say the same.”
Saying so, Mr. Cheon leaned in slightly toward Mr. Jang.
“Don’t be shocked. The Heavenly Dragon not only used the Hundred Steps of the Fist… but also… the Golden Buddha’s Aegis.”
“…What? The Golden Buddha’s Aegis!?” Mr. Jang exclaimed in shock. Then he paused. “What’s that?”
“...”
“…I mean, I really don’t know…”
As Mr. Jang spoke awkwardly, Mr. Cheon let out a dry cough.
“Disappointing. You mean to tell me you don’t know of Shaolin’s Golden Buddha’s Aegis…?”
“I’m not from Shaolin… How am I supposed to know all of their martial arts?”
The Hundred Steps of the Fist was famous enough, but the Golden Buddha’s Aegis? No matter how hard he thought, Mr. Jang couldn’t recall it.
It was only natural. If few in Shaolin could use the Hundred Steps of the Fist, then the number who could manifest the Golden Buddha’s Aegis was far, far smaller. It was a supreme art that could only be accessed when one’s enlightenment reached its absolute peak, regardless of their cultivation realm.
It wrapped the body in the teachings of Buddhism, creating armor from symbolic golden light. An armor of enlightenment, said to be as indestructible as a body of tempered steel.
The art of the undefeated. That was Shaolin’s Golden Buddha’s Aegis.
“…And the Heavenly Dragon used something like that?”
For the Heavenly Dragon to manifest it at the tender age of twenty—that was why he was called the greatest talent destined for the throne of Zenith Under the Heavens.
“If that rumor is true… I can see why so many people have gathered.”
“They’re hoping to see it again. Wondering if he’ll show it in this duel, too.”
The Heavenly Dragon, cloaked in golden light, had been more brilliant than anyone. The number of martial artists in the current Shaolin who could use the Golden Buddha’s Aegis could be counted on one hand. Since opportunities to witness such high-level Shaolin arts were rare, many had come in eager anticipation.
“Hearing you say it, I’m certainly getting excited.”
“Right? I knew you’d see reason, Mr. Jang.”
“However, he has to be able to show it for us to see it.”
It would be a sight to behold, but there was one concern. As mentioned, it wasn’t a power that could be summoned just because the audience wanted to see it.
“Besides, I heard the Heavenly Dragon is injured.”
The main tournament match from the other day had been incredibly fierce. Just as the Heavenly Dragon’s value had soared, the one who had faced him had also become tremendously famous.
The Moonlight Sword, Wi Seol-Ah.
A member of the Three Venerables—and the descendant of the Sword Venerable, no less. She had not been pushed back in her duel with the Heavenly Dragon, despite his Fusion Realm cultivation. Though she was ultimately defeated, she had managed to inflict a serious wound on him.
The Moonlight Dance Sword was a distinct and famous martial art, so her lineage as the Sword Venerable’s descendant was as good as proven. Moreover, seeing as she didn’t falter against the Heavenly Dragon’s overwhelming might…
“The future of the Central Plains is truly bright,” Mr. Cheon said with a proud expression.
Mr. Jang nodded. “…It seems so. And with the appearance of the Moonlight Sword, perhaps… the Sword Venerable himself might reappear.”
“Hm? Why bring up the Sword Venerable now?”
“I don’t know about the future, but the present is dark, is it not? If he were to reappear… I think I would feel a little more at ease.”
“Dark? My good man, the present is the brightest it’s been in ages.”
At Mr. Cheon’s words, Mr. Jang offered a pained smile. Bright… was it really bright?
We’re barely holding back the Red Demons… What part of this is bright?
Thanks to the grandest festival in history, people were happy, that much was true. But to say the era was bright would be a lie. These were times of crisis, and Mr. Jang knew this well.
“The Sword Immortal is with us, so what is there to worry about? For now, just enjoy yourself.”
“…You’re right…”
There was no one who would listen even if he spoke his mind. Perhaps his own thoughts were mistaken. Thus, he feigned agreement and decided to change the subject.
“Oh, by the way, who is the Heavenly Dragon’s opponent?”
He understood why the crowd had gathered, but he realized he didn't even know who was on the other side of the stage. Mr. Cheon replied with a peculiar expression.
“Well… I hear it’s a child of the Gu Clan.”
“The Gu Clan? You mean… the Gu Clan of Shanxi?”
“That’s right. The clan of the Tiger Warrior.”
“A child of the Gu Clan… it wouldn’t be the Sword Phoenix. Ah.” Mr. Jang remembered. He had heard about it before. On the first or second day, a child of the Gu Clan had defeated a Fusion Realm martial artist in a single blow. His title was, if he recalled correctly…
“The Lesser King of Hell.”
The Lesser King of Hell, Gu Yangcheon.
He was a young martial artist who had stopped a major incident several years ago. Mr. Jang knew of him as well. Despite the rampant rumors, he had been inactive for several years.
Come to think of it…
The Lesser King of Hell, Gu Yangcheon. Around the time he was making waves in the Central Plains, there was another rumor that followed him.
“Wasn’t he also called the youngest to reach the Fusion Realm?”
When Mr. Jang mentioned the thought, Mr. Cheon burst out laughing. “Ho ho! That’s ancient history. Besides, that was a false rumor, wasn’t it?”
“A false rumor?”
“Of course. If it wasn’t, how could the Alliance have confirmed that the Heavenly Dragon was the youngest to reach the Fusion Realm?”
“…Hmm.” That was a valid point.
“Mr. Jang, you’re more naive than I thought.”
“It just seemed like I’d heard it somewhere, so I mentioned it.”
What did it matter anyway? The important thing was…
“…He defeated a Fusion Realm martial artist. Doesn’t that mean the Lesser King of Hell has also reached the Fusion Realm?”
“One could see it that way… but there was a lot of talk about that.”
“What kind of talk?”
“They say the Lesser King of Hell’s opponent at the time had only just reached the Fusion Realm… and many say it was a victory that only happened because he was caught off guard.”
Mr. Jang frowned. A martial artist who had reached the Fusion Realm was caught off guard? In a duel? Against a direct opponent?
…Does that even make sense?
The thought crossed his mind, but he didn’t voice it. In a situation like this, rather than being caught off guard…
Isn’t it more likely that the Lesser King of Hell was so strong that his opponent couldn’t even grasp his power?
But that didn't make much sense either. So he kept quiet. Even if there was something strange about the rumors surrounding the Lesser King of Hell…
I’ll find out soon enough.
If he had questions, he would have answers shortly. Mr. Jang was not one to believe anything unless he saw it with his own eyes.
—Waaaaaah!—
Suddenly, a roar of cheers erupted. Mr. Jang raised his head to look at the distant stage. He could just barely make out someone ascending the platform.
That young man…
There stood a young monk with features as sharp as a sculpture. As if to symbolize his affiliation with Shaolin, his benevolent and warm demeanor stood out.
—Heavenly Dragon! Heavenly Dragon! Heavenly Dragon!—
As the young man appeared, the crowd went wild. Everyone was chanting his name, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch in an instant.
But Mr. Jang was looking not at the Heavenly Dragon, but at the other side. At the opponent.
Huh?
Mr. Jang frowned at the starkly different impression. Not only was the man standing with his weight shifted lazily onto one leg, but he was also scowling as if the noise was too loud, digging a finger into his ear. The young man had black hair with a faint blue tint…
…He looks… terrifying.
His appearance was startling enough to make one flinch. How could a person look so menacing? Was that young man really the Lesser King of Hell?
Something about him…
His first impression was that of a complete delinquent. Moreover, he made no effort to hide it; he was openly defiant. With such a massive crowd watching, was it acceptable for someone from the Orthodox Faction to behave like that? He seemed to say he couldn't care less about the gaze of others.
Watching him, Mr. Jang felt a strange sensation. For some reason, he didn’t feel any discomfort. Was it because the attitude suited him so perfectly? It didn’t seem like the empty bravado of a youth.
What was this feeling?
With this inexplicable sensation, Mr. Jang looked at Mr. Cheon. “Brother Cheon.”
“What is it? I’m a bit busy right now, so later…”
“Who do you think will win?”
“Hmm?” At Mr. Jang’s question, Mr. Cheon flinched. His expression changed to one of utter bewilderment. “My goodness. Why would you ask such a thing?”
Well, obviously.
“It’s the Heavenly Dragon, isn’t it?”
“…You think so?”
“Then are you saying you think the Heavenly Dragon will lose, Mr. Jang?”
“You never know what can happen in this world.”
“Ho ho. Goodness. For a man who runs a business, you sure don’t know much about the world.”
He was right. Mr. Jang nodded. The whole world was saying it would be the Heavenly Dragon, so why was he like this?
A young man he’d never met before. Once famous, but now everyone said his reputation was built on false rumors. So why was his gaze drawn to this young man?
Despite everything, Mr. Jang couldn't shake the thought. For some reason, he didn’t think the Heavenly Dragon would win. He just had a feeling.
—Yu Yeon of Shaolin versus Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan.
—Begin the duel!
From the distant platform, the signal sounded. In that instant—
Vwooom!
“...!”
Mr. Jang immediately felt the air change. It became heavy and suffocating.
FWOOSH!
“Ugh!”
People around them hurriedly covered their eyes. An incredible light had erupted from the stage. A golden light, like the sun, illuminated everything. Simultaneously, a warmth began to seep into their constricted chests.
Whooosh!
A wind blew. It was warm and benevolent, as if wrapping around their bodies. Feeling this, Mr. Jang opened his eyes.
“Hah…?”
He swallowed a gasp as he looked at the platform.
“Hahahaha!! That’s it! That’s what I’m talking about!” Mr. Cheon shouted excitedly.
Only then did Mr. Jang recall what his friend had said.
The Golden Buddha’s Aegis. The supreme art of Shaolin.
An overwhelming pressure enveloped the entire area. A massive suit of armor, dyed in brilliant golden light, was wrapped around the Heavenly Dragon’s body.
“To think I’d get to see it from the very start!! It seems the Heavenly Dragon intends to go all out, no matter who his opponent is.”
“...”
Mr. Jang couldn’t say a word. Was that truly a power wielded by a human?
Indeed… I can see why they’d call it a body of steel.
He could tell just by looking. That solid armor seemed impossible to break through by any ordinary means. No, the very idea of it breaking was unimaginable.
—Waaaaaaaaah!—
As the Heavenly Dragon unleashed the Golden Buddha’s Aegis from the start, the cheers grew even louder. It was a moment that would be recorded in history, and they were all part of it. The Heavenly Dragon was the center of the history that was about to begin.
…This is…
Observing this, Mr. Jang smiled bitterly. Incredible.
They said he was the most likely candidate for the future Zenith Under the Heavens, and they were right. The Heavenly Dragon was undoubtedly a martial artist worthy of that title.
And yet…
Why am I still looking at that man?
Mr. Jang’s gaze once again turned to the Lesser King of Hell. Even before the brilliant light, the Lesser King of Hell’s expression was the same as before.
Had he given up? Had he lost his will to fight the moment he saw that divine light? It was an expression that naturally prompted such thoughts. He looked empty-minded. He showed not the slightest interest in the martial art the Heavenly Dragon had unleashed.
How could he be like that? Before such an overwhelming sight, how on earth could he be so calm?
Mr. Jang’s question did not last long.
The duel had begun. The Heavenly Dragon, clad in the Golden Buddha’s Aegis, immediately rushed toward the Lesser King of Hell.
Crack.
A short, sharp sound echoed.
“…Huh?”
—Waaaaaaaah…. Huh?
Doubt mixed with the cheers. It was inevitable.
“What is that?”
“…Th-…huh?”
The golden armor, said to be akin to a body of steel. The very armor the Heavenly Dragon was wearing.
Crrunch!
The Lesser King of Hell began to tear it off with his bare hands.