Chapter 746: Begin (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 746: Begin (2)
The round of sixteen had concluded, and the quarterfinals were about to begin.
Standing among the final eight contestants, I calmly studied the wooden bracket. The results of the previous day’s matches had largely gone as expected. The Dao King and the Great Saint Blade had both advanced. Tang Soyeol and I had also moved on.
Aside from us, the others who had been hiding their true strength—the Fusion Realm martial artists—had all risen to the top. Only the truly powerful remained. It also meant the end of the tournament was drawing near. At most, the remaining matches would span another seven days. That was the time left on the schedule.
“Hmm.”
The once-crowded tournament bracket had dwindled to just four matchups. After today, only two or three duels would remain. Technically, there was still time, but looking at the bracket gave me plenty to consider.
[Peng Jeowoo of the Hebei Peng Clan vs. Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan]
The names were written clearly in the center of the board. I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh as I stared at the line identifying my opponent.
“Well, now.”
Looking at the board, I had to admit one thing: this tournament, more than any other, had produced a significant number of events that defied my expectations.
They’re pitting us against each other already?
To think I would have to face the Dao King as early as the quarterfinals was something I truly hadn't anticipated. I figured they would have saved an old hand like him for the very end. No matter how poor the Dao King’s current condition was, I never imagined they would play such a high-value card this soon.
I thought they’d save him for the finals.
I slowly stroked my chin. What was the reason for this?
My current standing was significant. That wasn't a boast; it was a simple fact. The murmuring crowds and the sheer number of spectators outside were even greater than during the Heavenly Dragon era. The expectations placed on me had reached a fever pitch.
On top of that…
Thanks to Moyong Hi-ah’s swift response, my value has increased even more.
Immediately after the Lord of the Jangwon Merchant Association had come and gone, Lady Mi heard Moyong Hi-ah’s report and took immediate action. Her method was simple: spread a rumor.
[The Lord of the Jangwon Merchant Association personally appeared to discuss a sponsorship with the Lesser King of Hell.]
That fact alone was enough to halt the endless stream of merchant leaders in their tracks. The wealthiest man in the Central Plains had made a personal appearance. It signaled that my value was exceptionally high and implied that I wouldn't waste time meeting with anyone who wasn't on that level.
The merchants stopped their pestering and began discussing other things. Approaching me was now a daunting prospect because the Lord of the Jangwon Merchant Association had already stepped in. Conversely, it proved I was a young prodigy of immense worth.
Furthermore, the fact that the White Flower Merchant Association was already sponsoring such a martial artist provided them with incredible indirect advertising. This kind of PR was bound to bring in substantial profits.
They move so fast.
Whether it was Moyong Hi-ah or Lady Mi, their reactions were lightning-quick. I heard that the Lord of the Jangwon Merchant Association had requested another meeting afterward.
I heard a letter arrived yesterday.
The terms he had presented initially were already unbelievable, yet he had claimed he would return with an even better offer. I made a wry face as I thought of him.
I refused to see him today because of the tournament.
It was the right decision. No matter what terms he brought, rejecting him for now was the correct move.
After today, my value will at least double.
The weight of his offer would change accordingly. This was, in essence, the most effective way to refuse. It made me wonder: would he return with an even better offer, or would he finally give up?
Feeling a flicker of genuine interest, I covered my mouth with my hand. I realized the corners of my lips were curling upward on their own.
I don’t know what the Alliance is thinking…
But this deviation from my expectations was actually a good thing. Thanks to this early matchup, I could get things done much faster.
Tap, tap.
I dusted off my hands and lightly stretched my limbs. Then, I looked up at the sky. It was clear and bright, with scattered clouds making for a beautiful scene. I grinned as I watched.
Just perfect.
A good day to cause a ruckus. For some reason, today felt exactly like that kind of day.
* * *
“Waaaaah!”
“Myeong Cheon of the Gwicheonmun Sect—Victor!”
Time passed as the quarterfinals progressed. The excitement of the tournament was reaching a boiling point, and the cheers of the crowd grew louder with every passing minute. It was only natural; the level of competition was far higher than anything seen in the previous rounds.
…Not bad.
Even I was a little surprised. The winner of the last match was Myeong Cheon of the Gwicheonmun Sect. I had never heard of the sect, but the man was remarkably skilled.
He could easily be ranked among the Hundred Masters.
His opponent had been Geumseon Yeoyeon of the Geumseon Clan. I’d heard she was a famous martial artist skilled in dual-wielding, yet Myeong Cheon had seized victory. The match had been decided by a hair's breadth. If either had faltered for even a second, they would have lost. It had been a while since I’d seen a proper duel, and I found myself enjoying it.
The skill level is certainly high at this stage.
The first duel was clean and impressive, made even better by the fact that it was a clash between Fusion Realm masters.
“Gun Dangseok of the Yoryeonggun Clan versus Muk Seoljin of the Qinghai Taoist Sect! Begin!”
The second duel began shortly after.
Fwoooosh!
The wave of Qi that erupted was immense. I felt the energy brush against my cheek and fell into thought. This tournament had defied expectations in many ways. Most of those considered favorites or established powerhouses had been eliminated, and those who remained were largely unknown figures. The emergence of new masters was the most welcome news for the people of the Central Plains, so the atmosphere was burning hotter than ever.
I was no different, watching the duel with genuine interest.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” a heavy voice sounded from my side.
I turned my head to see a man with a foul expression. It was the Dao King.
“You seem to be having a good time.”
I didn't expect him to go out of his way to talk to me. I stared at him for a moment before casually replying.
“Yes. It’s quite fun.”
“…Hah.”
Perhaps it was because I didn't show him the "proper" respect, but the Dao King’s expression soured even further. However, he quickly composed himself and continued.
“To think you are of noble birth, yet you seem to have been poorly educated.”
That was a blatant insult. Well, fine.
“I know, right?”
“What?”
To his petty remark, I replied with a bright, mocking smile.
“I’m from a noble clan, so it would have been nice if I’d been educated well… It’s a shame I wasn’t.”
“...”
Since I wasn't the only one of noble birth present, the Dao King understood the barb hidden in my words. His face instantly crumpled. This old man was actually pretty amusing. To think he’d react like that just because I provoked him a little.
“You insolent…!”
“Lord Peng. The more I see you, the more I find you a curious person,” I said, cutting him off before he could explode. “You know you won't get a pleasant reaction from me. Why do you keep coming over just to get provoked? Is that some kind of fetish of yours?”
“…!”
At first, I had planned to just deal with him and move on. But at this point, I was genuinely curious why he kept picking a fight every time we met. Ah, perhaps…
“Are you fond of me? If so, as I told your son… I’m sorry, but I like women.”
“You bastard!”
Fwoosh!
Finally unable to contain his rage, the Dao King unleashed his aura. Or rather, he tried to.
Crack!
“…!!”
The moment the Dao King released his Combat Qi, the energy erupting from my body crushed his instantly. His eyes widened as his aura was suppressed before it could even form. His bewilderment was plain to see.
Watching him, I patted his shoulder.
“Hey, calm down. A man of your age… It’s good to see you so full of vigor, but this is getting troublesome.”
I was trying to be as nice as possible, but the Dao King’s expression didn't soften. What should I do? At this rate, I felt like I might actually hit him. Me, hitting the Dao King.
I’m trying my best to hold back for Peng Ah-hee’s sake. Why does he keep doing this?
Honestly, under normal circumstances, I would have beaten him senseless long ago. But I still felt sorry for his daughter.
And beating him in front of his son is a bit much.
Peng Woojin was watching from behind, unable to even lift his head, so I was holding back as much as possible. But really, why was he like this? A question arose: why did the Dao King seem to act like an ass only toward me?
The one who beat him was the Dishonored Venerable. Why is he taking it out on me?
Fine, let’s say he got beaten by the Dishonored Venerable pretending to be the Dragon Warrior. And because of that, he was suffering all sorts of contempt and ridicule from the Central Plains. It was understandable that he’d be angry. But why give me shit for it? He barked like a dog only when he saw me, and it was getting on my nerves.
Thinking back, it seemed he had been like this from the very beginning. At first, I thought he disliked me because of the broken engagement, but looking at it now, that didn't seem to be the only reason. Then why? Why was he so hell-bent on targeting me?
Just as these questions filled my mind…
“…Those eyes.” The Dao King ground his teeth. “Those damn eyes you look at me with. You’re the spitting image of your father, curse it.”
“...”
A sudden mention of my father. Hearing that, I tilted my head.
Flinch.
The Dao King shuddered for a moment as he looked at me. Seeing that, I steadied my breathing. That was a close call.
I almost killed him.
I had almost gouged out the Dao King’s eyes just now. I barely held back. Why did he suddenly bring up my father? I really almost killed him.
That was a scare.
I was so pissed I almost ruined all my plans. As I calmed my startled heart, I sensed a subtle nuance in the Dao King’s words. His voice was laden with raw emotion when he mentioned my father.
So I asked, “Lord Peng. If I may ask…” There was no malice in my voice, only pure curiosity. “Did my father happen to give you a thrashing in the past?”
Was that the problem?
Krrrrr!
An immense killing intent erupted from the Dao King’s body.
“What did you say…?”
“No… wait… just a moment.”
“What… did you just say?”
Uh oh, he seems genuinely furious.
This was an unexpected level of killing intent. It was so thick it was startling.
Did I touch a nerve I shouldn’t have?
I think I made a mistake. I gave him an awkward smile.
“My apologies. I really didn't know it was true. Hahaha. Friends fight when they’re young, don’t they? Ah, or perhaps you weren't friends…? Then I’m even more sorry.”
I apologized for bringing up a bad memory. I really should have been sorry. I offered a heartfelt apology, but…
“You really are the spitting image of your father.”
The Dao King seemed utterly incapable of controlling his rage. Normally, I would have taken that as a compliment, but I knew for a fact that he meant it as a vile insult.
“That all-knowing look in your eyes. The way you look at me as if you pity me. It’s all so chillingly similar.”
His voice was a low growl, as if he were chewing on the words. The resentment in his voice was enough to make my skin crawl.
“You bastards… You truly continue to disrespect me, even across generations.”
Huu. Huu.
His breaths were hot and ragged. He was desperately trying to suppress his fury.
“Just you wait, son of Gu Cheolun. Let’s see if you can still look at me with those eyes when you face me on the stage. We shall see.”
With those words, the Dao King finally turned his back and walked away. He kept mentioning my eyes. Was there some problem with them? As I watched his retreating back, I now wanted to ask my father a question.
Just how the hell did you beat him?
What did you do to a man to make him turn out like this? Knowing my father’s personality, he probably wouldn't have hit him without reason… but to be driven to this state, it was safe to say the beating had been excessive.
…I should be more careful when I beat people up from now on.
Watching him, I learned a lesson. I needed to be more deliberate when I threw my fists. If you beat someone up the wrong way, they can end up this broken. From now on, I should either hit them carefully… or kill them to make sure there’s no trouble later. It seemed I had to choose one or the other.
As I nodded to myself, having made this resolution, my gaze passed over the Dao King to the person standing beyond him. It was Peng Woojin, looking at his father.
His expression caught my eye.
“...”
Seeing it, I froze for a moment. It was chilling. There was nothing in Peng Woojin’s eyes as he looked at the Dao King. Only a deep, vast emptiness. Not a single emotion could be seen in his dark pupils. It was hard to believe that was how a son looked at his own parent.
As I wondered what was with that look, my eyes met Peng Woojin’s.
Grin.
The emptiness from a moment ago vanished, and Peng Woojin smiled at me. He then waved his hand as if in greeting.
“...”
Had he forgotten that his own father was glaring at me with murderous intent just moments ago? I didn't like his needlessly cheerful demeanor. Looking at him, I was certain of one thing.
The Peng Clan is doomed.
Neither the Lord nor the Young Lord was sane.
Sigh.
Their family was a total mess too. I felt a ridiculous sense of kinship and shook my head slightly. Then, I looked somewhere else—at a distance that couldn't be perceived by sight or detected by my senses. But I knew it was there.
Twitch!
The Demonic Qi connected to my heart was telling me.
I was originally planning to do it a little later.
But after experiencing this situation, I didn't think there was a need to wait. I infused my will into my Demonic Qi and sent out a vibration. Even if the message sent through energy wasn't perfect, those who served me would understand.
With this, the preparations were complete. All that was left was to wait. It would probably take some time, but not too long.
And…
It won’t be boring in the meantime.
I smiled, looking at the Dao King’s back. Fortunately, I had a toy right in front of me to kill time with.