Feverish Anticipation in the Dojo
The spacious training ground, paved with expensive blue stone, was unusually crowded today. Spectators had flocked to watch the duel. There were martial artists, enthusiasts, merchants, fishermen, and people from all walks of life.
"No need to watch—it's obviously going to be a win for the senior disciple."
"As if that's even in question."
The residents of Haenam Island were convinced of Saubi's victory. To them, the Haenam Sect was a source of pride and self-respect, and Saubi was its senior disciple. Not just any senior disciple, but the once-in-a-century prodigy hailed as a genius.
Outsiders, however, saw things differently.
"Hmph, looks like they don't know much about Sword Seal."
"Yeah. She's an undefeated young expert, after all."
Sword Seal. Affiliated with the enigmatic Sword Pavilion, she shunned public displays, so her presence didn't quite match her fame. But one thing was certain: no one who'd crossed swords with her had ever claimed victory. Strangely, none even whispered about it—they stayed utterly silent, like mice before a cat. In truth, they'd been smacked senseless with the flat of her blade and were too embarrassed to speak, but the crowd didn't know that. Which was why her martial arts remained a mystery.
"What? Who says we don't know?!"
"Sword Seal? Yeah, she wields a sword well. So what?"
"You outsiders don't even know the senior disciple!"
Clashes between locals and visitors. It had been inevitable ever since the duel was set at the Haenam Sect. Every local bet on Saubi without fail, while outsiders held varied opinions. If it were a street brawl with wagers, fists might have flown. Thankfully, this was a duel of higher caliber—no such chaos.
"Haha, the heat is intense. Makes sense for a matchup between the Haenam Sword Dragon and Sword Seal."
A goateed man muttered loudly enough to draw ears, stroking his beard as if to look important.
"But hopes and predictions are different beasts. Predictions must be grounded in facts."
"Oh yeah? And what do you know?"
Someone nearby showed interest—or rather, a skeptical glare that said, "Who asked you?"
The goatee man's eyes lit up like he'd hooked a fish.
"Haha, I know as much as anyone. It's how I make my living, spinning tales."
"Oho, a martial enthusiast?"
"If you're one of those, you must know your stuff."
The crowd perked up. Enthusiasts were bound to be well-versed in the jianghu.
"Haha, well..."
The goatee man's shoulders puffed with pride. Yang-dae, watching, clicked his tongue.
Tch, that guy's here too.
The goatee was Ma-mun, Yang-dae's rival enthusiast. Same age, same experience, even from the same hometown. The problem? Ma-mun always edged him out—snagging stories, info, and coin first. Yang-dae couldn't help feeling inferior. But he wouldn't quit.
This time, I'll get ahead.
Everyone fixated on the Haenam Sword Dragon and Sword Seal. But Yang-dae eyed elsewhere: the Golden Dragon Battlefield Leader. The more he watched, the more Bang So-un reeked of profit—not wealth, but stories that paid. Stunning beauties inexplicably drawn to him. Blatant female escorts. Weave that into a tale, and the money would flow.
Guess I should tail the Golden Dragon Leader.
As Yang-dae schemed, Ma-mun kept yapping.
"As you all know, Haenam Sect is famed for its swift sword. So the Sword Dragon must be a master of it."
"Duh."
"What else is new?"
The crowd rolled eyes at the obvious. Ma-mun grinned slyly.
"Then what about Sword Seal? I'd wager almost no one knows. Not even me. But that doesn't mean we can't speculate."
"Speculate how?"
Curiosity flickered. Most wondered about the veiled Sword Seal's arts.
"Haha, you probably don't know much about the mysterious Sword Pavilion either. They operate in shadows. Their sword style? Killing Sword. Ruthless enough to draw criticism for being un-righteous. So, if Sword Pavilion favors Killing Sword, doesn't Sword Seal likely do the same?"
"Oho, Killing Sword."
"Makes sense for a Sword Pavilion member."
"Not a true enthusiast for nothing."
Ma-mun smirked at the nods—until someone snorted.
"Killing Sword my ass. Spouting nonsense without knowing shit."
Ma-mun's face stiffened at the blatant mockery.
"Who's that? If you know better, why call it nonsense?"
"Right here."
An ordinary-looking man raised a hand. No martial air about him. Ma-mun scoffed.
"You don't even look like a martial artist. Mind your words."
"Wrong is wrong."
"Wrong about what?"
"I've seen Sword Seal wield her sword myself. Happy now?"
"Hah."
Ma-mun's mouth snapped shut. He'd never dreamed someone here had witnessed it firsthand. But he dismissed it.
"Anyone can say that."
"Believe what you want."
The plain man was a civilian who'd sailed with Sword Seal. Grateful for her saving his life, he used honorifics. "You'll see soon enough. Sword Seal will dominate this duel."
"Hmph, fat chance. It'll be even—thirty exchanges at least. And victory goes to the Sword Dragon."
Ma-mun sneered. As an enthusiast, he'd spectated countless duels. Unless skills gaped wildly, no blowouts. This wasn't one. Foolish babble from an ignorant fool. And one more thing.
Haenam will use that.
Ma-mun's eyes gleamed. No matter their confidence, they'd play their ace. They knew the stakes: the senior disciple's first major jianghu debut, stepping beyond southern seas. So they'd unleash the Sea Dragon Armor—Haenam Sect's treasure that no blade could pierce. Using it in a friendly orthodox duel? Shameless. But after slipping behind Hwasan Sect among the Nine Great Sects, they were desperate. They'd draw it for sure.
Though the observer might object...
Unlikely. Would a punk upstart like the Golden Dragon Leader dare challenge Haenam? No way. Anyway.
Ignorant fool.
Ma-mun shot a smug glance at the man.
"Observers from both sides, please inspect."
Bang So-un approached Saubi.
"Mind if I check?"
"Go ahead."
Saubi flashed a cocky smile. Damn, he was slick all around. Handsome enough to turn heads, even for a guy. Big sect senior disciple, strong martial artist—plenty of women would swoon. A rival to Bang So-un. Better castrate him before he deflowered more. Would Sword Seal oblige? Nah, too much to ask. Just beat him senseless, shatter his confidence, turn him into a timid shut-in who couldn't face women.
"Pardon the intrusion."
Bang So-un patted Saubi down. Sword as weapon. Haenam favored swift swords: an inch-and-a-half shorter, five pun lighter than standard. Looked true. Fast, huh? Speed's tricky. But she'll handle it.
As he checked the chest—
Hm?
Bang So-un's eyes sharpened. He'd sensed something. Armor under the robes. In a casual duel? Unheard of.
Funny. Even mangy dogs bite at home. Planning to cheat?
Bang So-un smirked inwardly. Big sects were all the same. But this ain't ordinary gear.
His eye for gems spotted it: no common armor. A real threat to Sword Seal.
Even so, this is low, kids.
He tsked mentally, about to call it out—
No, wait.
Mind changed.
Crutches hurt more when they snap. Bigger the hope, harder the fall.
Bang So-un grinned darkly. Lose with this on? Total confidence wipe—straight to shut-in. Heh heh heh.
Perfect. He held his tongue.
"All clear."
Bang So-un stepped back cleanly. Misreading him, Saubi smirked faintly. Yeah, even with your cash, shut it around mighty Haenam. Live longer that way.
"No issues here."
Haenam observer Elder Baek-un confirmed too. Now, only the fight remained.
"Then, let's begin."