Chapter 573: The Succession Contest Begins
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 573: The Succession Contest Begins
Step. Step. Step.
With an incredibly solemn expression, Lee Jae-won began to walk toward the podium.
Step. Step. Step.
His gait was so majestic that dignity seemed to radiate from every stride.
Stop.
Halting before the podium, Lee Jae-won scanned the crowd with a piercing gaze. He saw countless alliance members gathered, filling the area.
"Ahem."
Watching them, Lee Jae-won lightly cleared his throat.
"Proud chivalrous warriors of the Murim."
He looked over the members once more, his voice rising in volume.
"Greetings! I am Lee Jae-won, the Leader of the Cheonmu Alliance!"
His voice thundered, echoing across the entire grounds.
Vroooooom.
It was a voice infused with a formidable amount of internal energy.
"I wish to express my gratitude to you all for making the arduous journey here at my request for this assembly."
Lee Jae-won bowed his head slightly toward them. It was a gesture that seemed to overflow with appreciation.
"Most of you likely have a fair idea of why I have summoned you. It is regarding the succession contest that is about to take place."
Raising his head, Lee Jae-won addressed the crowd again.
"As those of you who have seen the posted notices know, the succession contest will be divided into three parts. First, a test of martial prowess; second, an evaluation of administrative and management skills; and third, a test of one's commitment to the chivalric code."
Lee Jae-won continued his explanation.
"Each of these three tests will be evaluated differently and assigned a score. The individual with the highest total score will be appointed as the successor to the position of Alliance Leader."
His eyes sparkled as he spoke.
"And today, we shall conduct the first of those three—the test of martial prowess. I will personally preside over this test and provide an objective evaluation."
Lee Jae-won continued in a calm tone.
"Ordinarily, it might be simpler to decide through duels between the candidates. However, I feared that such a method might allow someone to achieve a high score through mere luck or fluke, rather than true skill. Thus, I decided it would be more rational for me to personally test your martial prowess. In this exam, I shall step forward myself to evaluate you."
Gulp.
The candidates swallowed hard at Lee Jae-won's words. The reality of what had been written on the notices was finally sinking in. They were being given the chance to spar with the World's Greatest Martial Artist. How could they not be nervous?
"Now, I expect some may raise concerns regarding fairness. One might think that the scores will be assigned arbitrarily based on my subjective whims."
Lee Jae-won’s expression turned grave.
"Therefore, I declare here and now, staking my honor as the World's Greatest Martial Artist, that I shall provide a fair evaluation for this test."
Lee Jae-won raised his voice to a shout.
"As a martial artist who knows honor, I swear upon my convictions! There shall be no foul play in this examination!"
He roared, looking out at the people with eyes full of certainty.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
Cheers and a thunderous wave of applause began to ring out from all directions. Everyone seemed moved by Lee Jae-won's heartfelt appeal.
Heh heh heh... I've still got it... Lee Jae-won.
Hearing the cheers, Lee Jae-won let out a sinister chuckle internally. Unlike the insolent leadership, the common martial artists still hung on his every word. It filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.
I can't leave it like this. Once the contest is over, I'm going to purge them all.
He made a firm resolution. He would recruit a massive number of talented individuals to replace those disrespectful bastards in the leadership—after kicking out every single one of the current high-ranking officials, of course.
If he did that, he could build his own paradise once again.
Grin.
A repulsive smile began to spread across Lee Jae-won's lips.
*
Why is that bastard smirking like that?
Meanwhile, Sun-woo, who had been watching the scene, felt a surge of doubt as he looked at the grinning Lee Jae-won. Seeing the man look so pleased made his skin crawl.
Lee Jae-won was a man who had committed acts that were utterly unforgivable. Seeing such a human being smirking with delight made bile rise in Sun-woo's throat. The man was laughing while he had made others cry tears of blood.
I'll have to find out today.
Sun-woo’s eyes sharpened. He thought this was a perfect opportunity—an opportunity to see just how much the gap between him and Lee Jae-won had closed.
When they first met at White Flower Peak, Sun-woo had been a mere Super-Peak martial artist. The difference in their power had been like that of an ant and an elephant.
But things were different now. He had grown enough that he wouldn't be dwarfed by that "elephant" anymore.
He had surpassed the Super-Peak Realm. He had moved beyond the Transcendent Realm, which was considered the limit of human potential. He had reached the Profound Realm, also known as the Half-Immortal stage.
Furthermore, he had achieved the Ethereal Body—the physique of an immortal that could draw upon nature qi at will. He had obtained a level of strength that was incomparable to his past self.
He felt confident. If it was his current self—the self that had reached the Profound Realm—perhaps he could actually reach Lee Jae-won.
He wanted to test this confidence against the man who had first shown him the meaning of despair since he fell into this martial arts novel.
Of course, since he was wearing the mask of Jang Sun-woo and not acting as Jang Sam, he wouldn't be able to use his full power. He couldn't use the Great Void One-Qi Art or the Yin-Yang Harmony Divine Art. He couldn't risk anyone discovering that he was Jang Sam, the disciple of the Yin-Yang Demon.
However, even a brief exchange of blows would be enough. He would know exactly how much the gap between them had narrowed.
...Lee Jae-won.
Sun-woo’s eyes flashed as he stared at Lee Jae-won on the podium. His gaze was filled with both hostility and a burning competitive spirit.
*
In the center of the massive marble training ground stood Lee Jae-won, the man called the World's Greatest. True to his reputation, his mere presence radiated an overwhelming aura of dignity.
Gulp.
The spectators surrounding the area swallowed hard, completely intimidated by the majestic sight of the world's strongest man.
"We shall now begin the contest!"
At that moment, Heo Sam-gwan, the Phoenix Hall Master, roared at the top of his lungs, signaling the start.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
The crowd surrounding the training ground erupted in cheers.
"The first to be tested is Young Master Bi Pa-rang of the Chamcheol Sect from Hainan, along with four others!"
As the shouting died down, Heo Sam-gwan began calling out the names of the candidates.
Step. Step. Step.
Soon, a group of people appeared in the training ground. Leading them was a young man with his hair tied back in a ponytail and a rugged, beast-like impression. Behind him followed four large men. The crowd easily guessed that these were the people Heo Sam-gwan had called.
"It is an honor to meet you, Alliance Leader."
Upon reaching the center of the training ground, Bi Pa-rang bowed deeply to Lee Jae-won. His posture was filled with respect for the master who represented the world.
"It is good to see you, Young Master Bi."
Lee Jae-won acknowledged him.
"...You know of me?" Bi Pa-rang asked, looking surprised.
"How could I not know of the man who slaughtered half of the South Sea pirates who were preying on the common folk?" Lee Jae-won replied with a gentle smile.
"Though you are located far away in the South Sea, you are a chivalrous warrior who knows and practices justice, just like the heroes of the Cheonmu Alliance. How could I be ignorant of a hero such as yourself?"
Lee Jae-won praised Bi Pa-rang warmly.
"Thank you for recognizing me, Alliance Leader."
Bi Pa-rang looked deeply moved as he offered his thanks. The South Sea was considered a backwater, a place often ignored by the Central Plains. No matter how much fame one gained there, it was usually dismissed. Yet, the World's Greatest Martial Artist had recognized him. How could he not be touched?
"Now, now, there's no need for such gratitude."
Lee Jae-won waved his hand dismissively.
"Well then, let us begin. I would like to chat more, but there are many others waiting."
Lee Jae-won glanced toward the candidates behind them.
"I completely understand, Alliance Leader."
Shring.
At those words, Bi Pa-rang slowly drew his sword. It was a peculiar weapon with jagged, saw-like teeth along the blade.
"You use a unique sword. This should be interesting."
"I shall strive not to disappoint you."
Bi Pa-rang pointed his jagged sword at Lee Jae-won.
Tap.
He lunged toward Lee Jae-won, his sword moving with blinding speed.
Whish!
The saw-toothed blade underwent dozens of transformations in an instant, flying toward Lee Jae-won. It was the Namhae 36-Sword Technique, the pinnacle of deceptive swordplay. His blade moved in every direction, shifting incessantly, desperate to graze even a sliver of Lee Jae-won's skin.
Pathetic.
Watching this, Lee Jae-won let out a silent sneer. The man seemed to be showing off his ultimate technique, but to Lee Jae-won, it was painfully predictable. It was enough to make him yawn.
Get lost.
Lee Jae-won casually waved his hand.
Snap!
Bi Pa-rang’s saw-toothed sword was snapped in half with ridiculous ease. With a single light movement from Lee Jae-won, the Namhae 36-Sword Technique had been utterly neutralized.
"W-What?!"
Bi Pa-rang looked devastated. He couldn't believe that his proudest ultimate technique had been blocked so effortlessly.
Lee Jae-won slowly extended his hand and pointed his fingers at Bi Pa-rang’s throat.
"Well? Do you wish to continue?"
"...I concede."
Bi Pa-rang lowered his head. He had just realized the insurmountable gap between them.
Heh heh heh...
Lee Jae-won felt a surge of triumph. This man, Bi Pa-rang, had likely spent years in grueling training to master those shifting sword techniques. He probably trained under the scorching sun until his hands and feet were covered in blisters, his bones broke, and his skin turned dark. He must have honed his martial arts through life-and-death battles.
And yet, all that effort had been invalidated in an instant—by someone like Lee Jae-won, who had never put in a day of hard work in his life.
Haaaaah...
Lee Jae-won felt an incredible sense of catharsis. It was like using a cheat code as a kid to capture a rare monster in one go. It was like using a hack to steamroll through the Four Heavenly Kings he could never beat before. It was the thrill of crushing an opponent who relied on effort by using a "cheat."
He was happy. He was so happy he felt like he might get an erection.
"Excellent."
Lee Jae-won barely managed to suppress the corners of his mouth from curling up.
"Your skill is remarkable for your age. You must have put in bone-shattering effort to master such swordsmanship."
Lee Jae-won spoke with an expression of feigned admiration.
"Continue to devote yourself as you have. If you do, you shall one day taste the ultimate end of transformation."
Lee Jae-won spoke these profound-sounding words, though in reality, he was just talking out of his ass. He had no idea what the "ultimate end of transformation" was. After all, he was someone who had simply inherited the Heart Sword from his master.
"Thank you... Thank you so much."
Unaware of Lee Jae-won's true thoughts, Bi Pa-rang expressed his gratitude with a face full of emotion. He felt as though his years of hard work had finally been validated.
"Now, let me see the skills of your companions as well."
Lee Jae-won gave a curt nod and looked at the supporters standing behind Bi Pa-rang.
Shring.
One of the supporters drew his sword.
"No, don't come at me one by one. Come all at once."
Lee Jae-won shook his head and gestured for them to attack together.
Shring!
The supporters all drew their swords simultaneously, without hesitation. Attacking one person as a group was usually considered shameful, but their opponent was the World's Greatest. There was no shame in a coordinated attack against him.
Boom!
In an instant, the supporters were sent flying helplessly. Lee Jae-won remained standing in the center of the training ground, looking as composed as ever. He was the picture of dignity, without a single scratch on him.
"Next."
Having neutralized Bi Pa-rang’s supporters in one go, Lee Jae-won looked around. A satisfied smile played on his lips. The feeling of being the center of everyone's attention at this moment was absolutely electrifying.