The Birth of a Champion

Im Gun-hyeon bolted upright from his seat. For the first time today, the City Lord of Unmong had lost his composure. Even when Bukjin had been ruthlessly overwhelming Jo Pacheon earlier, Im Gun-hyeon’s expression hadn't flickered once.

Until now, he had largely ignored Baek Hae-geum and his disciple, Jo Pacheon. He considered it beneath him to acknowledge the way they used the reputation of White Cloud City to throw their weight around in Unmong. However, the moment Jo Pacheon showed signs ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of Demonic Possession, Im Gun-hyeon could no longer afford to sit idly by as if watching a fire across a river.

He couldn't simply interrogate them or stir up trouble without caution. The destructive potential this incident held for the entire North Sea Empire was immense. What was happening right now was ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠terrifying. This was the Academic & Martial Arts Competition, and it was being broadcast live. Not only were tens of thousands of people watching, but the events were being recorded onto Flowing Image Stones.

If this wasn't handled perfectly, the news that an incident of Demonic Possession had occurred during Unmong City's competition would spread like wildfire. It wouldn't just be a scandal for Pungeo Province; it would reach the ears of the entire North Sea Empire and even cross the border to their enemies, the Aurora Empire. The ripple effect was chilling to contemplate.

As he weighed the various scenarios, a cold shiver ran down Im Gun-hyeon's spine.

Dam Gogeum, the First Administrator of Pungeo Province—who had maintained a mask of indifference, tapping his fingers on the armrest with a lofty expression—stared blankly at the crystal screen for a moment. It was as if he couldn't immediately process the gravity of what was unfolding before his eyes.

A moment later, Dam Gogeum lunged out of his seat. His face twisted into an expression no one had ever seen him wear before. In a state of profound shock, he whipped his head around to glare at Baek Hae-geum.

At that same moment, Baek Hae-geum, the Sword Saint of White Cloud City and Jo Pacheon’s master, wore a look of utter, indescribable devastation. His entire body was trembling slightly.

"T-This... this is impossible..."

Baek Hae-geum’s lips and voice quivered. Shock and terror were etched onto the faces of everyone in the VIP viewing area. In the adjacent sections, officials from the prestigious academies of Pungeo Province sat frozen like stone statues, rendered speechless.

Unlike the common citizens, these high-ranking figures and powerful masters possessed the vision to see the bigger picture. They felt the lethal impact this event would have on the North Sea Empire. If they weren't careful, the entire nation could be branded as a haven for Demon Worshippers. This was especially critical given the ongoing, relentless war against their long-time rival, the Aurora Empire. If rumors spread that White Cloud City was linked to the Heavenly Void Demons and the situation wasn't handled correctly, the very foundations of the country could be shaken.

Bzzzt—!

The crystal screens flickered violently before the broadcast cut out entirely, the screens going dark. Im Gun-hyeon’s heart sank. He turned to Lee Ung-bu, the Head of the Education Bureau, and Sim Ji-jeol of the Administrative Bureau, his voice sharp and commanding.

"Go! Investigate what happened immediately! Who cut the signal? The broadcast must not be interrupted! Restore it at once!"

In a crisis like this, a sudden blackout could actually backfire and fuel even worse rumors. At that moment, Dam Gogeum narrowed his eyes and spoke up.

"You intend to restore the broadcast in a situation like this?"

Im Gun-hyeon had no intention of dealing with Dam Gogeum right now. Without even looking at the administrator, he roared, "What are you waiting for? Move!"

Sim Ji-jeol and Lee Ung-bu scrambled to investigate. Meanwhile, in the spectator stands, a massive uproar had already broken out, as if oil had been poured onto a raging fire. People were screaming, standing up, and panicking in the chaos.

About fifteen minutes later.

Bzzzt—!

The images began to flicker back onto the crystal screens. Jo Pacheon had already been subdued and was unconscious. However, his wounds and the skin of his face had turned a pitch-black hue. Even in his unconscious state, his body continued to convulse violently, looking as though some terrifying entity might burst out of him at any moment.

Because the broadcast had been cut, no one would ever truly know what had transpired during those missing minutes. City Lord Im Gun-hyeon, Education Head Lee Ung-bu, and other officials had already arrived aboard the Ryuchae Jewel Merchant Ship.

Im Gun-hyeon spoke with a booming voice. The officials standing beside him wore calm, practiced smiles, showing no signs of anything being amiss. It looked as though everything was perfectly normal and proceeding smoothly. Seeing this, the citizens gradually stopped their commotion and began to settle down.

A short while later, Education Head Lee Ung-bu delivered the new update via the broadcast. His words were carefully chosen to imply that the incident Jo Pacheon suffered had nothing to do with Im Bukjin. He then announced that the birth of the competition's champion was imminent.

The Taegeum-class battleship carrying Bukjin’s team moved toward the harbor. Countless citizens gathered at the docks, cheering as they looked out toward the sea. The most glorious finale of this grand festival had finally arrived.

For many, witnessing the birth of Unmong City’s greatest new genius with their own eyes was a thrilling moment of history in the making. Many were already unable to contain themselves, chanting Bukjin’s name. Had it not been for the strange incident moments ago, Bukjin’s victory would undoubtedly have become a legendary tale that everyone marveled at. Naturally, looking at the crowd's reaction now, the impact of the recent disturbance seemed minimal.

For the ordinary citizens of Unmong, Bukjin’s victory was a cause for great celebration. He was a true son of Unmong, born and raised there. Even if his reputation had been poor in the past, he had now come to his senses and transformed into a talent with entirely different capabilities. The citizens felt as though a troublesome son had finally straightened out his life and started a family; they were accepting Bukjin’s existence into their hearts.

In contrast, their feelings toward Jo Pacheon were far from positive. Jo Pacheon was a traitor to Unmong, and even after returning, he had caused various incidents and maintained a condescending attitude toward the city. Furthermore, he had been ashamed of his roots and refused to acknowledge them. If such an ungrateful student had won the Unmong City Academic & Martial Arts Competition, the citizens would have been deeply displeased.

When the people saw Bukjin and his teammates board a fast boat to return to the pier, a massive cheer erupted. Everyone shouted the names of the five boys and girls, led by Bukjin. It was a scene of solemn grandeur.

Traditionally, the ceremony honoring the winners always served as the grand finale, scheduled for the following day. The champions would receive prestigious awards from the Empire in front of everyone. Grand prizes were also being prepared for the students who showed outstanding performance.

Amidst the thunderous cheers, Baek Hae-geum was trembling with rage. Standing with his fists clenched, he pushed past Im Gun-hyeon and the others, stepping forward to glare at Bukjin with a sharp, furious gaze. He let out a roar of indignation.

"This is unfair!"

Im Gun-hyeon looked at Baek Hae-geum with a coldness he had never displayed before.

"STEP BACK!!!"

Im Gun-hyeon shouted with a savage voice. Until now, he had been a jovial and good-natured City Lord. But now, he showed the ferocity of an enraged dragon whose reverse scale had been touched. It looked as though he might tear Baek Hae-geum apart if the man uttered another word.

Baek Hae-geum was deeply startled in his heart. However, he gritted his teeth and spoke up.

"I demand a fair and just investigation! I must know exactly how our Pacheon was poisoned! His defeat is far too suspicious! If he hadn't been poisoned, he wouldn't have been defeated so easily by Im Bukjin! As his master, I have a duty to uncover the truth of this matter!"

"You want the truth?" Im Gun-hyeon said with a cold sneer. "Grandmaster Baek. Do you really still not understand?"

"I understand perfectly! That is why I am speaking up!" Baek Hae-geum insisted, his voice gaining strength.

Im Gun-hyeon took a deep breath and spoke.

"An investigation will be conducted. The City Government will carry out a thorough inquiry involving everyone. Grandmaster Baek, your job right now is to step back and stop interfering with the competition. If you refuse to move, I will no longer speak to you with such civility."

Baek Hae-geum could feel that Im Gun-hyeon’s patience had reached its absolute limit. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke.

"Fine. I shall trust the City Lord this once."

With those words, Baek Hae-geum immediately left the area. He had already taken all the measures he deemed necessary. Everyone had witnessed the argument between Baek Hae-geum and Im Gun-hyeon. Everyone had heard what Im Gun-hyeon said and the actions he took.

Watching quietly from the side, Dam Gogeum’s lips curled into a cold, mocking sneer. He, too, soon left with his entourage.

The citizens began to chant Bukjin’s name once more. The students of the 3rd Academy rushed out, lifting Bukjin up and tossing him into the air in celebration. Baek Geum-un, Han Bul-bu, and Ak Hong-hyang were receiving the same treatment.

No one had expected this trio from the 3rd Academy to hold out until the very end and seize the championship. And yet, at this moment, the dream that had been deemed impossible had become a reality.

Beyond the immense honor they had gained, the status of the 3rd Academy would continue to rise following this competition. The Education Bureau would grant them even more resources in the future, and more students from the 3rd Academy would be able to participate in the next competition. Every single member of the 3rd Academy was unable to hide their excitement and profound emotion.