Chapter 185
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 185
Chapter Title: Duel with the Fist Demon
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The Dragon-Phoenix Tournament that had stirred up the entire martial world came to an end.
Though the Martial Alliance had sharpened their blades, the ultimate victor was Huangbo Young, the young lord of the Huangbo Family, one of the Eight Great Families.
He was bestowed the honorable title of "Tyrant Dragon."
In addition, Ma Seong-gyun received "Huashan Sword Dragon," Won Myeong got "Shaolin Fist Dragon," and Mun I-cheon was awarded "Little Divine Dragon," among other Dragon-Phoenix titles.
There were many from the Nine Great Sects among the Dragon-Phoenix contenders, but in the end, the winner came from one of the Eight Great Families.
Based on this, some were even proclaiming that the era of the Martial Alliance was passing, giving way to the era of the Orthodox Heaven Alliance.
But it wasn't long before a new rumor spread, quickly erasing the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament from people's minds.
It was news of an upcoming duel between the world's greatest latecomer genius, the North Heaven Dragon, and Kwonma, one of the Four Demon Lords.
"North Heaven Dragon and the Fist Demon?"
"I heard the North Heaven Dragon overwhelmed the Tyrant Dragon, the tournament winner..."
"But can he really stand up to the Fist Demon, no matter what?"
"What's impossible about it? Have you forgotten who took down two of the Four Demon Kings? Eyewitness accounts have spread, lending credibility to the claim that the North Heaven Dragon won through pure skill!"
"That's nonsense! The Demon Kings and Demon Lords are on a different level. Well, there's the exception of Breaking Heaven King... Anyway, the Demon Lords are far superior to the Demon Kings."
"Let's say that's true. But you're overlooking one thing. It was already three years ago that the North Heaven Dragon defeated the Blood Yin Demon King."
"Hmm!"
"He was barely in his early twenties when he took down a Demon King. And now, three whole years have passed since then. Can you imagine how much stronger the North Heaven Dragon has become?"
"Typical third-rate talk. You need to know martial arts. The higher the realm, the harder it is to advance to the next stage, don't you know?"
"What a joke. You think the North Heaven Dragon is like an ordinary person?"
"Come on, come on. No fighting. Isn't it more important to know where those two will face off? That way we can go watch!"
"You're right. Where on earth is it happening? I really want to see it!"
Wherever martial artists gathered, everyone was buzzing about the duel between the Fist Demon and Seol Hwa-un.
"......"
Seol Hwa-un, sitting in one corner of the inn, gave a wry smile. He was on his way back to the North Heaven Fortress.
'I can guess who spread the rumor.'
The Fist Demon wouldn't out of pride, so it must have been his sect, the Breaking Heaven Sect.
'The actual participant hasn't even seen the challenge letter yet.'
Yu Gong-seon said,
"It seems the Breaking Heaven Sect spread the rumor on purpose, fearing you might refuse the duel, Fortress Lord."
From Seol Hwa-un's perspective alone, that was unlikely, but a person's sense of responsibility changes with their position.
Now that he directly led the North Heaven Fortress, he could refuse.
So, in their anxiety that the duel might not happen, they spread the rumor first.
"That makes sense. Come to think of it, three years have passed since our agreement."
Yu Gong-seon's eyes widened.
"You mean there was already a prior agreement?"
"Yes. During the trip to the Central Plains for the grand assembly, we agreed to clash three years later."
Yu Gong-seon nodded as if it finally made sense.
"I thought it felt a bit sudden, but so that's what happened."
"It seems the Fist Demon has been counting the days until those three years passed."
Having heard the rumor that he even defeated the Light Blood Sword King, he must be even more eager.
Yu Gong-seon said,
"If I may speak out of concern, Fortress Lord, will you accept this duel?"
"Of course."
"As expected. Are you confident?"
Seol Hwa-un gave a faint smile.
"Are you scared I might lose?"
Yu Gong-seon nodded in admission.
"Yes. More than anything, I'm worried about your safety."
"......"
"No matter how you dress it up, the Fist Demon is an unorthodox figure. We can't guarantee he won't harm you during the duel."
"Anything can happen in a duel."
"That's why I'm even more worried. If something happens to you... Just the thought is terrifying."
No matter what anyone said, Seol Hwa-un was the pillar of the North Heaven Fortress.
The North Sea Ice Palace had been able to enter the Central Plains and establish itself without major backlash largely thanks to his presence.
If Seol Hwa-un were to disappear, the North Heaven Fortress could face an existential crisis immediately.
"Don't worry. This will be a great opportunity to spread this fortress lord's fame across the world."
His opponent was none other than the Fist Demon. The weight was entirely different from the Four Demon Kings.
Surpassing him would make Seol Hwa-un's renown echo throughout the land, directly boosting the North Heaven Fortress's prestige.
"If you win, Fortress Lord, nothing could be better. I believe in you, but the risk is undeniably great."
The North Dragon Brigade Leader, who had been listening silently, chuckled and spoke.
"Haha, as expected of a strategist, full of worries. Don't fret. Didn't you see it yourself this time? How much the Fortress Lord has changed through training with the Five Huashan Immortals."
For a month, they had been unable to hide their admiration at Seol Hwa-un's aura changing bit by bit each day.
"Now, I can't even guess what realm the Fortress Lord has reached. No matter how great the Fist Demon is, he won't match up."
With the North Dragon Brigade Leader's assurance, Yu Gong-seon felt a bit relieved.
'Right. Let's trust the Fortress Lord. He'll prove it with actions, as always.'
After finishing their meal, Seol Hwa-un and his group set out immediately.
As they headed toward the North Heaven Fortress, they ran into two young men.
"......!"
Seeing them, a smile rose to Seol Hwa-un's lips.
"Fortress Lord!"
"Greetings! Have you been well?"
The two were none other than Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won. Their auras were far more refined than before.
'It seems they've trained diligently even without me.'
Seol Hwa-un asked,
"What brings you here?"
Dong Ho-won replied spiritedly,
"What do you mean? We heard you were returning and came to greet you! It's been so long."
"You rascal, anyone would think it's been years. Isn't it just two months?"
"Oh, really only that much?"
Eom Mu-hwi said calmly,
"We heard about your exploits at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament. As expected of the Fortress Lord."
"I only served as a judge."
"Haha. Catching fouls swiftly, donating your bet winnings, even displaying divine prowess against the winner— and you call that just judging? Aren't you being too modest?"
Seol Hwa-un chuckled.
"Come to think of it, those things happened."
"Are those trivial to you now?"
"Well, your exploits on this outing were a bit modest, Fortress Lord."
Eom Mu-hwi frowned at Dong Ho-won's jest.
"You were quiet for a while, but your mouth's acting up again?"
"Quiet? What are you talking about? I never talk to you anyway."
Seol Hwa-un looked at the two and said,
"Your auras have changed beyond recognition."
Dong Ho-won said proudly,
"We trained hard. Made some decent progress too."
"So, you've finally reached the next realm?"
Dong Ho-won's face hardened instantly.
"Th-that's......"
Eom Mu-hwi also bowed his head with a stiff expression.
"We're sorry, Fortress Lord. We gave it our all, but......"
Seol Hwa-un chuckled.
"I'm kidding. I know how hard you've worked these two months. That's more than enough."
"......!"
As their faces brightened, he added,
"Still, try not to let it drag into this year."
Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won replied with awkward expressions.
"......Yes."
In that moment, Seol Hwa-un's eyes flashed.
'I'll set an example as Fortress Lord too.'
Seol Hwa-un clenched his fist.
'With victory over the Fist Demon.'
Meanwhile, Dong Ho-won sidled up to Yu Gong-seon.
"......?"
Seeing Yu Gong-seon's puzzled look, Dong Ho-won asked earnestly,
"Chief Steward, I'm dying to know what happened at the Martial Alliance. Could you tell me in detail?"
"Sure, that's not hard, but......"
"Especially how the Fortress Lord got along with the women around him...... Please tell me all the details."
"......?!"
* * *
Two days later.
Seol Hwa-un finally arrived at the North Heaven Fortress.
The leadership had all come out to greet him. Leading them, the North Wind Brigade Leader clasped his hands politely.
"You've worked hard, Fortress Lord."
"You've suffered acting as deputy, Brigade Leader. No issues?"
"Yes. Nothing aside from 'that matter.'"
"As expected. Then let's go in. I want to see that challenge letter that's supposedly been here a while."
Without even resting from the journey, Seol Hwa-un headed straight to the meeting hall.
Seated at the head, he carefully examined the challenge letter.
"......"
A glint appeared in Seol Hwa-un's eyes.
"Two months from now......"
Two months later would mark exactly three years since they met. In that sense, the Fist Demon was quite rigid.
Chief Steward Bing Cho-pung added,
"The rumors are already rampant in Shanxi Province. It seems word has spread to other regions too, as quite a few martial artists are flowing in here."
"Hmm."
"The duel hasn't even been confirmed, and nothing's decided yet... But no doubt, plenty will head to Sichuan."
Yu Gong-seon said,
"It's the Breaking Heaven Sect's scheme. Spreading rumors across the Central Plains to make refusal impossible."
Seol Hwa-un's eyes flashed as he declared,
"I accept the duel request."
Some faces brightened at his declaration, while others looked worried.
"It's not just out of competitive spirit. This is the time when this fortress lord is establishing his position. No need to erode prestige needlessly."
The executives nodded.
"This is actually an opportunity. Surpassing the Fist Demon will surely bring great gains to this fortress lord."
As everyone hesitated, Hall Leader Bang Won voiced what others felt.
"Fortress Lord, are you confident? Of course we trust you, but the opponent is who he is..."
Seol Hwa-un smiled.
"I know exactly what you're all worried about."
"......"
"But as always, I'll show you with actions."
"Yes, Fortress Lord!"
At that moment, a warrior burst into the meeting hall.
"Sorry to interrupt the meeting. We have a guest at the fortress."
"A guest?"
"Yes. He's from the Breaking Heaven Sect."