Chapter 88
Chapter 88
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: Ace Showdown (3)
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Dan Un's display of divine power further ignited the atmosphere of the martial arts tournament.
“To think the Blue Dragon Sword was a transcendent master!”
“They said he was the greatest talent of the younger generation in the southwest, and it wasn't just an empty rumor!”
Since everyone present was a martial artist, their hearts pounded at the sight of such exceptional skill.
Carrying this momentum, Wi Ji-pung rose from his seat, sword in hand.
If he won, today's tournament would end in a 3-3 draw. If he lost, it would be recorded as a crushing 2-4 defeat.
Amidst this, all eyes turned to me and Wi Ji-pung.
Their gazes asked which of us would go.
Obviously.
“What are you doing? Get ready.”
The contestant was Wi Ji-pung.
Why would I do unpaid labor? I'm not crazy.
*Pat, pat.*
I patted Wi Ji-pung on the back and urged him on.
”I'm tired, so finish it quickly. If you have to, just draw your aura and swing it around right from the start.”
“...That wouldn't be much of a duel, would it?”
“Is the duel what's important right now?”
“Then what is?”
“Finishing quickly, washing our feet, and going to sleep is what's important.”
We had a two-thousand-li journey to start tomorrow.
We needed to conserve as much stamina as possible.
When I strongly emphasized this point, Wi Ji-pung replied reluctantly.
“...Alright. I'll try.”
If his opponent had been Jin Gung, the genius of Mount Hua, I couldn't have guaranteed Wi Ji-pung's victory. But the Taoist who stepped onto the stage now was not Jin Gung.
Of course, considering the public's assessment that Mount Hua was in its greatest golden age in a century, he too would be an outstanding martial artist.
But he was no match for the genius of the Black Dragon Hall, our transcendent master, the forever-single Wi Ji-pung.
And my prediction didn't miss by a single inch.
*Fwoosh.*
Not long after it began, the Sun-Shooting Sword erupted, mercilessly erasing the scattering plum blossom petals.
Overwhelmed by the divine power, the Mount Hua Taoist sheathed his sword and admitted defeat.
“It was a good match.”
“Your sword is exceedingly sharp, Taoist Master. You will surely achieve great things soon.”
*Waaaaah!*
As the two swordsmen bowed to each other, a roar of cheers erupted.
“Hah! The lost future of the Diancang Sect was here all along!”
“The banner of the orthodox Taoist path has truly been raised high.”
“The future of the Nine Dragons Fortress is bright indeed.”
The old men of the Righteous Path Alliance exclaimed in admiration.
It was pure admiration, with no trace of jealousy. I couldn't help but think, *so this is the Righteous Faction.*
'Compared to the Nine Dragons Fortress, this place is a paradise.'
The Nine Dragons Fortress, on the other hand, was no different from a jungle compared to the Righteous Path Alliance.
In any case, the competition ended in a 3-3 draw.
As a tournament commemorating the start of the Righteous-Nine Alliance, it was a very satisfactory result.
I could see the eyes of the martial artists from the Righteous Path Alliance were filled with goodwill.
Having crossed swords, they seemed to feel much closer to us.
'Does the rule of becoming friends after a fight apply here too?'
I learned for the first time today that the unwritten rule of men that dominated Korean high schools in the 2000s also applied in the martial world.
In this "We Are the World" atmosphere, several martial artists from the Righteous Path Alliance approached those from the Nine Dragons Fortress and struck up conversations.
“They say the Sun-Shooting Sword of the Black Dragon Hall is the best under heaven, and it truly lives up to its reputation.”
“I knew the Sky-Collapsing Sword Art of the Gray Dragon Hall was a divine technique, but I never imagined it was this powerful.”
“The Blue Dragon Sword's swordsmanship...”
Even the two weakest members were showered with praise.
“My eyes have been opened to the art of the spear today.”
“The Gold Dragon Sword's internal energy...”
Seeing this spectacle, a hypothesis formed in my mind.
'Could it be?'
Did Bukgung Baek orchestrate this tournament with this goal in mind?
I turned to look at him and saw him tipping his wine cup with an inscrutable expression.
'No way. There's no way that drunkard is capable of such high-level political maneuvering.'
This was Bukgung Baek, the man called the Great Demon Lord of the Righteous Faction.
He didn't seem the type for such thoughtful political plays.
He must have suggested it out of boredom.
I shook my head and drank the cold water in front of me.
“Um...”
Just then, a young Taoist from Wudang approached and spoke to me.
“What is it?”
“May I ask for your great name, esteemed warrior?”
“It's nothing great... I'm Jin Mujeon.”
“I see.”
“But what did you want to...”
“It's nothing. I was just asking.”
He gave a small nod, then walked over to Geum Pil-dae and started talking to him.
A total brush-off, clear as day.
'What, that little brat?'
To not know my name, which rings throughout all of Sichuan.
It seems I need a nationwide viral marketing campaign.
'I'll have to entrust it to Yong Ma-san.'
If the Beggars' Sect gets involved, the rumors will spread quickly.
With a firm resolve, I braced myself for the hefty expenditure of two silver taels.
Just when I thought all the events were coming to a close.
The voice of the Righteous Path Alliance Lord echoed across the training ground.
“Is everyone not disappointed?!”
The warriors of the Righteous Path Alliance turned their heads to look at him.
A sense of unease bloomed in my chest, and I unknowingly furrowed my brow.
“While the result is perfect for commemorating the start of our alliance, are we not martial artists? I believe it's right to see a conclusion, no matter who wins. What do you all think?”
At that, the warriors from the Righteous Path Alliance side let out a cheer.
It was understandable. The true genius of the Righteous Path Alliance, the Plum Blossom Sword Master Jin Gung, had not yet appeared.
As expected, his name rang out, and the Alliance Lord looked at Jin Gung.
“Will you be alright?”
*Thud.*
He knelt on one knee and cupped his fist.
“Of course.”
Then, as if he'd been waiting, he looked at me.
What the? Why is that bastard suddenly picking a fight with me?
I lifted my head in bewilderment and saw Jin Gung's mocking face.
[I've been holding back all this time just to fight you.]
I was dumbfounded by his sudden informal speech.
[Are you crazy?]
I immediately sent a telepathic message, but there was no reply.
I didn't like him from the moment I saw him. First impressions truly are the ultimate truth.
Meanwhile, everyone present began to murmur.
Bukgung Baek raised the corner of his mouth and said to me.
“Will you go?”
“No.”
“As you can see, he seems unwilling...”
The Alliance Lord looked at me with an expression that said, 'What kind of person is this?'
Then he asked Bukgung Baek something.
Bukgung Baek very kindly threw a few words his way.
And a moment later.
“The winner will receive a reward in the name of the Righteous Path Alliance Lord, so the two of you shall display your martial arts to the fullest.”
An unexpected prize was now on the line.
A declaration from none other than the head of the Righteous Path Alliance.
He wouldn't offer some flimsy prize, so this was a chance to strike it rich.
Besides.
'I won't have to do any viral marketing.'
I could also save on the marketing fee for Yong Ma-san. It was killing two birds with one stone.
There was no reason not to do it.
As I leaped onto the dueling stage, all eyes focused on me.
I cupped my fist in a humble posture and said.
“Come at me, you bastard.”
* * *
*Whooosh.*
A cold wind, a stark contrast to the warmth of Sichuan, brushed past the nape of my neck, heightening the tension.
As Jin Gung before me assumed his starting stance, it felt as if a cold dagger had flown and lodged itself in my chest.
But, don't worry.
The hand is quicker than the eye... No, my fist is faster than lightning.
An ashen energy billowed up from Jin Gung's body.
'Purple Mist Divine Art.'
The legendary divine art said to be passed down only to the sect leader.
Which meant.
*Chwaaang!*
He had also mastered the Seven-Colored Plum Blossom Art.
As Jin Gung moved his hand, a sword form unfolded—fierce, fast, and full of immense variations.
Not plum-colored, but deep, blood-red petals poured down, aiming for me.
It was only natural.
Because another name for the Seven-Colored Plum Blossom Art was the Blood Plum Blossom Sword.
I plunged into the midst of the sword energies, which were even more ferocious and powerful than the Twenty-Four Forms Plum Blossom Sword Art.
*Paang!*
At the same time, the War King's Thirteen Strikes erupted, striking his flank.
*Wuuuung.*
Having parried the attack, Jin Gung's sword vibrated relentlessly, letting out a resonant hum.
A result I had somewhat expected.
I slammed a full-powered kick into his thigh.
*Twitch.*
Ever so slightly, Jin Gung's forehead twitched.
At the same time.
“Hup!”
His sword shot out like a beam of light, aiming for my shoulder.
*Thump.*
The moment I saw it, I executed a ground-stomp to create a repulsive force.
The War King Step unfolded, taking me out of the sword's range.
No, I thought I was out of range.
“....!”
*Sliiice.*
Until I witnessed the fabric on my shoulder tear and blood begin to flow.
'He's no pushover.'
I had been prepared for this.
The Mount Hua Sect was born a thousand years ago when Taoists settled on Mount Hua.
How could the sword of someone called one of the greatest geniuses in that long history be anything but formidable?
'I can't hold back.'
I fumbled with the peppercorn bomb tucked in my sleeve and steeled my resolve.
This time, Jin Gung moved.
An incredibly stealthy movement technique. As the Dark Fragrance Drift unfolded, it became difficult to gauge the distance.
However.
'I may not know the Plum Blossom Sword, but I've experienced the Dark Fragrance Drift plenty of times.'
Back in the Heaven-Ascending Pavilion, I fought that bastard Dan Un countless times.
I've experienced the movements of the Dark Fragrance Drift to the point of being sick of it.
*Kuuung.*
I used the War King Step, launching myself towards a single point with all my strength.
*Swish.*
The blood-red plum blossom petals poured down, aiming for various parts of my body.
*Rumble. Bang!*
I threw a punch, and the Explosive Death Force erupted, blowing the plum blossom petals away.
As I pushed through the gap, I saw Jin Gung's flustered face.
He probably didn't expect me to charge straight through.
But my opponent was also a transcendent master.
He quickly erased his surprise and thrust out a palm strike from which a silver energy rose.
*Wham!*
It was the Blue Dragon Hall's Deepest Heart Palm, which I received as a settlement for that plagiarism incident.
“Ugh.”
Completely caught off guard, I ended up taking the hit.
I barely managed to deflect the point of impact, but I couldn't dissipate the force, and my body was sent flying backward.
I should have worn the Dragon Scale Armor if I knew this would happen.
*Thud.*
After landing, I suppressed my slowly boiling anger and looked ahead to see Jin Gung had closed the distance.
'This bastard?'
In an instant, his sword came flying, scraping along the ground.
Countless blood-red plum blossom petals gathered and soon formed a single, complete plum blossom.
A sword form with a completely different level of power than before.
It was the sword aura of the Seven-Colored Plum Blossom Art.
“Tsk!”
Sensing the danger, my War King Energy raged wildly.
Mind Reaches, Ki Embodies.
The moment the thought formed, my body and ki moved.
*Crackle. Crackle.*
I drew upon all my War King Energy and unleashed the Explosive Death Force.
A force incomparably stronger than before collided with the sword aura.
*Kwaaaang!*
It immediately transformed into a black sphere, exerting a gravitational pull that swallowed the sword aura and then exploded.
I don't know why this phenomenon occurs.
But one thing is for sure: it's incredibly cost-effective.
To the point that even a hastily deployed Explosive Death Force could completely erase the opponent's sword aura.
'God-tier cost-effectiveness is a universal truth.'
The exchange of blows continued after that.
After exchanging several forms.
*Kwang!*
Once again, the Explosive Death Force and the sword aura collided, canceling each other out.
Jin Gung gritted his teeth and swung his sword.
The sword was slightly slowed by the gravitational pull spreading around it.
It definitely gave me an opening.
“Die, you bastard!”
The moment I dodged the sword, I slammed the War King's Thirteen Strikes, fully charged with Explosive Death Force, into him.
*Paang!*
A sonic boom erupted.
*Kwaaaang! Sizzle.*
Thirteen Explosive Death Forces detonated simultaneously, and a storm of force and a sphere of gravitational pull engulfed him.
Dust kicked up by the explosion filled the area.
“Did I get him?”
I knew I shouldn't say that line, but I was confident.
'I felt the impact.'
It was a blow powerful enough to make even old man Bukgung clutch his ribs and roll around on the ground.
However.
*Whoooosh.*
When the dust settled, Jin Gung was standing there perfectly fine, without a single broken bone.
*Fwoong.*
In fact, a deep purple sword aura had been added, making his presence even more menacing.
“Ah, I should've just kept my mouth shut.”
This is why you should never say 'that line'.