Chapter 44: The Fist King Says You're Unlucky This Year
The Fist King Says You're Unlucky This Year
Chapter 44: The Fist King Says You're Unlucky This Year
"So far, many names have been floated as potential champions. The Murim Alliance and the Imperial Society have different candidates."
Hwa Eun-seol raised two fingers.
"The Murim Alliance has two picks: Jin Gyeol of the Mount Hua Sect and Im Ji-ryeong of the Wudang Sect. Their participation isn't confirmed—not because they have bad relations with the Murim Alliance, but because Hwasan disciples stake their lives in every duel, and Wudang practitioners dislike external activities."
Dan Woo-sung stared intently at Hwa Eun-seol.
He had assumed she was a shy woman, but when she spoke, her demeanor was different. He already knew some of this, but since the siblings were clearly trying to help him, he listened quietly. Above all, Hwa Eun-seol had a pleasant voice like her brother's, making it enjoyable to hear her speak.
When Hwa Eun-seol glanced at her brother, Hwa Eun-wol—who was usually so talkative—gave her a look urging her to continue.
Hwa Eun-seol went on.
"The Imperial Society favors Dokgo Han and Namgung Wi. However, if those two face each other before the finals, neither stands much chance of winning."
"Why is that?"
"They're romantic rivals. Both are infatuated with Baekri Eon, known as the 'Most Beautiful in Jiangnan.' There are even rumors they joined the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament just to humiliate each other in public."
A faint smile crossed Dan Woo-sung's lips.
Baekri Eon... That little girl's all grown up now.
He remembered Baekri Eon as a young girl. Time had flown, and now she was hailed as the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, with young masters from prestigious families vying for her affection. It was strange—Dan Woo-sung, who had once been old enough to be her uncle, was now her peer.
Hwa Eun-wol smirked as he watched his sister.
"Hmm, judging by your tone, it sounds like you won't go easy on Baekri Eon."
Hwa Eun-seol blinked in surprise.
"Why would I?"
"Just teasing. But if you do win, don't hit her in the face."
"Her face?"
"Because if Baekri Eon gets injured, all of Jiangnan might turn against the Hwa Clan. And I won't allow that."
Hwa Eun-seol clutched her forehead.
"In a martial duel, accidents happen. But of course, I wouldn't hit her on purpose."
"Good. Be careful. Baekri Eon is also a favorite in the Phoenix Tournament. And you missed something. If you're going to share information with the Grand Prince, be thorough."
The Dragon-Phoenix Tournament had separate brackets for men and women, though occasionally, the winners of each would duel for an overall champion. Otherwise, they simply crowned separate victors.
Hwa Eun-seol looked at her brother.
"My brother is also a contender. But no one expects him to win."
"Naturally."
"To share a secret—he's never fought in a formal duel before. Never even sparred with anyone. Frankly, the fact that he came to watch the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament at all is shocking. He usually finds everything tedious."
Dan Woo-sung studied Hwa Eun-wol.
That made sense. The man didn't seem driven by any fierce competitive spirit. It might just be his nature.
Or perhaps he was truly terrifying.
Someone like him would have no reason to reveal his skills in a mere youth tournament like this.
Hwa Eun-seol added,
"There's also a rumor—not widely known—that a disciple from the Hainan Sect is a formidable fighter. We haven't seen them ourselves, so it's just hearsay. And of course, the Grand Prince is also a favorite."
She pointed at Dan Woo-sung with her pale hand, implying that both he and the Hainan disciple were wild cards.
Dan Woo-sung took a sip of tea.
"Good to know."
Hwa Eun-wol smiled and asked,
"Grand Prince, how prepared are you?"
Dan Woo-sung replied,
"It's unfortunate for Jin Gyeol, Im Ji-ryeong, Dokgo Han, Namgung Wi, and the Hainan disciple—but this year, luck isn't on their side."
Because the Fist King was competing.
"......"
Hwa Eun-wol and Hwa Eun-seol stared at him wide-eyed, waiting for him to elaborate. But that was all he said.
What more needed to be said?
When Hwa Eun-wol processed Dan Woo-sung's bold declaration, he burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha...!"
Hwa Eun-seol, who had been subtly teased earlier, seized the chance to retaliate against her brother.
"If you want your luck to hold, you should sit this one out too."
Hwa Eun-wol paused before replying,
"Little sister, I've always been a lucky man. Do you know why?"
"Because you always avoid fights."
With the air of revealing something profound, Hwa Eun-wol pointed at her.
"Exactly. It's something most martial artists struggle with. I find more joy in verbally dismantling someone than punching them. That's enough for me."
But who could truly know Hwa Eun-wol's heart?
If he did compete, victory would naturally be his goal.
As his sister described, Hwa Eun-wol was a carefree man who pursued amusement—not someone boiling with competitive fervor.
Yet he knew himself better than anyone.
If he ever decided to fight seriously, he was the kind of man who would see it through to the bitter end.
Still, no matter how much he studied the Silver River Merchant Group's young master over tea, he couldn't glean anything more.
Troublesome man.
He could tell Dan Woo-sung was skilled in both internal and external martial arts, but his primary techniques remained a mystery.
Admittedly, Hwa Eun-wol's experience paled compared to Murim Alliance Leader Yoo Jung-hong's. No matter how clever he was, some things were beyond his grasp for now.
Experience couldn't be ignored. Moreover, he couldn't detect any particular interest or affection toward his sister in Dan Woo-sung's expression.
Hwa Eun-wol fanned himself and chuckled.
I told you he wasn't an easy man.
Then a thought struck him.
Maybe his priorities are just different.
If his sole focus was growing stronger, the beauty of Hwa Eun-seol or Baekri Eon might not even register to him right now. Truthfully, few men could remain so composed in front of Hwa Eun-seol, known as the "Snow Phoenix."
If that were the case, his role ended here.
He had made the connection—the rest was up to fate.
Hwa Eun-wol stood.
"With the decisive battles ahead, we should rest now."
His decisiveness was impeccable.
At his words, the three rose. Dan Woo-sung paid the bill first, then turned to the Hwa siblings.
"Lord Hwa, Lady Hwa, until next time."
"Take care."
Dan Woo-sung and Hwa Eun-wol locked eyes and nodded slightly. Then Dan Woo-sung addressed Hwa Eun-seol.
"Thank you for the information. I'll keep it in mind."
"Don't mention it. Safe travels."
Once Dan Woo-sung left, Hwa Eun-wol grinned at his sister.
"What a blunt man."
"Right?"
"Doesn't seem like a flirt."
"I suppose not."
"A flirt is someone who beams like spring breeze at the sight of beauty."
"Couldn't he be pretending disinterest? Putting on a cold front?"
"Nah. He just didn't seem interested in you."
Hwa Eun-seol wore a faint, resigned smile. Hwa Eun-wol consoled her.
"He seems like a man with clear goals. Something weighty anchors his heart. Once he grows stronger or achieves his aims, you might catch his eye. No need to fret."
Hwa Eun-seol gave him a baffled look.
"Brother, we just met today. Do I look like some lovestruck fool? I'm not like that."
Hwa Eun-wol laughed.
"Fair enough. Who am I to understand matters of the heart? There's plenty I don't know about the world. Eun-seol."
"Yes, brother?"
"Observe, feel, and enjoy freely. Men like the Grand Prince can be incredibly strong. Young masters from prestigious families can be vile. Not everyone in the Murim Alliance is a righteous hero, and not all who walk the dark path are inferior. Choose a man who'll be your partner only after seeing him with your own eyes and hearing his words. Forget what I said earlier—it was just teasing."
Hwa Eun-seol finally replied politely.
"Understood, brother. By the way, what about you? Even if my judgment is lacking, I can tell the Grand Prince is extraordinarily strong."
"That's why the other favorites are unlucky. Look at me. Of course, you only know after fighting. Victory and defeat are both valuable experiences. But people have luck and momentum. It's rare to meet someone with such potent energy—why ruin it by brawling in some tournament before we've even built a friendship? I'll concede to the Grand Prince. Martial arts must be viewed long-term."
Hwa Eun-seol listened with an almost dazed expression.
"Wow..."
Her brother's winding speech, like a stream through a valley, had ultimately concluded with him bowing out. It was both irritating and amusing.
She said,
"Your words flow like clear mountain water—that's a compliment, brother."
"Clear mountain water and autumn leaves..."
"Huh?"
"It's a thing."
Just then, Hwa Eun-wol spotted a man passing by and immediately told his sister,
"I'll explain later. Go rest upstairs."
Noticing his displeased expression, Hwa Eun-seol quickly stood.
"Yes, brother."
A tall young man in black robes lined with red approached, stealing a glance at Hwa Eun-seol's retreating figure.
"Lord Hwa, I was looking for you."
Hwa Eun-wol gestured to the seat opposite.
"Have a seat."
Before sitting, the man planted his weapon beside the table—a heavy sword, the signature weapon of the Dokgo Clan. At a glance, it resembled an iron spear more than a blade.
For over two centuries, the Dokgo Clan had been one of the Four Great Families, renowned as the undisputed masters of heavy weapons.
This man was Dokgo Han, one of the tournament favorites.
Suddenly remembering the man who had passed by, Dokgo Han turned and muttered,
"Who was that? He came from your direction."
Hwa Eun-wol craned his neck slightly to look before replying,
"Who? Don't know."
"His gaze was unsettling."
"Can a gaze even be unsettling? Or did he just refuse to avoid your eyes? How old are you, still playing staring contests?"
Dokgo Han chuckled.
"Hey, Eun-wol. Why so prickly?"
"Being in the Murim Alliance puts me on edge. Speaking of which, what brings the young master of the mighty Dokgo Clan to such a humble place?"
Dokgo Han said,
"Why else? To discuss strategy. You're the Imperial Society's next Grand Strategist—where else would I go?"
"Not this again."
"It's from my father. Watch your tone. I missed the pre-tournament skirmishes, but the servants keep talking about the Silver River Merchant Group's young master. Spectators are saying there's a new favorite."
"He defeated Family Head Guyang Saeng—of course he's a contender. Why the surprise?"
Dokgo Han's expression hardened.
"Do you think I'm weaker than Senior Guyang Saeng?"
"How would I know? Don't glare at me—I'm not your servant. State your business."
Dokgo Han replied sullenly,
"Will you finally compete this time? If you just take down that merchant's son or Namgung Wi, the Imperial Society will have a champion this year."
"What strange logic. I could end up facing you. Can the Dokgo Clan manipulate the brackets? Unlikely."
"With so many participants, the odds are slim."
Hwa Eun-wol fanned himself.
"You and I both have long roads of training ahead. No need to fuss over one tournament. And this year, neither the Imperial Society nor the Murim Alliance will produce a champion—so compete with peace of mind."
"What nonsense is this?"
Hwa Eun-wol leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with Dokgo Han.
"Consider it advice from the Imperial Society's future Grand Strategist."