How About This? (2)
In yesterday's conversation, Ilseon Dosa and Mujikja had singled out Elder Namgung Cheon as the most dangerous opponent in the sparring match.
"Young master. If we fail to stop Elder Namgung Cheon tomorrow, we might end up losing without accomplishing a thing."
"I get that, but why are you so tense?"
As far as I knew, Elder Namgung Cheon's realm was Hwagyeong. And Ilseon Dosa and Mujikja's realms were Hwagyeong as well. Even if the Daeyeon Geomdan's captain was also at Hwagyeong, that made the masters on both sides evenly matched.
"Could it be... you're scared? Afraid your head might get smashed?"
"……."
"……."
"I see! You are scared. Sheesh~ I thought maybe you were gearing up to challenge one of our family's big shots or something impressive, but you're just a couple of chickens?"
"Y-Young master?"
"Yeah, speak up. If you're scared, say so quick. That way we can come up with a plan."
"Mind if I smash your head just once?"
"You think that'll work? And you think I'll just take it lying down like before?"
"Amitabha……."
"Infinite Buddha……."
That was just chit-chat up to there. What came next was the serious talk.
"Not all Hwagyeong masters are created equal."
"I know. I've picked up a thing or two about martial arts myself now."
"Hrm…… What I'm saying is this."
Ilseon Dosa spoke of two martial artists. One had ascended to Hwagyeong through countless efforts, failures, and successes. The other had climbed a smooth path to Hwagyeong without a single hardship or setback.
To outsiders, both appeared as steadfast Hwagyeong masters. But a stark difference existed between them—one that determined whether they could climb higher or not.
The former would be exhausted compared to the latter. Most in the former category realized their limits the moment they reached Hwagyeong and collapsed in despair. But for the latter...
They'd never faced a single trial up to that point. Whether hardships had come or not, reaching Hwagyeong proved their tenacity, effort, and grit. So even if the former had outworked the latter before, from now on, the latter would pour in far more effort.
They still had the stamina left to train like mad. In short, they weren't worn out. That's where the gap began to widen—a gap between Hwagyeong masters far greater than that between a third-rate and a super peak expert.
That's why Namgung folk often said true martial arts began at Hwagyeong. Of course, to outsiders, that sounded like bullshit. As if reaching Hwagyeong was as easy as lying down for rice cakes.
"He's a kind of genius."
"And on top of that, he was born with an extra talent others lack."
Everyone called it a blessing. Born with special eyes, or a special body. Things others could never attain through a lifetime of effort, possessed from the moment they entered the world.
I had one too. The Cheonmu Jiche.
Ouch, that stings a bit.
Regression and all, and a prick of conscience is supposed to be a big deal? I kept listening to the two elders.
"What he was born with is divine strength."
"You can't truly understand it without experiencing it yourself."
I'd heard of it before. Grandpa had mentioned it in a story. So what now? I already knew Elder Namgung Cheon was amazing. But hearing excuses like this with only a day left was pointless.
"So you're saying you're scared?"
"Good grief... so impatient."
"Tsk tsk, who does he take after with that foul temper?"
Who else? Like father, like son. But I'm still twice as good as our old man. Can't deny that, can you?
"Amitabha. To cut to the chase, in a one-on-one, it's five to five."
"Infinite Buddha. Factoring in martial arts compatibility, I'm one better than that monk. Six to four."
"Then we're settled."
* * *
I turned my gaze to Elder Namgung Cheon. The outcome of today's sparring would likely hinge on how we dealt with him.
"Haha! Our youngest young master has made quite the interesting proposal!"
I let Elder Namgung Cheon's words slide past as I glanced at the Grand Elder. He seemed to be overseeing today's match, but he had no intention of stopping the elder.
Come to think of it, he didn't stop my suggestion earlier either.
It felt like they were granting a certain freedom to the participants regarding the sparring.
Finally, I shifted my eyes to my second brother. He showed no sign of reining in Elder Namgung Cheon's interference either. If anything...
His eyes are saying, 'Go wild.'
I looked back at Elder Namgung Cheon.
Alright, let's see what you're after.
I answered nonchalantly. "Honestly, isn't this simpler? Unless you're chicken? Or actually scared?"
Elder Namgung Cheon spread his massive frame wide. It was like watching a bear lumber into motion.
Whoa... now I'm scared!
"Then, may I make a proposal to everyone here as well?"
Namgung Cheon eyed the youngest young master, Namgung Daeso, with keen interest. At a glance, he looked like an innocent thirteen-year-old boy making a bold, youthful suggestion.
But in reality...
He's kept that same relaxed expression from the start.
At first, he'd thought the kid was just being stubborn. Even now, the Daeyeon Geomdan's aura was pressing down relentlessly on Namgung Daeso. Not even full power, but enough to make any unskilled fighter foam at the mouth and pass out.
Yet the boy wore a calm face.
Huh... is he fending it off? A mere thirteen-year-old?
Intrigue sparked. Excluding the second young master, this was the first human who'd piqued his interest like this. And that smug, clueless expression—deliberately setting up the situation while pretending ignorance—was downright infuriating.
Makes me wanna smash his head in.
He despised those who strutted around flaunting their positions, but this young master didn't seem like that type.
I figured he was just some reckless fool hanging off the vice strategist.
Namgung Daeso shrugged. Even now.
"What's the proposal? If it's fair, I'll consider it."
Utterly shameless. Taking on the aura of fifty-plus Daeyeon Geomdan members bare-handed.
Sneer!
Elder Namgung Cheon's face twisted comically. It looked like annoyance at first glance, but he was actually grinning.
"If we just do a straight group battle like the young master says, where's the fun? The spectators would feel the same."
I furrowed my brow slightly.
Sheesh, all talk and no easing up on the pressure. What a guy.
I smoothly deflected the ongoing Daeyeon Geomdan aura and replied. "And?"
"How about we each pick a captain?"
Captain out of nowhere?
"What do you mean?"
"Simple. We do a group battle, but each side picks a captain. When that captain admits defeat, the match ends."
Elder Namgung Cheon pressed on excitedly. "Fun, right? Your side wouldn't just focus on fighting—they'd constantly debate protecting their captain or taking down the enemy's."
I scanned our side. At least my ploy had worked. Group battle it was. But Elder Namgung Cheon's twist was unexpected, leaving me uneasy.
Most folks might see him as a dumb brute with raw power. But he was second brother's man, and no one was more viper-like than my brother. Strong yet cunning. Patient enough to wait for prey to wander into his jaws. And when the chance came, he'd strike with full force, injecting inescapable venom.
Ah... accepting this feels like downing a poisoned chalice.
But rejecting their counter after they accepted my proposal wouldn't fly.
If I refuse?
The group battle fizzles out. Our one shot at winning vanishes.
"What do you say to my proposal?"
As I hesitated, Elder Namgung Cheon prodded.
Mujikja and Ilseon Dosa gave slight nods. Fine. Win or lose, let's roll the dice.
"Sure. I accept."
"Oh! And one more thing. The captains get picked by the opposing side. Makes it more fun, right? Grand Elder."
That instant, unease bubbled up and clocked my skull.
That's it! What he was gunning for.
I quickly checked second brother. Arms crossed, grinning wide at me. Now it looked like he'd predicted my group battle pitch entirely.
Of course. He's the brother who waited two whole years.
He'd probably mapped every scenario before showing up.
The Grand Elder asked me. "Do you accept?"
I looked up, scanning the crowd. They were already hyped to the max. Refusing now—even if I somehow won—would spark endless rumors.
Above all, second brother wouldn't leave me an easy out. He'd seemed like a generous brother who treated well.
Turns out those treats were just bait. And the hooked fish? Me.
* * *
Right now, Namgung Je-cheon’s eyes sparkled. Unlike two years ago, with his master right beside him, he couldn't act out, but inwardly, he was thrilled.
The perfect trap laid by the second young master. How would the youngest wriggle free?
Forcing his way out meant losing an arm or leg before the match even started.
This scheme targets the youngest perfectly.
Fleeing with tail tucked would tag him for life, regardless of today's result. He'd become a laughingstock.
Geum Dondong found the turn delicious. Money flowed wherever attention gathered. Even with one day's prep, massive bets poured in on today's match.
Most backed Namgung Jung to win. Only two bet on Namgung Daeso among the crowd.
One was Geum Dondong himself.
Fun, so much fun! Now this is a real showdown.
Worlds apart from brute-force slugfests.
Geum Dondong eyed Namgung Daeso with a merchant's cold calculation. Greed led to bellyaches.
Betting every silver I backed him with? Isn't that a bit too greedy? Heh heh.
* * *
I took a slow, deep breath. Reading brother's intent was easy.
He'll probably pick me.
Even in a group battle, it'd simplify to a one-on-one.
Just take me down.
Deviously clever. Made me want to curse him out!
I spoke up. "Fine, I accept."
When does a man drink poisoned wine? To prove loyalty as a vassal? After a failed rebellion? Losing a loved one?
No!
When everything's on the line.
Win: 100x payout. Lose: zero.
"But I'll pick your captain."
"Deal!"
The Grand Elder announced to all. "By agreement of both sides, the individual match becomes a group battle—a captain battle where the match ends when the enemy captain chosen by each side falls. Daeyeon Geomdan, name yours first."
Namgung Jung raised his hand, pointing at Namgung Daeso.
As expected, me.
"Cheonryongjeon side, your turn."
This time, I raised my hand and pointed at one person.