Chapter 70: Realistically, It's Plenty
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 70: Realistically, It's Plenty
"It's about time they did this."
Ki Mu-hyeok watched the situation unfold according to the Korean Martial Alliance's plan and let out a small laugh.
For the past few decades, the Eight Great Sects had been the stars of the Martial License Exam.
The only exception was when Richard Han appeared.
Until now, the Korean Martial Alliance had always been nothing more than a supporting act.
Even as the hosts of the exam, all they could do was play a role in making the Eight Great Sects' Rising Stars shine.
'Now, however, the opposite was true.'
Watching Yeo Pil-geuk personally test the Rising Stars on the dueling stage and decide their pass or fail, one could feel the authority of the Orthodox Martial World's Leader more than ever before.
"Next!"
"Next—!"
Even after Shin Kang-heon was carried away by the medical team, Yeo Pil-geuk, seemingly tireless, called out for the next.
No one dared to object or express dissatisfaction with the Korean Martial Alliance Leader's judgment.
'The atmosphere had completely shifted.'
No matter what anyone said, the true protagonists of this event were the Korean Martial Alliance and its Leader.
Its influence would surely remain significant even after the License Exam concluded.
In contrast, the leaders of the Eight Great Sects, unaccustomed to playing a supporting role, couldn't help but show their discomfort.
"Indeed... things are changing, different from how I knew them."
It was then that Ki Mu-hyeok felt a sense of pride, realizing he had played a part in this change.
"Have you prepared well?"
No Gu-cheon had come to his side.
He was the Korean Martial Alliance Leader's confidant and an elder of the Korean Martial Alliance who had played a significant role in planning the current License Exam.
Recently, he had even begun to be called the Korean Martial Alliance's strategist.
"I don't think suddenly preparing would change anything. I've trained diligently as usual, so I expect results commensurate with that, don't you think?"
Ki Mu-hyeok replied with a relaxed expression.
Just then, Bu Yeon-ha, who had repeatedly urged him to consider joining the Changcheon Sword Sect, had left, promising to speak again later.
Most participants were either captivated by the dueling stage or focused on preparing for their own turn. Thanks to this, the two could converse a little more comfortably.
"Haha. I truly can't tell if your personality is humble or arrogant."
"Hmm. I think I'm quite good at self-assessment, actually..."
Since he genuinely seemed to think so, No Gu-cheon simply dismissed it as 'like master, like disciple' and moved on.
"Anyway, I came to tell you this. Your master succeeded in meeting and persuading the Glacier Goddess last night."
"And?"
No Gu-cheon, who had put up a sound barrier, said with a meaningful smile.
"The arrest team will move soon."
The Glacier Goddess, who had personally brought Yang Ha-yun to the exam venue, had been out of sight for some time, but everyone seemed so engrossed by the Leader that no one had noticed.
Ki Mu-hyeok nodded quietly and said.
"Timing will be crucial."
"That's why he asked you to let him know when you're about to go up there."
"...Why then, of all times?"
"He said it's because everyone's attention will be most diverted then, obviously."
No Gu-cheon patted Ki Mu-hyeok's back with a mischievous smile.
"It's your master's message. Go up there and run wild to your heart's content."
Ki Mu-hyeok looked at him with a burdened expression.
Even now, the Korean Martial Alliance Leader's fist sent a martial artist flying into the sky.
"I don't know what you're expecting... but I'm not the type to run wild like that crazy bastard Shin Kang-heon."
Naturally, No Gu-cheon didn't seem to believe him.
His expression seemed to say, 'You're even worse, if anything...' and Ki Mu-hyeok felt unfairly lumped in with a lunatic like Shin Kang-heon.
"Anyway, I'll be cheering you on."
No Gu-cheon winked, gave Ki Mu-hyeok's shoulder a final pat, and then left.
"Seriously..."
CRASH!
Even in the brief moment the two conversed, several people were sent flying through the air.
"Nexttt—!"
Nevertheless, the Rising Stars of the Eight Great Sects showed their true strength.
Song Jun-ho of the Taiji Sword Sect endured an impressive six stances, earning cheers and applause.
Yang Ha-yun of the Sun Moon Sect also knelt after seven stances, drawing admiration from the prominent figures.
Pi Seung-hwa of the Golden Glory Sect blocked five stances, and Oh Jung-min of the mid-sized Pine Moon Sect, whom no one had expected much from, also blocked three stances before collapsing, earning applause.
Perhaps because Shin Kang-heon had earlier ignited their competitive spirit, everyone brought out more skill than usual.
Woooooah!
Cheers erupted whenever skilled participants proved themselves, and as the Rising Stars upheld their sects' honor, the corners of the Eight Great Sects' leaders' mouths turned up.
Television ratings and YouTube viewership were climbing steeply as time passed.
And finally, it was time for the last participant of the First-Rate License Exam to appear.
"My body's just getting warmed up, and it's already the last turn."
Yeo Pil-geuk, whose complexion had only improved rather than showing fatigue after sending over a hundred people flying off the dueling stage, turned to Ki Mu-hyeok with a meaningful smile.
"The last First-Rate License challenger, please step onto the dueling stage!"
Ki Mu-hyeok ascended the dueling stage.
He didn't confidently use his Lightness Skill to leap up, nor did he intentionally draw attention with a battle cry.
Everyone's gaze was already fixed on him.
Thump-thump.
The young man, still with a youthful face, slowly climbed the stairs and headed towards the dueling stage. Gazes filled with curiosity and anticipation followed him.
"This is quite a lot of pressure..."
Yet, the corners of his mouth kept trying to curl upwards.
Being the focus of countless people's attention. It was an unfamiliar experience even for Ki Mu-hyeok, who had experienced all sorts of things as a Vagrant in his previous life.
His heart began to beat faster and faster.
'The World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament will be much bigger and more daunting than this.'
Ki Mu-hyeok made an effort to calm his pounding heart and looked around.
Among those watching this scene on broadcast now, not many would know what level of martial artist Ki Mu-hyeok was. But after today... many things would change.
"You're the first one I've seen dawdle on their way up."
Yeo Pil-geuk stood in the center of the dueling stage, arms crossed.
To his playful grumbling, Ki Mu-hyeok replied leisurely.
"I've waited for quite a while myself, so couldn't the Leader wait a little for me?"
"...What did you say?"
The prominent figures watching widened their eyes in surprise at the sight of a Rising Star talking back to the Korean Martial Alliance Leader.
Those watching on broadcast were dumbfounded, and the YouTube chat window began scrolling up furiously, as if about to explode.
"Isn't that guy crazy?"
"Of all people to provoke, he chose the Leader..."
"He's going to get a rude awakening for acting so cocky."
However, that retort was intentional on Ki Mu-hyeok's part.
No Gu-cheon had asked him to draw attention to make it easier for the arrest team to move.
There was no rule saying he had to do it with martial arts, was there?
'This should buy enough time.'
Yeo Pil-geuk also seemed momentarily flustered, but soon, as if realizing Ki Mu-hyeok's intention, he gave a cold laugh and played along.
"Oh really? Why don't you send a video message to your parents while you're at it? You might not be able to see them for a few days..."
He spoke with a joking smile, but his eyes were utterly chilling.
The watching Rising Stars involuntarily shivered.
Changcheon Sword Elder Na Il-cheon, who had been quietly observing, narrowed his eyes and muttered.
"Heh heh. Seeing as the Leader placed him last... he must be quite the promising fellow."
The other leaders of the Eight Great Sects were no different.
They unconsciously leaned forward to get a better look.
But the person who anticipated this duel more than anyone else was Yeo Pil-geuk himself.
'I can feel that he has diligently cultivated all this time.'
Although he didn't acknowledge Ki Mu-hyeok on this official occasion, wasn't this the Rising Star to whom he had personally delivered the Five Elements Divine Art?
Only a few short weeks had passed, but he couldn't help but anticipate how much Ki Mu-hyeok's achievements had grown.
"...As the last First-Rate License participant, I will ask for your resolve."
Yeo Pil-geuk, clenching his fists together in front of his chest, said with a fierce laugh.
"Have you also come out here thinking you can defeat me?"
It was a question alluding to Shin Kang-heon, who had shown the most intense performance earlier.
Although it had ended in just three stances, the martial artists who watched that duel were convinced that Shin Kang-heon could have endured a few more stances if he hadn't made such a quick, decisive move.
Could this Rising Star, Ki Mu-hyeok, truly display an even more intense performance than that?
However, Ki Mu-hyeok, the person in question, calmly shook his head.
"I'm not that reckless. I tend to assess myself objectively. I wouldn't dare harbor such an arrogant thought as defeating the Leader."
At his seemingly unconfident reply, a hint of disappointment flickered across the faces of the onlookers.
It was natural for people to want a Rising Star of the Martial to display a spirited, even if somewhat boastful, demeanor.
But Yeo Pil-geuk was not disappointed.
Unlike others, he knew a little more about Ki Mu-hyeok.
"Oh? So you've come with a realistic goal, then?"
Ki Mu-hyeok nodded nonchalantly.
"Yes. I've set a goal that seems achievable. So, I have one question..."
"Ask away."
"May I challenge for the Peak Master qualification, instead of the First-Rate Expert exam?"
It was then that question marks appeared above the heads of countless people, including Yeo Pil-geuk.
Ki Mu-hyeok drew his sword from his waist and smiled.
"Enduring ten stances against the Leader. It seems realistically quite possible to me."
Just then, Shin Kang-heon, who had regained consciousness in the infirmary, saw the scene on TV and gave a thumbs-up.
"You really are the craziest bastard."
The reactions of those watching the live broadcast and on YouTube were no different.
The communities began to burn brightly with the name Ki Mu-hyeok.
Only Yeo Pil-geuk burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahahahaha—!"
Choi Geon's disciple truly didn't disappoint.
With just a few words, Ki Mu-hyeok had drawn an immense amount of attention to himself.
How many people in the Korean Martial weren't watching this guy right now?
Since he had done so well, Yeo Pil-geuk would gladly play along.
"Alright! From now on, consider this the Peak Master Exam, and I shall treat you accordingly!"
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH—!
Yeo Pil-geuk's martial robes began to flap wildly.
Piercing light poured from his eyes, and a terrifying aura began to emanate from his entire body.
'This isn't a Peak Master Exam; this is enough to beat a Peak Master to death...'
With the sensation of his fine hairs standing on end, Ki Mu-hyeok wore a momentarily dumbfounded expression.
But he had no intention of backing down or asking for mercy.
He would simply raise his own full power to match.
'Five Elements Divine Art.'
Internal Energy, rising from deep within his Dantian, spread through his limbs and hundreds of acupoints, activating his entire body.
The two energies of Metal and Water surged dominantly through his body.
The other three energies, though still weak, followed, adding their strength.
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH—!
Ki Mu-hyeok's hair fluttered, and a subtle golden energy and blue energy began to flow over his body.
"Are you no longer planning to hide your true strength?"
To Yeo Pil-geuk's question, asked with a faint smile, Ki Mu-hyeok nodded.
"Yes. I plan to show it properly. To the world."
Ki Mu-hyeok smiled pleasantly and charged at Yeo Pil-geuk first.
At that very moment, with most of the Korean Martial's attention focused on the License Exam.
In the building housing the Sun Moon Sect's main headquarters, something no one had anticipated was unfolding.
WHOOSH!
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE—!
Fierce flames and sharp cold energy clashed, creating steam so dense it was impossible to see an inch ahead.
However, the flames and cold energy only stood in a tense stalemate for a moment.
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE—!
A terrifying chill began to push forward, forcing back the flames that blocked its path.
Beyond the retreating flames, a voice filled with indignation was heard.
"Grand Elder! What in the world is this madness?!"
"Glacier Goddess! Are you planning to betray the sect?!"
"Quickly, contact the Sect Leader!"
"C-communications are down! Everything's jammed right now..."
Amidst the chaos of shouts and screams, no one could stop the Glacier Goddess's advance.
It was the corridor leading to the underground location where the Sect Leader had hidden all sorts of secrets.
The Glacier Goddess, who had broken through numerous security devices and martial artists with sheer force, warned the resisting Yang-Dominant Faction martial artists.
"Who the traitor is will be revealed today. So step aside. I'm very angry right now... I might accidentally kill a few people."
"…!"
At her chilling warning, Jang Jin-myeong's confidants, the martial artists of the Yang-Dominant Faction, scrambled backward.
...
A moment later, the Glacier Goddess, having completely subdued the opposing faction, looked back with a tired expression.
"...I'll leave the rear to you."
There stood Choi Geon, Kim Bok-ja, and Hwang Suk-su, their faces covered by masks.
Choi Geon nodded.
"Goddess, you may withdraw. Messy investigations are our specialty."
"...I'll go up and look after the disciples."
The Glacier Goddess left, saying she would take care of the sect, and the three stood side by side in front of the basement.
Hwang Suk-su, highly agitated, his eyes bloodshot, muttered as he disarmed the complex lock on the basement door.
"Hehehe. To think the day would come when I'd get to raid an Eight Great Sect in my lifetime...!"
"Frivolous fool. The data containing the necessary information comes first. If you touch anything else, I'll cut off your hand."
"I-I just meant it as a figure of speech."
"Hurry up and open it, old man. Time is of the essence for this operation, you know?"
"Why is it always me...?"
At the same time Ki Mu-hyeok was clashing with the Leader, the three were uncovering the Sun Moon Sect's secrets.