episode_0037

Sichuan Province, Rakshasa Tower.

After a brief moment to catch up on old times, they began to talk seriously about the upcoming martial arts tournament.

“Your next opponent, Young Hero, is a man named Seol Jawoo, the Drunken Flower Swordsman.” Bang Jongdae said with a faint smile.

Then, as if it were a stroke of luck, he began to list off a string of information for Cheongun, details he must have picked up from who knows where.

“The Hyuncheong Sword Art specializes in pushing back an opponent’s weapon and breaking their stance. In particular, the third move, ‘Yeonpadan,’ scatters an opponent’s internal energy by swiftly swinging the sword, making it disadvantageous to counterattack. Evasion followed by a counterattack is the best approach.”

To Cheongun, it was hard to tell if this man was a monk or a gambler. He was truly the epitome of the world’s most avaricious monk.

Just how much money did he bet?

Yet, amusingly, the information was quite useful. So, he diligently crammed food into his mouth while listening intently to his words.

“Young Hero Cheong’s techniques are irregular in many ways. This is because they have deviated from the standard forms of martial arts.”

Cheongun tilted his head.

The concept of ‘moves’ itself originated as a kind of memorization method, starting from the idea of ‘just watch and follow’ because it was too tedious to teach each one individually from the beginning.

As one persistently follows them, they might think, ‘Oh? It’s faster than when I use a different stance?’ or ‘Aha! So this is why I adopt this stance!’ From then on, they begin to apply these moves or even introduce variations.

As proficiency accumulates, one can deconstruct and analyze these moves to execute them even subconsciously, and this is what is called ‘breaking the form of a move’.

However, Cheongun hadn’t broken the form of a move. Where would a fishing rod even have ‘moves’ to begin with? He just swung it however he pleased.

“His impressive display of subduing a rushing opponent with a single strike in the first match was impressive. However, Lord Seol Jawoo will never attack first. He employs a tactic of standing firm like Mount Tai, waiting for his opponent to rush in before exploiting their openings.”

Namgung Yul interjected at Bang Jongdae’s words.

“Would that be a problem? The weapon Cheongun uses doesn’t require him to approach the opponent, does it?”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. While striking with the bamboo pole is one method, once the martial arts match begins, even just swinging the fishing line from afar, which can slice through stone slabs, would make it difficult for the opponent to respond, wouldn’t it?“

“Oh! That makes sense.”

The results of martial arts tournaments are always unpredictable. Every tournament held so far has been like that.

There are many cases where a completely unexpected person gains enlightenment midway through and wins, and countless instances where a skilled martial artist is eliminated due to carelessness.

That is why the Dangga Tournament is like a cornucopia from which countless martial arts students’ monikers are born.

And the unpredictable direction of the matches is what makes gamblers’ hearts pound. That is why martial arts gambling also flourishes more and more each day.

However, Namgung Yul simply couldn’t imagine Cheongun’s defeat.

‘There’s no way our junior disciple Cheong could lose!’

Wasn’t Cheongun acknowledged even by a Master so strong? And that’s not all, is it? The monster who raided the Bloody Karma Pavilion bare-handed and took the Pavilion Master’s head was none other than Cheongun.

Namgung Yul had already reached a point of fanatical belief in Cheongun.

But Bang Jongdae was still very worried.

“Please look at this.” He unfolded a bracket sheet onto the table.

“This humble monk also shares Young Lady Namgung’s thoughts. While there may be no match for him in the main rounds, I am concerned about the opponent he will face in the finals if things proceed as they are.”

Namgung Yul’s expression turned serious.

“……It’s Dang Sorin.”

“A direct descendant of the Dang Clan. Among them, one who is permitted to wear the Green Robe. Unlike the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament hosted by the Alliance, the Dangga Tournament allows the use of poison and hidden weapons, doesn’t it?”

“Can’t poison simply be purged with internal energy?”

Bang Jongdae let out a hearty laugh.

“Among the secret techniques used by the direct descendants of the Dang Clan, there is one called Myohonnjinbaeksan.”

“Myohonnjinbaeksan?”

“Yes, it’s a poison that paralyzes the vital energy and blood, making it easy for even masters to overlook. Once absorbed into the body, the toxins cling to the meridians and remain, so even if one tries to expel them with internal energy, the toxins that have already infiltrated the nerves are not removed. Therefore, even when attempting to detoxify with internal energy, the process can stimulate the meridians, leading to temporary blurred vision, a hazy consciousness, and simultaneously, intense abdominal pain where one’s internal organs feel twisted.”

At those words, Namgung Yul was horrified. Just what kind of monk could be so knowledgeable about poisons? Furthermore, even Namgung Yul herself was unaware that such a type of poison existed.

At that moment, Moyong Jin, who had been listening quietly, spoke.

“…It seems we shouldn’t give her a chance to administer the poison.”

“That won’t be easy either. A direct descendant of the Dang Clan would have reached a high level in poison administration techniques.”

“Then shouldn’t he just keep enough distance so the poison can’t reach him?”

“Stepping outside the martial arts arena results in disqualification, Young Hero.”

Cheonwi also chimed in.

“Then can’t he just hold his breath?”

“Myohonnjinbaeksan is a poison that is absorbed through sweat glands just by touching the skin.”

They talked among themselves for a long time, then suddenly turned their heads to look at Cheongun.

Cheongun merely smiled brightly. Then he suddenly stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and left.

How much time had passed since then? They realized. That Cheongun hadn’t paid for his meal yet.

****

Time passed.

Since the Dangga Tournament was a tournament-style martial arts competition, Cheongun also went through several more matches after his first one.

Naturally, the result was Cheongun’s overwhelming victory.

The only problem, if there was one, lay in the process of Cheongun’s victories.

No match ever lasted beyond a single exchange. Opponents would get struck by the bamboo pole and knocked out. Or a suddenly flying fishing line would swiftly wrap around the opponent’s sword, then shatter it like breaking glass. The fights ended so quickly, without giving anyone a chance to react, leaving both spectators and combatants feeling utterly bewildered.

And that’s not all, was it? After each match, he would always declare his own victory as if he were the referee. Even the way he did it changed with every match. In the first match, he declared, ‘Victory. Overwhelming.’ Then, in the next, ‘Victory. Simple.’ And in the match after that, ‘Victory. Fishing rod difference.’

Thus, on the day of the finals. Black Forest Gate Main Hall.

“Kyaak!” Jeok Hwaryeon was startled.

She had just finished bathing after an arduous training session, only to find Cheongun abruptly seated in the main seat.

She asked with wide eyes. “Sect Leader? Is the tournament over already?”

“Today is the final match.”

“The finals? Then what are you doing here? Don’t tell me you chickened out and ran away?”

At her words, Cheongun pulled out the wooden moktak from his embrace, and Jeok Hwaryeon cleared her throat, then asked again.

“Why did you come here?”

“I need you, Ryeon-ah.”

“Me? Why me?”

“Because the opponent is formidable. I think I could win easily if you cheered me on.”

At his words, Jeok Hwaryeon blinked her eyes. He just came at me so suddenly?

What is a martial arts tournament? Isn’t it a stage where a martial artist’s future honor is at stake?

He’s asking me to cheer him on in the finals of such an important tournament? She knew better than anyone the monstrous martial prowess of that Sect Leader.

It was clear that ‘the opponent is formidable’ was just an excuse. The Dangga Tournament is a stage for junior martial artists, so there wouldn’t be any opponent capable of troubling the Sect Leader.

That meant. The reason he came all this way was to have her witness his victory!

“…Well, alright. If the Sect Leader wishes it.” Jeok Hwaryeon smiled triumphantly.

Indeed, the Sect Leader must have seen her as a woman. Now that she thought about it, his method was quite cute.

The resentment she had accumulated from being blindsided by that Sect Leader last time felt a bit alleviated.

At that moment, Cheongun wiggled his finger. At Cheongun’s gesture, Jeok Hwaryeon scurried over like a cat.

And as if accustomed to it, she lightly squatted down, turned her back, and offered her nape.

As Cheongun grabbed her nape, Jeok Hwaryeon softly asked. “Can I ask just one thing?”

“What is it?”

“Who is your opponent?”

At her words, Cheongun replied. “I forgot.”

“Oh, right.”

Cheongun unleashed his Qinggong.

****

“Dang Sorin. Cheongun. Come forward!”

With the referee’s cry, the finals began.

Cheongun ascended onto the martial arts arena, casually waving his fishing rod as usual.

“……” “……”

Cheongun observed his opponent before him. She was an innocent-looking girl with her hair tied up in a round bun like a dumpling, and distinctively flushed cheeks. Her small stature reached about Cheongun’s shoulder.

She carried no separate weapon. Small hidden weapon pouches hung from the waist of her Green Robe, specially made by the Dang Clan.

As it was the finals, countless people gathered. The Family Head, Sect Leader, and elders seated on the dais also held their breath and focused intently.

No matter how outstanding one’s talent, poison is difficult to defend against unless one has cultivated extreme resistance through special training methods from an early age.

Moreover, was the poison used by a direct descendant of the Dang Clan just any ordinary poison?

At that moment, the referee shouted. “Start!”

Regardless. Cheongun just stared blankly at Dang Sorin.

She met Cheongun’s gaze for a moment, then covered her mouth with one hand and laughed.

“Hoho! You, were you called Cheongun?”

“That’s right.”

Dang Sorin let out a snort. She had already thoroughly investigated Cheongun.

A monster among monsters, possessing an unprecedented level of martial talent and natural martial aptitude simultaneously.

However, it was an unwritten rule that if a disciple from the Dang Clan participated in the Dangga Tournament, they would traditionally win. The reason was that the use of hidden weapons and poison was permitted.

In a martial arts match disguised as real combat, especially with poison and hidden weapons allowed, there was no one of the same age who could defeat a direct descendant of the Dang Clan.

Therefore, it was usually an unspoken counter-tactic to never give an opening if the opponent was from the Dang Clan. Because to use poison, the process of administering it was always necessary.

But to stand there dumbfounded, doing nothing but staring? Truly, he was a fellow who didn’t even grasp the basics of facing a Dang Clan disciple.

“How pathetic. It seems you don’t even grasp the situation right now, do you?”

A creeping, dark haze began to spread from around the dumpling-haired Dang Sorin. It surged towards Cheongun, as if taking over the space.

Dang Sorin narrowed her eyes and sneered at Cheongun. “Staring like that won’t help. The poison has already been administered.”

“……”

“Feeling a little dizzy, aren’t you? Holding your breath won’t help. Unfortunately, it poisons you just by touching your skin.”

“……”

“Soon, cold sweat will break out all over your body. And your vision will blur, and terrible abdominal pain will rage. It’s a poison technique of the Dang Clan’s direct lineage, so that much is only natural, isn’t it?”

“……”

“Oh, you don’t need to be scared, though. It’s not an extreme poison. However, if things continue like this, you’ll be defeated in the most unsightly manner in front of everyone. So, if you understand, surrender quickly.”

Cheongun listened quietly. Dang Sorin was slightly flustered. Because Cheongun’s expression appeared far too serene.

“Struggling won’t help, I told you?”

“……”

“Huhu! It seems you’re having trouble even speaking now!”

“……”

“Well, a guy like you who just relies on natural talent is predictable, isn’t he?”

“……”

Dang Sorin continued to provoke Cheongun. The more agitated the opponent’s emotions became, the more it interfered with their internal energy circulation, and the higher the absorption rate of the poison would be.

The dark haze surrounded Cheongun, growing thicker in concentration. However, the situation was a little different.

Cheongun felt nothing. On the contrary, the denser the poisonous aura became, the clearer his mind felt.

[Unique Trait: ‘Slay the Demonic Cult!’ is active!]

Cheongun looked at Jeok Hwaryeon, who was sitting in the audience.

[Azure Spirit Purifying Body is activating!]

[Poison of Dissolving Will, Soul-Crushing Dead Spirit Poison, Myohonnjinbaeksan detected, caution advised]

[All absorbed poisonous and malevolent energy is being purified!]

The dark poisonous aura was absorbed by Cheongun as if being sucked in. With every breath, the Primal Chaos Qi fully accumulated in his Dantian was circulated, spiraling through his meridians and beginning to purify the impure energy.

Cheongun’s eyes glowed a vibrant blue. Soon, a blue haze began to creep out from his entire body. It was as if the absorbed poisonous aura was being purified and expelled.

Simultaneously, a violent change occurred within Cheongun’s body. The toxins within his body boiled up like impurities and gathered in his Dantian.

Soon, the Primal Chaos Qi filling his Dantian enveloped the poison, circulating around it and beginning to separate and absorb only the vital energy from the toxins.

It felt as if a stomach full of greasy food was being vigorously digested.

Vitality surged through his entire body, and a tremendous sense of exhilaration violently spun through his acupoints.

Cheongun savored the feeling and said. “Burp.”

“What?”

Whoosh—! In an instant, Cheongun’s form vanished, leaving behind a blue afterimage.

She didn’t even have time to ponder why the poison had no effect. Dang Sorin hastily heightened her perception of internal energy.

‘Damn it, I’m dizzy.’

The flow of energy crossed in a confusing manner. What she had felt in the east just moments ago now seemed to surge from the west, and the momentum that had descended from above suddenly seemed to erupt from beneath her feet.

At that moment, her head, which had been scanning her surroundings, swiftly snapped to one side. Cheongun had appeared beside Dang Sorin.

“Where are you going?”

“Damn it!”

Whoosh! Dang Sorin utilized her lightness skill to widen the distance from Cheongun.

But Cheongun wasn’t one to simply let that happen. As Cheongun caught up, Dang Sorin gritted her teeth and swung her right arm horizontally.

Simultaneously, her green sleeve unfurled swiftly, and the Asura Swords hidden within it were all launched.

Whizzz—! The hidden weapons cut through the air, surging towards Cheongun.

In response, Cheongun swung the hand holding his fishing rod like a whip.

The fishing line, whipping through the air, sliced through it. In an instant, the loose end of the line snapped taut, then *smack!* it tore through the air and accelerated, then wildly coiled as if it had a will of its own, deflecting all the flying daggers.

“!!!”

Dang Sorin, who had not expected such a situation at all, instantly froze. The fishing line, which had flown in from nowhere, swiftly wrapped around her upper body, binding her tightly.

“W-wait…!”

Before her words could finish, her body was lifted into the air. Cheongun had forcefully pulled her, bound by the fishing line, into the air, as if reeling in a big catch.

A moment later, Dang Sorin’s body, bound by the fishing line, flew helplessly through the air, tracing an arc, then plunged down and *thwack!* crashed into the ground.

“Gasp…”

Cheongun looked at Dang Sorin, who was stuck in the dirt ground, with a satisfied expression. With her head stuck upside down in the ground and only her two legs trembling in the air, she looked like a radish rooted in the soil, swaying.

“……”

Again, silence.

And just as Cheongun was about to open his mouth, as he always did.

“W-winner! Cheongun wins!!”

“Ah.”

The referee, who had been staring with wide eyes, quickly beat him to the punch.