Chapter 730: Falling Dragon (Falling Dragon)

Time flowed, and the sun began to set.

Lamps were being lit one by one in Hanam, preparing for the night and soaking up the fading light. Normally, this would be the time when people would head into stalls or return to their homes, but the streets were packed with crowds. It had been like this every day since the martial arts tournament began, but even considering that, this crowd was exceptionally large. Especially around the Martial Alliance. The area where the martial arts tournament was held was packed with people, extending far beyond the spectator stands. There was only one reason for this.

“It’s almost our turn, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. Shinryong’s turn is coming up soon.”

“Ah… If only I could be a little closer, that would be my wish.”

It was Shinryong’s martial arts match. The crowd was there to see it. While wondering how people could gather so much just to watch one martial artist’s match, hearing the rumors that had already spread through Hanam made the reason understandable. Shinryong, the hope of Shaolin and the peak of the Six Dragon Peaks. He had succeeded in proving his worth in his match against Crescent Moon Sword. He showed what the youngest Hwagyeong was, and clearly demonstrated his own value. Barely at the age of adulthood. His presence was too immense to say he was merely a youth just transitioning into manhood. Because of this, another title came to be used for Shinryong. The future Number One Under Heaven. Or, the one destined to become the Number One Under Heaven. In the current Central Plains. No, at least in Hanam, that was Shinryong’s value. A late-blooming genius, certain to reach the top someday, even if not now. That was the value Shinryong possessed. The reputation of Number One Under Heaven was enough to gather such a countless crowd.

“No, is Shinryong really that great?”

As a man beyond the spectator stands voiced his question, the person next to him spoke as if waiting.

“What? Mr. Jang, haven’t you heard the rumors?”

“I’m saying it because I heard them. But rumors have to be believable…”

“I can say with confidence, the rumors are actually an understatement.”

“No… does that make sense? They say he used the Hundred Pace Divine Fist. Can a late-blooming genius really do that?”

Hundred Pace Divine Fist. A Shaolin secret technique, called the foundation of their martial arts. They say it’s called that because one punch can pulverize targets over a hundred paces away. It’s said that only a few Shaolin martial artists can use it. That a mere late-blooming genius used it was something hard to believe.

“Hah.”

At Mr. Jang’s doubt, Mr. Cheon, the owner of Muryang Inn, burst into laughter.

“This is why I can’t talk to people who haven’t seen the martial arts tournament.”

“…Hey, you’re acting all high and mighty just because you saw the tournament once.”

“How could I not? You can’t even believe something as simple as the Hundred Pace Divine Fist.”

“Simple?”

Mr. Jang’s eyes widened at Mr. Cheon’s words.

“Simple? How can the Hundred Pace Divine Fist be ‘simple’?”

“Anyone who saw the martial arts tournament would say the same thing, a hundred out of a hundred.”

Saying so, Mr. Cheon subtly moved closer to Mr. Jang.

“Don’t be surprised. Shinryong used not only the Hundred Pace Divine Fist, but… even… the Golden Ape Descending!”

“…What? Golden Ape Descending!?”

Mr. Jang exclaimed, startled by Mr. Cheon’s words.

“What is that?”

“…”

“…No. I really don’t know…”

As Mr. Jang said sheepishly, Mr. Cheon let out a dry cough.

“How disappointing. Surely you don’t mean you don’t know Shaolin’s Golden Ape Descending…?”

“I’m not a Shaolin disciple… How could I possibly know all their martial arts…?”

The Hundred Pace Divine Fist is famous, so that’s understandable. But what was the Golden Ape Descending? Mr. Jang couldn’t recall it, no matter how hard he thought. It was natural. If only a few in Shaolin could use the Hundred Pace Divine Fist, the number who could use the Golden Ape Descending would be far fewer. One of Shaolin’s ultimate techniques, said to be usable only when one’s cultivation enlightenment reaches its peak, transcending mere levels. Clad in Buddhist teachings, one creates and wears armor of golden light symbolizing it. An armor of enlightenment, so unbreakable it’s called Vajra Indestructibility. An invincible martial art. That was Shaolin’s Golden Ape Descending.

“…Shinryong used something like that?”

Shinryong, who used this at the age of adulthood. That’s why he’s called the greatest talent under heaven.

“If those rumors are true… it makes sense for so many people to gather.”

“They’re hoping, just in case. Thinking maybe he’ll show it again in this match.”

Shinryong, clad in golden light, shone brighter than anyone else. In current Shaolin, the martial artists who can use the Golden Ape Descending can be counted on one hand. No, fewer than that, and since opportunities to see Shaolin’s martial arts are rare, many people came with anticipation.

“Hearing you say that, I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

“Right? I knew you’d say that, Mr. Jang.”

“However, you can only see it if he shows it, right?”

It would be great if they could see it, but there was one concern. As the previous statement implied, it’s not a power you can see just because you want to.

“They say Shinryong is even injured.”

The main tournament last time. I heard the battle then was quite fierce. As Shinryong’s value increased, the person who faced him then also became incredibly famous. Crescent Moon Sword Wi Seora. One of the Three Venerables. And among them, a successor of the Sword Venerable, wasn’t it? She showed no signs of being pushed back in her match against Shinryong, who had reached Hwagyeong, and although she ultimately lost, she even managed to inflict significant injuries on Shinryong. Wolseonmugeom was a martial art with distinct characteristics, and being so famous, it was as good as proving she was a successor of the Sword Venerable. Also, seeing that she didn’t falter even against Shinryong’s overwhelming power…

“The future of the Central Plains is truly bright.”

Mr. Jang nodded at Mr. Cheon’s proud face.

“…It seems so. And seeing Crescent Moon Sword appear, perhaps… the Sword Venerable might show themselves again.”

“Hmm? Why are we talking about the Sword Venerable here?”

“I don’t know about the future of the Central Plains, but things aren’t bright right now. So, if that person were to reappear… I think I’d feel a little more at ease.”

“Dark? My friend, this is the brightest time in recent memory.”

At Mr. Cheon’s words, Mr. Jang gave a pained smile.

Bright… Is it really bright?

‘We’re barely holding off the Red Monsters… What could possibly be bright.’

It’s true people are happy thanks to the unprecedented festival, but calling the era bright would be a lie. This was a crisis, and Mr. Jang knew it well.

“With the Sword Immortal here, what is there to worry about? Just enjoy yourself for now.”

“…Right…”

There was no one to listen even if he said it. Perhaps his own thoughts were wrong. So, he decided to feign agreement and change the subject.

“Oh right, who is Shinryong’s opponent?”

I understand the crowd gathered because Shinryong is fighting, but who is his opponent? Suddenly curious, he asked, and Mr. Cheon replied with a strange expression.

“That… I heard it’s the son of the Gu family.”

“Gu family? If it’s the Gu family… you mean the Shanxi Gu family?”

“That’s right. The noble family of chivalry.”

“If it’s a son of the Gu family… it wouldn’t be Sword Phoenix. Ah.”

Mr. Jang recalled. He had heard about it anyway. On the first or second day, a son of the Gu family had defeated a Hwagyeong martial artist in a single blow. His alias was probably.

“So-Yeomra.”

So-Yeomra Gu Yangcheon. He’s the young martial artist who stopped it during a major incident a few years ago. Mr. Jang knew him too. He hadn’t been active for several years compared to the rampant rumors.

‘Come to think of it….’

So-Yeomra Gu Yangcheon. When he was making waves in the Central Plains. There was another rumor attached to the young man.

“Wasn’t that guy also called the youngest Hwagyeong?”

When Mr. Jang mentioned the thought that came to mind, Mr. Cheon laughed heartily, “Ho ho!”

“What are you talking about? Besides, that was just a baseless rumor.”

“Baseless rumor?”

“Of course. If it wasn’t a baseless rumor, why would the Alliance say Shinryong is the youngest Hwagyeong?”

“…Hmm.”

That was also true.

“Mr. Jang. You’re more naive than I thought.”

“I just mentioned it because it seemed that way.”

It didn’t matter either way. What’s important is.

“…He defeated a Hwagyeong martial artist. So, doesn’t that mean So-Yeomra has also reached Hwagyeong?”

“You could see it that way… but there was a lot of talk about that part.”

“What talk?”

“Some said So-Yeomra’s opponent had only recently reached Hwagyeong… and there was much talk that the victory was due to carelessness.”

Mr. Jang showed a peculiar reaction to Mr. Cheon’s words. A martial artist who reached Hwagyeong being careless? And on the martial arts stage, to their opponent?

‘…Does that make sense?’

He thought so, but didn’t show it. In times like these, rather than carelessness.

‘So-Yeomra was too strong to even grasp… Isn’t it more correct to see it that way?’

He recalled the fundamental question. Of course, that also didn’t make sense. So he didn’t voice this either. Even if there was something strange about So-Yeomra’s rumors.

‘We’ll find out eventually anyway.’

If there were questions, he would find out soon enough. Mr. Jang was not someone who easily believed anything unless he saw it himself.

-Waaaaaaaah-!

Suddenly, cheers erupted. Mr. Jang soon looked up from a distance. Then, he could barely see someone ascending the martial arts stage.

‘That young man….’

There was a young monk with sculpted features. Symbolizing his Shaolin origin, his benevolent and warm demeanor was noticeable.

-Shinryong! Shinryong! Shinryong-!

As the young man appeared, the crowd cheered. As everyone chanted Shinryong’s name, the atmosphere instantly heated up. Mr. Jang looked not at Shinryong, but at the other side. It was Shinryong’s opponent.

‘Huh?’

Mr. Jang frowned at the vastly different impression. Not only was he standing with one leg crossed, but he was also frowning as if annoyed by the noise and picking his ear. The young man had dark hair tinged with a faint blue….

‘…He… looks scary.’

His appearance was enough to make one flinch upon seeing him. What is that? How can a person look so ferocious? Is that young man So-Yeomra?

‘Something….’

His first impression is quite bad. He didn’t even seem to be trying to hide it; he was openly delinquent. With such a vast crowd watching, is it okay for someone from a righteous sect to act like that? An attitude as if he didn’t care about others’ gazes at all. Seeing that, Mr. Jang felt a subtle sensation. It was perhaps because there was no sign of discomfort. Was it because the attitude suited him so well? It didn’t look like the recklessness of youth. What is this feeling? Feeling an unknown sensation, Mr. Jang looked at Mr. Cheon.

“Cheon-hyung.”

“What is it? I’m a bit busy now, so later….”

“Cheon-hyung, who do you think will win?”

“Huh?”

At Mr. Jang’s question, Mr. Cheon, who had been looking at Shinryong, flinched. His expression changed too. He looked as if asking, ‘What kind of strange question is this?’

“Oh my. Why would you ask something like that?”

Of course.

“It’s Shinryong, isn’t it?”

“…You think so?”

“Then, Mr. Jang, do you think Shinryong might lose?”

“You never know what life will bring.”

“Ho ho. My, my. How can a businessman like you know so little about the world?”

Indeed. Mr. Jang nodded at Mr. Cheon’s words. Everyone else says it’s Shinryong, so why does he feel differently? A young man he’s never met before. Once famous, but everyone calls it baseless rumors. Why is his gaze drawn to this young man he’s seeing for the first time? Even though he knows everything, Mr. Jang somehow recalls. For some reason, he felt that Shinryong wouldn’t win. He somehow had that feeling.

A moment passed as he thought that.

-Shaolin’s Yu Yeondae, Shanxi Gu family’s Gu Yangcheon.

-Match start!-

From the martial arts stage in the distance, the announcement of the start was heard. At that moment.

Woowooong–!!

“…!”

Mr. Jang immediately felt the surrounding air change. Heavy and suffocating.

Hwaaaaaaak–!!

“Ugh!”

People nearby quickly covered their eyes. An immense light burst forth from the martial arts stage. A golden light, resembling the sun, illuminated everything. At the same time, a warmth gradually settled into his suffocating chest.

Hooowook-!

A wind blew. It felt warm and benevolent, as if enveloping the body. Feeling this, Mr. Jang opened his eyes.

“Huh…?”

He had to gasp in disbelief as he looked at the martial arts stage.

“Hoh hoh hoh hoh!! That’s it! That’s exactly it!”

Mr. Cheon said excitedly beside him. Hearing that, Mr. Jang also recalled what he had mentioned. Golden Ape Descending. Shaolin’s ultimate technique. The overwhelming pressure that enveloped his entire body. A massive armor, dyed in golden light, enveloped Shinryong’s body.

“To see that right from the start…!! Shinryong seems determined to go all out, no matter who his opponent is.”

“…”

Mr. Jang couldn’t offer any reply. Could this truly be the power wielded by a human?

‘Indeed… it’s understandable why they call it Vajra Indestructibility.’

He could tell just by looking. That sturdy armor seemed impossible to break through easily. No, the very thought of it breaking was impossible.

Uwaaaaaaaaaah—!!!

As Shinryong unleashed the Golden Ape Descending from the start, the cheers grew even louder. A great moment that would be recorded in history. It felt like being part of that moment. Shinryong was at the center of the history that was about to unfold. Knowing that, the excitement rose even faster.

‘…This….’

Observing this, Mr. Jang gave a wry smile.

‘Impressive.’

They said he was the most likely candidate for the future Number One Under Heaven, and it seems true. Shinryong was undoubtedly a martial artist worthy of such a title. However….

‘Why am I still looking at that guy?’

Mr. Jang’s gaze turned back to So-Yeomra. Even before the brilliant light, So-Yeomra’s expression was the same as before. Could he have given up the match? Perhaps he lost his fighting spirit the moment he saw it. His expression made one think so. Unmoved, unconcerned. An attitude as if he had no interest whatsoever in the martial arts Shinryong displayed. How could that be possible? Despite such an overwhelming sight, how could he possibly be like that? Mr. Jang harbored such doubts, but they didn’t last long. The match began. Immediately, Shinryong, clad in the Golden Ape Descending, charged at So-Yeomra.

Kwajik.

A short sound followed.

“…Huh?”

-Waaaaaaaah…. Huh?

Doubt mixed into the cheers. It couldn’t be helped.

“What is that?”

“…That…?”

The golden armor said to be similar to Vajra Indestructibility. That armor Shinryong was wearing.

Ujijik-!

So-Yeomra began to tear it off with his bare hands.