Chapter 746: Start.

Before the Round of 16 ended and the Round of 8 began.

Amidst the now eight remaining participants, I quietly examined the wooden board.

The results of the past matches were not much different from my predictions.

Do-wang and Bi-seongdo advanced.

I and Tang Soyeol advanced as well.

Others who had been hiding their skills.

Meaning, all the Hwa-gyeong level martial artists advanced, leaving only the strong ones.

Also, it meant the martial arts tournament was nearing its end.

Even if it dragged on, it would last seven days and nights.

It was a point in time where only that much duration remained.

“Hmm.”

The match list, which had been densely written, had shrunk down to only four entries. The martial bouts would also likely have only two or three left after today.

Strictly speaking, there was still time remaining.

I had to do a lot of thinking while looking at the wooden board.

-Peng Zhou of the Ha-buk Peng Family versus Gu Yangcheon of the San-seo Gu Family.

The inscription written in the middle of the wooden board.

Seeing the line clearly stating my martial bout opponent, I let out a hollow laugh.

“Well, this is something.”

Looking at that, I could admit one thing.

That this martial arts tournament had quite a few events that deviated from my predictions.

‘They’re fighting already?’

I didn’t expect to fight Do-wang before the Round of 8.

This was truly an unexpected part, even for me.

I thought I would have kept that old man until the very, very end to make us fight.

No matter how bad Do-wang’s condition might be right now.

I didn’t know he would use such a good card starting now.

‘I thought they’d save him for the finals.’

I slowly stroked my chin, which hadn’t even grown a beard yet.

How could this have happened?

‘Hmm.’

My current standing is quite significant.

It’s not boasting; it’s actually the case.

The murmuring sounds and crowds outside are even greater than during the time of the Young Dragon.

This means the expectations regarding me have risen considerably.

And on top of that….

‘Thanks to Moyong Hi-ah’s swift response, my value increased even further.’

Immediately after the head of the Jang-won Merchant Guild came and went, Madam Mi, having heard Moyong Hi-ah’s report, dealt with the situation promptly.

Her method was spreading word-of-mouth.

‘The head of the Jang-won Merchant Guild personally appeared and discussed sponsorship with So-yeom-ra.’

That fact alone stopped the constant stream of merchant guild leaders who had been flocking to me.

The wealthiest person in the Central Plains even made an appearance.

This means my value is that outstanding,

And that they wouldn’t meet just anyone of that caliber.

Therefore, the people from the merchant guilds must have stopped their insistence and are now discussing other matters.

It’s difficult to approach them now that the head of the Jang-won Merchant Guild has appeared,

But in other words, it means I am a late-blooming disciple with that much value.

Furthermore.

‘The fact that the Baek-hwa Merchant Guild was already sponsoring such a martial artist.’

Because of that, the Baek-hwa Merchant Guild was also running an advertisement, though not officially.

Such a move must involve considerable profit.

‘They’re fast, anyway.’

Whether it was Moyong Hi-ah or Madam Mi, their response was just too fast.

I heard they requested a meeting with the head of the Jang-won Merchant Guild after that, didn’t they?

‘I heard a letter arrived yesterday.’

The conditions they showed back then were already absurd,

And the head of the Jang-won Merchant Guild said they would bring even better conditions.

I made a strange expression as I recalled him.

‘I refused to meet him today because of the martial arts tournament.’

It seems I did the right thing.

‘Whatever conditions he might have brought….’

It was correct to refuse him now.

He must have brought great conditions,

‘After today passes.’

My value will likely double,

And the value he brought will also change in meaning.

This was, rather, the right refusal.

Perhaps because of that, I suddenly feel curious.

‘Whether he will indeed bring even more changed conditions, or give up.’

Feeling a rising interest, I covered my mouth with my hand.

My lips were involuntarily curling upwards.

‘I don’t know what Meng is thinking….’

It’s actually good that things have changed from my predictions.

Because it allowed things to be handled more quickly.

Tuk tuk.

I shook my hands and lightly stretched my body.

Then, I looked up at the sky.

I saw a clear and bright sky.

The sparse clouds scattered across it made for a rather pretty sight.

Seeing this, I grinned.

‘Perfect.’

A good day to cause some chaos.

Today felt like just such a day.

******************

Waaaaah—–!!!

-Myung-cheon of the Gwi-cheon Sect. Victory!

A little time had passed since the Round of 8 began.

The fervor of the martial arts tournament was gradually heating up, and accordingly, the spectators’ cheers grew louder.

It’s only natural.

Because the level was much higher than the martial arts tournaments I’d seen before.

‘…Not bad?’

It was enough to surprise even me a little.

The winner just now was Myung-cheon of the Gwi-cheon Sect.

He was from a sect I’d never heard of, but his skill level was considerable.

‘He could easily be among the top hundred experts.’

His opponent was Geum-seon-yeon of the Geum-seon Family.

I heard she was a famous martial artist skilled in dual sword techniques. This Myung-cheon fellow managed to secure victory against such a warrior.

It was truly a match decided by a razor’s edge.

It was the kind of match where if either one had slipped up, they would have lost immediately.

Perhaps because I was watching a proper martial bout after a long time, I felt pretty good.

‘Indeed, by this point, the skill levels are quite good.’

It was pleasant to watch, clean from the very first bout.

Especially since it was Hwa-gyeong level martial artists fighting, it was even more so.

-Gun Dang-seok of the Yo-ryeong Gun Family versus Muk Seol-jin of the Cheong-hae Do Sect! Martial bout begin!

Kwaaa–!!

The qi emanating from them was creating a tremendous ripple effect again.

I thought as I felt the energy brush against my cheek.

This martial arts tournament had deviated from expectations in many ways.

Most of the expected winners or strong contenders had fallen, and those remaining were newcomers who were completely unknown;

The emergence of new experts was the most welcomed event for the people of the Central Plains, making the atmosphere burn even hotter.

It was no different for me, so I watched the martial bouts with interest.

“Was it fun?”

A heavy voice sounded from beside me.

As I turned my head, I saw an old man with a rather unpleasant face.

It was Do-wang.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

I hadn’t expected him to strike up a conversation.

I stared calmly at Do-wang, then casually spoke.

“Yes. It’s quite interesting.”

“…Hmph.”

Perhaps it was the problem that I didn’t show him proper respect even when looking at him.

Do-wang’s expression contorted further.

However, he quickly composed his expression and continued speaking to me.

“Still, you are of the Ming family lineage, yet it seems you weren’t educated very well.”

It was a direct insult.

Well.

“I know, right?”

“What?”

To his trivial remark, I said with a smile,

“It would have been nice if someone of the Ming family lineage received a good education…. It’s a bit regrettable that wasn’t the case.”

“…”

Since I wasn’t the only one of the Ming family lineage here, Do-wang’s expression crumpled instantly as he understood the meaning of my words.

This old man is quite amusing.

To react like that just because I scratched a nerve a little.

“How dare this brat….”

“Patriarch Peng. The more I see you, the more fascinating you are.”

I interrupted Do-wang as he was about to get angry and added,

“You know you won’t get a good reaction from me, so why do you keep coming over to get provoked? Perhaps that’s your preference?”

“…!”

At first, I was just dealing with him moderately and letting it slide.

At this point, I’m curious as to why he picks fights with me every time I see him.

Ah, perhaps.

“Do you like me? If that’s the case, as I told your son… I’m sorry, but I like women.”

“You brat-!”

Hwaaahk-!

Do-wang, unable to contain his anger any longer, unleashed his aura.

No, he tried to unleash it.

Kwa-jijik-!

“…!”

The moment Do-wang emitted his killing intent, the energy bursting from my body suppressed him.

As his energy was instantly subdued, Do-wang’s eyes widened.

He looked visibly flustered.

Seeing that, I patted Do-wang’s shoulders.

“Hey, calm down a bit. You’re not young anymore…. It’s good to be vigorous at your age, but it’s problematic if you keep acting like this.”

I was trying to speak as kindly as possible, but Do-wang’s expression didn’t ease up upon hearing my words.

What should I do…?

I feel like I might end up hitting him.

Me, hitting Do-wang.

‘I’m trying to hold back as much as possible for the sake of Peng Ah-hee, but why does he keep doing this?’

Honestly, I would have already beaten him up and then some.

But I still felt apologetic towards his daughter.

‘Beating someone in front of their child is a bit much.’

Peng Woojin was watching behind him, unable to hide his face, so I was holding back.

‘But really, why is he like this?’

I wonder.

Why does Do-wang seem to be picking on me specifically?

‘I mean, I beat up the Pae-jon [father/respected elder], so why does he keep doing this to me?’

Let’s say being beaten by my father, who was acting like the Two Dragons, is understandable.

So, he’s suffering all sorts of contempt and ridicule from the Central Plains, so it’s understandable he’s angry.

But.

‘Why is he picking on me?’

He barks at me like a dog whenever he sees me, which is quite bothersome.

‘Hmm….’

Thinking back, it seems it’s been like this from the start.

At first, I thought he disliked me because of the broken engagement, but looking back now, it doesn’t seem like that’s all there is to it.

Then why?

Why is he so intent on getting rid of me?

Just as doubts were piling up.

“…Those eyes.”

Do-wang added, grinding his teeth,

“Those damn eyes looking at me, damn it all, they really resemble your father’s.”

“…”

The sudden mention of my father.

Hearing that, I nodded.

“…!”

Jolted.

Do-wang flinched for a moment, looking at me.

Seeing that, I took a breath.

That was close.

‘I almost killed him.’

I almost gouged Do-wang’s eyes out just now.

Hoo. I barely held back.

Why did he suddenly bring up my father?

I almost killed him for real.

‘Whoa.’

I almost ruined the entire plan out of anger.

As I calmed my startled heart.

“Hmm.”

I sensed a subtle nuance in Do-wang’s words.

Because the tone in which he mentioned my father was filled with emotion.

So I asked.

“Patriarch Peng. May I ask, perhaps…”

I had no ill intentions.

“Have you ever been hit by my father before?”

It was a question born purely out of curiosity.

Was that the problem?

Kkeudeudeuk-!!

An immense killing intent erupted from Do-wang’s body.

“What…?”

“No… wait…. Just a moment?”

“What… did you just say?”

Oh, he seems genuinely angry now.

It’s an unexpected killing intent.

It was surprisingly intense, enough to startle me.

Wow…. It seems like…

‘Did I touch a nerve?’

I realized I might have made a mistake.

So, I said to him with an awkward smile,

“I apologize. I really didn’t know it was like that. Hahaha. Friends fight when they’re young, it happens. Ah, perhaps you weren’t friends…? If so, I apologize even more.”

I apologized for touching upon a bad memory.

Well, I should be sorry for this.

So I apologized with all my heart, but…

“You truly take after your father.”

Do-wang seemed utterly unable to control his anger.

Normally, that might have sounded like a compliment in its own way, but I knew precisely that he meant it as an insult.

“That look in your eyes, like you know everything. That gaze, looking at me as if pitying me. You resemble him so creepily.”

His voice, spitting the words out as if chewing them slowly.

The resentment contained in that voice made my skin crawl.

“Insignificant beings like you…. Truly, you continue to generations of disrespecting me.”

Hooook. Hooook.

His breath was hot and rough.

He seemed to be trying to suppress his rage somehow.

“Just wait and see. Son of Gu Cheol-un. Whether you can maintain that look even when facing me on the martial stage. Just wait and see.”

Having said that, Do-wang finally turned his back and walked away.

He kept mentioning eyes; perhaps there was something wrong with them?

As I watched Do-wang’s receding back, I now wanted to ask my father.

‘Just how exactly did you beat him?’

How did you beat him to make him turn into that?

Knowing my father’s personality, he probably didn’t beat him without reason, but…

To reach that state, it’s safe to say it was excessive.

‘…I need to be more careful when hitting people from now on.’

I realized as I watched.

If I’m going to throw punches, I need to be cautious.

Apparently, hitting someone wrongly can break them like that.

From now on, I should either hit carefully…

Or, kill them without leaving any loose ends.

I should probably do one of the two.

As I nodded, having resolved this.

My gaze passed Do-wang and looked towards someone beyond him.

It was Peng Woojin, looking at my father.

His expression caught my eye.

‘…’

Seeing it, I froze involuntarily for a moment.

It was chilling.

Peng Woojin’s eyes, looking at Do-wang, felt like nothing was there.

Eyes that held only a distant emptiness.

There wasn’t even a trace of emotion in his dark gaze.

It was unbelievable that these were the eyes looking at one’s own parent.

As I wondered what kind of eyes those were, Peng Woojin and I made eye contact.

Siiik.

The emptiness from moments before vanished as Peng Woojin smiled at me.

And he waved his hand as if greeting me…

‘…’

Did he forget that his own father was just glaring at me as if he wanted to kill me?

I don’t like his unnecessarily cheerful demeanor.

Seeing that, I became certain.

‘The Peng family is doomed.’

Whether it was the Patriarch or the Young Patriarch, neither was normal.

‘Sigh.’

Their family situation is quite a mess too.

Ironically, I felt a sense of kinship and subtly shook my head.

And then, I looked somewhere.

A distance that couldn’t be perceived by sight or sensed by qi.

But I knew they were there.

Kkumteul-!

The demonic qi connected through my heart was letting me know.

‘I originally planned to do this a bit later.’

Experiencing the current situation, I felt there was no need to wait.

I infused my intent into the demonic qi and emitted vibrations.

Even if the intent sent through the energy isn’t perfect, those who receive it will understand.

With this, the preparations are complete.

Now, all that’s left is to wait.

It will probably take some time,

But not too long,

And also.

‘It won’t be boring in the meantime.’

I smiled, looking at Do-wang’s back.

Fortunately, I had a toy to pass the time right in front of me.