Chapter 717: Divine Dragon Martial Arts Festival.

Two hours have already passed since the third preliminary round began.

Time felt even longer just sitting around. But then.

“Waaaaah—–!”

The surroundings were still filled with fervent energy.

Kuung-! Kung-kung-!

“Hwaat!”

A spectacle of intense combat, like a raging typhoon.

The sounds of powerful battle cries and clashing blades.

The momentum remained strong, even as the sky’s color gradually changed.

“Wind-Wave Fist…. I’d only heard rumors. Truly a formidable martial artist.”

“…I’d really like to spar with them someday.”

“If that’s the Gale Sword, they’d surely get fired up.”

These were people gathering information while admiring the martial artists’ duels.

Perhaps because everyone around was also participating in the martial arts festival, their observational skills were exceptional.

Moreover, reaching the third preliminary round meant they were considerable powerhouses, so merely watching could lead to enlightenment.

That was why the martial artists didn’t lose their fervor, even after sitting for so long.

It was also why the spectators cheered tirelessly, able to witness the duels of such masters.

Of course.

‘This is boring.’

From my perspective, it was just a tedious schedule.

The reason being.

‘The skill gap is way too uneven.’

Firstly, the skill levels of the paired opponents were too mismatched.

I saw several experts who had reached the ‘Hwagyeong’ realm during the two hours. But their opponents were particularly weak.

Perhaps sensing the difference in skill, there wasn’t much desperation felt.

Instead, one could feel the mindset of wanting to learn something more, having met a stronger opponent.

‘What is this, a sparring match for beginners?’

It’s not fun.

There’s no killing intent, nor any sense of desperation or ruthlessness.

Logically, it seems correct for a duel, but still….

‘It feels kinda dull.’

Watching stuff like that just makes me yawn.

‘…I must be going crazy.’

Finding peaceful duels boring?

Does that mean it’s only fun if they fight to the death, spilling blood?

‘Yeah, that’s right.’

Imagining it, that did seem more fun.

‘Yeah, I must be going crazy.’

I must have lived my life wrong, very wrong.

I turned my gaze and looked beside me.

Dokkwon Tang Soyeol and Crescent Moon Sword Wi Seora were sitting quietly, watching the duels.

The expressions on their faces didn’t seem particularly lively either.

The only difference between them and me, perhaps, was that they showed a sliver of interest.

‘Well, yeah.’

As both were martial artists who had reached the Hwagyeong realm, a slightly indifferent reaction was only natural.

And just like that, two hours had passed.

‘Maybe Moyong Hi-ah or Namgung Bi-ah would have been better choices.’

Moyong Hi-ah was having the busiest days since the festival began.

Depending on the martial artists who appeared after hiding, the merchant guilds had to move, and as a ripple effect, the Baekhwa Guild also had to make moves, making its Guild Leader, Moyong Hi-ah, busy as well.

Namgung Bi-ah had simply opted out, saying it seemed boring.

Recalling this, I belatedly felt a slight regret.

‘I should have just practiced.’

Why did I even come here to watch this?

‘If it weren’t for that Sung-yul guy, I wouldn’t have come.’

I came because I was worried about his unnecessarily conspicuous behavior, but it seems I didn’t really need to come.

‘If I had just left him alone, he would have handled it.’

I wonder why I’m meddling like this, even after deciding to leave him be.

‘Especially when I told Cheol Ji-seon not to do trivial things.’

Contradictory behavior.

Knowing that myself, I felt even more bothered.

“Hmm.”

As I exhaled slightly, feeling that unpleasant sentiment.

“Next.”

The previous duel ended, and martial artists appeared for the next one.

Only then did I slightly adjust my posture.

Because a telepathic message was heard immediately.

-Posture. Sit up straight. It’s bad for your back.

“…”

I frowned, but I listened.

“Waaaaaaah—–!”

A middle-aged man with a massive build appeared from the entrance area.

Immense cheers erupted immediately.

It was probably because this was the most anticipated match of the day.

“It’s the Blade King!”

Blade King Peng Zhou.

The head of the Peng family, the guardian of Hebei.

The appearance of one of the Six Seats (六座) in the Central Plains.

-Waaaaah.

In an instant, loud cheers poured out upon his appearance.

Peng Zhou walked silently, even while hearing the cheers.

Kung-! Kung-!

Vibrations spread with every step.

It was a scene like an earthquake had struck the surroundings.

The spectators seemed to feel exhilaration from this sight, cheering even louder.

“Incredible-! Is this… the power of a head of one of the Four Great Families?”

“Such vibrations just from walking.”

While everyone was admiring him, I had to put on a disgusted face upon hearing that.

‘You think it’s just the walking?’

Feeling the energy around me, I cursed inwardly.

That guy never changes.

‘He’s doing the same thing as in the preliminaries.’

As if overflowing with internal energy, he was releasing it everywhere.

“…Sigh.”

“Hmm.”

Seeing this, Tang Soyeol and Wi Seora let out low groans.

It was a given that they turned their gazes away, as if unable to watch.

That’s literally just for show. Anyone who has reached a certain level would know this.

The fortunate thing was.

“Waaaaaaah-“

Judging by the reaction, perhaps it worked well.

The Blade King walked onto the martial arts stage, emitting his internal energy.

Quietly, someone followed him. Naturally, my gaze was fixed on him.

The masked young master, adorned in black from head to toe.

It was the Esteemed Defeated (敗尊) wearing the mask of the Twin Dragons (투룡).

The Esteemed Defeated walked with his hands behind his back, hidden amidst the Blade King’s cheers.

“…”

Even as he moved, the Esteemed Defeated’s gaze was fixed on me.

He found me instantly, even amidst this countless crowd.

Moreover, he sent a telepathic message even before I came out, meaning he sensed me from beyond the wall.

‘Scary old man.’

His presence felt truly intimidating.

Just then, conversations could be heard from the surroundings.

“The Blade King’s opponent is Twin Dragons, right?”

“Twin Dragons… you mean that person said to be the descendant of the Esteemed Defeated?”

“That’s right. He’s become famous recently.”

Talk about Bi Ui-jin ensued. I naturally lent my ear to their words.

“I haven’t heard anything about him showing anything significant in this martial arts festival. Are those rumors really true?”

“Well, he did bring the Esteemed Defeated’s letter of recommendation, didn’t he? Besides, if he’s already made it this far, he’s proven himself sufficiently.”

“However, considering his opponent… it’s just a bit unfortunate.”

“That’s true as well.”

The descendant of the Esteemed Defeated.

The expectations stemming from that are beyond imagination.

It was a testament to how significant the Three Esteemed Ones (삼존) were in the orthodox sects.

It’s just that.

Even those expectations have a realistic side.

“His opponent is the Blade King, after all.”

“Who knows? Just like we saw with Crescent Moon Sword… Twin Dragons might also have reached a great position.”

Hearing my name mentioned, Wi Seora’s ear twitched slightly.

It seemed she was listening.

Just as Wi Seora and Dragon God showed. Even a late-blooming disciple (후기지수) could be an incredible master.

While such talk was going on.

“Haha… maybe so. But you see.”

The reactions of the martial artists who heard this were skeptical.

“Whatever the case… the opponent is the Blade King.”

“Hmm.”

The opponent is the Blade King.

That fact alone erases all possibilities.

Blade King (刀王).

The Six Seats currently existing in the Central Plains.

Namgung’s Sword King (劍王).

Peng family’s Blade King (刀王).

Tang family’s Poison King (毒王).

Mount Hua’s Sword Queen (劍后).

As well as the unaffiliated Flame King (炎王) or Seojang’s Bright Queen (明后).

These six figures, who wielded great influence in the Central Plains, were called the Six Seats.

They were appointed based on their position and presence in specific fields, but even if it wasn’t solely based on martial power, it doesn’t mean they are weak.

They were all, without exception, powerful martial artists.

‘I don’t know much about the Flame King or the Bright Queen. But they’re probably strong.’

Even excluding those I never saw in my past life.

They are all strong individuals.

‘Even if they aren’t quite at the level of the Top Ten Masters (십대 고수).’

As each of them is a martial artist in their prime, there’s no one to underestimate.

Dragon God and Crescent Moon Sword reached Hwagyeong?

That alone is astonishing, but.

Reaching the level of the Six Seats with just that is impossible.

That’s the common perception.

‘Yeah, just a perception.’

Even as disciples of the Three Esteemed Ones, they are still just disciples.

They don’t reach the Blade King.

This means, in other words.

‘Can the Blade King reach the Three Esteemed Ones?’

Whether it’s the Six Seats.

Or the Top Ten Masters.

Can a mere human rooted to the earth reach the heavens beyond the heavens floating above?

Even though heaven came down to earth with shackles on its feet, could a mere Blade King dare to look up?

‘No way.’

It’s beneath consideration.

Even though he’s a thoroughly, utterly, disgustingly vile old man.

Even broken, he is the Esteemed Defeated.

‘How dare a Blade King like that.’

Worry?

Not even a little.

Like I said earlier, Bi Ui-jin is the Esteemed Defeated.

That fact alone resolves everything.

That’s why my concern wasn’t for the Esteemed Defeated’s safety.

‘…Please, just behave yourself.’

I just hope that old man causes trouble, but not too much.

That was all I wished for.

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

Waaaaaaah—–!

Cheers erupted from all directions. Amidst the unceasing fervor, two martial artists faced each other on the stage.

The middle-aged man, arms crossed, stared at the young man. The young man, hands behind his back, was looking elsewhere, not at the middle-aged man.

Seeing this, the middle-aged man, Blade King Peng Zhou, furrowed his brow.

‘Where is he looking?’

With his opponent right in front of him, where could this young man be looking?

As the treatment displeased him greatly, Peng Zhou’s expression grew increasingly sour.

‘Tsk.’

Anyway, young people these days have no manners.

A senior. Not just any senior, but me, right in front of him, what kind of treatment is this?

‘Since he’s the disciple of the Esteemed Defeated, I was going to treat him with some consideration.’

Paejun (Esteemed Defeated) Bi Ju.

A man who survived numerous life-or-death duels and countless defeats, ultimately surviving them all.

An old man who rose to the title of ‘Esteemed One’ (존자) by leading the charge in the war against the demonic sects with his uniquely created martial arts.

Peng Zhou clicked his tongue briefly, recalling that old man.

‘Disciple or master, they’re both equally displeasing.’

Peng Zhou had met the Esteemed Defeated a few times.

He said he met him as a child, following Peng Tae-u, and saw him again after passing his youth.

‘He had a damn hateful gaze.’

I still remember it.

The old man’s gaze as he looked at me.

A look of complete disinterest, as if looking at a pebble.

Peng Zhou had even felt intimidated by that cold gaze.

But of all things.

‘That guy resembles him in the eyes.’

Is it because he’s a descendant?

For some reason, I strongly feel the presence of the Esteemed Defeated from this fellow called Twin Dragons.

The Esteemed Defeated, who was a giant covered in scars.

Unlike that old man, Twin Dragons is just a fresh-faced babe, yet for some reason, I felt that way.

‘That guy too. And this guy too… they’re all the same.’

Just like Gu Cheol-un’s damn son.

And this guy called Twin Dragons.

‘I need to crush their potential before it grows.’

I don’t like any of them.

Not even the fact that I’m standing in such a trivial place.

‘…Grrr.’

Peng Zhou secretly ground his teeth.

If the Alliance hadn’t brought up past events, I wouldn’t have needed to come to a place like this. It was a regret that I couldn’t avoid it.

‘How dare they think of using me, Peng Zhou, as a clown?’

I will never forget this humiliation.

Peng Zhou continued to grind his teeth.

I will surely rise to the position of Alliance Leader and execute all those who looked down on me.

I endure now for that time.

Peng Zhou repeated this to himself, cooling his temper as he looked ahead.

Twin Dragons was still not looking this way.

Normally, I would have gotten angry seeing that, but Peng Zhou simply lifted the corners of his mouth.

The reason was simple.

‘How fortunate that I can correct that attitude.’

This is a place where I can legally beat someone up.

It meant I could discipline that late-blooming disciple’s shitty behavior.

So it doesn’t matter.

Be arrogant all you want. The rougher your actions become, the rougher my own will be.

Thinking thus, Peng Zhou drew his saber.

Kuung.

The heavy saber revealed itself to the world.

It wasn’t the treasured artifact the Blade King usually used, the Black Fang Ink Saber (黑牙墨刀).

Since treasured artifacts couldn’t be used in the martial arts festival, it was a weapon provided by the Alliance, but its value changed when held by the Blade King.

An immense pressure poured out from Peng Zhou holding the saber.

Gugugugugu.

“…Heop!”

“Heup!”

Groans erupted from various places.

The pressure felt like a difference in level compared to the previous matches.

Just a simple preparation stance, yet such presence; everyone’s attention was drawn to the Blade King.

“Wouldn’t it be wise to prepare?”

As Peng Zhou spoke, emitting pressure, Twin Dragons’ gaze finally shifted.

Still expressionless.

Seeing that, Peng Zhou realized belatedly.

‘Is it because he’s overly nervous?’

Now that I think about it, maybe he wasn’t ignoring me, but was too scared to look?

‘Right. Was that why?’

It made sense.

It didn’t make sense for a mere late-blooming disciple to ignore me, but if excessive nervousness was the issue, it could happen.

“Don’t worry. I won’t show my true strength against a junior. Besides, this will be a rare opportunity for you. Spread your wings to your heart’s content.”

He said with a smirk.

Show off as much as you want.

That was the implied meaning.

But.

“Hmm.”

Seeing that, Twin Dragons nodded his head and said.

“As expected. Father’s side is much better. What a pity.”

“…What?”

Peng Zhou reacted to the mumbled words, but.

“I will prepare.”

Following the referee’s words, the questions couldn’t continue.

What did he mean by that just now?

Father?

Peng Zhou harbored doubts about the incomprehensible statement, but he decided to ignore it for now.

“…Third preliminary round, Peng Zhou of the Peng family versus Bi Ui-jin of the Seoan Bi family.”

The referee soon raised his hand.

“Match, begin.”

With a swift downward motion, the match began.

Immediately after the match started.

The two stood still, watching each other without any particular movement.

Seeing Twin Dragons standing still as if nervous, the Blade King spoke.

“As a senior’s courtesy, I shall yield three moves.”

“…”

Three moves. Twin Dragons’ eyes widened upon hearing this.

Was he perhaps surprised by the Blade King’s consideration?

“…Ah, right. Senior… I see.”

“…”

As expected, he seems incredibly nervous. He doesn’t seem quite right in the head.

Twin Dragons widened his eyes for a moment, then quickly clasped his hands in greeting and spoke to the Blade King.

“I did have something I needed to confirm anyway. Thank you for your consideration.”

What did he need to confirm?

Just as the Blade King’s interest was about to be piqued.

Ttu-beok.

Twin Dragons started walking towards him.

Slowly, step by step, he approached the Blade King.

Seeing this, the Blade King let out a hollow laugh.

‘He’s walking over?’

It’s a situation where he should be rushing forward with all his might, yet he’s walking now? This is absurd-.

Swish.

Thump-!

“!?

The sudden turn of events. The Blade King assessed the situation, catching his breath.

‘What was that?’

I found myself raising my arm without realizing it.

Moreover, I felt a contact.

What was happening? Realizing the situation, the Blade King was even more surprised.

Twin Dragons, who had been walking from afar, was suddenly in front of the Blade King.

He had attacked me with a kick, and I blocked it with my arm.

A situation blocked purely by instinct.

The Blade King, who hadn’t properly registered the attack, was flustered.

However, the surprising part didn’t end there.

“This is too weak.”

Twin Dragons muttered as he retracted his leg.

Then.

Kuuung-!

“Kchyeok!? Keok-heok!”

Suddenly, an immense impact was felt in my abdomen.

This time, it was the same as before.

Twin Dragons’ punch landed squarely in the Blade King’s abdomen.

Kwajijik-!

The protective energy surrounding me shattered.

Whoosh-! My massive body floated slightly in the air.

The Blade King immediately wrapped himself in internal energy and landed.

Ttuduk-!

Simultaneously, I took several steps back, clutching my abdomen with my large hand.

“Heok… Heok…”

I almost gagged without realizing it.

“You… what is this…!”

The lingering pain in my abdomen.

Suppressing my trembling body, the Blade King asked.

“Hmm.”

Twin Dragons looked at the Blade King and nodded a couple of times.

“This one is too strong. Something in the middle would be just right.”

Afterward, he smiled contentedly, as if having confirmed something.

Then, he beckoned the Blade King with his finger.

“I don’t need three tries. Come at me again.”

The Esteemed Defeated was certain.

Yes, this much is enough.

He thought that at this level.

He figured he could beat the Blade King without killing him.