Chapter 719: Divine Dragon Martial Arts Festival.

A large pavilion set up to the left of the Martial Arts Festival.

It was a building constructed to overlook the martial arts stage at a glance.

This was a place specially set aside by the Alliance. Led by the Alliance Leader, individuals who wielded significant influence in the Central Plains had gathered.

“Hmph….”

Among them, the head of the Baek Family of Kwangdong, Baek Yu-seok, known as the Sword of Empty Illusions (許爩劍), let out a sharp breath.

At the same time, he ran a hand down his arm.

His skin tingled so much he couldn’t stay still.

“…I have nothing to say.”

There wasn’t even anything to say. The current situation certainly demanded it.

What words could possibly be uttered after seeing that?

KWA-DEU-DEU-DEU-DEUK—!!!

It raged.

A massive gale-like wind pressure.

It greedily swept through the surroundings, as if trying to swallow everything.

KWAD-DEUK–!!

Sounds of shattering echoed from everywhere.

Just witnessing it made his body tense.

The internal energy in his dantian was recklessly activating his body.

‘…It’s all made of qi.’

This wind wasn’t a natural phenomenon.

It was like a disaster composed solely of internal energy.

It was rough, and furthermore, vicious.

How in the world could such a deadly power be unleashed?

As Baek Yu-seok pondered this question while suppressing his trembling.

“Ho ho. Isn’t that truly a remarkable sight?”

“…!”

A voice came from beside him.

Baek Yu-seok shifted his gaze and flinched.

It was because the old man who spoke to him was no ordinary figure.

The Sect Leader of the Hua Mountain Sect, one of the Central Plains’ Ten Great Masters, and one of the Seven Iron Rods and Three Fists.

The Plum Blossom Immortal (梅華仙), Do Hwa.

He had approached Baek Yu-seok.

As Baek Yu-seok hastily prepared to offer a fist-and-palm salute.

“…Greetings, Sect Leader of Hua Mountain…”

“I don’t intend to receive such formalities, so there’s no need, Family Head Baek.”

Maehwa-seon gently blocked Baek Yu-seok’s salute. Hearing this, Baek Yu-seok flinched again.

It was because Maehwa-seon knew him.

“You… know me?”

“How could I not? I’ve spoken with your father a few times. He was a truly kind-hearted individual. And seeing you, Family Head Baek, grown so tall, I feel inexplicably proud.”

Even though Baek Yu-seok had only met him a few times following his father in his childhood, Maehwa-seon remembered him.

“I merely thought I’d strike up a conversation, perhaps the old man got a bit carried away… If you are uncomfortable…”

“No…! How could I possibly be.”

“Tsk tsk.”

Amidst the solemn atmosphere, a faint floral scent permeated the air.

An immortal.

Indeed, it was fitting that the people of Hua Mountain Sect called him the most respected Sect Leader since the Hua Mountain Divine Sword….

“Sigh, that idiot. He said he’d behave, yet look at him showing off like this… Tsk tsk.”

…Huh?

“Since I won the bet, I can just tell him to buy the drinks. Khkhkh.”

“…Sect Leader…?”

“Ah, my apologies. I was just happy to see a familiar face, ho ho ho.”

Did I mishear?

Baek Yu-seok nodded, thinking just that.

That must be it.

There was no way the Maehwa-seon, who was said to be closest to an immortal, would say things like ‘idiot’ or ‘showing off’.

He must have heard auditory hallucinations from witnessing such a shocking sight.

Baek Yu-seok decided to believe that.

‘…It’s shock.’

Yes, it’s shock.

A sight that might remain etched in his memory for a lifetime.

Baek Yu-seok continued to stroke his goosebump-covered arm.

Moreover, it wasn’t just Baek Yu-seok.

Most of the people gathered here were in the same situation.

“Did they say he was born into the Bi family?”

“The Bi family of Xi’an?”

“We need to ascertain his age, whether he has a fiancée…”

While appearing silent, they moved swiftly.

Those individuals were, without a doubt, figures from the merchant guilds, while those with trembling eyes and pale faces were martial artists (武人) like Baek Yu-seok.

Everyone was frozen like stone.

Their faces, filled with shock as if they had seen something they shouldn’t have, were an added bonus.

He understood.

That was shock, and a disaster.

Any martial artist would think the same.

‘…So Yeomra and Dokkwon. Then Geomryong and Sinryong. And also Crescent Moon Sword.’

The younger generation martial artists, or those around their age.

Even when it was announced they would participate in the Martial Arts Festival, such a scene was not anticipated.

The younger generation is the younger generation.

They might stand out in the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, but the Martial Arts Festival hosted by the Alliance this time is different.

Their prime.

In other words, martial artists in their prime, ranging from those who have just reached adulthood to those past forty, would be participating. If the younger generation were to lead the future Central Plains.

These were the main players who would lead the current Central Plains.

At best, they were mountains that those not yet having reached adulthood couldn’t overcome.

That was the clear judgment, yet.

TU-DU-DU-DUK….

How should I describe what was unfolding before us?

Ah. That’s right.

Speechless.

That seemed like the right way to put it.

The martial bout that the Blade King would showcase. The martial artists in the pavilion held no particular expectations.

Although they expected a martial bout from a strong martial artist.

It was because the opponent was from the younger generation, leading them to believe the Blade King wouldn’t show his full strength.

It would probably end anticlimactically.

Everyone believed so, yet.

“…”

They were left speechless observing the current situation.

The Blade King was helplessly overwhelmed by someone from the younger generation.

Something they had never imagined was unfolding.

It wasn’t just being overwhelmed.

He was toyed with; the Blade King was toyed with.

Every movement was blocked, even his breathing was controlled.

None of his movements could proceed without the opponent’s permission.

What could be more humiliating for a martial artist?

Especially if it was done by someone so much younger.

‘It’s like social annihilation.’

Especially since the master of the Peng family suffered such humiliation….

Baek Yu-seok turned his head to look behind him.

It was where the leaders of the great merchant guilds had gathered.

“…If it comes to this, we’ll need to adjust the ratios.”

“It would be wise to send word to the Hebei branch separately as well.”

“How will Guild Leader Geumcheon handle this matter….”

As expected, discussions were already underway.

Just as martial artists value strength and reputation.

The people from the merchant guilds were no different.

A martial artist’s reputation is also important to the guild leaders.

Because if that reputation falters, the money they invested also wavers.

‘Chilling.’

Baek Yu-seok felt he understood why the family heads didn’t bother participating in the Martial Arts Festival.

Just then.

“You’ve really made a mess of things.”

Someone else appeared.

It was a hunched old man.

He wore shabby clothes and gave off a rather unpleasant smell. And that’s putting it mildly; it was practically a stench.

However, even smelling it, Baek Yu-seok couldn’t show his displeasure.

‘…Oh dear.’

The pavilion prepared by the Alliance.

How many people could possibly enter it looking like that?

At least, as far as Baek Yu-seok knew, there was only one.

‘The Beggars’ Sect Leader.’

The leader of the beggars spread throughout the Central Plains, known as the eyes and ears of the Alliance.

Woo Bong-chwi-gae, Baek Do.

The old man’s identity was surely him.

As the old man approached, Maehwa-seon’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Baek Do. You smell particularly foul today. Did you fall into a cesspit or something?”

“Hmph, did you expect a beggar to smell fragrant? Your greeting upon seeing me after so long is utter garbage.”

“It means you should wash up once in a while.”

“Wash up? What nonsense! Where would a beggar find water to wash with when there’s barely enough to drink?”

“Is the river water poisonous? The world is awash with water.”

“Your floral scent is making me dizzy, Do Hwa. You should wash up yourself. Who are you to tell a beggar to wash?”

“…”

What kind of conversation was this?

Baek Yu-seok couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

He wondered if this was truly the conversation between two figures who were like masters of the Nine Great Sects.

After exchanging a few more rough words, the two old men suddenly turned their attention.

It was still the martial arts stage where the gale was blowing.

“It makes me wonder why they told us to keep quiet if it was going to end up like this.”

Woo Bong-chwi-gae suddenly clicked his tongue repeatedly.

“They threatened to kill all the beggars in the country if we didn’t comply… but why bother if it was going to turn out like this? Just causing trouble for people.”

“I find it more surprising that you actually kept quiet after hearing that threat.”

“Hah. I don’t know about others, but I have to keep my word when he says something, what else can I do?”

If he said he’d kill, he’d truly kill all the beggars in the country. The Beast of Shanxi knows how to uphold principles over his own emotions, but…

That monster was different.

Even with his teeth missing, his true nature doesn’t change.

In terms of danger, he was more perilous.

If things go wrong, he’s uncontrollable.

He’s the kind of person who could easily turn to the demonic path if his mood shifts.

Woo Bong-chwi-gae knew all too well that this was the kind of person he was.

“Thanks to this, I’m likely to be summoned by the Alliance Leader. That’s the problem.”

Woo Bong-chwi-gae subtly shifted his gaze.

At the center of the pavilion were the Alliance Leader, Sword Immortal, and Sword Emperor.

Sword Immortal was watching the martial bout while simultaneously glaring at Woo Bong-chwi-gae.

It seemed he had a lot to say.

“Hmph.”

He coughed, as if about to spit, but swallowed it back down under that gaze.

“This is troublesome.”

He seemed to have figured something out.

Should I try to hide and avoid their eyes for a while?

He considered it for a moment, but he couldn’t.

If it were just Sword Immortal, maybe.

But Sword Emperor was also keeping a close eye on the Sect Leader.

Meeting those gazes, Woo Bong-chwi-gae quietly whispered.

“Do Hwa.”

“Speak.”

“We’re friends, right?”

“Ho ho. Of course not.”

“You heartless fellow. Not a shred of hesitation.”

Maehwa-seon said with a laugh, causing Woo Bong-chwi-gae to shake his head.

Right, he hadn’t expected anything from these guys anyway.

‘Tsk.’

He could only hope.

That no more troublesome matters would arise.

That was his only wish.

PA-SEU-SEU-SEU-…

The fiercely raging gale gradually subsided.

What had been blowing so violently suddenly died down.

It was a sight that revealed the wind was entirely the caster’s will.

As the energy vanished into thin air and the swirling dust settled.

The hidden martial arts stage fully revealed itself.

“…”

“…That’s…!”

Upon seeing the revealed scene, the martial artists in the pavilion could only gasp.

Scattered like wind and hail (風飛雹散).

The martial arts stage was covered in marks, as if slashed by enormous claws.

The stage, crafted with mixed materials, no longer retained its original form.

A sight so horrific it seemed impossible for a single human to have created.

Yet, remarkably, there were exactly two spots on the ravaged stage that remained intact.

One was the space where Tu-ryong stood.

Tu-ryong appeared not to have moved an inch while performing his martial arts.

The platform he stood on was unharmed.

And the other was.

The platform where the Blade King stood.

Just a few steps away from Tu-ryong.

“…Huff… pant… huff.”

He was slumped there.

His blade was nowhere to be seen, and he was drenched in cold sweat.

What was astonishing was that the Blade King’s body bore not a single scratch.

While the surroundings were mangled beyond recognition, the Blade King, who had received such martial arts, was unharmed.

How could one possibly interpret this absurd situation?

The Blade King looked as if he had faced death.

His face was filled with faint terror and sweat.

His fighting spirit had long since vanished.

Survival instinct trumped anger, and he couldn’t even grasp the situation, let alone regain his composure.

It meant the sight was that overwhelming.

Baek Yu-seok was certain.

‘…The Blade King lost.’

This was the Blade King’s defeat.

Anyone in the world could see that.

The Blade King, one of the Six Seats, had been defeated by a younger generation member of the Bi family.

Silence flowed among the martial artists within the pavilion.

The guild leaders were busy confirming if they had branches in Xi’an.

How many children Family Head Bi had. Whether Tu-ryong had a woman. They were racking their brains to gather information.

Six Dragons, Three Peaks.

Even among them, Tu-ryong was the least known individual, yet.

His value began to skyrocket.

This wasn’t just the thought of the guild leaders.

Most of the martial artists standing here were likely thinking the same thing.

What if.

It were me?

Or someone else here?

‘Could I have defeated Tu-ryong?’

Could I really have defeated that handsome young master?

A confident answer did not come.

A monster that couldn’t be described in words stood there.

Sinryong and Crescent Moon Sword were astonishing, but…

Tu-ryong went further, making one forget them.

Just looking at him felt like it could lead to demonic possession.

There weren’t even enough words to describe him.

Only questions arose.

Why on earth didn’t Tu-ryong attack the Blade King properly?

Why did he leave him so unharmed?

Was it consideration?

Perhaps it was immature consideration stemming from his young age?

If so, it lacked the etiquette of a martial artist.

As he was thinking that.

“Wait, could it be…”

“Ho ho ho.”

The two old monsters from the Nine Great Sects beside him reacted.

Woo Bong-chwi-gae slightly opened his mouth in surprise.

Maehwa-seon smiled leisurely.

Why were they acting like that?

Just as Baek Yu-seok narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Hmm.”

Tu-ryong glanced at the Blade King, then turned his head somewhere.

First, towards the spectators.

Looking there, Tu-ryong smiled faintly.

For some reason, seeing that smile made Baek Yu-seok shrink back.

An unknown fear surged through him.

Who was he looking at to smile like that?

As the question suddenly arose.

Tu-ryong turned his head and looked at the referee.

The referee, unable to dare approach, was looking up at him from below the stage.

Tu-ryong spoke, looking at him.

“Resignation.”

‘Huh?’

Was it auditory hallucination?

Hearing the strange sound, Baek Yu-seok froze like stone.

However, it wasn’t auditory hallucination.

The referee wore the same expression as Baek Yu-seok.

“I resign.”

Tu-ryong uttered it once more.

Only then did everyone who heard it share the same expression.

At that moment.

“Wow. That lunatic… what are we going to do with him?”

“…Did his body getting younger affect his brain too? Ho ho. He’s become like Gu-ryun.”

“…Do Hwa, isn’t that a bit harsh?”

Woo Bong-chwi-gae and Maehwa-seon exchanged words with disgust.

However, their words didn’t reach Baek Yu-seok, nor the surrounding martial artists.

It meant the shock was that immense.

Tu-ryong, who had defeated the Blade King, resigned.

The Blade King, who had lost to Tu-ryong, won.

It was the most humiliating victory to be forever recorded in the history of the Central Plains.