Chapter 800: Just one more word.

It didn’t take long for the sparring match to start and end.

It wasn’t even twenty moves, at best. It was a fight where neither side even sustained injuries worth mentioning.

Fssssss.

The scattered energy calmly subsided.

The lingering heat was a trace left by the mind energy.

The mist created by the Silver Wolf Sword was also slowly clearing.

Swoosh. Clang-!

The drawn sword blade slid back into its sheath.

It was the sound of Silver Wolf Sword and Sword Dancer sheathing their swords.

It was proof that the two sword masters had finished their sparring match.

Only after the movements and sounds were heard did the people show their pent-up reactions.

“…This is unbelievable….”

“Seriously, Dragon Lord Cheollyong lost…? To that young lady, no, Sword Dancer?”

One of the hundred greatest masters under heaven and one of the leaders supporting the Martial Alliance.

Silver Wolf Sword, known as quite famous even among masters of the Hua Jing level, lost to a girl not yet fifteen years old.

They had actually witnessed something they wouldn’t have believed if they’d only heard it.

Even though both were mostly unharmed and perfectly fine, this time Dragon Lord Cheollyong himself declared defeat.

It seemed like they could have continued. Judging by the power output and how the situation was being pushed, Sword Dancer seemed to be on the defensive.

Why did Dragon Lord Cheollyong declare defeat?

Just as everyone was pondering this question.

‘Hah.’

Watching that, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow breath internally.

‘Insane.’

I was genuinely surprised.

About Dragon Lord Cheollyong losing? Of course, that too.

Because I hadn’t expected Namgung Bi-ah to go this far.

To be honest, I wasn’t thinking Namgung Bi-ah would win.

The original goal was just to show that Namgung Bi-ah was a martial artist capable enough to pass.

The bet itself was secured with the justification gained from that first strike.

A victory achieved through a surprise attack.

Namgung Bi-ah seized the opportunity while Silver Wolf Sword was off guard and made her move, resulting in a victory of sorts.

Of course.

‘I did play a part, though.’

There was one thing I secretly did that contributed to that victory.

It was to subtly cloud Silver Wolf Sword’s perception, preventing him from properly assessing Namgung Bi-ah’s level.

Making him see her as weaker than she was.

I subtly disrupted his energy flow to induce carelessness, which resulted in an easy surprise attack.

That was it.

Up until Namgung Bi-ah didn’t miss the opening and landed the surprise attack for the win.

That was all according to my calculations, but…

‘I never imagined it would turn out like this.’

The sparring match that happened afterward was outside my calculations.

Namgung Bi-ah provoked Silver Wolf Sword, drawing out the subsequent match.

Silver Wolf Sword accepted, and the match began. From my perspective, I had already gained what I needed and secured the justification, so I wondered if I should stop it, but…

‘I didn’t.’

I deliberately didn’t.

The reason is simple.

‘Because Namgung Bi-ah wanted it.’

The match that ensued immediately after.

It seemed like Namgung Bi-ah wanted that.

At first, I felt a pang of doubt.

Namgung Bi-ah loves swords and sparring.

In fact, excluding rest for recovery, she sparred countless times usually.

She seemed to enjoy fighting strong opponents and constantly grew through it.

‘This situation is a bit different.’

Those were purely sparring matches for training.

But this is different.

She had much to lose if she lost.

More accurately, it was a fight where I stood to lose a lot.

I was certain that the current her, unlike in the past, wouldn’t do something like this knowingly.

Yet, she initiated the sparring match.

Was it because she was confident she could win?

That couldn’t be it.

‘Namgung Bi-ah must know too.’

She must have known that Silver Wolf Sword was superior in terms of cultivation level.

Especially since her chances of winning would be extremely low fighting on such an open martial arts stage.

Despite that, Namgung Bi-ah initiated the match.

That sparked my curiosity.

What on earth could be the reason Namgung Bi-ah challenged him?

Was she harboring some kind of confidence? I realized the answer not long after.

‘She has a surprisingly cunning side.’

Realizing the reason, I let out a wry laugh.

The reason Namgung Bi-ah requested another match with Silver Wolf Sword.

It wasn’t a challenge made without confidence in victory.

On the contrary.

‘She was certain she would win, no matter what.’

Namgung Bi-ah had become convinced.

That she would absolutely win.

How was this possible, despite the difference in cultivation levels?

It lay in the reason Namgung Bi-ah had just secured her victory.

‘No way, she wagered her Mind Sword (Sim Geom)?’

A power that resides in a different aspect than the realm a martial artist strives to reach.

Here, Mind Sword refers to the realm of the mind’s eye. It was a power that sword masters could only obtain upon reaching the realm they call ‘Divine Sword Unity’.

A power usable only by those who had achieved enlightenment among martial artists who reached Hua Jing.

Even the Sword Marquis of Demonic Blades reached this position in my past life, but….

‘…She can use that already?’

I hadn’t known the current Namgung Bi-ah had reached Divine Sword Unity.

I was especially surprised when she used the Divine Sword.

‘I was surprised when Shinryong or Wi Seol-ah used it, too.’

Just like those two, I hadn’t expected Namgung Bi-ah to have reached that point already.

Especially….

‘That she’d use it to provoke the match.’

Namgung Bi-ah planned from the start of the match with the Mind Sword in mind.

The very first moment she launched the surprise attack.

Thinking back, it must have been the beginning of her plan.

‘She planted the Mind Sword while launching the surprise attack.’

She drew her sword to his throat, drawing his attention.

At the same time, she created a minuscule Mind Sword behind Silver Wolf Sword.

It was so minuscule that even I wouldn’t have noticed without using my Mind’s Eye.

‘Can you do things like that with the Mind Sword?’

It’s somewhat different from the mind’s eye I know.

It was something much shallower and thinner.

Namgung Bi-ah planted that on the back of Silver Wolf Sword’s neck.

From then on, the match proceeded with meticulous calculation.

No matter how subtle, Silver Wolf Sword, being a master, might notice something on the back of his neck.

Namgung Bi-ah had to draw Silver Wolf Sword’s attention as much as possible.

She closed the distance, braving the danger.

She used excessive internal energy, scattering mind energy in all directions.

Furthermore.

‘She even used a modified form of the Emperor Sword Style.’

A situation where she was maintaining the Mind Sword while also using mind energy.

And performing the Emperor Sword Style on top of that?

It was absolutely impossible.

The Emperor Sword Style is a martial art that demands considerable internal energy, even among secret techniques.

It’s difficult to use it in its proper form.

That’s why Namgung Bi-ah made her choice.

‘If she couldn’t use the proper form, she used a modified version.’

She reduced the amount of internal energy required to use it while employing other powers.

She sacrificed explosive power but reduced its size and increased its precision to apply even a little pressure.

‘Is she really insane?’

Easier said than done, it’s absurd.

What kind of meticulous internal energy control would be necessary for that?

‘If I compare it to myself, it’s like using the Blazing Jade Star Spear (Yeomokseongchang) while simultaneously using Blazing Jade (Yeomok) separately.’

…Just thinking about it makes my head spin.

It wouldn’t be impossible, but it wasn’t an efficient method.

However.

‘In the current situation, it wasn’t bad.’

It was suitable for drawing attention, and thanks to that, Silver Wolf Sword didn’t notice.

And so, as it reached the final moments.

‘He only noticed when the Mind Sword touched his throat.’

Silver Wolf Sword, having grasped the situation, then declared his defeat.

From the very beginning.

From the moment of the surprise attack until now, it was a fight executed entirely by calculation.

Meaning he was played like a puppet, it was enough to make him lose the will to fight.

Indeed, Silver Wolf Sword’s expression was quite displeased.

“…That was a good match.”

“…”

At Silver Wolf Sword’s words, Namgung Bi-ah nodded.

Then, Silver Wolf Sword descended from the martial stage and approached me, saying,

“…Star King.”

“Yes.”

“I lost. I apologize for holding a narrow perspective.”

‘Oh?’

That’s a much cleaner admission than I expected.

I had even considered the possibility of him throwing a fit, claiming sorcery or refusing to concede.

But Silver Wolf Sword, without any fuss, cleanly admitted his defeat.

‘He must surely feel regret.’

Silver Wolf Sword’s cultivation level was definitely superior.

If they fought again, nine times out of ten Silver Wolf Sword would win.

Despite losing such a fight, Silver Wolf Sword seemed to be quite a straightforward person.

‘Unexpected.’

Is he perhaps a surprisingly(?) decent human?

Or perhaps, only decent as a martial artist?

I looked at Silver Wolf Sword with a peculiar gaze and said,

“You’re admitting defeat much more easily than I expected?”

“It was a fight where there was no reason not to concede.”

“Aren’t you disappointed?”

“I am disappointed. However….”

Silver Wolf Sword glanced sideways at Namgung Bi-ah.

“This martial bout was my complete defeat.”

“…”

Seeing that, I too nodded.

Because it wasn’t untrue.

“Yes, I understand. Since you admit it so cleanly, I have nothing more to say. Ah, but don’t forget the bet.”

“…I… know.”

Mentioning the bet caused Silver Wolf Sword’s expression to darken slightly.

“I’ll take my leave first.”

“You’re not staying to watch more?”

“Yes. I don’t think I can maintain my dignity watching any longer….”

“Right. I did say that knowing that.”

“…”

How could I possibly stick around when I’m this embarrassed.

I said that knowing this.

For a moment, Silver Wolf Sword’s face contorted into a grimace, but he soon bowed formally and walked out of the martial arena.

Simultaneously, the members of the Dragon Cheollyong squad inside also left, quickly making the place feel deserted.

I watched the entrance where he exited, then shifted my gaze back to the martial stage.

“Well then….”

“Let’s resume the test.”

I started to say that but stopped myself.

“…”

“…”

Namgung Bi-ah was still standing on the martial stage.

As we made eye contact, I couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

‘…Sssip.’

My answer was the same one I’d thought of earlier.

I understood her intentions for coming here, but I really didn’t want to pick her.

If I were to pick Namgung Bi-ah here….

‘…It feels like I’d become similar to the Black Flame Brigade in my past life.’

Not only that, but my primary reason was that I didn’t want Namgung Bi-ah involved in this matter from the start.

With all this in mind, I intended to discuss Namgung Bi-ah’s elimination again this time, but…

“…”

Looking at Namgung Bi-ah’s face, the words wouldn’t come out easily.

Her gaze, meeting mine, was speaking volumes.

‘After all this, can’t I make it?’

Namgung Bi-ah, who had defeated Silver Wolf Sword and clearly demonstrated her skills.

Was it right to eliminate her in this situation?

‘It would look good, I suppose.’

It would prove the test was conducted without personal bias, so eliminating her now wouldn’t necessarily be bad, but…

‘Sssip.’

I found myself contemplating.

If I eliminated her like this, I had to consider the look Namgung Bi-ah would give me and the potential repercussions.

Moreover.

‘As she said, after coming this far.’

Was it right to ignore all this?

I kept pondering that.

“Haa.”

Finally, with a sigh, I made my decision.

Looking at Namgung Bi-ah, who was staring blankly at me, I said,

“…Pass.”

“…!”

Hearing the answer, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened.

She reacted with surprise, then immediately broke into a subtle, happy smile.

“Huk….”

“H-huh…!”

Seeing this, the surrounding guys let out some bullshit reactions.

Should I just gouge all their eyeballs out?

Such a thought crossed my mind.

---

Not long after, the test to select the Seongryong squad concluded.

The testing method was no different from the beginning, so the time passed much faster.

There were no conflicts like the one with Dragon Lord Cheollyong, so the test finished in less than two hours.

However, contrary to the initial plan to select ten people, only seven passed.

Because of that, they said they would hold more tests within a few days to select the remaining three.

Right after such a test concluded.

KWAANG-!

“This damn it all!”

A man punched a rock as if in anger.

CRUNCH.

Perhaps the blow was strong, as the rock was instantly shattered.

The one who shattered the rock was none other than Jinlong Squad Leader Twin-Revolving Sword.

For some reason, he was taking his anger out on the rock with an enraged expression.

“Dragon Lord Cheollyong, that idiot! How could he lose to some wench like that?”

GRIND-!

Twin-Revolving Sword gritted his teeth and swung his arm again.

CRASH-! Another rock crumbled like tofu.

“That damn bastard–! He acted all high and mighty, but only made things worse.”

I was the idiot for believing him.

He was so full of himself, so I lent him a hand just in case, but it only made things more troublesome.

“Damn it…!”

Things had gotten seriously tangled up.

Thanks to the incident with Dragon Lord Cheollyong, Star King’s position had relatively improved, and that guy had noticed the move I’d made.

‘How did he possibly know?’

How could that guy possibly know that I had sent someone from my family to interfere?

Recalling Star King pinpointing the issue so accurately, Twin-Revolving Sword broke out in a cold sweat.

“Could it be… is there a spy in the Jinlong squad?”

The possibility was high.

He couldn’t possibly have discerned it just by sensing a martial artist’s aura.

There’s no human capable of that.

It would be more likely that there’s a spy within my own sword squad.

‘If there is a spy, who could it be?’

Very few within the squad even know about the schemes I employ.

If I had to pick someone….

“Is it you?”

At Twin-Revolving Sword’s words, the man beside him flinched.

“Yes…? What are you implying, Leader?”

“I’m asking if you’re that brat’s spy.”

The subordinate leader beside him quickly waved his hands as Twin-Revolving Sword shot him a suspicious glance.

“What are you talking about-! How could I possibly…!”

“Right? You better be.”

“That’s right. I absolutely am not…!”

The subordinate leader explained, clearly panicked.

And indeed, he wasn’t.

He knew all too well how persistent and violent this Twin-Revolving Sword fellow was.

While he’s recently shown his strength only towards monsters, how many members of the Alliance had he crushed in the past?

Though it wasn’t known publicly, there were instances where he relentlessly tormented those who fell out of favor, driving them to take their own lives.

“I, I absolutely did not do that.”

“Then how did he possibly know?”

How exactly did Star King, that brat, figure out my plan?

No matter how much I thought about it, the answer wouldn’t come to mind.

“Tsk….”

The more I thought about it, the less I liked it.

A boulder that suddenly rolled in and threatened everything.

Even the way he showed his fangs, as if not backing down from me.

I knew he was exceptionally strong for his age, but I just didn’t like that guy, Twin-Revolving Sword.

‘What should I do?’

I wanted to get rid of him one way or another, but every attempt just got tangled up.

Isn’t there some way?

Just as I was deep in thought.

“Ah.”

Twin-Revolving Sword’s eyes lit up as if he’d just had an idea.

“Yes, shall we do that?”

“What are you referring to?”

“Dragon Lord Cheollyong. What if we say he lost due to sorcery?”

“…What?”

At Twin-Revolving Sword’s words, the subordinate leader frowned slightly.

“Leader, what do you mean…?”

“Even if it wasn’t sorcery, what if we suggest there was some behind-the-scenes deal that led to his loss?”

“Is, is that true?”

Could it be that Dragon Lord Cheollyong made some backroom deal with Star King?

And deliberately lost to my fiancée?

The subordinate leader’s eyes darted around nervously. I thought Silver Wolf Sword, despite his strong desire for honor and position, wasn’t the type of martial artist to do something like that?

“Subordinate leader.”

“Yes, yes. Leader.”

“What are you talking about?”

Seeing the subordinate leader like that, Twin-Revolving Sword said with a smile,

“Whether he did it or not isn’t the important part.”

“…Leader?”

“What’s important is the predicament those people will be in if such rumors spread.”

“…”

In other words, he was suggesting spreading false rumors.

“But if we do that… it could have negative repercussions for us too….”

“As long as we don’t get caught.”

“That’s….”

“We can’t do much with just rumors, but if we leverage this, we can use it in many ways.”

Twin-Revolving Sword’s lips curled up as if he had already made up his mind.

“Dragon Lord Biryong is unreliable… so why don’t we contact the Beggars’ Sect instead?”

“Th-the Beggars’ Sect…?”

“Yes, I happen to know one of the Sect Leader’s disciples. I’ll ask him for a favor.”

“To spread rumors that Star King and Silver Wolf Sword had a shady backroom deal?”

“That’s right. You finally understand now.”

“Will people believe such nonsense? There’s no justification or anything.”

“It might not be particularly helpful. But to investigate the truth, Star King and Silver Wolf Sword will be bothered. That way, we can buy time for the next step….”

Twin-Revolving Sword’s explanation trailed off.

Something felt off.

From midway, it wasn’t the subordinate leader’s voice anymore, and the tone was different.

Sensing something strange, Twin-Revolving Sword turned his head.

“Ah, so that was the objective.”

There.

“This is more….”

The Jinlong squad leader, who had collapsed unconscious on the floor, and…

“He was an even bigger idiot.”

The brat Twin-Revolving Sword had been talking about, wearing a look of disdain.

Star King stood there.

“How did you get here-!”

Startled, Twin-Revolving Sword hastily tried to speak, but couldn’t finish his sentence.

‘Huh?’

By the time I realized it, my gaze was directed upwards.

That’s when I understood.

That my body was already lying on the floor.

And then, a shadow fell from above.

It was Star King’s foot.

KUUUNG–!!!

Twin-Revolving Sword’s face was brutally stomped on.