729 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The bright smile on her face left me at a loss for words. Her body was covered in bruises, the extent of which was quite alarming. Though there were no major injuries, her condition was rather dire if you counted all the minor wounds. Bongsoon was physically proving just how grueling the match had been. ‘I lost, but still.’ I cradled my throbbing forehead. I lost. In the end, Bongsoon was defeated by Geomryong. “Hehehe!” Watching Bongsoon laugh as if she found it amusing forced me to endure my headache silently. Naturally, everyone witnessed the bout and understood the reasons for her loss. ‘It wasn’t too different from what happened with Seongyul…’ The disparity in skill. This was something that also surfaced in the match between Paeng Woojin and Seongyul. However, unlike them, the disparity wasn’t overwhelmingly decisive. Their levels were nearly equal. ‘The circumstances played a significant role.’ Before the match, I had asked Bongsoon a question. Looking at Yeongpung, I inquired whether she could win. Bongsoon responded. In a fair duel, maybe not, but. ‘In a fight to the death, I’d win.’ She said it with utmost confidence. I couldn’t help but agree with her reasoning. In a battle with intent to kill, Bongsoon would likely outmatch Yeongpung. Yeongpung still resembled an inexperienced orthodox warrior. How much real combat experience could he have? But Bongsoon was different. ‘…She's like a wild beast.’ She neither hesitates to kill nor is she picky about the means or methods. If it were a life-and-death struggle, even in my eyes, Bongsoon would likely emerge victorious. Of course. ‘But there’s no certainty in that either.’ The Yeongpung displayed during the match was beyond my expectations. ‘The plum blossoms have become far more vivid.’ His sword dance, once formidable, had become even sharper and more refined. The force Yeongpung bore had deepened considerably. ‘Seems like he’s been training diligently.’ Even a glance at his muscles affirmed this. The body Yeongpung forged through rigorous training appeared to be absurdly robust. ‘…If you’re building a foundation, that’s how it should be done.’ Though his progress in reaching new heights might be slow, his dedication to basics was unparalleled. If Yeongpung were to ascend to the next realm, all his previous efforts would undoubtedly be a great advantage. Moreover, though it's just speculation, if left unchecked, Yeongpung would likely become the next Sword King of his generation. Though Woo-hyuk was also a formidable candidate... Yeongpung seems to have surpassed him in terms of swordsmanship. ‘But all that aside…’ I never expected Bongsoon to lose like this. Though I had considered the possibility of her losing, it was hard to shake the disappointment. ‘As expected. Maybe it was because she couldn't use the heirloom.’ The ancient artifact Bongsoon used belonged to the previous Sword Lord. In this tournament, the use of such treasures was forbidden, so she had to leave it behind. Without her cherished weapon, Bongsoon couldn’t display her full prowess. However. ‘The same goes for Yeongpung.’ He also couldn’t use his beloved weapon. That much is clear. ‘Yeongpung must have a cherished sword as well.’ For some reason, the two remaining divine swords. Yeongpung should possess the one reclaimed by Mount Hua from Wudang. ‘Yeongpung didn’t showcase his cherished sword in the duel either.’ Both had their constraints. And as a result, Bongsoon lost. ‘Tsk.’ It was a moment to accept defeat. ‘In that case…. I’ll have to move on to the second plan.’ I had prepared two strategies involving Bongsoon. The second plan was to be deployed if she lost the duel. ‘I'll have to send a message to Lord Hwangbo soon.’ Understanding the situation quickly and adapting was crucial. Just as I took a deep breath, having made that determination. “…So then.” While moving Bongsoon away, I turned around. “What brings you here?” Someone had come to find me. “...” My words seemed to startle the person standing behind me. A young monk with a shaved head and a familiar, stoic face. It was Shinryong Uyeon, known as the hope of Shaolin. “What do you want?” I inquired with a frown, and Uyeon answered awkwardly. “…I came to pay my respects.” “Your respects?” I tilted my head, puzzled by Uyeon's words. “What kind of respects?” It's not like we were on familiar terms that required formal greetings. An air of curiosity hung over me. However. “I was wondering how you have been, benefactor.” Despite appearing uncomfortable, Uyeon showed courtesy first. I watched silently for a moment and nodded. “Well. Have you been well?” “Yes, I have.” “No, you don’t seem fine at all.” “...” Uyeon coughed, likely realizing the meaning behind my words. His chest was wrapped in bandages. Probably from injuries sustained in the fight against Wiseolah that hadn’t yet healed completely. ‘Those wounds were deep at the time.’ Though not lethal, they wouldn’t heal in just a few days. For someone else, it might have been a level of injury that could lead to withdrawing from the next match due to strain. Despite such injuries, Uyeon had come back to the arena today. ‘I wonder if it's of his will or someone else’s…’ Shaolin might be more corrupted than I anticipated, but I doubted they would push an injured disciple into the arena. ‘Still, it’s hard to say.’ In the end, one can’t predict how things might turn out. “Can you fight in that state?” I asked with a nod, and Uyeon gently bit his lip. “…I can.” “Hmm.” He looked like he might get himself killed. But I didn’t voice that thought. What significance does it have if I worry about him? Swallowing my words, I glanced around. The audience's gazes were intense; most were already focused on Shinryong. ‘The impact he showed last time was considerable.’ His overwhelming strength was beyond what could be expected of an ordinary disciple. Shinryong had already become a figure of great significance to others. It could mean they regarded him with caution. Or with admiration. Regardless, his position had risen far beyond that of a mere disciple. As a result, interest predominantly revolved around one question. ‘If the Two Dragons and Shinryong were to fight, who would win?’ The Twin Dragons who crushed the Demon King. The Shinryong who revealed himself to the world. If they clashed, who would emerge victorious? It was a topic of great curiosity among many, but with the Twin Dragons' withdrawal, a match between them became impossible. Some were curious about the fate of the Demon King and Shinyong, curious about what lay ahead. It was a somber curiosity mixed with disbelief. The amusing factor here was, ‘The public opinion is split fifty-fifty.’ Half believed Shinyong would win. The other half believed the Demon King would prevail. Such was the current sentiment among the people. What a pitiful state of affairs. ‘The Demon King's reputation has plummeted that low, huh.’ A martial artist of the king's caliber being compared to a mere upcoming talent is comical. To think the odds were seen as even—how absurd. ‘The old man must be shedding tears of blood.’ Tears would be the least of his concerns. He'd likely be raging, destroying everything around him in anger. All this was due to the play orchestrated by Pae Jon. ‘Tch,’ That damn old geezer. Because of his mischief, everything got messed up. ‘…Though the talk about the Demonic Cult and Pae Jon’s relations have somewhat diminished due to this.’ It was still a headache nonetheless. Suppressing a sigh, I turned my gaze back to Uyeon. “So. What’s your purpose here?” “...” Surely, he didn’t come all this way just to greet me. As mentioned earlier, there was no reason for us to exchange pleasantries. Uyeon remained silent to my question. Though, more like he couldn’t find the words, hesitating as if caught in a dilemma, his lips opened and closed repeatedly. Just as the frustration was building up, ready to boil over. “Oh! It's that person from before!” Bruised Bongsoon suddenly interjected. “Baldy! Shiny head!” “…What the hell?” “Can I touch it again this time?” Her words, spoken with childlike enthusiasm, made my eyes widen. What the hell is this crazy girl saying? “Touch what…. Wait. ‘Again’ you say? What do you mean by that?” ‘Again’ implied she had touched it before? “Yeah! I touched it last time! It’s so smooth. Would you like to touch it too, Lord… I mean, Young Master?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but Bongsoon spoke with eyes glinting as if she had found a precious jewel. This is nuts, really. ‘This must be infuriating.’ Feeling awkward, I glanced at Uyeon, but. “…Uh…well…uh….” To my surprise, Uyeon was simply frozen, practically malfunctioning. What’s wrong with this guy now? His face and ears were flushed red, indicating he was certainly not okay. “...” Seeing this, I had a thought. …Could it be? “Hey.” “…Yes…yes?” Uyeon responded with a start at my call. I asked, observing him closely. “Did you fall for her?” “…!” Uyeon jerked suddenly upon hearing my words. Look at this guy…? “No way, for real….” “Oh. What’s this, what’s this?” Just as I grimaced and tried to continue, Bongsoon joined the conversation and interjected. I had a bad feeling about this. “Do you want to mate with me—Keeugh!” Not surprisingly, she was about to spout nonsense, so I swiftly smacked her. “Ow! It hurts…!!” “…Please. Just shut up and go sit quietly in a corner….” I was so embarrassed I could hardly stand it. I kicked Bongsoon towards Dangsoyeol, signaling them to take her to the infirmary. She giggled and disappeared after receiving a boot to her rear. After sending off my cumbersome baggage, I was finally alone with Uyeon. “…Phew…” Suppressing my rising anger, I ran a hand down my face. It was truly too humiliating to look up. “Cough, cough…” Uyeon seemed to be in the same boat, suddenly coughing awkwardly. And then. “It’s not like that.” He abruptly began explaining himself. “…Not like what?” “I mean, there is no affection or… I do not harbor such base desires towards her. I follow the Buddha’s path and...” “No need to explain. I’m not interested anyway.” “…Excuse me? Oh. I see….” “Aren’t you still a man? It's okay to like women. Though she’s crazy, her face is quite appealing. It's understandable.” “No, I assure you, it’s not like that…!!” “Enough of that. So why did you come here? If you have no business, let me rest.” I cut to the chase, eager to get to the point. My words seemed to catch Uyeon off guard for a moment, changing his expression. As expected, he did have some purpose for coming here. What could it be that brought him to seek me out like this? As the question crossed my mind. “…I have a request.” Uyeon finally voiced what he had been holding back. “Soon, I will face you in a duel.” “That’s how the bracket is set up.” Given how the matchups were arranged. But why bring it up? “…At that time….” “At that time?” “…Please, I wish for you to fight me seriously.” “Hmm?” I looked at Uyeon in surprise, trying to understand what he was getting at. “What are you suddenly talking about?” “I came here to request that you take the duel seriously against me.” “Hmm.” Does he think dueling is a joke? I’ve always been serious. I wanted to say that, but something in Uyeon’s eyes made me keep silent for a moment. He was serious. The intense gaze in his eyes held a certain fervor. Watching that, I clicked my tongue and scratched my neck. It was a stare I couldn’t casually dismiss. “…Hey.” Casting aside my playful demeanor this time. “Yes.” “Then you’ll die.” “…!” Uyeon’s shoulders quivered at my words. “If your condition were fine, maybe. But you’ve got some nerve, declaring a challenge like this in your current state. Have you lost it?” “…This much is nothing. I can handle it.” “What nonsense are you spewing, you bald-headed stooge.” “....” Perhaps my words were too harsh? Uyeon's expression hardened. Yet, my mouth didn’t stop. “It’s not something that will happen just because you ask. It depends on your actions.” “…Depends on my actions?” “Make it so I have to. Then I’ll give you what you want.” “...” I didn’t understand why Uyeon suddenly made such a plea, but seeing his sincerity, I responded in kind. If you want to witness my true intent, then act in a way that compels me to show it. That was the gist of it. Perhaps catching onto the meaning, Uyeon's eyes burned even brighter with determination. “I understand. I will show you, as you have said.” Woong. ‘Hmm.’ With those words, a sense of intensity brushed against my heart. My internal energy interacted with the will emanating from Uyeon. “Today. I will defeat you.” Uyeon's confident declaration made me chuckle. “Let’s see you try.” “...” No further words were exchanged. Uyeon gave a polite bow before turning on his heel and walking away. What was with that guy? Did he really just come to say that? To ensure I took our upcoming duel seriously? ‘Did he eat too many dumplings and lose his mind?’ Such thoughts crossed my mind. That wasn't the only thing that felt off. ‘What is it?’ Watching Uyeon's retreating back, I pondered. There was something subtly unsettling about it. Honestly, there was nothing concrete. It was purely instinct. No logical reason or compelling justification. Under normal circumstances, I’d dismiss it as nonsense. But I couldn’t help myself and called out to the departing Uyeon. “Just a thought.” My voice halted his steps. “Is the way the matchups are set—was that your doing?” “...” Uyeon remained silent at my question. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke. “I’m not sure what you mean.” He answered without turning back and continued on his way. Uyeon grew more distant with each step. Watching him, I became certain. “Haha. Look at that.” It seemed after all. “Was it his doing?” I was right.