800 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The sparring match began and ended in a blink of an eye. It lasted for no more than twenty exchanges at best. It was a fight where no real wounds were inflicted. The scattered aura slowly settled, leaving only the lingering heat as a trace of the mental exertion. The mist created by the Silver Wolf Sword was also gradually dissipating. Shrrrk. Clang-! The blade slid smoothly back into its sheath. It was the sound of the Silver Wolf Sword and the Sword Dancer retrieving their weapons. A testament that the duel between the two swordsmen had concluded. Only after the movement and sound ceased did the spectators finally express their restrained reactions. “…This is unbelievable….” “Truly, the Iron Dragon Lord lost to her? To that young lady, the Sword Dancer?” He was one of the hundred greatest masters of the world, a pillar of the Martial Alliance. Known among the masters of the Floral State as the renowned Silver Wolf Sword, yet he had lost to a young woman not even in her prime. If someone had told them of this, they wouldn’t have believed it, but they had witnessed it with their own eyes. Both remained unscathed, yet the Iron Dragon Lord himself declared his defeat. It seemed as if the battle could have continued. Observing the projection of force and the circumstances, the Sword Dancer appeared to be at a disadvantage. Why, then, had the Iron Dragon Lord declared his defeat? As everyone pondered this puzzle. ‘Ha.’ Inwardly, I had to swallow my astonishment. ‘This is insane.’ Genuinely taken by surprise. The fact that the Iron Dragon Lord lost? Of course, that was a shock. I hadn’t anticipated Namgung Bia would push this far, either. Honestly, I hadn't expected Namgung Bia to win. The original purpose was to demonstrate that Namgung Bia was a competent martial artist, enough to pass muster. The wager had achieved its significance with the initial strike. Victory through a surprise attack. Namgung Bia struck when the Silver Wolf Sword let his guard down, securing a victory that was hardly a victory. Yet. ‘Even though I tipped the scales.’ I had a hand in the victory by secretly meddling. Specifically, I disrupted the aura slightly so the Silver Wolf Sword couldn’t properly gauge Namgung Bia’s level. Making her appear weaker than she really was. I subtly scattered the aura to induce carelessness. Thus, she succeeded in her surprise attack with ease. That was the extent of my calculation. Ensuring Namgung Bia seized the opportunity to claim victory through her ambush. That was as far as I had planned. ‘To think it would go this way.’ The subsequent sparring match deviated from my calculations. Namgung Bia had provocatively lured the Silver Wolf Sword into further dueling. The Silver Wolf Sword accepted, commencing the duel. By then, I had already secured what I aimed for, gaining legitimacy, and wondered if I should intervene. ‘But I didn’t.’ There was no need to forcefully stop it. The reason was simple. ‘Namgung Bia wanted this.’ Immediately following, the sparring began. It appeared this is what Namgung Bia desired. At first, there was a flicker of doubt. Namgung Bia enjoyed sparring with the sword. Except for the rest periods necessary for recovery, she often engaged in countless sparrings. She seemed to relish fighting stronger opponents, continually growing with every encounter. ‘But this is different.’ This was pure duel practice. But this was different. If she lost, there was much at stake. To be exact, I would lose much in this fight. At one time, I might have doubted, but now I was certain she wouldn't engage in this knowingly. Nonetheless, she initiated the duel. Was she so confident of victory? It couldn’t be. ‘Namgung Bia must be aware.’ Namgung Bia surely knew that the Silver Wolf Sword surpassed her level. Especially in this vast, open duel stage, the odds of victory were slim. Yet still, Namgung Bia led the duel. Then, the puzzle came to my mind. Why was Namgung Bia challenging the duel? What gave her such assurance? It didn’t take long to realize. ‘She has a sly side.’ I chuckled upon understanding the reason. The rationale behind Namgung Bia re-challenging the Silver Wolf Sword wasn’t based on an assured victory. On the contrary. ‘She knew she would definitely win.’ Namgung Bia was certain. That she would win, by any means. Despite the disparity in level, how was this possible? The reason lay in Namgung Bia's recent victory. ‘To think, she used her Heart Sword (심검).’ A power that exists somewhat on a different plane than the level of achievement martial artists strive for. Here, what was referred to as “Heart Sword” often touched the realm of imagery. Among this, only those who reach the realm called “Mind and Sword as One” can achieve it. Only those who have gained insight among those who have reached the Floral State could wield this power. Even in previous lives, the Demon Swordsman had touched upon it…. ‘…Could she use it this early?’ I never anticipated that Namgung Bia had already touched upon “Mind and Sword as One.” Especially when she wielded the Divine Sword. Her skill was astonishing. ‘It was surprising when even the Divine Dragon or Wi Seol Ah used it.’ To think Namgung Bia had reached that level already was unexpected. In particular…. ‘To use it and orchestrate a duel.’ From the start, Namgung Bia proceeded with the duel with the Heart Sword in mind. She must have been planning it from the very first surprise strike. ‘She implanted the Heart Sword during the ambush.’ Drawing the sword close to the neck caught the eye. Simultaneously, she created a very slight Heart Sword behind the Silver Wolf Sword. So subtle that even I wouldn’t have noticed without using my mental insight. ‘Was the Heart Sword capable of such craft?’ It was somewhat different from the imagery I was familiar with. It was much finer and more delicate. Namgung Bia planted it at the back of the Silver Wolf Sword’s neck. From then onwards, the duel proceeded precisely as calculated. Even the slightest disturbance at the back of the neck could draw the attention of the vigilant Silver Wolf Sword. Namgung Bia needed to divert the Silver Wolf Sword’s attention as best as she could. She risked weaving closer. Excessively employed the techniques, scattering mental exertion around. Furthermore. ‘She even altered the Imperial Sword Style.’ Maintaining the Heart Sword while utilizing the mental techniques? It was impossible. The Imperial Sword Style is an art that demands immense internal energy. To execute it in its ideal form would be impractical. So, Namgung Bia made a choice. ‘If I can't use it correctly, I'll alter it.’ She adjusted it to reduce the energy required, allowing it to be used alongside her other powers. While the explosive force was lessened, she increased its precision to maintain pressure. ‘Is she insane, or what?’ It sounds easy, but it’s an unbelievable feat. How precise must her control over her internal energy be to achieve that? ‘In my case, it’d be like using the Celestial Flame Spear while separately handling the Celestial Flame itself.’ ...Just imagining it is daunting. Not impossible, but not efficient either. Yet. ‘In this situation, it wasn’t a bad call.’ It distracted attention effectively, making the Silver Wolf Sword oblivious to the threat. In the final moments. ‘He only noticed when the Heart Sword reached his neck.’ Realizing the situation, the Silver Wolf Sword conceded defeat. From the outset. From the very first ambush until now, the fight was orchestrated down to the finest detail. Knowing he had been outmaneuvered, it was natural for the Iron Dragon Lord to acknowledge the loss of morale. Indeed, the Silver Wolf Sword looked quite displeased. “It was a commendable duel.” “...” At the Silver Wolf Sword's words, Namgung Bia nodded. Then, the Silver Wolf Sword descended from the duel stage and approached me. “...Star King.” “Yes.” “I’ve lost. I apologize for my narrow perspective.” ‘Oh?’ This was a cleaner admission than expected. I anticipated he might refuse to accept it and create a scene over foul play or something. Yet the Silver Wolf Sword admitted defeat honestly, with no such antics. ‘He should feel regretful.’ His skill level was certainly higher; in nine out of ten rematches, he'd win. To have lost such a fight, I’d expected the Silver Wolf Sword to handle it gracefully. ‘Unexpected.’ He was certainly more respectable than I had anticipated. Or perhaps, just as a martial artist. With a curious look, I said to the Silver Wolf Sword. “You accept it more easily than I expected?” “This was a fight not worth resisting.” “Doesn’t it bother you?” “It does. However….” The Silver Wolf Sword glanced at Namgung Bia. “This duel was my utter defeat.” “...” Seeing that, I, too, nodded. He wasn't wrong. “Yes, I understand. There’s nothing more to say. Though, remember the wager.” “…I do.” Mentioning the wager made the Silver Wolf Sword's expression darken slightly. “Excuse me, then.” “You’re leaving already?” “Yes. Staying further would be a loss of face for me…." “I figured. I knew when I asked.” “...” How could he remain out of embarrassment? I intentionally said it, knowing how awkward it was. The Silver Wolf Sword's face briefly contracted with displeasure, but he soon bowed and walked out of the arena. At the same time, the Iron Dragon Division left with him, leaving the space notably quieter. I glanced at the entrance they exited through before turning back to the dueling stage. “Well then….” I was about to suggest we continue the trial when I froze. “...” “...” Namgung Bia remained on the stage. Meeting her gaze caused me to swallow dryly. ‘…Tsk.’ The answer I had thought of earlier was clear. I understood why she came, but I really didn’t want to choose her. If I selected Namgung Bia now…. ‘…It’d feel reminiscent of the Black Flame Division in my past life.’ On top of that, I didn’t want to involve Namgung Bia in this matter from the beginning. Recalling all this, I was about to discuss Namgung Bia’s disqualification once more, but. “...” Seeing her face, I found it hard to speak. Her eyes told me all I needed to know. After all she had done, could I really deny her? Namgung Bia, who had defeated the Silver Wolf Sword, proving her prowess. Was it right to disqualify her in this scenario? ‘It would appear fair.’ Disqualification would prove the integrity of the trial, as it was intended to eliminate any personal bias, but…. ‘Tsk.’ I was conflicted. If I disqualified her, I worried about Namgung Bia’s response and the aftermath. Furthermore. ‘She did go this far.’ Would it be right to disregard it? I debated internally until. “Sigh.” With a sigh, I made a decision. Looking at Namgung Bia, who gazed right at me. “…You pass.” “…!” Namgung Bia’s eyes widened at my answer. She seemed surprised, then smiled subtly with joy. “Ugh….” “Ugh, ugh…!” Those around began to react with disbelief. Maybe I should rip out those prying eyes. I contemplated such drastic thoughts. ****************** Thus, the selection trial for the Sacred Dragon Division concluded shortly after. The process wasn’t much different from the beginning, so it was swift. With no major disputes like with the Iron Dragon Lord, the trial wrapped up in less than two hours. However, instead of selecting ten candidates, there were only seven successful applicants. Due to that shortfall, there were plans to conduct additional trials within a few days to select the remaining three. Soon after the trial ended. Boom-! “Damn it all!” A man expressed his anger by punching a rock. Crack. The force shattered the rock instantly. The man responsible for destroying the rock was none other than the Golden Dragon Lord of the Twin Spirit Swords. For some reason, he was taking out his anger on the rock. “That dumb Iron Dragon Lord—! How could he lose to that woman?” Crunch-! The Twin Spirit Swords ground his teeth and swung his arms again. Crash-! Another rock crumbled like a block of tofu. “Damn fool—! Acting so proudly only to make matters worse.” Trusting that fool made me the idiot. He was so full of himself that I had lent him a hand, only for matters to become more troublesome. “Damn it all…!!” The situation had turned far more complicated. Due to the Iron Dragon Lord’s actions, the Star King’s position had been bolstered, and he had caught wind of my schemes. 'How did he possibly know?' How could he have figured out that I had someone infiltrate from my own clan? Recalling the Star King's precise accusations, the Twin Spirit Swords suppressed a cold sweat. “Could there be a spy in the Golden Dragon Division?” It seemed highly possible. Surely, the man didn’t discern it by observing auras. There’s no way someone could do that. It would make more sense to think there’s a spy within his own division. ‘If there's a spy, who could it possibly be?’ Very few within the division knew about his plans. If he had to suspect someone.... “Is it you?” The man beside the Twin Spirit Swords flinched at the accusation. “Yes…? What are you saying, chief?” “I’m asking if you’re secretly working for that brat.” The deputy, who stood beside him, hurriedly waved his hands under the Twin Spirit Swords’ suspicious gaze. “What do you mean by that—! I could never…!!” “Right? It better be true.” “Yes, of course not…!” The deputy hurriedly denied, genuinely not guilty. He was keenly aware of how relentless and violent the Twin Spirit Swords could be. Though nowadays they focused their strength against monsters, in the past, many martial artists in the alliance had been crushed under their thumb. Though it wasn’t public knowledge, there had been times the Twin Spirit Swords had driven those they disfavored to despair, until they ended their own lives. “I would never do such a thing.” “Then how on earth did he find out?” How did the Star King, that brat, catch wind of his plans? No matter how he pondered, the answer eluded him. “Tch….” As time went on, his mood soured. An unexpectedly threatening stone had rolled in, unsettling everything around him. The way it bared its fangs so defiantly, refusing to be overshadowed by him. He knew the Star King was extraordinarily powerful for his age, but the Twin Spirit Swords found him displeasing. ‘What should I do?’ He desperately wished to sweep him from the scene, yet every plan tangled hopelessly. Was there no way? Suddenly, a thought struck him. “Ah.” The Twin Spirit Swords' eyes glimmered with revelation. “Could that be a way?” “What do you mean, sir?” “The Iron Dragon Lord, let's say he lost due to sorcery.” “…What?” The deputy’s brow furrowed at the Twin Spirit Swords’ words. “Sir, what do you mean by that…?” “I mean, what if there was something underhanded or a deal behind the scenes that caused his defeat?” “Is… is that true?” Was he implying the Iron Dragon Lord struck a clandestine deal with the Star King? That he purposefully lost to his fiancé? The deputy's thoughts raced. He knew the Silver Wolf Sword to be ambitious and prideful, not one to engage in such dealings. “Deputy.” “Yes, sir.” “What are you trying to say?” Seeing the deputy’s confusion, the Twin Spirit Swords smiled. “It doesn’t matter if it happened or not.” “...Sir?” “What matters is how this kind of rumor could trouble those involved.” “...” By spreading false rumors. “But wouldn’t that negatively affect us as well?” “Not if we aren’t caught.” “That’s…” “It might not achieve anything outright, but manipulating this could serve our purposes.” The Twin Spirit Swords' lips curled into a grin, as if he’d already decided. “Since the Fierce Dragon Lord is unreliable… why not contact the Open Sect instead?” “The Open Sect…?” “Yes, I happen to have a connection with one of the leader’s disciples. Could ask him for a little favor.” “To spread a rumor that the Star King and the Silver Wolf Sword made shady deals?” “Exactly. You’ve finally caught on.” “Would anyone believe such baseless rumors? There’s no rationale or proof.” “Perhaps not, but it would cause the Star King and the Silver Wolf Sword some hassle in unraveling the truth. And that could buy us time for what comes next….” The Twin Spirit Swords’ explanation was cut short. Something felt off. The voice midway wasn’t the deputy's. Even the tone was different. Noticing this oddity, the Twin Spirit Swords turned his head. “Ah, so that’s your aim, isn’t it?” Standing there was. “Surprisingly…” The unconscious deputy of the Golden Dragon Division lay on the ground. “You’re dumber than I thought.” And there was the brat with a disdainful expression—the Star King himself. “How… did you get here—!” A startled Twin Spirit Swords hurriedly tried to speak, but he couldn’t finish. ‘Huh?’ He realized he was staring up at the sky. It was then he realized he was lying on the ground. And soon a shadow loomed over him. The Star King’s sole. Thud—!!! The face of the Twin Spirit Swords was brutally stomped into the ground.