36 - Dragon Phoenix Assembly (9) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

Dang Hwa-Seo advanced to the final four. This was a statement that implied many things. Why wouldn't it? By winning a single match against Hyeun, Dang Hwa-Seo was able to put an end to various controversies that had been directed her way. First, the stagnation of her martial arts skills. While some had speculated that her skills had declined during her period of absence, she proved those rumors wrong with her prowess. Second, the discord with the Tang family. There were whispers of a fallout with her family that prevented her from engaging in external activities, but by participating boldly in the Yongbong Branch Assembly, she silenced these controversies. In truth, this could also be seen as a case where Dang Hwa-Seo's intentions hit the mark. ‘Now, the family cannot openly intimidate me.’ The head of the family fears the discord with me, who represents their face, more than anything else. To be precise, they fear such discord surfacing. The head values the name of the Sacheon Tang family over his own pride, willing to become submissive if it means preserving that name while I elevate our family’s reputation. Dang Hwa-Seo continued her thoughts. ‘Of course, it would be naive to assume they won’t approach me at all.’ While at the assembly, the Tang family would make a move. As soon as the assembly ends, they might attempt to ‘retrieve’ her, employing various threats or persuasions. ‘...It’s time to make a move.’ Now she had to actively approach Gwonryong Ilwoon. Before the Tang family reaches her. “Miss?” Lost in thought, Mok Riwon spoke up. Coming to her senses, Dang Hwa-Seo looked at him. “Ah, yes.” “You seem very nervous! Well, I suppose it’s to be expected! You’ve made it to the prestigious final four of the Yongbong Branch Assembly!” “Yes, I’ve come this far, after all.” “I’m glad to have made it to the final four with you. Looking at the bracket, we wouldn’t face each other in a match unless we both reach the finals!” At Mok Riwon's words filled with anticipation, Dang Hwa-Seo smiled bitterly. “Perhaps, I won’t make it to the finals. My next opponent is Namgung Jincheon after all.” “How can that be! You can’t know for sure until you try!” You have to taste it to know whether it’s dung or soy paste. Dang Hwa-Seo liked Mok Riwon's optimism, but at times like these, she found it cumbersome. ‘An insurmountable wall, even five years ago.’ With the gap even wider now, how could she compete against him? Having achieved her initial purpose, what remained for Dang Hwa-Seo was to use Ilwoon as a means to travel to Shaolin and then... ‘...join the Martial Alliance.’ Going to a place where the Tang family couldn’t reach her. However, she opted not to disclose such intentions and instead gave a noncommittal response. “...Yes, I was already speaking as if I’ve lost. I’ll give it a try.” “Ah! I look forward to facing you in the final!” With that, Mok Riwon returned to happily slurping his noodles, making her worry whether he’s getting enough nutrition from such meals alone. ‘...No, why am I even concerned about his side dishes?’ While it seemed overly protective, Dang Hwa-Seo couldn't help but bring it up. Opening her mouth, she said, “Your next opponent will either be Monk Ilwoon or Seonryong.” “Ah! I would like to face Monk Ilwoon!” “The chances are high that you will. As for Seonryong…” Dang Hwa-Seo recalled the Seonryong she once met. Always laughing heartily, this man maintained his silence. Even when stepping onto the stage, he did not shed his jovial demeanor. “...Hmm, he certainly has the skills to earn his title of ‘Dragon’, but I cannot envision him defeating Monk Ilwoon.” “Does the lady not know as well?” “Yes, not much is known about him.” Seonryong's martial arts were a well-kept secret. Rumors even circulated that he didn’t display his true talents against Namgung Jincheon, preferring to withdraw from matches through forfeiture after sharing just enough moves, which is why he’s dubbed the Seonryong (Hermit Dragon), seemingly indifferent to victory or defeat. ‘It’ll be the same this time.’ He likely would exchange a few moves with Ilwoon before forfeiting. “Well, we’ll find out tomorrow.” Saying that, Dang Hwa-Seo picked up her chopsticks. Tomorrow was the group finals, and she was filled with the intent to congratulate the victorious Ilwoon and arrange a meeting with him. * An unforeseen twist. [Seonryong wins!] “Woaaaaah!!!” Staring incredulously at the duel platform, Dang Hwa-Seo saw Seonryong assuming his customary genial stance, while Ilwoon knelt defeated. ‘What's this...’ It wasn’t that she couldn’t understand Seonryong winning; she was baffled by the method. Ilwoon was strong. As always, he delivered punches with his distinctive solidity and rectitude, blasting the martial arts platform with a series of powerful attacks. Seonryong countered by nimbly dodging and then, at the end, swung his sword just once. Ilwoon knelt from that single strike. Dang Hwa-Seo looked to Mok Riwon, hoping he might have some insight, but... “...Mok Sohyeop?” Mok Riwon was staring at Seonryong with a stiff expression on his face. Dang Hwa-Seo tried to decipher the emotions hidden behind his expression. ‘Shock? Anger? Or perhaps….’ She couldn’t tell. He was someone who always wore a bright smile unless something serious was the matter. Yet, there he was, frowning and looking at Seonryong as if unable to comprehend, which sparked worry within her. “Mok Sohyeop.” “Ah….” It was only when Dang Hwa-Seo grabbed his arm that Mok Riwon came back to his senses and turned to look at her. She asked with concern, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I was just pondering something.” Mok Riwon said, relaxing his expression. “Shouldn’t you go to Monk Ilwoon? Given your acquaintanceship, it would be right to offer some consolation.” “Yes, that’s my intention.” It seemed right to at least do that much, even if she had other questions to ask. With a feeling of regret for the sudden twist in her plans, Dang Hwa-Seo prepared to welcome Ilwoon back. * In a corner of the usual inn, four men and women sat enveloped in a gloomy atmosphere. Naturally, it was because of Ilwoon’s mood. Ilwoon was biting his lips in frustration. His fists were clenched so tightly that they could no longer tighten, and there was an uncharacteristic anger in his eyes — anger directed at himself. After shaking for a while, Ilwoon finally let out a deep sigh and said, “…I am without honor.” A bitter smile was affixed to his lips. “I apologize, Mok Clan Leader. I truly wanted to stand against you in the match.” “No. Even though it was a defeat, Monk Ilwoon’s martial learning was so excellent that it naturally evokes admiration. There’s no need for self-reproach.” “Thank you for your words.” Ilwoon took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “Come, it seems my fault has made us neglect our meal. Please, go ahead and eat. I’m fine.” “Please, cheer up.” Even the normally frivolous Jegal Sanjo offered his sincere consolation in this moment. Ilwoon couldn’t help but let out a small laugh in response. “As Mok Clan Leader said, I have already lost. This opportunity has allowed me to realize my shortcomings, so I shall intensify my training and aim for victory next time.” It wasn’t mere talk. True to the expectations as the future of Shaolin, Ilwoon was turning his frustration and disappointment into motivation for improvement, thus working towards achieving an unwavering mind. “…” Mok Riwon silently observed Ilwoon, thinking about the recent match. ‘Seonryong’s technique.’ Although Dang Hwa-Seo hadn’t seen it properly, Mok Riwon had watched it from beginning to end. The essence of Wudang, the ‘Tai Chi.’ He had used its principles to redirect the force shot at him right back at Ilwoon. However, if it were just that, Mok Riwon wouldn’t have made such a grave face. The reason he looked so troubled during and after the match was something else. ‘It was clearly intent to kill.’ Being exceptionally sensitive to murderous intent, he knew it well. The sword Seonryong wielded carried a lethal intent. And the end target of that sword was Ilwoon’s throat. He had intended to kill Ilwoon. ‘Only at the last moment did he twist the trajectory and stop the sword.’ He couldn’t fathom what thought process led to that action. Yet, Mok Riwon felt anger. At least as far as he knew, displaying such a deadly intent wasn’t something that should be exhibited on a stage meant for martial artists to showcase and exchange their learnings. Squeezing tightly, Mok Riwon’s fist clenched. * One week until the main competition began. During this time, Seohyeon became flooded with a crowd far surpassing any before. It was to be expected, after all. The final four of the Yongbong Branch Assembly. In any era, achieving such a rank meant becoming the leading figures of the next generation in the martial world, attracting those who wished to familiarize themselves with them. Of course, this included various prestigious schools from the Central Plains martial world. “Look over there. That’s Peng Dowol of the Northern Peng Family, the Extreme Blade.” “And over there. Jinmyeong from Mount Hua, the Bright Sword!” “That there… Yes, unmistakably from the Beggar’s Sect.” Under normal circumstances, these individuals wouldn’t have been mobilized. In other words, this year’s Yongbong Branch Assembly had even compelled them to act. “The impact of Mokgeom is tremendous.” “What’s there to say? He’s already confirmed to be the next dragon. Depending on how well he does in this tournament, the future landscape of the martial world could change.” “True… It’s said Mokgeom isn’t affiliated with any particular group. There must be those wanting to recruit him.” “A prestigious house might even want to take him as a son-in-law.” “But Mokgeom is with Dokbong and…” “Does love provide for one's meals? While the Tang family is certainly one of the best matches, depending on the conditions, he could easily choose another.” These were the conversations heard everywhere in Seohyeon, typically ending in such manner. The past duel between Dang Hwa-Seo and Hyeun. Sandwiched between such tumultuous relations, these stories became the talk of the town. “Dokbong is the only one left feeling sorry.” "Ah, do you really think Dokbong would let him slip away? Just remember how he landed a punch to Baekbong's solar plexus and laughed about it." "Indeed…" "Enough about that, let’s hurry up. The matches are about to start." The men quickly made their way through the crowd. Their destination was a martial arts platform even larger than the one used during the preliminaries. Everywhere they looked, there were people. Though the crowd was bustling and noisy enough to irritate anyone, the men were instead smiling and adding to the chatter excitedly. "It's not just the clans and sects that have come. Look there, that shabby old man. He’s the previous generation’s master, Paekwone (Dominant Fist) Byeok Gwon Ung." "Why is he here?" "I’ve heard rumors he's looking for a disciple. He was so reckless in his youth, but it seems now in his old age, he’s realized the need to ensure his legacy." The spectacle of people watching became an entertainment in itself. The men were thrilled to see so many high-level masters gathered in one place, a sight that might be seen once in a lifetime. Then, suddenly, Doom! The sound of a drum echoed, creating a ripple of tension throughout the arena. Doom! There was only one reason for this sudden change in atmosphere. "He's finally arriving." "To think I'd see him in person in my lifetime…" The individual entering now was none other than a living legend of the martial realm, Baekdo. He is one of the reasons why the bloodiest conflicts in the martial world 20 years ago, known as the Blood Feuds, came to an end, marking him as one of the peaks of Baekdo’s martial realm. Doom! As the drum sounded, the gates opened, and a giant of an old man entered. Despite being close to seventy, his back was not bent in the slightest. His eyes, deep and commanding, exuded an aura of dignity. The ancient sword he carried at his waist bore the marks of time. "Sword King…!" Sword King Namgung Hyuk. He had appeared to personally oversee the Yongbong Branch Assembly in Anhui.