87 - Betting, Competition (2) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

Gyeon Dong's complexion turned deathly pale. His throat swallowed dry saliva with gulps. Dang Hwa Seo saw this as well. The words that burst from Gyeon Dong at that moment were as follows: "What do you mean by that! Yong Bong Danju! How is what you just said any different from saying you're going to steal the Elixir..." "It is different. This is a fair duel, is it not?" Dang Hwa Seo said with a slight smile, which instantly sealed Gyeon Dong's lips. It wasn't a matter of being absurd. 'The atmosphere...' The atmosphere in the assembly had turned sharply tense. Gyeon Dong finally realized his mistake. Despite being politically savvy and well-supported, Gyeon Dong couldn't escape one fact. The Martial Alliance was a group of warriors. That is, in such a group, an attitude of resolving disputes through politics, not force, would obviously not be well-received. Especially in a setting where the Danju and Daeju were gathered like now. 'I'm done for!' While having such thoughts, Dang Hwa Seo spoke up. "Ah, of course, given the power disparity, it won't be just any duel. I do have that much conscience. It'll be 10 against 1. We will face ten from Myeong Dang Jinwon Dan at once. Moreover, we won't use our Qi. This seems fair, doesn't it?" It was an aggressively dismissive remark, yet it still carried the momentum. Furthermore, it was logical. Dang Hwa Seo had a point in the matter. The proposition was a solution befitting a warrior, and she went as far as to toss out the upper hand, leaving no room for escape. 'Cunning like a fox...!' Even though her words carried an air of generosity, they were laced with the slyness of a fox. A perfect trap. Gyeon Dong's fists trembled at the realization. "I agree." Geumgeom Kwon Pyo Wol subtly raised his hand and spoke. "I think it's a good idea. It's better to settle things cleanly before grievances deepen, for the sake of the entire Alliance, don't you think?" No one here was unaware of Kwon Pyo Wol's affinity with Yong Bong Dan. However, putting that issue aside, it made sense. Casting a dissenting vote was a bad move. Geumgeom Kwon Pyo Wol had an overwhelming approval rating among the candidates for the next cabinet. In other words, he was the man closest to becoming the next Naekwanju. Yong Bong Danju, Dang Hwa Seo, was undoubtedly set to take a leading position in the next generation. Falling out of favor with them was disadvantageous. Jinwon Danju Gyeon Dong had the current Naekwanju backing him, but his term was less than 8 years away. "I, too, agree." Cheongryong Daeju, who had been competing with Geumgeom for the Cabinet chief position, was the first to express his agreement. 'It's pointless to have a fallout with Geumgeom.' No matter who becomes the Naekwanju, they were the man he would continue to clash with in the future. It was judged better to minimize animosities. Following that, both the Euiyak Daeju and Jeokun Daeju cast their votes in favor. Euiyak Daeju desired a friendship with Dang Hwa Seo, and Jeokun Daeju disliked Gyeon Dong's cunning demeanor. With the significant Daejus endorsing the duel, the outcome was predictable. Eighty percent in favor. An overwhelming vote count brought the duel's realization closer. Gyeon Dong's body trembled. Even his goatee quivered. 'The duel cannot be avoided.' But going on like this meant certain defeat. The top expert in Jinwon Dan was Vice-Danju Jo Yang. Yet, he was barely at the end of the first-class level. Even without using Qi, the gap between the pinnacle and first-class skills was overwhelming. 'Then...!' Since things were already looking bad, it was essential to secure an advantage, no matter how unsightly it might be. "Fine! Just one thing, allow the hiring of mercenaries." "Ha..." Dang Hwa Seo let out a scoff. The employment of mercenaries in a friendly duel. This too was unproblematic by tradition. The current Alliance's policy was competition and harmony. Encouraging factions was the reason. 'He's struggling desperately.' However, there was no issue. There were only three mercenaries that could be employed. Three of theirs were to face them individually, and securing just one victory would end the duel in their favor. "Agreed." "Thank you for your consideration." Cold sweat ran down Gyeon Dong's neck. Dang Hwa Seo merely glared at Gyeon Dong, as if intending to release all her pent-up frustrations. The other Danjus and Daejus were excited. For them, it was a spectacle they hadn't seen in a while. 'Muk Ryong and Geom Ryong's swords are rumored to be extraordinary... It seems like an opportunity to gain insight has come.' Jeokun Daeju, who enjoyed duels the most among the Daejus, was particularly reveling in the situation. * "Challenge duel!" Back at Yong Bong Dan's pavilion, Dang Hwa Seo made the declaration. Mokri Won immediately stood up and shouted. "Fantastic!" His fists clenched tightly, shaking up and down. His eyes sparkled with excitement. Not just any duel, but a many-against-one. Moreover, it was a duel that relied solely on swordsmanship, without the use of Qi. The timing couldn't have been better. He was in the midst of refining his skills against multiple attacks and was on the verge of a breakthrough to transcendence. This was the perfect opportunity to supplement his lacking experience. 'And that's not all!' Elixir! Just four of them! The amount was exactly enough for the other members who suffered alongside him on this mission yet received no reward! "Indeed, So Jeo is incredible!" So Jeo has thought of everything! As Mokri Won gave him a look full of reverence, Dang Hwa Seo's lips twitched into a smile. Je Gal San asked with a puzzled expression, "So, who will those mercenaries be on your side?" "We don't know yet. However, none will be above the pinnacle level." "Then... I'll take one of those mercenaries. Wouldn't it be better to reduce their numbers..." "No." Dang Hwa Seo's gaze burned coldly, tinged with fury. Je Gal San hiccupped in response, "Then...?" "The mercenaries will be handled by me, Mok Sohyeop, and Geom Ryong." To anyone unaware, seeing Dang Hwa Seo now would have mistaken her for a high-ranking figure of the underworld, not the Danju of the righteous Martial Alliance. Such was the ferocity in Dang Hwa Seo's smile. "We will not yield even a single victory. Understand?" Je Gal San's body stiffened. Not just him, but all members did, even Nam Gung Jin Cheon. "Answer." Under Dang Hwa Seo's formidable pressure, the members nodded frantically. * The Martial Alliance's cabinet is known as the heart of the righteous martial world. Centered around the Mangjujeon, it's divided into three pavilions, each staffed by the core forces of the Martial Alliance. And the position of Naekwanju, said to be the pinnacle, was indeed THE position of absolute power, nothing less. "Such a smart move." Naekwanju Hae Pa Geom (Sea Wave Sword) Gyeon Gweol. Despite the wrinkles, the sharp corners of his eyes and his tanned skin were striking on his lean frame. He sat at the head of the office, looking down at Gyeon Dong, who was kneeling in front of him. To put it bluntly, Jinwon Danju Gyeon Dong was Naekwanju Gyeon Gweol's grandson. "So, you've gotten into a duel with Yong Bong Dan, have you?" "Yes..." Gyeon Gweol clicked his tongue in disapproval. 'This is not good.' Although Gyeon Dong was ordered to keep Yong Bong Dan in check, Gyeon Gweol hadn't expected things to go awry like this. A critical mistake. 'Such a fool.' It was plain to see his dimwitted grandson had overstepped his bounds once again, talking more than he should. "Wasn't it a simple role I entrusted to you, and you couldn't manage even that?" It was merely supposed to be a check. The role was simply to prevent Gupha and Sega from expanding their influence within the alliance. Yet, he couldn’t even manage that and was now groveling. Gyeon Gweol looked down at his grandson, devoid of talent and vitality, with disdain. Gyeon Dong's body twitched. Desperate to make excuses, he continued hurriedly, "Th-there's still a chance to remedy this! We've agreed on hiring three mercenaries, so if grandfather could lend some warriors from the cabinet..." "Is that what you call a remedy!" Bang! The desk thundered as Gyeon Gweol slammed his hand down, making Gyeon Dong hiccup in fright. "I-I'm sorry..." "Useless!" Gyeon Dong's shoulders sagged. Gyeon Gweol ground his teeth and then spoke in a tone full of anger, "This is the last time I will help you." He had given his only grandson a chance. Knowing he lacked talent, Gyeon Gweol had still provided him with various elixirs and masters. Yet, this was the result. "So this proves that lowly blood..." A half-blood born of his worthless son’s misconduct. Blood, it seemed, did not lie. Gyeon Gweol gave up his last expectations. "Get lost." Gyeon Dong turned pale and trembled at these words. But there was nothing Gyeon Dong could say. As always, he was a disappointment, unable to meet his grandfather's expectations. "Th-thank you..." That word of gratitude was all he could muster. * The day of the duel dawned. The dueling arena was always bustling during friendly duels, but today the fervor was especially intense. There were several reasons. It was Yong Bong Dan's second duel. Moreover, it was a wager duel after nearly two years, and rumors were swirling that Jinwon Dan had brought in warriors from the cabinet as mercenaries. If it was the cabinet's duel, then warriors from the pinnacle to the transcendent level could participate. Even though Qi wouldn't be used, the duel promised much to see. "Do you think Muk Ryong will win? You've crossed swords with him directly, haven't you?" Jeokun Daeju Gang Chan, the most excited person today, asked Kwon Pyo Wol. Gang Chan, contrary to his bandit-like appearance, had his eyes shining innocently. Kwon Pyo Wol chuckled at this and responded, "If it's as heard, with no Qi release..." He paused momentarily, remembering his past duel with Mokri Won, then smiled broadly before continuing, "Yes, Muk Ryong is definitely going to win." "Oh!" "He's that fierce." Considering pure understanding of swordsmanship alone, Mokri Won was by no means inferior to him. Kwon Pyo Wol knew that his victory in that day's duel was thanks only to the sword skills honed over many years, supported by his sword energy. "Of course, in a one-on-one situation." Kwon Pyo Wol's face was filled with anticipation. Warriors inexperienced in battle tend to be vulnerable in situations where they face multiple opponents. The lessons learned from a master or gained while roaming the martial world usually focus on one-on-one scenarios. 'Let's see, Muk Ryong. How much have you grown?' If it was the same as last time, he would be defeated. But the Mokri Won that Kwon Pyo Wol knew wasn't the kind to overestimate himself and remain complacent. He was a man who always moved forward, relishing in that passion and living within it. Jeokun Daeju Gang Chan looked at Kwon Pyo Wol, who was smiling like a young boy, and felt satisfied. 'He's got a good expression on his face!' Gang Chan had been comrades with Kwon Pyo Wol since the latter was a low-ranking warrior in the alliance, sharing many battles together. He knew the reason why his comrade, who had once looked as lifeless as a dead man, had regained his vigor. It had all started from the day of Yong Bong Dan's duel. 'Muk Ryong!' Reflecting on the words tossed by Kwon Pyo Wol, it made sense. Jeokun Daeju Geukmyeoldo (Extreme Destruction Sword) Gang Chan. He found the prospect of gaining a new 'duel friend' thrilling, swelling with anticipation.