139 - Blue Dragon Rain Dance Society (9)

As the season fades into a deep crimson, so too does the vast landscape, stirring a mix of distant nostalgia and a bitter aftertaste wherever one goes. Despite the seasonal shift, the atmosphere remains as heated as if unable to let go of the past summer. Perhaps, it's not so much an inability to forget as it is the lingering fierceness of the heat, proving too stubborn to cool. With the main event of the Blue Dragon Martial Arts Tournament on the horizon, the fervor within the martial world was destined to remain ablaze until the very end. "Young Hero Mok." In the midst of it all stood a man. Mok Riwon turned at the call of his name to see Dang Hwa-seo standing at the entrance of the training ground, with Maeng's Yajang, whom they had previously met, smiling beside her, cradling a long case in his arms. A spark of interest lit in Mok Riwon's eyes. If anyone knew what that case contained, it was him. After all, wasn't it the very item he had been eagerly awaiting? "At last!" "It's been a while, Mok Riwon. I am overjoyed to deliver this sword to you, aligning with the start of my main event." The sword must have been the one commissioned from eternal spring steel, thought to be finished by now. And as Yajang approached, Mok Riwon stepped forward to meet him. "Please, take it." As Yajang opened the case, Mok Riwon's eyes widened. "This is...!" Nestled within the case was a sword with a blade as black as night. Its reflection gleamed white, while its obscure parts remained black, evoking the image of the night sky in Mok Riwon's mind. "The inspiration struck me. Hearing of your swordsmanship, Mok Riwon, I felt compelled to craft such a blade." Until that moment, Mok Riwon had been dumbstruck, nearly bewitched one might say. Could the enchanting allure of the sleek blade be likened to a seductress bewitching a man? Mok Riwon, cheeks flushing, reached out his hand to grasp the hilt, feeling a chill surge through him that was oddly invigorating, prompting him to exhale deeply. "Would you like to have a swing with it?" Lifting it, the weight felt just right. The grip comforted his hand, making him wonder about its feel in motion. Without hesitation, Mok Riwon swept the blade through the air. Whoosh— As the sword sliced through the air, its balance was perfect. Observing Mok Riwon's face, Yajang remarked, "It seems I've truly outdone myself with this creation." The words carried a sense of pride and satisfaction. * Following Yajang's visit, an incident occurred. Dang Hwa-seo, witnessing Mok Riwon's display of exaggerated excitement over the new sword, fluctuated between joy and a sense of betrayal for no other reason but, "Miss, would you look at this? 'Black-Night' isn't it just beautiful?!" One could only tolerate so much of 'Isn't the blade simply beautiful?!', hearing it what felt like the hundredth time. There were other comments too, about how soft the grip felt as if melting, how embracing it at night led to hearing voices, and even how the sword seemed to whisper words of love. ...Why hide the truth. Dang Hwa-seo felt a surge of petty jealousy towards the sword, which seemed to monopolize Mok Riwon's whispered affections throughout the day, almost appearing as an arch-nemesis in her eyes. "Is it that impressive to you?" Dang Hwa-seo asked coolly. Normally, one would catch the hint and deny it, but was Mok Riwon someone to catch on? Absolutely not. "Indeed! I adore 'Black-Night'! This is what I believe love is!" Dang Hwa-seo's expression darkened further. Passing by, Jegal San scurried away in fright, witnessing her sour expression. Yet, Mok Riwon remained clueless, merely caressing the sword against his cheek. 'Should I break it?' She momentarily considered snapping the sword but promptly dismissed the thought. It seemed too harsh a response, likely to earn nothing but Mok Riwon's resentment. Shifting her perspective slightly, Dang Hwa-seo pondered how to divert his attention back to her, soon hitting upon a rather promising topic. "By the way, isn't tomorrow when the main event matchups are announced?" "Ah, yes, indeed!" "Are you prepared?" Choosing a topic that 'Black-Night' had no part in seemed strategic. Anticipating an answer along the lines of 'I'll do my best', Dang Hwa-seo found Mok Riwon's response unexpectedly stirring. "I've prepared perfectly." Perfect. A term seldom used by Mok Riwon. Intriguingly, Dang Hwa-seo felt a wave of anticipation rising within her. * The following day, the matchup announcement for the main event was made. The members of the Yongbong Group gathered to check the listings. Mok Riwon’s name was the first to catch their eye. "I found it! The opening match of the main event!" "Yes, you've been placed in a highly anticipated match," Dang Hwa-seo noted. Hyewon added, "The opening is important, right? Being the talk of the martial world, it's only natural for Master Mok." "Indeed, that makes sense," agreed Jegal San. Feeling slightly embarrassed yet curious, Mok Riwon carefully scrutinized the lineup, spotting Ilwoon’s name matched against what seemed to be a martial arts prodigy. Mok Riwon was immediately eager to share this discovery with Ilwoon. However, Ilwoon had already discovered his name on the list and was looking despondent. Why was that? It was only after carefully examining Ilwoon's draw that Mok Riwon understood the reason. "Ah, next up, he faces Sun Dragon Hyun Gong." Should Ilwoon win in the round of 128, his opponent in the round of 64 would be Sun Dragon Hyun Gong. Knowing what Ilwoon was aiming for in this tournament, Mok Riwon chose to remain silent, offering his support silently. He hoped Ilwoon would achieve his goal. "My name is listed as well." Amidst this, Namgung Jincheon spoke. Mok Riwon turned to check the far end of the draw. Namgung Jincheon's opponent was a martial arts expert of unparalleled skill, but he seemed unfazed. Confidence was visible in his demeanor. “Mok Riwon.” Namgung Jincheon said, getting his attention. “What is it?” “It’s the round of 16.” Namgung Jincheon’s finger pointed at the tournament bracket. “If you make it to the round of 16, we will face each other.” True to his words, Mok Riwon and Namgung Jincheon were set to meet in the round of 16. “This time.” Determination, akin to resolve, resonated in Namgung Jincheon’s voice. His eyes sparkled with competitive spirit. “I won’t lose this time.” Mok Riwon found himself amused by the growling tone of Namgung Jincheon’s voice. He was reminded of something Mok Seon-o had once told him. - Having a rival who you compete and grow with is vital for a martial artist, regardless of whether they are friend or foe. - Because they serve as a motive for growth? - Yes, ideally, the best rival is a friend. Therefore, Riwon, give it your all to find such a competitor. Someone who doesn’t just envy or admire your talent but sees you as a wall they must overcome. ‘Master, it seems I have found one.’ Mok Riwon smiled brightly. Despite his foolish and disagreeable character, Namgung Jincheon was a delightful friend to Mok Riwon. And Mok Riwon was aware. He knew his growth transcended the ordinary, that surpassing everyone else would not be difficult. However, Namgung Jincheon was the sole man who kept pace with Mok Riwon’s extraordinary growth. “I'm looking forward to it.” “Your tone is rather arrogant.” “Am I not the victor now? It’s only right for the victor to speak thus.” Namgung Jincheon seemed on the verge of exploding with rage. Blood vessels in his glaring eyes bulged, a clear sign of his anger. Mok Riwon laughed softly, provoking him further. “Try to be the victor this time.” Namgung Jincheon grit his teeth. “…Let’s see how long you can remain so arrogant.” “It won’t be easy. Now that I have ‘Black-Night’.” Mok Riwon showcased the sword. It was his latest pride, prompting Namgung Jincheon to gaze at his own sword, made of eternal spring steel, slung at his waist. A contemplative expression washed over Namgung Jincheon’s face. "‘Black-Night’, how childish." With those words, he turned and walked away. Even then, the look of contemplation never left his face. * The opening match of the main event began. From the main event onwards, only one match was held per time slot. Given the competitors' prowess, the size of the arena itself set a new precedent. “Wowwwwww!!!” A melting pot of excitement. There couldn’t have been a better way to describe the atmosphere. Everyone’s faces were full of anticipation and just as full of yearning. Such is the allure of a duel between experts. Merely observing a single motion or step brims with profound mysteries and lessons, offering learnings to the viewers. Thus, most among those who had spent a considerable sum to be here were not just here to enjoy the spectacle. Of course, some were purely spectators. “Gwak Hyeong! It’s finally Mok Riwon’s first match!” “Yes, brother! The martial world knows! They're aware of how significant Mok Riwon, our Great Hero, is!” These were the followers of Mok Riwon, Wang Heo and Gwak Chil-pyo, the author of Tales of Demonic Hero. Having met by chance in a tavern and become sworn brothers over drinks, they had spared no expense for today’s black-market tickets for the opening match. Their expectations were sky-high. What started was not the droning opening ceremonies or speeches. After those, the martial artists from Maeng checked the arena one last time. Only then did the duel officially commence. “There he comes!” “Oh! Indeed!” Mok Riwon was ascending to the stage. His striking handsomeness almost seemed unreal. As usual, his appearance was met with piercing screams from the women filling the arena. “Kyaaaaaaa―!” Gwak Chil-pyo was taken aback, covering his ears, while Wang Heo, accustomed to such reactions, laughed heartily. “Gwak Hyeong, you should get used to it!” Having previously experienced such fervor during the Yongbong Branch meeting, he was better prepared than Gwak Chil-pyo. Wang Heo noticed the man ascending the stage from the opposite side. “The Floral Sword of Hwasan! That’s his opponent!” “Oh… I know of that man. Isn’t he Hwasan's leading disciple?” Anxiety and excitement began to fill them both. Even for the two who held unwavering belief in Mok Riwon's victory, the strength of the first opponent brought a moment of doubt, a 'what if?'. The atmosphere around intensified further. The noise, now escalating to screams, engulfed the entire arena. "Can he, can he really win?!" Gwak Chil-pyo clenched his fists tightly. Wang Heo, too, nodded his head frantically in agreement. [Both sides, take your positions!] The referee announced, bringing a moment of stillness to the arena. The two warriors drew their swords, and a supreme sense of pressure burgeoned between them, seeping beyond the stage, an extraordinary phenomenon. And then, the next moment. [Begin!] The silence broke in a way no one could have anticipated. Shiiiiing— There was only one fact that third-rate martial artists like Gwak Chil-pyo and Wang Heo could discern. Mok Riwon had swung his sword, and immediately after, the Floral Sword of Hwasan was on his knees. That was all that was revealed. "Wowwwwww!!!" Madness took over the arena.