Chapter 263: The Festival Must Continue (2)
The martial arts level of Eastern Emperor Muk Hui-yeong was not widely known in the Central Plains.
However, before the New Justice Festival was held, he had faced and guided numerous martial artists, so the speculation was merely that he must have reached some high and profound realm.
“His first opponent is the New Justice Association Master?”
“Yes.”
Perhaps because of that, Do Yu-gyeom, a first-generation disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, thought he might be able to win. No, in fact, he was confident.
As for Do Yu-gyeom, he had recently received the sobriquet Six Harmonies Sword Dragon at the Gathering of Dragons and Phoenixes.
Although the term Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes had lost its luster the moment the Martial Alliance and the New Justice Association split, the weight that the name carried did not vanish.
“Are you perhaps the Six Harmonies Sword Dragon?”
“Ah, yes.”
“I see. I saw you at the last Gathering of Dragons and Phoenixes. It was impressive.”
There were people who recognized him like this. Since she was wearing a face veil, he couldn’t tell well, but somehow, hearing her voice, she felt like a beauty, which made him feel good.
In truth, being one of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes meant he had certainly left an impression and made a leap in the martial world.
However, Do Yu-gyeom, like most martial artists, had merely shone briefly. Because after the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, he had no notable achievements.
Thus, Do Yu-gyeom intended to make this New Justice Festival the first step of his next leap.
Of course, he wasn’t aiming for the championship. The Earth group Do Yu-gyeom participated in was for those from youth to just under middle age.
Do Yu-gyeom’s age was slightly past thirty. High-level experts nearing middle age were difficult to handle, even for the promising Six Harmonies Sword Dragon of Zhongnan.
Still, if he defeated a martial artist of some renown, the name of the Six Harmonies Sword Dragon and Zhongnan would rise. He had only thought that far, but unexpectedly, a massive catch had landed.
Eastern Emperor Muk Hui-yeong could be considered as having the highest name value in the Central Plains right now. However, since his martial strength was an unknown, there was no food more fantastic than this.
“I hear you are fighting the New Justice Association Master this time.”
“Cointentally, it turned out that way.”
At someone’s question, Do Yu-gyeom spoke while hiding his delight.
Regardless, the Zhongnan Sect was also part of the New Justice Association. Lowering the reputation of the New Justice Association Master was not good in the grand scheme of things.
However, Do Yu-gyeom also aimed for that. Because Do Yu-gyeom was also dissatisfied with the position of the New Justice Association Master.
With numerous elders, including Zhongnan’s Sect Leader, present, to think a mere novice was holding the position of Association Master.
His Martial Uncle, the Gentleman Sword, who had raised the same doubts, had suddenly visited the New Justice Association. But after his usually stubborn and conservative Martial Uncle returned from the New Justice Association, he claimed Muk Hui-yeong deserved to be in that position, which made Do Yu-gyeom even more frustrated.
‘I don’t know what Martial Uncle saw, but it won’t work on me.’
Do Yu-gyeom resolved. This was not his dissatisfaction alone.
All the disciples who hadn’t seen Muk Hui-yeong questioned why he was the New Justice Association Master. Only the disciples who had been saved during the Gyeyu Incident held their tongues.
“The match is about to begin.”
“Indeed.”
“I hope you do your best.”
The veiled woman bowed slightly and tried to leave. Do Yu-gyeom, who hadn’t expected her to leave so suddenly, became anxious.
“Wait, Young Lady!”
“Yes?”
“Perhaps, your name…”
“Do you know who I am?”
“We can start getting to know each other from now on.”
Do Yu-gyeom smiled slyly, but the woman’s voice was only cold.
“I have a betrothed. Farewell.”
The woman left, exuding a cold wind unlike before. It was a moment of embarrassment for Do Yu-gyeom, who had tried to flirt in vain.
‘Forget it. What does a Daoist need a woman for?’
Even if the Zhongnan Sect was highly secularized, its essence was still Daoist. Do Yu-gyeom dismissed it lightly and headed to the arena where the tournament was being held. Already, Eastern Emperor Muk Hui-yeong was on the opposite side.
“Ah. He has arrived.”
Muk Hui-yeong noticed Do Yu-gyeom’s arrival and stepped onto the arena.
Although in terms of martial generation, Do Yu-gyeom was likely senior, because Muk Hui-yeong held the position of New Justice Association Master, Do Yu-gyeom cupped his fists and bowed.
“Do Yu-gyeom of Zhongnan.”
Muk Hui-yeong nodded as if it were natural and received the salute. Do Yu-gyeom found that somewhat insolent.
“Is everyone ready?”
Immortal Cheong-yu, who was acting as referee, asked. Do Yu-gyeom nodded. Muk Hui-yeong also nodded.
Just before the match, no sense of threat was felt from Muk Hui-yeong. Do Yu-gyeom was once again confident that he would win.
“Then, begin.”
And that thought changed with Immortal Cheong-yu’s declaration of the start of the match.
“…?”
In an instant, Do Yu-gyeom felt a suffocating sense of terror. However, not knowing why the terror arose, he stood in a daze.
And soon, Do Yu-gyeom realized why he was feeling that terror.
He couldn’t see any opening. Even though Muk Hui-yeong maintained a natural posture with his sword hanging down.
“Shall I go first?”
At that moment, Muk Hui-yeong asked. Just as a junior player held the black stones in baduk, initiating the attack was an acknowledgment that one’s generation was lower.
Hearing those words, Do Yu-gyeom realized why his Martial Uncle had said Muk Hui-yeong was qualified to be the New Justice Association Master. His vessel was large.
Even though he held the position of New Justice Association Master, he respected others. It was a consideration not easily seen among martial artists.
“…No.”
Do Yu-gyeom gripped his sword hilt tightly to prevent his hand from shaking.
“I will take the first move.”
“Thank you.”
Muk Hui-yeong smiled faintly. Do Yu-gyeom immediately stamped his foot and leaped toward Muk Hui-yeong.
* * *
“Somehow, he gave the impression of looking down on you, Brother.”
These were the words Peng Chae-hyang had told me. Even though she wasn’t asked, she had gone out of her way to seek out my opponent, Do Yu-gyeom, and scout him.
When I told her not to do so next time, she returned with a dejected look.
However, regardless of that, the words Peng Chae-hyang delivered seemed to be true. Do Yu-gyeom tried his best not to show it, but his dissatisfaction with me was clearly visible.
Usually, unorthodox martial artists are highly seasoned and worn down by the time they are thirty, but orthodox disciples can generally roam the martial world freely starting from thirty, so Do Yu-gyeom was still a novice in the jianghu. Thus, his awkwardness was revealed in such aspects.
‘…I think I know why Chae-hyang went out of her way to find him.’
Even while saluting, Do Yu-gyeom clearly showed his discomfort.
Peng Chae-hyang had predicted that the disciples of prestigious sects wouldn’t accept someone younger than them as the New Justice Association Master. That was why she had done something she wasn’t asked to do.
He was from the same Zhongnan Sect as the Gentleman Sword who had visited unexpectedly last time, but it seemed the Gentleman Sword hadn’t spoken of his encounter with me.
If it were one-on-one, it could be resolved through conversation, but right now, this was a tournament watched by many people. I adopted a stiff posture, accepting his salute. Do Yu-gyeom’s face distorted completely.
‘Seriously, these prestigious sect guys show everything on their faces.’
Chae-hyang was like that, and Namgung Hwi was like that too. Although the two were improving because I was training them, they were fundamentally children raised in a greenhouse, so they were definitely lacking in dealing with people. Do Yu-gyeom was no exception.
“But is the Eastern Emperor strong in martial arts?”
“Still, didn’t he take the position of New Justice Association Master because he is exceptionally capable?”
“Well. But those around me who faced the Eastern Emperor said they didn’t feel an overwhelmingly dominant aura.”
Just before entering the match, the chatter of the spectators could be heard.
Hearing that conversation, I found what I needed to show in this match.
When facing those who came to challenge me, it was mostly guidance sparring, so I adjusted my level to theirs and conducted it in the most comfortable atmosphere possible.
And right now, there was no need for that.
“Are you ready?”
Cheong-yu asked. Since it was a public setting, he respected my position as the New Justice Association Master.
“Yes.”
“Begin.”
Coinciding with Cheong-yu’s words, I began to unleash my presence.
To convince Do Yu-gyeom right now, soft methods like conversation wouldn’t work. The Gentleman Sword also acknowledged me only after seeing my sword. Do Yu-gyeom was the same.
And the same went for all the spectators watching this match.
“…!”
Everyone gasped as the air in the arena rapidly grew heavy.
I had always avoided becoming famous. But I couldn’t do that forever.
I had to imprint and convince them of the name value of the New Justice Association Master.
The surroundings became dead silent. It was my first time revealing myself to this extent. I usually concealed my presence or gathered it within my body.
In particular, unleashing it outwardly before others like this was a first.
“Shall I go first?”
I asked first out of politeness.
Those who knew knew that I was the youngest generation of Wudang. Compared to a first-generation disciple of Zhongnan, my generation was far lower.
Ah, but since I was also the direct disciple of the Heavenly King Sect, had my generation changed? However, to utilize that generation, I would have to publicly reveal that I was a disciple of the Heavenly King Sect. I didn’t want to do that yet.
“…No,” Do Yu-gyeom replied. Seeing his hand shake, it seemed to have worked.
“I will make the first move.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as the words ended, Do Yu-gyeom leaped. Since he was my opponent, I had indeed looked into him.
He held the title Six Harmonies Sword Dragon. He was a talent who had entered the Five Dragons at the last Gathering of Dragons and Phoenixes.
However, I also knew my position now.
I had already far surpassed the level of a first-generation disciple of a prestigious sect.
“Hyaaah!”
Perhaps trying to break the suppression with a shout, Do Yu-gyeom rushed forward with a roar. It was a heavy and mountain-like sword strike.
I had already seen this sword. From the Gentleman Sword. And this sword right now fell far short of the Gentleman Sword’s.
“…What on earth!”
Then, even such a feat became possible.
Right now, I was matching the tip of my blade with the tip of his. The sword tips were in contact.
Even someone with no talent in martial arts would realize that Do Yu-gyeom had simply thrust, and I had matched it. Because Do Yu-gyeom wore a face of utter bewilderment.
I drew my sword back as it was, pulling Do Yu-gyeom toward me. Then, releasing one hand from my sword, I struck the acupoint inside Do Yu-gyeom’s elbow like lightning.
“Ugh!”
It was the Chize Acupoint of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin. Since it was a key acupoint inside the arm, the strength below his elbow would have completely vanished.
With a clanging sound, his sword dropped to the ground.
At that moment, I thought Do Yu-gyeom would surrender immediately. But that was underestimating him too much.
The arm whose acupoint I had sealed was only his right arm. Do Yu-gyeom still had his left arm and two strong legs.
Do Yu-gyeom immediately spun his body and tried to strike my temple with his heel.
“Oh!”
Everyone was astonished by that rapid transition. However, I had no desire for Do Yu-gyeom to draw any more attention.
I quickly closed the distance to neutralize his spin kick and rapidly struck his acupoints.
I merely tapped his skin with my fingers, yet a sound like falling hail resounded. Since we were entangled rapidly at close range, the commoners wouldn’t see clearly what was happening, but the martial artists could, and they let out exclamations.
Thud.
With all his numbing acupoints sealed, Do Yu-gyeom became like a log and collapsed onto the ground.
“My word. That was excessive.”
Cheong-yu, who was refereeing, whispered. Just as he said, I had deliberately used an excessive and flashy technique. So that people could see.
“Woooah!”
Even before Cheong-yu declared the victor, the crowd roared.
Instead of the merchant Muk Hui-yeong, it was the moment the title of New Justice Association Master and the sobriquet of Eastern Emperor were spread throughout the Central Plains.