Chapter 267: The Festival Must Continue (6)
Thud.
“…”
After Cho Hae-ryang’s head rolled onto the arena floor, the crowd couldn’t even emit the sound of breathing.
It was likely because everyone understood the significance of this situation.
“You have gone mad.”
Cheong-yu, who was refereeing, shook his head.
It was a highly deliberate decapitation—the signal that heralded a total war against the Martial Alliance.
In truth, a total war with the Martial Alliance was only a matter of time. There was no reason to delay it. If so, it was correct to seize the momentum first.
“Is… is this truly acceptable?”
“Still, the one who unleashed the killing move first was the Martial Alliance Leader’s disciple…”
I hadn’t sneakily assassinated him using the pretext of the tournament. To be precise, whether to kill him or not was closer to a spontaneous decision.
How Cho Hae-ryang possessed the Divine Demon Pill and what he had intended to do as the next Martial Alliance Leader—there was no way to know now.
And even with the passage of time, Cho Hae-ryang wouldn’t have been able to answer my questions. With my emergence, the history of the martial world had already been altered significantly. Thus, Cho Hae-ryang held no value of existence to me.
Furthermore, Cho Hae-ryang clearly had the intention to kill me if given the chance. That was a sensation only those who crossed blades could perceive.
Since he had unleashed killing blows in the eyes of others, no one discussed any unfairness regarding my slaying of Cho Hae-ryang. They simply feared the repercussions of this incident.
“The victor is Muk Hui-yeong.”
With Cheong-yu’s calm declaration of victory, I stepped down from the arena. Peng Chae-hyang, who had been waiting for me silently, was frozen in shock.
“Chae-hyang.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Let’s go.”
“Are you not going to watch the matches today?”
“I would like to, but we will likely be busy.”
Peng Chae-hyang let out a soft groan and nodded.
Even at the New Justice Festival, there were bound to be spies who directly transmitted information to the Martial Alliance. From the moment I severed Cho Hae-ryang’s head, the couriers in the Central Plains would move busily.
To respond to the Martial Alliance’s movements that would begin now, I couldn’t simply sit and watch.
Leaving behind the spectators who were still in shock, I returned to the Association Master’s office.
In the office, Wudang’s Sect Leader Cheong-ui and all the core figures representing the New Justice Association had already gathered.
Since the sect leaders couldn’t constantly remain at the New Justice Association, these were elder-level figures stationed here by each sect.
“…Haha.”
I let out an embarrassed laugh. Although I had made a calculation, it was half-spontaneous, which was sufficient for them to reprimand me. After all, I had committed such a massive affair without any prior consultation.
“First, I am sorr…”
“Aha! That was magnificent!”
“Indeed! No need for useless words. You did splendidly!”
“It was a magnificent strike. It was an eye-opening experience for me as well.”
I was dumbfounded. The martial artists were far more boisterous than I had imagined.
I thought I had adapted to being a martial artist to some extent, but as expected, those who were natural-born martial artists had a different stride.
Rather than future countermeasures, they were more interested in the martial arts I had displayed. Indeed, focusing on today rather than tomorrow was the secret to happiness.
“Are you not worried?”
Since they seemed to have no intention of discussing countermeasures, I eventually asked first. However, the martial artists merely blinked.
“If we are at odds, we simply clash blades. I have always wanted to slay those Martial Alliance bastards ever since that damn Martial Alliance Leader became the Imperial Palace’s dog.”
Namgung Tae-han of the Namgung Clan laughed heartily.
Indeed, the Namgung Clan, being one of the Five Great Families, must have harbored deeper hatred toward the Martial Alliance. After all, the Hwangbo Clan, which was also of the Five Great Families, had been destroyed because of the Imperial Palace.
“I see. Then I will not offer any excuses.”
“Why would a job well done require excuses?”
At my words, the New Justice Association members nodded.
“Still, is the reason you gathered not because we need countermeasures?”
“Indeed. Since you are not someone who would act without thinking of the aftermath.”
I could feel trust in their eyes. Although the sect leaders had verbally acknowledged me as the Association Master, there were many who hadn’t truly accepted it in their hearts. But now, it felt as if such distrust had largely vanished.
“Now, tell us your thoughts.”
The heated atmosphere cooled down. It was time for a serious conversation.
“We have sufficiently imprinted the presence of the New Justice Association on the martial artists. This alone means the Imperial Palace or the Martial Alliance cannot easily touch us.”
“Still, we must be cautious. The Hwangbo Clan held the same thoughts, only to suffer destruction in a single day.”
Just like the Heavenly King Sect had. Certainly, that possibility existed.
“I am paying close attention to that aspect. However, because many places are entangled with the New Justice Association, the Imperial Palace cannot easily touch us. Furthermore, they lack a proper pretext. With the Demonic Cult running rampant now, trying to purge the orthodox martial world would provoke immense backlash from the martial artists.”
“True.”
My understanding of political dynamics was at least superior to theirs. The Imperial Palace feared the martial world. The purge of the Hwangbo Clan was likely a decision made after immense deliberation.
Furthermore, they could purge the Hwangbo Clan because it was located in Shandong, which was close to Beijing. Coming all the way to Hubei, which was far from Beijing, to launch a surprise attack on us in secret was a difficult task.
“Then how do you think they will act?”
“They will likely utilize the Palace of Heavenly Worship. They will approach under the guise of the Palace of Heavenly Worship investigating and punishing the corruption of the New Justice Association.”
“What corruption do we have?”
“They can simply manufacture it. Nothing is easier than that for the Imperial Palace.”
“That is true.”
They were easily convinced. Having suffered from the Imperial Palace’s schemes to varying degrees, their comprehension was swift.
“By the way, when is the inauguration ceremony for the Palace of Heavenly Worship?”
“Next month.”
“They prepared it in a rush. Being a martial sect directly subordinate to the Imperial Palace, they won’t prepare it half-heartedly.”
“It will likely be the most magnificent inauguration ceremony in history. It will be at least three times grander than the New Justice Festival.”
The Imperial Palace was a group that valued outward appearances above all. I couldn’t even guess how much money they would pour in.
“Actually, I hope they spend a lot of money.”
“Really? Won’t we be compared?”
“We will definitely be compared. Therefore…”
I smirked.
“We must ruin it. Just as they tried to ruin our New Justice Festival.”
“Then are you saying we will participate? In person?”
“Since we even received an invitation, we cannot decline.”
“We do not know what schemes they have laid out, though.”
“A crisis is an opportunity. If I escape from the inauguration ceremony unscathed, the Palace of Heavenly Worship won’t be able to show its face anywhere.”
The martial artists groaned. Despite my words, they looked worried since I was openly entering enemy territory.
“You do not need to worry. Naturally, I will go only after preparing all countermeasures.”
“Ahem, you will handle it well. We trust you.”
Cheong-ui, who had been observing quietly, cleared his throat and intervened.
“But naturally, the Imperial Palace will also prepare, will they not? Knowing that we will attempt to interfere.”
“Likely so.”
“Then we must catch them off guard. What is your plan?”
Their eyes focused on me. It showed how curious they were. I looked around the room arrogantly and spoke:
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
“…Are you truly going to be alright?”
“Ah, do not worry. You do not need to think about it. I will devise it.”
Their expressions turned to worry once more. But I ignored them.
Without discussing any specific alternatives, the meeting adjourned.
“Hehehe.”
I laughed darkly as I looked at the empty seats after their departure.
…Now, it was time to truly think about it.
* * *
My worrying about how to ruin the Palace of Heavenly Worship’s inauguration ceremony didn’t stop time. The New Justice Festival continued according to schedule.
In the semi-finals, my opponent forfeited, and I naturally advanced to the finals.
The finals. The opponent facing me was an unorthodox martial artist. He was the Deputy Chief of the Green Forest Headquarters who had accompanied Jang Gwang-yeong.
He was a man who held the sobriquet Mad Blood Iron Staff. Those who had made it this far were already highly famous in the jianghu.
“…Sigh.”
Yet for some reason, the Mad Blood Iron Staff let out a deep sigh as soon as I stepped up.
It felt as if he had no desire to fight. I had also watched the Mad Blood Iron Staff’s matches, and seeing him swing his iron staff with a smile even when it was stained with blood and flesh, I thought his sobriquet indeed suited him.
But now, the Mad Blood Iron Staff was beyond calm; he exuded a cynical and gloomy aura.
“Excuse me.”
“Yes?”
Where did the Mad Blood Iron Staff who used to mock and insult his opponents before the match go? In his place stood an extremely polite man who naturally used respectful language.
“Is there a problem?”
“A problem. If I tell you, will you fix it?”
“Before being a participant, I am the New Justice Association Master. If you tell me of any improvements, I will take them into consideration.”
“You are the problem.”
At his abrupt words, I was momentarily speechless. As if finding his chance, the Mad Blood Iron Staff poured out his complaints.
“I saw when you faced the Martial Alliance Leader’s disciple. I am bound to lose, so why must I face you? That is my grievance.”
“That is difficult to reflect. I cannot forfeit, can I?”
“I understand. I am simply annoyed by this situation.”
“Then what about you forfeiting?”
“Even so, with the Chief watching, how could I forfeit in the finals? And with the championship prize, one of the Eighteen Famous Swords, Zhanlu, right before my eyes, it is awkward to flee.”
“But since you use staffs in the first place, does it even matter?”
“I can simply sell it. Even if not martial artists, there are always wealthy individuals who seek expensive, rare items.”
“That is true.”
Fearing his voice might carry outside the arena, the Mad Blood Iron Staff spoke with his voice thoroughly lowered. At this volume, even the absolute master Jang Gwang-yeong wouldn’t be able to hear.
The only ones listening to this conversation were the referee, Cheong-yu, myself, and the Mad Blood Iron Staff. Cheong-yu glanced at the Mad Blood Iron Staff with a slightly pathetic look.
“But you are surprisingly calm.”
“I am originally calm before strong individuals.”
He possessed selective anger issues, it seemed. In the unorthodox faction, it was an incredibly common, rotten type.
“Let’s begin now.”
As the chatter grew long, Cheong-yu intervened. The Mad Blood Iron Staff dropped his head. He looked like a cow being dragged to a slaughterhouse.
“Begin.”
With Cheong-yu’s declaration, the Mad Blood Iron Staff grabbed two iron staffs slung at his waist.
Still, the Mad Blood Iron Staff was a martial artist. As the match began, his dull eyes transformed.
“Hah!”
With a comical shout, the Mad Blood Iron Staff charged.
Although his shout was comical, his staff art was indeed unusual.
The two staffs aimed for my temple and behind my knees simultaneously.
I lifted my targeted leg and bent my neck backward to dodge. I stepped forward and thrust Myeong-ah.
To be honest, I thought the match would end with that attack. However, the Mad Blood Iron Staff indeed had a trick up his sleeve.
The Mad Blood Iron Staff, who was moving at an unavoidable speed, suddenly accelerated. Just as when I faced the Grand Eunuch of the Eastern Depot, he had been concealing his strength.
Although it was a strategy I had used myself, I hadn’t expected to fall for it, which took me by surprise. That meant his weak act before the match was all part of his strategy.
The iron staff grazed past my ribs. Although I barely twisted my body to dodge, there seemed to be a minor impact, enough to crack a bone.
Nevertheless, the gap between the Mad Blood Iron Staff and me clearly existed.
By this point, I understood why orthodox martial artists avoided and despised unorthodox martial arts. Unorthodox martial arts were rough and lacked intent, meaning their foundation was shallow. That was a highly vulnerable aspect the higher one climbed as an expert.
It was also the reason why the majority of absolute masters who ruled the murim were orthodox martial artists.
After exchanging a few blows, I easily placed my sword against the Mad Blood Iron Staff’s neck. The cold sensation of iron instantly halted the rapidly moving Mad Blood Iron Staff.
“Haha. My minor tricks do not work. I yield.”
Raising both hands, the Mad Blood Iron Staff admitted his defeat.
The victor of the Earth group in the New Justice Festival’s tournament was decided.