“Heaaaad!”
The momentum of Mount Hua was unstoppable.
Of course, blowing opponents away with a single strike, as they did in the first preliminary round, is now uncommon.
Essentially, opponents are becoming wary of Mount Hua Sect disciples, and only the strong have survived.
Mount Hua’s disciples, on the other hand, swept their opponents aside, not allowing a single defeat until the final day of the preliminary round.
It’s very relaxing.
He felt as if the things that had accumulated in his heart were being pierced.
Wei Lishan, who was smiling at the scene, smacked his lips, indicating that something had been caught.
‘Everything is fine.’
Everything is fantastic.
But why………..
“Do you call that a sword? You should come to Mount Hua and climb a cliff, too!”
“Where are you sticking your head in front of me?”
“Waist! Waist! Waist! Waist! Ankle!”
“Are you avoiding this? Did you avoid it? Come on, let’s go crazy today!”
“…….”
‘Why…….’
‘Why did they all end up like that? How did they get to that point? ‘
Wei Lishan recalled a previous visit to Mount Hua.
Even though the old, half-collapsed temple hall represented the epitome of a ruined sect, the Taoists of Mount Hua who lived within it all had a Taoist appearance.
How badly did he want that bright and sunny look?
It wasn’t simply to continue his predecessors’ support for Mount Hua. It was because the image of Mount Hua he saw as a child remained so clear and powerful.
But now, um…
“Good job! Head! Head!”
“…….”
‘Pretending to be a happy child… No, he’s still a kid. He is, after all, a child, but…! ‘
Anyway, looking at Wei Sohaeng, whom he adores, makes his stomach churn… … . ‘I’m not sure what I’m supposed to think about this.’
The head is concerned, but the chest is warming up and the hips move naturally.
When he sees the disciples of Mount Hua pushing the rising stars of the Great Five Family and the Ten Great Sect, whom they were so afraid of, he wonders if this is a dream or reality.
‘How did Mount Hua become so powerful?’
Of course, Wei Lishan has already seen Chung Myung and his party’s performance with his own eyes.
But that’s a different story.
Regardless of their status, people with genius talents frequently appear in a sect. Such people elevate the status of the sect and lay the groundwork for it to become well-known.
In other words, people like Chung Myung and Baek Chun can appear anywhere and at any time.
It’s certainly a good thing, but it doesn’t demonstrate the sect’s capability.
But…….
‘How come everyone is so strong?’
They’re not going to lose, are they?
During this competition?
Wei Lishan’s eyes blinked.
It is not a sloppy competition in which neighbors gather and fight for a drop of alcohol. It is a sparring competition in which rising stars from the world’s most prestigious sects gather and compete.
Is it possible, however, to not lose a single round even though it is a preliminary round?
Wei Lishan looked around, his face expressionless.
There was something else he couldn’t put his finger on. The only disciples who are ecstatic about this ridiculous outcome are those of the Huayin Sect.
Mount Hua’s disciples simply stared blankly, as if they took this for granted or if their colleagues were uninterested in fighting.
Ttaak!
Yoon Jong, who struck the opponent’s neck with his sword, speaks quietly while looking at the fallen opponent.
“It wasn’t bad, but you’ll have to try a little harder.”
Of course, it’s not as simple as Mount Hua’s disciples thought.
Yoon Jong applauded as he exited the stage.
“Really…… it’s really cool!”
Wei Sohaeng’s vision is blurry.
That was exactly what he had hoped for.
The image of Mount Hua’s disciples breaks through many famous disciples and makes Kangho aware of their existence.
He was relieved to see such a sight in real life, but he was also dazed.
Should he admit that it doesn’t feel real?
‘How can everyone be so powerful?’
Chung Myung and his party were initially formidable. But he didn’t expect the other Mount Hua disciples to be this powerful.
In addition…
‘Didn’t she also win?’
Wei Sohaeng’s gaze was drawn to Tang Soso, who sat beside him.
He’s heard she hasn’t been on Mount Hua for long, but she’s also the same.
This gave Wei Sohaeng hope.
‘Can I do it?’
He fixed his gaze on Tang Soso.
She turned her head as she ate jerky, as if she felt the gaze.
“What?”
“N-No… It’s not…….”
Wei Sohaeng paused, rolling her eyes.
Tang Soso then drew the jerky basket from the side and moved it toward Wei Sohaeng.
“Don’t go after other people’s jerky. Your hands going to fly.”
“…….”
Yoo Iseol then returned after finishing her match. Tang Soso then jumped out of her seat and dashed away with a wet towel and a bottle of water that she had prepared ahead of time.
“Sago! Sago! Here!”
“Thank you.”
“Hehe. Don’t mention it.”
Wei Sohaeng smiled as he looked at Tang Soso, who had a completely different expression on his face than when he looked at him.
‘Oh, she’s from Mount Hua.’
Anyone could tell she belonged to Mount Hua. Anyone!
Chung Myung, who was sitting at the time, stood up and stretched his body as he yawned.
“Oh, I’m bored. How much do we have left?”
“There’s only one match left.”
“Who is it?”
“Baek Sang.”
Chung Myung gave the nod.
“If it’s Baek Sang Sasuk, he’ll be able to win easily.”
“Right, he’s one of the strongest among the second-class disciples.”
People like Baek Chun, Yoo Iseol, Yoon Jong, and Jo Gol walk on completely different levels within Mount Hua.
With the exception of the five, including Chung Myung, Baek Sang competed for the title of Mount Hua’s strongest second-class disciple.
They can’t imagine Baek Sang losing when everyone else did so without a hitch.
“Tell him to finish it quickly. What kind of sparring is this boring?”
“…….”
Baek Chun’s mouth corners trembled slightly.
Aside from the boredom of prestigious descendants fighting for honor, it is clear that this guy is mentally ill.
“It’ll be over soon. It’s Baek Sang’s turn if they over on that stage.”
“That stage?”
Chung Myung’s gaze was drawn to the stage indicated by Baek Chun.
“Hum.”
Chung Myung smiled as he noticed a man on stage wielding a massive sword.
“It’s Namgung something.”
“Yes, it’s Mountain Breaking Sword” (Previously Break Mountain Sword)
Baek Chun spoke in hushed tones. Chung Myung looked at the Mountain Breaking Sword with new eyes, feeling the fighting spirit revealed in that tone of voice.
‘He’s quite strong.’
There must be someone in the world who,
With their abilities and origins, the giants strive for the one and only place under Heaven.
Namgung Dohui, the Mountain Breaking Sword, was such a man.
If it hadn’t been for Chung Myung, that name would have been among those vying for the world’s strongest martial artist title.
“What do you think?”
“What?”
“Can you win?”
Baek Chun slightly raised the corners of his lips.
“Of course, I have to compete to know…….”
“But?”
“… can’t.”
Chung Myung cocked his chin.
What is lacking?
“I can’t afford to lose. You damn bastard.”
“Oh? Our Dongryong…”
Baek Chun pulled out his sword.
“No, Baek Chun Sasuk is full of confidence.”
Chung Myung quickly corrected himself and laughed.
“Sasuk. I have a question.”
“Huh?”
“Can I ask you a question?”
Baek Chun looked downcast at Chung Myung. Maybe he gets anxious when this guy comes out like this because of what he’s been through.
“…what is it?”
“Sasuk is Jin Dongryong, right?”
“It’s Baek Chun!”
“Your brother is Jin Geum Ryong.”
“……then?”
Chung Myung inquires, a smile on his face.
“Then there must be Silver Dragon too, right?” (Eunryong. In case you forgot, Geum Ryong gold dragon, Dongryong Bronze Dragon.)
“……there is. My second brother.”
“Really?”
“He probably wouldn’t have been chosen as the representative because he wasn’t very talented in martial art.”
‘Oh my gosh, there was a silver dragon as well.’
Chung Myung shivered as he looked in the direction of Southern Edge Sect.
“I don’t know what kind of man Sasuk’s father is, but I know one thing. Sasuk father’s naming skills are like Asura’s from hell.”
“……I feel sad to have to sympathize with that.”
Dongryong Jin… No, Baek Chun tightly closed his eyes.
“Anyway, Sasuk. Don’t let your guard down.”
“Yes?”
“He’s strong.”
Chung Myung, who had become a little serious before he realized it, said to the Mountain Breaking Sword.
“Genius show nonsense once in a while. Common sense is ignored such as the strength of training, understanding of swords, and experience, and makes an incomprehensible achievement.”
“He’s such a genius?”
“Probably.”
Baek Chun’s gaze was drawn to the man on stage.
‘Namgung Dohui.’
He’s never heard Chung Myung be so kind to others.
Isn’t Chung Myung treating Jin Geum Ryong, whom Baek Chun saw as a lifelong barrier and a genius whom he couldn’t beat even if he poured everything, like a worm?
But such a genius now…….
‘I’m becoming enraged.’
Baek Chun’s eyes froze.
‘I’m going to break it.’
It was at this point that Baek Chun made up his mind. Chung Myung snuck up on him.
“Are you conscious of him?”
“How could I not be?”
“Ho? There’s still Geum Ryong left, and you’re conscious of what Namgung is doing?”
“Hyung-nim is not a big deal.”
It was a trivial conversation. Chung Myung laughed.
“Oh. Our Baek Chun Sasuk is now learning how to speak arrogantly. Jin Geum Ryong is now nothing.”
“Huh? Did I say that?”
Baek Chun scratched the back of his head with a slightly awkward expression.
“No, that’s not what I meant…..”
“Sasuk.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t be arrogant.”
“…….”
Baek Chun shivered. Chung Myung’s eyes sank coldly before he knew it.
“It’s normal for frogs not to remember their tadpole days. Strong people don’t remember when they’re weak. So they don’t care about those who are weaker than them.”
“…….”
“But among those frogs, the only ones that can be real goldfish are those who remember that he was a tadpole.”
Chung Myung, who had spoken up to that point, shrugged and relaxed his face.
“I know you’ll feel good about being strong. But if you don’t look under your feet, you’ll get caught by someone who crawls up. By then, your ankle will fly away.”
Baek Chun slightly licked his lips.
He was relieved now, but every time Chung Myung made a serious face, he felt pressure in his chest, as if his heart was tightening.
‘I know, but he doesn’t know who I am.’
This is not simply a strength-based momentum. Should he claim that it is the dignity of the man himself?
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Yes, you should. That’s how our Dongryong……. Hey! Why are you pulling out your sword again!”
Baek Chun smiled and removed his grip on the sword. And he inquired.
“So you are a goldfish who always looks under himself?”
“What? Hey, what are you talking about? I’m not.”
“Huh?”
Back Chun bowed his head in disbelief at the sudden humility.
‘You aren’t?’
Chung Myung then pointed to himself and stretched out his stomach.
“I’m either a dragon or a phoenix. A dragon is a dragon even if it’s a baby.”
“…….”
“And Sasuk is a frog. Don’t you understand?”
“……This punk?”
Chung Myung was about to be strangled by Baek Chun.
Kwaaang!
With a loud clap, dirt rose around the sparring stage.
When the dust had settled, the figure of Namgung Dohui could be seen standing proudly in the center.
“The winner is Namgung Dohui of Namgung Family!”
Namgung Dohui collapsed with an unimpressed expression, as if he had won a natural victory.
“That’s bad luck.”
“Right. It’s like someone from the old days.”
“What did I do?”
“I didn’t say anything, but here’s someone with numb feet.”
“Hnng.”
Baek Chun was speechless and groaned.
He was powerless to deny it. In the past, Baek Chun would have won and walked off the stage with that expression.
“That man will come to his sense when his head is broken.”
“Ho? Are you confident?”
“I have to, of course!”
Baek Chun’s teeth were clenched.
His ultimate objective is to defeat Chung Myung. But he can’t get caught in this place.
“That’s a good answer. But it’s not just Namgung Dohui. There were some really noticeable guys.”
“…Really?”
Chung Myung gives the nod.
“Maybe the finals will depend on how you meet them. It’s better to leave as many as possible. Hmm.”
Chung Myung rubbed his chin.
“But those Shaolin bastards won’t make it like that. At least they’ll manipulate it.”
“Manipulation? Shaolin doing manipulation?”
“What are you talking about? Do you think they’re gonna feed these kids and put them to sleep for free? If you have something to gain, you get it.”
Chung Myung’s words caused Baek Chun to narrow his eyes.
‘That is correct.’
He had vague expectations that only Shaolin would not do that for some reason. That hope appears to have been dashed.
“Anyway, let’s finish the preliminary round and think about it. Baek Sang Sasuk is going to be the last one to go?”
“Yes, he’s going up there.”
Baek Chun and Chung Myung stood back and watched the performance. Baek Sang was standing in front of a Shaolin monk wearing a yellow cloth.
‘Am I the last one?’
In a relaxed motion, Baek Sang drew his sword.
‘I can’t be the only one who loses when everyone else succeeds.’ I’ll beat him and finish the preliminary round undefeated.’
A convincing win in the preliminary round.
This result will be remembered as Mount Hua’s greatest achievement in recent years.
Hwaryongjomjong (화룡점정.). (Ascending Hua Dragon? I’m not sure.)
Baek Sang approached his opponent as if he were drawing the last eye in a colorful dragon painting.
‘He doesn’t appear to be strong.’
A young face and a slightly tender-looking body. He had a distinct impression that he had come to gain experience rather than to test his skills.
‘But it’s Shaolin, regardless.’
Baek Sang was well aware of it.
Many strong people believe their opponent appears weak from the outside and then falls into hell.
Isn’t it obvious just by looking at Chung Myung? He would never have thought Chung Myung looked strong if he had met him somewhere else as an adversary.
And he’ll almost certainly break his head if he fights rashly.
‘Do not relax your guard. I do my best no matter what.’
“Go!”
Baek Sang greeted as soon as the call to compete for the match rang. (How should I explain this, it was like a ceremony greeting that someone would do before fighting in Murim.)
“I’m coming!”
First, look at the reaction of the opponent with Maehwabun (매화분(梅花紛) Literally Tangled Plum Blossom in Chinese, kinda?), and then immediately followed by the Twenty-four Plum Blossom Sword method…..
‘Huh?’
Baek Sang noticed it at that precise moment.
The sight of his opponent’s outstretched fist is tinged with brilliant gold.
“Huuh?”
And it was the last thing Baek Sang remembered.
Bang!
The golden power emanating from the Shaolin monk’s fist stretched out and swept Baek Sang away with a short, massive boom.
“Aaaarghhh!”
Baek Sang screamed and flew beyond the arena, landing in front of the audience.
“Wha-What!”
“That’s crazy!”
Not only the spectators, but also the Mount Hua disciples, were startled and jumped up from their seats.
Chung Myung, too, stood up in surprise.
“Ba- Baekshinkwon? What the hell is that bastard?!”
Chung Myung’s eyes, which were fixed on the Shaolin monk on stage, grew as big as lanterns.