"I'm excited."
"Haha. Thanks to Elder Hwang, I'll get to see such an interesting event."
Hwang Mun-Yak smiled at the praise pouring in from the people around him.
"I have to thank you for accepting the invitation. I hope you didn't have a hard time coming all the way out here."
"Hahaha. I couldn't afford to miss this rare opportunity."
Blessings and cheers came and went. However, Hwang Mun-Yak didn't ignore that many of the people here were carefully examining the situation and trying to determine who would rise to the occasion at this conference.
There was no way that the people gathered here were simply there for idle entertainment.
Their interest was in the next generation of the two factions. Among them, most were there for the Southern Edge Sect.
The merchants and sects often seemed to be close yet distant at the same time. Considering how quickly a faction can rise or fall, everyone was sensitive to information concerning the strength of a sect. They were all hoping to invest in the next strong sect.
After all, power attracts wealth.
They are trying to estimate the future of the Southern Edge Sect by evaluating the younger generations' performance here.
"A fight between Mount Hua and the Southern Edge Sect. Isn't the opponent a bit disappointing, though?"
"You're right. If they were trying to display their strength, they should have called for a strong sect. Will they really be able to display their best against Mount Hua?"
The public spoke in hushed tones.
'This would be an objective evaluation.'
Hwang Mun-Yak didn't believe their assessments were wrong.
Mount Hua now seemed like a joke compared to its past a hundred years ago. There was a time when the Southern Edge Sect could do nothing compared to Mount Hua, which held one of the top positions among the Nine Great Sects. However, Mount Hua lost its place and collapsed, while the Southern Edge Sect grew to attain a position as one of the Ten Great Sects.
But…
Hwang Mun-Yak's gaze fell upon the disciples of Mount Hua gathered at one side. Hwang Mun-Yak frowned as he struggled to see Chung Myung.
'I don't think he's the type to lose.'
So, is that child hiding some kind of clever trick?
Hwang Mun-Yak smiled.
'It's a bit unpleasant to see others rushing into Mount Hua, but Mount Hua's reputation needs to spread for it to recover. So, this time, I cooperated with the young disciple without another thought.'
Hwang Mun-Yak's heart swelled with anticipation at what might soon unfold.
Standing in the center, Un Am looked at both sides of the hall, where the disciples of Mount Hua and the Southern Edge Sect stood opposing one another and spoke. It was a bit flustering since an audience had suddenly appeared, but there was no difficulty leading it since the conference had become a tradition.
"First, the representatives of each faction's disciples will engage each other one-on-one. Ten representatives of the second-class disciples will perform."
Un Am spoke resolutely.
"Initiate!"
As soon as his words ended, one person from each side stood up.
Jin Geum-Ryong and Baek Cheon.
Each of them was the leader of their sect's second-class disciples.
"Sahyung!"
"Sahyung! Do your best!"
"You must win!"
At the cheers of his juniors, Baek Cheon took a deep breath. His hardened face could show how nervous he was.
He turned his head, gave a final glance at his juniors, and proceeded to the center of the arena. Across from him, Jin Geum-Ryong strode forward in a relaxed manner.
The two men came face-to-face with one another.
"As expected."
Along with the Eunha Guild, there was another large figure present. The head of the Daebung Merchant Guild, Wei Zikae, smiled upon seeing Jin Geum-Ryong.
"Jin Geum-Ryong is said to be a remarkably talented disciple that will one day lead the Southern Edge Sect. He has a truly fantastic presence."
"That's how a young hero should be."
Jin Geum-Ryong, donning a white robe and wielding a wooden sword in one hand, captured the crowd's attention.
"But doesn't the one across from him also look great?"
"When you say that, well, they seem to look alike. Like black and white, two contrasting sides of a painting."
Baek Cheon, wearing a black uniform, stood tall against his foe.
"It feels like anticipation is rising in the air, but will Mount Hua's disciple really be able to match Jin Geum-Ryong?"
"I don't know. Mount Hua has indeed been weathering the storm for quite a while, but recently it feels like something about the sect has changed. If you think about the sect's impressive legacy…there may be some unexpected results."
Although that was said, no one genuinely thought Baek Cheon could defeat Jin Geum-Ryong.
The Mount Hua of today couldn't be compared to their past glory. Hasn't the crowd's lack of faith been proven by how they had already severed their ties with the sect long ago? If they believed there was still any hope left for Mount Hua, they would never have burned their bridges so completely.
What the audience expected was to see how strong the Southern Edge Sect had become.
Sama Seung's expression stiffened as he overheard the crowd's idle banter. He understood that they were only speaking empty pleasantries to save Mount Hua's dignity, but it left him feeling dirty.
'Show them. Geum-Ryong.'
The reality was that Mount Hua was in no position to even be mentioned alongside the Southern Edge Sect.
Hyun Jong bit his lip and looked at Baek Cheon.
'Show them everything you've got.'
So that there are no regrets.
While everyone had their own expectations and concerns, Jin Geum-Ryong and Baek Cheon faced off against each other.
And Jin Geum-Ryong spoke first.
"You came without running away."
Baek Cheon answered with a determined face.
"I am the Great Sahyung of Mount Hua's second-class disciples. There's no way that I could run."
"Big words, coming from you."
Jin Geum-Ryong raised his sword and pointed at Baek Cheon.
"Well, the smallest dogs are known to bark the loudest."
"Are you going to be bitten by a dog then?"
"I made a mistake. You aren't even a dog."
"You…"
"Try it once. As I said yesterday, I will show you. How insignificant you truly are."
Baek Cheon didn't bother responding. Instead, he briefly glanced at where Hyun Jong was sitting.
'Sect leader is watching.'
Now was the time to set aside his personal grudges and selfishness.
'I am the second-class disciple, Baek Cheon.'
Baek Cheon locked eyes with Jin Geum-Ryong. He, too, raised his wooden sword and squared off with his opponent.
Everyone watched as tension ignited the air.
One was the representative of Mount Hua, and the other was the Southern Edge Sect's pride.
Normally, it would make sense for these two to face off against each other at the end and close the event. However, according to the conference's tradition, these two will be the ones to open the event's proceedings.
In a way, this battle would potentially determine the conference's outcome entirely on its own. How could the audience not be bursting with anticipation?
The moment someone was about to speak, Baek Cheon moved.
Paaah!
The dull sound of the floor being struck clearly reverberated.
Continuing to sprint forward, Baek Cheon attempted to stab at Jin Geum-Ryong's neck with efficient moves lacking unnecessary flair.
Swoosh!
Instead of facing the incoming blade directly, Jin Geum-Ryong deftly side-stepped and avoided the strike.
Swish!
Baek Cheon's sword quickly pursued Jin Geum-Ryong. His wrist seemed to shake slightly, and soon an illusory sword technique was unleashed; it appeared as though dozens of strikes were being unleashed.
Mount Hua's colorful sword arts enveloped the training hall.
"Oh!"
"Amazing!"
"The children of Mount Hua seem to have great skills."
It was a splendid technique that made the people watching admire it.
Although the sword technique was displayed through a wooden sword, its sharpness matched that of a real blade. Yet, Jin Geum-Ryong stayed facing it. It was a wonder whether there was any way to deal with this onslaught.
The second and third-class disciples of Mount Hua could not help but clench their fists as they watched.
Jo Gul excitedly exclaimed.
"As expected of Baek Cheon sasuk! Sasuk's Cheong Yang Fierce Tiger Sword is truly the best!"
Mount Hua's disciples couldn't hide their excitement.
They knew.
How much Baek Cheon had trained until his bones gave way. After being humiliated at the last conference, Baek Cheon hadn't forgotten the disgrace he felt as he fully devoted himself to training.
It was Baek Cheon who volunteered for the closed-door training. The person capable of living the most pleasant life on Mount Hua chose to lock himself away and focus solely on the sword.
How could the disciples not support such a man?
Baek Cheon's sword shadow splendidly pursued Jin Geum-Ryong as it keenly sliced the air. Each and every movement was sharp enough to wound. It was hard to tell what was real or fake as the illusory blade mixed in complex movements.
Hyun Jong, who carefully observed every detail, clenched his fist.
'When did that child reach such a level?'
At that level, he wasn't far behind the Un disciples. He knew Baek Cheon was talented, but this was astonishing!
The eyes of Mount Hua's martial artists were colored with hope as they proudly watched Baek Cheon's display.
Perhaps…
It might be different this time.
Even Yoon Jong couldn't hide his shock and awe.
"Chung Myung! Sasuk is pushing him back!"
"Yes."
"Maybe we can win!"
"No way."
"Huh?"
Yoon Jong looked back at Chun Myung. Chung Myung was leaning back on his chair with a sullen face.
"If you want to win, you need to hit your enemy, but he can't even land a single blow."
"Still, we can win…."
"Does Sahyung's face look like someone that's sure of their victory?"
"Uh?"
Yoon Jong turned his head and looked at Baek Cheon again. Soon, he had no choice but to harden his expression.
Baek Cheon's face seemed to crumble as he appeared to be struggling.
'Why!'
Baek Cheon was swinging his sword with all his might.
The first step is intensely taken at the correct angle. Qi is raised and flows through the firm lower body through to the fingertips. Eventually, his sword is brandished with qi and swung with every fiber of his being.
Lightly, and lightly.
Light as a butterfly but sharp as a knife!
However, the light, yet sharp, sword never reached Jin Geum-Ryong's body.
'Why won't it reach!? Why!?'
So far away.
The opponent standing in front of Baek Cheon seemed too far away. It was like standing in front of a cliff that pierced high into the sky.
A cliff he couldn't dare to climb or cross.
Soaked in fear and perspiration, Baek Cheon screamed, unable to even wipe the sweat on his face.
"AAHHHH!"
One devastating blow.
Baek Cheon's final strike displayed an illusion of several swords, all piercing at Jin Geum-Ryong.
It was then.
Kang!
Jin Geum-Ryong wielded his sword for the first time and deflected Baek Cheon's technique.
With the sword stopped, the qi covering the field disappeared. Only then could Baek Cheon clearly see Jin Geum-Ryong's face.
Unlike Baek Cheon, who was sweating and drenched in sweat, Jin Geum-Ryong had neither shed a single drop of sweat nor had any difficulty breathing. Instead, he simply observed Baek Cheon with a cheeky smile covering his face.
"Have you had your fun?"
"… You."
"Stupid brat. No matter how hard you struggle to learn Mount Hua's martial arts, do you really think you could even touch the hair on my head?"
Jin Geum-Ryong's sword pierced Baek Cheon at an imperceptible speed.
Puak!
Baek Cheon fell to the floor with a gasp, unable to scream, as he was struck in the shoulder.
"Kua…"
Groaning, he forced himself to stand. When he raised his head, he saw Jin Geum-Ryong approaching him with a leisurely smile.
"You'll soon understand with your body. Just how much of an idiot you are."
Without mercy, Jin Geum-Ryong's sword fell on Baek Cheon.
The difference was known from the start.
Jin Geum-Ryong has been recognized for his talent since childhood. Among the people Baek Cheon knew, the one most suited to being called a genius was Jin Geum-Ryong.
He had already experienced defeat.
In the last conference, and even before that, Baek Cheon had never won against Jin Geum-Ryong. He was only ever left with the bitter taste of defeat.
But
'I thought I could narrow the gap this time.'
Because he worked so hard.
Chung Myung criticized his efforts as misguided, but Baek Cheon endured a bone-cutting ordeal for that training. At least, he was confident that he trained twice as much as Jin Geum-Ryong.
He believed that even if he couldn't win, he would have at least slightly bridged the divide between them.
But the reality was worse than he'd imagined.
Puck!
"Kuak!"
Jin Geum-Ryong's sword struck Baek Cheon's ankle. As he staggered back, he desperately clenched his teeth to sober himself enough to regain balance.
Baek Cheon's ankle would have been severed if this was a real sword. Thankfully, it wasn't a real sword but a wooden one.
But conversely, since this wasn't a real sword, he couldn't even accept defeat so easily.
'Why can't I reach you?'
'Why!?'
'I tried so hard!'
Puak!
Jin Geum-Ryong's sword flew again and hit Baek Cheon's other thigh.
The impact almost broke the bone. For a moment, Baek Cheon's distraught mind was lost to pain, but he neither groaned nor screamed. He slapped the floor with his wooden sword and tried to attack again.
"Euuhhhhhh!"
His sword aimed for Jin Geum-Ryong's head. A simple blow, but it was fast and sharp.
"Slow."
However, Jin Geum-Ryong took a step back and twisted his body to negate the attack.
Puck!
And Jin Geum-Ryong's sword struck Baek Cheon's left shoulder.
His flesh burst from the impact, and blood began to drip from the wound.
"Kuak."
It would only take one more attack for Jin Geum-Ryong to perfectly finish this match. However, he didn't end it and stepped back instead.
He looked down at Baek Cheon with an arrogant expression.
"Kuaak."
Baek Cheon, with one hand, pressed heavily on the ground and tried to raise himself up again.
"…"
Bloodshot eyes.
Despite the pain, he glared at Jin Geum-Ryong with a fierce will.
"Oh?"
Jin Geum-Ryong looked at Baek Cheon, a bit surprised.
"You're struggling so hard just to stand, but your spirit is still alive."
Jin Geum-Ryong raised his sword at Baek Cheon.
"But that spirit is all you have. You will remain unable to even touch the hem of my clothes for the rest of your life."
"… why?"
"You must really lack a brain. I already told you."
Taking a look around, Jin Geum-Ryong spoke.
"That's how great the difference between Mount Hua and the Southern Edge Sect is. The martial arts of Mount Hua cannot compare to the martial arts of the Southern Edge Sect. A hundred years may pass! Even if you had a thousand years! Nothing would change!"
An arrogant declaration.
But no one could refute Jin Geum-Ryong. Even the elders of Mount Hua could only listen and bite their lips, but they could not bring themselves to decry his remark.
Hyun Jong shut his eyes tightly.
'How long must we endure this? How far does he intend to go?'
Who could understand this situation? The elders of the sect were unable to condemn or punish a second-class disciple despite him uttering such humiliating words.
'My disciples'
'Forgive me.'
But Jin Geum-Ryong's arrogance didn't end there.
He smiled at Baek Cheon.
"If you still want to catch up to me even after this, then you'd better leave Mount Hua. There's no future here. The only thing left for this ruined sect is ridicule."
Baek Cheon clenched his teeth.
"I… am a disciple of Mount Hua."
"Well, that's fine. Then if that's the case…."
Jin Geum-Ryong took his sword in hand and rushed at Baek Cheon.
Baek Cheon tried to somehow defend himself, but his arm failed to respond.
Puak!
A vicious sound rang out as Baek Cheon was struck another dozen times before he collapsed.
Thud!
Jin Geum-Ryong glanced at Baek Cheon, who fell unconscious and grinned.
"I need to show you. Ah, my bad. It's a little too late now."
With a sly smirk, he retrieved his sword and stepped over the body of Baek Cheon. Steadily walking, he returned to his group.
Defeat.
A complete defeat.
"Sahyung!"
"Sasuk!!"
At that moment, all of Mount Hua's disciples ran to the center of the hall.
"Sa-Sasuk!"
"D-Don't mess with me!"
"…"
Baek Sang, who carefully held the unconscious Baek Cheon, was silent for a moment as he bowed his head. Then, he turned his head to glare with a grim expression.
"Isn't this too much!?"
Jin Geum-Ryong, who was walking back to his sect, turned and looked at Baek Sang.
"What's too much?"
"This is just a spar! How can you injure your opponent so harshly!?"
"Spar… isn't that exactly why he ended up like that?"
"… what?"
Jin Geum-Ryong smiled.
"If this had been a battle with real swords, do you think he would simply be unconscious?"
"…"
"It's because this was a spar that he's able to stay alive. Am I wrong?"
"How dare you…."
"Don't get too angry."
"…"
Jin Geum-Ryong spoke with a grin.
"Even I'm a bit flustered here. I didn't think he would be so weak. I thought he could at least defend himself. Maybe I expected too much; I apologize."
Baek Sang bit his lip so hard he nearly drew blood.
A perfect defeat.
And over-the-top mockery afterward.
Baek Sang wanted to drag that guy out and tear him apart if he could.
But there was nothing Baek Sang could do about it.
"Take Sahyung to the treatment hall! Right now!"
"Yes!"
The sajaes holding Baek Cheon quickly carried him away while Baek Sang pulled out his wooden sword.
"Let's see what this Southern Edge bastard's sword is worth!"
"There's no need to refuse. Seo-Han."
"Yes! Sahyung!"
"Face him!"
"Yes!"
Jong Seo-Han entered the arena with a grin.
Seeing him walk so leisurely, Baek Sang tightly grasped his sword.
Contrary to the oppressive atmosphere forming between the disciples, the audience was enthused and deeply interested.
"So astonishing."
"Baek Cheon was stronger than I thought, but Jin Geum-Ryong's achievements exceed my expectations."
"He is truly a man worthy of the praise he's received. With such a fine disciple, wouldn't the Southern Edge Sect be eligible to compete with the top sects?"
"I know. Hahaha."
Hwang Mun-Yak's expression went stiff.
'This is why they are merchants.'
A man was being carried away in a miserable condition, but no one paid any attention to that.
The crowd was only interested in Jin Geum-Ryong, and how they could grasp onto the Southern Edge Sect in order to grow their wealth.
Hwang Mun-Yak isn't much different from them, but he couldn't hide his disgust at their actions in such moments.
'This is a disastrous defeat.'
Baek Cheon and Jin Geum-Ryong.
Even if the representatives of two sects faced off, such a one-sided defeat was normally not possible. Mount Hua's momentum would halt with such embarrassing results, and morale would sink.
Until the end, Baek Cheon never managed to land a single blow on Jin Geum-Ryong.
If the conference continued like this, Mount Hua would never be able to regain its past glory.
No, most likely, the sect's downfall would accelerate. Because no one would be willing to acknowledge them.
No matter how heavily Hwang Mun-Yak supported them, reviving the sect would be impossible. This would be a death sentence.
'Ugh. What the hell are you thinking?'
He thought that Chung Myung would have some plan, so he gathered the most influential people he could. But this was starting to go horribly wrong.
'Was I overestimating the young disciple?'
Hwang Mun-Yak looked at Chung Myung.
"… is Sasuk fine?"
"There's no way he's fine."
"Is he seriously hurt?"
"Badly."
"…"
Chung Myung's dispassionate response evoked a serious and angered reaction from Yoon Jong.
"No matter how bad our relationship is, that man is still our Sasuk! Are you seriously fine with our senior receiving such horrible treatment!?"
"Calm down, Sahyung."
"You bastard!"
"I told you to calm down."
Yoon Jong was shaken at how calm Chung Myung was. This was different from Chung Myung's usual nature.
"You never thought he could win?"
"…"
Yoon Jong bit his lip.
He didn't expect Sasuk to win. But… just the bare minimum at least. Baek Cheon was someone that carried the expectations of everyone in Mount Hua.
Perhaps the reason Yoon Jong was angry now wasn't because of Baek Cheon's injuries but because of his horrible defeat.
'Is the gap between the Southern Edge Sect and us this big?'
The Ten Great Sects. The Ten Great Sects are incredibly powerful. But the disciples of Mount Hua never cared much about it. Probably because Mount Hua once belonged to that same group.
Although the sect had fallen, Yoon Jong believed that they could one day compete amongst the Ten Great Sects again with enough effort and luck.
However, it seemed like those sects were much stronger than he imagined.
Chung Myung smiled bitterly.
"If everything could be solved by effort alone, then everyone in this world could become a master. What matters isn't how hard we try; it's about how you apply your effort."
"…"
"Watch. Take a good look from now. All the second-class disciples will lose."
"All of them?"
"There is not even one here who can defeat them. No, there is one, but I don't think that person will fight."
Yoon Jong's face went stiff.
In the last conference, there were two draws and eight losses.
That itself was a disaster, and this time where won't even be a draw?
"… if we lose like this..."
It'll be miserable.
But Chung Myung stared at Yoon Jong with wide eyes.
"Lose? Who's going to lose?"
"What? You just said…."
"That's just the second-class disciples!"
"…"
Chung Myung blinked his eyes.
"Who's going to let those Southern Edge bastards return from Mount Hua with a victory? Who will let them!? As long as my two eyes are open, I will never see that happen! Even if my eyes get dirt in them, I refuse to see that sight!"
"…"
"So, relax your body. Maybe we should try and do something flashy."
"No, the—"
It was then.
"Aacccck!"
Yoon Jong quickly turned his head only for the sight of Baek Sang, lying brutally beaten on the floor, to flood his vision.
Jong Seo-Han kicked the fallen man while he was down.
"Think you can still put up a fight?"
"Uh…"
"It seems you're all talk."
Jong Seo-Han looked at Baek Sang and then at the disciples of Mount Hua. Then he made an arrogant gesture as if looking down on them.
Chung Myung's mouth opened.
"No, but that bastard, what's with him?"
"Catch him again!"
The third-class disciples rushed in and grabbed Chung Myung, who was ready to charge in.
Seeing that, Jong Seo-Han was dumbfounded and laughed.
"I get to see all kinds of things here. Well, you are just an unknown sect, so it's understandable."
"Oh?"
Chung Myung's eyes widened.
"Let's see how long you can keep smiling!"
'You were the one who called for me!'
'Now it's too late to regret it!'
"… Sect leader."
Hyun Jong just closed his eyes without saying anything.
"…. Shouldn't we stop this?"
Hyun Sang spoke with a trembling voice. But Hyun Jong couldn't answer him.
Stop?
How does one stop this?
They were in the presence of so many influential leaders.
'We can't handle the Southern Edge Sect. If we continue, the children will only get injured, so it might be better to end this now.'
Was that what he should say?
That would be a complete disgrace to Mount Hua's name.
Even if Mount Hua was on the verge of collapse… no, since they were on the verge of collapse, they have something they must absolutely protect. Their name and their pride.
If they were unable to safeguard their pride and the reputation of their name, then Mount Hua would no longer be a top-class sect facing ruination. They would truly become a third-rate sect undeserving of respect.
That would be the moment that Mount Hua truly collapses.
Hyun Jong couldn't allow that. Not for the sake of his own honor but to protect the possibility that Mount Hua could someday be revived. So, as the sect leader, he could only remain silent in this situation.
However, the circumstances were so bad that even Hyun Sang, who understood Hyun Jong's plight, couldn't help but speak out.
Consecutive losses.
Nine times in a row.
They had already achieved the worst outcome of any conference yet. But the biggest issue wasn't about winning or losing, but the content of the battles.
Nine disciples went forward, and not a single one of them could even touch their opponent. It was like watching a child challenge an adult. No, maybe that would be less tragic than this.
All the important leaders of Shaanxi were watching.
'How can we handle this disgrace?'
Hyun Jong's eyes trembled.
It felt like his five viscera were being torn apart inside his body. It wasn't the humiliation that bothered him; it was the despair his disciples were experiencing.
Unable to gauge the strength of their opponent, they pushed these children into this hopeless battle. Thinking of the emotional impact this would have on the children, who suffered because of the incompetent elders, the sect leader wanted to chop himself to pieces.
"Sect leader…"
Hyun Jong opened his eyes as he let out a sigh.
"… this is saddening."
"But…"
"Aren't you upset with me?"
It was then.
"kuak!"
The last of the second-class disciples fell to the floor as his sword fell from his hand.
For a swordsman to lose their sword is a greater disgrace than death. The Southern Edge Sect's disciple was so skillful that they only aimed for the wrist until they achieved their desired results.
"I don't understand how a swordsman could let go of his sword. Doesn't Mount Hua teach you what that means?"
Mockery.
Even with such insulting ridicule, no one could speak out.
Ten consecutive losses.
There was no result more disastrous than this. The faces of Mount Hua's elders were horribly contorted.
'Did it have to turn out like this?'
They thought they had finally gotten the opportunity to resurrect Mount Hua. Good things had constantly been happening lately.
But they were too immersed in their dreams; they forgot how cruel reality was. In the end, Mount Hua is a martial sect. Any luxury was meaningless if it wasn't supported by strength.
Everyone there became keenly aware of this harsh fact.
"Well done!"
"Yes, elder!"
Sama Seung patted Ark Ho on the shoulders.
The result was satisfactory.
Not only did everyone win, but every battle was entirely one-sided. The most encouraging aspect was that this was accomplished in full view of Shaanxi's officials.
'Now Mount Hua's fame will fall to the ground and never rise again.'
Hadn't they dreamed of this situation countless times over the past few generations? Sama Seung felt honored that he would be present to witness the sect's long-cherished desire be fulfilled.
Perhaps by now, the audience understood the situation.
Unsurprisingly, murmured gossip could be heard.
"This is too one-sided."
"Still, I had some expectations for Mount Hua… it seems that the past is the past, and the present is the present. Mount Hua can no longer be thought of as it was in the past."
"Didn't we already know that?"
"Still, this is too miserable… in fact, I really can't tell if the Southern Edge Sect is strong or if Mount Hua is just too weak."
"Isn't it both?"
"A pity. So unfortunate. It seems like Mount Hua is really finished. All in vain…."
Sama Seung smiled as he heard it.
Public opinion had shifted towards the Southern Edge Sect. However, Sama Seung's purpose here wasn't to elevate the name of his sect; his goal was to send Mount Hua plummeting into the abyss.
To do that, even the sprouts needed to be burned to the ground.
"Now, it is time to end this. Did you see what your seniors did?"
"Yes, elder!"
The third-class disciples of the Southern Edge Sect looked determined.
"Do not hesitate."
Sama Seung's eyes shone.
"A lion does its best even when hunting a rabbit. Do not show mercy. You need to destroy them so horribly that they never think of learning martial arts again."
"Yes! I will keep it in mind!"
Sama Seung looked up at the sky with a sly grin.
'Such a clear day.'
And such a good day too.
"…"
Yoon Jong was at a loss for words.
He couldn't bear to look at the second-class disciples gathered on the side. Even without seeing their expressions, he could tell how much despair they were drowning in.
And it was the same for the third-class disciples.
'The difference between our sects is this big?'
The conferences held until now also ended in defeat, but it was never like this. It was never so one-sided. This conference gave off the feeling of a man casually stepping on a gathering of ants.
That was when they realized that Mount Hua had never dealt with the true Southern Edge Sect.
"… is it our turn?"
"…"
The faces of the third-class disciples darkened.
It was true that they trained under Chung Myung, but the gap in abilities that they witnessed completely crushed their confidence.
No, everyone has probably given up…
That wasn't even the main problem…
Yoon Jong looked at Chung Myung, who was sitting next to him.
And gasp! He held his breath.
Crack!
The sound of teeth gnashing made his heart sink. Chung Myung's face was boiling red like it would explode.
".."
Every time one of the seniors was defeated, Chung Myung's face would turn a slightly deeper shade of red; he now looked like a red plum.
Seeing Chung Myung's face, Yoon Jong grabbed the hem of his uniform.
'This bastard is going to lose control soon.'
Three years in the temple, and one becomes good at reciting scripture. Three months next to Chung Myung, and one will become a master of reading the room!
Yoon Jong spoke with a trembling voice.
"Chu—Chung Myung, let's calm down."
"… calm down?"
When Yoon Jong heard Chung Myung's crooked voice, he felt his heart sink… no, he couldn't give up! This was a conference between two sects! Not just the sect leader, but the people of the Southern Edge Sect and Shaanxi are watching!
If this guy had lost control, something even worse than the second-class disciples losing would happen.
Yoon Jong began to look at Chung Myung as if trying to soothe a rabid dog.
"Ch–Chung Myung. Think carefully. Remember what you said yesterday. In order for a person to accomplish great things, patience is the most important thing!"
"… patience."
"Right! Patience!"
"… Sahyung."
"Yes, Chung Myung. I remember those words well…."
"I've been thinking."
"About?"
Chung Myung turned his head slowly, very slowly, to the side and matched Yoon Jong's gaze.
And
Yoon Jong saw him.
Chung Myung's eyes were half out of control.
"… I."
Chung Myung growled like an animal and stood up.
"Don't have any sense of patience in me!"
That isn't something to be proud of.
You bastard!
Un Am took a deep breath. His face was pale, no longer able to handle this. He wanted to walk out and leave. But, unless the sect leader instructed him, he couldn't stop.
"Next… we will hold the exchange of the third-class disciples. Of them—"
It was then.
"Catch him! Don't ever let go of him!"
"Chung Myung! You're supposed to go last!"
"People are watching! People are watching! Please! Don't do this!"
Un Am was bewildered as he looked at the third-class disciples.
It seemed like they were united in trying to block someone as that person continued to push forward with glistening eyes.
'Chung Myung?'
What's wrong with that kid?
Un Am had his doubts, but he had to finish his speech. This was his role, and there were many people watching.
"So, the vanguard is—"
"Kuaaaak!"
But Un Am's words were cut off once again.
As soon as he tried to announce the competitors, Chung Myung escaped from his sahyungs' clutches and jumped forward.
"Phew."
Chung Myung stepped into the arena and took a deep breath. Then he looked to the Southern Edge Sect's side and spoke.
"One of you, quickly get up here!"
"…"
"Anyone works. Come up quick."
Sama Seung spoke.
"… that crazy bastard!"
He knew that this child was crazy, but this was a whole different level. Not just the Southern Edge Sect, but he even dared to speak such arrogant words in the presence of Shaanxi's officials!
"Elder, calm down."
Jin Geum-Ryong quickly stopped Sama Seung from losing his composure.
"We can't run around and fall into his pace. He'll be in pain soon enough."
"Hmmm!"
Seeing that Sama Seung was still greatly displeased, Jin Geum-Ryong coughed and called out.
"Woo-Ryang!"
"Yes, Sasuk!"
Seon Woo-Ryang, the disciple chosen to deal with Chung Myung, resolutely nodded his head.
"The schedule has changed, but it doesn't make any difference for us. Complete your role."
"Yes! Sasuk! Don't worry!"
Seon Woo-Ryang grabbed his wooden sword and quickly arrived in front of Chung Myung.
Then, he aimed his sword at Chung Myung.
"I will crush that arrogant mouth of yours. I'm Southern Edge Sect's…"
Instantly, Chung Myung disappeared from where he stood and manifested in front of his foe.
"Seon—"
He saw it.
A furious Asura-like visage appeared in front of him. The figure seemed like it was coated in darkness.
Darkness?
In broad daylight…
Ah, it wasn't dark; something covered his sight. Since it was right in front of him, this…
'Is a fist?'
At that moment.
Unlike anything the crowd had heard since entering Mount Hua, an explosive sound echoed throughout the hall.
Paaaaakkkkkkkk!
It rotates!
Seon Woo-Ryang's body spun through the air more than a dozen times before falling to the ground.
"…"
Seon Woo-Ryang's body, which was plastered to the floor, convulsed pitifully as if he had some medical condition.
Seeing his collapsed enemy, Chung Myung spoke as if dumbfounded.
"I'm not joking around."
I am going to make you all beg for death.