Chapter 47

This aged leader of the martial arts world did not expect his heart to be passed on to everyone. He held only a small hope that among them, even just a few might someday become successors capable of replacing him.

Yoo Jeong-hong declared with a smile.

“Now, let us begin the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Assembly.”

Applause and cheers erupted from all around. As Yoo Jeong-hong returned to his seat, Dan Woo-sung crossed his arms again, briefly reflecting on the leader’s words.

‘Because we are the White Path.’

It didn’t mean that being the White Path gave them exceptional pride, that being the White Path granted them privilege, or that being the White Path meant justice was theirs alone. He took it to mean simply that people gathered here were those who sought to uphold the way of humanity.

For that simple purpose, that old man had lost much. Wasn’t it a declaration that he would never abandon the path of the White Path until his dying breath?

The difference between the White Path and the Sima Heresy was that the White Path always stood here.

Whether the opponent is strong or weak, whether I am strong or weak, those who fight while holding fast to their convictions until they perish can be called true white swords.

That is why white swords are stubborn madmen.

Even as Dan Woo-sung was lost in sentiment, the emcee called out the participants’ nicknames.

“Finalists Kwon Gak and Hebei Twin Spears, to the arena. The first final match begins.”

The host’s voice signaled the start of the Dragon Phoenix Grand Tournament.

What more words or sentiment were needed?

Now it was Dan Woosung’s turn to witness the true prowess of the White Path.

Cheol Myeong-ho, who had been watching from the separate makeshift shelter where the recruits waited, stared blankly at Dan Woo-seong. Dan Woo-seong also looked at Cheol Myeong-ho.

Neither could tolerate the cringe-worthy story.

Simultaneously, both men clicked their tongues and turned away. Danwooseong then headed toward the martial arts stage without a word.

The Hebei Twin-Sword Master who had ascended from the opposite side was already relaxing the tension that had seeped into his neck and shoulders on the stage.

Dan Woosung had never faced a master of the twin blades before.

Two short spears were crossed and stuck into his back. They were longer than a long sword but naturally shorter than a spear. However, since they were made entirely of metal, including the shaft, they appeared to be heavy weapons.

Seeing his opponent carried no weaponry, the Hebei Twin-Spears’ face lit up with bright energy. Even men who fought with fists often attached menacing blades to their knuckle dusters.

Hebei Twin Spears asked.

“Are you a fist fighter?”

Dan Wooseong wanted to retort like this.

‘Yeah, I’m the King of Fists.’

Of course, he didn’t say it aloud; he merely gave a slight nod.

Among the participants, the most common types in order are swords, swords, and spears. Fist fighters were either extremely skilled masters or utterly mediocre novices—their martial arts were that extreme.

Hebei Twin Spears thought positively.

‘This should be an easy win.’

He was a stranger, and the nickname ‘Fist Master’ was unfamiliar. Moreover, he didn’t seem affiliated with any sect or martial arts school.

‘I can win.’

He gave himself a mental boost.

The host said.

“Begin.”

As Danwooseong and Haebukssangchang assumed their stances, the emcee on the dais briefly continued.

“Begin.”

There is no separate judge on the stage. For the judge is none other than the spectators themselves, including the leader Yoo Jeong-hong.

The two men walked across the wide stage for a moment, closing the distance between them.

Since lightness skills are crucial in martial artists’ battles, the stage was quite spacious.

As they closed the distance, Hebei Twin Spears silently drew the twin spears strapped to his back with both hands. Hebei Twin Spears spoke with an expression overflowing with confidence.

“Let’s begin.”

Dan Woo-sung stopped abruptly, pulling the knuckle dusters he’d received from Hwa Eun-wol tightly onto his hands.

After briefly sizing each other up, both men charged forward simultaneously.

Danwooseong ran because he didn’t care about his opponent, while Hebei Shuangchang ran because he planned to launch aggressive attacks since his opponent was unarmed. Moreover, being able to control offense and defense with the twin spears made the battle feel even more comfortable.

But what was this feeling?

The speed of the approaching fist fighter was far faster than expected.

Startled, Hebei Twin Spears thrust his right spear toward Dan Woo-seong, who was already right in front of him, while swinging his left spear in a defensive arc with his left hand.

Whoosh! Whizz!

Danwooseong, without slowing down, dodged the spear thrust toward his face with a head dodge while simultaneously striking the spearman’s torso with his right foot to push him back.

Thud!

The Hebei Twin Swords stumbled backward, halted, then rallied their courage.

‘What? It was just a shove.’

Had he channeled internal energy, he might have dropped the spear, but he wasn’t that skilled.

Next, Hebei Twin Spears, Wei Horyeon, adopted a slanted spinning stance, adding rotational force to his twin spears for the attack.

Swoosh!

A spear fell vertically, then spun with force before sweeping horizontally. The next spear aimed for Danwooseong’s leg, but as Wihoyeon leapt into the air, he thrust both spears simultaneously.

It was a bold attack.

Stepping back to evade the spear, Dan Wooseong instantly caught both incoming spears with both hands. As he did, Wei Hoyeon, suspended in midair, twisted his entire body and spun.

It was a split-second decision.

It was a swift counter to tear through his opponent’s gauntlets.

Just before Wi Ho-hyun’s spear spun, Dan Woo-sung released his grip, then instantly reclaimed the shaft as he advanced half a step. It was a counter move that looked like it came from a seasoned veteran.

Clang! Grind.

The sound of friction echoed from the armor and the spear shaft. Moreover, Wei Hoi-yeon was still suspended in midair.

Wei Hoyeon’s eyes widened.

‘Strength…’

Only then did he notice how truly solid and thick the opponent’s forearm was compared to his body.

No matter how much strength he exerted while suspended in the air, it was like a child flailing about, making his face flush red.

But he couldn’t abandon the spear.

At that moment, Dan Wooseong pulled the twin daggers toward him with both hands while simultaneously thrusting his left foot toward the face of Wei Hoyeon, who was dragged along.

The twin spears fell to the ground beneath Dan Woo-seong’s horse, both landing with a thud as they plunged into the stage.

Simultaneously, with a popping sound, Wei Hoyeon flew away.

The heads and gazes of the onlookers turned in unison, following the parabolic flight of the Hebei twin blades.

“Whoa…”

“Are you okay?”

Even amidst the chaos, it was Wei Hoyeon who had barely blocked the kick by crossing his hands. Yet, his flying form suggested he had already lost consciousness. The shockwave transmitted through his arms had reached his head.

“Huh? His posture.”

Hwa Eun-wol, who had been among the onlookers, fluttered her robe as she soared up, then descended, lightly catching the back of falling Wi Ho-yeon’s neck before carefully laying him on the ground.

Only then did the onlookers breathe a sigh of relief. Hwa Eun-wol looked at Wei Hoyeon and said briefly.

“He’s unconscious. His life isn’t in danger.”

The emcee announced from the podium.

“Challenger, victory. Rest and await further notice in your personal quarters. No movement from this location.”

The cheers were not particularly loud. Most people didn’t even know who the challenger was.

Yet even after the cheers died down, Cheol Myeong-ho alone remained, clapping steadfastly with a stern expression.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Cheolmyeongho felt there was something to learn in every single moment. Regardless of whether people found it strange or not, he stubbornly kept clapping for quite a while.

‘Master, friend, bastard—he’s truly formidable.’

Master, friend, bastard—all were bizarre titles pointing to Danwooseong.

.

.

.

As Danwoo-seong descended from the martial arts stage, the Hwa siblings walked over from nearby.

When the Baekryongdae warriors waiting at the gathering spot for the contestants blocked their path, Danwooseong said.

“We’re together.”

Hwa Eun-wol smiled and bowed as she spoke.

“Your Highness, congratulations on your victory. Master Woo-san, it’s good to see you again.”

Why would Hwa Eun-wol have come? Having made a bet with Dokgo Han, she now intended to stick close to Dan Woo-sung from this point onward. Someone might try to harm him. It could be said she came because she herself was stronger than the White Dragon Corps warriors.

Dan Woosung smiled.

“Young Master So, Miss Hwa.”

Cheol Myeong-ho replied with a stiff expression.

“Not Master Wusan. Just call me Cheol Myeong-ho, the ruthless dog.”

Hwa Eun-wol nodded as if understanding.

“Ah, so you’re Master Cheol.”

“No, that’s not it. The poisonous…”

Danwooseong said to Cheol Myeong-ho.

“Cut it out.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cheolmyeongho finally shut his mouth. Then, suddenly noticing Hwa Eunseol standing behind Hwa Eunwol, his eyes widened and he pressed his lips tightly together. He decided not to open his mouth at all, since words rarely came easily in front of a beautiful woman.

Hwa Eun-wol fluttered her fan while watching the martial arts stage, then spoke up.

“I didn’t participate. When Dokgo Han of the Dokgo Clan provoked me, I impulsively bet thirty thousand taels on the eldest prince’s victory. Not that I meant to burden you. Hahaha…”

“Huh?”

Hwa Eun-seol was even more startled by this.

Hwa Eun-wol placed a finger to her lips and said.

“Shh, haven’t you seen your brother gamble before? What happened each time?”

“He always won, didn’t he?”

“Yeah.”

As the Hwa siblings looked at Danwooseong, he replied curtly.

“He did well. I suppose I should make sure he doesn’t lose.”

There were many reasons, and he never intended to lose in the first place.

Danwooseong showed the gift he’d received and asked.

“Does this gauntlet have a name? Our Martial Alliance senior speculated it was made from the Cheonjam Baeksar by Baekrisega.”

Hwa Eun-wol nodded with a surprised expression.

“Who recognized it?”

“The preliminary round judge recognized it. He was quite an elderly senior.”

Hwa Eun-wol nodded.

“It is indeed a Baekrisega sword. We once presented a sword to the master of the house on his birthday, and he was pleased with it. This was the item we received in return. According to the master, it is called Cheonjam Baeksa. Since the Baekrisega family switched to being swordsmiths several generations ago, he said it would be better for a more worthy owner to wield it.”

Dan Wooseong nodded.

He didn’t bother asking what the Hua family’s primary martial arts were. Judging from the circumstances so far, it felt like a family that concealed its true strength far better than was commonly known. Hua Yinshuo wielded a sword, while Hua Yinyue still held a fan, suggesting their range of martial arts was quite broad.

The four of them turned their gaze back to the martial arts arena.

This time, the nameplate hanging at the far right of the bracket was called. Hua Yue smiled as she explained to Dan Wuxing.

“The man wielding that jet-black sword is Dokgo Han of the Dokgo Clan. As for that young Taoist, Jongguja, I don’t know him. Dokgo Han is one of the top contenders, so this should be over soon.”

Hwa Eun-seol asked.

“How many moves will it take?”

Hwa Eun-wol observed Dokgo Han’s opponent and replied.

“Three moves. What do you think, Your Highness?”

Dan Woo-seong, arms crossed, watched Dokgo Han and his opponent before replying.

“One or two moves should suffice.”

Cheol Myeong-ho, who had intended to remain silent, couldn’t contain his curiosity and spoke up.

“Why?”

“If he intended to kill, he could have done it with a single strike. But since he won’t kill, he’ll likely unleash a second strike or use his internal energy.”

In any case, it meant the difference in their skill levels was clear.

As Dokgo Han stood still, his opponent charged forward, swinging his sword first.

Dokgo Han simply thrust his middle sword forward.

At that moment, a surprisingly crisp metallic clang erupted as Jongguja’s sword stuck to Dokgo Han’s middle sword.

Immediately, internal energy surged in.

As Jongguja’s expression turned ashen, Dokgo Han snapped his sword clean in two.

Half-crazed Jongguja had already fallen flat on his backside. Had his opponent not broken his sword, he would have been gravely injured.

Only the martial artists of the Dokgo Clan, who had come to watch, sent up thunderous applause and cheers.

The referee pointed at Dokgo Han.

“Dugu Wufeng, victory.”

“Wufeng” (無鋒) meant “without a blade,” referring to the medium-length sword used by the Dugu Clan.

It was a brief duel that firmly cemented his status as the champion contender in the eyes of those watching.

ⓒ Yoo Jin-seong

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