Chapter 573
Chapter 573
Chapter 573. Murim Grand Banquet (2)
I was flustered.
No, what is this supposed to mean?
Why is the Alliance Leader recommending me?
I managed my expression with effort and looked at Miss Seohyang.
But as if she had not foreseen it either, her eyes were wide open.
Father and Mother, of course, and even my companions all had startled expressions.
Whew, first I need to probe what the Alliance Leader is thinking.
I rose from my seat and respectfully clasped my hands.
“First, I thank you, Alliance Leader, for recommending me. However, Alliance Leader, I am a merchant. I attended this place for trade. Does every person not have a place suited to them?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“I am not suited to the friendly duels, so please withdraw those words.” (Eun Seoho)
I heard the voices of people beside me.
“Hmph. At least he knows his place.” (Spectator)
“That’s right. This isn’t a place for a merchant to butt in.” (Spectator)
“But if the Alliance Leader recommended him…….” (Spectator)
“What in the world is the Alliance Leader thinking?” (Spectator)
I held back my irritation at the murmuring I could hear.
Excuse me, I can hear everything.
What? Know my place? It is not a place for a merchant to butt in?
Brother Jinho is also scheduled to participate in this Murim Grand Banquet, so saying such nonsense means they will also criticize him when Brother Jinho goes up onto the dueling stage.
Who was that?
I have memorized your faces.
The Alliance Leader looked at me and said calmly,
“You inherited the ultimate technique of Extreme Heaven Sword, a hero of the murim two hundred years ago. In that case, should you not show that sword to the world and reveal that Extreme Heaven Sword’s lineage has not been severed?” (Alliance Leader)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“So that it may serve as a warning to the forces trying to throw this murim into chaos.” (Alliance Leader)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
Forces trying to throw the murim into chaos…….
His words were very orthodox, and something he could say as the Alliance Leader.
And the fact that he was going this far meant I had to see it as him having a strong will to make me participate.
He probably would not accept my refusal if I merely showed modesty.
If this goes wrong, the aftereffects might reach Master.
That would be troublesome.
Because the matter of the Snow Wind Palace must not be revealed yet.
How can I change the Alliance Leader’s mind…….
Should I say that since Brother Jinho is also participating, my parents would worry if two people from one family participated at once?
No, that will not work.
By the common sense of martial artists, that is not a worry but something to boast about.
At that moment, the Alliance Leader said,
“Ah, I forgot to mention this. Those who advance to the main tournament of these friendly duels will receive prize money along with a treasured sword.” (Alliance Leader)
Hm?
“Though you received my recommendation, it is the same as advancing to the main tournament, so prize money and a treasured sword will be given to you as well.” (Alliance Leader)
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
Judging by Geumryeong’s reaction, it must be quite a valuable treasured sword.
“So I hope nothing will happen that makes my recommendation embarrassing.” (Alliance Leader)
“How could I refuse the Alliance Leader’s recommendation? And as you said, if showing my Founder’s sword to the world can serve as a warning to those trying to throw the murim into chaos, then I think it is only proper to do so.” (Eun Seoho)
Prize money and gifts are important matters.
Duel?
I can just lightly cross swords and then get eliminated.
“I thank you for accepting my recommendation. That is all.” (Alliance Leader)
And so the Alliance Leader finished his congratulatory address and returned to his seat.
Captain Geum Yeonhwa came out again and continued the proceedings.
“Then, from now on, we will form the match table.” (Geum Yeonhwa)
At her words, assistants came out carrying jars, and senior figures put their hands into the jars and drew plaques.
“It seems I have been chosen.” (Jinseon)
The one who rose from his seat saying so was Sect Leader Jinseon of the Wudang Sect.
In his hand was a plaque with its wooden tip painted red.
The elder I met before is with him too.
I wonder who will participate from the Wudang Sect.
Sect Leader Jinseon of the Wudang Sect came out to the dueling stage, and began randomly hanging the wooden plaques from the box in front of him onto the match table.
And people watched the sight with anxious hearts.
Because in such a dueling tournament, the matchups were so important that people said matchup luck was half of it.
Tak, tak tak, tak, tak.
Like that, dozens of wooden plaques were hung on the match table.
The total number of duel participants was sixty-two.
That is more than I expected.
The Heaven group has thirty-two people, and the Earth group has thirty.
If each of them duels once, then in the case of the Heaven group, sixteen people advance to the main tournament, but in the case of the Earth group, fifteen people advance.
Then one spot remains, and the person recommended by the Alliance Leader enters that spot.
The Alliance Leader’s recommendation was also to prevent the empty spot in the match table from being treated as a bye.
Those advancing to the main tournament would be sixteen from each of the two groups, for a total of thirty-two.
From that point on is the true beginning of the dueling tournament.
The two groups continue dueling until one final person remains on each side, and those two face each other to determine the final winner.
If I were not participating, it would have been more thrilling and fun…….
“Whew…….”
When I let out a sigh, Palgap said,
“Young Master, it is already decided.” (Palgap)
“I know.” (Eun Seoho)
Saying that, I looked up at the dueling stage.
Tak.
At last, the final wooden plaque was hung on the match table, and the formation of the match table was complete.
Sect Leader Jinseon of the Wudang Sect clasped his hands to the people.
“I wish all of you martial fortune.” (Jinseon)
Then he returned to his original seat, and Captain Geum Yeonhwa came out again.
“We will now begin the first duel. Please reveal the nameplates of the first matchup in the Heaven group.” (Geum Yeonhwa)
At her words, an assistant removed the wooden covers hiding the names on the wooden plaques.
The names that came out were a child of the Namgung Clan and a disciple of a small sect.
“Namgung On of the Namgung Clan! And his opponent, Daenok, a disciple of Yeongyeol Sect!” (Geum Yeonhwa)
At Captain Geum Yeonhwa’s call, the two warriors climbed onto the dueling stage.
The man named Namgung On looked quite young.
Around his late twenties?
But seeing that he had already reached the peak realm, I could not help thinking that the Namgung Clan was indeed the Namgung Clan.
He had grown strong quickly thanks to his family’s high-level martial arts, various spiritual medicines, and excellent teachers.
But those who grow strong by relying on such things have a few problems.
When they reach the super-peak realm or a realm above that, they face a higher wall than those who climbed slowly but properly in the standard way.
Master said that starting from the super-peak realm is the time when it becomes difficult for the body and the realm of enlightenment to harmonize with one another.
It is difficult to create a body that can withstand super-peak inner force, but gaining the enlightenment needed for it is even more difficult.
And another problem.
Those who grow by relying on the power of their family like that often have poor character.
Because they grow up receiving all sorts of special treatment from a young age, their personalities become arrogant, their capacity for empathy falls, and they lack consideration.
That man named Namgung On seemed to be such a case as well.
Seven markers were attached to each of their bodies, and they faced one another.
“I don’t know where the sect called Yeongyeol Sect is tucked away, but how sorry I feel. It seems you’ll be returning to your sect as soon as you arrived.” (Namgung On)
“Is that not something we will know only after we cross swords directly?” (Daenok)
“There are things in the world one can know without measuring. Like the gap between your level and mine.” (Namgung On)
As Namgung On said, the level of the man named Daenok was first-rate.
There were no restrictions on the qualifications for participating in the friendly duels of the Murim Grand Banquet, so even someone around first-rate could participate like that.
Because martial artists below the peak realm often suffered severe injuries or died after participating, it had become customary for martial artists at the peak realm or above to participate.
But a custom was only a custom.
In principle, there were still no restrictions whatsoever on the qualifications for participation.
Boom!
The drum sounded, and their duel began.
Namgung On did not even properly take a starting stance and wore an expression full of mockery.
“Huaaap!” (Daenok)
Warrior Daenok swung his sword toward Namgung On.
He is fairly fast.
But that much will not be enough.
Thud!
As expected, Namgung On lightly dodged the sword and stretched out his foot, and Warrior Daenok was struck by it and rolled across the dueling stage.
And one of the markers attached to his chest was destroyed.
“Krgh!” (Daenok)
He groaned and rose from his seat, and toward him, Namgung On sneered.
“Oh? You got up. I thought you would not be able to.” (Namgung On)
“I am not that weak!” (Daenok)
Then he gripped his sword again, threw himself toward Namgung On, and swung his sword.
Slice!
A sword cut toward him.
That sword cut the plaque near his shoulder, and at the same time, blood splattered from the shoulder that had been lightly grazed.
“Krgh!” (Daenok)
As everyone expected, the duel flowed one-sidedly.
Namgung On toyed with his opponent from beginning to end, and the man named Daenok gradually became covered in blood.
Because he was willing to let other parts of his body get injured in order to protect the markers.
At that desperation, people gradually began to grow solemn, and voices of criticism began to come out at Namgung On’s behavior of playing with Warrior Daenok.
“Daenok! That is enough! Surrender now!” (Someone)
A voice came from somewhere.
Even so, Daenok did not give up.
The gap between him and his opponent was enormous, but even so, he probably did not want to give up.
Though it was difficult for him to even stand properly, he must have wanted to somehow land one blow on that man.
“You have one marker left now, do you not?” (Namgung On)
In contrast, Namgung On was perfectly lively.
“Then let us slowly end it now. I was just getting bored of playing with you.” (Namgung On)
And he wrapped sword qi around his sword.
The Martial Alliance’s senior figures who saw this also had displeased expressions, but because there was no rule forbidding it, they only watched.
“You may be proud of being defeated by this Namgung On’s Thirteen Lightning Sword Strikes! Hahahaha!” (Namgung On)
He held his sword wrapped in sword qi that flashed like lightning, and launched himself toward Warrior Daenok’s one remaining marker.
Swish!
Warrior Daenok dodged the sword as he was and rolled across the ground.
“Where do you think you’re going!” (Namgung On)
Namgung On tried to change direction with an irritated face.
But because of Warrior Daenok’s blood pooled on the floor, he slipped and lost his balance.
“……!” (Namgung On)
And Warrior Daenok did not miss that chance.
“Aaaaaaagh!” (Daenok)
He shouted with fighting spirit and, while still lying on the ground, kicked Namgung On’s leg, causing Namgung On to fall off the dueling stage.
It happened in an instant.
Because it was unexpected, everyone could only blink in shock.
Namgung On, the very person who had fallen off the dueling stage, also blinked in shock.
“Hoo, hoo, hoo.” (Daenok)
Warrior Daenok raised himself up.
Captain Geum Yeonhwa, who had been calmly watching the duel, stepped forward and declared,
“As a result of the first duel, due to Namgung On leaving the ring, Daenok, a disciple of Yeongyeol Sect, is the winner!” (Geum Yeonhwa)
At that, Daenok thrust both arms into the air and let out a roar.
“Aaaaaaah!” (Daenok)
That was a roar of victory.
And then he fell backward as he was.
Thump.
He had fainted.
Understandable. His whole body was covered in blood.
The spectators sent unstinting applause to Warrior Daenok, who had not yielded despite the enormous difference in skill and had fiercely fought to seize victory.
Clap clap clap clap!
I also applauded.
He really is an incredibly tenacious person.
Warriors of the Martial Alliance hurriedly rushed out and carried Warrior Daenok away on a stretcher, while Namgung On was sitting there with a devastated expression.
That was only natural, since he probably had never expected that he would lose.
If he had done his best, he would have won easily.
But he disregarded his opponent and let his guard down.
There is a saying in the murim that one must not let one’s guard down even when crossing swords with a five-year-old child.
“This makes no sense! I, I lost? I, a peak warrior, lost to a first-rate warrior? No! This is invalid! It’s invalid!” (Namgung On)
He leapt back onto the dueling stage and protested to Captain Geum Yeonhwa.
“Something went wrong! Did you really judge properly?” (Namgung On)
“You fell off the dueling stage, and Warrior Daenok remained until the end. Is there anything wrong with this?” (Geum Yeonhwa)
“No! No! I did not lose!” (Namgung On)
“I warn you. Leave the stage now.” (Geum Yeonhwa)
“I did not lose…… Kugh!” (Namgung On)
Thump.
In an instant, he knelt in front of Captain Geum Yeonhwa as he was.
To the eyes of others, it looked as though Namgung On had knelt before her on his own, but that was not the case.
Captain Geum Yeonhwa’s fist had struck Namgung On in the stomach.
“According to the rules, he will be confined in prison for two days. Take him away!” (Geum Yeonhwa)
“Yes!” (Martial Alliance Warriors)
Soon, warriors of the Martial Alliance rushed over and dragged Namgung On away.
According to the rules of the Murim Grand Banquet duels, if one makes a disturbance on the dueling stage or refuses to accept the result, one is confined in prison for two days.
At Namgung On’s disgraceful behavior, the Clan Head of the Namgung Clan shook his head.
That sight was endlessly satisfying.
The duels continued, and only when it was time for lunch did the third match finally end.
A lunch break of one double-hour was given.
“Let us go eat lunch.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Escort Warriors)
Father and Mother decided to eat with people from other trading companies, and Brother Jinho headed somewhere with the Chief Administrator.
So I should eat lunch with my own companions.
“Let us go to the inn.” (Eun Seoho)
The other restaurants were probably packed right now, making it difficult to even find a seat.
Though Father and Mother seemed to be going to a tavern where they had made a reservation.
I also considered reserving a good tavern or restaurant, but then I stopped.
Because after eating lightly, I had to go check on the temporary shop.
At that moment, I saw a man walking while being supported by someone.
It was Warrior Daenok, the participant of the first duel.
He fainted, but it seems he woke up.
I approached him.
“Is your body all right…… It does not look all right.” (Eun Seoho)
“This much will heal if I put some spit on it.” (Daenok)
Warrior Daenok seemed not to recognize me, but the person supporting him seemed to recognize me.
“Are you perhaps Master Chivalrous Pretty Boy?” (Companion)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, he was startled.
“Oh no! I should show proper courtesy, but I am supporting this fellow…… I apologize.” (Companion)
“It is all right.” (Eun Seoho)
I waved my hand and held out a small jar.
“I watched the first duel with deep admiration. This is a highly effective wound medicine, and it will be helpful.” (Eun Seoho)
Warrior Daenok said that, did he not? That it would heal if he put spit on it.
That is exactly right.
Because this wound medicine is wound medicine slightly mixed with Geumryeong’s saliva.