Chapter 578
Chapter 578
Chapter 578. How to Screw Someone Over (3)
I approached the two warriors training in the backyard of the inn.
Perhaps because of the stamina they had built up after being fed Tiger-Bear Origin Body Decoction for three whole days, at a glance, I could feel the energy of a tiger and a bear from them.
The two of them were hanging from the iron structure I had made and doing sit-ups.
“One hundred twenty-four! One hundred twenty-five!” (Warrior Daenok)
“One hundred twenty-six!” (Warrior Suam)
Now they can easily do a hundred.
I rubbed my nose lightly.
“What is wrong, sir?” (Palgap)
“It’s just that seeing that makes me feel proud.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Palgap made an expression as though he had something he wanted to say but would not.
“What? What is that insolent look in your eyes?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is a misunderstanding, sir. I am looking at you with eyes full of respect right now, Young Master.” (Palgap)
“……I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Why does my mood feel sour?
I approached the two warriors after they finished two hundred hanging sit-ups.
“The main competition begins tomorrow.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, it finally begins.” (Warrior Daenok)
“Yes. How do you feel?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, they looked at each other and spoke.
“Finally, we will be able to take revenge and raise the honor of our sect.” (Warrior Daenok)
“I am very, very looking forward to it.” (Warrior Suam)
The eyes of the two warriors no longer had that innocent, mild feeling from before.
They were eyes like they had rolled around for decades on a battlefield where life and death came and went.
I did not do anything wrong, right?
I left the inn.
And when I was sitting on a rock in a nearby clearing, someone carrying a street stall on his shoulder approached.
“Buy mooncakes! Mooncakes! Delicious mooncakes!” (Chunil)
So it was someone selling mooncakes.
Mooncakes are generally pastries made and eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Since the Mid-Autumn Festival is slowly approaching, is he already selling mooncakes?
I thought that and was about to brush it off as nothing, but then I flinched.
Because I felt a familiar aura from the merchant selling mooncakes.
It is Chunil.
He is someone who could be called the core of our Eunhae Trading Company intelligence unit.
“Please give me one mooncake here!” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes!” (Chunil)
I asked him as he hurried over.
“Is business going well?” (Eun Seoho)
“Is this not the Murim Grand Banquet? Hahaha!” (Chunil)
I lowered my voice and asked him.
“So, is Namgung On still going around saying that he lost because Warrior Daenok used a cowardly trick?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Chunil)
Namgung On’s house arrest was lifted after a mere two days, and from that night onward, he has been calling courtesans at brothels, enjoying himself, and going around telling people that.
“Good. Then did you do as I instructed?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Chunil)
What I instructed Chunil to do was to release people on our intelligence unit’s side and spread rumors.
In the style of saying they had heard that Namgung On said he had not lost because his skill was lacking, but because he had been struck by a cowardly trick.
It was not a difficult task.
They were not changing what Namgung On had said, only spreading it as it was.
“You worked hard.” (Eun Seoho)
I generously gave him payment for his trouble.
“Use the remaining money as operating funds.” (Eun Seoho)
“Aigoo, thank you.” (Chunil)
Chunil handed it over as if he were selling me a mooncake, and we each held a mooncake in our hands.
Then Chunil left, and we ate the mooncakes while looking at the moon in the sky.
The moon is truly bright.
.
.
.
The next day.
I headed to the dueling arena with my family.
Among those moving with us were Warrior Daenok and Warrior Suam.
We arrived at the dueling arena and sat in our respective seats.
Soon Captain Geum Yeonhwa climbed onto the platform and announced the beginning of the main competition.
“From now on, we will begin the first round of the main competition. The first duelists are Warrior Daenok of the Yeongyeol Sect and Danmok Il of the Danmok Clan!” (Captain Geum Yeonhwa)
The Danmok Clan is a family located in Zhejiang Province, and its Falling Star Sword Technique is famous.
And the skill of Mister Danmok Il, which I saw during the preliminaries, was quite good.
I quietly gave a reminder to Warrior Daenok as he rose from his seat.
“You remember what I told you, right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I remember.” (Warrior Daenok)
“That is enough. Then I wish you martial fortune.” (Eun Seoho)
Warrior Daenok nodded and climbed onto the dueling stage.
“Boooo! You coward!”
“Are you happy after beating Mister Namgung On with a cowardly trick?”
As I had expected, the people began pouring criticism onto Warrior Daenok.
They were the ones who had been incited after hearing that Namgung On had said he had fallen victim to a cowardly trick.
But those who had watched the duel from close by that day found those reactions absurd.
“What is this? No matter how I think about it, I do not think there was any cowardly trick back then….” (Spectator)
“If there had been a cowardly trick, would the judge or the Martial Alliance experts have stayed still?” (Spectator)
“It seemed like Mister Namgung On was just toying with Warrior Daenok, let his guard down, and got caught.” (Spectator)
I chuckled while watching those conflicting reactions.
Then I looked at Warrior Daenok atop the dueling stage.
Despite the people’s criticism, he only stood firm and looked at his opponent.
I recalled what I had told him last night.
“When Warrior Daenok climbs onto the dueling stage, the people will shower you with boos.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? Why would they do that to me….” (Warrior Daenok)
“Did I not tell you? That Mister Namgung On has been going around saying he lost because Warrior Daenok used a cowardly trick.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….”
“However, that will become Mister Namgung On’s own trap. So enjoy those boos.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? Enjoy the boos?” (Warrior Daenok)
“Because if you win, those boos will change into shock.” (Eun Seoho)
At some point, the task of attaching seven markers to the bodies of the two warriors was finished.
Boom-!
With the sound of the drum, the duel began.
Mister Danmok Il opened his mouth first.
“I also watched the preliminaries well. I am sorry, but there will be no such coincidence this time.” (Danmok Il)
“Do you also think, Mister, that I advanced to the main competition because I was lucky?” (Warrior Daenok)
“If not that, then how could a first-rate warrior defeat a peak warrior?” (Danmok Il)
“…….”
Instead of answering, Warrior Daenok took his starting stance, and Mister Danmok Il also took his starting stance as they watched for each other’s openings.
The first attack belonged to Mister Danmok Il.
Shwaaaak!
In the blink of an eye, he had reached the space in front of him and smashed the plaque on Warrior Daenok’s left waist.
Thwack!
A cautious move that did not look down on the opponent.
In words, he had said that Warrior Daenok advanced to the main competition because he was lucky, but he must have sensed it instinctively.
That with each move, if he were not careful, he could lose.
And then came the continuing attack.
As expected of the Falling Star Sword Technique.
Seeing how he drove Warrior Daenok back at such speed.
Crack-!
Pak!
In an instant, two more plaques shattered, and the remaining plaques numbered four.
As three of Warrior Daenok’s plaques were destroyed so helplessly, leisure gradually began to appear on Mister Danmok Il’s face.
I can tell what he is thinking.
He had sensed some intuition that his opponent was not easy, but since he was gaining the upper hand so easily like this, he must be thinking that instinct is merely instinct.
But instinct is not something to be ignored.
Because I, too, have escaped crises several times thanks to that instinct.
---
Daenok counted the plaques remaining on his body.
One on his left shoulder, one on his right waist, one on his chest, and one on his right leg.
‘Four left.’
He recalled Eun Seoho’s words.
“When about four plaques remain, your opponent will probably relax. Or perhaps he may even make an expression that says you are laughable.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….”
“That is when you must decide the match.” (Eun Seoho)
It was also the time to show the results of the training he had done until now.
“You do not need to be so tense. If it ends too early, it will be dull, so I will deal with you slowly.” (Danmok Il)
At Danmok Il’s words, Daenok said.
“There is no need for that.” (Daenok)
“Hooh. Are you saying that though you have no skill, you still have pride?” (Danmok Il)
“Confirm that for yourself.” (Daenok)
Saying that, Warrior Daenok took his starting stance again.
And he recalled thoughts of Namgung On.
The incident where he had toyed with him in the dueling arena.
And the incident where, harboring resentment because he had been defeated by ring-out, he had sent black path ruffians to harm him and his Senior Brother.
Even the incident where he then spread false rumors saying that he had used a cowardly trick.
When he thought of that, rage surged up.
Holding that rage, he swung his sword.
In an instant, his sword cut off the plaque attached to Danmok Il’s left shoulder.
Slice!
Danmok Il was startled.
Until just a moment ago, he had not even been able to respond properly to his attacks… so what was this speed?
Shwaak! Slaash!
Daenok’s sword swung without hesitation, and Danmok Il was busy defending against the attack.
The sword’s speed had become far faster than before, and its power was also the difference between heaven and earth.
Crack!
Thwack!
In an instant, two plaques shattered and fell, and only four plaques remained on him.
Danmok Il broke out in a cold sweat and with difficulty struck back against his attacks.
Clang!
Clang clang clang clang clang!
The exchanges passing back and forth in an instant were fast enough that an ordinary person’s eyes could not properly see them.
Like that, the duel continued with Daenok having the advantage.
Before long, Danmok Il had only two plaques left, while Daenok had as many as four.
But Daenok had no choice but to bite his lip.
Exploding his rage to draw up his potential lasted about one meal’s time.
But before he knew it, one meal’s time had passed.
He felt the strength rapidly draining from his body.
‘Just two! If I break just two more, it is my victory! Damn it!’
The one who noticed Daenok’s abnormality first was his opponent, Danmok Il.
Danmok Il sensed that an opportunity had come, and he poured out an aggressive offensive.
Kaaang! Kang!
Daenok counterattacked, but he could not prevent the plaque on his left shoulder from being shattered.
The remaining plaques numbered three.
Crack!
Even the plaque on his right leg shattered, leaving only two plaques remaining.
It cannot go on like this! Like this! Damn it!
At that moment, Eun Seoho came into his eyes.
In that instant, memories flashed through his mind.
“Ah, it will be extremely bitter. But they say bitter medicine is good for the body. So do not even think of spitting it out, and drink it all down. All down!” (Eun Seoho)
“…….”
“If you leave any decoction behind or spill it, it will be ten hanging sit-ups per drop.” (Eun Seoho)
And.
“This contract you wrote. Did you read it carefully?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Daenok)
“Then do you remember this clause?” (Eun Seoho)
“……!”
“Do you have fifty gold coins?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….”
“It seems you did not take my words about being prepared to heart. Hahahaha. It is fine. You need only do well from now on.” (Eun Seoho)
The atrocious taste of the Tiger-Bear Origin Body Decoction he had drunk while dry-heaving for three days, the training that had made him wonder how he had not died when he was being worked like this for three whole days.
And even Eun Seoho’s words that had subtly scratched at his temper.
When he recalled that, rage suddenly soared up.
Originally, drawing up potential through rage was possible about once per shichen, but rage surpassing that broke through the restriction.
“Uwaaaah!” (Daenok)
He screamed and swung his sword at Danmok Il.
Kang! Kang!
Thwack!
Clang clang clang clang clang clang!
Thwack!
At the frantic barrage of attacks, Danmok Il had no choice but to take them helplessly, his mind blank.
Because they were attacks on a completely different level from those until now.
In the midst of that, the two remaining plaques were also shattered or cut and fell.
“S-stop! I have lost! My plaques are already gone!” (Danmok Il)
Only at Danmok Il’s cry did Daenok come to his senses and stop his sword.
“…….”
“It is your victory. Your victory was by no means a coincidence. I apologize for my earlier words and conduct.” (Danmok Il)
“……Ah, yes.” (Daenok)
At that moment, Captain Geum Yeonhwa climbed onto the platform and declared Daenok’s victory.
“The first duel of the first round of the main competition is Warrior Daenok of the Yeongyeol Sect’s victory!” (Captain Geum Yeonhwa)
“Waaaaaaa!”
The people’s cheers rang out.
---
I chuckled while listening to the people’s cheers.
He fought better than expected.
But when there were two plaques remaining, I thought he had lost.
His opponent had held out that well, and Warrior Daenok’s strength was draining away.
But surprisingly, at the end, he exploded his potential once again, and thanks to that, he was able to win.
According to what I discovered while training him, exploding his potential could only be used for one meal’s time per shichen, so how was he able to explode his potential again?
I am curious, but that is something I can ask later.
Right now, I should congratulate him on his victory.
Murmurs from the people around me could be heard.
“No matter how I look at it, I did not see any cowardly trick.” (Spectator)
“He fought fair and square.” (Spectator)
“Exactly.” (Spectator)
“Then what were Mister Namgung On’s words about losing because he had fallen victim to a cowardly trick?” (Spectator)
“What else? He was embarrassed because he lost, so he made that excuse.” (Spectator)
“Aha!” (Spectator)
I grinned broadly.
In any case, if he sees that sight, Mister Namgung On must be feeling quite bitter.
But will that truly be all?
The Namgung Clan does not even care about something like a member of the clan hiring people to vent his anger.
However, they will not leave alone someone who disgraces the family in such a public place.
Heuheuheu.
That is my aim.
It is the mess the Namgung Clan made. So the Namgung Clan should clean it up themselves.
I rose from my seat.
I should welcome today’s victor.
“You worked very hard.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is all thanks to you, Master. I will dedicate today’s victory to you.” (Warrior Daenok)
“You do not need to do that. This is a victory you gained by enduring hard training, so you may attribute it entirely to yourself.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Warrior Daenok)
At that moment, Palgap handed him steamed buns.
They were prepared in advance, because it was obvious he would be extremely hungry after drawing out the power of rage and fighting a duel.
“Please eat.” (Palgap)
“I will enjoy them.” (Warrior Daenok)
He began eating the steamed buns in a rush.
It seemed he had been incredibly hungry. Well, he had exploded his potential through rage twice, after all.
“By the way.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Warrior Daenok)
“When you exploded your potential at the end, how exactly did you do it?” (Eun Seoho)
“Kugh! Cough! Cough!” (Warrior Daenok)
Seeing Warrior Daenok, who seemed to have choked while eating the steamed bun and was now gulping down tea, I tilted my head.
What is this?
Why do I feel like I asked a question I should not have asked?