Book 8 Chapter 6

Episode 180

<Terbenopl> The interior of the Murim Hall was teeming with ronin.

At each of the twelve reception desks, more than thirty ronin stood in long lines, both hands tucked into the sleeves of their robes, and chattered noisily.

The costumes varied so widely by sect that the sheer variety and colors of the martial arts uniforms alone were enough to make one's head spin.

"It seems every ronin scattered across both continents has gathered here."

Seline replied to my mumbling.

"Of course. In five days, the Martial Arts Tournament of the World will begin."

Amidst the throng of countless ronin, Aki hid behind my leg, then straightened her shoulders and stood alone with a determined face, only to hide again. She repeated this cycle.

"Awoo…"

Being surrounded by so many people still seems unfamiliar to her.

While I reassured her by patting her head, a considerable number of young ronin were visible besides Aki.

While some children trembled, those wearing the uniforms of major or mid-tier sects were all overly confident, to an excessive degree.

'Hmm, I'm getting a bad vibe.'

I recalled going to take the ranking exam in my previous life and taking the <Delaiten> entrance exam in my current life.

Those who have lived solely for their own pride always end up provoking someone…

To prevent her from suffering unnecessarily under such gazes, I put a conical hat on Aki's head, and she visibly relaxed.

"It seems it will take longer than I expected."

Valensidis, who had been completely shutting down provocations from idlers with his unique cold and menacing aura (probably due to black magic), said so.

"Let's part ways here. I'll join you on the day of the martial arts tournament."

"Is there something you need to do?"

"Yes, yes, yes."

"There are a few things I'm concerned about. I'll need to gather some information by touring the city. And if there are any dangerous elements, I'll eliminate them beforehand."

There was no need to explain to Seline what the dangerous elements were.

What a reliable fellow.

Of course, I would never say that aloud.

When I nodded, Valensidis pulled down his robe hood and walked towards the hall's entrance.

"So, last time I…"

"Not even worth a punch from me…"

Everywhere he passed, the commotion died down as if a mouse had died… and only grew loud again after he had completely disappeared.

'Hmm, that unnecessarily hurts my pride, doesn't it?'

Should I also unleash the presence of the True Dragon at full power just once?

Of course, I was just kidding. If I did that, it would cause absolute chaos. Most people would foam at the mouth and collapse.

Then the witches would flock over… just thinking about it makes everything seem troublesome.

"Haaam."

Overcome by the boredom of waiting, it was only after I had yawned about thirty-seven times that my arm could finally reach the reception desk.

"Yes, welcome! Welcome to the Martial Arts Tournament of the World registration headquarters! How may I help you?"

In response to the receptionist, Seline presented the necklace she always cherished around her neck.

It was a branch from a Red Tassel Tree on Hwayeon Peak, carved into the shape of a burning tree, and was the symbol of the Cheonhwa Sect.

As soon as he saw it, the receptionist covered his mouth with one hand, and his demeanor became much more polite.

"Ah, you're from the Cheonhwa Sect! You don't need to provide separate identification with this!"

The receptionist was like that, but the ronin who were swaggering and taunting here and there were not. Someone snickered.

"The Cheonhwa Sect? Isn't that the sect that was completely annihilated by that fake shaman?"

"They said it was annihilated, so how is she still alive?"

"Even if she's not good at martial arts, she must be good at running away."

Whether it's the Republic or the Empire, places where people live are all the same.

Utterly childish.

Turning around with a sigh, just as I was about to make a few people shut up by crushing them as an example, Seline shouted.

"I am Seline, the first disciple of the Cheonhwa Sect and the Cheonhwa Illyong (Heavenly Flame One Dragon)."

An intense shout imbued with the power of Mana Heart, so powerful it not only stung the eardrums but also impacted the brain. It was a technique known among ronin as the Lion's Roar.

"If you're going to insult me, don't cackle from behind, do it boldly to my face. I'll smash both your pathetic pride and the influence of your insignificant sect."

I looked up at her with surprised eyes, my ears covered, but the impact seemed to be even greater on the ronin.

"Seline…?"

"The Cheonhwa Illyong…"

"What? That monster is alive, so how could the sect have been annihilated…?"

Her formidable reputation seemed quite significant among the ronin, as the riff-raff immediately shut their mouths, their faces paling.

However, in any field, there are always loudmouths with absolute arrogance in their skills.

With the hems of his bright blue uniform flapping menacingly, someone appeared, chuckling.

"Hmph, I don't know what confidence she still has to use that name, Cheonhwa Illyong."

On the blue martial arts uniform, the emblem fiercely embroidered with silver thread was a waterfall.

Ronin sects often used nature as their symbol like this, and if my memory serves me right, that waterfall emblem must be the symbol of the Sooun Sect (Water Cloud Sect), one of the Six Great Sects, just like the Cheonhwa Sect.

The strong man wearing that uniform was about the same height as Seline, who was a handspan taller than me, so his imposing presence was considerable.

"Moreon, it's Moreon…"

"The Green Water Blue Dragon of the Sooun Sect…"

Every one of the Six Great Sects bestowed the epithet of 'Dragon' (龍) upon the chief disciple who would inherit the sect leader position.

Amidst the ronin's murmuring, Moreon smirked.

"Why couldn't that proud Cheonhwa Illyong do anything when her own sect was being destroyed? Was she too busy seducing that gigolo-like man in the Empire?"

"…"

"If it were me, I'd be too ashamed to even use the epithet 'Dragon'. Ha."

As Moreon laughed, the disciples of his sect who accompanied him also snickered. It was a large group, easily exceeding fifty people.

Seline was unusually silent. Instead, she merely raised the corners of her mouth as if finding it amusing.

As if finding that audacious, the smile vanished from Moreon's feigning lips, and a cold chill overwhelmed the hall.

"Is that bitch your daughter?"

"She's my disciple."

"Whatever. In the adult division, I'll crush your pride. And my disciple will tear that brat apart so she can never do martial arts again."

As Moreon snapped his fingers, a youngster who looked about ten years old came out from his group and bowed with cupped hands.

He pretended to be prim and proper for his age, but the audacious malice in his eyes as he looked down at Aki was clearly visible.

Aki tilted her head, and just as she was about to return the bow with cupped hands, I grabbed her wrist.

"Don't make that bow, Aki. That's for people worthy of a greeting."

"Abbut…?"

"Shall we make a wager? Your disciple will be knocked out by Aki in one hit. Just one hit. If he endures that, I'll give you five gold coins."

How dare this Imperial bastard talk so arrogantly to my disciple… And the moment Moreon grabbed me by the collar.

"You'd better let go of that hand."

"Okay, okay, okay, okay."

Just a tiny bit, and only for a fleeting moment, I released the presence of the Yeouiju (Cintamani) residing in my soul.

In Moreon's eyes, which had silently shut, primal fear surged, and as quickly as it appeared, he immediately let go of my hand and leaped back.

Hmm, quite excellent reflexes… Even so, he's weaker than Seline.

"You listen to people better than you look, Moreon."

As everyone's bewildered gaze focused on the sudden anomaly, Moreon tidied his clothes and turned around.

"Ronin speak only with power, not with their mouths… Let's see if you can still be so cocky on the day of the match."

As Moreon thus turned tail, Seline burst into triumphant laughter, directed at his back.

Tears even welled up in her eyes, and after a while, she turned to me and spoke.

"He may seem like that, but he's my rival. We've continually competed in martial arts tournaments as the successor disciples of our respective sects."

"Who won more often?"

"What, do I really have to tell you that for you to know?"

Seline winked as if to say thank you, then turned back to the reception desk.

After the psychological warfare between the elite ronin, the hall, where a cold atmosphere and silence had settled, slowly began to grow noisy again.

Perhaps because they were still members of one of the Six Great Sects, registration, acceptance, and approval happened in an instant, and soon Aki and Seline received entry number 3.

"Currently, our sect is ranked around 3rd among the Six Great Sects. So we're the 3rd seed. We go straight to the main competition without preliminary matches."

"Preliminary matches?"

"You can just think of them as matches to filter out the riff-raff. They take place in Territos's cargo hold, that is, underground."

"And the main competition?"

"On the deck. Up to 30,000 people can watch. Each time you win a match, you climb a floor of the Palaseum Lighthouse and compete."

As we left the hall and headed for our lodgings, whenever the cool sea breeze blew, Aki's red hair flew in the wind and she smiled brightly.

"Papa, nice breeze!"

Once, her conical hat flew away, but Pipi snatched it from the air and brought it back…

<Terbenopl> was warmer than the central Empire with a pleasant sun and the wind was clear and refreshing, so her excitement was understandable.

Perhaps because it was right before the Martial Arts Tournament of the World, ronin were everywhere in this vast city, and even inns that one wouldn't normally stay at for free were fully booked.

If it weren't for Seline's connections, we might have had to sleep in a stable.

"Starting today until the match, it's four days of special training, Aki."

"Aki, training! Train-train! It's training!"

"Alright! Shall we go to the joint training ground?"

As soon as we unpacked at the inn, I called back Aki, who was about to leave for the training ground holding Seline's hand.

Of course, I planned to follow along with Pipi, pretending to see them off.

Karenaden said it was fine, but as it was the largest city in human civilization, there might be even small dangers.

"Aki, you remember what happened today, right?"

"I remember!"

"No matter how much you hate your opponent, you shouldn't use your power for violence. Just think of it as showing your achievements so far, no matter who your opponent is."

I didn't have the confidence to speak as grandly as the dean (aunt), but I felt I still had to do it.

Come to think of it, the dean (aunt) emphasized the mindset of a magician more than actual magical skill…

It was a great regret that I couldn't provide such education to Tureina. I wouldn't make the same mistake again.

"Power isn't truly power when it's used to harm someone, but when it's used to protect. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Aki tilted her head, then clung to my leg, rubbed her face against it, lifted her head, and smiled brightly.

"Aki understands Papa's words well!"

"Under… under… understand, you know. Actually, she doesn't really know."

That heart-stoppingly cute smile, which she often only shows to me.

When I look at Aki, I unconsciously forget all sadness and laugh foolishly.

In vast solitude, the wounds of my soul that I thought would never heal seem to be warmly healing.

Could Aki be a gift that Karenaden gave me through Alakis for such comfort…?

* * *

The sky on the day of the Martial Arts Tournament of the World was high and deep blue, without a single cloud, as if celebrating the Sky-Blue Sun, Terbel's Day.

'It's truly immense.'

While the bass drums played a lively rhythm, as I ascended onto Territos's deck through the Hyunmun (Mysterious Gate), I couldn't help but marvel.

'Is this really a ship?'

The Harvadonia naval base might have been a half-wrecked shipwreck, but it didn't give me this level of impression…

Duels took place on the deck, and the spectators' seats were along the ship's sides.

This enormous ship had its sides divided into twelve tiered layers that sloped downwards, so spectators could naturally sit on them as if they were long benches.

Other spectators swarmed on both sides. Ronin, merchants, mages, witches, swordsmen, bodyguards, archers, and so on, gathered from all corners of the continent.

And prominent figures from the Republic's seven great cities sat in the bridge, which could be considered first-class seating.

The sect leaders and elders from the Six Great Sects and mid-tier sects, as well as the personnel from the Martial God Alliance, were mostly assigned and seated in the first deck tier, closest to the main deck.

"The crowd is immeasurably vast. It would be the perfect day for assassinating important figures."

Just as I was settling into a seat as far away from the bridge as possible, a familiar voice sounded, and Valensidis sat down next to me.

"When you say it, it doesn't sound like a joke, so please refrain from such wordplay."

Young vendors carrying boxes filled with sausages, chicken skewers, wine, fruit, etc., moved through the long benches, enthusiastically touting for customers.

Valensidis ordered melon, pomegranate, and jujubes, and soon a plate was placed in front of us.

"Valen, Valen, jujube, jujube."

Valensidis fed a jujube to Pipi, who had settled on his shoulder.

"Where's your baby dragon?"

"She's up there on the deck. With Seline."

"Right, since they're from one of the Six Great Sects, they wouldn't have participated in the preliminary matches held this morning."

Piercing a piece of melon with a toothpick, this time I asked.

"So, did you find out anything in the past four days?"

"Firstly, there are no particular dangers within the city. As expected of the best among the Seven Great Cities, the Black Church wouldn't have any chance to interfere. The barriers and guards are utterly perfect."

"That's a relief."

Because Aki had been looking forward to today so much.

"However, it would be best to find a way to cross the continent without passing through the Tershi Archipelago."

"Is there any ship that doesn't pass through the Tershi Archipelago?"

The fruit pulp spread happily in my mouth, and a smile naturally formed. I should feed some to Aki after the martial arts tournament.

"That's why we have to look for it."

"But why? Why avoid it?"

"The Black Church organization based there, Slay—"

At that moment, a heavy clang of gongs overwhelmed the deck, instantly silencing everyone's commotion.

Soon, three robes fluttered gracefully from the sky, and three witches on brooms elegantly descended onto the bridge.

"Are they the witches of the Yellow Decree, Blue Decree, and Red Decree?"

Those elderly witches wearing the Territos emblem on their chests are the High Commissioners who govern <Terbenopl>. Valensidis nodded.

"<Terbenopl>, more than anyone else, values the traditions of the Republic—that's the proof."

<Terbenopl> independently established a Council of Elders, and is famous for dividing the old consul's power among three individuals, much like the Three Divine Dragons.

Yellow represents administration, blue represents public affairs, and red represents national defense.

All High Commissioner candidates were selected only from witches of blue blood, and were elected solely by the votes of those holding <Terbenopl> citizenship.

"We sincerely welcome you to the holy land of the Sky-Blue Sun, strangers."

"It truly fills us with joy to see so many people this year following the words of Lord Terbel, who commanded us to attain a dragon-like spirit through physical training."

"All who have gathered in <Terbenopl>! With your shouts, let us announce to the One in the Heavens the opening of this year's Martial Arts Tournament of the World!"

The three witches, using the power of magic, clearly projected their voices over the enormous deck… and soon, the roar of 30,000 people reached the sky.

Amidst the waves of cheers, dozens of bass drums led a dynamic rhythm, while gongs and kkwaenggwari (small hand gongs) unleashed sharp melodies.

As soon as the High Commissioners elegantly sat down, using their brooms as chairs, an announcer walked out to the center of the deck.

"You've waited a long time! Starting today, heralding the beginning of the spring sky (天空), we will begin the youth division of the Martial Arts Tournament of the World!"

Without clairvoyant magic that magnified and illuminated all situations inside the venue, they would just be black dots, and the immense size of Territos was once again brought home to me.

"The young ronin who will adorn this first match are… First, contestant Fei! He is a disciple of the Daecheong Sect (Great Azure Sect), which boasts a long tradition!"

A boy with a bald head, in a vermillion martial arts uniform, and a fierce expression walked out, and as he made a cupped-hand bow to the audience, cheers began to escalate.

"And the contestant facing him is! A Six Great Sect rooted in the Red Mountain Range! Contestant Aki, representing the Cheonhwa Sect!"

Something chilled the boiling cheers into ice, or rather, quelled them with a fire even hotter. There was something.

Hair that seemed to dance like enchanting flames, still delicate and petite, yet an alluring grace emanated even from her small frame.

Aki, the eldest daughter of the Red True Dragons, was the daughter Alakis had left in this world.

"…?"

"…?"

"…?"

At that moment, I, too, had to doubt my eyes.

What on earth happened? Aki's long hair had transformed into such… a charming style.

Her hair was tied up on both sides of her head, in what was called pigtails. And how wonderfully it suited the flame-colored uniform of the Cheonhwa Sect…

"That hairstyle really suits Aki, doesn't it?"

And amidst all this attention, she didn't seem nervous at all; her face was brimming with composure.

It was then that I found myself wearing a pleased smile, without realizing it.

Aki, whose eyes were rolling around towards the audience seats, found me, and waved her hands wildly while bouncing up and down, her pigtails tied up on both sides swaying chaotically.

"Papaaa, Aki is hereee!"

Why is that kid suddenly like that?

I was so flustered that I almost covered my face with my conical hat… but instead, I jumped up and waved both my hands back. Pipi also helped.

"Alright! Go, Aki!"

"Go, go, go."

At that heartwarming sight, the general audience lost themselves in smiles and exchanged laughter.

"Is that the disciple taken in by Cheonhwa Illyong?"

"She doesn't even know the simplest manners."

"It seems the sect, having collapsed, hurriedly took in that brat who received the blessing of fire."

"That's right. Upon checking the documents, she only entered the sect four months ago. It will be an easy victory for the Daecheong Sect."

"Truly futile. Is this how the members of the Six Great Sects change?"

On the lips of the various sect officials, sighs born of regret or sneering chuckles formed.

"Alright, both contestants, forward!"

At the announcer's command, the two young ronin stood facing each other on the deck dueling ground and exchanged cupped-hand bows.

Fei of the Daecheong Sect sighed dispiritedly.

"Honestly, right from the first match, do I have to beat up a girl who probably doesn't even know the first thing about martial arts?"

"Aki is not a girl."

"What, was it a boy?"

"Aki is Aki."

"?"

"???"

Fei took a martial arts stance.

A mere disciple hastily taken in by a ruined sect, I'll finish her off in one go with the Thirty-Six Worldly Fist Techniques.

DAAAAAAANG!

The sound of the gong echoed loudly, and the moment it announced the start of the duel, Fei kicked off the deck with a thunderous step.

- Listen carefully, Aki.

As that figure instantly rushed towards Aki's front.

- There's nothing difficult about our martial arts. Joint locks? Tai Chi? Counterattacks? Kicks? None of that is needed.

Seline's voice was echoing in Aki's mind, whose dragon eyes had already seen through all of his movements.

- The Cheonhwa Sect is a sect of true heroes who decide victory or defeat with nothing but their fists.

She extended her leg forward.

She twisted her waist slightly.

The outward force and the rotating force, she forcefully thrust her fist, weaving and binding the flow of those forces.

- When using this ultimate secret technique, you must definitely shout the name of the technique. Cheonhwa Sixty-Eight Halberd Flash Fist (Heavenly Fire Sixty-Eight Halberd Flash Fist).

The thought that came to Aki's mind then was that it would be really troublesome to say each part of it. So, she simply shortened it and shouted.

"Aki Punch."

That, later, became more famous than the true name of the Cheonhwa Sect's ultimate secret technique, 'Aki Punch,' the prelude to its legend.