Book 25 Chapter 22

"The strong are just.

- Yuhee (Play)

"I have a piece of advice, friends."

Jang Hong called out to those who were about to scatter towards each island.

"There's something I need to tell you in advance."

The people looked at Jang Hong with curious gazes.

"You mean tell us in advance? What is it?"

Hyo Ryong retorted.

"It's about what you need to be careful about to survive."

"What is that?"

"Heuksu (Black Hand)."

Everyone except Hyo Ryong and Ok Yu Gyeong had a look of surprise on their faces.

"Heuksu? What is that?"

Most of them seemed to be hearing the word for the first time.

"People from the dark path always hide more than 30% of their true strength. And everyone hides a final, unseen move. They call it 'Heuksu,' the unseen hand, in their own slang. It's like the righteous path's ultimate move, you could say. Minor figures are irrelevant, but masters are different. The 'hidden trump card' they keep concealed is on a different level. Unless you can break through that Heuksu, you won't be able to defeat them. Especially when the skill gap isn't that large. You must not get caught in the opponent's flow. That means death."

Jang Hong warned in an unusually stern voice.

"Listen carefully, everyone. From now on, a completely different kind of fight awaits you, one you've never experienced before."

"Different? What's different?"

Mo Yong Hwi, who was pondering Heuksu, asked.

"Fights in the dark path are different from the righteous path. In the righteous path, being stronger than your opponent was enough. That's how you could defeat them. But fights in the dark path are different. Everyone hides and deceives. Everything is shrouded in a veil. Unless you can peel off that veil and uncover the truth, you can lose even if your martial arts skills are superior."

Losing even when stronger than the opponent? He had never thought of such a thing at Cheon Mu Academy.

"I admit you are strong. Perhaps among those of the same age, you can find no enemies. But here, simply being strong isn't enough to win. Moreover, this is their home ground. Their stronghold. It's a place where any hidden move wouldn't be strange. So be careful, be very careful. Never forget that unseen moves are always targeting you."

"Why is it so complicated?"

Bi Ryoo Yeon grumbled. It was a question of why he had to think so deeply when he could just beat them up and win.

"This is a world where those who compete solely on skill are considered freaks. Especially inside this tower, where all sorts of monsters roam. If you underestimate it, even you, Ryoo Yeon, won't be safe. Besides, you're not in perfect condition right now, are you?"

"I'm fine."

Bi Ryoo Yeon retorted with a strong tone.

"Well, is that so?"

Jang Hong didn't seem to believe him. He just decided to wait and see, as nothing he said would be taken seriously now.

" Worry about yourself first, not me. Blood is soaking through your bandages."

Jang Hong was also not in good condition due to the aftermath of his fight with Ok Yu Gyeong, so he was in no position to talk about others.

"If they are monsters, I will become a monster that devours monsters. I will make them utter the word 'monster' from their mouths. Look forward to it."

Bi Ryoo Yeon said this with no hesitation at all.

"I will. But I hope others do not act like this reckless friend. There are people who can afford to be reckless, and people who cannot. I hope most of you will be wise."

* * *

He unfolded the letter and began to read it slowly.

First, there are signs of hostile actions by dissidents of Cheon Mu Academy against the Sky-Reaching Tower.

Second, the dissidents are targeting the tower, so it must be defended at all costs.

Third, anything the dissidents say is a lie, so do not fall for their tricks.

Fourth, in case of an emergency, no sin will be imputed even if you kill the enemy. Do not hesitate.

The above mission must be carried out.

For that purpose, a 'murder permit' is issued.

And beneath it was the seal of the person who sent the letter.

"Hmm…"

Seohae Wang muttered to himself as he folded the received letter.

"What on earth is inside that tower…? Is it that important? A 'murder permit'…. This is the first time I've encountered such a grand event."

That was proof that he should go all out, a will to defend it absolutely.

"It means, 'Don't spare any means for the sake of the objective,' right?"

It was a very dark path way of thinking. And he found this simple, clear, and precise logic to his liking.

"True strength emerges from the brink of life and death! Since someone will take care of the aftermath, there's no need to refuse."

He wanted to fight with all his might, digging to the bottom of his strength. Matches that held back were simply boring.

"Are those guys strong?"

Then, one of the waiting subordinates immediately replied.

"No matter who it is, no one is stronger than you, Captain! You are the strongest!"

A completely unhesitating answer. It seemed they truly believed it firmly.

"Seeing that 'Sky-Reaching Tower Commander' has been issued, you won't disappoint me, will you? I'm getting excited."

If so, it would be good to prepare to go all out on this opportunity. It seemed like he could bring out 'that' for the first time in a long time. That was a good thing.

"Bring out the 'Steel Shield Heavenly Armor'!"

He commanded.

"Y-you mean that?"

The subordinate asked in surprise.

The Steel Shield Heavenly Armor was the strongest armor that the captain rarely used because he was too strong.

"Of course. I think I can finally give that rusty old thing a blood and flesh oiling after being stuck in the warehouse for so long. Kh, kh, kh. Khuhuhuhu. Khahahaha! Khahahahaha!"

Rak Bio was already enjoying himself just imagining it. He was grateful to the 'higher-ups' for providing such a thrilling opportunity, at least for today.

At the cost of others' blood and flesh, he would become stronger by another step.

That was his way of growth.

* * *

Hyo Ryong, who had entered Seohaedo in earnest after crossing the drawbridge, was extremely tense. He naturally expected countless members of the Tenth Unit to attack them. However, Seohaedo, where they entered, was excessively quiet.

"Why is there no one here?"

No one stood in their way. Judging by the warlike nature of the Armored Leopard they had just defeated, the members of the Tenth Unit seemed to have very rough personalities. They didn't seem patient enough to just sit around. Yet, the path ahead was wide open, so it was natural to feel suspicious.

"Let's just go. We'll figure it out as we go."

If they weren't fighting immediately, it was a good opportunity for both Hyo Ryong and Bi Ryoo Yeon. They could recover some of their stamina during this time. Still maintaining their vigilance, Hyo Ryong and Bi Ryoo Yeon walked forward.

"Are they deliberately leaving us alone?"

Bi Ryoo Yeon muttered to himself.

"No, why would they do that? Are they preparing a trap?"

"Or maybe they're waiting."

"For what?"

"For our stamina to recover."

"Why?"

"In cases like this, there's only one reason. They want to have a proper fight with us. It seems the captain here is quite fond of fighting."

"That's not entirely unreasonable, but this is the dark path. That's an extremely uncharacteristic way of thinking for the dark path."

The way of the dark path was to deliberately wear down the opponent's stamina and attack when they seemed weakest. In contrast, what Bi Ryoo Yeon mentioned could be called fair play.

"Well, I see this as a matter of personal preference rather than an ideological issue of dark path or righteous path… Ah, we've arrived."

Hyo Ryong also raised his gaze and looked up at the pavilion rising before them. It was a building much taller and wider than he had expected. On the plaque above the main gate was written 'Headquarters of the Tenth Unit'. Suddenly, Hyo Ryong had a question.

"Could they all be gathered inside?"

Being surrounded by many people inside the building would undoubtedly be an unpleasant situation. This was a time to proceed with caution.

"Well, we'll find out when we go in. Let's go."

Without regard for Hyo Ryong's thoughts, Bi Ryoo Yeon strode towards the door. Hyo Ryong abandoned his plan to proceed cautiously, let out a sigh, and followed his wicked friend. It was this friend's bad habit to accomplish seemingly reckless tasks without any hesitation.

"Huh?"

To Hyo Ryong's worry, the inside of the building was empty. However, on a slightly elevated platform directly in front, there was a large chair, and a giant man wearing a peculiar armor was sitting on it. He was covered from head to toe in thin, shiny silver armor, and the plates of the armor were all rounded. It was an extremely unique armor that looked like dozens of round shields were wrapping around his entire body. His shoulders were abnormally puffed out, leading to suspicion that he might be hiding some secret weapon inside. The iron helmet placed next to him was also very peculiar. The entire thing was round, and the eye and mouth parts were combined into one opening with several steel bars, like bars of a cage, running horizontally. It seemed to be a device to prevent direct attacks to the eyes and mouth.

He was Rak Bio, the ruler of Seohaedo and the captain of the Tenth Unit.

Behind him stood four other giants, similarly bulky and muscular. It was a surprisingly meager welcome.

"Are you strong?"

The first thing Rak Bio asked was that. To ask about strength before inquiring about identity, he seemed to be of a very hasty disposition. Moreover, he was deeply obsessed with strength. He was likely the type of person who wouldn't even bother talking to someone he didn't consider his equal. If so, Bi Ryoo Yeon needed to show that he was more than qualified to talk to him.

"Of course, I am strong."

Rak Bio said with a light whistle.

"You have no hesitation in your answer."

"There's no reason to."

Bi Ryoo Yeon's self-confidence bordered on arrogance. However, he was none other than Bi Ryoo Yeon. For him, who claimed to be the number one super handsome young master and supreme master of the universe, such self-confidence was nothing. It was an impossible feat for an ordinary mind.

"You've heard of the Hwasan Convention, haven't you?"

"Of course."

"I am the winner of that! I am much stronger than you."

Bi Ryoo Yeon grinned.

"Ryoo Yeon, what are you trying to do by provoking the opponent?"

Hyo Ryong, feeling anxious about his friend's taunt, sent a telepathic message. However, Rak Bio's reaction was unexpected.

"That's great."

Rak Bio did not get angry even when he said he was stronger than him.

"……?"

"I was supposed to go to the Hwasan Convention myself. It's a shame that I couldn't even win despite going there due to an accident. Well, it's good that you're here. If I defeat you, it will prove that I am worthy of being the winner of the Hwasan Convention."

"That's debatable. It's like looking for hot soup at a well."

"What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? It means you can never beat me."

"What!"

"Isn't that right? You're discussing victory before even fighting me. You're too hasty."

Seeing Bi Ryoo Yeon's confidence, the man burst into hearty laughter.

"Then let's prove it. I don't believe in talk. There's too much falsehood in people's mouths. Everyone just talks. They try to become masters with just their tongues. But I don't believe in that. I only believe in what is shown through fists and swords."

He meant that if he had real skill, he had to prove it with his body.

"Alright, anytime."

Bi Ryoo Yeon readily replied.

"Before that, I have one question?"

"What is it? Ask away."

"A coffin should have arrived here today, right? Do you happen to know?"

"Ah, that? It arrived."

Rak Bio replied nonchalantly.

"Did you open it?"

"No, they told me not to."

"Telling you not to open it means it's an order from someone above you."

"What are you curious about?"

"I want to know what's inside that coffin?"

"I don't listen to weaklings. Orders are the privilege of the strong."

"Everything is strength here."

"Exactly. You've said twice now that you're stronger than me, so you're not thinking of just leaving, are you?"

He seemed to have been holding onto it.

"For someone your size, you're quite timid. To be keeping track of such things. Alright, we'll fight. But I have a condition."

"What is it?"

"If I win, I will take that coffin. The coffin, everything inside it, and everything that was in it!"

"What if you refuse?"

He asked teasingly. He seemed to be expecting a certain answer.

"I will make you regret it in a way that has never been seen before."

"Regret? I'm looking forward to that. It's been too long since I've done it. I've forgotten how to do it."

"Don't worry. Your body will remember, even if you pretend to forget."

It was tantamount to a declaration that he would make him remember with his own body.

"As one of the Four Heavenly Kings, I can't just hand it over so easily. I have my pride. And there's the Commander's order… Besides, you won't get your hands on that coffin."

"Why?"

"Because you can't beat me."

Rak Bio threw back Bi Ryoo Yeon's words from earlier.

"You said fights aren't won with words, right? Then don't just talk, put it into practice."

Bi Ryoo Yeon returned his words exactly.

"Alright, but this is my territory. The host will entertain the guest."

Rak Bio said as he lifted his silver helmet.

"You're going to fight your way?"

Rak Bio grinned.

"Exactly."

*Snap!*

As Rak Bio snapped his fingers, the doors on the left and right opened, and a group of warriors wearing identical martial arts uniforms poured in. All of them were large and muscular, clearly members of the Tenth Unit. They lined up in a single file on each side. The dozens of people dressed in dark navy, almost black, clothes completely blocked the walls, creating a formidable presence.

"I was wondering where everyone was. Are you shy?"

Bi Ryoo Yeon and Hyo Ryong had arrived at the main building without much resistance after defeating the Armored Leopard and passing through the main gate. They had wondered why there were only five people and why there was no resistance. It seemed they were all gathered behind this building.

"Is it the custom here to oppress the few with the many? If you think you can win just because you have more numbers, you're greatly mistaken. No matter how many scrawny puppies there are, they can't defeat a single tiger."

Bi Ryoo Yeon said in a tone that suggested he wasn't afraid even if they all attacked him at once.

"Oh, don't worry. These guys are just spectators. We, the Tenth Unit, despise the cowardly act of attacking the few with the many. We believe in the law of strength and always prefer one-on-one. It's not our style to beat one person with many. Don't you think a man should settle things with fists, facing each other? The moment strength clashes with strength is when a man can feel alive."

He thought there were other meanings in the world, but he knew it wouldn't be accepted anyway. Humans tend to see only what they want to see. And a person who blindly follows one definition becomes deaf and blind.

"Hoho, does that mean you'll go out alone?"

"Of course! But you have to go out alone too."

"Don't worry about that. We're not so weak that we need two people to beat one. I'll follow your hosting style."

"That's great! A man should be like that! Hahahaha!"

Rak Bio threw his head back and burst into laughter.

"From our side, I will naturally go out alone. Who will go first from your side?"

"Hoho, you're going to face both of us alone? That's quite reckless. I won't mock you, but how about getting one more person? I don't want to hear that you won because you had more numbers."

"No need. You won't win anyway."

Rak Bio's words were full of confidence as he burst into laughter.

'What makes him so arrogant with that physique? Is he hiding some trick?'

Jang Hong's words, warning him to be careful of hidden trump cards, suddenly came to Bi Ryoo Yeon's mind. But he couldn't know what he was hiding beforehand. It was impossible to know without actually fighting him. At best, he could only avoid being caught off guard. But it was impossible to know if he could block it even if he was prepared. That was the hidden move.

'Then I have to fight. I can't waste any more time here.'

Bi Ryoo Yeon was about to say that he would go out. But someone spoke before him.

"I'll go first."

Hyo Ryong stepped forward, surpassing Bi Ryoo Yeon.

"Are you okay, Ryong Ryong? You didn't want to do it before when I pushed it on you?"

Bi Ryoo Yeon asked.

"That's because they were minor figures. Defeating them doesn't even count. It's not something to brag about."

"Hoho? Your calculations have become much faster?"

"I've been with you for quite some time, so this much is basic. It's all because I met a wicked friend, so who can I blame?"

"Just say I've opened my eyes to the adult world. Is it my fault that a boy becomes an adult? Everyone becomes an adult eventually."

"I could have lived as a boy longer and more cleanly, without any calculations. Without knowing the world's corruption, in innocence."

"So you're going to snatch only the delicious parts?"

"That's right."

"Can I trust you?"

"Leave it to me."

The interior of the Steel God Hall, the headquarters of the Thirteenth Unit of the Sky-Reaching Tower, was very spacious and tall. The floor was paved with hard bluestone, and unusually, it was divided into several compartments on the left and right. It seemed to function as a training ground when it rained or snowed, as traces of training were deeply etched on the floor in various places. The positions where they stood seemed to reveal the extent of their training and their characteristics.

Hyo Ryong and Rak Bio faced each other in the center of the Steel God Hall, where dozens of members were lined up. Rak Bio spoke first. Without any greetings, Rak Bio waved his hand. Then, with a wind that scattered Hyo Ryong's hair, two lines were drawn behind Hyo Ryong and Rak Bio.

"The rules are simple. Spin the dial (turntable) and hit each other the number of times shown."

"And the person who is pushed out of bounds after being hit loses, right?"

"That's right. That's the first round."

"What are the rules for the second round?"

"Ah, I'll tell you if you win the first round."

Hyo Ryong's eyebrows slightly arched.

"Do you think I can't even win the first round?"

"Khuhuhuhu, you know it, so there's no need to explain further."

Rak Bio's words and actions were full of confidence. He seemed unable to imagine himself losing.

'He's looking down on me. Good. I, this old man, will teach you a bitter defeat today.'

Although his specialty was dual swords, he hadn't neglected his spear training.

'If you think that heavy armor can protect your body, you're greatly mistaken.'

Looking closely, the armor he wore was painted white all over. The pauldrons were unusually swollen, and in the center of the breastplate, the character '十 (ten)' was written in red. It seemed that he relied on the bizarre white armor that covered his entire body.

"If you're not confident, you can forfeit. But if so, you'll have to go back quietly, right?"

"I will do it."

Hyo Ryong replied in a firm voice. Men had a habit of not backing down when such words were spoken.

"Alright. Then you hit first."

"You want me to hit first? Seriously?"

"Of course. A man wouldn't lie about such trivial matters."

Rak Bio willingly ceded the front. Hyo Ryong grew suspicious at such a tempting offer.

'What makes this guy so bold? Is there something hidden?'

More importantly, this was not the captain of the Tenth Unit he knew. The captain of the Tenth Unit had changed while he was away. And this was not the Tenth Unit he knew. In a few years, everything he knew had changed, and he was very confused. However, that didn't mean he would meekly retreat. It was only polite to accept a challenge that had been made.

"Alright. If you're yielding the front, I won't refuse. But don't regret it."

"A real man doesn't regret anything!"

If he doesn't regret it, it makes people want to make him regret it even more.

"Then I'll spin first."

Hyo Ryong grabbed the dial and spun it rapidly.

The number that came out was…

Two (二).

"Two hits."

Rak Bio replied with a laugh at that.

"If you can hit the second time."

This guy is saying inexplicable things, but he couldn't afford to get caught in the opponent's flow here. He had to find his own flow. Even with the steel armor, Hyo Ryong was confident he could pierce it.

Hyo Ryong quietly circulated his internal energy. Then he raised his true energy and focused it on his fist. According to the rules, the opponent couldn't move an inch anyway. This meant he couldn't evade the attack using footwork. He literally had to take the attack head-on.

'This simple victory, can I just take it for free?'

Hyo Ryong even felt a strange sense of guilt. However, he had said he wouldn't go back on his word, so there was no need to refuse.

"Then I will take this victory!"

Overlord Fist (霸王拳)

One-Hit Collapse (一擊崩)

Hyo Ryong concentrated his true energy in his fist and threw it with the fastest speed he could muster.

*Boom!*

His fist landed on the ground, and the force traveled through Hyo Ryong's waist, shoulder, and arm to his fist. At that moment, the air tore open, and a long sonic boom echoed.

*ROOOOAR!*

The fist, like a meteor falling from the night sky, struck Rak Bio directly.

'What just happened?'

Hyo Ryong's left knee was only a hand's breadth away from the ground. He had almost knelt on one knee. Moreover, his qi and blood were in turmoil, and his body was in disarray. It seemed he had suffered internal injuries. Most importantly, he had been pushed back two spaces from the line drawn behind him. As evidence, the mark of his being pushed back remained black on the floor. In the middle of the dark mark, a white metal plate, seemingly part of the armor, was spinning around.

'What happened to him?'

It was then that the roar was heard.

"Hahahaha! I commend you for not kneeling. You're the first to last that long."

At the hearty cry, Hyo Ryong quickly raised his head and checked Rak Bio's position.

'I-impossible!'

Surprisingly, Rak Bio seemed to have moved a little from his previous position, but his heel still did not cross the line. The distance he moved was negligible.

"Hahahaha, as expected, it's my victory."

Rak Bio said with an arrogant smile that only a winner could wear.

"No way! The match was decided in a single blow…"

He couldn't believe he had lost even though he had attacked, not been attacked. It felt like a bad dream.

Bi Ryoo Yeon, who had been watching silently with his arms crossed behind his back, couldn't hold back and spoke.

"Ryong Ryong, snap out of it! What happened?"

"I-I don't know. I clearly hit him…"

Hyo Ryong seemed a bit dazed.

"Of course, you hit first. What I'm curious about is what happened afterward. I couldn't see properly due to the explosion sound and smoke. When the smoke cleared, you were pushed back."

Hyo Ryong looked at his own fist, gazing at it. Despite his internal injuries, his fist looked surprisingly intact. Then what was the immense force that had pushed back his fist? It felt like being hit in the brain with a fist. At that moment, he even worried that his fist might crumble. If he had been negligent in his training, his fist would have already turned to dust.

"Hahahaha, you can't defeat my secret martial art, 'Adamantine Rebound Qi,' with just a punch like that!"

"Adamantine Rebound Qi?"

"Yes. That's the qigong I'm practicing. It's an invincible divine art that deflects any attack. Hahaha, how about that? Don't you think this is a manly martial art! Hahahaha!"

"That's absurd. Is it okay to talk so much about your secret martial art?"

A secret art is secret because it is transmitted in secret. It was very strange that he would reveal his martial arts so carelessly to the enemy. It was something that was logically impossible.

"A man is strong without hiding anything!"

He was a truly simple and ignorant man beyond imagination.

"You don't look convinced? Do you want to try again?"

"No, a match is a match. I lost."

Although it was regrettable, he had no choice but to accept the outcome. Hyo Ryong stood up and walked towards Bi Ryoo Yeon.

"I'm sorry, friend. I have no face to show you."

"It's okay. Leave the next one to me. The match isn't over yet."

Bi Ryoo Yeon greeted Hyo Ryong with a smile, not with anger or reproach.

"Be careful, he's hiding something."

"I know. Although I haven't figured out what it is yet."

This must be what Jang Hong called 'Heuksu'. Without knowing what happened just now, Bi Ryoo Yeon couldn't guarantee victory either.

Bi Ryoo Yeon, standing opposite Rak Bio beyond the line drawn on the floor, looked up at Rak Bio and said,

"Player change."

"Is this yours?"

Bi Ryoo Yeon held out a round shield-shaped metal plate he had picked up while walking.

"Oh, thank you for bringing it to me on purpose."

Rak Bio grinned and took the plate.

"Well, shall we start?"

"Wait! Hold on a moment. There's something I need to do before that."

At that moment, Bi Ryoo Yeon's eyes gleamed sharply.

When Rak Bio signaled, one of the Tenth Unit members brought a small wooden box. He took out a white paste from inside and attached it behind the armor fragment, then reinserted it into the breastplate. It was the exact spot where Hyo Ryong's punch had landed earlier.

"What is that?"

"Ah, it's nothing. It's just simple adhesive."

"I've never heard of attaching metal plates with adhesive."

"Then you've seen it today. This is the manly way! Hahahaha!"

"It seems that here, 'manly' is the same as 'fool'."

As Bi Ryoo Yeon teased, Rak Bio's hearty laughter suddenly stopped.

"I will not forgive insults to manhood."

"Just because you always have 'man' in your mouth doesn't mean you are a man."

The smirk at the corner of his mouth deepened. Bi Ryoo Yeon was not the type to back down from a simple threat.

"So, shall we start now, Mr. Manly? If you have the courage, will you give me the first strike again?"

"Of course! Courage is a prerequisite for a man. You will pay the price for insulting a man!"

'Simple-minded!'

As Rak Bio reacted as calculated, Bi Ryoo Yeon smirked with satisfaction and spun the dial with all his might.

*Spin, spin, spin!*

The number that came out was 'Two (二)'.

"What a shame. It's only two."

"It's enough."

If he couldn't figure out what the opponent had done, even ten wouldn't be useful.

"Can you really hit the second strike?"

Rak Bio asked in a confident voice. He seemed to have absolute confidence in his defense.

"Of course!"

Bi Ryoo Yeon replied confidently.

"Alright, I hope it turns out that way."

Rak Bio laughed heartily and slightly bent his waist, leaning forward. It was his unique defensive stance in preparation for the incoming attack. Other than that, he took no action.

Bi Ryoo Yeon was also cautious. He had witnessed Hyo Ryong's defeat firsthand. Something beyond mere martial arts skill had clearly happened, and he had to figure it out to win this game.

"Well, first hit!"

Bi Ryoo Yeon shouted and threw a punch.

*Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!*

Rak Bio, who was standing stiffly with his body tensed, slightly frowned.

'Why is it so slow?'

The punch Bi Ryoo Yeon threw was as slow as a slug. It was approaching him very, very slowly. However, Bi Ryoo Yeon's posture, throwing such a strangely slow punch, was endlessly serious. It felt like he was pouring everything into this one blow.

'Could there be immense hidden strength in that blow?'

He vaguely recalled hearing somewhere that the slower a collapsing fist is, the stronger its power. Slightly tense, he pushed his secret martial art to its extreme.

'Alright, in this state, I can withstand any attack! Come on! Prove your strength to me!'

And finally, Bi Ryoo Yeon's infinitely slow fist touched Rak Bio's body.

*Thump!*

With a slightly anticlimactic sound, Bi Ryoo Yeon's fist touched Rak Bio's body. But nothing happened. And no shock was transmitted to Rak Bio's tense body. Suspicious, he asked, half in doubt,

"…Is it over?"

"Yeah, it's over."

The answer came back with utter lack of hesitation. Rak Bio suddenly felt very hollow.

"W-what? What is this cotton-padded fist? Are you making fun of me?"

"No, I'm not kidding. Why, were you a little nervous?"

"W-who said I was nervous!"

"Seeing you deny it so strongly, you must have been nervous. Well, you don't need to be ashamed. Everyone questions unexpected actions."

"I said I wasn't nervous!"

Rak Bio shouted. He somehow felt like he was being treated like a fool. He didn't like the guy with excessively long bangs in front of him.

"As expected, it doesn't explode with a small shock."

Bi Ryoo Yeon said in passing.

"Hoho, you figured it out?"

"About half."

"You have good eyesight. But what about the other half?"

"We'll know if I hit it one more time."

He replied nonchalantly.

"Will you be able to break through my strongest defensive qigong, 'Adamantine Rebound Qi,' this time?"

He seemed to believe that his Adamantine Rebound Qi was unbreakable, his attitude was confident. Then Bi Ryoo Yeon asked,

"Do you know that? When grinding diamonds, soft mud is used. Even the hardest diamond cannot withstand soft mud."

"Nothing lasts forever. Everything has an end."

At that moment, Bi Ryoo Yeon's fist shot out like lightning.

*Poof!*

Another explosion sound, similar to the previous one, was heard. Something was thrown backward from within the smoke. Hyo Ryong, watching it, was startled. He worried that Bi Ryoo Yeon might have been pushed back behind the line like himself.

However, it fell to the ground, made a *tang!* sound, and spun around. It was clearly the shield attached to Rak Bio's breastplate. Hyo Ryong quickly turned his head towards the duel site where the smoke was clearing.

Bi Ryoo Yeon was standing intact, his body tilted to the left. His feet had not crossed the line either. And his fist was now retracted.

"Did you break it off?"

Rak Bio asked, furrowing his brow. He hadn't expected to be able to survive even if he had landed the second blow properly.

"Something like that. But it seems I can't defeat him with this much."

Bi Ryoo Yeon managed to avoid being thrown back, but that didn't mean he had defeated Rak Bio. The destructive power was insufficient to push his feet beyond the line.

"But I finally know."

"Know what?"

"I know what happened to Hyo Ryong just now."

"Hoho, really?"

Despite the possibility of his hidden secret being revealed, he was quite calm.

"Of course, I don't lie about things like this."

"But it's a shame. Even though you've solved the secret."

"Why?"

"Because you won't have another chance. Because it's my turn now."

As soon as Rak Bio finished speaking, he quickly spun the dial.

*Spin, spin, spin!*

The dial, spinning powerfully like the wheels of a chariot on the battlefield, stopped.

The number that came out was 'Five (五)'.

Rak Bio smiled, looking at the number with satisfaction.

"It seems you have bad luck."

"I pride myself on being a lucky man?"

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been called by the bizarre nickname 'Great Fortune Punching Gold'.

"Then your luck ends today. Because I am not only the strongest in defense but also the best in offense. No one has ever endured more than three of my iron fists head-on."

Then Bi Ryoo Yeon, not to be outdone, grinned.

"Then one person will be made today. There's always a first for everything."

Bi Ryoo Yeon was someone who never lost in an argument. Taking a defensive stance, Bi Ryoo Yeon shouted,

"You want to test my luck? Interesting. I accept that challenge! Come on!"