Tournament Day
Contestants No. 501 and No. 7 easily defeated their opponents and faced each other in the quarterfinals.
“In the end, we meet like this,” No. 501 said.
“I have no plans to lose easily,” replied No. 7.
The match ended rather anticlimactically.
Both No. 501 and No. 7 had talent, but without particularly flashy martial arts, the only difference left was their weight class.
If No. 501 had underestimated or simply didn’t know No. 7, there might have been a chance for No. 7, but No. 501 didn’t let their guard down. No. 7 was pushed into a corner and lost.
“…So this is how it ends,” No. 7 remarked.
“It was a good match,” No. 501 acknowledged.
Hmm.
If either No. 501 or No. 7 became a first-rate expert or reached their peak, who would be stronger?
That thought flicked through their minds, but they’d only know for sure far in the future.
After the quarterfinal matches, the ranking battles for 5th to 8th places took place, and No. 7 ended up in 5th.
With a disappointed glance at the 123rd black rib marked with gold, silver, and bronze numbers, No. 7 ultimately held onto the black rib marked with the number 5.
Soon, the semifinals began.
Finally, the clash between those considered top contenders unfolded.
In Group A, the standout contestants were No. 501 and No. 7, while in Group B, it was No. 503 and No. 789.
No. 503, a classic late-stage genius who properly absorbed the teachings of Mukju Sect, clashed against No. 789, who had overwhelming physical attributes and a head above the rest.
No. 789 charged towards No. 503 with fists clenched.
Relying on sheer muscle mass, No. 789 pinned down the opponent until they finally met their match. No. 503 skillfully applied the intricacies of swordplay to effectively subdue No. 789. No. 503 advanced to the finals while No. 789 dropped to the third-fourth place match.
Before the finals, the third-fourth place match took place first.
Feeling the pressure after being dominated by No. 503, No. 789 took out No. 683 and secured third place.
And now, the long-awaited finals.
No. 501 and No. 503 faced off.
“Umm…”
Even the usually stoic leader of Mukju Sect, Muk Gang-tan, seemed nervous at this moment, fidgeting anxiously.
It wasn’t just Muk Gang-tan who was on edge. The thousands of audience members held their breath in anticipation.
That tense silence was broken by No. 501’s attack.
No. 503 easily deflected No. 501’s strike.
Though they mentally cheered for No. 501, the gap between them was just too wide. It was true that No. 501 was talented, but surely No. 503 had talent as well.
No. 503 honed their sword skills diligently through many years of hard work and sweat at Mukju Sect.
The gap was something even No. 501 couldn’t easily close.
No. 503’s learned techniques cut through the air, seamlessly adapting to the assault from No. 501, quickly shifting to a counter-offensive position.
The ferocity of No. 503’s blade attacks was truly intimidating.
With skillful ease, the balance of No. 501 was disrupted, throwing their limbs into confusion. Rather than merely targeting vital points, No. 503 deftly exploited the outer defenses that were bound to weaken, expertly dismantling them as they went.
Built on patience rather than relying on a lucky hit, No. 503’s tactics exuded the essence of righteousness.
In that moment, while No. 503 seemed to overwhelmingly push No. 501, the outcome was not going to be easily decided.
Even amid No. 503’s relentless offense, No. 501 did not crumble.
As No. 503 targeted weaknesses one after the other, No. 501 began to comprehend No. 503’s attacks. They focused on protecting vital areas while avoiding the brunt of No. 503’s blade.
No. 503’s attacks never landed as decisive blows.
Stubbornly, No. 501 held their ground, and gradually, a shift began in their sword style.
“Mmm.”
“Hmm.”
No. 501 was growing. It was becoming evident that they were slowly adapting to No. 503’s diverse techniques through firsthand experience.
This didn’t mean merely copying techniques.
What exists in the world of martial arts?
No. 501, who had never before experienced this realm of martial arts, was rapidly expanding their horizon as they faced No. 503, who was displaying various stances.
So this is how the sword can be wielded.
This is how you disrupt an opponent’s balance.
This is what happens when blades cross in this manner.
No. 501’s changes, understanding martial arts in real-time, gradually enriched their own swordplay.
Indeed, No. 501 was growing stronger in the midst of the matches.
Realizing this, No. 503 moved even faster. The learning process that had been laid back now came with a fury as No. 503 pushed No. 501 even harder.
Still, No. 501 stood their ground.
“Truly impressive, remarkable,” someone mused.
“Mm. If it were a real fight, it would’ve been over by now…”
An agreeing voice came from a sect leader.
While it wasn’t a fatal blow, No. 503 managed to land several hits on No. 501.
It wasn’t a wooden sword, but a real blade that, if it had sliced through, would have left No. 501 in a pool of blood.
But this was not a true fight; it was a structured martial arts competition.
In real combat, the rules of martial competitions mattered.
Though No. 501 was regaining their stability and seeming to look for opportunities to turn the tables, No. 503 was also adapting to the rules of the match.
Swoosh!
Had it been a real battle, the grand movements would easily have been detrimental, but here, No. 503 relentlessly unleashed overwhelming power against No. 501.
Smack!
“Oww!!”
Cheers erupted from the audience.
No. 501’s sword sailed through the air.
Though they held on well, the accumulated shocks eventually overwhelmed No. 501, causing them to lose their weapon.
“Yes!” Muk Gang-tan jumped up and cheered. Immediately realizing his slip, he looked at me with a sheepish grin.
“Ahem. Brain Knife Outcast, that’s not what I meant…”
“Hoho. It’s good to see Sect Leader showing such dedication for their own school.”
“Congratulations. Mukju Sect now has a great talent!”
“Thank you, everyone,” Muk Gang-tan said, his face flushed from embarrassment.
“Waahhh!!!”
A loud cheer erupted from the audience.
They had witnessed No. 501 accepting defeat gracefully as No. 503 and they exchanged tokens of respect.
From No. 1 to No. 100, the fates of all participants were set in stone.
The Exciting Moment
“Waahhh!!!”
The contestants from No. 1 to No. 100 proudly made their way forward.
“Contestants in positions 100 to 1, please choose your desired sect. Well, it seems you’ve already made your decision via the Grand Sect at this point.”
Hahaha!!
The contestant who had shed their black rib marked 100 was already clad in the Grand Sect’s attire.
“I’m Jang Man-seo, the first son of the meat shop in Junggong. I’ve been familiar with weapons since childhood due to handling the butchering knife, and although I’ve longed to master martial arts, work kept postponing my ambition. I chose this moment, participating in this selection tournament, to achieve this result, and naturally, as you can see, I will choose the Grand Sect, as they have helped our shop for many years in times of need.”
“Ohhh…”
From interesting participants to those who had none.
“I’m Go Chasa, a disciple of Sangil Sect. I’ve always been a disciple and am glad to reveal my accomplishment alongside my sect’s reputation.”
Participants reveled in lifting theirs and their sect’s honor.
“Ohhh!!!”
Even among the few, there were those merely seeking the challenge and still trying to continue their livelihood, with some undecided regarding their sect, representing a diverse range of individuals among the 100 participants.
Finally, as No. 503 removed their black rib, they introduced themselves after passing No. 501, who was still adorned with it.
“I’m Park Seo from Mukju Sect. I’m truly grateful to have honored the name of Mukju Sect. I’ve gained much knowledge through the Sacheon Outcast Selection Tournament.”
“Waahhh!!!”
And thus, it was truly over.
“Citizens of Sacheon City!”
The vibes of thousands filled the air.
“The Sacheon Outcast Selection Tournament has successfully concluded. However, to the 100 participants and to the numerous talents who unfortunately did not make it, they will continue to be around you as they diligently strive toward their respective goals.”
“The participants are like sprouts. The hopes they represent will one day grow into great pillars that can support Sacheon City, and it requires many things for that to happen. Their own efforts, sect support, and… your continued interest.”
“Though the Sacheon Outcast Selection Tournament concludes here today, I hope the 100 distinguished participants and challengers can cherish today’s memory in their hearts. And I ask everyone in Sacheon City to remember the 100 selected participants and the challengers.”
I clasped my hands together and proclaimed.
“Thus, I announce the conclusion of the Sacheon Outcast Selection Tournament by the Brain Knife Outcast.”
“Waahhh!!!”
The Aftermath
By the time I finished all follow-up actions from the tournament, it was already late evening.
When Yu Sa-yeon and I returned to the Outcast Inn, a drinking party was already in full swing.
“Why did you arrive now!”
“Everyone’s here now, reveal your identities!”
At this, No. 501 and No. 7 nodded and removed their black ribs.
“Ooh…”
“Quite the good-looking folks!”
It would not be an exaggeration to say No. 501 and No. 7 were like the epitome of handsome and beautiful.
“Wait, No. 7 was a woman?”
“You didn’t know? Tsk tsk. How did you manage to survive being an Outcast with such poor eyes?”
The surprised expressions of those who had never thought No. 7 was a woman were quite the sight.
No. 7, noticing the staggering crowd, calmly introduced herself.
“I am Seo I-ryeong, a merchant who moved to Sacheon City with my family from Okgyo in Yunnan, after being caught up in unforeseen troubles.”
No. 7’s impressive showing left Hyeok Gi-rin utterly speechless, choking on his drink as I gaped incredulously at Seo I-ryeong.
“Unexpected troubles?”
“Yes. It was the incident involving the Imperial Army. They disguised as thugs to assault the Sokryeong Sect, turning the streets into a wreck.”
“R-really…?”
Ah.
It seemed Hyeok Gi-rin was malfunctioning.
Surprised by Hyeok Gi-rin’s sudden silence, Seo I-ryeong continued, “The special unit of the Imperial Army, Jeokgwi Daebyeol, arrested them and received compensation from the sects behind them, distributing appropriate reparations to affected merchants. Thanks to that money, my family managed to settle into Sacheon City.”
“Oh.”
“Because of that, I decided to become a martial artist. I felt how sad it was not to have the strength to protect myself.”
“All that led me to become a Sacheon Outcast.”
“Mm.”
“Welcome!”
Seo I-ryeong smiled at me.
In the past, there was the Sadoryeon. And now, I was contending against Jeong Cheol, the leader of Sadoryeon.
Did Seo I-ryeong think becoming a Sacheon Outcast would put her in a position to aid me against the Sadoryeon?
But was there really a need to worry when she was here? If I asked, she’d likely answer.
“Do you wish to take revenge against Sadoryeon and Jeong Cheol?”
“Revenge… well. I did face all sorts of struggles due to their feud, but in the end, my family is safe, and we’ve settled well in Sacheon City. I can’t claim I have no resentment, but I don’t intend to dedicate everything to revenge.”
So it was more like she had a slight grudge left behind in her heart.
“Nevertheless, it’s true I’ve endured a lifetime of torment at the hands of the Outcast faction. I would love to chop down the Outcasts in a triumphant fashion.”
“Haha! That’s the spirit!”
Well, that was enough. Hyeok Gi-rin gripped No. 7’s hand, tears glistening in his eyes.
“Sister! You’ve been through so much!”
“Uh? Um…”
“It’s been tough, hasn’t it? Drink up, and let it all out!”
“N-no, wait… ugh!”
…The conflict between Seohwa Sect and Great Dark Sect, which instigated the chaos in Okgyo, clearly haunted Hyeok Gi-rin now.
He felt a sense of guilt about it, given that he had inadvertently helped orchestrate that disruption.
Though it turned out alright, it was only natural he’d feel some remorse.
I, too, felt bad that my plan had caused her family trouble… but more than that, I was mostly amazed.
I wasn’t surprised because Seo I-ryeong hailed from Okgyo.
It was just the name ‘Seo I-ryeong’ that rattled me.
The Swordswoman Seo I-ryeong!
…Seo I-ryeong would later be known as the strongest female swordswoman in the world!
But to think No. 7 was Seo I-ryeong?
I had suspected she was special, but this was beyond what I could imagine.
Just when I was still reeling from that shock.
No. 501 introduced themselves.
“I am Jo Yong-sang, born and raised in Sacheon City. I don’t have a special story like No. 7, but I became a Sacheon Outcast out of admiration for one of them.”
I was taken aback once more at No. 501’s introduction.
No. 501’s true identity was that of the future Hall Master of the Martial Forest Alliance.
