“Are you out of your mind right now?”
Dokgo Yeongcheon glared at Sabok Seol with wide eyes. The expression was lethal enough that it wouldn’t be surprising if he decided to kill Sabok Seol right there, only holding back due to the setting of the banquet.
Even though they had a long-standing rivalry, Sabok Seol was currently invited to an event where he could connect with the Heavenly Demon and the members of the Heavenly Demon Sect through Dokgo Yeongcheon.
To act like this as a guest, picking a fight with the Heavenly Demon upon arrival, was a complete destruction of Dokgo Yeongcheon’s face.
“What do you think you’re doing introducing the sects of Yunnan to the Heavenly Demon and the martial artists of the Heavenly Demon Sect?”
Sabok Seol scoffed at Dokgo Yeongcheon’s words.
“Hmph. Still spouting boring nonsense.”
“…What did you just say?”
Sabok Seol looked genuinely unimpressed.
“It’s not just you. The world is noisy lately, but it’s utterly dull. Entities, Array Formation Teams… even my guys are lost and babbling nonsense…”
Sabok Seol was unloading complaints haphazardly.
While his words were scattered, they were understandable. In this Martial World, the existence of a Hyeong-gyeong martial artist was akin to a pillar that could sway the entire realm. Just one Hyeong-gyeong martial artist could change the standing of a sect and shift the entire regional dynamics.
But what of the current Martial World?
The core of the current Martial World was not the Hyeong-gyeong martial artists but the entities and Array Formation Teams.
It would surely be dissatisfaction for the Hyeong-gyeong martial artists who once held absolute influence in the martial world to see the current situation.
Especially for the Hyeong-gyeong martial artist of the Outcast Faction, who had neither entities nor the ability to form Array Formation Teams, the present circumstance must feel grim.
If Sabok Seol thought it was better for the Blood Sect’s power to be completely wiped out and for their past influence to be regained, then his eccentric behavior would be justifiable.
Sabok Seol was willing to sacrifice his own reputation to impress the powers of Yunnan with the strength of the Heavenly Demon.
I looked again at Wi Seoryeon.
“Did you anticipate this kind of situation?”
“It was obvious.”
Wi Seoryeon, who had only shown a flippant demeanor lately, appeared different.
Wi Seoryeon had accurately predicted what grievances the Hyeong-gyeong martial artists would hold about the current Martial World situation.
Perhaps sensing my admiration in my gaze, Wi Seoryeon casually added, “A martial artist is one who implements their chosen path. Even if that path conflicts with their own benefits, true martial artists step forward without hesitation.”
“…Is that so?”
They are those who walk their own path.
“I wonder how it is that the leader of the sect behaves so, but… isn’t learning by being beaten by a stronger opponent also a way for a martial artist to live?”
Yes, this is the Martial World, where sometimes, a passionate heart takes precedence over cold logic.
“Talking about influence and changing dynamics… everyone just watches and no one dares to step up and take action!”
From a rational perspective, Sabok Seol may just seem like a foolish person inviting trouble, but viewed emotionally, he might be a romantic martial artist who people would want to follow.
“Are you that kind of martial artist, Heavenly Demon Wi Ji-cheon?”
Provoked by Sabok Seol, Wi Ji-cheon set down his cup.
But the direction of Wi Ji-cheon’s gaze was not towards Sabok Seol but towards Dokgo Yeongcheon.
“Is it alright if I step in?”
“…How can I assert my rights as the host when I’ve failed to properly entertain my guest?”
Dokgo Yeongcheon seemed to also want to witness the Heavenly Demon’s strength, quickly stepping back at his question. Wi Ji-cheon simply nodded and stood up.
“You have spirit, but you are rude.”
With Wi Ji-cheon’s reprimand, the atmosphere in the space grew heavy.
“Is this what it would feel like if lead were mixed into the air?”
“I personally do not dislike spirited martial artists, but dealing with a boorish fellow like you contradicts the dignity that a representative of our sect should maintain.”
“Ha.”
Sabok Seol let out an exclamation. While the tone was provocative, it was more of a facade to shake off the pressure from Wi Ji-cheon.
He could no longer hide the tension as he placed his hand on his Dao.
“So what do you intend to do?”
“Show your qualifications.”
Step by step, Wi Ji-cheon walked toward Sabok Seol.
The distance between them slowly decreased. Along with that, Wi Ji-cheon’s Black Dragon Qi dominated the space.
“If you draw your Dao aimed at me, I shall accept you as my opponent.”
With hands clasped behind his back, Wi Ji-cheon’s pace was unhurried.
The distance between Wi Ji-cheon and Sabok Seol was about 7-8 steps. Considering that the usual distance in a match is roughly 1 step, Sabok Seol was given ample time.
Not just ample time, but likely more than enough time.
Sabok Seol seem to realize this as sparks appeared in his eyes, suddenly raising his momentum.
“Don’t underestimate me!”
Drawing his Dao from the sheath revealed the shimmering Dao. In that instant, Wi Ji-cheon’s Black Dragon Qi shot forth with incredible speed, wrapping around Sabok Seol’s arm.
“Wow…!”
“This can’t be!!”
Astonishment filled the room as witnesses observed the scene. I too was unable to hold back my admiration for that sight.
Why is the Hyeong-gyeong level considered absolute?
It is because they possess overwhelming superiority in what is perhaps the most crucial factor in a martial artist’s fight: distance.
Let’s say a Hwa-gyeong martial artist would face a Peak Expert. Ultimately, the Hwa-gyeong martial artist would have to use strong energy to suppress the Peak Expert, and utilizing strong energy means they would face off and break techniques.
Naturally, while the Hwa-gyeong artist would gain an advantage over the Peak Expert, there would definitely be variables that arise due to that exchange.
However, in the fight between Hyeong-gyeong and Hwa-gyeong, variables do not exist.
If a Hyeong-gyeong martial artist does not give ground to a Hwa-gyeong martial artist and precisely counters with strong energy, the distance cannot be crossed.
In other words, the distance does not serve as an absolute element for a Hyeong-gyeong martial artist unlike martial artists of other levels.
But despite being fully aware of this fact, the scene unfolding before my eyes was astonishing.
Sabok Seol’s Dao paused just before it could be fully drawn from the sheath.
No matter how the Hyeong-gyeong level contrasts with others, it remains an unchanging fact that the closer the distance, the easier it is to exert power.
Yet, Wi Ji-cheon had stopped Sabok Seol’s attempt to draw the Dao from afar, making it impossible to even guess at the level of strength he possessed.
“Ugh!”
Under pressure, Sabok Seol exhaled a gasp, trying to exert more force, but Wi Ji-cheon stood unwavering.
Step by step, he leisurely closed the distance.
“Ahhh!”
Tsuzuzuzuz!!
In response to Wi Ji-cheon’s relentless advancement, Sabok Seol gritted his teeth and released all his internal energy.
“Ugh!”
“Ugh!”
The sheer force produced vibrations that echoed through the banquet hall, but this power was all released without considering the surrounding situation.
“Your concentration of Qi is lacking.”
It was insufficient to shake off Wi Ji-cheon’s pressure.
Step by step.
The distance shrank to about three steps, showcasing the bulging veins in Sabok Seol’s arms, indicating that he was squeezing every last bit of strength he had, yet the situation did not improve.
In fact, it was worsening.
The Dao that was almost drawn back now retreated further into the sheath as the distance between him and Wi Ji-cheon decreased.
“…I acknowledge it. Your level is beyond mine.”
Sabok Seol said, releasing the tension in his arm. Yet still, more than half of the Dao remained withdrawn.
Was he giving up?
That thought fleetingly crossed my mind, but I quickly shook my head.
The fierce gleam in Sabok Seol’s eyes hadn’t faded.
“However, I too am a martial artist proud of my level.”
Tsuzuzuz!!
The energy that Sabok Seol emitted in the match was drawn back into his body again. Perhaps he wanted to return the courtesy of Wi Ji-cheon’s remark.
It was an evident will to vastly concentrate his Qi and break free from Wi Ji-cheon’s pressuring presence.
“If I can’t even properly draw my Dao in front of an opponent, how can I call myself Blood Dao Sabok Seol?!!”
Kwaaa!!
The ground shook.
The concentrated force of Sabok Seol erupted in an instant, clashing head-on with Wi Ji-cheon’s Black Dragon Qi.
The hall was engulfed in turbulent winds. Guests’ sleeves flapped dangerously, wine bottles rolled off tables, and breakage could be heard throughout.
Did the overwhelming strength of Sabok Seol’s strike land a blow on Wi Ji-cheon?
With trembling hands, Sabok Seol revealed the glimmering Dao inching out from the sheath.
Despite everything, I felt like he wouldn’t be able to fully draw his Dao.
Facing Wi Ji-cheon, Sabok Seol…
Step.
Wi Ji-cheon stood calmly, unfazed by the full effort Sabok Seol was pouring into the clash.
Step.
The distance closed to two steps.
Step by step, as the distance shrank, Sabok Seol’s shimmering Dao was pushed back helplessly into the sheath.
The serene movements of Wi Ji-cheon resembled a mountain.
What could a mere human do to move a mountain? Even though it was a battle of person against person, a martial artist against martial artist, such thoughts surfaced.
Step.
Wi Ji-cheon halted his steps.
The distance between them dwindled to precisely one step, and Sabok Seol’s Dao ultimately failed to break free from the sheath.
Three inches.
The length of the Dao that Sabok Seol had struggled so hard to draw was merely three inches. That glimmering three-inch blade was the result of all Sabok Seol’s efforts.
He looked down at his Dao as if in disbelief. After staring at the three inches of blade, he quietly re-sheathed it.
“I admit defeat.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Cook it, eat it, do as you please.”
As Sabok Seol spoke, he withdrew his hand from his Dao. For a martial artist to let go of their weapon often signifies an unwillingness to resist.
Everyone held their breath in nervous anticipation, fixated on Wi Ji-cheon.
What Sabok Seol had done was, by any measure, an unbelievably rude act, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Wi Ji-cheon chose to take his life right then.
Perhaps unspeakable rumors about the Demon Sect circulated in the minds of those in attendance.
I too was curious.
How does Wi Ji-cheon intend to handle Sabok Seol?
Moving his hands which had been clasped behind his back, Wi Ji-cheon’s deliberate movements caused everyone to hold their breath, and Sabok Seol’s eyes were sharply focused on the gesture.
Whoosh!
Wi Ji-cheon gestured, and a cup flew through the air. Despite the storm of internal energy raging in the banquet hall, it remained completely full.
Sabok Seol stood there dumbfounded, catching the cup that had hung above him.
“If you’ve finished your business, be on your way and enjoy the banquet.”
With those parting words, Wi Ji-cheon turned and returned to his seat.
“….Hah.”
Staring blankly at that leisurely retreating figure, Sabok Seol eventually took a gulp and grinned as he sidled up next to Wi Ji-cheon.
“Can I call you brother?”
“I refuse.”
“You’re so uptight.”
Wi Ji-cheon returned no further comment as he sat down, and Sabok Seol took a seat beside him.
“Hah…”
Watching this unfold, Dokgo Yeongcheon sighed in exasperation, pressing his forehead, but there was little he could say.
It was impossible to just upend the table that’s barely been settled because he was angry.
“Clean up the broken dishes and bring out fresh food and drink.”
With the completely shifted atmosphere, the banquet resumed.
