Can a pure gambler catch up with the physical abilities of a martial artist?
I don’t know the answer to this question either. Why? Because characters in the Martial World inevitably had to grow their martial arts.
Ka-bang!!
And today, I held that answer in my hands.
Combining the principles of martial arts with gambling. I never felt a lack with the existing gambling skills I had learned, so I had never attempted this before. But since I had reached a certain level in both martial arts and gambling, executing it as I intended was not particularly difficult.
I couldn’t say it was a perfected technique, but I still fully implemented the core idea of embedding the principles of the martial arts I realized into my movements.
“I will bet two on 13.”
I got it right.
Dogwi continuously penetrated my methods. The process of him penetrating it was even perfect. He didn’t just follow my actions with his eyes; he traced the principle of the martial arts I used to derive a conclusion.
What is the principle of martial arts?
The principle of martial arts is an understanding of the body and an understanding of Qi. Thus, Dogwi, despite not practicing martial arts, had awakened his Qi perception.
And he didn’t just loosely understand it. He demonstrated a deep enough comprehension to even perceive techniques used by Hwa-gyeong martial artists.
“So the fact that he deciphered Ho Cheon-an Great Hero’s moves wasn’t coincidence!”
“It’s truly astonishing that someone who hasn’t practiced martial arts possesses the ability to sense Qi and decipher the moves of a Great Hero!”
The guests spoke as if they believed one couldn’t awaken Qi without practicing martial arts, but strictly speaking, that was incorrect.
It was entirely possible for someone who hadn’t practiced martial arts to gain Qi perception.
Some shamans, masters of formations, and even certain renowned physicians had managed to awaken their Qi without martial arts training.
However, I could relate to the surprise of the guests.
I had never seen someone awaken Qi through gambling either.
Just how serious must one be about gambling for such a thing to be possible?
As I admired Dogwi, our eyes met, and it felt as if his gaze was saying:
It’s not the time for admiration right now.
Though my mind abruptly cleared with that look, it was already too late.
Clink!
Dogwi’s hand was already covering the cup and shaking the dice. I bit my lip inwardly, watching the scene unfold.
I had completely lost the start. I couldn’t check the face of the dice before they entered the cup, so what good would it do to understand any changes that occurred within the cup?
In my intoxication with excitement and curiosity, I made a move. Well, if I were to be precise, I hadn’t only made one move.
I had already revealed three successive moves mixed with martial arts.
When my first move got deciphered, I instinctively sensed that Dogwi could see through my methods, yet I had placed the same move twice out of curiosity.
As a result, Dogwi’s bets now totaled 58. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the scales of victory had already tilted, assuming he had truly reached my level in gambling.
In that situation, I had lost one bet due to my mistake, which caused a sour taste in my mouth.
Well, it was unavoidable; it was entirely my fault, so all I could do was accept it and aim for a reversal from the next round.
Instead of focusing on the flow of the dice within the cup, I began devising how to turn the 59 to 41 odds around.
Then, [Instinct] was triggered.
“You’ve missed.”
The scales of victory had tilted.
Dogwi confidently affirmed that when Ho Cheon-an, lost in admiration, failed to check the dice’s faces.
Checking the opponent’s capability is also a strategy. It was surely a bad thing for curiosity and desire to get mixed in during the confirmation process, but as the saying goes, “Even a rotten fish can be used.”
Though Ho Cheon-an had reached the peak of gambling, he was somehow managing to hold on despite a bad move.
However, letting down my guard following confirmation of Dogwi’s capacity was clearly a blunder that I couldn’t take back.
The flow, which had been precariously balanced, finally tilted.
A round that could be a turning point in victory and defeat. Dogwi shook the cup without a moment of negligence and executed it perfectly.
There were no variables.
The dice in the cup ended at 10 as intended, and Ho Cheon-an, who hadn’t confirmed the starting point, wouldn’t have known this fact.
And Dogwi’s confidence became.
“One on 10.”
It turned into a question for Ho Cheon-an.
How could he have deciphered the numbers on the dice inside the cup? Momentarily, Dogwi was engulfed in that question but soon considered the possibility that Ho Cheon-an had accidentally guessed the dice.
If that were the case, hesitation would be poison. Simply hesitating in a situation where one shouldn’t leads to the opponent gaining confidence.
“Then I will bet two on 11.”
Dogwi quickly made a decision. In this gambling, the one who names the number closest to the dice wins the bet. Since Ho Cheon-an had already wagered on the correct answer, he had no choice but to bet on another number.
“If that’s the case, I’ll take two and raise one more to three.”
I thought it was an appropriate response, but Ho Cheon-an showed no signs of backing down.
Dogwi wondered, What is that guy thinking? Since the scales had already tilted, is he going all-in because it’s all or nothing? Would he seek to rely on luck or bluff to try to turn the tables?
Or could it be that he truly had [Confidence]?
“I’ll take and raise to five.”
“Take and raise one more.”
Dogwi took a moment to catch his breath as the stakes kept rising without a pause. So far, Dogwi had wagered six, while Ho Cheon-an had put down nine. To bet on victory now, Dogwi would have to match Ho Cheon-an’s last five, thus totaling 11 bets.
If these 11 went to Ho Cheon-an, he would completely lose any advantage he had built.
Thus, Dogwi had to become cautious. Reflecting on Ho Cheon-an’s actions, Dogwi collected his thoughts.
In gambling, pulling off a bluff to win the game rarely requires a particular example. But still, that doesn’t mean one can shout bluffs at any time.
This was such a time.
So, did he just want to rely on a one in eleven chance and hope for the best? Dogwi rejected that thought. In a moment of crisis, one must devise unprecedented strategies, but Ho Cheon-an wasn’t in a corner that he could throw a lucky shot from.
Then…
Did Ho Cheon-an truly approach this round with [Confidence]?
Dogwi intensely stared at Ho Cheon-an and finally spoke.
“I’ll take and bet five.”
The bets were solidified.
The guests swallowed dryly as they focused on Dogwi’s cup. Since the advantage Dogwi had built so far could vanish all at once or double in this moment, how could they take their eyes off the cup?
In that moment, Dogwi only observed Ho Cheon-an’s expression. Ho Cheon-an was calmly watching the cup, which allowed Dogwi to fortify his resolve.
If Ho Cheon-an had randomly guessed the dice’s face, he surely would’ve had to put on a face.
In this situation, as it was easy to assume it was a coincidence, making it seem as if this scenario wasn’t a coincidence was Ho Cheon-an’s maximum gain.
But Ho Cheon-an remained still.
He wanted to take full advantage of that [Confidence] which he shouldn’t have missed.
Thus, Dogwi gained conviction that Ho Cheon-an too had reached the level of realization he had.
“You indeed have realized,”
Dogwi recalled past memories.
*
While Dogwi was training and training so that he could grasp the principles he understood in the underground gambling den, the world underwent tremendous upheaval.
Rumors of the Blood Sect began to spread every day throughout the Central Plains. Eventually, the disturbance in the Blood Sect reached even the Heavenly Demon Sect.
“Sex!”
Ho Cheon-an, standing at the center of the chaos, challenged the succession of the Heavenly Demon Arts and eventually moved the Heavenly Demon Sect. Dogwi, who watched Ho Cheon-an’s challenge among countless devotees, silently turned his steps towards the underground gambling den.
He had instinctively sensed that it wasn’t yet the time for a showdown.
Ho Cheon-an was caught in a lifelong battle with the Blood Sect, while Dogwi hadn’t fully mastered the principles yet.
“I will challenge you once more in the world you pacified.”
Resolving it, Dogwi diligently polished himself. As time swiftly passed, by the time Dogwi had fully grasped the principles, the world had long since regained its peace.
Dogwi thought it was time to challenge Ho Cheon-an but couldn’t follow through. When he left the underground gambling den, the news of the mysterious hero Geum Myeong-wol heated the world.
Everyone focused their eyes on finding Geum Myeong-wol and Ho Cheon-an’s party. Yet even amidst this search, with the whereabouts of Ho Cheon-an’s party and Geum Myeong-wol still undefined, how could Dogwi discover Ho Cheon-an?
Thus, there was only one action he could take to find Ho Cheon-an.
He would seek out the Heavenly Demon, Wi Seoryeon, who offers answers to those who win against her in gambling.
In order to meet Wi Seoryeon, Dogwi set out into the world once more, ultimately deciding on Yunnan.
The mysterious hero, Geum Myeong-wol, who had set the world ablaze. It was rumored that Geum Myeong-wol was actually a man and that his true identity was Hyeok Gi-rin of the Jeomchang Faction, causing Wi Seoryeon to retreat to the Dark Dragon Sect to escape the frenzy of men driven mad.
Having finally arrived in Yunnan after a long journey, Dogwi felt lost. He had no way to meet the Heavenly Demon, who was said to be at the Dark Dragon Sect.
However, Dogwi’s worries were futile.
“This person! It’s this person! I saw him gambling with my own two eyes!”
“What’s going on? Bring him at once!”
“????”
I had merely stopped by the gambling house briefly to cover my travel expenses, and the martial artists dragged Dogwi to the Dark Dragon Sect as if to kidnap him.
Once Dogwi proved his gambling skill at the Dark Dragon Sect, he learned about the unfavorable situation regarding the sect at present.
Due to rumors stemming from the Dark Dragon Sect, Wi Seoryeon’s joyful gambling journey throughout the world was thoroughly ruined. Wi Seoryeon had to flee due to the onslaught of furious men, and as a result, wrapped in the wildly writhing energies of the Black Dragon Qi, she had come to the Dark Dragon Sect.
From the perspective of the Dark Dragon Sect, it was a dire crisis to be targeted by the current second-in-command of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the firmly established future first-in-command.
“By any means necessary, hunt down a worthy gambler!”
Naturally, it was expected that Doggo Yeongcheon’s command fell, and filled with confidence, the members of the Dark Dragon Sect pounded their chests.
“Do not worry, Sect Leader. Among the riffraff of the Outcast Faction, aren’t there a few skilled gamblers? I will select the appropriate ones.”
Their confidence was not misplaced. It had become routine to pick the most useful out of the riffraff, who were usually people aimlessly fighting with swords. Those riffraff were more versed in drinking and partying than in martial arts.
The members of the Dark Dragon Sect sifted through those lower-level martial artists to find the few who dabbled in gambling. With every potential talent exposed, Doggo Yeongcheon wore a satisfied smile.
With such treatment, it would surely cool Wi Seoryeon’s wrath.
Doggo Yeongcheon was so confident that he could match the selected gamblers against Wi Seoryeon, but the reality unfolded in stark contrast to expectations.
The gamblers chosen by the Dark Dragon Sect were so busy trembling that they could not showcase their talents before Wi Seoryeon.
Even lower-level martial artists who had learned and honed their martial arts.
This meant that all those selected had awakened their Qi, and putting such individuals before Wi Seoryeon meant they would be completely exposed to the Black Dragon Qi.
A true master might not be able to prevent the influence of the Black Dragon Qi, but they would at least hold on to their wits, yet the selected gamblers were merely lower-level martial artists. They couldn’t even hold the dice in their hands, let alone show proper skill.
“What is this nonsense? Is the Dark Dragon Sect taking pleasure in making a fool of my lady?”
Already extremely displeased, Wi Seoryeon became furious at the scene unfolding before her, resulting in her Black Dragon Qi writhing even more fiercely, to the point where the current martial artists of the Dark Dragon Sect could hardly breathe within their own sect anymore.
Given such circumstances, Dogwi’s entrance was like a rain of blessings for the Dark Dragon Sect.
“Have him face Lady Wi Seoryeon. If we can satisfy her, I will offer even a fortune!”
To Doggo Yeongcheon’s plea, Dogwi eagerly nodded and faced Wi Seoryeon.
‘She’s intimidating.’
Though a bit different from the Qi of martial artists, Dogwi could clearly feel the immense aura of the Black Dragon nestled behind Wi Seoryeon.
This is the Heavenly Demon.
Dogwi deeply understood why the Heavenly Demon could reign as an object of terror in the Central Plains Martial World.
“Ho-oh.”
As Dogwi inspected Wi Seoryeon, she too took stock of him. The intrigue filled her gaze as she appraised Dogwi’s peculiarity instead of discomfort or rage.
“A remarkable one. So these individuals are up to something legitimate.”
With that said, the gambling match between Dogwi and Wi Seoryeon began, ending in Wi Seoryeon’s complete defeat.
However, a satisfied smile graced Wi Seoryeon’s face. After all, Dogwi’s gambling skills had reached a level of realization.
“There’s much to learn. I will visit often from now on.”
Dogwi shook his head at Wi Seoryeon’s words.
“I want to know the location of Ho Cheon-an Great Hero.”
“Hmm. It makes sense why your gambling feels strongly targeted at one person. So you wish to challenge Ho Cheon-an?”
“Yes.”
“I also do not know. It has been some time since I received a letter from that fellow.”
Dogwi’s heart sank at Wi Seoryeon’s reply. He had traversed the long path from Xin Gang to Yunnan to learn Ho Cheon-an’s whereabouts, yet he received nothing.
“However, there is something I can tell you.”
“What is it?”
“At this moment, you cannot defeat Ho Cheon-an.”
Upon Wi Seoryeon’s confidently assured response, Dogwi snapped out of his daze and focused.
“Why is that?”
“You lack an absolute feeling.”
“….Absolute?”
Dogwi frowned at Wi Seoryeon’s vague expression. Was it a martial artist’s metaphor? It was quite a troublesome phrase. Perhaps sensing Dogwi’s frustration, Wi Seoryeon began to explain.
“There is a clear difference between your gambling skills and mine. If we were to face off, you would certainly win without a doubt. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Dogwi silently nodded. Without a doubt, Wi Seoryeon had reached a level making it hard to find an opponent, yet in comparison to Dogwi, her skills were indeed lacking.
“However, if it were a gamble with something truly significant at stake, I might find a way to outwit you. The chance may be low, but it definitely exists.”
Dogwi again nodded to Wi Seoryeon’s words. A lower tier could beat a higher tier. It was difficult, but indeed possible, especially if the opponent were the aforementioned Heavenly Demon.
Yet, Wi Seoryeon stated he could not foresee such a possibility against Ho Cheon-an.
What did that mean?
Dogwi found it difficult to comprehend Wi Seoryeon’s statement.
A lower-tier. Higher-tier. Wi Seoryeon himself had just said that very thing yet stated he was unable to overcome Ho Cheon-an.
“You may not realize it, but Ho Cheon-an is fundamentally a rather hazy fellow. Furthermore, as a martial artist, he is walking the ultimate path, leaving him with no visible gaps. He’s perceptive, but it is frankly hard to highly evaluate his tendency to suddenly bet everything on the line. In that case, what do you think Ho Cheon-an’s state in gambling would be?”
At Wi Seoryeon’s question, Dogwi pondered about his duel against Ho Cheon-an. Aside from the match where he was clearly toyed with, reflecting on their duel in Nangyang only deepened his confusion about Wi Seoryeon’s words.
The impressive reversal Ho Cheon-an displayed at the Video Tower, while certainly impressive, wasn’t perfect enough to warrant being called absolute.
“Ho Cheon-an’s approach to gambling tends to be spontaneous. Every time he sets up a game, his inclination shifts. No matter how great the skill difference is or how deep his understanding of gambling, it isn’t simple to decide easily.”
Everyone has their specialties and techniques they are confident in.
When faced with a life-threatening situation, a martial artist draws their ultimate technique. What’s different for gamblers?
“A martial artist who feels a bit cornered is likely to employ a technique like the Seven Thunder Defense Technique, but a gambler will not easily resort to their ultimate technique even in a crisis.”
As Wi Seoryeon continued speaking, Dogwi suddenly recalled their first match.
Ho Cheon-an, who seemed anything but a regular gambler at that time. Eyes fixated on the waitress’s backside while casually rolling the dice without paying attention to the board, simply sweeping up golden coins.
The image of being toyed with then gained new meaning, reinforcing Wi Seoryeon’s words.
“…It was as if he knew the moment to win.”
“Indeed. Ho Cheon-an’s eyes see a domain different from that of myself.”
Wi Seoryeon posed another question to Dogwi.
“Then can you see the domain that Ho Cheon-an perceives? Or do you have any clues to anticipate that domain? If not, you will not be able to predict your chances against Ho Cheon-an.”
Dogwi let out a long sigh. It’s like mountains beyond mountains; he had spent so long training to compete against Ho Cheon-an, only to find another level exists beyond.
A forced smile crept onto Dogwi’s face. A truly hard-to-follow opponent.
“Are you planning to give up?”
Giving up? Dogwi mulled over Wi Seoryeon’s question. In fact, a fundamental question arose deep in his heart—a driving force that led him on this long journey and a motivation that made him pursue becoming the best in the world.
It was the event concerning Ho Cheon-an at the Video Tower, where he intentionally lost.
Why had a person with the identity of the Sacheon Outcast, who couldn’t avoid being noticed in a gambling den, quietly frequented gambling houses in the nights of Sacheon? With skills to sweep up all the money flowing in Sacheon City, why did he leave the den every day with empty pockets? Why did he suddenly change his approach and demolish gamblers at the Heavenly Tower, collecting money?
What was the reason for maintaining an attitude that seemed not to be gambling in that process?
Why had he provoked Dogwi, and why, with over a hundred golden coins and Dogwi’s life on the line, had he revealed his skills, lost deliberately, and vanished quietly?
Through this conversation with Wi Seoryeon, Dogwi finally understood the incomprehensible behavior of Ho Cheon-an.
‘Looking back, it was a simple matter.’
What could a gambler pursue if he didn’t look at the opponent’s technique or the situation at hand?
If anything, there was only one thing.
‘Luck.’
Just as Dogwi pierced through the martial artist’s fingertips in an instant, chasing principles and flows, Ho Cheon-an had shifted his focus away from the board and gamblers to pursue luck.
Only then did he fully grasp it. Recognizing that fact allowed Dogwi to comprehend Ho Cheon-an’s actions entirely.
Why had the Sacheon Outcast, living quietly, suddenly robbed the Video Tower?
To meet a strong gambler and learn how to read luck against those strong gamblers.
And at the moment when he had seemingly won everything, why had Ho Cheon-an suddenly challenged the ultimate gamble and lost?
The answer was simple.
Because he had achieved his original goal. In other words, he had experienced and grasped how to seize that luck.
And.
Now, he likely felt no longer the need to frequent gambling houses.
Ho Cheon-an…! You surely realized the ultimate gambling insight in that moment.
The ultimate insight in gambling.
Just imagining it made my heart race wildly. It was a term that sent shivers through my hands, feeling unlike a gambler.
Also, it was a stage reached by a lifelong rival, and if so, it was a stage I too must reach.
“I will challenge him.”
But, surrender? In the face of ultimate gambling insight, how could I even entertain the thought of giving up?
“Is that so.”
Wi Seoryeon nodded with the understanding of what would come next.
“Though I offered you some answers, strictly speaking, it’s hard to say I’ve given you the real answer. So, would you perhaps have any further requests?”
Wi Seoryeon’s words calmed Dogwi’s excitement and restored his reasoning. A request I could make to the Heavenly Demon. If done right, it could lead to a significant opportunity.
Yet, Dogwi’s contemplation didn’t take long.
“Then I would like to serve as Lady Wi Seoryeon’s gambling partner for a while.”
“Oh, that’s just what I hoped for as well.”
Wi Seoryeon’s interest piqued at Dogwi’s request, sensing the assurance pouring from his eyes.
At this moment, Dogwi finally understood the gap between Ho Cheon-an and himself and aimed for the next level. The burning passion fueling him was entirely possible. But how could one harbor such determination unless they held clues about reaching Ho Cheon-an’s level?
Wi Seoryeon, being a person also walking the path of gambling, naturally grew intrigued about any hints for reaching the ultimate insight in gambling.
“It seems you know the answer to your next level.”
At Wi Seoryeon’s inquiry, a wry smile formed on Dogwi’s face.
“Yes. He taught me that long ago. I’ve only just realized it now.”
With Wi Seoryeon’s curious expression before him, Dogwi momentarily submerged himself into the past. From the understanding he had gained when he received the assignment from the loan shark at the Video Tower to observe Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an’s activities, and everything that followed.
Ho Cheon-an, at that time, hadn’t hidden anything and straightforwardly pursued the ultimate insight in gambling.
As if challenging me to try and follow.
What could that have been if not a lesson?
So, I will catch up.
‘I will certainly follow the path that you have shown me.’
Dogwi clenched his fist tightly, resolving himself.
