Chapter 87
As Zhuge Lin appeared with a greatsword as big as her own body, the crowd began to murmur.
"Wow, that small woman wields such a big sword?"
"Hey. She's a martial artist. A martial artist who flies in the sky and runs on rivers."
Surprisingly, the ordinary common people who did not know martial arts were more easily convinced. In their view, martial artists were some kind of supernatural beings, so they just accepted it as it was.
On the other hand, the martial artists were different.
"Why would she use such a sword? It would be a disadvantage, wouldn't it?"
"What is she doing with a weapon that doesn't match the Zhuge's sword art? Ah, is she going easy on him because her opponent is a new alliance member?"
As much as they knew martial arts, they knew how inefficient it was for Zhuge Lin to wield a huge greatsword.
Of course, Seok Domyeong, who was facing her directly on the dueling stage, felt completely different.
'Sh-shit...'
Something was wrong.
He had just thought of it as an opportunity to make his name widely known by defeating the famously weak Zhuge Lin.
But, from Zhuge Lin, who had brought that big sword up from below the dueling stage, a pressure that only Seok Domyeong could feel was being emitted.
Although Seok Domyeong was also weak compared to the top five applicants, he was still a martial artist born and raised in the prestigious Seok family.
He instinctively realized that Zhuge Lin was not his opponent.
However, it was not a situation where he could take back his decision now.
"I didn't know junior Seok would choose me? I'm a little offended."
However, unlike her words, Zhuge Lin's expression was bright. For a moment, he thought she was pretty, but that was not what was important.
Seok Domyeong was a man with good sense and quick thinking.
He instantly decided on the attitude he should take.
"I have always respected you, senior, for proudly holding the position of deputy commander with a woman's body. Since a good opportunity has arisen, please give me a lesson. It is an honor."
He even took a stylish fist-and-palm salute. Since he had intentionally spoken with his internal energy so that the audience could hear, cheers erupted from the crowd.
Of course, it did not work on those who knew Seok Domyeong's personality and Zhuge Lin's usual reputation.
Zhuge Lin gave a strange smile.
"Ah, so the martial world is a man's world?"
"Ah, no, that's not it..."
"Women should go home and do the laundry? Wow, there are still people who think like that these days?"
Seok Domyeong's face turned pale.
"That's not it, but a woman's strength is weaker than a man's, and anyway, that's..."
He was just talking nonsense.
Of course, since Zhuge Lin also knew that he did not mean it that way, she did not bother to question him.
"Well, shall we begin then?"
Zhuge Lin gave a look to the person in charge of conducting the duel.
At that, the official in charge, who had approached, briefly reminded the two of the rules and then asked.
"Deputy Commander, will you yield the first move?"
"Well, shall I?"
Zhuge Lin shrugged her shoulders.
It was customary for a senior to yield about three moves to a junior.
"Alright. Then, until alliance member Seok Domyeong's three moves are over, Deputy Commander Zhuge Lin is only allowed to defend. Then..."
The official in charge took out a small ball from his bosom. At that, Seok Domyeong and Zhuge Lin looked at it with puzzled eyes.
"What's that?"
As Zhuge Lin asked, the official in charge smiled brightly.
He himself had been so amazed when he had first seen this object.
"It is an object that the alliance leader personally commissioned from the Byeokryeok Mun. Its name is the Exploding Ball, and it is so mysterious. You will know when you see it."
Zhuge Lin looked at the Exploding Ball with an interested face.
The Byeokryeok Mun had once belonged to the evil path and was a family of psychopaths who were crazy about gunpowder and explosions, but when the family was on the verge of extinction by a certain villain of the previous generation, they had asked the Martial Alliance for help and had crossed over to the righteous path.
At that time, there was strong opposition in the Martial Alliance, but there was not a single person who doubted the ability of the Byeokryeok Mun.
A tool made by such a Byeokryeok Mun.
Soon, the official in charge threw the Exploding Ball high into the sky. Since it was filled with internal energy, it rose high as if it would reach the clouds.
Not only the two on the dueling stage, but also the audience and the Martial Alliance members raised their heads with interested faces.
Soon, as if its strength had run out, the rise of the Exploding Ball stopped, and just before it fell again.
Boom-!
As its name suggested, the Exploding Ball exploded, creating colorful flowers made of fire in all directions.
"Waaaaaah!!"
A huge cheer erupted.
Even though it was broad daylight, it was so bright and clear that if it were to explode at night, it would be a truly magnificent sight.
"Y-young hero Cheon! Look at that! Look at that! Isn't it amazing?"
Song Yiyeon pointed at the Exploding Ball, making a fuss. However, Cheon Woojin was silent. Thinking that young hero Cheon was not interested in such childish games, he looked to the side, and his jaw was dropped as if it would fall off.
"..."
He doesn't even blink an eye when a person's head explodes, but he's so amazed like a child when something explodes in the sky.
He's a young hero I can't figure out.
While Song Yiyeon was thinking so, the duel began.
It was Seok Domyeong's first move.
'Since it has come to this...'
He had already sensed defeat. However, his will to make his name properly known was still the same.
Seok Domyeong took his stance. The Seok family was also a prestigious family known for its swordsmanship in the local area.
The family's special skill, the Flying Heaven Flower Garden Sword.
It was a sword art that was said to have been passed down to the family members by a fairy who had come down one night and had danced with a sword in the flower garden of the courtyard when the Seok family had originally made a living by selling rice.
Of course, such a legend existed in any sect or family.
Seok Domyeong's sword drew a graceful curve like a fairy's movement and rushed at Zhuge Lin. Since it was a rather stylish trajectory, even the alliance members who had looked down on Seok Domyeong as a guy who was only into showing off let out an exclamation.
Seok Domyeong's feet moved busily. With every step he took, destructive power was put into the graceful sword art.
Soon, he reached right in front of Zhuge Lin and swung his sword.
Swish-!
Seok Domyeong's sword shattered the sunlight and fell stylishly.
It was so splendid and cool that even the Black Tortoise Unit members, who knew the difference in their martial might, thought, 'Oh, isn't she going to be unable to block that?'.
Soon, Seok Domyeong's sword clashed with Zhuge Lin's huge greatsword.
Thud.
That was the end. Compared to the splendid and long prelude, it was an endlessly empty sound.
"Puhahahat!"
Laughter erupted from the crowd.
Song Yiyeon was holding his stomach, and even Nangong Jin and Dang Soyeon let out a smirk, saying, 'What kind of guy is that?'.
Even Zhuge Lin was trying her best to hold back her laughter under the pretext of showing courtesy to her opponent.
Only three people.
Seok Domyeong himself and the head of the Seok family, who was Seok Domyeong's father.
And only Cheon Woojin was not laughing.
The two did not laugh because they were embarrassed, and Cheon Woojin did not laugh because he had seen something in Seok Domyeong's sword that others had not.
'The martial art of the Flying Heaven Sword Maiden?'
His White Master had said that all the martial arts of the current era were created by eight great people.
One of them was the Flying Heaven Sword Maiden.
The reason Cheon Woojin knew this was because the White Master's martial art was also one of the three martial arts created by the Flying Heaven Sword Maiden.
His master had said that if one mastered just one of the three martial arts, one could stand at the pinnacle of an era.
'The Seok family must know too, right?'
Well, since it was the origin of their own martial art, it would be strange if they didn't know.
While Cheon Woojin was thinking this.
Thud, thud, the sound echoed twice more, and the three moves that Zhuge Lin had yielded ended.
The laughter of the people did not stop.
Soon, Zhuge Lin, who had been holding her sword silently, gripped it again.
Her stance changed from defense to offense.
Just that made Seok Domyeong feel as if the air were heavily pressing down on his shoulders.
"Junior Seok. You have to block well."
Although her voice was soft, Seok Domyeong knew.
It was a word that was said before a huge attack, like 'grit your teeth'.
Soon, Deputy Commander Zhuge Lin lightly tapped the floor with the tip of her foot, and then...
Hwaak-!
She appeared right in front of him in an instant.
It was a speed that Seok Domyeong could not react to at all.
Soon, a shadow was cast over his head.
Because of the particularly bright weather, the shadow cast by the huge greatsword that blocked the sun felt even darker. Just like Seok Domyeong's mood.
The greatsword fell. Since Seok Domyeong also had no intention of just watching, he raised his sword, and the moment Zhuge Lin's greatsword came down to his head.
He was so overwhelmed by the pressure as if Mount Tai were collapsing that he shouted without realizing it.
"I-I surrender!"
Zhuge Lin's sword stopped right above his head.
Seok Domyeong's face turned red. The face of the head of the Seok family, who was watching this, also turned red.
"Wow, this is the first time I've been to a duel, but it's more fun than I thought, isn't it?"
"This year seems to be particularly fun."
The reaction of the audience was also good.
Starting with the splendid firecracker that announced the start, to the stylish sword art of the new alliance member, and even the beautiful female master who wielded a sword as big as her own body.
It was truly a feast for the eyes.
And so, the first duel ended.
Zhuge Lin returned, and the Black Tortoise Unit members gave her a thumbs-up. In particular, Song Yiyeon's reaction was the most enthusiastic.
"Waaah! Long live the Deputy Commander!"
"Why are you making such a fuss?"
"Hehe."
Song Yiyeon scratched his head as if embarrassed.
At that, Zhuge Lin's eyes narrowed. Although Song Yiyeon's personality was usually cheerful, he seemed particularly happy today.
"You bet money, didn't you?"
"Ahem."
Song Yiyeon let out a dry cough.
Many gamblers flocked to the duel.
They bet money on the outcome of the duel.
The Martial Alliance also knew this fact. They did not particularly sanction it. They just advised the alliance members not to bet too much money.
"How much did you bet?"
Zhuge Lin was inwardly curious.
The duel betting was a rather unique method.
Information about the new alliance members of the Martial Alliance was provided in advance. Of course, it was just a brief background or the exam rank.
The opponent was not disclosed. Since they were pointed out after getting on the dueling stage, it was a natural thing.
And so, they bet money on the alliance member without knowing the opponent. For example, in the previous match, they would each bet money on Seok Domyeong's victory or defeat.
Since money was involved, the possibility of match-fixing could not be ruled out. However, there had never been such an incident in the history of the duel.
Because the ones who hosted the duel betting were the merchants employed by the Martial Alliance. There was no low-ranking alliance member who was bold enough to commit a fraud against the Martial Alliance.
Song Yiyeon had bet on Seok Domyeong's defeat. Of course, there were personal feelings involved, and in fact, he had expected to some extent that Seok Domyeong would choose Deputy Commander Zhuge Lin.
It was the result of accurately grasping and considering Zhuge Lin's reputation and Seok Domyeong's personality.
Song Yiyeon proudly extended three fingers.
"Wow, you bet three silver coins?"
Zhuge Lin was purely impressed. Although she knew that the financial power of the Anhui Song family was considerable, she had not thought that he would bet three silver coins on such a duel.
However, Song Yiyeon had an expression that said, 'What are you talking about?'.
"What do you mean by silver coins?"
Song Yiyeon had bet three gold coins.
Not only Zhuge Lin, but all the Black Tortoise Unit members were surprised.
"You bet gold coins on a duel where you don't even know the opponent? To be honest, Did you hear in advance that that guy Seok Domyeong would point out the Deputy Commander? You'll be investigated by the military affairs department if you do that."
If an unconventional amount was bet, or if it was judged that there was something strange about the duel, an investigation by the military affairs department would come in. It was the reason why there had been no corruption in the duel betting so far.
Song Yiyeon shrugged his shoulders.
"It's good if I'm investigated. Since I have no sin, I can comfortably build a friendship with the military officials."
In the meantime, the Martial Alliance leadership had finished their meeting and had selected the next duel opponent.
Originally, the top five applicants were placed at the back of the duel. Because they had to show a better duel as it went on to increase the crowd's fun.
However, the Martial Alliance leadership had become urgent.
Because of the world's most splendid and empty special skill that Seok Domyeong had shown, people had begun to find the duel funny.
The problem was that it was not fun in the sense of being cool or amazing.
Everyone was saying it was funny in the sense of being laughable.
Thanks to Seok Domyeong, the Martial Alliance was becoming a laughingstock in real time.
It was a problem that could not be overlooked. For that reason, they had decided to send out one of the top five applicants.
Naturally, Nangong Jin, Tang Soyeon, and Jin Yun were excluded. Because the Nine Sects One Gang and the Five Great Families that supported the Martial Alliance would not accept it. They wanted their successors to be the main characters of this duel.
However, since they could not send out the first-place winner, Cheon Woojin, yet, there was only one person left.
The official in charge of the proceedings went up to the dueling stage and called out Song Yiyeon in a loud voice. At the same time, Song Yiyeon grinned.
"The second son of Anhui! Song Yiyeon!"
"The handsome man of Anhui! Song Yiyeon!"
A slightly strange cheer erupted from the audience seats.
They were the merchants who were doing business with the Song family, led by the head of the Anhui Song family, Song Yeonbaek. In the meantime, because they were watching the expression of the Nangong family, they said second son instead of eldest son.
Laughter erupted from here and there. Unlike the intentions of the leadership, the Martial Alliance was becoming a little more laughable.
Of course, Song Yiyeon was not a man who was embarrassed by such things. Rather, he enjoyed the laughter and cheers of the people.
"Seniors, my turn has finally come."
Song Yiyeon laughed for some reason. Since it was a sinister and tragic laugh that he did not usually make, the Black Tortoise Unit members thought, 'Ah, this guy has lost his mind because he's so embarrassed.'.
However, Song Yiyeon's next words were enough to make them lose their minds in reverse.
"You all like money, right?"
Of course they did.
Who in the world doesn't like money?
"I'll go up to the dueling stage and buy some time. You can bet money until I point out an opponent, so everyone bet on my victory. If you run now, you won't be late."
There was always power in Song Yiyeon's words.
Was it because of his handsome appearance? Or his pleasant voice?
Or maybe it was because of his confident attitude.
Anyway, what was important was that the desire to make money had suddenly blossomed in the hearts of the Black Tortoise Unit martial artists.
If he said it with such confidence, it was a real opportunity. The Black Tortoise Unit members, led by Jang Woopyeong, hurriedly ran out.
* * *
Song Yiyeon bought time until the Black Tortoise Unit members returned. It was possible because his speaking skills were very good, and the members had run as if their feet were on fire.
And so, after confirming that all the Black Tortoise Unit members had returned.
Song Yiyeon received their expectant gazes and then said.
"I will point him out."
"Yes. Now, please point him out. Although your speaking skills are fun, we gathered to have a duel."
In the gentle rebuke of the official in charge, Song Yiyeon grinned and then said more confidently than ever.
"Young hero Lesser Sword Dragon Nangong Jin. Please come up. Let's see who is the eldest son of Anhui today."
At the same time, a curse came out from the audience seats.
"Hey, you son of a bitch!"
Naturally, it was the Black Tortoise Unit martial artists.
They had not thought that that guy would point out the Lesser Sword Dragon. He had even properly scratched his pride by mentioning the eldest son of Anhui.
(End of Chapter)