novelraw Chapter 178 : Chapter 178
Chapter 178 : Chapter 178
Chapter 178 - The Most Insidious and Foul Ones
“Amitabha. This humble one is deeply moved that so many people have visited this event of Shaolin.”
The sight of over a thousand martial artists gathered in one place was literally a spectacle.
It seemed like the fighting spirit each of them possessed had combined to form a huge waterspout. There was a monk who bowed his head while facing them all from the platform.
Great Master Nanbyeol Deokdam. He was a middle-aged man with a warm smile that suited his round physique.
He was a monk with an impression that one might encounter at least once on the street, but he was a person in the position of the Sect Leader, who could be said to be the head of Shaolin.
A person who could move the strongest force among the Nine Sects One Union with a single word of command. His voice was soft and gentle, but because it contained deep internal energy, it was clearly heard even by the person furthest away.
“There are not many years left in the Twenty-Year Pact proclaimed by the Heavenly Demon. Another unwanted war is imminent. Who will be the most important people in the upcoming Great Heavenly Demon War? Many of you will recall the Ten Great Masters of Jianghu who have been newly organized in the meantime. I do not think so.”
“?”
“The most important force is precisely you all.”
“…………!”
“In the last Great Heavenly Demon War, we shed too much blood. Compared to then, the current strength of the Jianghu Murim is likely not even half. Just as new wine should be put into new bottles, from now on, the future of the Jianghu Murim will depend on your growth. A new chapter is being written in the history of the Murim, which has shed much blood.”
His manner of speaking and expression were incredibly gentle, but the content was something that made the hearts of the young talents burn. A hot sense of exaltation rose on the faces of the young talents lined up in the grounds.
“I wish for your good fight.”
As Deokdam’s greeting ended, an immense roar of shouting burst out.
“Wooooooo!”
“Waaaaaaaa!”
The martial artists of the Diancang Sect were also venting their exaltation at the top of their lungs. Except for one person.
“……Look at them shouting as if they like it. Not even knowing if it’s poop or soybean paste.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
Eung Gajin, who had been shouting with both arms raised high, furrowed his brows.
“Do you not know even after suffering like that? The future of the Jianghu Murim or the Murim Alliance, it’s all just empty pretense.”
“…………!”
Since becoming the body of Biyoung, I had never forgotten for a single moment. What the price was for throwing away one's life for the Murim Alliance. What kind of thing the Nine Sects One Union, which should protect the weak and pursue chivalry, actually did to the weak.
The young talents, who had been fully intoxicated, wore awkward expressions at my words. What I said was entirely correct. Although he was making the hearts of the martial artists flutter with polished words, there was a fact that should never be forgotten. That no one had reached out a hand of help to the Diancang Sect, which was facing annihilation.
“Amitabha. This humble monk is called Goeng-yul. I will provide guidance regarding the future schedule of the martial arts tournament.”
In the place where Deokdam had stepped down, another monk appeared. He was a person whose features were quite sharp, unlike a monk, and he had an impression that he would not tolerate even an inch of laxity. Just like the lodgings temporarily installed under his command.
“The number of young talents participating this time is a total of one thousand and twenty-four.”
“!”
At that enormous number, the crowd’s mouths fell wide open. It wasn't that they didn't know the bustling crowd gathered on the scene, but hearing the actual number made it feel real once again. How large the scale of this tournament was. and how much meaning it had to win in this tournament.
“The martial arts tournament will take place over the next ten days and nights, and the bracket and time will be announced on the bulletin boards placed in the tournament grounds and lodgings. There are a total of sixteen arenas, and one thousand and twenty-four participants will all take part over two days.”
“That is amazing.”
Eung Gajin let out a low exclamation of admiration. Not to mention the lodgings, but the scale of the arenas was also on a different level. He had wondered how the tournament would proceed within the limited period of ten days, but if there were more than ten arenas, time would not be insufficient.
“Senior Brother Eung.”
“What now.”
“Somehow, that monk called Goeng-yul, doesn't he seem to like showing off, contrary to his looks?”
“Kid. Watch your words.”
Eung Gajin hurriedly covered my mouth. Is there anyone other than this guy who would openly call someone an 'old monk' inside Shaolin Temple?
“Eit. Take your hand away. It’s a fact. That there are many people here is a fact anyone can see with their eyes. Saying that everyone will participate over two days is also nothing but a superfluity.”
“Well…… that’s true.”
“The scale of the tournament we can host is this much. The position of Shaolin in the Nine Sects One Union is like this. Doesn't he seem to want to say that?”
“Hmm.”
“Since it’s embarrassing for the Sect Leader to say it himself, he might be using Goeng-yul as a front to subtly show off. Under the guise of guidance, that is.”
Eung Gajin smacked his lips as if it were hard to believe.
“Don't tell me, Shaolin would have such childish ulterior motives?”
“It’s because you don't know well, Senior Brother Eung……”
“?”
“The most insidious and foul ones among the Nine Sects One Union are Shaolin.”
***
“Haha! To think we’d be assigned to the same lodging! Is this not fate?”
No. Fate my foot. I absolutely hate it. The Diancang Sect martial artists were all having the same thought. Of all people, to think they would share the same building with his lodging. The talkative ugly man wearing a turquoise robe settled into their room.
“Various things happened on the way here. Well then, shall you listen to my story?”
“No.”
“Tsk.”
At the firm refusal, Namgung Chu smacked his lips.
“Hmm?”
As he sat down and looked around, Namgung Chu’s eyelids shot up.
“Young Hero Eung. You seem to have changed a bit?”
“……!”
Can one recognize such a thing if their sense of energy is developed? He hadn't even told him what happened in the Phantasmal Confusion Forest, yet he seemed to have noticed Eung Gajin’s change. Eung Gajin laughed lowly and answered awkwardly.
“There were small changes on the way.”
“It’s at a level where it’s difficult to call it a small change……”
At that persistent gaze, Eung Gajin finally confessed the truth.
“Actually, I cleared the Conception and Governor Vessels not long ago.”
“Hoh! What a joyous occasion! Congratulations!”
Namgung Chu distorted the corners of his mouth significantly and took Eung Gajin’s hand. The people involved might find it hard to believe, but this expression right now was Namgung Chu’s 'smile'.
“I was lucky.”
“There is no one in this world who clears the Conception and Governor Vessels by luck. This is not only a joyous occasion for Young Hero Eung, but for the entire Diancang Sect. A young talent who clears the Conception and Governor Vessels at Young Hero Eung’s age is not common.”
Then I, who was next to him, snorted.
“It’s the same for you, Brother Chu. Why act so surprised?”
“Haha. You knew?”
Of course I knew. As they say, an expert recognizes an expert. If he sensed Eung Gajin’s change just by roughly glancing over him, then he must have also stepped through the same stage.
“How about it, Young Hero Eung. Shall you loosen up your body ahead of the martial arts tournament? This time, I think I have to ask the favor of Young Hero Eung.”
“!”
Making such a proposal to Eung Gajin meant that his status had changed. He seemed considerably expectant of what kind of leap a person who cleared the Conception and Governor Vessels had made. Everyone waited for Eung Gajin’s answer with eyes full of curiosity. However, the desired answer did not come out.
“Although I opened the Conception and Governor Vessels, I am likely still not a match for Young Master Chu’s skill. I do not wish to suffer an injury ahead of the upcoming martial arts tournament.”
“Haha. That also makes sense.”
Namgung Chu laughed heartily and looked at Eung Gajin with new eyes.
‘Somehow, he seems to have grown not only in internal energy but also mentally.’
While his appearance and conduct were impeccable, a faint 'deficiency' had been settled on his expression. But seeing him today, Eung Gajin looked like he had escaped from all the agonies surrounding him.
“Young Hero Eung, you seem to have gained enlightenment after coming to Shaolin.”
Strictly speaking, it would be the Phantasmal Confusion Forest, not Shaolin, but Eung Gajin just gave a low smile.
“Brother Chu. Isn't it about time for the brackets to come out?”
“Ah! I was so busy having a pleasant conversation that time has already become like this.”
It was more like a one-sided blabbering, but no one pointed it out. It was because he looked like he was about to get up and leave.
“You all better check quickly before the crowds gather. Since it’s a bracket with over a thousand people, it’ll take a long time just to check your own name.”
“We should.”
“I hope there is no misfortune of facing each other in the first match.”
Namgung Chu said so and then left the quarters of my group. After going through a storm of chattering, I showed my honest feelings without filtering.
“I just hope he gets eliminated. That man.”
“Keke.”
Uma also burst into a villain-like laugh, having the same thought.
“I don't have the confidence to keep seeing that fellow until the finals. Although he does bring useful information.”
“Same here. That aside, was there anyone to be wary of while coming here?”
Everyone pricked up their ears at Uma’s question. If they were to participate in the martial arts tournament, everyone gathered here would have a move of their own. Especially if it was a 'person to watch out for' picked by me, they certainly needed to be wary.
“There are not many more than I thought. Maybe they’re hiding their skills on purpose.”
“You mean you can't grasp them even with your intuition?”
“To begin with, the number is just too high. Still, as we watch the duels, they won't be able to hide their claws.”
“What about Young Master Chu?”
“Brother Chu will also make it to the Round of 16 without much difficulty.”
“…………!”
Uma looked surprised for a moment and then soon nodded his head. Indeed. Even before opening the Conception and Governor Vessels, he was a person who had played around with Eung Gajin. Even if Uma himself had fought him, the result would not have changed.
“Don't worry too much. Since there won't be many fellows stronger than Brother Chu. Let’s just hope we don't meet Brother Chu before the Round of 16.”
Following my words, the group went outside to check the brackets.
“Let’s see……”
Namgung Chu’s words were true. Rather than comparing each other's match-ups, it took a long time for the young talents just to check their own names.
“Just as you said, Shaolin has reason to boast. Just looking at the bracket makes me dizzy, and you mean all these people will participate in duels within two days.”
“Hmph. Still, they used their heads pretty well.”
I nodded with satisfaction. At first glance, it seemed randomly organized, but there were no overlapping sects within the same group. The part the Diancang Sect martial artists were most worried about had been resolved.
“At least I won't have to face you until the Round of 16.”
“Right, Senior Brother Eung. Conversely, that means the excuses have now disappeared.”
“Does that mean I’m dead if I get eliminated midway without even fighting you?”
“Hoh. They say the mind also becomes clear when you open the Conception and Governor Vessels.”
“You damn brat.”
It was just when Eung Gajin pulled my cheek with one hand.
“Amitabha.”
Goeng-geon, who was guiding the Diancang Sect, appeared and stood before me.
“This is the list you requested earlier.”
I quickly brushed off my cheek and took the paper Goeng-geon handed me. The young talents, who didn't know the circumstances, craned their necks to see what was going on.
“Well, they are all people who would be there.”
As they had led the prospects of each sect, famous masters in the Jianghu were listed one after another. Paradoxically, because they were famous people, there was nothing special about it. However, I, who looked at the list, was wearing a more terrifying expression than ever before.
“……He’s here.”
“?”
What was there. He was curious about who that person was, but my expression was so fierce he couldn't bring himself to ask. Throughout the way back to the lodging, I kept my mouth shut and fell into deep thought, and the young talents just looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
***
It was a night where everyone could not fall asleep. It made sense since it was the day before the tournament. It was a time when it was difficult for the young talents as young talents, and the leaders as leaders, to control their tension and excitement.
Crunch, crunch.
There was a nun walking alone on the dark mountain path. She seemed to have chosen a walk because she couldn't easily fall asleep like other people. However, the reason she was losing sleep was different from the usual.
‘Every time I come here, agony never ceases.’
The nun, faintly reflected in the moonlight, looked at least fifty years old. Because her physique was so small, her shaved head looked like looking at a pebble placed in a river. Given her white skin and small features, she had an impression that she must have been quite a beauty in her younger days. If not for the terrible three-lined scar across her cheek and the red spots.
Stop.
Walking on the mountain path with eyes full of sorrow, the nun suddenly came to a halt. A look of uncontrollable bewilderment appeared on her face.
‘When did he……?’
She had realized late that someone was tailing her. She found it difficult to accept the current situation. Because her true identity was Master Okjin of the Emei Sect, an absolute powerhouse who was once called one of the Ten Great Masters of Jianghu and had fought a bloody battle with the Heavenly Demon. In the direction she turned, a handsome man with features as refined as the moonlit night appeared.
“Hello?”
Somehow, wearing a dangerous-looking smile.