“Tanghulu! Tanghulu for sale!”

As the morning dawned and the sun rose, the streets became bustling with activity.

Today’s martial arts duel was open to the public, drawing a lively crowd.

“We have not only hawthorn berries but also wild raspberries! Sour and sweet wild raspberry tanghulu!”

Among the crowd were many martial artists, as well as peddlers pulling carts and selling snacks.

Although the duel wouldn’t begin for another hour, the spectator seats were already packed with people.

“Can I have one?”

“Ah, here it is… Hu-uh!”

“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you handing it over?”

“Just take it! You don’t have to pay!”

The snack vendor, who was selling tanghulu, was startled and began trembling at the sight of the customer.

“Hmm. Five sticks, would ten coins suffice?”

“No, it’s fine! Really!”

“Why won’t you accept it?”

“Well, that’s because…”

The peddlers selling snacks here were, in truth, all people with significant nerve.

All around the street were armed individuals, including some ruthless unorthodox martial artists.

To collect money from people like them, one had to have a thick skin.

Even so, there were individuals whom even the boldest peddlers dared not defy—those dressed in official robes.

The elderly man standing in front of the vendor wasn’t particularly large, nor was he armed with a sword.

However, he was clad in splendid, luxurious official robes.

Furthermore, beside him stood middle-aged men in similar robes, seemingly guarding him, with additional constables stationed nearby.

At the very edge of the group was the constable leader of this area, Dengfeng County, following the old man like a servant.

This constable leader, who reigned like a king over the common folk in the region, was now serving the old man with a subservient, fearful expression.

How could anyone not be intimidated?

“Hmm. You look like you’re guilty of some crime.”

“A crime? That’s absolutely preposterous!”

The peddler, attempting to use formal speech, replied with “absolutely unreasonable and unjust.” Unfortunately, it was entirely out of context.

The phrase implied that the actions of Cho Gyu-seo, the Governor of Henan Province, were unjust and against reason.

The constable leader seized this opportunity to reprimand him harshly.

“You insolent fool! Not only are you trading illegally without a permit, but you dare wag your impudent tongue in front of the Supreme Commander!”

“Ack! Please, forgive me!”

The peddler’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees, pleading desperately.

When word spread that the Supreme Commander had appeared, the martial artists quietly stepped back to create distance.

“What are you doing? Arrest this fool immediately! Detain him and…”

“Enough.”

Cho Gyu-seo’s sharp gaze pierced through the air.

The constable leader quickly lowered his head in submission.

“Are you mocking me, you insolent wretch?”

Cho Gyu-seo’s anger was not directed at the peddler but at the constable leader.

“N-no, not at all!”

“While the streets are filled with armed thugs openly brandishing their weapons, you choose to bully a mere peddler?”

“I-I deeply apologize…”

“Failing to see the beam in front of you while nitpicking at the speck in the distance—it’s truly the nature of a treacherous official.”

Cho Gyu-seo gestured with his chin.

At his signal, the county magistrate beside him knelt down.

“It was my negligence, Supreme Commander!”

“Replace the constable leader. Tsk tsk…”

Clicking his tongue in disapproval, Cho Gyu-seo passed by the peddler and the kneeling individuals.

He wasn’t particularly fond of martial artists.

In particular, he disliked unorthodox martial artists even more.

They were exploitative scoundrels, squeezing the lifeblood out of innocent commoners, yet arrogantly acting as if they were something significant.

Moreover, their growing power made them increasingly difficult to suppress—such was his impression of them.

“Ah, Supreme Commander! You’ve arrived!”

Heaven’s Secret Scholar from the Murim Alliance noticed Cho Gyu-seo’s visit and hurried over to greet him.

Following Heaven’s Secret Scholar’s guidance, Cho Gyu-seo was escorted to the VIP seats.

The reason Cho Gyu-seo, who disliked the martial arts world, attended this duel wasn’t without purpose.

For one, he wanted to see the unorthodox successors, whom he despised even more than the orthodox successors, get utterly crushed.

“By the way, has Yi-gang arrived yet?”

“He’s on his way.”

“I see.”

It was because he’d heard that Yi-gang was the one leading the orthodox successors.

“That boy should have been here much earlier. Hmph.”

Seated in the VIP section, Cho Gyu-seo waited for Yi-gang.

The unorthodox martial artists were visibly uncomfortable with the Governor of Henan Province’s presence.

“…For the Supreme Commander to appear, it seems the so-called principle of ‘officials not interfering with martial affairs’ is now meaningless.”

Although they felt uneasy, they weren’t exactly afraid either.

Among them, including Seomun Jae, the Unorthodox Union Leader, there was not a single insignificant figure.

Even if the Supreme Commander ruled over an entire province, they weren’t in a position to bow down.

However, the very fact that the Murim Alliance had invited the Supreme Commander was an uncomfortable situation.

“They must be aiming for fairness.”

If someone as high-ranking as the Supreme Commander was present, no side could easily manipulate the duel’s outcome.

If a fight broke out and the Supreme Commander ended up dead or seriously injured, it would cause an irreparable disaster.

“This isn’t a disadvantage for us,” the Lord of the Unorthodox Union muttered to himself, “After all, our children will win.”

Hearing this, the expressions of others relaxed as well.

The unorthodox representatives had faith in their successors.

They weren’t particularly worried about any potential mishaps.

Around the duel grounds, security was extremely tight.

Not only were guards stationed like an iron wall, but they also regularly patrolled with trained hounds to catch suspicious individuals.

These hounds were trained to detect the scent of gunpowder.

Given how recently they had witnessed the terror of the Heaven-Shattering Thunder, this was a natural precaution.

“He’s here.”

“He’s arrived…!”

Gal Sa-hyeok suddenly stood up.

Soon, cheers erupted from the spectator stands.

“Uwaaaaa!”

“Mu-gyeoldo-gwi! Hyeolnachal!”

The first to arrive were the unorthodox successors.

The crowd parted quickly as the five unorthodox successors walked through, making way for them.

Their stride was bold and confident, befitting their reputation.

As expected of unorthodox martial artists, they were dressed in black or dark-colored martial robes.

“Hmm.”

Cho Gyu-seo clicked his tongue.

Though he disliked the unorthodox, it didn’t mean he lacked an eye for talent.

The five successors appeared to be individuals who wouldn’t flinch under any circumstance.

In thirty years, over half of them would likely become members of the Ten Grandmasters Under Heaven.

They were truly the future of the unorthodox.

With light and effortless movements, they ascended to the duel stage.

They lined up in a row, as if waiting for someone.

Moments later, another cheer erupted.

“Waaaaahhh!”

This time, it was the supporters of the orthodox who were shouting.

The crowd cheered loudly, as if to show they wouldn’t lose to the unorthodox supporters.

“Uwaaah! Shaolin’s First Fist! West Sky’s Five Spears! Uh…”

“Seven Swords of Xian… yeah.”

“Waaah…?”

However, the cheers gradually faded.

The five individuals walking forward were in stark contrast to the unorthodox successors—they looked disheveled and unkempt.

Perhaps they didn’t even have time to change, as they were still in their training uniforms.

Moreover, those dull training uniforms were torn in several places and covered in dirt.

As with the unorthodox successors, the crowd parted to make way for them.

“Ugh, what’s that stench?”

“Ah!”

But unlike before, the retreating crowd didn’t seem to be showing awe or reverence.

Instead, they grimaced and fanned themselves to avoid the smell.

At the forefront of the group, seemingly the source of the stench, stood No-sik with a confident expression.

He then leaped onto the duel stage.

Cho Gyu-seo muttered to himself, “…They don’t look like they’re in good condition.”

Though he wasn’t fond of martial artists, he found himself feeling more inclined toward the orthodox successors.

However, Baek Ha-jun had bandages wrapped around his hands, and for some reason, So Woon had bandages wrapped tightly around his mouth.

Dark shadows were cast under all their eyes.

They were clearly exhausted.

“They’re not in perfect condition, are they?”

“…Yi-gang!”

Startled by Yi-gang’s sudden appearance, Cho Gyu-seo turned around.

His stern, uncompromising face broke into a smile.

“You don’t look much better yourself.”

“Haha, it’s been a while, Supreme Commander.”

Yi-gang also seemed to have endured his share of hardships.

At least he wasn’t reeking of sweat, which was a small relief.

“You’re the one who trained those kids?”

“Well, rather than training, I just helped them.”

“Haha, I see. For someone so young, it seems you’re starting to make a name for yourself in the martial world.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

Yi-gang smiled awkwardly.

“Haha, I pride myself on having a good eye for people. Even if those old men treat you like a child now, it won’t be long before you surpass them.”

The “old men” Cho Gyu-seo referred to were the Ten Grandmasters Under Heaven.

Yi-gang could only smile.

“I heard about your accomplishments in the Imperial Court. You’ve done something remarkable.”

Though the martial world didn’t know the details, Cho Gyu-seo was fully aware of Yi-gang’s achievements.

He even knew that Yi-gang was at the center of the Emperor’s passing and the suppression of a rebellion.

“Waaaaah!”

Cheers erupted.

The five successors from each side exchanged respectful salutes and stepped down from the stage.

Only one individual from each side remained on the duel stage.

“From the orthodox side, West Sky’s Five Spears So Woon!”

So Woon unwrapped the bandages around his mouth.

Then, he spat out a blood-soaked silk cloth he had been biting on.

For nearly fifteen days, he had endured the pain of teetering between life and death.

Though his molars hadn’t shattered, he had bitten the tip of his tongue.

After spitting out the silk cloth used to stop the bleeding, the bitter taste of medicinal paste lingered in his mouth.

So Woon saluted his opponent once again with po-gwon.

Heaven’s Secret Scholar, acting as the announcer, called out the name of the opposing fighter.

“From the unorthodox side, Black Spear White Shield, Jeon Pae!”

Jeon Pae, who bore the straightforward moniker of “Black Spear White Shield,” stepped forward.

He carried the exact weapons that matched his moniker.

The first match would feature martial artists who specialized in spears.

Cho Gyu-seo leaned over to Yi-gang and whispered, “I’ve been thinking this for a while now. The condition of the kids you trained doesn’t seem very good.”

“They were busy working on something right up until they arrived.”

“If the duel is this important, wouldn’t it have been better for them to get proper rest beforehand?”

It wasn’t a wrong observation.

If the circumstances had allowed, Yi-gang wouldn’t have pushed the successors so hard until the last moment.

“Though they’re not in perfect condition, they’re in the best state they can be.”

“…Ho, is that so?”

Cho Gyu-seo nodded, trusting that Yi-gang must have had his reasons.

However, it seemed there were others who found this difficult to accept.

Suddenly, Yi-gang heard a booming transmitted voice in his ears.

「Yi-gang, are you sure about this?」

This was the first time Yi-gang had realized that a transmitted voice could sound so loud.

He turned his head to see So Jin-gong, the Nine Spear King, calmly resting his chin on his hand as if nothing had happened.

「Look at So Woon. He’s clearly not in good shape. Do you really think he can win like this?」

Despite his expressionless face, his voice was filled with excitement.

-If So Woon loses to that arrogant son of the Black Dragon King—or Black Earthworm King, whatever his name is…

-Don’t worry.

Yi-gang responded calmly.

-So Woon will win.

-Are you sure?

-I’m certain.

-I see…

The Nine Spear King nodded and leaned his body to the side.

“Hey.”

To his right sat Jeon Yuk, the Black Dragon King.

He wore black armor that made him look like a general, exuding an aura that rivaled even the Nine Spear King, So Jin-gong.

“What is it?”

“You said you wanted to make a bet.”

“Haha, weren’t you the one who backed out in fear?”

At Jeon Yuk’s mocking laugh, veins bulged on the Nine Spear King’s forehead.

“Heh, you must think I’m a fool. I, So Jin-gong, the Nine Spear King, trust in my son.”

Yi-gang recalled the unease in So Jin-gong’s voice just moments ago.

From the side, Cho Gyu-seo criticized their impudence for daring to call themselves kings.

The Black Dragon King scoffed.

“Your weak son won’t be able to stand against my son, who was born with the essence of the Black Dragon River.”

“I bet 500 nyang in gold that my son will win… and…”

The mention of 500 nyang in gold made even the Black Dragon King flinch.

But the Nine Spear King wasn’t done with his wager.

“I’ll also bet my Il-yeop Spear!”

Thud!

He planted his most famous spear, the Il-yeop Spear, also known as the One Leaf Spear, firmly into the ground.

The Black Dragon King hesitated momentarily before nodding.

“…Fine. Then I’ll also…”

“Begin the duel!”

At that moment, the duel began.

So Woon threw five spears into the ground as if planting them.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Then, astonishingly, he pulled out two more spears.

“…He’s added two more?” the Black Dragon King murmured in surprise.

So Woon’s nickname was Five Spears of the West Sky. It was given to him because he could only wield five spears at the time.

But now, So Woon had brought out two additional spears.

“What a foolish act…”

From Jeon Yuk’s perspective, who had mastered the same spear techniques, pulling out two more spears seemed reckless. After all, how much could someone improve in just a month?

“Good, good!”

On the other hand, So Jin-gong was thrilled, his eyes filled with excitement.

Opposite So Woon, Jeon Pae, the Black Spear White Shield, stood silently with his shield and spear, ready to face him.

So Woon made the first move.

With odd footwork, he kicked up one of the spears he had planted in the ground.

Then, like firing a bullet, he launched the spear.

Swiieeek!

He threw five spears in a single volley.

The speed was ferocious.

However, Jeon Pae shouted a battle cry and charged forward instead of retreating.

“Haap!”

His white shield was a treasured artifact forged from snow steel, a rare and valuable metal.

Kaang!

The ferocious spear hurled by So Woon failed to penetrate the shield.

Kang! Kwaang! Kagang!

With sparks flying, Jeon Pae deflected four more spears in rapid succession.

In the meantime, So Woon hurled another spear he had been holding.

Kwaaang!

Perhaps because he threw it by hand, the force was even more intense.

Jeon Pae felt a numbing sensation in his hand holding the shield from the unexpectedly powerful impact.

Still, Jeon Pae was undoubtedly in a more advantageous position.

“You fool!”

So Woon’s attacks were undeniably fierce.

However, his strategy of using up several spears in one go was reckless and wasteful.

It was a move akin to an all-or-nothing gamble—a strike aimed at a decisive victory.

If So Woon couldn’t pierce Jeon Pae’s White Shield, it would be no different than tying his own hands and feet.

“This is the end for you!”

But So Woon didn’t respond to Jeon Pae’s taunts.

Firstly, because his injured tongue made speaking difficult.

Secondly, because he was fully confident in his victory.

Gripping his final spear tightly, So Woon charged forward directly.

Jeon Pae, with a bewildered expression, raised his spear to meet him.

The length of the spear was in Jeon Pae’s favor.

However.

Swish—

A bright red Aura Qi suddenly erupted from the tip of So Woon’s spear and sliced off the tip of Jeon Pae’s spear.

“W-what is this?!”

Then, the Aura Qi surging from So Woon’s spear pierced the White Shield, which had only suffered scratches until now.

Puuuuk!

“Urgh!”

The spear tip, after breaking through the shield, lodged itself into Jeon Pae’s side.

Silence fell over the duel grounds.

A monumental feat had been accomplished in just a few breaths since the duel began.

Bang!

In the VIP section, the Nine Spear King smashed the table in front of him and stood up.

“Well done!”

The first duel ended with So Woon’s flawless victory.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep