The eyes of the people of the Central Plains were black.

However, there are occasionally those who had brown eyes.

Some were simply born with lighter pigmentation.

Yi-gang was one of those people.

His skin was pale, his hair shimmered brown under sunlight, and his irises were naturally grayish-brown.

There was a time when even that color of Yi-gang had faded once again.

When the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon possessed Yi-gang.

When he pushed the Heavenly Thunder Bell, inherited from the mighty yokai Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox, to its extreme.

From that moment, Yi-gang’s hair turned an eerie ashen gray.

Since his skin had always been pale, there was no significant change, but his gaze transformed.

His grayish-brown irises would occasionally flash with azure light.

A blue radiance that could not be found in nature.

Thus, it was both unsettling and fearsome.

Perhaps because of this, Yi-gang began to see what others could not.

He could smell the scent of beings that were not human and hear the cries of yokai.

“I can feel it clearly. There is a yokai here.”

Yi-gang could distinctly sense the presence of something lurking deep within Mount Song.

The Divine Monk let out a faint hum but did not attempt to cover it up with a lie.

“Hmm…”

He softly recited, Namo Amitabha Buddha.

“…How does it feel to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“The unknown presence you sensed in Mount Song. Does it seem evil?”

Yi-gang closed his mouth again.

Evil, huh. That wasn’t how it felt.

However, it was certainly not human. Nor did it seem like a benevolent spirit. It was undoubtedly a yokai.

But did being a yokai necessarily mean it was evil?

Yi-gang knew very well that this was not always the case.

“I… don’t think so.”

“I see. So that is how it is,” the Divine Monk spoke in a low voice.

The faint smile that always lingered on his lips was gone, and his tone was indifferent and dry.

“Because of the rules we have upheld for so long… It is forbidden to speak of such things to outsiders of Shaolin.”

The Divine Monk’s position was second only to the Abbot of Shaolin.

Even so, was this something even he could not speak of at his own discretion?

“However, this matter is not entirely unrelated to you… Once the duel is over, I shall see if I can tell you more.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Honestly, whether Shaolin was raising a monster, cattle, or pigs, it was none of Yi-gang’s concern.

Yi-ryong, who he met at the Imperial Palace, had called Shaolin the greatest hypocrites and villains under heaven.

Yet Yi-gang trusted the Shaolin monk more than the loose-tongued sorcerers of the Demon Cult.

The fact that the Divine Monk was even considering answering Yi-gang’s question was already something to be grateful for.

“More importantly, shouldn’t we hurry?”

A smile returned to the Divine Monk’s lips.

Yi-gang had been getting anxious as well.

When one practiced breathing techniques, it was easy to lose track of time.

He couldn’t help but wonder if the results of the duel had already been decided.

“How did it go?”

The Divine Monk answered playfully, “Let’s go together and find out.”

“Yes.”

Yi-gang stood up and draped his long robe over his shoulders.

Nearly six hours had passed since the duel began.

There had been breaks between matches, including a lunch break.

However, the atmosphere in the martial arena had only grown more intense.

Yi-gang slowly walked back.

The Crimson Moon Demoness flinched when she saw Yi-gang returning unscathed.

But Yi-gang paid her no mind and continued walking.

The audience, caught up in their excitement, did not notice Yi-gang’s return.

“Waaaah!”

“Kyaaah! Did you see that? Did you see it?!”

Passing through the roaring spectators, who raised their fists in excitement, Yi-gang made his way near the martial stage.

The match between Jeong Myung and Green-Faced Willow Ghost was still ongoing.

And seated in front of the martial stage was Ha-jun.

Ha-jun had even dropped his sword, which he always kept by his side.

His body was wrapped in bandages, covering various injuries.

A swordsman’s battle often ended with one side suffering severe wounds.

Yi-gang’s eyes quickly examined his younger brother’s injuries.

Small scars were scattered across his body, and his forehead and shoulder were tightly wrapped in bandages.

Among his wounds, the one on his shoulder looked the most severe.

If it had been a deeper stab, he might not have been able to lift his sword.

The bandage wrapped around it was already stained red with blood.

“…Ha-jun.”

Yi-gang called Ha-jun in a low voice.

Baek Ha-jun flinched and looked up.

Seeing Yi-gang unharmed, he seemed relieved.

From his expression, it was unclear whether he had won or lost his previous match.

“Was your opponent the Flawless Blade Ghost?”

“…Yeah.”

After saying that, Ha-jun lowered his head.

Yi-gang immediately grasped the situation.

Ha-jun had lost.

And his opponent, the Flawless Blade Ghost, was formidable enough to make that happen.

Ha-jun, along with So Woon, had recently reached the Transcendent Realm.

An incredible achievement. However, the Flawless Blade Ghost had reached that realm long ago.

Ha-jun lacked experience, which was unfortunate.

“…It’s fine,” Yi-gang said calmly.

Truthfully, it wasn’t a situation where one could say it was fine.

But as the leader of the young successors and Ha-jun’s older brother, if Yi-gang didn’t offer encouragement, who else would comfort him?

“Losing a match doesn’t mean the world is ending, nor does it mean your life is over. You did your best and survived, so the problem is—”

“I won.”

“…What?”

Ha-jun lifted his head.

His expression was no longer one of disappointment.

Instead, he grinned.

“I won.”

Then, somewhat awkwardly, he raised his index and middle fingers.

It was a hand gesture forming a V.

The gesture was unfamiliar in the Central Plains, but it was one Yi-gang had taught Ha-jun when they were younger.

It was their victory sign.

Yi-gang burst into laughter.

“Ha!”

The younger brother he had always teased had finally managed to tease him back.

Ha-jun laughed awkwardly along with him.

The younger brother who had once told him to just trust him had kept his promise.

Against Flawless Blade Ghost Seomun Cheong who was widely considered stronger than him, Ha-jun had actually defeated someone stronger.

Now, the name Iron-Blooded Sword Dragon, Baek Ha-jun, would resound across the Central Plains.

“That’s a relief.”

“Yeah.”

Yi-gang, too, felt a sense of relief.

Had Ha-jun lost, the five-on-five duel would have been decided right then and there.

That was because the match currently underway between Jeong Myung and Green-Faced Willow Ghost…

“G-Green-Faced Willow Ghost… wins…!”

…had just ended in victory for Green-Faced Willow Ghost.

Jeong Myung’s complexion had turned a deep shade of purple.

Unfortunately, Jeong Myung had failed to reach the Supreme Peak realm.

It wasn’t due to a lack of talent or effort.

It was simply that his fate and timing hadn’t aligned, and he had not been given enough time to grow.

Green-Faced Willow Ghost’s face was also swollen.

It was the result of being thoroughly pummeled by Jeong Myung’s Vajra Fist.

The Shaolin monks rushed forward to support Jeong Myung.

Yi-gang quickly ran to his side.

With a pale complexion, Jeong Myung apologized, “I’m sorry… I was lacking.”

“It’s fine. Just lie down.”

When Jeong Myung tried to stand and press his palms together in respect, Yi-gang quickly helped him lie back down.

“Quick, get the antidote!”

“I’ll fetch it from the Five Poisons Divine Lord!

Green-Faced Willow Ghost’s poison arts originated from the Five Poisons Sect.

If this had been a life-or-death duel, no antidote would have been given, but fortunately, this was a friendly duel.

“Hahaha! Here, take it! There you go!”

Since relations with the orthodox factions were not bad, the Five Poisons Divine Lord chuckled and handed over the antidote.

After Jeong Myung took it, his complexion quickly improved.

“…I feel like I only held you back. I apologize.”

“As long as you did your best, victory and defeat are beyond your control.”

Although he felt sorry for Jeong Myung, Yi-gang had somewhat expected this outcome.

Still, it was true that Yi-gang had hoped for Jeong Myung to win.

“Even if we lose, it’s not your fault alone, so don’t blame yourself too much.”

“…Yes.”

“Besides, this isn’t the final match, is it?”

The current score was two wins and two losses.

Yi-gang had hoped that the competition would be decided before the final match, but it had come down to the last fight.

On their side, the last remaining contestant was none other than Noh Shik.

“Noh Shik.”

“Hoo… Yes.”

Noh Shik let out a deep sigh.

“You have to win.”

“If I do my best, then victory or defeat shouldn’t matter, right?” he asked Yi-gang with a glimmer of hope, but the response he received was cold and blunt.

“No, don’t talk nonsense. If you lose, it’s all over.”

“…”

“So fight as if your life depends on it and win. If you don’t, it’s all your fault. You’ll be the one responsible for the orthodox Murim’s defeat.”

“W-why would you say it like that…?”

“Everyone will remember your name forever. They’ll say you lost to a mere bandit in the most crucial duel in Jianghu history!”

“Th-that can’t be!”

“So, then…” Yi-gang spoke clearly to Noh Shik, “Win.”

“…”

Yi-gang had been relatively gentle with the others.

To those who had already lost, like Na Hee-yeon and Jeong Myung, he had even offered encouragement and comfort.

So why was he being so harsh on Noh Shik?

Especially right before a match against such a formidable opponent?

“The Beggars’ Gang Leader requested that I pass on a message.”

“…What did he say?”

“If you lose, he’ll beat you half to death and demote you to a Mu-gyeol Trainee for a year, where all you’ll be allowed to do is beg for food.”

“H-Heok!”

Noh Shik clenched his eyes shut.

“Good, your expression looks much better now.”

Yi-gang nodded in satisfaction.

There was a clear reason why he was pushing Noh Shik so hard.

If he didn’t, Noh Shik would undoubtedly hold back.

After training Noh Shik for a month, Yi-gang had come to understand his biggest flaw.

Noh Shik was the type of person who never gave his all unless he was pushed to the absolute worst situation.

Because of this, his progress had been slow, and even when he had the skill, he often failed to fully utilize it.

“Well, even if I didn’t say anything, once he stands in front of that guy, he’ll have no choice but to fight seriously.”

Gal Dong-tak was already on the martial stage.

Even though he had been told he could step up later, he had gone up alone and stood there blankly.

Gal Dong-tak was the complete opposite of Noh Shik.

“You can see for yourself. He’s slow-witted, but he makes up for it with terrifying diligence.”

“…I can see that.”

“Alright, go.”

Noh Shik swallowed hard and stepped onto the martial stage.

This was the final match.

With the score tied—orthodox and unorthodox each with two wins—this battle would decide the victor.

He had unknowingly become the deciding fighter in the final match.

‘Damn it, how did this happen…?’

Noh Shik felt so uncomfortable that he thought he might throw up.

Nearly 1,000 spectators had their eyes fixed solely on him and Gal Dong-tak.

The sheer weight of fate pressing down on his shoulders made it hard to breathe.

The outcome of this duel would change the lives of tens of thousands.

‘If I don’t win…’

Such pressure was unfamiliar to Noh Shik.

How had a mere beggar come to hold the fate of the martial world in his hands?

The same likely applied to his opponent, a bandit, yet Gal Dong-tak stood there blankly, as if he had no thoughts at all.

“Both sides, salute.”

At the instruction of Heaven’s Secret Scholar, Noh Shik cupped his fists.

Gal Dong-tak, startled, hurriedly returned the salute.

During that moment, Noh Shik discreetly transmitted his voice using voice transmission technique so that no one else could hear.

-Hey, friend.

Gal Dong-tak’s eyes widened while still maintaining his salute.

-I’ll do my best, but… you’re stronger than me, so go easy on me, alright?

Noh Shik had experienced a barehanded spar with Gal Dong-tak before—he had been utterly beaten to a pulp.

There was no way he could allow that to happen in such a crucial match.

But Gal Dong-tak neither nodded nor responded through voice transmission.

“I don’t care about that.”

“…!”

Instead, he simply adjusted his grip on his axe.

Noh Shik thought to himself, ‘Does this guy not know how to use voice transmission…?’

It was entirely possible.

“Begin the match!”

Noh Shik hastily gripped his Black Bamboo Staff.

In the end, he had never reached the Supreme Peak.

Even Jeong Myung, Shaolin’s First Fist, had failed to reach that level—how could Noh Shik have surpassed him?

He planned to cautiously exchange a few moves first to gauge Gal Dong-tak’s strength…

“Uoooh!”

Suddenly, Gal Dong-tak let out a thunderous roar.

Then, wielding his two massive axes, he began spinning.

A burst of white qi erupted from both axes.

This was unmistakably the secret technique that had shocked the Ten Grandmasters on Mount Tai.

“H-Heok!”

“This is…!”

The audience erupted in both gasps and shouts.

Gal Dong-tak roared with full force.

“Exploding Whirlwind!”

As Yi-gang had said, Gal Dong-tak was the complete opposite of Noh Shik.

He didn’t understand the concept of moderation and had no strategic mind.

Because of that, he always gave his all—like using a butcher’s knife to slaughter a chicken.

Noh Shik gritted his teeth and dodged left and right.

He looked as fragile as a fallen leaf in a storm.

“Tsk tsk…”

“It’s over.”

Masters seated in the VIP section murmured among themselves.

Most of the orthodox warriors had already shifted their focus from the match to planning their next steps.

Noh Shik’s defeat was already considered a foregone conclusion.

Even so, a few remained composed—particularly Baek Ryu-san and the Beggars’ Gang Leader.

The Beggars’ Gang Leader took a sip from his teacup.

A faint slurping sound could be heard, but his demeanor remained calm.

Baek Ryu-san glanced at him and asked, “How do you see the outcome of this match?”

The Beggars’ Gang Leader cast a sidelong glance at Baek Ryu-san before muttering, “That beggar brat Noh Shik may be arrogant, but…”

Despite how much he had berated Noh Shik, the Beggars’ Gang Leader wore an unexpectedly relaxed expression.

“…There’s no need for everyone to make such a fuss as if he’s already lost.”

“Is that so?”

“Let’s just wait and see.”

It was clear that Gal Dong-tak was overwhelmingly dominant.

Yet the Beggars’ Gang Leader remained inexplicably calm.

‘Does he know something?’ Baek Ryu-san wondered to himself.

Then, a collective sigh erupted from the spectators.

Noh Shik had finally been cornered at the edge of the martial stage.

“Damn it, you brute!” Noh Shik cursed as he thrust his Black Bamboo Staff into a strange stance.

It was a desperate attempt to deflect Gal Dong-tak’s hands.

But the fierce storm of white qi engulfed his staff.

Crack!

The Black Bamboo Staff shattered into hundreds of fragments.

“W-what…!”

Then, Noh Shik was dragged into the Exploding Whirlwind.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

“Aaaagh!”

A scream echoed through the air.

And in the VIP section…

Clang!

“W-What….”

The Beggars’ Gang Leader dropped his teacup.

“N-Noh Shiik!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep