“Truly, you’ve managed to bring all three certificates.”
Zhuge Hyeon-sang looked over the three seals of certification in my hand, sighed in admiration, and smiled.
“Now you just need to file an official application for the succession martial competition.”
“…Considering I spent over thirty days running around just to accomplish this…”
“Isn’t it quite a bargain if it’ll revive a long-forgotten tradition?”
“That’s true.”
I nodded in agreement with Zhuge Hyeon-sang’s words. Earning the right to duel one-on-one with the head of a major faction wasn’t something easily achieved. Let alone for those who valued tradition like the righteous sects.
Had I been from the heretical sects, I could’ve just pushed my way in and demanded a duel, and it likely would’ve worked.
Because while the righteous sects emphasized procedures and etiquette, the heretical sects were purely about the strongest ruling over all. Although, to be honest, these days, the heretical sects aren’t so overwhelming in power…
Come to think of it, when exactly did the Jiangyang Waterway Gang and the Green Forest bandits become active?
All I know is that it was after the passing of the Martial Alliance Leader…
If my memory serves, it was some time after the Martial Alliance Leader was assassinated. I recall that it happened shortly after my return from Yunnan’s Dan Family. So… there’s no resting time in sight.
Living back then, when my days were only about eating, sleeping, and fighting, feels strangely nostalgic now. Back then, all I had to do was follow orders and charge into battle. Now, planning my own schedule and sticking to it is far more complicated than I imagined.
“Let’s go and file the application first.”
“However, Great Hero Wi, do you feel confident you’ll win?”
“Since it’s said, ‘Length and shortness are known by comparison’, we’ll know once we try.”
Honestly, my chances of winning were slim. It was absurd to expect an even match between someone who’d reached the peak of martial prowess over a decade ago and someone who’d just ascended to that level.
Even though I’ve achieved remarkable strength for my age, it hasn’t been enough to overcome decades of experience.
That said, it won’t be a one-sided defeat.
The Alliance Leader doesn’t know my martial techniques, whereas I’ve seen his.
… But ultimately, winning or losing isn’t very important in this matter.
The purpose of this match isn’t to win or lose but for me to secretly relay information to the Alliance Leader under the guise of the martial competition. That is the real reason why I disguised myself and acted so conspicuously.
Because by preventing people from realizing that the masked martial hero and me are the same person, it makes things more confusing for those observing.
Officially, this will just be seen as my return from obtaining certification from the Pang family of Hebei.
“I hope you do your best to win, now that we’ve started.”
“Of course.”
Even if winning is difficult, this martial competition will provide me with great experience.
Turning my back, I headed toward the main hall of the Alliance Leader.
—
“It turns out the rumors were true…”
“What kind of rumors?”
“Ha ha, there’ve been whispers of a martial artist challenging the Alliance Leader to a succession competition. But who would’ve thought it’s real? I never imagined I’d witness a succession competition during my lifetime.”
The secretary to the Alliance Leader who received my application looked at me with an expression full of wonder. The succession competition was a tale that had faded into history, and it seemed strange for it to be resurrecting in his lifetime.
“Can you confirm the schedule as quickly as possible?”
“That’s up to the Alliance Leader to decide. However… may I ask why you’re challenging for this succession competition?”
“I’d like to fight the Alliance Leader. But there’s no other way to challenge the busy Alliance Leader unless through a succession competition, is there?”
The secretary looked at me curiously. There was an expression that seemed to say, ‘What kind of person is this?’ My reasons must have seemed rather foolish to him.
“…So the succession competition is just… what if you manage to win, you’ll have to become the Alliance Leader, you know?”
“I don’t think I’ll win.”
“Of course not. There’s no way anyone could defeat our esteemed Alliance Leader—a peer among the top few in the realm of supreme martial experts. How could you possibly overcome him?”
There was not a trace of doubt on the secretary’s face.
His absolute trust in the Alliance Leader’s invincibility was evident.
“Of course, there’s no doubt. However, isn’t the way of the world always full of uncertainties?”
“You’re full of spirit. The enthusiasm of the young is always a pleasure to see.”
“Haha, then I hope you’ll convey my message well.”
“Understood. Come back after I send word to Haenam Institute.”
I turned and left the hall.
And then, I unexpectedly met Seo-ryeon.
“It’s been a while.”
“That’s true.”
Our eyes met, and there was an awkward moment.
It was an unplanned encounter.
I briefly bowed and started to walk past her.
“Are you about to duel with my father?”
“Yes.”
“Challenging Father… isn’t that a bit reckless? I heard you’re not even twenty yet.”
She looked at me with a mixture of emotions in her eyes, but one thing was clear:
Her curiosity was undeniable.
“What difference does age make when it comes to martial arts?”
“Your Han is surprisingly good.”
“I’ve worked hard to learn.”
“What’s your reason for challenging Father to a duel?”
“I’d like to fight him.”
Why are you asking this? Is it mere curiosity?
Or is there another reason?
“You’re a strange person…”
Seo-ryeon murmured lazily. I gave her a smile and responded.
“The world is full of strange people.”
“Even so, I’ve never met anyone as strange as Hero Wi. To go so far for a martial duel with Father…”
“Rumors seem to have already spread.”
“How could they not? It’s the hottest topic in the city of the Martial Alliance…”
So the news has spread this much already. From my perspective, this isn’t a bad thing, but judging by the circumstances, the stands will likely be filled to capacity. After all, this is the first formal duel involving an Alliance Leader in decades.
People from all over will likely flock here.
“Facing so many spectators… it’s quite a burden.”
“Should you even be saying that if you’re the one who filed the application?”
“Just a joke. I’m off then…”
“You’re strangely… a strange person indeed.”
Was she teasing me or expressing admiration?
I moved past her, leaving her soft voice behind.
—
“Uncle! Did you register?”
“Of course.”
“It’s surreal knowing that a succession duel with the Alliance Leader has been arranged.”
I nodded in agreement with Mok-kyeong. I certainly felt the same.
During these past few weeks, I traveled madly across the Central Plains, visited the Pang family, helped the Hao Sect clear out traitors, and stirred up the local branch of the Demonic Sect.
So much has happened.
“Fighting the Alliance Leader is difficult, Mok-kyeong.”
“Really great work, Uncle Eun-gong.”
I could hear the genuine admiration in her voice as I glanced at her.
Mok-kyeong, who has now fully integrated into my group, avoided my eyes when our gaze met.
Why?
The moment I was about to ask, Hye-ryeong clung to my arm.
“Uncle, when will the duel start?”
“The specific date will be announced later… we’ll know when the time comes.”
“Are you going to seclude yourself and prepare?”
“Seclude? To do that, I’d need a place to seclude.”
“Ah…if you ask, won’t someone lend you a place?”
Nowadays, could you really rent somewhere like that?
…Although, considering how anything can be bought and sold these days, perhaps renting a space for martial training isn’t impossible.
“No plans for seclusion.”
Actually, I don’t see much value in seclusion. Martial techniques are best sharpened and refined in combat.
While isolating oneself might help solidify insights, it’s far more effective to engage in life-and-death battles during that time.
Of course, this is mainly because all my arts are based on the practical and efficient killing of enemies, so secluded practice isn’t as useful.
In contrast, the martial arts of the Central Plains focus heavily on philosophical foundations.
“I will continue dueling with you all.”
“Duelling with me wouldn’t help much…”
“It’s fine.”
“Neither I nor Lady Hye-ryeong may be much help with a duel against the Alliance Leader.”
“Real-time battle sensibilities need to be intact.”
In war, you can face opponents far stronger than yourself at any moment.
But no matter what, I’ve always survived.
“We’ll start dueling from tomorrow. Rest well today.”
“Yes, Uncle!”
Then I should go rest too.
“I’m off to rest. If you have anything to say, speak now.”
“…Good night, Uncle Eun-gong.”
“Sleep well!”
I left them behind as I headed to my room.
