Chapter 120
“…What? Defeat you directly at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering?”
“Yes, since the stage is already set for us to clash, shouldn’t Martial Artists settle things with Martial Arts?”
As I continued, the Peng Family sons' Aura grew even thicker. It seemed their pride was hurt by someone openly challenging them as members of the Five Great Families.
The Peng Family Head must have felt that energy too, as he burst into laughter and shouted.
“Bwahaha-! A Zhongnan Lay Disciple truly has no fear!”
Then he immediately dropped his smile and spoke to me.
“Does our Peng Family look like a joke to you?”
If the Peng Family sons were Tiger cubs, the Peng Family Head was a true Tiger that had lived for decades, at that.
“They may not fully satisfy me, but my sons are also Tigers of the Peng Family. Do you think a mere Zhongnan Disciple, and a Lay Disciple rather than a Direct Disciple at that, can handle them?”
“We’ll handle it ourselves, so just accept it. Why do you prattle on so?”
“No, but this guy-!!”
As I continued my Disrespectful remarks, the Peng Family’s first son, who had been keeping quiet until now, reached for his Saber as if enraged.
Admittedly, my words and actions were incredibly arrogant and Disrespectful for a mere Rising Star to direct at the Family Head of one of the Five Great Families.
At this point, even if the Peng Family disciplined me, Zhongnan wouldn’t be able to say a word.
However…
“Peng Ji-Sang. Stop.”
“Family Head…! This Bastard insulted you and…”
“It does not matter. Can’t we Punish him on the Sparring Stage?”
“…!”
…I was certain the Peng Family Head wouldn’t touch me here.
The Peng Family had a strong competitive spirit and immense pride. And their pride in their Family was extraordinary.
If I openly brought up the Peng Family’s children and challenged them to a fight, they wouldn’t be the Peng Family if they didn’t accept.
And sure enough, rather than punishing me here, the Peng Family Head made the decision to thoroughly crush me on the Sparring Stage.
“Is your promise to leave Anhui true if you fall in the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering?”
“Ah, of course.”
When I nodded in confirmation, the Peng Family Head’s gaze turned toward Dongryong.
“Once you leave Anhui this time, never show your face before the Peng Family again.”
“…”
“Because if we meet again next time…, I don’t think I will be able to guarantee your life.”
“…I will keep that in mind.”
“Then both of you, step back and prepare to compete against the sons of the Peng Family…”
“Ah, hold on a second.”
I raised my hand and asked before the Peng Family Head could finish his sentence.
“What if the Peng Young Masters get eliminated before they even face us?”
“What?!”
At my question, the Peng Family Head grew furious again and shouted loudly.
“Do you think the children of the Peng Family would fall so easily!! If they were to fall before meeting you, that fellow would be too Ashamed to even dare call himself a child of the Peng Family!!”
“Ah, is that so? Then I guess…”
As I nodded, the Peng Family Head, seemingly unable to contain his anger, issued an eviction order with a hand Gesture instead of words.
When Dongryong-i and I bowed in response…
“…When I meet you Bastards on the Sparring Stage, I’ll beat you to a pulp.”
…A chilling warning came from the Peng Family’s Second Son, Peng Ji-Yeol.
The first son, Peng Ji-Sang, didn’t say anything, but he was glaring at the two of us with an unusual look in his eyes.
We met their gazes for a moment before leaving Hoangru.
* * *
Step-.
“Phew…”
As soon as we came out of Hoangru, I asked Dongryong-i in an interrogating tone.
“Hey, Dongryong.”
“…Yes.”
“Did you like being beaten by those Hebei Peng Family Bastards?”
“…Pardon?”
Dongryong-i’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected me to ask that.
“Is that what you were curious about?”
“Yeah.”
Earlier, when the Hebei Peng Family’s Second Son raised his Fist…
“…!”
Even though that slow Fist was approaching, Dongryong-i stood still, not even thinking to Counterattack.
It was like a dog that had learned helplessness from abuse.
This definitely wasn’t a matter of a day or two.
“…That second Bastard hit me a lot. The first Bastard tormented me a lot too.”
And just as I expected, Dongryong-i answered nonchalantly.
“Hah…, sons of Bitches. No wonder your personality turned into an affection-starved Loser Bastard…”
“Being affection-starved…, I think your words are a bit harsh…”
“It’s true, though.”
“I suppose so…”
Dongryong-i nodded, then glanced at me and asked.
“Um, Leader… Are you perhaps not curious about anything else?”
“…”
Other things to be curious about…?
Of course, there were many.
What exactly his relationship with the Hebei Peng Family was, who the woman with the pet name 'Hui-A' was, and so on…
However…
“I am curious, but I won’t ask.”
“…”
…I didn’t bother asking Dongryong-i.
“Well…, everyone has things they’d rather not talk about. Just tell me whenever you feel comfortable. For now, I don’t really… need to hear it.”
It wasn’t like I was telling Dongryong-i everything either. I had no right to force Dongryong-i to spill the whole truth.
“…Yes. Thank you.”
And perhaps my feelings had reached him, as Dongryong-i quietly nodded.
“…”
“…”
Like that, we walked on in a momentarily awkward atmosphere.
Then…
“Ah, by the way, was Paeng Ji-Yeol that Peng Family’s second Bastard’s name?”
…Suddenly remembering something, I recalled the face of the Peng Family’s Second Son.
That rude Bastard. That Bastard said he wouldn’t let us off if we met at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.
“Yes, the second Young Master’s name is indeed Paeng Ji-Yeol.”
“Hah…, I need to beat that Bastard up myself…”
“Then shouldn’t you just beat him up? That second Bastard is somewhat strong, but he’s nothing compared to you, Leader.”
“Ah, of course I want to beat him up. But I don’t think he’ll get to meet me.”
“…Pardon?”
The bracket for the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering was already perfectly memorized.
So as soon as we had that friction with the Peng Family guys earlier, I immediately recalled the bracket…
“That Bastard is definitely getting eliminated tomorrow. Hah…, fuck. It’s a shame. I really should beat a Bastard like that myself…”
…The chances of his meeting me seemed far off.
“…?”
At this, only Dongryong-i wore an expression full of doubt…
“You’ll see tomorrow.”
…I just patted Dongryong-i’s shoulder, venting my regret at not being able to beat the guy myself.
* * *
The next day.
By the second day of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering’s main tournament, the weak gradually fall away, leaving only the renowned Rising Stars.
And among them, Paeng Ji-Yeol, as the Second Son of the Hebei Peng Family, belonged to the ranks of the strong experts even among the renowned Rising Stars of the main tournament.
As he sat in the Waiting Area, the people around him whispered and stared at him.
“That’s the Second Son of the Hebei Peng Family over there!”
“Ooh…! I heard he’s one of the strong candidates for the championship?”
Many looked at him with eyes full of envy and jealousy, but he was not satisfied with just this level of standing.
Because his goal was none other than…, winning the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.
But now, aside from winning, he had gained another secondary goal.
“That Male courtesan-looking Bastard…!”
That Bastard, the Zhongnan Lay Disciple who came with Dongryong, not only dared To Block his Fist but also humiliated him in front of the Family Head, so Paeng Ji-Yeol couldn’t help but grind his teeth.
‘He didn’t seem like a guy with absolutely no skill.’
When Peng Ji-Yeol checked the bracket, he figured that if things kept going like this, they would meet around the semifinals.
Paeng Ji-Yeol clenched his Fist tightly, thinking of Muyeon, whom he would meet again someday.
It was then.
“Young Hero Paeng Ji-Yeol of the Hebei Peng Family, please prepare for the next Sparring Match!”
The voice of the Supervisor reached him as he sat in the Waiting Area. His turn for a Sparring Match had come.
At this, the waiting Paeng Ji-Yeol grabbed his cherished weapon and stood up from his seat. Since he had been in a bad mood since yesterday, he planned to take it all out on his next opponent.
“…Ji-Yeol-a.”
But his Older Brother, Peng Ji-Sang, grabbed his younger brother and spoke.
“You’re too excited right now. Be careful. Your next opponent is not someone to be taken lightly…”
“The next guy? Ah, that Mount Hua Sect Bastard?”
There was a guy who had recently made a great name for himself as a talented individual in the Mount Hua Sect, and that very guy was Paeng Ji-Yeol’s opponent this time.
However, …
“Hmph, elder brother. You worry too much. What’s so scary about those skinny Mount Hua Sect Daoist Bastards…”
…In Paeng Ji-Yeol’s mind right now, the Mount Hua Sect was nothing more than an intermediate obstacle to quickly defeat and move past.
With that, Paeng Ji-Yeol stepped onto the Sparring Stage with a confident face.
* * *
“Second Generation Disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Ha Jinseong, requests a Sparring Match.”
“…I am Paeng Ji-Yeol of the Hebei Peng Family.”
Paeng Ji-Yeol returned the greeting and observed Ha Jinseong of the Mount Hua Sect.
‘Hmph, as expected, he’s a guy with an exaggerated reputation.’
To him, Ha Jinseong of the Mount Hua Sect didn’t give off any special feeling.
His energy was just so-so, his body wasn’t bulging with muscles…, and above all…
‘I don’t like him…’
With his elegant lines and handsome features, he gave off the feeling of a Male courtesan, even if not to the extent of that Zhongnan lay Bastard from yesterday.
‘I’ll smash him to pieces.’
With that, Paeng Ji-Yeol gripped his Saber tightly…, resolving to defeat the guy thoroughly.
And the moment the Referee gave the signal…!
“Now then, begin the Sparring Match!”
Paat-!
Paeng Ji-Yeol immediately gathered his internal energy and leaped.
The Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber was the Representative Inherited Martial Art that the Hebei Peng Family boasted of.
Leaping, Paeng Ji-Yeol unleashed the Stance of the Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber’s Heroic Tiger Claw in a single breath.
‘I don’t Understand why everyone doesn’t use a strong Attack right from the start.’
Even if he wasn’t fully matured, Paeng Ji-Yeol was a Tiger of the Hebei Peng Family.
He might look down on his opponent, but he wouldn’t let his Guard down when catching his prey.
He planned to pour out his most confident Attack right from the start and end the Sparring Match in one fell swoop.
Any Ordinary guy wouldn’t even be able to react to this fierce Tiger-like assault and would be swept away just like that.
In fact, Ha Jinseong didn’t even blink an eye, as if he couldn’t react even after seeing this ferocious Attack.
“How bland, with this, victory is…”
But at that moment…
Paseuk-.
“…!”
Ha Jinseong suddenly moved at a speed invisible to the eye, immediately striking back and deflecting Paeng Ji-Yeol’s Saber, which had been filled with Fierce Aura.
Clang-!
“What kind of strength is…!”
Paeng Ji-Yeol’s surprised look at his pushed-back Saber and arm lasted only a moment.
Paat-!
Taking advantage of the moment his body was left open, Ha Jinseong gathered internal energy in his right hand and…
Plum Blossom Fist.
Jjeo-eong-!
“Keu-eo-eok-!!”
…landed a punch squarely on Paeng Ji-Yeol’s chest.
Ping-!
Seeing a single plum blossom bloom from somewhere, he wondered if it was his own blood or an illusion…
Kwa-a-a-ang-!!
Paeng Ji-Yeol flew out of bounds just like that, leaving a loud trail as he collapsed.
Victory and defeat were decided in an instant.
“…”
“…”
At this, everyone panicked as if they couldn’t believe their eyes, until…
“V-Victory goes to Young Hero Ha Jinseong, Second Generation Disciple of the Mount Hua Sect!”
“Waaaaaah-!!”
…the Referee declared the victory, and only then did the spectators let out a thunderous roar.
Ha Jinseong observed the spectators' reactions impassively and returned to his seat…
“…Keu-eu-euk.”
…Paeng Ji-Yeol groaned from outside the bounds where he had collapsed, unable to endure the shock.
“Tsk, tsk.”
And there was someone approaching him.
* * *
Phew, what an unlucky Bastard.
How did he meet the Protagonist this early?
Clicking my tongue, I approached Paeng Ji-Yeol, who was thrown into a far corner.
Right now, everyone here is going wild for the Protagonist, so no one is paying any attention to Paeng Ji-Yeol.
“Keu-eu-eu…”
I approached him as he suffered and spoke teasingly.
“Well now, you said you’d beat me to a pulp if we met at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, so why are you like this here? Hmm?”
“Eu-eu-eu-eu-eu…! Keu-a-a-a-ak-!!!!”
“Pardon? Young Master Peng. Try saying something.”
“A-a-a-a-a-a-ak-!!”
“Hmm? I said to try saying something. What was that?”
When I asked Paeng Ji-Yeol again, the guy let out an even louder scream and pointed at something.
What he pointed at was…
“Hand-!!! Hand!!! My hand!!”
“Hmm? What?”
“Y-Y-You’re stepping on my hand! Keu-a-a-a-ak-!!”
…my foot, which was trampling on his right hand.
“Ah, this?”
At that, I shamelessly followed his hand and pointed at my foot…
“I’m stepping on this on purpose.”
“A-a-a-a-a-a-ak-!!”
…and smiled brightly, instead pouring internal energy into my foot.
Crack.
“A-a-a-a-a-ak-!!”
“Waaaaaah-!!”
As I applied more force, the sound of bones crushing could be heard from Paeng Ji-Yeol’s hand.
It must have been agonizing, as the guy screamed, but it was drowned out by the audience’s roars.
Crunch-. Crack.
I crushed his hand and whispered in his ear.
“I heard you hit and mistreated Dongryong-i since you were young.”
Crunch-.
“The kid’s personality turned into a total loser, thanks to you. What are you going to do about this, huh? Did you think you’d be safe after doing that to my Subordinate?”
Full of Killing Intent, as I spoke to him, Paeng Ji-Yeol’s body trembled physiologically.
“I-I was wrong…”
“Wrong my ass.”
Pat-!
Only then did I lift the foot that was trampling his hand. And then…
“Go to sleep. You’ll probably Wake up around the time the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering ends, anyway.”
Smack-!
…I forcefully stomped right on the spot where he had been punched by the Protagonist.
“Keo-heok-!”
At this, Paeng Ji-Yeol spat out a little blood and lost consciousness.
I controlled my strength, so he really would regain consciousness around the time the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering ended.
After finishing the job, I looked around and saw that the Peng Family people were only just approaching to take care of the collapsed Paeng Ji-Yeol.
I waved my hand at them as if I were actually glad to see them.
“Peng Family folks! Over here, over here! Young Master Peng is right here.”
And when they arrived, I reported to them as if I were tattling.
“Look at this! Young Master Peng’s condition is Serious. It looks like he has some internal injuries too… Look here. His right hand is completely broken; I don’t think he’ll be able to hold a Saber for about a year?”
“T-This…”
Hearing my words and examining his body themselves, the Peng Family people’s expressions darkened.
Paeng Ji-Yeol was still a Rising Star.
He still had much to learn and plenty of room left to grow stronger.
But if he couldn’t use his hand at such an important time, there would be nothing more devastating than that.
The guys, seemingly not knowing my face, expressed their gratitude to me for looking after Paeng Ji-Yeol.
“Thank you for checking on the Young Master’s condition first…”
“No, it’s nothing. As a Faction member of the same Righteous Faction, I should at least do this much.”
“…But didn’t the Young Master take a Fist to the chest? I can Understand the internal injuries, but why is his right hand broken…”
“Phew, that’s what I’m saying. The Mount Hua Sect is truly a terrifying Sect.”
“…Hmm?”
As the Peng Family Martial Artist looked dumbfounded, I pointed at the Protagonist on the Sparring Stage and said.
“Didn’t that person secretly smash his right hand while pretending to Strike Young Master Peng’s chest just now? The Mount Hua Sect really is a Sect with excessive Technique.”
“…I-Is that so. If that’s true, it’s really too much. In a simple Sparring Tournament, why go this far…”
Like that, I, along with the Peng Family Martial Artists, badmouthed the Mount Hua Sect’s excessiveness.
But at that moment…
“…!”
…Ha Jinseong’s eyes, which had been facing the Spectators…, met mine.