Chapter 39

Chapter 39
## Chapter: 39

### Chapter Title: Black Wolf (2)

—

Even with thirty minutes remaining until the martial arts competition was slated to begin, the expansive training grounds were already packed with observers, crowded so densely that finding standing room was a challenge.

“Quite a sight.”

Sima Geon reached the primary arena designated for the contest and exhaled a breath of genuine admiration.

The stadium itself was vast, stretching more than fifty zhang across, but the combat stage at the center—spanning ten zhang—was equally impressive.

It was no mere wooden platform.

They had mounded earth two chi high and capped it with slender stone tiles—the premium variety typically reserved for the flooring of imperial palaces.

Hewn from solid granite, these slabs were resistant to fracturing, did not reflect a blinding glare under the sun, and provided excellent traction to prevent slipping, making them perfect for a martial stage. Naturally, such materials required a massive investment.

However, the real shock was the presence of a second, identical stone-paved stage in the smaller arena to the rear.

“Just as one would expect from a clan of high standing. Cheol Woo would have ridiculed them for such a lavish expenditure. Nevertheless, it is an excellent stage for a duel.”

The stone shimmered faintly under the morning light, sparking a sudden flicker of excitement within Sima Geon—despite the fact that he only cared about the tournament’s prize and felt no personal passion for the competition itself.

Sima Geon walked toward the staging area for the fighters.

“Are you a participant?”

An official busy reviewing the entry list questioned him.

“I am.”

“Identify yourself.”

“Black Wolf.”

“Ah, Black Wolf.”

The official scanning the names spoke with a hint of mounting enthusiasm.

“You are in the opening bout. Once the dignitaries finish their speeches and the patriarch concludes his introduction, the matches begin immediately. Stay focused. Your rival…”

He glanced around, searching for a specific face, then gave a dismissive shake of his head.

“Hasn’t arrived yet, it seems. If he doesn’t wish to lose by default, he’ll show his face eventually.”

The man grumbled under his breath and walked away.

Sima Geon remained silent, instead studying the other waiting warriors.

A handful were already projecting intense, hostile auras, while the majority were quietly centering their spirits. Aside from those radiating sharp intent, few truly grabbed his attention.

‘The genuine masters are over there, as I was told.’

Sima Geon looked toward the left side of the combat stage.

In contrast to the rowdy throngs surrounding the main arena, that section was less crowded, and the mood was entirely distinct.

This was the area reserved for the prestigious righteous sects and noble families who had gathered to celebrate the Hahu Clan patriarch’s seventieth year. With heirs from the Five Great Clans (with the exception of the Zhuge Clan) taking part, the air was thick with competitive tension.

‘The elite youth are fighting. This ought to be entertaining.’

Sima Geon thought of Hahu Gok, who had boasted incessantly about using his influence to secure his spot in the brackets.

It hadn’t been idle talk.

The old man had loudly proclaimed his desire to show the haughty Hahu Yeon the true nature of the world, urging Sima Geon to humble the arrogant youngsters who relied solely on their prestigious lineages.

Sima Geon turned his eyes toward Hahu Gok, who was now seated among the panel of judges.

‘I didn’t intend to be so aggressive, but since victory is a requirement, things will likely play out just as you hoped, old man.’

Hahu Gok noticed his look and waved with great energy, though Sima Geon pointedly looked away.

The monotonous addresses and the formal opening ceremony eventually concluded, and at last, the two announced fighters walked onto the stage. A deafening roar of cheers rose up, vibrating through the air.

Neither were famous figures, but as the inaugural match, it attracted intense focus.

“I am Black Wolf,”

Sima Geon stated, giving a brief, polite nod to his rival.

“No Su of Cheon Manor.”

No Su announced his name with a haughty air, brandishing a spear nearly one zhang in length to play to the shouting spectators.

“Attack me. I’ll grant you a three-move advantage.”

No Su spun the tip of his spear toward Sima Geon in a mocking, circular motion.

“Haha! What a courageous fellow.”

“Hmm, he doesn’t look like he has the prowess to back up such a claim.”

“Even so, that is Cheon Manor, famous for their spear mastery. If he has truly inherited their style, he won’t be a simple opponent.”

The ten judges presiding over the matches whispered amongst themselves.

“What is your assessment, Senior No?”

Hwal In Gae, an influential elder of the Beggars’ Sect on the panel, questioned Hahu Gok, who sat with a look of utter boredom.

Hwal In Gae’s status as a Beggars’ Sect elder was significant, yet he was careful in his tone with Hahu Gok. This was because Hahu Gok’s closest companion was Ju Yu Geol Gwi, one of the Three Freaks of the Martial World and the Beggars’ Sect’s Supreme Elder.

The others leaned in, curious for Hahu Gok’s opinion.

“Fool.”

The blunt response left the group startled.

“I beg your pardon?”

Hwal In Gae asked for clarification, and Hahu Gok snapped back with annoyance.

“He is running his mouth without even comprehending the caliber of his opponent. He isn’t worth our time.”

The eyes that had been fixed on No Su now turned toward Sima Geon.

Sima Geon did not decline No Su’s offer of an advantage.

He shifted his left foot slightly forward and slowly leveled his blade.

It was the stance known as Immortal Points the Way—a decorative name for a fundamental move known to even the lowliest street brawlers.

“Ha! What a hilarious individual!”

Laughing mockingly, No Su swung the head of his spear lightly, intending to knock aside Sima Geon’s extended sword.

Despite his promise of three free moves, he had packed the blow with significant internal force, secretly planning a brutal follow-up.

The spear darted out like a lunging snake, aiming to smash Sima Geon’s weapon.

Sima Geon’s blade moved with subtle precision, sliding past the spear and pointing directly at No Su’s throat.

“Gah!”

No Su yelped in a sudden panic.

The blade was only a chi away.

He had no time to pull back his heavy spear.

He stumbled backward in a state of shock, but for some reason, he could not put any distance between them.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Heavy footsteps vibrated through the stone stage as No Su’s frame was forced backward.

By the time he realized he was out of room, he had already lost his center of gravity and was falling.

No Su tumbled ignominiously off the stage, bringing the tournament’s first commemorative match to a sudden end.

There were no shouts for the winner, nor any pity for the defeated.

The sudden, anticlimactic finish left the crowd stunned, staring at the empty air above the stage.

The judges were just as shocked.

They watched in disbelief as Sima Geon walked back to the center of the platform.

Only then did the audience regain their voices, raining down boos and insults on No Su.

Looking completely dazed and unable to understand how he had lost, No Su crept away with his head lowered beneath the wave of mockery.

Unlike the jeering crowd, the judges, the other fighters, and the skilled martial artists nearby looked at Sima Geon—who had triumphed with a single basic move—with a new sense of caution.

“No wasted effort.”

“The point of his sword didn’t shake even during the advance.”

“His steps were as smooth as flowing water. Quite impressive.”

“He possesses genuine talent. Though we must consider how inept the opponent was. The warning signs were there when he started offering handicaps.”

“Still, it was quite a feat. Very few could have countered that single thrust so cleanly.”

Hahu Gok sat taller as the judges offered their praise, casting a mocking glance at the stunned attendants of the Five Great Clans.

‘If you weren’t blind, you would have seen it too. You conceited fools! You think you’ll have your way, do you? It won’t be as easy as you planned.’

Hahu Gok looked at Sima Geon with pride, glad that the plan was working—but the young man, now back in his seat, didn’t bother to acknowledge him.

The disappointing first bout concluded, and the following matches ended with surprising speed as well.

The organizers had strategically set the brackets to prevent the heavyweights from fighting too early, but there was enough action to satisfy the restless crowd.

Loud cries, vibrant techniques, and fierce exchanges resulted in several close calls.

Beginning in the early morning without a break, the event finally finished the first set of preliminary matches by shen shi (3-5 PM). It was a rapid pace considering the number of fighters, made possible by the use of both arenas.

The Hahu Clan declared that the second set of preliminaries would commence immediately.

Luck was on Sima Geon’s side as he drew another bye; he would not have to fight again that day.

Cheol Woo, arriving late only to realize he had missed the action, stormed away in a rage, annoying everyone in his path.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The second day of the competition.

Disregarding Cheol Woo’s complaints, Sima Geon went to the arena and only took the stage around noon. His opponent for the third preliminary round had withdrawn due to injuries sustained the previous day.

“Prepare yourself. It’s your turn.”

A tournament worker notified him with a look of both shock and derision.

A single bye was rare, but two in a row to reach the final eight? It was bound to cause resentment.

Sima Geon walked up the steps with a calm demeanor, waiting for his challenger.

This opponent did not come from the staging area but from the opposite side—where the Five Great Clans and other high-ranking guests were positioned. Sima Geon watched with interest.

‘A warrior from the Five Great Clans?’

Contrary to his initial thought, the man was not from those five houses. However, the newcomer came from a lineage of similar fame.

“Yeongho Gyeol.”

Representing the Yeongho Clan, Yeongho Gyeol introduced himself with bold confidence.

Sima Geon was well aware of the Yeongho Clan’s reputation, which was nearly equal to that of the Five Great Clans. Without his knowledge, destiny had already linked them through past grudges.

“Black Wolf.”

Yeongho Gyeol slowly settled into his combat stance following Sima Geon’s short response.

“Yeongho Gyeol, was it? He is being very careful.”

“Word is he is one of the brightest prospects of the Yeongho Clan.”

“He finished his previous opponents with one hit. The competition wasn’t strong, so it’s hard to be certain, but it was still notable.”

“You can sense his mastery just by the way he stands. Perfectly poised.”

Positive whispers regarding Yeongho Gyeol drifted from the judges’ table.

They had taken note of Sima Geon when he used Immortal Points the Way, but as more time passed and more talent was showcased, Black Wolf’s name had begun to slip from their minds in the face of the Yeongho Clan’s prestige.

“What is your take on this pairing?”

Hwal In Gae asked Hahu Gok.

The surrounding judges went quiet, eager to listen.

Hahu Gok had correctly guessed the results of twelve matches so far—without a single error.

“He looks capable. Talented, as well.”

“Indeed. He is among the top three of the Yeongho Clan’s youth.”

“This will serve as a good lesson.”

“Excuse me?”

Hahu Gok offered nothing more.

Hwal In Gae tried to ask for more detail, but the start of the match cut him off.

Yeongho Gyeol, willing to let Sima Geon strike first, became annoyed when Sima Geon didn’t move—even when he twitched his sword in a baiting gesture.

‘He got this far through sheer luck. Oh, you won one match, how impressive. You arrogant brat!’

Yeongho Gyeol thought back to Sima Geon’s first fight.

The rival had been pathetic, though Sima Geon showed decent skill, particularly in the way he stayed on top of his opponent.

That was the extent of it. He could have finished that fight in a single breath without all the drama.

‘You want me to move first? Fine.’

Determined to show the massive difference in their levels, Yeongho Gyeol lunged forward with his sword.

His speed, reminiscent of a swallow skimming water, forced gasps of wonder from the crowd.

Yet, before his strike could land, he surged backward—moving twice as fast as he had when he attacked.

The audience erupted into loud laughter as Yeongho Gyeol scrambled to reset his position.

Sima Geon had not flinched during the aborted charge.

The observers assumed Yeongho Gyeol had simply performed a feint against a much weaker Black Wolf and decided to pull back.

Even the judges were confused by the move, remaining ignorant of the reality—except for Hahu Gok, who understood Sima Geon’s true power and let out a smirk.

‘Lucky kid.’

Hahu Gok believed Yeongho Gyeol’s instinct to retreat was exactly the right choice.

Had he continued the thrust, Sima Geon’s counterattack would have ended the duel right then and there.