Chapter 227

Chapter 227
Chapter 227

Wudang had dispatched a formidable force to Wuhuan for the hosting of the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, with roughly half of the entire sect having relocated there. To accommodate them properly, a brand-new, expansive hall had been erected. Within the chambers of the Dragon-Phoenix Guardian Pavilion, Wudang’s leading authorities sat gathered, their expressions heavy with unease.

“The progression of the Dragon-Phoenix Supremacy is deviating sharply from our projections,” one elder remarked. “While we can manage minor discrepancies during the preliminary phases, the opening tier of the main tournament presents a critical obstacle.”

The Dragon-Phoenix Assembly was bifurcated into the Dragon-Phoenix Supremacy—a competition dedicated to rising juniors—and the Dragon-Phoenix Discourse, a high-level summit for veteran masters.

“Only if the Supremacy unfolds precisely according to our calculations can we guarantee the outcomes we foresee for the Discourse,” another noted. “It appears insignificant for now, but a single fractured pillar can eventually topple an entire structure…”

Their anxiety stemmed from one specific anomaly: a mere scion originating from an obscure martial lineage, a lone prodigy among the younger generation.

“The Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon…”
“To think a youth could wield such astonishing might.”
“Even if he was merely a disposable pawn cast out by the Blood Fiend Alliance Leader, dispatching him in a single bout…”

As the elders murmured among themselves, their glances naturally drifted toward the Taiji Sword Ancestor. He sat motionless with his eyes half-closed, silently absorbing the deliberations. He was a figure of absolute authority and terrifying capability, holding a status high enough to look down upon both the current sect leader and the assembly of elders. Recognized as the exclusive disciple of the Three Sages Immortal and revered as Wudang’s foundational patriarch—the true architect of the sect—his presence dominated the room.

The elders whispered among themselves, assuming the Grand Ancestor must already be aware of the disruption, meaning the current turn of events likely fell within his broader design. Yet, despite their curiosity, none dared to question him directly. Such audacity in the presence of a living legend was unthinkable. Absolute obedience and respectful deference defined the mandatory attitude every Wudang disciple maintained toward the Taiji Sword Ancestor.

“We must reach a consensus today regarding how to handle the variable known as the Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon,” the sect leader stated. “The sooner we eradicate this disruption, the better. Perhaps we should dispatch the Mystic Sword Ancestor?”
“Are you suggesting we rig the tournament brackets to cross their paths?”
“The second round does not rely on rigid preliminary brackets anyway. If the Mystic Sword Ancestor intervenes personally, we can seamlessly eliminate him from the competition.”

Mystic Sword was present at the gathering as well. Much like the Taiji Sword Ancestor, he sat quietly with lowered eyelids, his fingers resting casually on his sword hilt. Despite belonging to a younger generation, his standing granted him the revered title of ancestor relative to the current sect leader.

When solicited for his perspective, his response was characteristically brief.
“Do you truly find subduing the Blood Fiend Vice Leader in a single movement so remarkable, Sect Leader?”

The sect leader paused. To the wider pugilistic world, such a feat was undeniably staggering, but seasoned veterans viewed it through a different lens.

“Not particularly. You are quite capable of achieving the same, Ancestor,” Mystic Sword continued.
“Indeed, I concur,” another added. “Under identical circumstances, even Hyun-hyun could have accomplished it with a modest stroke of fortune.”

The mention of Hyun-hyun invoked the name of the individual once celebrated as Wudang’s supreme prodigy before Mystic Sword’s meteoric rise—the very man whose rightful glory had been eclipsed in Yang-hwi’s past life.

“Quite likely,” Mystic Sword conceded. “Had it not been for my existence, that boy Hyun-hyun would undoubtedly have vied for the tournament crown.”
“In that case, I believe our best course of action is simply to let events unfold naturally.”

Mystic Sword’s stance was straightforward: the Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon did not pose a sufficient threat to justify underhanded maneuvers that Wudang could not openly defend. The sect leader wanted to voice a counterargument, but prudence silenced him. No matter his position, openly defying an ancestor’s decree was an invitation to ruin.

Yet, internally, the sect leader wrestled with his doubts. *Our grand scheme for Wudang is monumental, utilizing even the establishment of the Martial Alliance as its stepping stone. We cannot permit the slightest miscalculation…*

At that exact moment, a brilliant arc of sword light materialized before the furrowed brow of the Taiji Sword Ancestor. Miraculously, the radiant blade seemed to dissipate the oppressive weight pressing down on everyone’s minds.

“Mystic Sword,” the patriarch murmured.
“Yes, Master,” he replied, dipping his head respectfully.
“You are destined to tread a path more luminous than any other and emerge as the guiding beacon for the entire murim.”
“I harbor no such personal ambitions.”
“I am well aware,” the Taiji Sword Ancestor replied softly. “Nevertheless, it remains my deepest wish for you.”
“Then I shall comply and fulfill your will.”

It was his standard response. However, the Taiji Sword Ancestor posed a final inquiry.
“Tell me then. In your evaluation of the Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon, was there truly no trace of personal sentiment involved?”

Ordinarily, Mystic Sword would have answered instantly. Instead, an unbidden image flickered through his mind—the visage of Zhuge Seol-ha, accompanied by the silhouette of the Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon walking at her side.

“…Indeed. I believe my judgment was clear.”

The Taiji Sword Ancestor did not miss the microscopic hesitation in his disciple’s voice.
“Affection is a natural component of the human journey. I am pleased to see you awakening to new dimensions of emotion. Even so, it must never interfere with our grand design.”

With that, the patriarch delivered his final verdict.
“I have weighed all of your opinions. Pitting him directly against Mystic Sword at this juncture is premature, but pairing him with another opponent… should provide quite the spectacle for the audience.”

Thus, Wudang’s strategy was officially locked into place.

—

After debriefing the Blood Fiend Vice Leader on several key directives and waving him off, I had instructed Chudal to keep a close watch on their movements over the ensuing days.

“They show no immediate inclination of departing,” Chudal reported. “It appears they intend to remain until the Supreme Dragon is crowned.”
“I see.”

Had he blindly swallowed every word and fled straight back to Guiju, I would have experienced a profound sense of disappointment. Fortunately, the man possessed an adequate measure of common sense. Naturally—considering I had openly referred to his superior as “that bastard” at the conclusion of our dialogue without provoking an offended reaction, it was clear he was not the type to offer unconditional loyalty as a mere disposable pawn. He possessed a pragmatic intellect, prioritizing his own survival and utility. He was an ideal candidate for manipulation.

“That addresses the Vice Leader for now, but there has been no word from the remaining factions.”

It would have been advantageous to entertain a few more unexpected visitors prior to the commencement of the second round, but one could not have everything. Even the Jade Maiden, whose presence I had anticipated, had failed to materialize.

*The Hwasan Sect maintains clandestine ties to the Blood Cult, does it not? Exposing that connection might unearth fresh pathways.*

Among the Three Great Demonic Sects, our primary focus remained locked on the Ming Cult and the Divine Cult, keeping ourselves positioned to intercept them at Pointchang at a moment’s notice. The true complication lay within the Blood Cult. Despite discovering that their supreme leader was personally participating in the Dragon-Phoenix Supremacy, we had yet to secure a verifiable trail to exploit.

*Among the Three Great Demonic Sects, the Blood God Blood Cult has consistently inflicted the greatest suffering upon the common populace. Eradicating these wretches must take absolute precedence.*

Because the Blood Cult derived its strength from the wholesale harvesting of human blood and vital energy, their growth demanded staggering amounts of sacrifice. Severing their roots prematurely would undoubtedly streamline our future endeavors.

*And yet… for some reason, Wudang continues to demand a higher degree of vigilance.*

Wudang’s tactical decisions persistently defied rational forecasting. Taking the current wave of rumors as an example—simply exposing Yang-hwi as the secular disciple of the Thunderclap Sound Demon would have yielded far greater dividends than orchestrating a smear campaign against the Blood Fiend Vice Leader.

*They could have framed the narrative such that ‘it is not the Baek Clan that commands respect, but rather the Thunderclap Sound Demon who personally cultivated such an exceptional young talent from the mundane world.’ Such a move would effectively suppress the Baek Clan’s ascending influence while simultaneously positioning me as a sacrificial stepping stone to magnify Mystic Sword’s prestige later on.*

Why did they bypass such a logical route? Exactly what kind of grand picture was the Taiji Sword Ancestor painting? Furthermore, Mystic Sword’s active participation in the tournament had been entirely absent in my past life, rendering current variables exceptionally difficult to predict.

*Tch. Perhaps I ought to consult Master Sound Demon directly? Though, come to think of it, she has maintained an uncharacteristic silence of late.*

The Sound Demon, the Great Sea Dragon King, and even Yeo Il-rak-bul—who had tagged along purely for amusement—were currently lodging in Wuhuan due to their binding pact with the Taiji Sword Ancestor. Given that they resided within the same municipality, paying a visit should have been a simple affair, yet the situation felt increasingly peculiar.

*Could it be? Is she waiting for her own disciple to formally pay respects first?*

If that supposition proved accurate, my arrival would undoubtedly be greeted by a brutal ‘training session’ disguised as a friendly spar.

*No, that’s absurd. Seol-ha might drop by, but since I haven’t officially disclosed my status as her disciple to the public, I cannot simply present myself at her doorstep.*

While the Ten Supremes were fully aware of the arrangement, public optics remained a delicate consideration. This implied that the Sound Demon was orchestrating an agenda of her own.

*…She wasn’t genuinely offended when the Great Sea Dragon King casually offered to take me as a disciple, was she?*

A sudden shiver cascaded down my spine. If she had taken umbrage at that, the subsequent fallout would be catastrophic. To verify my safety, I promptly reached out to Seol-ha.

“Pardon? No, I happened to cross paths with her yesterday, and she didn’t voice any unusual concerns,” Seol-ha answered.
“Is that so? Did she mention me at all?”
“Not a single syllable.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it.”

A heavy silence settled over us as the dialogue naturally tapered off. Fearing we had lingered too long on topics centered around my affairs, I quickly pivoted.
“Have you encountered any complications on your end regarding the Dragon-Phoenix Supremacy?”

Zhuge Seol-ha offered a radiant, self-assured smile.
“Do you imagine any could arise?”
“A fair point. There shouldn’t be.”

The Dragon-Phoenix Supremacy was structurally partitioned into the Dragon Battles reserved for male competitors and the Phoenix Battles designated for female contenders. They would ultimately crown the Supreme Dragon and Supreme Phoenix respectively, culminating the grand assembly with a final duel between the two victors on the closing day of the Dragon-Phoenix Discourse.

“While the Dragon Battles are teeming with formidable young prodigies, the Phoenix Battles are noticeably devoid of truly exceptional threats—at least by comparison.”

Among the entire roster, there was scarcely a single participant in the Phoenix bracket capable of commanding genuine caution from a disciple tied to the Heavenly Martial Ten Supremes.

*Out of five hundred initial contenders, three hundred and fifty have successfully advanced into the secondary round.*

One-on-one elimination matches would not commence until the field was narrowed down to thirty-two participants, signifying that the secondary stage operated under an entirely distinct set of regulations. Coupled with the spreading rumors concerning the sudden defeat of the Vice Leader, an upheaval was virtually guaranteed.

“The Zhuge Clan remains completely in the dark regarding the specifics of the second round as well, correct?” I asked.
“…Indeed. This entire Dragon-Phoenix Assembly is operating strictly under Wudang’s exclusive oversight.”

Zhuge Seol-ha’s expression tightened with clear frustration, and rightfully so. On the surface, Wudang was publicly collaborating with the Zhuge Clan, who served as the traditional sovereigns of Wuhuan.

*Yet they are being systematically sidelined from operational control. If Wudang’s ultimate objective is the foundation of the Martial Alliance, why deliberately court resentment from the Zhuge family?*

At that precise instant, the quiet was shattered.
“Brother!”

Chudal burst unceremoniously through the entryway.
“The format for the second round has just been officially posted! The bracket assignments are out as well!”
“Oh? They are actually implementing group allocations?”
“Yes! But Brother… your assigned opponent…”

Before Chudal could deliver the full report, a polite knock echoed against the open door. Yang-hwi shifted his gaze, instantly locking eyes with an unfamiliar visitor.

“This is our first encounter. How do you fare?”

The stranger possessed an unmistakably striking presence, though his tone carried an abrasive edge unbefitting a first-time meeting—sounding far more like someone intimately familiar with us. Or rather, an individual whose identity was impossible to overlook.

“Baek Yang-hwi of the Baek Clan formally greets the Young Heir of the Northern Paeng Clan,” I stated smoothly.
“Zhuge Seol-ha of the Zhuge Clan formally greets the Young Heir of the Northern Paeng Clan,” Seol-ha added, rising with effortless elegance to execute a flawless formal bow.

Paeng Wang, observing the two of them with an intense glare, brought his hands together in a reciprocal greeting.
“Paeng Wang of the Paeng Clan returns the greetings to the heirs of both distinguished lineages.”

True to his prestigious standing as the Young Heir of the Northern Paeng Clan—reputed as the preeminent martial house under heaven—his posture radiated profound dignity and refined decorum.

…That is, if his expression hadn’t looked so thoroughly venomous.

*What on earth brings him to our quarters?*
“To what do we owe the honor of such a distinguished guest?” I inquired.
“…What brings me here? Do you actually have the audacity to ask that?!”

In a fraction of a second, open fury ignited within Paeng Wang’s eyes.
“You dare ask what brings me! Are you genuinely oblivious?!”

Whoa, the man had detonated instantly. The Northern Paeng Clan was universally celebrated for their volatile, hot-blooded disposition—the quintessential Paeng temperament in its purest form.

“Heaven-Covering Sword Dragon! You are the absolute last person who should be asking me that question!”

An instantaneous flash of intuition struck me. This whole fiasco bore all the unmistakable hallmarks of Elder Paeng Beom’s handywork.
“Did the Great Sea Dragon King happen to issue some specific instructions?”
“Instructions? You bet he did! Delivered straight through his fists!”
“?”

Confirming my silent suspicions, Paeng Wang exhaled a heavy, shuddering sigh.
“Truth be told, my original intention was merely to exchange a few casual pointers with some juniors before bowing out gracefully. As a former Supreme Dragon nearing the absolute age threshold of thirty-six, pushing too aggressively in these games simply looks unsightly.”

His sigh rapidly fueled a fresh surge of rage.
“However! When some junior decides to splash filth all over a senior! That transforms the situation entirely!”
“…Filth?” I blinked.
“Precisely!”
“Me?!”
“You!”
“When on earth did I do such a thing?”
“That absurd wager you forced upon my grandfather! Because of that cursed bet, I have been subjected to utter misery!”

If I were to casually inform him that Elder Paeng Beom had been the one eagerly initiating that specific brand of filth… would the young master spontaneously combust right here in the room? It appeared he had taken a severe beating down by the stream and had marched over to vent his pent-up trauma.

“The strike hit dead center! And it was remarkably foul, to boot! Consequently, this senior has decided to return the favor by splashing a generous helping right back onto the junior!”

*How exactly does he plan to accomplish that?* I wondered, just as Chudal stepped forward to provide the missing context.
“The secondary round is structured around team combat! You, Young Heir Paeng, and one additional participant have been placed into the exact same squad.”

Squads consisting of three members would clash against opposing groups, with tournament advancement determined by collective performance. The pieces clicked into place with absolute clarity.

Out of more than three hundred advancing competitors, I happened to be lumped into a group with Paeng Wang of all people? Wudang was unquestionably pulling the strings behind this arrangement.

*It remains a deduction, but practically a certainty. Furthermore, the Great Sea Dragon King is undoubtedly aware of this development.*

Intent on winning his wager while generating maximum chaos for his own amusement, the old man had undoubtedly manipulated Paeng Wang’s bracket position to weaponize his accumulated resentment.

“Brace yourself! Even if the mighty currents of the Yangtze thrust the waves ever onward, this Paeng Wang happens to be a remarkably towering wave!”

Attempting to diffuse the tension with lighthearted banter was clearly out of the question. Therefore, I opted for a different approach.
“That sounds delightfully entertaining.”
“Entertaining! Ha! It will be an absolute bloodbath of a blast!”

I offered an intentional, provocative grin toward the thoroughly agitated scion.
“As Rak-bul is fond of pointing out, excess breeds ruin in all worldly pursuits—with the sole exception of pure amusement.”

While team-based matches required collective elimination of rival units, the rules conveniently permitted internal casualties among teammates as well. It was the ultimate setup for ‘splashing filth’ right back at a teammate, exactly as Paeng Wang had so eloquently phrased it.

*On the flip side, it also leaves a multitude of creative avenues to exploit him. Heh heh.*
“Shall we elevate the stakes and make this considerably more stimulating with a wager?”

Hot-blooded members of the Paeng family were prime candidates for optimal exploitation. Passionate, easily provoked men invariably made the most magnificent pawns.