Chapter 220: Even if I leave, I leave by my own will (2)

 

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“It’s, it’s a big problem.”

 

A warrior rushed into the annex, panting. Dam-ho recognized the face.

 

He was a warrior of the Hundred Battles Sect who always quarreled with Cho Yeon-woon.

 

“What is it?”

 

“Senior, senior… is fighting with Master Nam from Kongtong Sect.”

 

“Cho Yeon-woon?”

 

“Yes! The whole of Shouzhou is in chaos because of their fight. Nine Martial Dragons and renowned warriors are now rushing to the Great Training Hall.”

 

A glint flashed in Dam-ho’s previously emotionless eyes.

 

Any warrior who has learned martial arts can fight another warrior at any time. That was the fate of warriors and the reason for learning martial arts.

 

So there was no reason to make a fuss just because Cho Yeon-woon was fighting another warrior. It was one of the common occurrences in the murim.

 

The problem was that Cho Yeon-woon was not the type to fight others without reason.

 

He was free-spirited, but he never crossed the line beyond what was appropriate. Unlike Dam-ho, Cho Yeon-woon rarely fought without a valid reason.

 

If he was fighting Nam Hak, who was not an enemy but a member of Nine Martial Dragons, there must be a good reason for it.

 

Dam-ho immediately got up and headed outside. The Hundred Battles Sect warrior hurriedly followed behind him.

 

The road to the Great Training Hall was very complicated. Many people had gathered after hearing the news that Cho Yeon-woon and Nam Hak were fighting. Because of this, it was extremely difficult to move forward.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Gasp! It’s, it’s Fist Demon.”

 

Someone recognized Dam-ho and shouted.

 

At that moment, the path split in two as if by magic. That’s how great the pressure of Dam-ho’s name was.

 

Dam-ho walked along the divided path towards the Great Training Hall. The people on both sides looked at Dam-ho with fearful gazes.

 

As he crossed the gate, he saw the backs of people filling the Great Training Hall. Everyone’s attention was focused on Cho Yeon-woon and Nam Hak fighting in the center of the arena.

 

Dam-ho moved through the crowd towards the center.

 

Thud!

 

“Who? Gasp!”

 

Someone who bumped into him was about to get angry, but then inhaled sharply after recognizing Dam-ho’s face.

 

“It’s Fist Demon.”

 

“Why is he here?”

 

People started murmuring.

 

Dam-ho’s appearance was that shocking to them.

 

There was no other man who gave people such a suffocating pressure just by existing.

 

Many people looked up to Dam-ho while feeling uncomfortable. A man with strength they couldn’t control. The very fact of being in the same space with such a man was giving them great pressure.

 

Dam-ho’s gaze turned towards Cho Yeon-woon and Nam Hak.

 

Bang! Rumble!

 

Every time they clashed, the whole area shook.

 

The Eight Desolation Divine Fist that Cho Yeon-woon was using and the techniques of Kongtong Sect that Nam Hak was using were truly a battle between a dragon and a tiger. Because of this, they couldn’t decide the winner in a short time and the fight was turning into a prolonged battle.

 

After watching their fight for a moment, Dam-ho’s gaze turned to the opposite side. Nine Martial Dragons were there. They too had rushed here after hearing about the clash between the two.

 

From Geum Han-su of Southern Edge Sect to Hae So-wol, and Jin Mu-yeong of Wudang Sect, everyone had gathered. They were all so focused on the clash between Cho Yeon-woon and Nam Hak that they didn’t even notice Dam-ho’s arrival.

 

‘Nam Hak will win, right?’

 

‘Cho Yeon-woon is a drunken dragon, a drunken dragon cannot be a match for a true dragon.’

 

This was the common thought in the minds of Nine Martial Dragons, except for Hae So-wol. That’s how much pride they had in their title of Nine Martial Dragons.

 

As they expected, Nam Hak showed tremendous prowess. His martial power was excellent, worthy of the title Heavenly Thunder Warrior. However, he couldn’t overwhelm Cho Yeon-woon.

 

“You b*st*rd!”

 

An angry Nam Hak spread his palm wide. Then, an enormous energy rose and rushed towards Cho Yeon-woon.

 

Rumble!

 

It was the Great Demon Subduing Palm, a killing technique of Kongtong Sect.

 

The air in the area rippled violently due to the tremendous power of the Great Demon Subduing Palm. People around stumbled back.

 

The power of theGreat Demon Subduing Palm, concentrated with Nam Hak’s formidable internal energy, was truly terrifying. In front of this tremendous energy, Cho Yeon-woon looked as precarious as a candle flame in a strong wind.

 

Everyone anticipated Cho Yeon-woon’s defeat.

 

They thought it was already a miracle that Drunken Dragon had held out this long, as he might be on par with Nine Martial Dragons but could never surpass them.

 

Nam Hak’s shout echoed.

 

“Kneel down, Cho Yeon-woon.”

 

Cho Yeon-woon’s face contorted as the already massive pressure intensified. But his eyes were still shining brightly.

 

“Don’t make me laugh, Nam Hak.”

 

Cho Yeon-woon unleashed the ultimate move of Eight Desolation Divine Fist, the Eight Desolation Calamitous Flame.

 

He leapt forward, surrounded by intense heat and fierce energy that seemed capable of burning the eight desolate.

 

Boom!

 

His footstep shook the earth. The impact shattered the blue stones paving the Great Training Hall, sending pieces flying in all directions.

 

By the time Nam Hak realized this, Cho Yeon-woon had already reached his chest.

 

His fist, condensed with formidable internal energy, struck Nam Hak’s entire body twelve times in succession.

 

Thud thud thud thud!

 

Intense impact sounds echoed.

 

“Ugh!”

 

Nam Hak’s face contorted.

 

He managed to block the first few strikes somehow. So he thought it was just a breeze. But the breeze turned into a storm.

 

The impact grew exponentially with each strike, and by the time he allowed the twelfth and final blow, it had amplified beyond what he could handle.

 

“Argh!”

 

Finally, Nam Hak couldn’t bear the pain and screamed. His arms were swollen.

 

Nam Hak’s chest was exposed, and Cho Yeon-woon didn’t miss this opening.

 

“Hyah!”

 

Bang!

 

Cho Yeon-woon’s fist struck Nam Hak’s chest.

 

Nam Hak flew backwards without even being able to scream. Cho Yeon-woon leapt towards the fallen Nam Hak.

 

Once you gain the upper hand, you must finish it decisively.

 

Cho Yeon-woon unleashed the ultimate move of Eight Desolation Divine Fist towards Nam Hak once again. Nam Hak was in a completely defenseless state. A gloomy light appeared in his eyes as he barely maintained consciousness.

 

His arms were numb and he couldn’t exert any strength, and his internal organs were shaken up so he couldn’t move.

 

If he allowed Cho Yeon-woon to land another strike like this, he would suffer severe injuries.

 

Whoosh!

 

‘Damn it!’

 

As Cho Yeon-woon’s fist came flying, Nam Hak ended up closing his eyes.

 

“Keep your circumstances in your hands.”

 

At that moment, someone jumped between the two. A powerful fist energy shot out from his fist.

 

‘Oh no!’

 

Cho Yeon-woon hurriedly switched to a defensive stance to block the attack.

 

Bang!

 

“Ugh!”

 

With a loud noise, Cho Yeon-woon’s body shook. His complexion turned pale from the unexpected impact, and blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

 

Cho Yeon-woon wiped his mouth with his sleeve and glared at the person who had intervened without permission.

 

“What are you doing? Geum Han-su.”

 

“I’m sorry. But I had no choice.”

 

The man who genuinely looked apologetic was none other than the Heavenly Strong Young Master Geum Han-su, a warrior of Southern Edge Sect and a member of Nine Martial Dragons. He had intervened at Nam Hak’s moment of crisis.

 

Originally, interfering in a duel between others was one of the taboos in the murim. Martial artists considered fair duels sacred and viewed interference by others as shameful.

 

An ordinary warrior should have been unable to lift their head due to shame, but Geum Han-su’s expression was calm and composed.

 

“We are now on the eve of a battle with the demonic cult. How great a loss would it be if a major force is injured due to personal feelings at such a critical time? So please understand and let it go this time.”

 

“You?”

 

Cho Yeon-woon’s eyes shone brightly.

 

It was Nam Hak who had originally oppressed the wandering warriors, and this incident had occurred because of that, but Geum Han-su was dismissing it all as being due to personal feelings.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

Cheong Woon of One Star of Sichuan supported Nam Hak and helped him up. But Nam Hak roughly shook off his hand.

 

It was a clear defeat for Nam Hak in everyone’s eyes.

 

This defeat at the hands of Cho Yeon-woon, whom he had always considered beneath him, was a great blow to Nam Hak’s pride.

 

“Cho Yeon-woon!”

 

Killing intent flickered in Nam Hak’s eyes. Seeing Nam Hak like this, Nine Martial Dragons’s expression became awkward.

 

Although he had lost to Cho Yeon-woon, it didn’t change the fact that he was a member of Nine Martial Dragons. And there was a special bond between the members of Nine Martial Dragons. At least, that’s what a considerable number of Nine Martial Dragons members present here thought.

 

Because of this, Nam Hak’s defeat felt like their own defeat. So it was hard to accept. Their eyes looking at Cho Yeon-woon contained very complex and subtle emotions.

 

“To think Drunken Dragon would defeat Heavenly Thunder Warrior. Then shouldn’t Master Nam be removed from Nine Martial Dragons and Master Cho take his place?”

 

“Shh! Should you be saying such things in this situation?”

 

“But the fact is that Master Cho won, isn’t it?”

 

People around murmured.

 

They too were surprised by the unexpected result that had unfolded before their eyes.

 

People’s preconceptions are truly frightening, once fixed they don’t change easily. Their preconception was that a drunken dragon wandering in the clouds couldn’t defeat a true dragon.

 

That’s why the shock of Cho Yeon-woon’s victory was even greater. Some people felt a sense of satisfaction from Cho Yeon-woon’s victory, but far more people felt uncomfortable.

 

Cho Yeon-woon glared at Nam Hak.

 

“Apologize to them, Nam Hak.”

 

“I can’t do that.”

 

Nam Hak firmly refused.

 

Although he had lost to Cho Yeon-woon, his pride wasn’t completely broken. He glared at Cho Yeon-woon with bloodshot eyes.

 

“That’s enough now. Yeon-woon.”

 

“There’s no point in continuing this, it only tarnishes our reputation. It would be best to stop here.”

 

Even Eom Tae-cheon and Cheong Woon stepped forward to blame Cho Yeon-woon.

 

They couldn’t understand Cho Yeon-woon causing such a disturbance. This wasn’t an issue that needed to be escalated like this.

 

As everyone was pressuring Cho Yeon-woon, Hae So-wol quietly moved. She stood beside Cho Yeon-woon.

 

“In my opinion, this isn’t something we can just let go. The wandering warriors are also people who came forward to uphold justice in the murim. Treating them like this isn’t good for the morale of the entire Murim Alliance.”

 

“Lady Hae! Watch your words. If your sect learns of this, they won’t be pleased.”

 

Geum Han-su raised his voice. But Hae Sowol remained calm.

 

“How do you know whether my sect would be pleased or not, Sir Geum?”

 

“Lady Hae!”

 

“At least Haenam Sect doesn’t discriminate against wandering warriors. We certainly don’t discriminate based on what people eat.”

 

Hae So-wol’s voice was very calm and unwavering. Geum Han-su deeply furrowed his brows at her attitude.

 

“I don’t understand whose side Lady Hae is on. Remember that you are a member of Nine Martial Dragons.”

 

“Is Nine Martial Dragons that great?”

 

“What?”

 

“Is being the best of the younger generation in the murim that great? Isn’t it just a fancy title for being slightly stronger among the younger generation?”

 

Everyone’s expression hardened at Hae So-wol’s words denying Nine Martial Dragons. Even Jin Mu-yeong, who had been observing until now, had a serious expression.

 

If this continues, Nine Martial Dragons will split apart. From Jin Mu-yeong’s standpoint, this was not a desirable situation at all.

 

“Let’s stop here. Yeon-woon, Lady Hae.”

 

“Jin Mu-yeong.”

 

“The battle with the demonic cult is approaching, there’s nothing good about showing internal conflict. Let’s cover this issue for now and discuss it later.”

 

“What if we can’t do that?”

 

“Ha! I don’t understand why you’re refusing the cup of friendship and asking for punishment.”

 

Jin Mu-yeong sighed.

 

Nine Martial Dragons’s reputation had already hit rock bottom. He didn’t want to show any more unsightly scenes.

 

Whoosh!

 

Jin Mu-yeong’s form disappeared in an instant.

 

Flowing Cloud Body Technique.

 

The footwork of Wudang Sect, flowing smoothly like clouds, was unleashed.

 

Jin Mu-yeong, who had disappeared from Cho Yeon-woon’s sight, suddenly appeared behind him. Jin Mu-yeong’s hand moved to strike Cho Yeon-woon’s acupoint.

 

Cho Yeon-woon, who hadn’t anticipated Jin Mu-yeong’s action, was in a completely defenseless state.

 

‘Damn it!’

 

Just as Cho Yeon-woon gritted his teeth, a powerful sound rang out.

 

Thud!

 

“Hmm!”

 

Thump! Thump! Thump!

 

Jin Mu-yeong retreated, grasping the hand he had extended with his other hand, leaving deep footprints on the ground.

 

His fist was tingling.

 

Between him and Cho Yeon-woon, a man with an expressionless face was now blocking the way.

 

“Fist…Demon.”