Peng Wujin, who had been struck by Elder Li, lay on the ground, and the Peng family group tended to him. Although Peng Ahxi expressed her gratitude to Elder Li, she couldn't help but wonder if it was right to do this, seeing Peng Wujin's face swollen red on one side.
Peng Ahxi said it was deserved and that he was fine, but...
"It was a mutual agreement."
Elder Li's stance was firm.
"If the Peng family says anything later, please make sure to tell them that I had nothing to do with this."
"Don't worry, I'll tell them that I watched it all, and that you were the one who incited the old man from behind."
"No, why should I be blamed for something I didn't do?"
"Ah, you didn't stop it when you could have, so Yang Chuan, you're partly to blame too."
What is this guy saying?
How could I have stopped it when he lunged forward and swung his fist without giving me a chance?
I wanted to say that, but after seeing Elder Li beat up Peng Wujin, I swallowed my words.
'...He should have known his limits.'
Honestly, if I had taken that hit, I might have died on the spot. I decided to be cautious and protect myself, as I could also be knocked out in one blow.
After the storm of events, I went to Wei Xueluo, who had been waiting. Wei Xueluo was looking at Elder Li with sparkling eyes.
"What's with that sparkling look in your eyes?"
"Master! You were amazing! You knocked him out with one punch! So cool!"
He must be talking about Elder Li beating up Peng Wujin. Isn't it usually scary? How can he think it's cool?
Elder Li smiled happily at Wei Xueluo's reaction.
"You little cutie, you know how to appreciate it!"
So, he took out some candy from his pocket and gave it to Wei Xueluo.
"Since you praised me, I'll give you a gift."
"Wow! Candy! Grandpa Bear, you're the best!"
"Bear? Hahaha! I must have looked that strong, right?"
No, I just think you're as big as a bear.
I swallowed the words I couldn't say.
Wei Xueluo, being a servant, might have deserved a scolding for her impolite behavior, but Elder Li just laughed heartily and didn't seem to mind.
Maybe it's because of her ridiculous appearance, or maybe he's just lenient because she's young. Whatever the reason, it seemed to be fine.
With Wei Xueluo quieted down after getting the candy, Elder Li called me over.
"Yang Chuan."
"Yes?"
"I was about to say something earlier."
Now that I think about it, Elder Li said he had something to talk about and that's why he called me.
I looked at him, wondering what it could be, and he continued.
"After the Nine Dragon Hall ends, we need to have a sparring match."
"A sparring match? Are you going to kill someone again...?"
"Again? I didn't kill anyone, you brat! And it's not me, it's you who will be sparring."
"...What?"
What kind of nonsense is this?
"Me? Suddenly?"
Why would I suddenly do something so troublesome?
******************
Just as the sun was about to set, the Nine Dragon Hall finally began. Despite the selection process, there were still hundreds of participants, including the collateral branches of the Gu family and martial artists from the Shanxi region.
I wondered if it could really be finished in one day, especially by sunset.
Of course, I would just be sitting and watching, so it would be easier for me than the sword team members who would be judging the matches and the martial artists who would be fighting on the sparring grounds.
But why do I feel so uneasy?
"I wish the sparring matches wouldn't end all day."
If it took longer, I might have an excuse to run away.
The Nine Dragon Hall itself was entertaining. People always get excited about martial arts sparring, and I'm no exception.
The spear technique was impressive. The martial artist was making good use of the spear's length.
Unfortunately, his opponent was a swordsman. The spear and sword have a poor match-up.
However, the swordsman remained calm. He avoided the relentless spear thrusts while keeping his eyes on his opponent.
'Was he from a collateral branch?'
The swordsman introduced himself as a member of a collateral branch of the Gu family. His name was Gu... something.
"Ha!"
Frustrated by the constant dodging, the spear thrust was delivered with great force, cutting through the air. The spearman, a wandering martial artist, showed the results of his hard training.
However, the impatience was a poison.
The excessive force in his movements hindered the continuation of his techniques. The swordsman didn't miss the opening this created.
The match was decided in an instant. The spearman's failed technique left him grounded, and the swordsman pushed the spear shaft with his blade.
Taking advantage of the spearman's momentary stagger, the swordsman lunged forward without hesitation.
With no options left, the spearman desperately tried to thrust his spear again, but the blade was already at his throat.
A brief silence followed, and then the spearman sighed and took a step back, acknowledging his defeat.
His face was filled with regret.
The judge then announced the result.
"Gu Xianxue wins."
'So his name was Gu Xianxue.'
It was an impressive match, but he didn't seem to be a great martial artist who would have made a name for himself in my previous life.
Or maybe I just didn't remember.
"That kid will be selected."
Elder Li's voice was confident.
Calmness as a martial artist is a significant advantage. Even if not now, I believed he would be selected eventually.
"How much longer...?"
Looking around, I realized only half the participants were left.
With hundreds of participants, selecting about twenty would take a long time, but with many sparring grounds and shorter matches, it seemed it would end quickly.
On the first day, I wanted it to end quickly so I could go home, but now I hoped it wouldn't end.
I looked at Elder Li with a resentful expression.
Elder Li, noticing my gaze, said to me,
"Why are you giving me such a dog turd look?"
"It's a look of admiration."
"You're spouting dog turd with your mouth too."
I sighed, watching Elder Li laugh heartily.
The reason was the sparring match that would follow the Nine Dragon Hall. Since only Gu Lianxu and I were direct descendants attending the Nine Dragon Society, we were the obvious participants.
When I asked why such a ridiculous situation had arisen, Elder Li said it was because he found it amusing, citing his fondness for the Qianri Merchant Association.
Thinking of his amusement, I recalled Peng Wujin, who had been knocked out and lost consciousness.
'I can't hit Elder Li, of course...'
The idea of hitting him was absurd, and I doubted he would even let me.
"Don't worry."
I turned to see Gu Lianxu speaking.
"No one has any expectations of you. You don't need to worry about embarrassing yourself. Since we're family, I'll make it quick and painless."
"...What a considerate gesture. Thank you very much."
I was so grateful I almost cried.
Gu Lianxu didn't even consider the possibility of losing.
So, he must have readily agreed to Elder Li's suggestion, even looking pleased.
It made sense.
I, who had done nothing to improve, and Gu Lianxu, a genius who had trained consistently, were worlds apart.
'Maybe it's better to just forfeit quickly?'
I already had no reputation to speak of.
Adding another stain to my already tarnished name wouldn't make it any worse.
"Yang Chuan, let me tell you something in advance."
Elder Li leaned in and whispered to me.
"If you're thinking of forfeiting, I might give you a light slap with some force behind it."
"No way. That won't happen..."
What a messed-up family... None of them were normal.
Time doesn't change as I wish it would.
The sparring time I hoped wouldn't come arrived quickly, as if to taunt me.
As the sun set, the lanterns were lit again. With the end of the Nine Dragon Hall, twenty-one people were selected to join the Gu family's sword team.
The next day was a celebration. Of course, my schedule only lasted two days, so I wanted to leave quickly.
I had only planned to observe and leave, but the problem was the last-minute change.
In my previous life, I had received too much negative attention, so I didn't want to draw attention for trivial matters now.
I wanted to live quietly, almost invisibly.
I might have already deviated from my plan, but that's how it was.
I saw Gu Lianxu already on the sparring ground, holding his sword casually, his posture showing the refinement of a well-trained martial artist.
I really didn't want to go...
I turned to Elder Li, who was watching with a playful expression, and said,
"Do you really want to see me get beaten up in front of everyone?"
He was a devilish old man, even in my previous life. Elder Li smiled strangely at my resentful words.
Then he said,
"Do you really not plan to win?"
I paused, halfway up the sparring ground.
"What are you saying? What do you mean by not winning? I can't win."
"Alright, alright, if that's what you think."
...He looked like a bear, but his mind was like a fox.
Ignoring Elder Li, I climbed up to the sparring ground.
******************
The moon was rising in the night sky.
It was a thin crescent.
After the martial artists, who were drenched in sweat, left, the sparring ground was quiet.
Of course, there were many spectators around, but only two of us were on the sparring ground.
Using the direct descendants of the Gu family as entertainment in the Nine Dragon Society seemed a bit excessive, even for Elder Li.
"Do you plan to use a sword?"
Gu Lianxu asked me as I was loosening up.
A sword? Did I use a sword at this time?
The Gu family uses both swords and fists, unlike the Peng family, which uses only swords, or the Murong and Nan Gong families, which focus on swords.
The characteristics of the Gu Yanhuolun Gong allow it