Chapter 170…………………………………..
Pyeong-ha nodded at the leader’s question and spoke in a calm, composed tone.
“At first, I was very angry… and, honestly, I still get angry when I think about it. But when I reflect on it, I think the reason I could come here at all was ultimately because of those people. The time I’ve spent here has been so meaningful that rather than receiving a public apology, I want to say thank you for letting me come here.”
“Huh…”
The more the leader listened, the more impressed he became.
Even among children learning the Way from the Shamans, it’s common for them to struggle with controlling the aggression inherent to martial artists. Yet here was a child raised in the Sapa—outside the orthodox sects—speaking such profound words?
Normally, achieving their goal would prompt someone of Pyeong-ha’s age and ability to demand an immediate apology, but he did not.
“And… there’s something I want to say to everyone.”
“Something you want to say… what is it?”
“As you know, I’m from Sapa. Those who love me are from Sapa, and the people I love are from Sapa as well.”
When Pyeong-ha clearly stated his affiliation, the Sapa martial artists smiled, while the orthodox martial artists displayed complex emotions on their faces.
They remembered cheering for him, even momentarily forgetting he was from Sapa.
And they felt a pang of regret realizing that this child would ultimately be their enemy.
The leader himself nodded slowly, his expression serious.
“…So, what is it that you want to say?”
“I learned a lot from this martial arts competition. The practicality embedded in the martial arts of the Sapa warriors… whatever weapons they possess, you can see the traces of their relentless effort and refinement to survive. I’ve come to understand what life as a Sapa must truly be like.”
The Sapa warriors nodded slowly at Pyeong-ha’s measured words.
To the orthodox sect, Sapa are defined by using martial arts purely for their own benefit, disregarding right and wrong.
From the Sapa perspective, however, they start with nothing. They learn martial arts simply to survive, risking their lives day by day.
Thus, they cannot master the profound truths of martial arts that reveal themselves only through insight and understanding. Instead, they must focus on martial arts that will protect them in battle, as quickly as possible. That is the only way to survive in the Sapa world.
“And one more thing… this competition made me respect the orthodox martial artists.”
“…Hm?”
“Eh?”
“…What?”
At Pyeong-ha’s unexpected words, many in the audience, including the leader, widened their eyes.
The Sapa martial artists who had felt comforted by his words, and the orthodox martial artists confronting the uncomfortable truth about Sapa, alike.
“I found the righteousness of the orthodox, their commitment to protecting the weak, truly admirable. Their reason and purpose for harshly training every day is not for themselves, but to help others, which I deeply respect. I was moved by the profound principles embedded in every movement of their martial arts. I even wondered if someday I could also imbue my own hands with the laws of nature. I’m so glad I got to see this new world as a martial artist.”
Pyeong-ha, who seemed to understand and speak for the Sapa, now spoke of respect for the orthodox, expressing admiration.
The hall fell silent, stunned by his words. Yet no one there criticized or rejected them. Deep down, everyone understood the precarious, intense life of a Sapa, and the greatness of the orthodox pursuit of justice and righteousness.
“If given the chance next time, I’d love to come out again, compete with many people, and learn more. And when that time comes…”
Pyeong-ha paused, looked around at everyone, smiled, and continued.
“I hope it won’t be a fight between Sapa and orthodox… but just a competition, martial artist versus martial artist.”
“….”
“Then… thank you all.”
With that, Pyeong-ha bowed deeply and descended from the arena.
Moments later, someone in the audience broke the silence, clapping for his departing figure.
Clap clap clap.
Clap clap clap clap clap.
Soon, the sound of applause filled the hall. Whether it was in agreement with Pyeong-ha’s words, or simply celebrating the birth of the greatest late prodigy, no one could tell.
“Report: Just now, Hye-wang, Nokrim Wang, and the Black Heaven group have all left the Martial Alliance.”
“Is that so…”
The leader sighed slowly and nodded upon hearing the report.
During the tournament, he had restrained them within the Martial Alliance, fearing what they might do in Ak Yang. Secretly, he had worried that if they caused trouble inside, he as leader would bear responsibility—even though Kwon Hwang had vouched for them.
Yet, surprisingly, the Black Heaven group had behaved without incident during the competition.
‘Perhaps… I misunderstood them.’
After all, these were people he had only heard of in rumors, never encountered for such a long period. While they had scuffled with Minshingwi Wang’s group and faced Cheonjoong Geomje, these were reasonable confrontations.
They are Sapa. People like them do not need to hide their emotions for honor or convenience.
‘In some ways… they seem refreshing. Maybe it’s because of what that child Pyeong-ha said today.’
Hearing Pyeong-ha’s words allowed him to see Sapa from a new perspective.
Still, it is undeniable that most unredeemable villains still come from Sapa.
“What are you thinking about?”
“…Nothing.”
Shaking his head, the leader returned to reality with a wry smile.
“Anyway… the Martial Alliance must be quite embarrassed from this competition. Never did I imagine that the greatest late prodigy would go to a Sapa.”
“No one expected it.”
The chief officer nodded slowly.
“One thing… such events are always possible. In every era, an unparalleled genius appears unexpectedly, defying everyone’s expectations.”
He cast a subtle glance at the leader. The leader raised his eyebrows, surprised.
“Are you implying me? That would be a huge misunderstanding.”
“As a disciple of a secular family, you defeated all the late prodigies, including those from the Shaman Sect, and won the competition. You even became one of the Three Emperors and were appointed Alliance leader twice.”
“That was due to the Shaman Sect’s sword. Had the headmaster not allowed me to learn all the sword techniques, I would have led a life no different from other secular disciples.”
“Yes, surely the headmaster’s help was significant. But even winning the competition, you hadn’t yet mastered the techniques of the Shaman Sect disciples, correct?”
“….”
“To win the competition and gain recognition from the headmaster as a secular disciple—this is something no ordinary secular disciple could achieve.”
“Cough… your words… are… remarkable…”
Embarrassed and unable to refute, the leader changed the subject.
“Anyway… Pyeong-ha’s talent and skill are astonishing. Perhaps he truly might become the number one Sapa in the future.”
“That’s not entirely good news. One reason Sapa can’t wield real power is that they’re fragmented, without a central figure…”
“Well… I feel it’s not necessarily bad news.”
“Oh?”
The chief officer raised an eyebrow at the leader’s comment.
“What do you mean…”
“If a villain becomes the head of Sapa, it would be a great threat to the Martial Alliance. But if a good person becomes their head, the Central Plains martial world and the common people could experience unprecedented peace.”
The chief officer smiled wryly.
“Do you truly believe… a good Sapa could exist?”
“You don’t seem to think so.”
“I wouldn’t say Pyeong-ha is a villain. If anything, he’s closer to good. But that is only possible because he is still a child.”
“…Eventually, he’ll change?”
“The Sapa world is ruthless. Such gentle nature will not survive. Until now, he’s been protected by his teacher’s name. But when he stands alone, many will come after his life. How can anyone guarantee he won’t change then?”
“Hmm…”
The leader nodded, slightly troubled by the officer’s logical reasoning. Yes, that is the usual thinking. Perhaps he had been captivated by Pyeong-ha’s almost dreamlike speech. Yet…
“You’re… not entirely wrong. But…”
The leader, finally speaking after some thought, nodded slowly.
“Today, I want to believe. That this child will not become our enemy.”
“…Is that so?”
“More importantly, in the recent fight against the Demonic Cult, that child represented the Central Plains. At least for now, he is on our side, isn’t he?”
The leader smiled at the chief officer, who looked somewhat perplexed.
“Representative?”
“He won the martial arts competition, didn’t he? Then naturally…”
“I heard he won’t participate?”
“…Huh?”
“He said he wouldn’t participate. Surely you didn’t hear that?”
