The gates to the pavilion creaked open. Every member of Silent Edge was still outside. The guards by the door bowed as Wu Jin walked out. He stopped at the top of the steps. "We have eight hours before the tournament begins. Everyone get the carts ready, be ready in six to move out."
Behind him Ilho, Jinhu and Blue emerged. All changed. Still first rate warriors, but they carried themselves like grandmasters. As they walked the boys eagerly wanted to test out their new abilities and bodies. Ilho smiled at Jinhu and vanished. He sat perched where Sa Gwan had spent the last month. He vanished again and reappeared next to Blue. "I get the appeal now." As Blue laughed, both boys watched Jinhu walk forward. He lowered his stance and swung. Earth-Splitter. This time two practice dummies on the other end of the courtyard exploded. Then the shockwave came.
BOOM.
Ilho looked at Blue. "Either we have to stop calling him dumb, or get real good at dodging."
Cheng and Yeol stepped behind the three who now were gathered chatting. "You have all trained hard. But this tournament isn’t a spar." Cheng interrupted Yeol. "It's a war with rules. Don't just fight to win. Fight to carve your names and Silent Edge's legacy into Murim’s history.
Wu Jin stepped in front of the men. "I know your blood is boiling. You're ready, but go eat, rest. When we depart you three will ride in the cart. The boys nodded and headed toward the mess hall, their stomachs finally reminded them they hadnt eaten in nearly two days.. Wu Jin looked at the two elders. "So it begins."
--
The gates to the arena opened. Families, Sect Leaders, elders filled the stands. Wu Jin stared at the boys. "From here, its all up to you. Good luck." Wu Jin walked away.
Blue, Ilho and Jinhu stepped forward. They led the procession of warriors out of the tunnel. All three were dressed in black, their garbs simple and outlined in white.A white sword, cutting through the wind in front of a half moon adorned their chests, over their hearts.
An official stood on top of the platform as they made their way to their seats. They all three could hear the words from the crowds. None of it was quiet or whispered. It was meant for them to hear.
"Who are they?"
"Some lowlifes who think they belong."
"They will be fodder for the bigger sects and clans."
"Buddha has led more pigs to the slaughter."
The boys each clenched their fists and nodded towards each other. They stood tall, and waited. One by one sects walked through the tunnel.
Emei stepped through the tunnel next. Thirty-seven women stepped in unison. Each dressed in lavender and silver. Lotus blade pendants at their waist reflected the sun. Drunkards and martial artists alike gasped throughout the crowd.
Ilho turned to Blue. "Pretty!" Blue chuckled as one of the Emei warriors locked eyes with Blue and smiled.
Wudang came next. Black and silver robes. They carried themselves as taoists should. Not flashy, not a show, rather disciplined. At the front, Ryul met Blue's gaze. Blue's heart stopped. He stared at him as he passed by. Only one thought crossed his mind. I wonder how strong he has become.
Then horns blew throughout the arena. The crowd collectively sighed. Those horns were unmistakable. The Heavenly Demonic Cult.
Crimson and black robes walked out of the tunnel. The Demon Cult stomped their way to their seats. Making their presence known to everyone. Their arrival was meant to intimidate. Blue searched through the ranks, finally landing on one person. Yong Gyeol. He waved a few fingers at him and smiled. One of the Cult members looked back at Gyeol. "Who is that?"
Gyeol smiled. "Just a beggar who doesn't know how to quit."
If the Demon Cult's entrance was loud. Shaolins was meant to bring peace after disruption. Forty monks in perfect rows, chanting prayers. Prayer beads clinked together in their hands. One monk passed the boys and noticed Jinhu. He said one word. "Amitabha." Nodded and continued praying.
Ilho looked at Jinhu. "A friend?"
Blue smiled. "You think he hates doors too?"
Then Mt. Hua walked in. Robes of pink and white fluttered. The arena immediately filled with plum blossoms as one warrior dashed through the skies. The scent of them filled the air.
Silence fell across the arena as a singular man walked out of the tunnel.
"It's Namgung!"
"My money is on them to win again."
"No one can stop the sword saints son."
Namgung Ryu walked out of the tunnel. His hair tied high. Sword at his waist. The insignia of the sword saint adorned his chest. He stepped past the elder and onto the stage. He raised his sword in the air. As he did nineteen Namgung disciples stood, all scattered throughout the arena. They leaped onto the stage. They landed in a perfect formation around Ryu. A sword formation. Precise. Overwhelming. The crowd erupted.
--
On the platform overlooking the arena. The leader of the Martial Alliance stood. Namgung Hyeon. He gathered qi into his hands and clapped three times. "Good. Very good." He said. Projecting his voice with his qi.
"This is Murim. We do not cater to the weak. If death is something you fear. Turn back now."
He paused and looked over the the participants. "Fight to your hearts content. We have system users who can heal your injuries. If you get in over your head though, it will lead to death."
He paused. "This is the path of a martial artist." He gestured toward the platform. "This tournament has shaped Murim for generations. Here names rise and fall like the sun. Legends are born... or broken."
He gestured toward the area where the Sect leaders, Sovereigns and Ascendants sat. "They once stood where you do now. Warriors who proved themselves through battle."
He looked back toward the crowd. "This tournament is your chance. Your opportunity to prove to Murim that you can stand against the monsters at our gates. Show them we are not prey to be hunted."
He paused. Jaegal Li stood. "This is the strategist of the alliance. He will tell you what you're fighting for."
"The winner will have the opportunity to receive one artifact from the Alliance vault. As well as an elixir to help you bridge the gap between master and grandmaster, once you get there."
Hyeon stepped in front. "Second place gets nothing. Either fight to win... or don't fight at all."
Hyeon nodded to Jaegal Li.
"We will begin with an exhibition between grandmasters, prior winners of this very tournament. You may then attend the banquet. Tomorrow the tournament begins!" Jaegal Li raised his hands as the crowd erupted.