Clater! Clatter!
In the dark forest, someone was seen in a hurry. He spurred his horse relentlessly day and night.
Bruk
The gallant horse was exhausted and fell because it was unable to continue the journey. However, there is no time, all of this must be done immediately, or lives are at stake.
Falling, getting up, running, rolling, falling again. The man didn't care at all. Because what he carries is something that will turn the world upside down and cause chaos.
With chaotic breaths, the man arrived at a cave. A cave so dark that even a bat could get lost. The man walked towards the cave wall, groping every inch of the wall as if searching for something.
Click!
A small stone activated the formation, allowing the man to enter. Inside, a handsome young man was sitting relaxed in a red, bloody pool.
"May prosperity always be with the Demonic Sect," said the man, bowing in front of the pool filled with puddles of blood.
The handsome man in the pool did not react, but only slightly opened his red eyes. A gaze as sharp as a knife.
The messenger, with trembling hands, began to pull something from within his clothes, but before he could finish, his body lifted and floated in the air,
Whoooosh!
His body was pulled towards the man in the pool until his neck was firmly in his grip.
The man in the pool took the letter from the messenger's hand and opened it.
"Oh, so the time I have been waiting for has finally come," he said enthusiastically, accidentally breaking the messenger's neck. "Master has not forgotten me, and has given me this entertainment." A wide smile spread at the corner of his lips. With a slow movement, he stood up and left the blood pool for the first time. After 50 years, a disaster will shake Murim.
---
BHAM! POW! BHAAAMM!
At the peak of Bromo, the sound of two fists clashing made the surrounding forest tremble.
"That's enough for today," said Elder Hartono calmly, his clothes still clean as if just taken from the wardrobe.
"Y-yes, Master," I said while gasping for breath, in the middle of the training ground, which was destroyed with holes everywhere.
Elder Hartono took me to rest on the sidelines.
"Karman..." said Elder Hartono while pouring tea. "Do you feel any improvement in your strength?"
"I don't know, Master," I said, confused. "Lately, I feel empty."
Elder Hartono just remained silent, closing his eyes while slowly sipping the warm tea.
"It seems it is time for you to know."
I fell silent because the atmosphere suddenly became very heavy.
"A user of the Golden Body technique is destined to die a gruesome death, "Elder Hartono said while placing the tea cup back on the table. "But, if one can survive the 7 Heavenly Trials, then they will become the strongest in the world."
I was surprised at myself, hearing this information did not shock or scare me, I actually felt motivated.
"Perhaps, your goal to kill the White Tiger is one of nature's will to test you," Elder Hartono continued, his expression slightly changed. "I cannot forbid you. Not before you win the tournament and prove your worth."
The weighty atmosphere made the world fall silent and become quiet. A cold wind blew from the west. Carrying news that could not be understood, whether it was good tidings or a disaster lying in wait.
---
A day has passed.
"The awaited day has arrived. The tournament selection will be held in one day. The rules are simple: each participant will be given one pin, and matches will be held in a 1 vs. 1 format. The preliminary round will be held freely. From 1000 participants, 16 people will be chosen. Every time you win, you must not leave the arena, you must accept the next challenger. The loser must give up one of their pins. The 16 participants with the highest pins will automatically advance to the next round," said the announcer in the middle of the four fighting arenas. Witnessed by many citizens, merchants, and martial arts families. There will even be some observers from other sects.
"Remember my words, Karman, you must not show your abilities," said Tono while holding Karman's shoulder.
"Aren't I just supposed to beat up all the participants?"I replied with a flat face.
"I'm confused by your shrimp brain. Do you not even understand the purpose of this preliminary round?" said Tono, annoyed, while scratching his head. "Try looking around. There are many observers everywhere."
I only realised what was happening when Tono told me, a beggar with a staff and precise steps. There was an old man with eyes as sharp as an eagle, a snack vendor whose dexterity with his hands was incredible.
"This is a big event; everyone is not only watching, but some are also gauging the opponent's strength. Besides, no one will dare challenge you if you show all your abilities. You will fail to advance to the next round due to a lack of points," Tono continued while putting on a serious and worried face.
---
The event had begun, and several first-year students had already clustered around the arena. Hoping to get points as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, most senior students were still observing from the sidelines.
As Tono said, I was also still waiting at the edge of the field. And would only enter when the participants were down to half.
One by one, participants were eliminated until less than half remained.
"I'll go in first," I said to Tono.
"Remember my advice, don't cause trouble," Tono said worriedly.
I stepped confidently onto the arena. From a distance, Tono was seen watching, covering his eyes with his hand. Afraid I might cause trouble. But, even though I don't have any feelings, at least my mind still functions. Especially in my previous life, I wasn't a skilled person. This will be easy.
Facing me was Jiman, a second-year senior. He had already gotten seven consecutive wins.
"Aren't you the student who entered with privilege from Elder Hartono? Let's prove how great you are," said Jiman while preparing to attack with a wooden sword.
I was aware of how terrifying my strength was, so I would dodge for now while reading the opponent's movements.
Stab!Slash! Slash!
I dodged all his attacks until he got annoyed.
"Hey, you cockroach, don't keep dodging. We are competing, not in a running race," said Jiman with irregular breath.
"Alright, senior," I prepared in a basic horse stance and...
Bam!
A simple straight punch hit Jiman's face. The spectators saw it only as a normal punch, but, in reality, for the person I attacked, this was an unavoidable punch.
Bruk!
Jiman collapsed on the field. All the spectators were shocked. How could a normal punch take down a martial arts expert?
My acting was successful, from afar, Tono gave a thumbs up. More and more people gathered around my arena. They seemed curious and wanted to try defeating me themselves.
Time was almost up, and the observers began to leave the arena except for one person.
"Aren't you going home, Jarot?"
"You go ahead, I still want to watch," Jarot answered his fellow observer friend.