The days of the tournament passed, and now the Round of 64 has begun.
The day's matches opened with... [Xing Yuan].
The match began between Yuan and a rising warrior from the Sword Clan.
Elder of the Sword Clan: "What do you think of this young man?"
An Elder from the Crimson Blood Clan: "He is good. Could he have a chance in that matter?"
Back to Xing Yuan and the young man.
The youth began with a salute and was about to introduce himself.
Yuan (Telepathically): "I have no need for your name."
The young man grew irritated and asked: "Do you not know respect?"
Yuan replied: "Of what use would it be with a trivial person like you?"
The fight began; the youth was very strong, but...
Lesser Heavenly Demon Art – Seventh Movement.
His arm was severed!
Amidst the audience's amazement and the discussions among the Council of Elders, Jin watched in silence. He was trying to understand how his friend had reached this state. Jin attributed the guilt of every death to himself, making the situation psychologically exhausting for him.
In the final matches of the Round of 64, Jin's battle arrived. It was against a warrior from the Blade Clan.
The young man offered a salute; his name was Xu Ming-su.
Jin was wearing a scarf that day, but he did not wear black clothes or a hat; he did not want anyone to recognize him as the "Black Wanderer."
Jin returned the salute and spoke:
"There is no need to show respect in front of people, Ming-su, if respect is not your true nature."
Ming-su: "I don't know whether to be angry because you speak so confidently to me, or to thank you for wanting me to be myself."
Jin: "It doesn't matter... I have already seen your true character over the past few days."
Jin fell silent for a moment. He felt piercing gazes watching him—the Poison Clan and all the Council Elders, of course... but the sharpest gaze of all was that of the Poison King, Shen Yuan-zi.
Jin sighed for a moment, then...
He shot a sharp look at Yuan-zi that left the latter stunned by the confrontation. Then, Jin looked at the person before him.
Jin: "I am sorry, but I am in a bad mood today, so let's end this quickly."
The duel began, and Jin used a blade.
Jin fought with extreme calmness, but at times he feigned being under pressure.
Voices were heard from the crowd:
"Why is this random person playing directly in the Round of 64?"
"Xu Ming-su is really pressing him."
As for the Elders, the Supremes, and all the seasoned warriors present, they knew only one thing:
This person could end the fight in a single strike!!!
Flying Blade Art – First Movement.
Jin parried it and spoke:
"You people who lead with your clan's signature arts... you truly are delicious prey."
Ming-su: "Huh? What do you mean?"
Then Jin lunged with incredible speed and... the atmosphere changed completely. A heavy aura surged through the area.
Lesser Heavenly Demon Art – Sixth Movement.
Jin had altered the essence of the sword art and managed to execute the Lesser Heavenly Demon Art using a blade!
Ming-su's weapon was shattered... and before it touched his neck, Jin stopped.
Jin: "Well done, Ming-su."
Screams erupted everywhere around him:
"Impossible! Are there two who have learned the Lesser Art?!"
"Even the Cult Leader's sons haven't mastered it!"
"This person was hiding his power!"
The Council of Elders and the Supremes were in shock!
They knew Jin was a tactical genius, but they never expected him to have learned that specific art.
Jong Seo-rin spoke: "This... is impossible. He managed to use an art designed for a double-edged sword on a single-edged blade?"
Sword Flower (Bae Seol-yoon) (Supreme Demon): "This is amazing. He might be appointed as an heir. If that happens, he'll take the succession from you, Seo-rin, hehe."
Seo-rin, annoyed: "Are you speaking to me so casually just because we are the same age?"
Seol-yoon: "What's the problem? You're really boring."
One of the Supremes interrupted them: "Stop being childish, this isn't the time... This person is another miracle. I didn't expect him to be like this when you all were talking about him so much, but seeing him is truly different."
Then everyone looked at the Poison King. His gaze was sharp, and he was consumed by rage.
No one asked him the reason for his anger; everyone already knew.
As for Jin, none of this was on his mind... he had only one goal for the night.