The Blade and Sword

CHAPTER 8-THE TOURNAMENT (PART 1)

Everyone in Unkensō knew how strong he was. That's why so many disciples desired to be his direct disciple, just like Koshin did. Even some rumors said, if Kōgo owned a faction, then his faction would have the most disciples in number compared t9o others. It can be said the number one popular person in Unkensō is Kōgo, and the second one is Koken. Not only that, even the female elder-Koyō idolized him very much. She often visited Kōgo’s hut just to see him but Kōgo has no interest in man and woman love. He only focuses on raising Koshin. For Koten, he couldn't be like Koken as he was temperamental and quite underestimating people when he knew the people weren't as strong or smarter than him. So, it was quite difficult for him to socialize with others. However, there’s one person who he cared for and loved. That one is Kotsuki. Not only was Kotsuki in love with Koken, but Koten was also secretly in love with her. However, Kotsuki doesn't know that either and always tried to get near to Koken, that's why the relationship between Koken and Koten wasn’t too good as Koten was also considered Koken as his love rival. But still, between senior and junior, their relationship was still quite fine. It's just, not that close compared to others. So, it was decided, Koten, Kotsuki and the other one disciple from the fire faction were selected to represent Unkensō to join that Sect alliance organizations tournament this year. Because Koshin wasn’t a direct disciple of Unkensō, he won't have any chance to join the tournament. However, as he wanted so much to see the tournament, he begged Kōgo and other elders to let him go with his seniors to watch the crowd as he was so curious. A moment later, the Seimei-Sōshu agreed to let him join. Certainly, Kōgo wouldn’t be there as he must avoid the crowd for unnecessary things to happen. So, besides Koshin and the other two disciples traveling to Ryū’unsō for attending the tournament, they will also be accompanied by two elders which are Koyō-Chōrō and Koba-Chōrō, including Koyuki and Koshin. Since Koyuki was the physician faction captain, she must accompany her fellows and her master, Koyō-Chōrō, on their journey. The elders must accompany their disciple, not only to watch them but also to join the meeting as the meeting can only be participated by the elders of any sect. So there are seven of them that travel to Ryū’unsō. In short, they arrived at Ryū’unsō. Even Ryū’unsō people don't like Unkensō people, but since they’re guests, no matter what the Ryū’unsō people still have to treat them well. The Unkensō team arrived one day before the tournament as well as the other sects. Besides the tournament, they also will hold a meeting which is a “pugilist conference” to discuss the pugilist urgent matter and others as this is the main purpose of the meeting/conference. The other matter that it mentioned before, it’s quite important as well. There were reports that a cult sect/evil sect appeared and caused chaos and riot in the pugilist world. Their name is “Dōgonkyō / Dǎohúnjiào (GuideSoul-Sect)”. They appeared ten years ago and one day Ryū’unsō led the pugilist sects to eradicate them. However, currently the rumors about their re-appeared starting to pop up on the surface again. That's why the pugilist righteousness sects gather together to discuss it. They can't be underestimated, if not they might take over the pugilist world one day. In total, there were eight sects that were going to participate in the tournament, except Ryū’unsō. Since Ryū’unsō was the host, they have a right to choose not to join the tournament. However, the winner of the tournament will get a golden ticket to challenge Ryū’unsō, to see if they can snatch the position of the Goryō-Meishu from Ryū’unsō hands. But if the challenger loses, as it was told before, the privilege for the winner will be in vain. That's why the winner must think thoroughly whether they really want to challenge Ryū’unsō or just take the reward to go home and get in the big-four. For the record, all of them will play in the playoff match style. Those eight sects will be divided into four groups. Each of the groups will fight for three rounds as one participating sect was represented by three of their members. The rules are simple, in which the first rule; only defeats their opponent until the opponent gives-up or the opponent falls out from the ring (stage), meaning there is no killing allowed. The second rule; each of the participating sects, if they lose the first two matches of their members, then the last member doesn’t have to fight anymore as they will be eliminated directly. For Unkensō, they were in the third group according to the voting. They will face “Nishiōmon / Xīhuángmén (WestPhoenix-Sect)”. In the first group, there will be “Gōtosō / Gāngdāozōng (SteelBlade-Sect)” against “Tōkeigé / Dōngxīgé (EastStream-Pavilion)”. In the second group, “Gihōgé / Yìfānggé (Yifang Pavillion)” against “Baikaden / Méihuādiàn (PlumBlossom-Hall)”.