The Blade and Sword

CHAPTER 10-THE CONFLICT

If they battle with the big-four sects, they might not have a chance to win, but to fight the outside big-four, they still can fight equally, or even get ahead of them. The rumors said, Baika-Hōten and Renge-Hōten were eventually one. However, when the rebellion happened, the other one that ran away to be reported had taken the other half of the Baika-Hōten. Ever since then, the Baika-Hōten split into two with the other one called Renge-Hōten. That's why some people believe if both of these scriptures can be united again, then Baika-Hōten can be formidable and also listed to be one of the strongest sword-skill among others (Mukeifūken-Ryū, Tenkaizantō-Ryū, etc). However, it can only be compatible for females, not for males. That's why this is the main reason why the Baikaden sect never accepts male disciples but not for Hyakkatō. Because Hyakkatō not only accepted female disciples but also male disciples which can learn the poison-part as it mentioned before. That is the reason why Hyakkatō was ahead of Baikaden. Anyway, the third group was won by Unkensō a little harder, losing the first match but won the remaining two rounds left, by Koten and Kotsuki. It happened a little differently to the last group which was won by Ryūsanmon, winning the first match but losing the second one and then winning again the last one. The Ryūsanmon almost lost the battle but with a little effort, they finally turned the tide and won the match by a narrow margin. The next match will be Gōtosō against Ryūsanmon in the first group and Unkensō against Baikaden in the second group which will be held two days later as all the participants need to rest and recuperate their injury and Qi-energy. Two days later, the match continued, and the first group was won by Gōtosō quite easily. The next group is between Unkensō against Baikaden. The first round was won easily by Unkensō which was represented by Koten. However, the second round was won by Baikaden’s side which means they have to go to the last round to decide who is going to continue to the final match of the tournament. Then the last round was won by Baikaden’s side again with a little effort. In other words, Gōtosō will face Baikaden in the final match to decide who is going to be the winner of this tournament which will be held two days later as well. It was a pity for Unkensō that they could only reach the semi-final lost to Baikaden. In the previous tournament, when Koken still eligible to participate in the tournament, at least he can bring Unkensō to the final match. But this time, like it or not, Unkensō has to accept their fate. Two days have passed, the final moment for both sects to fight against each other, to see who deserves to challenge the champion Ryū’unsō or just walk away with the rewards. It's for the winner to decide it. The final match will still follow the same rule as before, in which both participants would have to battle against each other for three rounds. Even those participants that already lost in the previous match, including Unkensō, still have to remain at Ryū’unsō until the tournament really ends. In short, the first round was won by Gōtosō’s side with ease. The second round was a comeback for Baikaden as they won it by their best disciple. In other words, the final round was the determinant. With a little hard and effort, Gōtosō's side won the match in the end, which means Gōtosō became the winner of this year's tournament. As everyone expected, the people already knew that Gōtosō will walk out as the champion of this year's tournament. So the Goryō-Meishu asks Gōtosō’s side whether they want to walk away with the rewards or challenge them. Because this is a challenge match, there was no age restriction, which meant anyone from Ryū’unsō could represent his sect to fight the challenger; even the Shō-mon or the elders. Certainly, Gōtosō’s side chose to walk away with the rewards as they don't want to risk their reputation on something useless. However, one of Ryū’unsō's disciples steps up and says something to provoke Gōtosō’s side and any participants there. This disciple was also the eldest disciple of Ryū’unsō, and his name is “Sō-Gogen / Cáo-Wúyán”.

Sō-Gogen: “What a shame… Recently this tournament became boring and boring. None of you dare to challenge us, Ryū’unsō… Why?? Are you that coward??”

Even Gōtosō’s side was actually angry as they have been underestimated by Sō-Gogen, but still Gōtosō’s side can only stay silent as they not only knew they weren't Ryū’unsō match; they also needs Ryū’unsō’s side to backing up for them in the Sect alliance organizations. Then suddenly someone stands up and fires back at Sō-Gogen. It was Koten.

Koten: “Hey, don't get so cocky…!!! The next tournament… I will fight you on this stage, to make sure you kneel down and beg for mercy…!!!”

For the record, Koten was twenty years old this year which means the next tournament two years later would be his last chance to prove himself.