Was this your plan from the start?

Your lips are red. Why dont you wipe it before

Wipe

Cheon Ju quickly wiped the red sauce stain from Seol Hongs lips with a white cloth.

I-I was shocked! I thought you were simply going to sneak around

So, what did you think?

Seol Hong glanced around her.

This is a part of your plan, right? she asked.

It is.

I realized it the moment the audience began chanting that name

Seol Hong then whispered something into Seols ears.

...are trying to do that, right?

...Who told you that?

"Why? Did I nail it? I managed to draft up something thanks to the audience, who couldn't stop talking about every little thing Dae San did."

You got it right Im shocked.

A-Any idiot couldve gotten it. You dont need to praise me like that.

Seol was genuinely shocked by Seol Hong.

With just the bits and pieces of information she overheard from the audience, she was able to piece together Seols plans without putting herself in danger by asking questions.

Maybe shes more talented than I initially took her for?

Or perhaps it was because she was so weak that any small display of talent seemed extraordinary.

"But do you think you'll be able to complete your plan within the time limit?" Seol Hong asked.

So thats what you were worried about.

Well Wont this plan be useless unless you catch Gwak Seongs attention?

Youre correct. And to do so, I need to do one more thing.

What

Seol then explained the next steps of his plans.

Seol Hong had an uneasy look on her face after hearing it in its entirety.

How are we going to rally that many people?

Isnt there a saying that money can move even the dead?

You arent wrong, but we dont have the money for that. And I doubt you plan to use the rest of your money right?

"I could, but we need to save it for more important things. So we should..."

* * *

The safest places to sleep in Yocheon would be either the extremely luxurious rooms reserved by the merchant guild leaders or an officials manor.

However, the most comfortable place to sleep was undoubtedly the bed of the arena manager.

In a bed renowned for its silence, never making a sound even if the user restlessly tossed and turned, a middle-aged man woke up from his slumber with a horrific scream.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

A female attendant quickly entered the room, shocked by the noise.

Excuse me, sir

Haah Haah

Did you perhaps have another nightmare?

Haah Haah

The middle-aged man was Gwak Seong, the master of the Warriors Heart. His large scars across his face and fierce eyes made him look terrifying.

He was a terrifying man beyond his looks as well.

Haah Ha Know your place, he responded.

...Yes, sir.

Leave. Do not enter my room unless I call for you.

I apologize.

The attendant quietly walked backward before leaving the room.

Gwak Seong adjusted his clothes, the nightmare he had just dreamt still lingering vividly in his mind.

- Tell me Gwak Seong

- Dae San?

Dae Sans death.

Gwak Seong, like a frightened child, was terrified of sleep whenever it thundered outside. If he had a nightmare, he would cry all day, praying for it to go away.

Dae San had died on a rainy day.

That was why Gwak Seong despised them.

Ha Hahahaha Dae San Why do you keep torturing me? Did I upset you that much? Is that why you keep returning to me on rainy days?

The dead would give no answer.

Gwak Seong tiredly sat down on a flashy chair. Though he had acquired wealth and power, happiness had left his grasp.

He wouldn't have known it then, but there was more worth in his life as a challenger who fought with everything on the line than as the bored conqueror who had everything beneath him.

Why

- Dae San. From now on, your name is Dae San.

- Dae San thats my name

A long time agoa very, very long time agoGwak Seong had purchased an exceptionally large slave. Despite being valued less than the boat that transported him, he was massive.

Gwak Seong, a famous gambler at the time, could tell at a glance that he was special.

He promptly bought him and gave him the name 'Dae San'. In fact, he also purchased his younger brother, naming him 'Dae Ha'.

T/N: Dae Ha also means big/great sea.

- Now, show me your potential.

Gwak Seong began by teaching Dae San martial arts.

Obviously, Gwak Seong didnt personally teach Dae San. He knew nothing about fighting, not even the proper way to breathe.

He hired teachers for Dae San.

At first, he hired a cheap instructor in case Dae San was talentless.

Dae San was still just a slave, after all.

But

- He's incredibly talented. He needs to find a teacher much more capable than I.

Was he just trying to deceive him? The first martial arts teacher Gwak Seong assigned to Dae San said he wasn't skilled enough to teach someone like him.

Even so, Gwak Seong found another teacher willing to invest more, but this pattern repeated for multiple years.

- With my lacking talent

- He is a genius! Dae San will leave his name behind in history

- Sinwang Mountain would like to officially

Dae San was not ordinary.

He possessed a rare talent, found in only one out of every hundred, no, millions of people.

One day, Gwak Seong gave up gambling.

There are only two scenarios where a gambler gives up on gambling: either they run out of money, or they find something even more fun.

In Gwak Seongs case, it was the latter.

- Dae San, Im sending you out into the world tomorrow. Go and get broken by it.

- Do I have to get broken by it?

- Do you think the world will leave you alone, then? You might be talented, but that level of talent is common, alright? There are much more capable people than you.

Dae San laughed in response.

In the past, Gwak Seong would yell at any slave who would show emotion in front of him.

However, for some reason he couldnt say anything about Dae Sans smile.

Gwak Seong then unleashed the beast known as Dae San into the Warriors Heart, initially expecting that someone more capable would appear to defeat him.

- Dae San! Dae San!

- Dae San won again!

- Hahahaha! I feel like Im only here for Dae San nowadays!

However, Dae San did not break.

He wasnt just a simple beast, he was a natural-born hunter.

Whenever Dae San stood in the arena, he played with the audience's emotions, captivating them. Gwak Seong, too, was one of the many Dae San deeply moved.

Gwak Seong was a cold, and cynical individual.

He was the type who looked down on the efforts of others, using the injustices of the world to lead a dishonest life himself.

However After meeting Dae San, he quit gambling and turned his attention elsewhere.

- You can do it, Dae San! You got this!

- Ahhhhhhhh!

- The undefeated man! Dae San, the Demon Flash, becomes conqueror!

- Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Gwak Seong, for the first time since he was ten years old, cried. He had never heard a roar like that before.

Dae San had shaken him to his core, transforming him into another person entirely.

However the growing embers within him were quickly snuffed out.

Dae San's death had left Gwak Seong alone in this world.

"You bastard... Aren't you satisfied now? What did I do to piss you off so much that you're still tormenting me...?"

Pouuuuuuuur

Gwak Seong pulled back the curtains to gaze at the rain pouring outside.

Not only that, but he also saw the day he lost Dae San.

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

Thats impossible.

Why?

So Ryo was another Dragons Flower taking the trial to return the Warriors Heart to the Khan Empire.

She was also confident.

Though she was the child of a concubine, her mothers clan was powerful and influential.

Moreover, being located near Yocheon meant they had longstanding connections with Yocheons officials.

As So Ryo continued her conversation with a Yocheon official, she flinched upon hearing their stifling response.

I am saying that approaching it like that would be impossible.

What are you saying? Why would it be impossible for me to get the Warriors Heart back? said So Ryo.

Because the Warriors Heart belongs to the victor. We cannot command Gwak Seong to give it to us. At least not here in Yocheon. Youll have to come up with a different method.

"Hah! Ever since Gwak Seong became the ruler of the arena, he hasnt paid a single bronze coin to the Khan Empire! What kind of foul individual is he? I will meet him myself, so prepare a place for us to meet, and..."

Stop, So Ryo!

Wh-what?

"I made time for you after thinking of your mother, but... do you truly think this is the same Dragon Palace where you were pampered?!" shouted the official.

So Ryo was stupefied. She never even imagined that someone could yell at her like this.

Why? repeated the official. Did my words upset you?

...What did you say just now?

This is not the Dragon Palace. People here wont put on fake smiles just to talk to you! Do you even know anything about Gwak Seong?!

Why the hell should I have to know anything about him?

But you should.

Why?

Because if you ignore my warnings and go find him like that you will return to me as a corpse. Gwak Seong is someone more than capable of doing that.

......

No one will protect you here. Dont forget that.

So Ryo left the manor a few moments later with drooped shoulders.

As she did someone approached her.

Step

Step

Shocked, she quickly turned around only to scowl when she saw who it was.

Its you, Seol Hong.

...You dont look too good, Elder Sister So Ryo, she responded. I guess things didnt go well, huh?

Are you stalking people now? How pathetic

Why dont we have a talk?

A talk? With you? Have you changed your mind?

Pour

Seol Hong and So Ryo both leaned closer to their Dragon Stones, who held umbrellas for them.

Are you referring to your previous proposal about working together for the trial?

I am. If you agree now, I

Sure.

...What?

Ill work with you, unni. But itll be my plan, not yours. What do you think?

Youve completely lost your mind, huh?

It was clear that the person leading the plans would earn more points for the trial. Even if they collaborated effectively, So Ryo would face demerits for seeking help from another Dragons Flower if she accepted Seol Hongs proposal.

Despite this consideration, Seol Hongs proposal wasnt without merit. However, So Ryo's arrogance ultimately prevented her from accepting. Even if she didnt have plans of her own, she couldnt bear to let Seol Hong take the lead.

So Ryo was narrow-minded. The very idea of working for someone like Seol Hong, whom she considered beneath her, disgusted her.

Seol Hong Id rather die than work with you, responded So Ryo.

In the end, she couldnt overcome her arrogance.

...Thats a shame.

The bigger shame is your future! Hmph! Lets go!

Yes.

So Ryo left.

Seol Hong then turned back, looking up toward Seol.

It looks like she hates me.

She would have hated anyone in this situation. Theres nothing we can do.

"But what do we do now? We need people to spread rumors, and they must be trustworthy... Where could we find someone like that?"

Well have to think about it together. But, there will be a way. More importantly, Lady Seol Hong

What is it?

Could you continue to look ahead while confirming the two at the textile shop?

The textile shop?

Theyve been watching us. Do you perhaps know them?

Seol Hong gave a side glance, and

Oh my god

Do you know them?

O-Of course I do.

Seol Hong then met gazes with the woman at the textile shop, who promptly approached them.

Its been a while, Seol Hong.

Elder Sister Shin Yo.

Shin Yo, the Cold-Blooded Flower.

The large man next to her was likely her Dragons Stone.

Hes strong.

Seol instinctively knew that the man was strong. The man furrowed his brows while keeping his eyes on Seol.

I came here because I had business in Yocheon, but then I heard that you were here as well.

How are you Isnt the second trial still

Ive finished it.

...What?

Werent you asking about my trial?

Seol Hongs expression darkened.

Shin Yo was ranked second on the succession rankings, right behind Tae Yul.

And while her trial would have certainly been difficult as well, she had already completed it while Seol Hong was still struggling.

I see

There was no warmth in her voice, as expected from someone who received the epithet Cold-Blooded Flower.

Do you perhaps need my help?

...What?

While Seol Hong did not expect to meet her here, she would never have imagined hearing those words from her at all, even in her wildest dreams.

Wh-why?

Because it seems like you need help.

......

I am not pitying you, either.

Fwip!

Shin Yo quickly pulled out a scroll from her sleeve before unfurling it.

A record of favors and grudges.

Seol Hong instantly knew what she had pulled out.

I will record your name on this scroll regardless of the help that I give you, so dont think too hard about it.

Shin Yo had a tendency that almost seemed like an obsession.

She meticulously recorded every action for and against her on this scroll. This meticulousness was one of the reasons why she earned the name the Cold-Blooded Flower.

She always repaid kindness and debts in kind.

Seol Hongs face quickly brightened.

However, since Seol knew little about her, the only clue he had was Seol Hongs bright expression, which indicated that she wasnt an enemy.

But why me?

What?

Elder Brother Bae Yu and Elder Sister So Ryo are also doing this trial

It is because I am not interested in them.

...What?

Seol Hong, I am interested in you.

Because of my mother?

No.

Then

You Shin Yo then looked to Seol, and him.

......

"That's why I'm trying to make you indebted to me now before it becomes too difficult for me to have you become indebted to me later."

Shin Yo quickly calculated the pros and cons of everything. While others were busy dismissing Seol Hong due to her weakness, she swiftly discerned the changes.

Reach

The large man, Shin Yos Dragons Stone, reached out his hand toward Seol.

Jang Du.

...Kang Seol.

Seol shook his hand.

Though their size difference made them look like uncle and nephew, it was Jang Du who was shocked by Seols grip.

...Good.

After a quick nod, he let go.

Then will you accept? asked Shin Yo.

Seol Hong thought for a second before whispering something to Seol.

Is it a good idea to accept her proposal? she asked.

Is she someone who can help us for sure? asked Seol in response.

Elder Sister Shin Yo is someone who is only second to Elder Brother Tae Yul in the Dragon Palace in terms of skill. She is definitely someone who can help us with that.

And what is her reputation like?

Shes famous for being cold-hearted when cutting off people. Almost like she has no emotions.

Then this isnt the time to pick and choose. In fact, she might even be a better option than So Ryo. While we might be indebted to her, what well be asking of her wouldnt be too difficult."

...Okay, nodded Seol Hong.

She then turned to Shin Yo.

Okay, well do it.

Then what would you like me to help you with?

We would like you to spread a rumor throughout Yocheon.

A rumor?

Would it be difficult?

"Not at all. It should be done in a few days once I hire people. What rumors do you want to spread?"

After a few minutes, Seol and Seol Hong left the two behind, with another line added to Shin Yos scroll.

How interesting

Shin Yo smirked as she rolled the scroll back together.

What do you think? asked Shin Yo.

About what? responded Jang Du, bluntly.

Youre the one who wanted to travel around while we had time left. Youre also the one who was interested in Seol Hongs Dragons Stone.

Hm

Was he someone who we have to keep an eye on?

Jang Du scowled.

I am not sure.

...What?

He definitely wasnt ordinary, but How should I say this I couldnt feel anything from him.

Hes ordinary, but not ordinary is what youre trying to say, yes? I guess it wasnt a complete waste of time to come here.

What do we do now?

Send people to spread rumors. Only the trustworthy people.

How many?

It would be nice to have a clean number, right?

A few days later, a hundred visitors arrived in Yocheon. And as if the city had been waiting for it, three rumors began to spread like wildfire.

The first rumor was that Kang Seol, the gladiator who had become the talk of the city, was challenging the current conqueror.

The second was that Kang Seol had the potential to surpass even Dae San as a gladiator.

And finally, the most provocative rumor claimed that Gwak Seong feared his conqueror would lose to Kang Seol and was deliberately avoiding the challenge.

Each of these rumors was crafted to be so provocative that it seemed they would force Gwak Seong to storm out of his house in a fit of rage.