While the spectators were busy putting their bet against each other, the bear-looking man suddenly introduced himself.

“Before we fight, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gan Jin Hwan.”

At that moment, people began whispering and discussing with each other.

“That name… why does it sound so fami—”

“Wait! Gan Jin Hwan?! The one who defeated the 2 of the 13 great bandits over at Gyeonggi province single-handedly?!”

“Didn’t he join the Union’s academy recently?!”

“I heard he has been tasked to scout worthy instructors for the academy!”

Immediately, everyone guessed the true meaning of this fight. A loud commotion erupted amongst the crowds.

To understand such reaction, one must first understand the Union’s academy.

It was an academy established by numerous powerhouses.

The strongest sects amongst countless, the 3 major sects.

The coalition of many influential orthodox and the unorthodox sects, the alliance. And last but the most surprising amongst all, the imperial family with its other major aristocratic families.

The Union’s academy was truly founded upon the support of so many supreme authorities. But how could so many interests from the myriad of apex rulers ever reach a compromise? Such academy would have crumbled instantly from the mere infighting.

It would never work out… and yet it did.

Tae Hyun Goo frowned behind his mask as he also had the same guess as the rest of the crowd. And that guess was immediately confirmed by the person himself.

“What do you think? If your skill genuinely reflects the rumors around you. I can guarantee you’ll have a place to become an instructor at the Union’s aca—”

“I refused.”

Tae Hyun Goo promptly declined the offer with his fake voice. This caught Gan Jin Hwan completely off guard. So much so that he was left speechless for a moment, unable to process what he had just heard.

The clamour amongst the onlookers was immediately amplified several times from before.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Who in their right mind would refuse to be an instructor at the Union’s academy? Not only does it signify that you have a thorough grasp of martial arts. You will also be granted countless privileges and wealth from the academy’s inexhaustible treasury.

And most of all, you will gain many connections from teaching the students there, as the students studying in such place would come from an influential background or at least has a great talent that many sought after.

‘This guy was truly crazy’ was what most people thought.

Gan Jin Hwan grimaced at the respond.

“This… are you sure?” he asked for a confirmation, since to him, this was simply unbelievable.

But the boy answered apatheticaly.

“You paid me for a fight. Not an interview.”

Woah!

The reactions from the crowd begged to turn even greated than before.

“I see…”

Gan Jin Hwan was left annoyed by such an indifferent if not rude response.

“Then we’ll start now.”

Swoosh!

Gan Jin Hwan’s feet began moving with incredible speed as he approached Tae Hyun Go with a powerful strike.

If the boy tried to block this, just from pure power alone, it would destroy the sword that he wields.

With this knowledge, Gan Jin Hwan began calculating what to do after his opponent dodge. But then, his eyes shuddered in disbelief.

The strike that he gave with all his might was easily redirected behind his opponent. No, rather than redirected, his attack’s trajectory was simply forced to shift slightly to move past his opponent by the skin.

And all of this was accomplished with that low-quality sword.

‘Impossible! Even if the angle was perfect, that sword would still break! It was simply too weak to handle the stress! Unless…’

Unless, at the instant the sword clashed against each other, his opponent pulled the sword simultaneously to reduce the force inflicted to the sword. But to do that, one must need perfect control of their timing and flow.

While he was still processing what had just unfolded, his opponent moved to deliver him a basic slash toward his chest.

Gan Jin Hwan quickly motioned to the side and took some distance.

Hua!

The crowd cheered loudly from the side. Only few understood what had just transpired. While most were excited that the Basic Swordsman was able to fight even against the instructor of the Union’s academy.

Some were even taking that as an excuse for their lost against the Basic Swordsman! After all, who would be happy that they had lost against someone who only used basic techniques?

Gan Jin Hwan’s expression turned somber just from that one exchange. He had intended to fight this person just by using basic techniques too. But it wasn’t to humiliate his opponent, he simply wanted to see how solid his own foundation was when compared to someone who’s identity was recognized for it.

But it seemed such a plan was no longer feasible. If this keeps up, he won’t last for even 5 minutes long.

Gan Jin Hwan changed his posture. He decided to use a technique. But the moment he does that, his brows narrowed in wariness.

Tae Hyun Goo had also changed his stance. But it wasn’t a significant change, only a slight adjustment to the side.

Although Gan Jin Hwan had a guess for such actions, he instantly denied such possibilities. After all, if that’s true. His opponent’s understanding toward martial arts could be considered to be the cream of the top.

And so, rather than guessing and worrying himself to no end, he decided to test the water himself.

Bam!

Putting one foot into the ground. A large imprint was left on top as he was launched with an even greater speed to meet his opponent.