In my opinion, it makes sense that he lost, because of how much he was struggling with other opponents. Plus it gave that window for the nine arts (the best of the best in the murim world) to remember and that he is now in "control" for the most part and able to think for himself with knowledge of the past.
This story is already longer than the prequel. I'm wondering if this is supposed to be a trilogy or if it is only supposed to be two parts long.
I'm also curious about what the end game is supposed to be.
I'm guessing 2 parts, but my guess is as good as yours. I'm also curious to see where this ends, from the last chapter I'm guessing there will be some serious changes in the murim world from the young "new leaders".
Ahh.. I think the author doesn't want this manhwa to end yet. Soooo... he drag things out, make the protagonist lose so he can be more demand for power and I'm still okay with that. I'm not okay with just one thing, y' know, the thing's I'm always whine up about. It's like, I'm here for read some action and excite but when I'm just breathing for once or two times, yeah, it's end. GOD