Heavenly Realm
About half a shichen had passed since we entered Dragon King’s Valley.
Woosh, woosh, woosh!
A massive Cloud Sea slithered like a dragon between the canyons. It’s usually difficult to see such phenomena with the naked eye, but the rugged terrains and heavy mist of Dragon King’s Valley made this majestic sight visible. Calmly standing by a branch on the Cliff, I gazed at the Sword Demon ahead of me.
The Sword Demon was about thirty zhang ahead, climbing the cliff. With our Divine Techniques, scaling a cliff this size wouldn’t take much time; however, the Sword Demon was deliberately leading the way slowly for a reason.
An Absolute Formation made of the mist.
Whether it was natural or artificial didn’t matter; the Sword Demon mentioned that trying to navigate the treacherous terrains of Dragon King’s Valley using only our techniques would leave us wandering forever. He possessed considerable knowledge of formations, so he was scouting for dangerous spots while moving ahead.
Finally, the Sword Demon leaped to the peak and sent me a transmission.
“Come here.”
Whoosh!
I followed the Sword Demon up to the peak standing amongst the rugged canyons. Despite the hundreds of cliffs, there was barely a square zhang of space to stand, enough to justify the name “Pinnacle Mountain.” The waiting Sword Demon spoke to me.
“My heart is racing.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve nearly reached the center of this formation. There must have been natural barriers here originally, but someone seems to have intentionally enhanced this place, making it even more fearsome.”
Muttering thus, the Sword Demon looked towards the west. Despite the thick fog obscuring our view, his gaze suggested he was certain something existed there. With a gleam in his eyes, he continued.
“And there’s definitely something substantial inside.”
“Something substantial? Do you mean… a human?”
“That’s likely. My master’s instinct has been sending an unending stream of Danger Signals, mixed with subtle Formless Qi in the air.”
“I’m not sensing anything.”
“For you now, those sensations are very faint and barely noticeable. I only became aware of it after entering this formation and amplifying my senses.”
“……”
Feeling the gap in martial arts levels between the Sword Demon and myself sent chills down my spine.
‘ Can a human really project their presence even in such fearsome nature? From dozens of li away? Is that even possible?’
With my current level of intent, that was an impossible feat. The presence beyond the mist undoubtedly belonged to a fearsome master, as mentioned by the Sword Demon. The Sword Demon sat, pondering aloud.
“We’ll need to decide how to respond when we meet that person.”
“A master of that level launching a preemptive attack on us would be fatal.”
“So, what do you wish to do?”
“From here, let’s proceed slowly to ascertain their position first. After that, we can launch a surprise attack.”
“……”
The Sword Demon stared at me intently, so much that I felt embarrassed.
“What’s with the look?”
“Your thought process is extremely pragmatic. Typically, those of the lower realms would be busy expressing reverence towards a mysterious master, yet you’re already planning how to kill him the moment you hear my words.”
What the?
I tilted my head in confusion, unable to discern what was wrong.
“Um… is that a bad thing?”
“Hahaha!”
The Sword Demon laughed heartily at my response.
“Not at all. It’s just that it makes me think you’ve been thoroughly trained in the Thunder God School. The thought of killing is secondary; you’re not at all intimidated by those stronger than you. You’re also remarkably calm—your mindset is highly specialized for combat.”
“……!!”
“Thunder God School… the more I think about it, the more impressive it is. Their teaching and training are exceedingly practical, and they have an extremely high mastery level as well. They can definitely be called one of the top sects in the martial world.”
I found myself bewildered.
‘ Trained in the Thunder God School? My mindset?’
That might indeed be the case.
Over a century of martial arts practice, with more than 70% of that time spent at the Thunder God School, training relentlessly. The training methods of Li Guang were as harsh as those of Minglongzi, sometimes pushing my muscles to their limits until I collapsed from the pain. Consequently, the practical tactics and rules of engagement taught at the Thunder God School likely became instinctual for me.
But that thought wasn’t pleasant. Every time I reflected on it, a battle instinct surged within me. The urge to smash through anything that obstructed my path boiled over. Perhaps that was why the Thunder God School’s training included mandatory sessions to discipline one’s mind.
When I fell into silence, the Sword Demon spoke again.
“From now on, the opponent we encounter will be a formidable one beyond a Tuma or the like. I believe if you want to turn back, now is the time to do so.”
“… Then perhaps retreating may be wise.”
The Sword Demon grumbled.
“You lack spirit.”
“There’s no need to risk my life for something that’s not essential. Just discovering that someone of immense skill hides in Dragon King’s Valley is sufficient.”
True, that sentiment is justified.
There’s no need to gamble my life on this matter.
I firmly believed my judgment was spot on, and although I could later engage in life-and-death situations, the Sword Demon didn’t need to stake his life on this.
However, the Sword Demon chuckled lightly.
“Hmm… this is serious.”
“What?”
“It seems that something over there has charged out first. They’re likely about to rush us.”
“What?!”
Woosh—
The Sword Demon’s prediction came true. I witnessed a tremendous crack! sound as an unimaginably colossal Sword Qi pierced through the skies from somewhere. Reflexively, I focused my sword mastery.
Kaboom!!
I launched a quick sword strike to parry the Sword Qi, but the sting in my hands reminded me of the sheer force behind it. The breadth of the attack alone surpassed ten zhang, indicating that its power wasn’t something trivial. I realized what it meant to have barely endured that attack even with my mastery technique.
‘ A master capable of manipulating intention at will!’
An ultra-expert possessing the technique to channel immense power far beyond normal limits! Even though this was merely an exchange of blows, I quickly recognized the gap in skill between my opponent and myself. It would be impossible to win unless I trained fiercely in intention for several decades.
Rumble!
As the cliff we stood on crumbled, the Sword Demon’s new stance soared into the air. He had already readied himself for battle.
I performed a somersault in the air and leaped towards another peak using my Dissolving Soul Technique. Although I could use Celestial Ascension, I wanted to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure. The moment my feet landed on solid ground, a booming voice erupted.
“Who are you?”
Kwahh—!
Simultaneously, a thunderous! sound erupted. Specifically, the clash between the Sword Mastery unleashed by the Sword Demon and the counter from our opponent emitted a massive aura, vibrating the very air with shared intentions and murderous intent.
From the echoes of that sound wave, I could quickly deduce the location of the battleground. I began moving cautiously, utilizing the leaping power of the Dissolving Soul Technique beneath me. Dragon King’s Valley was a daunting place where an ordinary person could barely take a single step.
Whoosh!
Had I moved approximately a hundred zhang with the Dissolving Soul Technique? I gradually felt intense intentions colliding beyond the mist, resulting in continuous destruction. The Sword Demon rushed in immediately after the mysterious master mounted an assault and began splitting up ranks.
“Ha!”
The Sword Demon concentrated his will, bringing forth the Intent Sword in the air. The transparent Intent Sword sliced through the air, drawing a smooth arc as it cut through space. That spiral-shaped attack route was also a notable trait of the Shadowless Gate’s illusive technique.
At that moment, with a thud, the opponent violently shook off the Intent Sword. As I peered through the mist, I caught sight of an enormous, blue membrane and muttered quietly.
“Protection Martial Arts Technique!”
Unlike ordinary defensive techniques, this was the highest level of defense requiring extreme internal energy and mastery! Naturally, executing the Protection Martial Arts Technique required an understanding of intent, and sometimes it could simultaneously possess both offensive and defensive attributes. The Protection Martial Arts Technique itself was a testament to being a peerless master at the pinnacle of the martial world.
The mysterious master, having shaken off the Sword Demon’s Intent Sword using the Protection Martial Arts Technique, let out a Lion’s Roar, seemingly finding it amusing. An overwhelming level of internal energy was sensed.
“Hahaha! Quite impressive!”
Zing!
In that instant, the mist in the air parted as if light were escaping. In reality, the master was also forming his Intent Sword and hurling it like a projectile towards the Sword Demon, resembling a light projectile. Even from a distance, the vast number of these luminous projectiles suggested it was a remarkable attack technique.
“Ugh!”
The Sword Demon deflected the attack, counterattacking once more, and soon after, the two peerless masters began to vie for the tiniest of advantages, conserving every ounce of their energy. The astonishing aspect was that this spot, unsuitable for any human to stand, supported their abilities remarkably well.
Clang, clang!
Intense sounds of clashing echoed, while radiant Sword Mastery danced like a spectacle.
I had approached to about twenty zhang, yet felt hesitant to charge in. With the mist thick, visibility was poor, making it difficult to interfere without facing potential disastrous outcomes. Even the slightest movement in such a duel between ultra-experts could determine victory or defeat.
‘ Damn it. What to do?’
I couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer. So, I clenched my teeth and began advancing further. Twenty zhang felt like a safe distance to withstand their derivative techniques, but I decided to get closer to observe the essence of their confrontation clearly.
As I closed the distance by about ten more zhang, I suddenly felt a prickling sensation crawling over my nerves. This wasn’t merely a threat from the Formless Qi but evidence that a lethal attack aimed at severing my life was descending upon me. Instinctively, I discerned the attack’s direction and concentrated my focus to swing my Sword Mastery.
Boom!
In the explosion of sound, thunder reverberated. It turned out a bolt of lightning energy was slyly aimed at the back of my head! I quickly stepped back the instant I repelled the attack, but the Sword Demon shouted.
“You’re too relaxed!”
Swish!
The Sword Demon unleashed a transformation of his stance from his sword. Simultaneously, the very space warped as his technique unraveled, scattering at random. Yet in reality, the dazzling sword path was a lethal strike capable of piercing the enemy’s vital points.
‘ Gotcha!’
The mysterious master, annoyed by my presence, had attempted a sudden ambush, but that exposed a fantastic opening for the Sword Demon. Not surprisingly, the opponent seemed flustered by the unexpected change in the Sword Demon’s technique, retreating hurriedly. The Sword Demon wouldn’t let that escape and surged forward like a snake for that opening.
Just as the Sword Demon was about to decide the battle, his quick blade unexpectedly halted while navigating through the mist. Collecting his sword path, he leaped into a nearby peak.
Why did he withdraw?
I was puzzled, but soon my questions were answered by the Sword Demon’s remark.
“Sword Thunder… you truly are a sword master I’ve never encountered in my lifetime.”
My gaze shifted to the sword held in the right hand of the Dragon King’s Valley master. Being relatively close made it evident that lightning was alive and crackling with energy. And that brilliance swirled in tranquil waves, surrounded by mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
‘ What is Sword Thunder?’
It was a term I had never encountered before. Still, the Sword Demon’s facial expression had morphed into one of deep seriousness, indicating he held Sword Thunder in high regard.
Then, the master battling fiercely against the Sword Demon gathered the Sword Thunder and unleashed a full-force attack.
“I’m the same. It seems you haven’t mastered the techniques of the White Lotus Sect; was there such a sword-master in the Central Plains?”
“Of course, I’m not a member of the White Lotus Sect. I am the Sword Demon, Seomun Daeryong, leading the Shadowless Gate, and my companion here is my disciple.”
“Sword Demon… the top master of the heretical schools?”
“That would be me.”
“I thought the folks from the Central Plains were all empty boastings, but you’ve changed my mind today.”
The master from Dragon King’s Valley seemed to be expressing admiration. I sensed that the level of martial practices on display was nearly at par with each other, realizing how deeply out of my reach they were.
The master from Dragon King’s Valley introduced himself.
“I am Dokgo Seong.”
Dokgo Seong?
It was a name I had never heard before. Perhaps that was why the Sword Demon spoke with a voice full of suspicion.
“Where are you from, and which sect do you belong to?”
“Why should I tell you that?”
“I have a rough idea but wish to hear it from you directly.”
“A rough idea… well then, why not share your guess?”
Dokgo Seong replied, seemingly mocking the Sword Demon, confidence radiating that he believed his sect was inscrutable.
Then, the Sword Demon continued.
“I’ve seen and felt many techniques similar to yours. However, none have been as powerful and fearsome as your sword technique. Thus, I’m still a bit uncertain about it.”
“What did you say?”
“That sword technique is called Thunder Shadow Sword Technique.”
“……!!
Dokgo Seong froze completely at the Sword Demon’s words. I could even feel his astonishment from beyond the mist.
“Dokgo Seong.”
With the Sword Demon’s following words, I widened my eyes.
“Are you not a master of the Thunder God School?”
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