Chapter: 712
– You are the hope of Shaolin.
Yuyeon has heard this phrase throughout his life while living in Shaolin.
From the day he first showcased his talent until now.
By the time he caught on, he was already being referred to as the hope of Shaolin.
– A mere ten-year-old child has unleashed the Hundred Steps Divine Fist.
– Not only the level, but the speed at which he is progressing is on an entirely different dimension.
– That child is a gift from the heavens. Surely, he will rise to be the best in the world one day.
He later found out that the predecessors of Shaolin had been holding discussions about him repeatedly.
Though he didn’t know what they were saying up top, Yuyeon had received the Daehwandan three times so far.
This is a great blessing that one would be lucky to receive once in a lifetime—yet he received it three times.
He received one at the age of twelve when he opened the Hundred Steps Divine Fist.
He reached his peak at fifteen and received the second.
Then, at eighteen, he received the last one and ascended to Hwagyeong.
The Murim Alliance quickly assessed Yuyeon’s condition and spread the news throughout the Central Plains.
The youngest Hwagyeong has been born!
The appearance of a comet that will lead Shaolin!
In this way, Yuyeon’s name spread far and wide across the Central Plains.
Divine Dragon.
Before he knew it, Yuyeon was being called the Divine Dragon.
He became the pinnacle of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks and a representative figure of the era.
Upon hearing this news, Yuyeon immediately asked the director.
Why am I called the Divine Dragon?
As soon as he posed the question, the head of the room, Cheonan, said to Yuyeon.
He dreams of an invisible future.
A choice meant for a future that must change.
It was a statement that Yuyeon found incomprehensible.
However, he did not dare refute those words. He had to follow the leader’s wishes, after all.
But.
It was simply regretful.
What is the point of clutching the title of Dragon when I couldn’t even step on that stage?
Yuyeon felt that was a bit disheartening.
Also, what good is a reputation built on lies?
Yuyeon knew there was a lie mixed in with his name.
How could he not know?
He had witnessed everything with his own two eyes.
– Sanseogu takes the victory over Guyangcheon.
The Yongbong Tournament from a time ago.
There, he saw someone dominate the stage with overwhelming might.
And the being that stood majestically, seizing the momentum.
– Waaaah!!
Yuyeon’s eyes, watching from a distance, burned with intensity.
The cheers that reached his ears invaded his mind and penetrated deep within.
That is the memory Yuyeon recalls from the Yongbong Tournament.
Every scene was etched onto his brain through his eyes.
Back when Yuyeon was younger, just witnessing that made his heart race.
A boy on stage with a stoic expression, as if displeased by something.
That image was a profound shock to Yuyeon.
What should he say?
The audience’s cheers for that victory and the nonchalant attitude displayed as if completely indifferent.
Such actions and appearances were deeply imprinted into Yuyeon’s mind.
Why was it so?
He couldn’t quite grasp it.
It simply happened that way.
Had he not come out in rebellion from Shaolin that day or secretly watched the Yongbong Tournament, he would probably have remained oblivious.
But, he had seen it.
And what’s more, he had understood it in that moment.
No, he would have already understood it from then.
From the moment he was bestowed the name “Divine Dragon.”
Even while seeing the elders who praised him, calling him a genius or a symbol of hope.
Yuyeon realized something.
He is not a dragon.
He is not a true genius.
The real one already exists outside this world.
Unlike him, who squats in a cage feeling stifled, they are already spreading their wings.
If so, where are my wings?
Divine Dragon? What even is a Divine Dragon?
Chuckling cynically to himself, Yuyeon huddled up even more.
If he had wings, he would have probably plucked them out himself.
What does it mean to possess wings given by someone else?
Yuyeon thought it would mean nothing.
It felt suffocating and stifling.
Yuyeon began to have shallow escapism as if to vent his feelings.
– You are hope.
– You are the hope of Shaolin.
– I’m glad you are here.
Words he heard countless times a day turned into daggers stabbing at his heart.
Unable to withstand it, he turned his gaze away and stepped outside.
Although outside was technically still within Hanam, it felt like an escape for him.
That day was winter.
A time when Yuyeon was not yet called the Divine Dragon.
Snow was falling, and it was cold outside. His hands were freezing.
Wearing thinner clothes made the cold feel even harsher.
Shivering, but it was okay.
He could have warmed himself at the betting lounge, but he didn’t.
He wanted to feel this cold just a bit longer.
At least this feeling was better than suffocation.
Haa…
He breathed warmth onto his cold palms.
The warmth he created himself seeped in.
The warmth he made for himself.
In response to that peculiar sensation, Yuyeon stroked his hand.
Winter so cold it felt like frost. An age where this sense was preferable to ascending to the peak.
That was how simple Yuyeon was back then.
Perhaps this was the reason.
– What are you doing here?
In that particularly lonely time.
The timing of that meeting became a turning point.
At the sound of a dry voice, Yuyeon hurriedly raised his head, concealing his face with a cloth.
– …!!
Looking upon the owner of that voice, Yuyeon widened his eyes involuntarily.
It was that person.
The one he had seen at the Yongbong Tournament.
Now known as Jinryong.
He heard he was the same age as Yuyeon.
Never did he expect they’d bump into each other here.
That person was gazing at him with a peculiar look.
– With the weather like this, what are you doing out here?
– … Ah… ah…
Yuyeon couldn’t find the words to respond to his approach.
Wearing clothes much thinner than his own.
Damp clothing from sweating and a somewhat fatigued expression.
Was this an illusion?
Upon meeting him, it felt as though the chill began to dissipate.
It was as if the temperature around him had risen.
– Hmm.
Seeing him unable to answer, the boy nodded his head.
– Have you eaten?
– …
Once again, Yuyeon remained silent. However, it seemed that the answer wasn’t essential, as something was already in the boy’s hand.
– If you haven’t eaten, then have this. It’s delicious. I come all the way here just for this.
He said with a smile.
Yuyeon had to drop his gaze to the warm food sitting in his palm.
It was dumplings.
– …
Meat placed on the palm of someone who abstains from consuming meat.
Seeing that, Yuyeon was flustered and began to speak, but he was already walking away.
Should he call out?
Yuyeon hesitated for a moment.
– Young Master, did you buy that again?
– Yeah.
– I said I would buy it.
– It’s alright. I had some errands to run. Oh, but there are some odd rumors going around the inn…
A woman appeared, approached the young man, and started a conversation.
Upon witnessing that, Yuyeon found himself unable to call out.
He merely stared at the dumpling resting on his hand.
– …
If anything was the problem, it would have undoubtedly been then.
In that moment when he couldn’t contain his urge for a change.
That had to have been the main issue.
“… ”
Yuyeon glanced at the half of his belt that lay discarded on the floor.
When did it get severed?
He hadn’t seen the blade approach nor the attack land.
– Focus!
The woman’s words echoed in his ears.
Yuyeon raised his head and locked onto the front.
A blonde woman with golden eyes.
Just looking at her made his heart race.
The number one sword in the world.
A descendant of the sword master, Wi Hyogun.
A remnant of the martial leader once regarded as the greatest of all time. One of the hurdles he had to overcome.
No, more precisely, ‘homework’ for both himself and the Shaolin.
Yuyeon had a hunch of the intent behind the alliance.
The thought made him feel suffocated yet again.
He desperately wanted to flee this place and run to the inn.
He wanted to go have some dumplings.
This was a habit formed from that day.
Whenever he felt stuffy and overwhelmed.
It became a habit to escape Shaolin and grab dumplings.
This comfort for himself started that day.
But right now, he couldn’t afford to do that.
So, Yuyeon steadied his breathing.
As he watched the woman for three counts, he found himself reciting a chant in his head.
Such a captivating appearance.
It was a challenging task for Yuyeon, who had no resilience to beautiful women.
Swish.
Instead of speaking, Yuyeon took a stance.
He extended his left hand slightly forward, adjusting his posture.
“Thank you.”
Instead of apologizing, he expressed his gratitude.
“Thanks to you, I regained my senses.”
Just barely.
He managed to pull himself together, alright.
He kept repeating the reason he was there in his head.
Whoosh.
In response to Yuyeon, the woman, Wi Seol-ah, also took up a stance.
At that moment…
Sssssssss-!!!
A tremendous force surged toward Yuyeon.
It felt as if dozens of sword tips were aimed right at him.
It was intense.
A cold sweat trickled down his brow.
Feeling such a threatening presence.
“Phew…”
Yuyeon quietly exhaled.
Simultaneously…
Swish.
He slowly threw a punch.
To Wi Seol-ah, it seemed like a slow motion.
As she observed the slow motion of Yuyeon’s fist, her brow furrowed momentarily.
It was not trivial movement, but rather the opposite.
Shh-!
Wi Seol-ah moved swiftly.
This was purely a motion to evade.
That choice was entirely correct.
Thump…
Yuyeon’s punch met nothing but air.
At that moment…
A mountain crashed down where Wi Seol-ah once stood.
WHOOSH—!!!
“…!!!”
The judges outside the ring widened their eyes.
A violent wind rushed in one manner.
“Baekboshin Kwon!”
Someone shouted from the audience.
“This is Shaolin’s Hundred Steps Divine Fist…!”
An enormous punch with overwhelming destructive power.
A technique from Shaolin that returns everything to its original form with a single fist.
Yuyeon executed a pinnacle martial art that only a few from Shaolin dare to use.
Just that one time.
With that one punch, Yuyeon confirmed his presence.
Waaaaahh…!!!
Cheers erupted.
The youngest Hwagyeong.
The innocuous reputation started to manifest through Yuyeon.
“…”
The cheers reminded him of that time.
Even while hearing this, Yuyeon’s expression remained muted.
He couldn’t hear their voices.
His eyes darted in every direction.
Thud.
He felt a presence.
Without a second of hesitation, Yuyeon turned his head.
Zzzz-!! The blade grazed his cheek.
He turned away and spun his body.
Using that rotational momentum, he powered his lower body.
Whoosh! His foot glided through the air.
Boom!
An explosive sound resounded as Yuyeon’s foot collided with Wi Seol-ah’s sword.
CRASH!
It was a deafening noise.
The shockwave vibrated all the way to the audience stands.
The intense pressure sent chills down the spines of the audience.
One clash.
Experiencing that, Wi Seol-ah tried to deflect the attack instead of blocking it.
Strong.
Her opponent was far too powerful.
Whoosh! Grabbing the hilt, she maneuvered to sidestep Yuyeon’s attack.
While she thought of burying herself in his arms.
Woosh…!
“…!”
Just as Wi Seol-ah braced herself, Yuyeon’s fist was already approaching her face.
She lifted her head to evade.
WHOOM—!!!
The Baekboshin Kwon detonated, soaring over Wi Seol-ah.
The rushing wind felt like it was tearing at her skin.
Wi Seol-ah grimaced, releasing a frustrated breath.
Golden aura.
The refreshing scent of the Moonlight Sword began to envelop Wi Seol-ah.
Her movements gained acceleration.
Her sword was infused with energy.
Wi Seol-ah’s hair began to shimmer with gold.
Ssshhh-! She unfurled her technique, widening the distance slightly.
The martial art known as the Baekboshin Kwon boasted a long range.
She turned her gaze, mindful of that.
Phew!
Yuyeon also enveloped himself in aura.
Shriek!
The flow of qi was so fierce it produced steam from the friction.
A yellow aura similar to the golden glow from the Moonlight Sword.
Yuyeon and Wi Seol-ah, both surrounded by their own energy, faced each other.
“…”
“…”
No words lingered between them.
It was unnecessary. Their previous exchange had already wrapped up the necessary dialogue.
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
The energies of the two warriors intertwined.
The result was a rumbling that sent dust spiraling into the air above the stage.
Wi Seol-ah, with an innocent facade, suddenly had sharp eyes, and cold sweat appeared on her skin.
For a brief moment, they faced one another.
Drip…
Slowly, the sweat trickled down Wi Seol-ah’s cheek toward her chin.
The droplet formed there soon plummeted to the ground.
THUD.
The moment the sweat hit the floor.
SHHHH—!
BOOM—!!
Two martial artists clashed.
*
WHOAAAAAAA—!!!
The atmosphere was charged with an immense spiritual pressure.
The air felt like it was a tempest in a typhoon.
A whirlwind of gold and yellow rushed by.
BANG! KA-BLAM!
Shaking erupted everywhere as if an earthquake had struck.
It was fierce but also heavy.
Despite both executing the same movement, the impact level was far from identical due to the sheer amount of energy exerted.
Huh… Huh…
“That, that’s no ordinary fight, is it?”
“What…! Is this really a battle between the advanced challengers?”
It was hard to express astonishment, let alone admiration.
Everyone had to tremble, as if confronted by an illusion.
The intensity was so remarkable that even the fighters in the nearby arena paused their battles to watch the clash between the two.
Flash—!!!
A bright light flared.
Wi Seol-ah’s sword sparkled dozens of times in a single second.
That sight looked like stars twinkling in the night sky.
In contrast, Yuyeon’s strikes were significantly less frequent.
WHAM! THUD-THUD!
One single force rumbled amidst the radiant glimmer.
But, in terms of power, it was incomparable.
Yuyeon’s single strike shook the entire realm.
The Hundred Steps Divine Fist contained enlightenment martial arts in just one blow.
His single strike resembled the eclipse of the Tuapacheon.
Observing their similar activation conditions and movements, it was likely that…
‘The amount of energy being harnessed is likely the same.’
The difference was that the Baekboshin Kwon focused on destruction while the Tuapacheon emphasized tearing.
That disparity was exceedingly significant, yet ultimately, the feeling resonated alike.
The greater the power and more substantial the vibration, the more energy it devoured.
This dragon was executing that force in succession.
‘Just how vast is the energy reservoir?’
I could easily manage that level.
That was thanks to the opportunities from the past, but what exactly was that kid doing?
What others referred to as a finishing move, something difficult to wield, he executed as a standard technique.
It felt absurd. Was he out of his mind?
‘Am I giving off that kind of vibe when others watch me?’
Suddenly, that thought crossed his mind.
Ka-BOOM—!
Every time the Baekboshin Kwon exploded, it sliced through the air.
The wisdom contained within it was admirable, as was the accumulated energy.
Sure, I mean, I found it impressive.
‘Shaolin… Those crazy kids.’
What on earth has Shaolin produced?
The more Yuyeon observed the battle between the Divine Dragon and Wi Seol-ah, the more he chuckled.
The reason was nothing different.
‘This is so different from my past life.’
The ghost monk, who had operated as a demon in his previous life,
He hadn’t encountered him that often.
He only caught a glimpse when he met his end.
At that point, the ghost monk was undoubtedly powerful.
I don’t deny that fact.
The dude was strong.
So strong that even the Heavenly King himself came down to kill him.
But.
When it comes to whether the Divine Dragon of the advanced eras was that strong—who knows?
No, he probably was strong.
So he had probably been called the Divine Dragon regardless of his background in Shaolin.
But even so,
“…What’s up with that kid?”
There’s no way it was like that.
That would make sense.
‘How does he use Heart Techniques…?’
The Divine Dragon might be imperfect, but he clearly touched the state of the heart.
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