Dark Sky Village
It seemed as though the Great Sword Gate Master and the Iron Blood Sect Leader were taken aback by Jin So-cheong’s audacity, much like a moth drawn to a flame. They had resolved to annihilate us without regard for their reputation or honor but appeared momentarily distracted by this sudden charge. After all, the top experts of Luoyang were arrayed against one lone individual.
It was indeed strange. Jin So-cheong’s movements resembled the Thunder Call technique, yet something felt different about it—something I couldn’t quite articulate.
Pababababat!
In an instant, the Great Sword Gate Master sliced to the left while the Iron Blood Sect Leader attacked from the right. It was rather rare for two peak experts to team up against a single opponent like this. They truly had abandoned all scruples. At the same time, a staggering flash of blinding light erupted as their swords clashed.
‘Ugh…!!’
I had already missed the moment to leap in, so I could only stand there, sweat beading on my palms, watching the moments flash by. Observing the fierce assaults of the Great Sword Gate Master and Iron Blood Sect Leader, I couldn’t shake the feeling that had I been in that position, I would have met an immediate demise.
Suddenly, an instinctual awareness cut through my thoughts.
Jin So-cheong was about to be hit!
No, that’s not it.
‘Wait…?’
Something was off.
In a split second, I felt as though Jin So-cheong was, in fact, smiling.
It was an uncanny sensation, reminiscent of what I felt during my contest against the Twelve Rulers of the East.
In the blink of an eye, Jin So-cheong’s spear severed the air not once, but twice.
Kiriririk!!
A sound like ice cracking resounded with force. Simultaneously, the fierce momentum of the peak experts clashed, resulting in shockwaves that rippled through the air as Jin So-cheong spun gracefully, landing with poise. Now, she drew a sword into her left hand that had previously been empty.
Pipiping!
“……!!”
I gaped in disbelief.
Both sword and spear spread out from Jin So-cheong’s hands simultaneously!
The sword in her left was casting the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, while the spear in her right executed the essence of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear. It was as if she divided her body’s center to deal with the assaults from two peak experts simultaneously, deftly repelling their attacks.
Kakagak!
Kakang!
The clash of sword energy and flames filled the air as dozens, if not hundreds of strikes reverberated through the void. Jin So-cheong stood firm, effortlessly countering the joint assault of both masters with her signature blend of sword and spear, appearing to handle them with ease, as if she weren’t even exerting herself fully.
“Ugh…!!”
“What in the…?!”
The Great Sword Gate Master and Iron Blood Sect Leader looked bewildered, furiously swinging their weapons yet failing to faze the younger fighter who boldly met their onslaught.
I stood there, utterly astonished.
‘She can wield both spear and sword at the same time?’
Executing two distinct styles of weaponry in tandem was no simple feat; it’s not just about wielding one in each hand. Achieving the balance and understanding necessary to make weapons function as extensions of one’s body is something unimaginable. It was abundantly clear that no matter what I did, I could never display the prowess Jin So-cheong showcased.
“Wrap this up quickly.”
“Indeed.”
At that moment, the remaining clan leaders of the Seo Clan stepped forward. Two of them approached me while the third went towards Jin So-cheong. It appeared as though they planned to team up against Jin So-cheong while simultaneously eliminating me, possibly thinking they could end the Double Gate Sect leadership.
They flanked me, and solemn voices emerged from the older men.
“I am Seo Yoon, head of the Seo Clan.”
“I am Zhang Bong, head of the Zhang Clan.”
Seo Yoon, clad in gray battle attire, seemed to specialize in fist techniques, while Zhang Bong wielded a sword reminiscent of a dagger with a high grip. I quickly realized from their stances that they had also reached the peak expert level.
I gritted my teeth and said,
“Why are esteemed leaders of the Double Gate Sect stooping to foolish actions? You do realize that once we seize the capital, your clans will meet their end for this attack!”
Zhang Bong sighed, rubbing his temples, while Seo Yoon exhaled deeply. Then, he responded to my concern.
“… We have hostages.”
Their reluctance to align with a “child” like me stemmed from both hesitation and the shame of being martial artists.
“What do you mean?”
“We came to rescue our kin afflicted by a strange disease.”
Seo Yoon’s rigid tone conveyed a complicated state of mind. It seemed they weren’t here by choice but had been more or less coerced into this assassination attempt.
“You think killing the high-ranking officials will cure the strange disease?”
“Exactly.”
“And what is this strange disease?”
“There’s no time for conversation. Die.”
Kuwoong!
At that moment, Seo Yoon lunged forward, unleashing a Zhen Fist!
Typically, fist techniques serve as a secondary form of combat, and they are perceived to be lacking when facing true weapons. Consequently, those who wield fists in the martial world usually possess either exceptional external martial skills or unshakeable confidence in their abilities. Among them, the Seo Clan has a unique fist style that has risen to prominence among the cultivators of Double Gate Sect, and Seo Yoon was their head.
Paang!
“Ugh.”
I felt my sword flames falter under the pressure of the Zhen Fist. Despite the overwhelming gap in energies, I found myself momentarily on the defensive. Before I had time to ponder what was happening, Seo Yoon’s fists flew towards me from the air, transparent and menacing.
While I deflected his strikes with the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, Zhang Bong continued to assault me from behind. I attempted to evade Zhang Bong’s sharp dagger, utilizing the Steel Plate Bridge Technique, but they skillfully closed off my escape route. A deluge of immense energy bombarded me.
Kwa-kwaang!
Ultimately, I was forced to release my energy to knock them back. Using the release technique, which strikes nearby objects with explosive force, I caused them to recoil.
Yet, they simply adjusted their stances mid-air and charged at me once more.
‘Dammit!’
I grimaced. Indeed, the opponents before me were masters well-versed in techniques that absorbed energy, leaving them impervious to my attacks. Compared to the Twelve Rulers, they were at least on par with their middle ranks. Individually, they would be manageable, but in coordinated attacks like this, my prospects were dim, no matter how potent my energy reserves were.
One lucky factor was that the exceptional Great Sword Gate Master and Iron Blood Sect Leader were currently engaged with Jin So-cheong. Moreover, the head of the Yi Clan had joined in to support her, posing quite the formidable threat.
‘There’s no time for worrying about others! What should I do?’
Just then, a melodic laugh echoed through the air.
“Aha ha! How dare you prattle in front of me?”
Suddenly, a radiant white figure appeared amidst the battle. This mysterious entity surged between me and Zhang Bong, delivering a blow to Zhang Bong’s dagger with an intangible hand, sending him flying backward. From his stumbling demeanor, it was clear this intruder wielded tremendous strength.
I was elated to see the entity before me and shouted,
“Miho!!”
“Hmph. One down.”
Miho’s gaze remained fixed on Zhang Bong, who was now dazed and teetering, unable to advance as before. Instead, he merely wobbled in place.
‘She’s used her charm technique!’
Miho had successfully cast her charm on Zhang Bong. That meant I only had to deal with Seo Yoon now. As our eyes met with Miho, he scowled and retorted,
“Why don’t you stop staring and come at me instead?”
“Aha ha…”
Wiiiiiing!
With Miho’s charm aura reverberating, a powerful wave of enchantment washed over the battlefield. Every master fighting at that moment staggered under her allure. Fortunately, thanks to their profound inner strength and mental fortitude, the peak experts managed to avoid being affected.
Miho gave me a quick signal, and I seized the moment to rush at Seo Yoon. He momentarily let down his defenses, leading to a glaring opening.
Thanks to this, I avoided serious injuries, but by then, my sword strike had already grazed his forearm considerably.
Chwaak!
Despite being reinforced by his energy, Seo Yoon bore a significant gash on his arm. Although it wasn’t life-threatening, it appeared to impede his combat capability. As Seo Yoon hastily attempted to staunch the wound with his energy, I pressed the attack further, forcing him back.
Pibat!
Kiing!
My strikes sliced through the air with precision, repeatedly clashing against Seo Yoon’s solid, steel-like body. Amazingly, he redirected my blazing sword with skill—likely a reflection of the Seo Clan’s inner power techniques. Despite this, the difference in energy levels caused ongoing deep gashes along his body.
Piiing!
Eventually, I seized on his vulnerability and pressed the tip of my sword against his throat in under 80 seconds. Seo Yoon gazed at the blade trembling at his neck, then finally closed his eyes.
“Kill me.”
“Farewell.”
I swiftly beheaded him. It was a clean execution devoid of even a hint of pain. Although he was an enemy, he was still a revered leader and master of fist techniques, deserving of respect. After ensuring his head had fallen to the ground, I quickly turned my gaze back to Jin So-cheong.
Kiik!
“Haaap!”
There was a sound akin to a snake hissing. The Great Sword Gate Master’s blade now cut through the air toward Jin So-cheong’s shoulder, while the Iron Blood Sect Leader’s sword followed suit, preparing to cut her down. In tandem, the Yi Clan’s master aimed a spear directly at Jin So-cheong‘s head.
A triad of peak experts joined forces!
‘What am I supposed to do?’
I contemplated the impossible situation where I couldn’t evade in time. With a mere kick or a minimal exertion of energy to hold them back, I knew I’d still be wounded severely. However, Jin So-cheong suddenly reversed her spear, grasping it firmly.
Moments later, the sword in her left hand severed the Yi Clan master’s spear, while her spear stroke knocked aside the Iron Blood Sect Leader’s sword. Simultaneously, she redirected the Great Sword Gate Master’s blade with a counterstrike.
“……!!”
Not only did she thwart their combined attack, but Jin So-cheong effortlessly maneuvered to entrap all three of their vulnerabilities, causing the Yi Clan master to double over as she kicked him in the gut.
“Geh!”
The trio of peak experts stumbled backward, disbelief etched on their faces as they regarded Jin So-cheong. Even I was left speechless, my mouth agape. The movements she demonstrated were at such an unparalleled level of beauty and martial quality that they could only be described as the epitome of grace.
The Great Sword Gate Master uttered tremulously,
“You’re one step ahead. How is that possible?”
Jin So-cheong replied calmly,
“Because I can. I have no other explanation.”
“……!!”
“Well then, time to get serious.”
Pajik!
Jin So-cheong’s eyes began to glimmer with an eerie white light. Her entire being seemed wrapped in a tempestuous energy, and every hair on her body stood on end. I couldn’t help but be taken aback by the sight.
‘Thunder Call?!’
Pa!
At once, Jin So-cheong vanished. I thought she had disappeared; my enhanced sensory perception had momentarily lost track of her movements. Not just me, but all three peak experts stood there, bewildered by where she had gone.
Skak!
Then, suddenly, the Iron Blood Sect Leader’s head flew off into the air. He didn’t seem to comprehend his demise until the last moment, his expression fixed in a grimace of concentration. Although Jin So-cheong’s slicing motion appeared deceptively simple, I couldn’t fathom how to counter it when matched with her unprecedented skill. It was truly an unmatched display of power.
Pobuk!
A spinning Thunder God Fist followed, obliterating the Yi Clan master’s throat. The result was no different; he too succumbed to death, leaving only lifeless eyes behind. Such an anticlimactic fate for one who had been a master of techniques!
Kaaang!!
“Ugh!!”
A sharp clash of swords rang out as the Great Sword Gate Master was sent flying. Blood spewed from his mouth, indicating he had taken considerable damage. When he hit the ground, the air in the arena shifted violently.
Emerging from within the gust was Jin So-cheong, who seemed to calm her overwhelming power. She took a moment to catch her breath before addressing the Great Sword Gate Master, who was struggling to rise from the ground.
“Don’t get up. If you do, I’ll have to actually kill the Great Sword Gate Master.”
While Jin So-cheong’s voice bore a calm demeanor, it brimmed with an intimidating aura. Despite her half-hearted threat, the Great Sword Gate Master struggled, mustering all his strength to rise. Planting his feet on the ground, he wielded his sword once more, forced to muster an empty laugh.
“It seems everyone has been mistaken…”
“Great Sword Gate Master. I warned you.”
“If you were in my shoes, would you falter? With the extinction of your clan looming, would you really hide to save your insignificant life?”
“……”
“I will do my utmost as a martial artist. You don’t need to feel guilt.”
Jin So-cheong bit her lip.
Moments later, Jin So-cheong and the Great Sword Gate Master crashed into each other once more. They clashed fiercely for nearly twenty seconds before exposing a fatal opening due to his injuries, leaving him vulnerable to Jin So-cheong’s spear, which plunged into his heart. Without missing a beat, Jin So-cheong yanked her weapon from the Great Sword Gate Master’s chest, withdrawing it cleanly with minimal blood loss.
“Farewell.”
The Great Sword Gate Master uttered weakly,
“This is where it ends…”
Plop!
The Great Sword Gate Master collapsed dead. Gazing at the corpse of the Great Sword Gate Master, Jin So-cheong suddenly coughed up a mixture of blood.
“Cough!”
I rushed over to Jin So-cheong without a second thought.
“Are you alright?!”
“I… I’m fine…”
Jin So-cheong’s complexion had paled, resembling that of someone who had been bedridden with an illness for days.
I took her pulse and quickly discerned the source of her dire condition.
‘Her inner energy is nearly depleted! Plus, her True Source has been damaged!’
The cause was likely the earlier use of Thunder Call. While I had plenty of energy reserves, allowing me to use my techniques without consequence, Jin So-cheong couldn’t afford surplus use of Thunder Call like I could. She must have exerted herself excessively to rapidly dispatch the peak experts before her. Even with the overwhelming victory, she had paid a substantial price for it—as if to say that fortune comes with a cost.
Observing from the side, Miho remarked,
“Let’s go. Right now, Li Kwang’s battle bears greater significance.”
After coughing a few more times, Jin So-cheong added,
“Miho’s words are wise. Quickly aid the master…”
“Hold for just a second.”
I hastily took out the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng from my pouch. I forced it into Jin So-cheong’s mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Ugh?!”
“Eat this, it’s good for you.”
“……?!”
Jin So-cheong looked utterly bemused. I didn’t intend to spoon-feed her but instead turned my gaze to the sky where Li Kwang had vanished. Following the traces of energy, I anticipated I would find him engaged in battle against the Han Clan’s master.
‘Let’s hurry!’
There was no way I could miss that fight.
It was bound to be an epic clash between the greatest warriors of the Thunder God Sect and the Transformation Sect!
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