Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Once again, Jin So-cheong used Lan, but this time it felt slightly different. I realized that if I faced him the same way as before, it wouldn’t work. Instead of a direct collision, I quickly evaded Jin So-cheong‘s attack range using Annihilation Step.
[ Hmm… truly fast!]
Jin So-cheong, seemingly surprised by my speed, followed closely with Thunder Shadow Step and Thundercloud Palm. I was left in awe of how fast he was pursuing me.
‘Thundercloud Palm is a movement technique and incredibly fast in close quarters, but still, it’s an inferior movement technique compared to Annihilation Step. There’s at least a twofold speed difference. How can he keep up with me using that technique?!’
It was incomprehensible!
But the one making the impossible a reality was none other than Jin So-cheong, the unmatched genius of Muwak. I was struck anew by how insane my earlier thoughts had been. To think I’d naively believed I could win against such a battle maniac!
I steeled my gaze.
‘Sorry, but I have to win today, Master!’
I twirled in mid-air to regain my stance and drew up my Thunder Essence again.
“Ah!”
Jin So-cheong looked surprised when he saw me continuously unleashing Thunder Essence and abruptly switched to a defensive posture. It made sense; the maximum speed of Thunder Essence couldn’t be blocked unless Jin So-cheong raised his own, so any reckless offensive would leave him open to my counterattack. I grimaced.
‘Damn it. I really didn’t want to resort to something so cowardly…’
Winning through continuous Thunder Essence usage.
Since I could maintain Thunder Essence for at least one meal’s time, I could keep using it to bait my opponent into defending while I sought victory. But this felt more like winning through internal power rather than true martial skill, so I held back from using it against Jin So-cheong. Nonetheless, Jin So-cheong‘s overwhelming prowess felt like a real threat.
Then, Jin So-cheong scratched his head.
“Hmm… what terrifying internal energy you have. I guess I’ll have to end this decisively.”
Could it be that he still had a counter for this technique?
I didn’t feel any arrogance; instead, I felt a cold shiver run down my spine because I knew Jin So-cheong wouldn’t make empty threats. I realized that what he said was true. What kind of method would he use to end this quickly against me, who was amplified in attack power, defense, and agility by using Thunder Essence?
Swish
Jin So-cheong lowered his spear, adopting a strange stance. Recognizing that this was likely a counterattack, I didn’t recklessly advance but circled around him. But at the same time, doubt lingered in my mind.
‘What if he’s gathering his energy rather than preparing a counter? Isn’t it foolish to wait like this?’
How did I end up in a psychological battle? By the difference in our internal powers, I should have had a significant advantage, but why was this happening? I finally began to understand the feelings of the Dharma Protector facing the Thunder God Lineage. No matter how strong your base abilities are, if you can’t withstand a moment of explosion, you can be defeated in an instant.
Ultimately, I had to make a move.
Ka-boom!
In an instant, Thunder Essence shot from my left palm and collided with Jin So-cheong. Jin So-cheong didn’t dodge; instead, he brushed it away with minimal force. I noticed a gap in that split second but hesitated to attack, fearing it might be a trap. Sweat beaded on my forehead as tension mounted.
‘What am I afraid of? Can I really attack? Really?’
Thud!
Jin So-cheong appeared overwhelmingly large before me. My internal fear and pressure magnified his presence. As an illusion of tearing is flashed before me, I soon found myself retreating nervously.
“Ah!”
I realized it was a form of heart-style pressure. Suddenly, I thought this pressure might be something that Jin So-cheong created with his intent, and I returned to my previous state. However, my mental energy was already drained, and sweat was pouring down my neck.
Jin So-cheong‘s eyes were calm and clear. I gritted my teeth and stared at him, refusing to back down.
“……”
“……”
An infinite standoff.
‘Let’s see who dies first!’
As I resolved to abandon my hesitation and decide how to attack, a sudden roar shook the air.
“Enough!!”
We both turned to see a towering Dharma Protector, Wei Zhi-hun, with crossed arms and a fierce expression. He glared at both of us before admonishing,
“Isn’t this supposed to be a friendly sparring match among peers? And yet you both truly harbor murderous intent! If we had clashed in thought just now, neither of you would have emerged unscathed!”
“……”
He wasn’t wrong. As Jin So-cheong and I stood there like two silent mutes, Wei Zhi-hun glanced at Lee Kwang, Red Moon, and Green Moon, saying,
“Do you all really have the qualifications to be called members of the sect? Why did no one try to intervene just now? I truly don’t understand!!”
Then, Red Moon, who had been awkwardly silent, retorted,
“This is a sparring match very much like a real fight. You’re the one undermining the pride of a warrior!”
“Shut up! How can someone in a high-ranking position of the sect say such things…!! Those kids are the future of our sect! They’re our pillars, aren’t they?!”
“Hmm…”
Wei Zhi-hun was genuinely angry, looking incredulous at the Thunder God Lineage masters. It made sense; if Jin So-cheong and I had unleashed our full might, there was a high chance that one of us could die. Strangely, Lee Kwang, Red Moon, and Green Moon seemed to surreptitiously agree with that outcome.
Wei Zhi-hun glared at Lee Kwang, quietly stating,
“I’m disappointed in you, Li Kwang. You couldn’t even discern when it was time to uphold a warrior’s duty.”
Lee Kwang responded,
“Our duties differ, that’s all.”
“Hmph, is that so? Seems I misjudged you.”
“……”
When Lee Kwang didn’t retort further, Wei Zhi-hun turned back to us and announced,
“This duel, under my name as Master Wei Zhi-hun of the Teng Yu Alliance, will be deemed a no contest. You both may step down.”
As Jin So-cheong and I lowered our killing intent and dismounted, I felt a wave of exhaustion. It wasn’t just me; Jin So-cheong also appeared worn out.
“Good match.”
“Good match.”
We faced each other and performed the final courtesy to conclude the sparring.
Just then, Mangnyang interjected.
“Wait, you’re just ending it like this? I, Mangnyang, can’t accept that!”
Everyone’s attention turned toward Mangnyang, who had boldly stepped up despite the presence of top-tier experts. He approached Lee Kwang and grinned, saying,
“Li Kwang, you surely boasted that your disciple could defeat an unknown man within a hundred exchanges.”
Lee Kwang twitched his eyebrows and replied,
“I did say that. So what?”
“Now that it’s a no contest, I can’t help but wonder.”
Mangnyang’s words sent shockwaves through the audience.
“Are you not just letting the world’s greatest talent waste away uselessly?”
Mangnyang’s provocation!
I rushed to Lee Kwang‘s side, worried he might lash out at Mangnyang. Even Wei Zhi-hun was subtly watching him, anticipating his reaction. Red Moon and Green Moon, seemingly entertained, remained quiet.
To my surprise, Lee Kwang didn’t show any signs of anger. Instead, he thoughtfully rested his chin on his hand and spoke,
“If that was your intent, then you chose the wrong person. If it’s a senseless provocation to tarnish my reputation, then I’ll have no choice but to fight to preserve my honor.”
It was a very political remark. In an instant, Lee Kwang had laid out a justification for Mangnyang‘s death before the crowd. At that moment, I felt intense tension as Lee Kwang reached towards his beloved spear. However, following Mangnyang’s next words, he halted.
“What do you think So-woong’s age is?”
“……”
“So-woong indeed looks older than he appears. Thanks to the side effects of The Thousand Years Seal, he hasn’t aged much; he’s likely of a similar age to Jin So-cheong. However, he has roamed the world, absorbed numerous martial arts, and created his own understanding of martial arts.”
As Mangnyang spoke, Lee Kwang replied gruffly,
“Yet he still seems clueless about heart intent. He can hardly be considered a practitioner.”
“But, this person couldn’t lead your disciple Jin So-cheong to victory. Do you truly believe Wei Zhi-hun‘s judgment was faulty?”
“……”
That question was incredibly sharp.
Lee Kwang was left speechless, and Mangnyang, appearing somewhat disillusioned, added,
“I don’t know what the ultimate goal of Thunder God Lineage is, but keeping the world’s top talent imprisoned within Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, nurturing him like a fish, won’t allow him to grow. Jin So-cheong cannot learn anything more here! In contrast, So-woong has been circulating the world, enhancing his capabilities and breaking the mold. Don’t you sense something?”
Lee Kwang retorted irritably,
“What are you getting at, Mangnyang?”
Mangnyang smiled slyly,
“Entrust your disciple Jin So-cheong to The Annihilation Step. Then he will transcend mere talent and reach the realm of enlightenment in one leap.”
“Hmm…”
Would Lee Kwang really fall for that?
I anxiously observed, realizing that if this persuasion failed, Lee Kwang would undoubtedly resort to some means to attack and kill Mangnyang. I was ready to escape the moment he made a move.
But my fears were unfounded. After a moment of contemplation, Lee Kwang responded,
“I’ll consider it.”
“Half of it is approval, right?”
“Do as you please.”
With that, Lee Kwang turned and strode into Waryong Hall, closing the door behind him. His sudden change in demeanor left not just Wei Zhi-hun but also Red Moon and Green Moon looking bewildered. No one here was bold enough to push into Waryong Hall while Lee Kwang was in such a foul mood just to inquire about his feelings.
“Hmph!”
Wei Zhi-hun cleared his throat and addressed Jin So-cheong,
“Then I shall declare today’s friendly sparring match concluded.”
It seemed we should leave the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School now.
The killing intent exuding from Lee Kwang in Waryong Hall was truly unsettling.
[ Ah, right.]
As I turned to exit, Wei Zhi-hun’s voice quietly reached me.
[So-woong, you must visit the Wudang Sect.]
[ Huh?]
[ Even if you feel rushed, I will tell Mangnyang to make sure a place is arranged for you. He will provide appropriate rewards, so you must come.]
[ … Understood.]
It was probably about the Gongong Sword and Heavenly Jeep Sword. He’d likely known Muwak, the greatest expert inside Wudang Sect, and that made perfect sense.
Afterward, I found a separate moment to talk with Red Moon and Green Moon alongside Mangnyang. They removed their masks and praised Mangnyang with broad smiles.
“Truly, Mangnyang, that was impressive!”
“Thanks to you, we have full faith in Jin So-cheong‘s abilities. We are grateful.”
“Haha, no need for that.”
After our exchanges of flattery, Green Moon casually remarked,
“Think Lee Kwang will really give up Jin So-cheong?”
“I can’t be sure of complete success. Let’s wait for the outcome.”
“Ha ha… just seeing Lee Kwang’s expression was gratifying enough. Ha ha!”
Red Moon and Green Moon laughed uproariously before disappearing with Divine Ascension.
Watching them fade away, Mangnyang turned to me and said,
“Baek Woong, you did well.”
I felt a swell of emotions inside me and sighed deeply.
“Ha… I’m sorry I couldn’t win.”
I felt ashamed.
If there were a mouse hole, I’d want to crawl into it.
As I hung my head, Mangnyang looked at me curiously.
“Why do you feel that way? You did extremely well.”
“… After nearly a hundred years of hardship to master martial arts, I struggled against Jin So-cheong, who is in his twenties. How is that a good result…”
Mangnyang chuckled and patted my back.
“Ha ha! Worrying over such things is needless! I’m not speaking empty words. You truly did well.”
“……?”
Mangnyang settled down in a nearby chair and continued,
“To be honest, today you were at least a move or two behind him. Lee Kwang didn’t stop his disciple because he was sure he could win, and Red Moon and Green Moon also secretly seemed to hope for your defeat.”
So that was the reason behind it.
The Thunder God Lineage masters not intervening with Jin So-cheong made sense now.
Feeling dejected, I wore a perplexed expression, making Mangnyang grin.
“But that’s merely their point of view. Put differently, it means you’ve become strong enough that Jin So-cheong can’t possibly handle you if he doesn’t fight with all his might. And you will surely continue to grow from here on.”
“……!!”
“You will get stronger. Why must you feel discouraged?”
Suddenly, I felt a wave of courage wash over me at Mangnyang‘s words.
Because I struggled against Jin So-cheong so fiercely, I’d failed to see it that way.
“That’s right!”
“Think about it. Today, you made Lee Kwang eat humble pie.”
Mangnyang chuckled heartily.
“That guy is probably sulking in Waryong Hall, feeling like he stepped in muck right now!”
“Hahaha!”
I laughed so hard I nearly cried.
Just imagining the stern Lee Kwang fuming over a stalemate was utterly amusing.
Ah, this was it.
Honestly, I hadn’t learned or realized anything about heart intent during my training with the Sword Demon. I had just spent a month undergoing hellish training, burning through my physical and mental energy like crazy. That was why I was about to enter the sparring match feeling a deep disappointment.
However, the Sword Demon had given me advice.
[ If you can utilize everything within yourself, you won’t lose easily to anyone.]
That one piece of advice instilled courage in me and allowed me to return to Jinrang Valley with newfound confidence.
‘So what if I hit a bump now?’
Achieving a state of heart intent may be difficult. Maybe I won’t attain it even if I train like a madman. But right now, I was filled with joy, far removed from such hardships.
I had companions.
That alone was enough.
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