Chapter: 713
Kwawduck-!
Friction mounts, and the energy scatters.
The broken energy takes on a shape reminiscent of shards flying through the air.
Crunch-!!
The clash of defensive techniques produces a coarse sound.
Neither side seems willing to yield, displaying a ferocity that is both rough and, paradoxically, delicate.
Boom-! Boom boom-!
Despite the countless energies bursting forth, no energy is wasted.
Every single point carries weight.
What seems like a light toss is imbued with intent.
Rustle-!
The sword’s tip sliced through the opponent’s vital energy.
A golden flash exploded, instantly flooding the area with light.
Vision was obscured.
At that moment, Yuyeon immediately rotated his body.
Swirl-!
Even when visibility is compromised, instincts remain alert.
By a hair’s breadth, the sword tip brushed against his shoulder.
Then, using the recoil, he promptly swung his fist.
Boom-! Pressure surged within his danjeon.
He shallowed his energy and transferred it to his fist.
Hundred Steps Divine Right.
The essence of Shaolin poured into the void.
Kugagagagagagang-!
“!”
It’s close.
Too late to evade. Wi Seol-ah furrowed her brow and gripped the handle tightly.
It’s unavoidable and cannot be stopped.
Thus, one must let it flow.
Wi Seol-ah also retrieved the energy wrapped around her body, deeply wrapping it around her sword.
Grit-t-t-gik…!!!
The Baekboshin Kwon danced elegantly as it soared at a slight angle from Wi Seol-ah’s sword.
Kuung-!
The rising energy waves seemed as if they could pierce the heavens.
The audience was taken aback by its overwhelming presence.
Yet, the two combatants remained focused, immediately resuming their stances.
Before long, each had rewrapped their self-defense energy.
Suddenly, flashes of light started erupting one after another.
Bang-! Bang bang-! Bang-!
For those who couldn’t grasp martial arts, only faint afterimages and the sound of explosions lingered.
Despite the fighting being nearly invisible, it was unmistakably clear even in that haze.
The skill level of those two was astoundingly formidable.
“Such an absurd sight.”
“It’s impossible to see clearly.”
“… What on earth is happening…?”
The martial artists were practically in shock.
At most, they were youthful practitioners.
Given their rookiness among the later generations, the level of combat they exhibited was unimaginable.
A struggle akin to the best of the best, fought with genuine intent.
It was a rare and precious duel, difficult to witness even at such a high caliber.
“Insights from a child’s fight.”
An undeniably ludicrous situation.
While the martial artists floundered in confusion…
“Contact the sect master immediately.”
“We must recruit the successor of the Sword Master.”
The martial artists were still active as independents.
And news regarding Wi Seol-ah, the granddaughter and successor of the Sword Master, began to spread rapidly.
Just a disciple.
Those who had thoughtlessly sized her up without knowledge of her background quickly reevaluated.
She is not at that level.
Perhaps…
“The Rebirth of the Sword Master…”
The Gale Sword, a force that had once ruled an era and left a whirlwind-like mark.
The presence of someone who might have reached the pinnacle of martial arts began to emerge.
It was only natural that such an aura would capture everyone’s attention.
Of course.
“Phew…”
“…”
However, the two engaged in combat paid little heed to all of this.
Swish-!
After an intense bout, the two stepped back to catch their breath.
A haze of heat enveloped the air, with debris from the duel swirling around like dust.
My shoulders rise and fall.
In an instant, immense maneuvers had unfolded, leaving my breathing uneven.
“Phew… Huff…”
Steadying my breath within the chaos.
Simultaneously, Wi Seol-ah cast a narrowed glance at her opponent.
Divine Dragon, Yuyeon.
The youth regarded as Shaolin’s hope mirrored her gaze.
Seeing him caused Wi Seol-ah to let out a light sigh.
‘I’m being pushed back.’
She was indeed being pushed.
This was an objective appraisal.
Wi Seol-ah felt her strength gradually waning.
The sword felt slightly heavier, and her sweat began to dampen her hair.
Her throat was parched from the exertion.
Despite the considerable stamina drain immediately after their techniques collided.
Yuyeon appeared to be in relatively better shape.
While his breathing was strained, it was not overly so.
He seemed to maintain an aura akin to a calm lake.
Observing that, Wi Seol-ah scrutinized her sword.
Hummmmm.
The sound of the sword resonated.
But within that tremor, something unfamiliar was sensed.
Just moments prior, releasing the Baekboshin Kwon had delivered considerable backlash.
It wasn’t a severe injury, but it certainly took its toll.
‘…’
A tingling sensation danced in her hand.
Yet, she showed no sign of distress.
Wi Seol-ah lifted her gaze to meet Yuyeon’s once more.
Only then did the reality strike her.
‘Strong.’
Her opponent was undeniably strong.
Stronger than Wi Seol-ah had anticipated.
It felt akin to facing a daunting wall.
Perhaps even a wall that could withstand dozens of cuts without yielding.
Yet…
‘So what?’
The expression on Wi Seol-ah’s face remained the same as before.
This didn’t change anything.
If dozens of strikes wouldn’t work, then hundreds would.
And if that still didn’t suffice, she would strike repeatedly until it did.
From the very beginning, that had been her sole line of thought.
Wooooow—!! The sword’s resonance intensified.
Perhaps she might not win.
But it mattered not.
‘Just a bit more.’
Wi Seol-ah’s gaze began to soften.
It was an inexplicable sensation.
The energy that once held her center began to loosen.
The energy around the sword grew denser.
As Yuyeon noticed this, her expression slightly crinkled.
‘What’s happening?’
Though he firmly felt he had the advantage.
There was something off in the atmosphere.
Even with the upper hand, it didn’t feel like victory.
What to label this peculiar sensation?
He was clueless.
He raised his fist.
If he didn’t understand yet, henceforth would be the time to learn.
In such contemplation, both moved their bodies.
Once more, a jolt echoed from the stage.
Boom-! Kkurung-!
It sounded like thunder.
Far more intense and swift than before.
Sensing the shifts in energy, Yuyeon aligned his body.
The increased speed wasn’t something Yuyeon had intended.
‘… the speed has increased.’
As Wi Seol-ah raised her intensity, Yuyeon followed suit.
‘How?’
Why was he pushing himself to this extent when his tired body was nearing its limits?
While dodging the sword, Yuyeon’s thoughts raced.
Swish-!
“…!”
sensing a presence from behind, Yuyeon propelled himself from the ground.
At that moment.
Shhhhhh—!!
A sword flew past the spot Yuyeon had just vacated.
Yuyeon’s eyes widened in astonishment.
This was no ordinary sword.
A mounted sword.
To be precise, it was something resembling a wielded sword.
Golden energy floated in the air.
What is that?
Yuyeon felt a moment of panic.
Shh—!
“… Cough!”
To her shock, there wasn’t just one sword.
Two more emerged.
Three swords came piercing towards Yuyeon.
And, unfortunately, into empty space.
That indicated a challenging position to evade. Realizing this, Yuyeon quickly extended her hand.
Baekboshin Kwon. Causing an explosion in the air, he utilized the recoil to launch himself back.
Kwaaang—!
Just barely avoiding the sword, he landed back on the ground.
However, the mounted sword relentlessly pursued Yuyeon.
Leaving traces of golden energy in pursuit of him.
Witnessing this, a voice quietly murmured.
“…Wolseon Eogeom!”
“Truly the martial art of the Sword Master…!”
Moonlight Horse Sword (월선어검).
Based on the Sword Master’s Moon Heart Technique (월의심공), this martial art is distinguished by its elegant sword trajectories and numerous swords wielded with deep energy.
This is what Wi Seol-ah is currently showcasing.
While it had been said that the Sword Master handled forty sword at the peak of his powers.
Wi Seol-ah showcased merely three.
Yet, the audience was starting to buzz with excitement at just seeing that.
“He truly is the successor of the Sword Master.”
“…I never thought she would push the Divine Dragon to such an extent. Could it be that she herself is also at Hwagyeong?”
“If she’s not at Hwagyeong, then what could she be? No matter how you look at it, this isn’t the performance of a lesser martial artist.”
“At her age, and already at Hwagyeong…? What on earth is this generation…!!”
Swish-!
The agile attacks from the mounted swords.
Yuyeon shifted his gaze, evading them deftly.
Wi Seol-ah appeared slightly furrowed, waving her arms.
Seeing that, Yuyeon thought.
‘Is it that you can’t move when utilizing swords?’
The judgment became increasingly clear.
He kicked the ground again. There wasn’t much time to ponder.
This time, not aimed at the air but straight ahead.
With a firm resolve, he pushed towards Wi Seol-ah with a powerful kick.
Swish-! Two swords followed closely behind, while one lunged toward him from the front.
Yuyeon caught sight of this and reached out.
Thwack-! He seized the front sword.
Crack-! Energy pierced through, tearing into his palm.
The pain was significant, yet he disregarded it.
Wrenching-! He strained to grip tightly and shatter the sword, barreling ahead.
An explosive speed unfathomable enough to keep the pursuing swords in the dust.
In an instant, Yuyeon stood before Wi Seol-ah.
In that moment,
Squeal.
“…!?”
Like waiting for her cue, Wi Seol-ah moved her sword.
She expanded her senses to assess the situation.
The other swords were still approaching.
Only then did she realize.
‘This was a trap…!’
It was a deceptive ploy to draw him in.
Yuyeon was late to recognize this.
It was too late.
Slash-!
“Ugh!”
Wi Seol-ah’s blade slashed through Yuyeon’s upper body.
Blood sprayed forth.
Quickly distancing herself.
Drip-! Drip-!
Blood coursed down her chest.
Yuyeon winced in pain.
Fortunately, the gash wasn’t too deep.
“Whew…!”
He wrapped the energy around his body, staunching the flow of blood.
As the referee rushed forward, eyes wide at the sight of the injury.
Yuyeon, seeing this, calmly uttered.
“… I’m okay. I can still continue.”
“…”
Hearing this, the referee took a step back.
Wooooo.
The mounted sword circled gracefully through the air, orbiting Wi Seol-ah.
Amidst the two swords, energy coalesced, manifesting a third sword.
The sword that Yuyeon had broken earlier reappeared.
…This is tough.
The speed had escalated, complicating matters due to the new sword’s emergence.
Had Wi Seol-ah concealed her strength?
Yuyeon stared at Wi Seol-ah with tired eyes.
…What’s going on?
Something about her gaze felt odd.
Her eyes appeared hazy, whether consciously or not.
No way.
Yuyeon realized the current state of Wi Seol-ah.
The realm of non-self.
It indicated the martial artists had achieved a level of enlightenment. It seemed she had reached that state.
‘Did she achieve this while fighting?’
Such a notion was ridiculous.
How could someone gain enlightenment in the midst of combat?
‘If she missteps in that state, it could lead to a downfall.’
To glean insights during combat, particularly in half-hearted methods, could be dangerous.
Yet, despite this knowledge, the woman pressed forward.
‘…Did you think I would wait for you?’
Was she under the impression that Yuyeon would give her a pass?
No, Yuyeon doubted that was true.
She seemed utterly unconcerned.
It felt as if she believed the fight wouldn’t change even if engulfed in a no-self state.
…
Certainly not feeling disregarded, but it didn’t quite sit well.
The blood no longer flowed.
Confronting the dazed Wi Seol-ah, Yuyeon shifted his stance.
“Sssss….”
Slowly steadying his breath, different energy began to exhale.
The Shaolin Heart Technique, Yeokgeun-gyeong, rapidly pulsated with energy.
Gradually, yellow mist began to swirl around Yuyeon’s body.
An immense energy enveloped him, resembling armor.
The essence of Yeokgeun.
Hwang Ah Gang Ram.
The Shaolin essence descended upon Yuyeon.
“… Huh…!”
“How can he…!!”
Upon witnessing Yuyeon’s transformation, particularly older martial artists reacted with sheer disbelief.
In the last several decades.
The era before Cheonan, the current temple master of Shaolin.
No one ever successfully wielded it since the previous head master, Gyeongseungja.
The surrounding aura, akin to armor, held defenses comparable to the legendary indestructible diamond.
His fists cloaked in golden light could allegedly crush Mount Taishan with effortless might.
That intensity… that intensity…!!
The ground trembled beneath the feet of the fortified Yuyeon.
It was as if he were breaking under immense weight.
Everyone stood in awe before that overwhelming majesty.
“I have to end this.”
Despite his condition, Yuyeon wasn’t feeling great.
Hwang Ah Gang Ram was still strength that hadn’t yet suited his body.
Having reached Hwagyeong, he could barely mimic its power.
Merely bearing it and enduring meant he felt electric jolts of overload.
“At best, ten seconds.”
When the number crosses ten, it would surely collapse.
The formidable energy consumption would drain his danjeon, and before that, his body would surely fail him, plunging him into unconsciousness.
It was that dangerous of a technique.
However, how had Yuyeon managed to utilize it?
“It has to end.”
This was all about finishing the fight no matter what.
Prolonging it was futile—indeed terrifying.
“That woman continues to grow even now.”
She was stronger than when they first met.
As time passed, that notion would only accelerate.
She was anything but a trivial opponent.
“Hah.”
Yu-yeon positioned himself, inhaling deeply.
Wi Seol-ah, observing this, moved her hand with an air of calmness.
“… Hmm?”
Yu-yeon’s eyes widened upon seeing it.
The moment Wi Seol-ah moved her sword, the surrounding swords scattered in disarray.
The energy from the swords spread through the air, swirling towards her weapon.
“…!”
The energy tinted the blade.
Then the surroundings shimmered, lit in golden hue.
Hwaaaak-!
‘…’
Squinting against the wheel of light, Yuyeon reflected.
So that’s how it is.
Even after reaching a state of non-self, she still demonstrated intent.
It seemed she was aiming to align with him this time.
Amid the roaring spirit of battle, a strange sense of gratitude mingled with unnamable emotions arose.
A rival encountered for the first time.
That must have been an experience like none other for Yuyeon.
Suddenly, a wave of reassurance washed over him.
Was this merely an illusion?
It seemed the energy he enveloped—intertwined with Hwang A Gang Rim—had strengthened further.
If it continued in this vein, would he reach the place he aspired to?
Such ethereal thoughts flowed through him.
“…”
“…”
The two moved.
Instead of unleashing a punch, Yuyeon brought his palm down to the ground rather than facing forward.
Tathagata’s Divine Palm.
Kuuuuuuung—!!!
With a shockwave radiating throughout the stage, a massive crack split open.
Woofwoofwoof—!!!!
The energy whisked through the air, cascading down upon Wi Seol-ah.
Palm-shaped energy.
Large enough to engulf the entire stage.
Such an impact fell speedily.
And simultaneously,
Swish.
Wi Seol-ah, with sharp finesse, also executed a deft downward stroke with her sword.
Refined, delicate motions.
Her sword traced a semicircle, cutting through the air with lingering afterimages.
Moon Fresh Sword Round Cut.
Guuuuu!!!!!!
A colossal crescent moon, born from the sword, advanced to slice through the palm of the Buddha.
In an instant, the two martial techniques collided.
Boom-!
With a feeble vibrational hum.
Kuuuuuuuuuuu—!!!!!!
An immense explosion erupted.
The tremors felt as if an earthquake had taken place.
With such power, it seemed this duel could shake the audience stands themselves.
“… Wh-What?!”
In complete shock, the referee hastily scanned the crowd.
“…Huh?”
In sprawling disbelief, the initial shockwave failed to impact the audience whatsoever.
The reason was astonishing.
Somehow, a barrier of blue light had expanded abruptly, protecting those around it from the burgeoning blast.
What is that?
Confusion clouded the referee’s mind, yet as if completing its duty, the shimmering shield shortly dissipated.
Whoooooosh—!!
When the explosion subsided, only a cloud of dust lingered atop the duel stage.
All eyes in the audience were glued, holding their breath.
A silence descended from the moment Yuyeon activated the Hwang Ah Gang Rim.
As time elapsed, the dust gradually settled.
Swish… .
The stage revealed Yuyeon and Wi Seol-ah standing.
Was it not over yet?
At that moment, everyone’s gaze fell upon them.
“Cough.”
Someone spat blood.
It was Yuyeon.
Thud-! Blood splattered onto the ground.
Yu-yeon gripped his chest, collapsing onto one knee.
“Huff… cough…”
He gasped for breath, teetering on the edge of his limits.
The referee rushed forward, appearing alarmed.
It appeared Yu-yeon had faced defeat.
“The winner is…!”
Just as the referee was about to declare Wi Seol-ah’s victory,
Thud-!
This time, a movement caught the referee’s eye from Wi Seol-ah’s direction.
When he looked, he found her sprawled upon the stage, seemingly unconscious.
Ker-ching.
The sword she grasped tumbled to the ground.
The one who remained upright on stage was Yu-yeon.
“Uh….”
Still caught off guard at the performed moment, the referee froze, not assessing the situation.
Yet, soon he grasped what transpired, shouting.
“Two hundred and nine counts! Victory!”
The Divine Dragon had claimed victory.
Moments after Yu-yeon’s number resounded, confirming his triumph, a mighty cheer erupted from the stands.
“Huff… huff…”
He nodded with fatigue, the roaring applause reaching his ears.
He had won.
He had truly achieved victory.
The wound in his chest caused his senses to fade gradually.
Nonetheless, the heat surged up.
He wouldn’t mind if he blacked out like this.
Yu-yeon struggled to hold back laughter while catching his breath.
Whoosh.
“…?”
All of a sudden, Yu-yeon saw Wi Seol-ah’s body levitating in the air.
Am I hallucinating due to the blood loss?
That thought slithered in for a moment, but it wasn’t merely a mirage.
She was indeed rising.
Not too high, but low enough.
While the crowd erupted, Wi Seol-ah floated upwards, beginning to move.
Those animating supplies and physicians abruptly halted.
Wi Seol-ah glided through the air, landing in someone’s embrace.
As Yu-yeon confirmed the individual, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
So Yeom-ra.
The one cradling Wi Seol-ah beneath the stage was So Yeom-ra.
He stroked the unconscious Wi Seol-ah’s head.
Quietly observing, So Yeom-ra promptly turned and made eye contact with Yu-yeon.
His gaze gave away nothing.
It was cool and detached, yet held an unsettling warmth.
Even with the crowd cheering on, Yu-yeon felt a deafening silence.
At that moment.
—I’m sorry.
So Yeom-ra’s voice echoed alongside his thoughts.
—I apologize. You’re the real deal, aren’t you?
What was he implying?
Yu-yeon found himself too fatigued to inquire.
—I’m counting on you.
After finishing his words, So Yeom-ra, still holding Wi Seol-ah, turned away and walked off.
“Ah…”
Watching the scene unfold, Yu-yeon, sensing his limits, fainted and crumpled to the ground.
History would later recount:
This moment marked the very beginning.
The moment when the stars, known as Yoo Seong, began to bloom and the Central Plains started to genuinely transform.
That day marked this day.
It began an era that countless souls would commemorate.
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