Chapter 138: 27th Floor. Murim (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 138: 27th Floor. Murim (7)
The profound principles of martial arts.
The physical movements.
The flow of internal energy.
All of it merged into one within him. Kang Jun-hyeok took a deep breath.
“……What?”
Flower Heaven Taoist still wore a look of utter confusion. It was only natural; this was not a realm a commoner like him could hope to comprehend.
Kang Jun-hyeok gripped his sword.
Clang!
Flower Heaven Taoist’s body staggered as he was forced back. His eyes widened in alarm.
“Wait… just a moment!”
Screeeech!
Something had fundamentally changed. As if he had reached a sudden epiphany, Jun-hyeok’s control over his internal energy was far more masterful than before. Flower Heaven Taoist’s expression hardened.
Clang!
“Ugh!”
Unable to withstand the sheer force, the Taoist was forced to retreat five steps. Shock flickered in his eyes, undeniable and raw.
In terms of raw swordsmanship skill and martial arts proficiency, he should have been superior in every way. And yet, he was being pushed back.
There was only one reason for it.
The sheer difference in the grade of their martial arts.
“……Don’t make me laugh!”
What kind of grueling effort had he endured to reach this realm? How hard had he worked to master his technique? To be pushed back simply because of a difference in innate quality?
He couldn't accept it. Flower Heaven Taoist let out a furious roar.
“Die!”
He lunged forward, soaring through the air as if performing a lethal dance. Countless blades descended like falling petals before merging into a single, devastating point. Flower Heaven Taoist thrust his saber with everything he had.
Kang Jun-hyeok steadied his breathing.
“Whew.”
He gathered his internal energy. Stepping forward, he pulled back his arm and drew his sword in a sharp, diagonal arc.
Cla-claaaang!
The sword, colliding with the saber, couldn't withstand the initial force and was knocked aside. Flower Heaven Taoist’s attack, which concentrated his entire martial path into a single blade, was heavy and powerful. Even Jun-hyeok couldn't block it easily. Flower Heaven Taoist bared his teeth, aiming straight for Jun-hyeok’s heart.
At that moment, Kang Jun-hyeok tightened his grip on the sword that had been deflected. He stepped deeper into the Taoist's space and swung.
Crrraaaack!
A violent impact erupted, sounding as if the very air was shattering.
“Cough!”
Flower Heaven Taoist coughed up a spray of blood as he was blown back. He only managed to stop after sliding dozens of paces, his face etched with horror.
“How… could this…!”
The power contained in that second strike was unnervingly strong. Despite defending, he had suffered significant internal injuries.
“What did you do?!”
At the desperate cry, Kang Jun-hyeok silently looked down at his sword.
The first strike was ordinary. But the second strike had taken his own power, the opponent’s force, the repulsion of the clash, and the resulting acceleration—unleashing it all in one singular swing. It felt as if he were splitting the world in half.
This was a technique that transcended mere principles. It was a formal technique.
The Master of All Weapons muttered.
[The first form. Hot Wind Sky Slash.]
Cleaving the wind, and then cleaving the world. Finally, Kang Jun-hyeok was able to wield the forms of the Master of All Weapons' divine art.
“……Ah. Aaaah! Aaaaaah!”
Flower Heaven Taoist half-lost his mind. He rushed in recklessly, swinging his saber in a frenzy. Blocking the frantic attacks, Kang Jun-hyeok steadied his breath once more.
“Whew.”
He pressed his foot against the earth, drawing the power of the ground into his legs. He moved his arms slowly, loading the power of the atmosphere into his sword. He circulated his internal energy, coiling it tighter and tighter.
Then, he unleashed the gathered power through his blade.
Screeeeeeech!
The power transformed into a storm that swept through the clearing. The charging Flower Heaven Taoist instinctively tried to protect himself, but it wasn't enough. He was trampled and shredded by the rising tempest.
Rumble!
The storm didn't stop there; it swept across the entire area. Despite being a fair distance away, the thatched cottage shook violently and creaked. Faded Heaven Supreme hurriedly threw himself aside.
Thud!
The cottage finally collapsed into a heap of debris. It was a mighty power that shook the very foundations of the floor.
[The second form. World-Shaking Wind Descent.]
Shaking the world to bring forth the descent of the storm.
“…….”
Kang Jun-hyeok stared silently at his sword. He had succeeded in understanding the Master of All Weapons' martial arts and wielding its forms.
The Master of All Weapons spoke in a jovial tone.
[The power is pitiful, but you’ve managed to manifest the shape of it. You are the first in the universe to succeed in wielding my martial arts. You may take pride in it. It is something none of the so-called geniuses of the universe could achieve.]
[Your techniques… it’s been a long time. They are truly bizarre. I wonder if such things can even be called martial arts,] Eldiria muttered, sounding as if she found the whole thing absurd.
Kang Jun-hyeok slowly approached Flower Heaven Taoist.
Sword marks were carved all over the man's body. It was a sight so gruesome that a faint-hearted person would have looked away. Yet, as if he couldn't even feel the pain, the Taoist's face was filled only with denial.
“Something like that… can’t exist… something like that shouldn't be allowed… that’s cheating….”
With those final words, Flower Heaven Taoist’s body went limp.
[Level Up.]
[Strength +1]
[Internal Energy +4]
[Swordsmanship proficiency has increased from C to B.]
[Proficiency in Divine Art of the Master of All Weapons has increased.]
[Proficiency in Scale Mental Method has increased.]
“Ha.”
Kang Jun-hyeok let out a short, dry laugh. He had defeated a master who had reached the Peak Realm using nothing but martial arts.
Of course, it wasn't a perfect victory. Flower Heaven Taoist’s techniques were lacking; he had likely only just entered the Peak Realm. Most importantly, he had lost his composure upon seeing Jun-hyeok’s martial arts and had swung his blade recklessly. Since his swordsmanship was highly fluid and complex, he probably hadn't even brought out half of its true potential.
But even so, a victory was a victory.
“This is unbelievable.”
It was incomparable to anything else. In terms of pure technique, it was literally at the pinnacle. The Master of All Weapons spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
[What you have learned is none other than my martial art. Comparing it to the techniques of commoners is an insult to me.]
Kang Jun-hyeok shook his head. Sheathing his sword, he moved toward the place where Soaring Heaven Sword and Wind Blood Blade were fighting.
“Cough!”
Wind Blood Blade Chicheon spat out blood. His entire body was covered in wounds bordering on critical.
However, his situation was better than Soaring Heaven Sword’s. The latter’s left arm had been severed. Soaring Heaven Sword’s expression hardened at the sight of Kang Jun-hyeok.
“Is Flower Heaven Taoist dead?”
“He is.”
“How unfortunate. I thought he would become one of the Ten Great Masters one day. But such is the way of the Murim.”
“Are you going to continue?”
“……No. Let’s stop here. I haven't even subdued Wind Blood Blade yet; if you join the fray, I have no chance of winning.”
Soaring Heaven Sword sheathed his sword with his one remaining arm. He smiled as he looked at Wind Blood Blade.
“You’ve grown stronger, Wind Blood Blade. To think you would best me.”
“……My skills improved while fighting a peculiar individual.” Wind Blood Blade glanced briefly at Kang Jun-hyeok.
“This time, the victory is yours. But the Alliance Leader will not stop. He will send someone even stronger next time.”
“It doesn't matter. My resolve will not change.”
“……To be able to carry out one’s own will and purpose in these chaotic times. I envy you. Then, farewell. Let us see each other alive next time.”
Soaring Heaven Sword departed, likely intending to retrieve Flower Heaven Taoist’s body before leaving. Wind Blood Blade, who had been barely holding on, slumped to the ground.
“Are you alright?”
“……Stand guard for a moment.”
Kang Jun-hyeok nodded. After barely recovering from his internal injuries using his energy, Wind Blood Blade immediately stood up.
“Faded Heaven Supreme. Is Faded Heaven Supreme safe?”
“At least there were no visible external injuries.”
Wind Blood Blade moved hurriedly. Faded Heaven Supreme was sitting right next to the collapsed cottage, speaking calmly.
“Wind Blood Blade. You look quite wretched.”
“I have no major wounds. Are you feeling alright?”
“I wonder.”
Faded Heaven Supreme smiled. At that smile, which seemed somewhat enlightened, Wind Blood Blade’s face stiffened.
“……I will check your pulse.”
“It will be meaningless, but if you wish.”
As he checked the pulse, Wind Blood Blade’s face twisted in agony. The pulse was incredibly weak. That wasn't all—his Internal Energy was completely depleted. He was in a state no different from a living corpse.
“Faded Heaven Supreme…….”
“Do not be too sad. It was my destiny to end up like this anyway. Still, I am glad you were by my side.”
After comforting Wind Blood Blade, Faded Heaven Supreme looked at Kang Jun-hyeok.
“I assume the flow has been passed on.”
Kang Jun-hyeok nodded. Faded Heaven Supreme wore a satisfied expression.
“What you have learned… is not a simple martial art. It is closer to something else entirely, wearing the mask of martial arts. It is like the mysterious principles handled by the immortals.”
[To compare my martial arts to the petty divine arts of immortals. My pride is wounded,] the Master of All Weapons grumbled. [But well, he’s decent enough. Kang Jun-hyeok. I have a request.]
Kang Jun-hyeok gave a small nod. The Master of All Weapons whispered something to him. After hearing those words, Kang Jun-hyeok spoke.
“Faded Heaven Supreme. I have something to tell you.”
“Something to tell me…?”
“Congratulations.”
“Hmm?”
Wind Blood Blade instinctively took a step back in surprise. Kang Jun-hyeok’s attitude and posture had changed. He looked like a transcendent powerhouse who had reached the pinnacle on his own, capable of grasping and shaking the universe.
“Many have sought the answer, but none have succeeded. You are the first to understand my martial arts. You should be proud.”
“…….”
Faded Heaven Supreme’s eyes widened. Soon, a faint smile appeared on his face.
“Ha, haha…… I’m glad. With those words alone, my life in this world has gained meaning. Thank you. Meeting you was like a miracle to me.”
As if he had achieved his purpose, the vitality began to rapidly drain from Faded Heaven Supreme’s body. He murmured softly.
“Life is like drifting duckweed…… coming empty-handed and leaving empty-handed…… Is it not enough to leave something behind in this world……?”
Faded Heaven Supreme’s arm went limp. Wind Blood Blade closed his eyes and took his hand.
* * *
“Faded Heaven Supreme had no interest in the world.”
After recovering Faded Heaven Supreme’s body and holding a brief funeral, Wind Blood Blade spoke to Kang Jun-hyeok.
“Saving my daughter was merely a whim. To him, this world was infinitely fleeting, like a mist. But after you arrived, vitality returned to Faded Heaven Supreme’s eyes. For the first time, he looked like a living person.”
He bowed politely with his hands clasped.
“I offer you my thanks.”
“I am grateful as well. What do you plan to do now?”
“I don’t know. The Alliance Leader will hunt me. I might just leave the Murim like this, return to my daughter, and look after her.”
“I hope you have a peaceful life.”
“And what about you?”
“I will simply keep moving forward.”
Wind Blood Blade gave a short laugh. “That’s a goal perfect for dying in a ditch. Don’t die. I hope to see you again if the opportunity arises.”
“Then, farewell.”
Wind Blood Blade departed. Kang Jun-hyeok stood still, looking out at the world. A moment later, a window appeared, signaling the end.
[27th Floor Quest Cleared.]
[Rewards will be determined based on your performance.]
[Calculating achievement rate……]
[Calculation complete.]
[Achievement Rate: 100%]
[Perfect Clear. Congratulations! Additional rewards will be granted.]
[3,312 Gold has been awarded.]
[The effect of the Title: Perfect Player has been added.]
[You have obtained the Perfect Clear reward: Blue and Red Great Restoration Pill.]
[You have obtained the Perfect Clear reward: Ring of the Alliance Leader.]
[Players who have Perfect Cleared the 27th Floor: 2.]
[Universe Announcement.]
[Please offer your congratulations, Citizens of the Universe! A Perfect Player of the 27th Floor has appeared.]
[Feat +3]