Chapter 713: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (21)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 713: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (21)
Crack—!
Sparks flew as internal energy ground together, scattering in every direction. The sight of the manifested energy shattering was like watching glass fragments fly apart.
Screeech—!!
A harsh, grating sound rang out as protective aura clashed against protective aura. It was a fierce, violent collision where neither side would yield an inch, yet it was also, paradoxically, incredibly delicate.
Boom—! Boom, boom—!
Despite the countless bursts of energy, not a single drop was wasted. Every point of impact had a purpose. Even the energy that seemed to be casually discarded was imbued with lethal intent.
Slice—!
The tip of a sword split the opponent's Combat Qi. A golden flash erupted, momentarily swallowing the light and obscuring his vision. In response, Yu Yeon immediately spun his body.
Whoosh—!
His sight was gone, but his instincts were razor-sharp. By a hair's breadth, the sword's tip grazed his shoulder. Using that momentum, he instantly threw a punch.
Boom—!
Pressure bore down on his dantian. He compressed his Combat Qi, channeling that raw energy into his fist.
The Hundred Steps of the Fist.
A secret art of Shaolin poured into the air.
Ruuuumble—!
“!”
Too close. It was too late to dodge. Wi Seol-Ah’s golden pupils narrowed as she readjusted her grip on the hilt. She couldn't dodge it, and she couldn't block it head-on.
That meant she had to deflect it.
Wi Seol-Ah withdrew the Combat Qi surrounding her body and wrapped it thickly around her blade.
Screeeeeeeeeeech—!!!
The Hundred Steps of the Fist struck the flat of Wi Seol-Ah’s sword at a slight angle and shot up into the sky.
Booooom—!
The rising shockwave looked as if it would pierce the heavens. The audience’s attention was momentarily stolen by the overwhelming display, but the two on the stage immediately resumed their stances. In an instant, they had once again cloaked themselves in their protective auras.
Flashes of light began to burst forth in rapid succession.
Crash—! Crash, crash—! Crash—!
For those who were not martial artists, only blurry afterimages and explosive sounds remained. It was a fight they could barely track with their eyes, yet even so, one thing was clear: the level of the duel was astounding.
“What an unbelievable sight.”
“I can’t even see them properly.”
“…What in the world is happening…?”
The martial artists among the crowd reacted with something close to horror. These two were, at most, twenty years of age. For a duel between the youngest of the young prodigies, the level was absurd. This was a life-or-death battle fought with the full strength of Hundred Masters-level experts. It was a caliber of combat rarely seen even among veterans of that rank.
“To think I’d find enlightenment watching children fight.”
It was a humbling, almost dumbfounding situation. While the martial artists were reeling in confusion…
“Contact the Association Leader… now.”
“We must recruit the Sword Venerable’s descendant.”
A newcomer to the martial world, still unaffiliated. News about Wi Seol-Ah, the descendant and granddaughter of the Sword Venerable, began to spread like wildfire. They had initially judged her as a mere disciple who had gained her position through lineage, but now they were jolted to their senses.
She was not on that level. She was something else entirely.
“The second coming of the Sword Venerable…”
The Wind Sword, who had reigned over an era and left his mark like a whirlwind. The presence of one who might become the next Zenith Under the Heavens had appeared. That alone was enough to draw every gaze in the arena.
Of course…
“Hoo…”
“...”
The two actually fighting the duel couldn't be bothered with such thoughts.
Swoooosh—!
After a fierce exchange, the two briefly created distance. The air was thick with heat, and the scattered fragments of the dueling stage had been ground to dust, enveloping the area in a haze. Their shoulders heaved. An incredible number of movements had passed in an instant, leaving them both breathing heavily.
“Hoo… Hahk…”
She circulated her internal energy to calm her breathing. At the same time, Wi Seol-Ah stared at her opponent with narrowed eyes.
The Heavenly Dragon, Yu Yeon.
The young man called the hope of Shaolin was looking back at her with the same intensity. Seeing this, Wi Seol-Ah let out a soft groan.
I’m being pushed back.
She was losing. This was an objective assessment. Wi Seol-Ah could feel her strength gradually waning. Her sword had grown heavy, and sweat soaked her hair. Her breathing was ragged, and her throat felt raw.
Despite the immense stamina consumed in their exchange, Yu Yeon was in a better state. His breathing was disturbed, but not severely. He was still like a placid lake.
Watching him, Wi Seol-Ah glanced down at her sword.
Vmmmmmm.
A Sword Resonance was ringing out. But within that vibration, she felt something out of place. She had taken a massive recoil when she deflected the Hundred Steps of the Fist. It wasn't an internal injury, but it had definitely strained her.
‘…’
A tingling numbness spread from her hand, but she didn't let it show. Wi Seol-Ah raised her head and looked at Yu Yeon again. Only then did the reality truly sink in.
He’s strong.
Her opponent was powerful—far stronger than she had anticipated. It felt like standing before a massive wall that wouldn't break even if she struck it dozens of times.
However.
So what?
Wi Seol-Ah’s expression remained as calm as it was at the start. That changed nothing. If dozens of strikes weren't enough, she would strike hundreds of times. If that still wasn't enough, she would just keep striking until the wall crumbled. That had been her only thought from the beginning.
Vmmmmmm—!!
The Sword Resonance emanating from her blade reached its peak. She might not be able to win. Even so, it didn't matter.
Just a little more.
Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes were gradually losing focus. It was an indescribable sensation. The power that had been her anchor was slowly loosening. The Sword Resonance grew deeper, more profound.
Seeing this, Yu Yeon’s expression subtly contorted.
What is this?
He could feel that he had the upper hand, yet the atmosphere was shifting strangely. Even though he was winning, it didn't feel like a victory. What was this sensation? He didn't know.
He raised his fist. If he didn't know, he would find out now.
With that thought, they both moved. Once again, an impact rocked the dueling stage.
Boom—! Ruuumble—!
A roar like thunder. It was far more intense and swifter than before. Feeling the flow of internal energy, Yu Yeon aligned his body. The increase in speed was not something Yu Yeon had intended.
…She increased her speed.
Wi Seol-Ah had raised the intensity, and Yu Yeon was forced to keep up.
How?
Her exhausted body should be reaching its limit. Why was she pushing herself so hard? As he dodged her sword, Yu Yeon pondered the question.
Shing—!
“!”
Sensing something from behind, Yu Yeon kicked off the ground and leaped.
Shiiiik—!!
A sword passed through the spot where Yu Yeon had just been. Seeing it, Yu Yeon’s eyes widened in shock. It wasn't just a sword.
Sword Manipulation.
To be precise, it was something in the form of Sword Manipulation—an aura that glowed golden as it swam through the air.
What is that?
Yu Yeon was momentarily taken aback, but…
Shiiiik—!
“…Keuk!”
To his surprise, there wasn't just one. Two more appeared. A total of three swords of energy shot toward Yu Yeon. He was in mid-air—a difficult position to dodge from. Realizing this, Yu Yeon immediately stretched out his hand.
The Hundred Steps of the Fist.
He unleashed it in the air, using the recoil to propel his body backward.
Kwaaaang—!
He barely managed to evade the energy swords and landed on the ground. However, the swords pursued him relentlessly, leaving golden trails in their wake.
Seeing this, someone in the crowd whispered.
“…Moonlight Sword Manipulation!”
“To think it’s really the Sword Venerable’s martial art…!”
Moonlight Sword Manipulation. It was a martial art used in conjunction with the Sword Venerable’s internal art, the Moon-Intent Art. The beautiful sword path of the Moonlight Dance and the countless manipulated swords wielded through his internal art were the very identity of the Sword Venerable.
And now, Wi Seol-Ah was displaying it. While the Sword Venerable in his prime was known to have controlled forty such swords, Wi Seol-Ah had only shown three. Even so, the sight was enough to ignite the crowd.
“She is truly the descendant of the Sword Venerable.”
“…To think she’d start pushing the Heavenly Dragon back like that. Don’t tell me that young lady is also in the Fusion Realm?”
“What else could it be? No matter how you look at it, that’s not a skill a peak martial artist could display.”
“The Fusion Realm at that age…? What is wrong with this generation?!”
Shiiing—!
The energy swords attacked nimbly. Dodging them, Yu Yeon shifted his gaze. Wi Seol-Ah was waving her hand with a slightly pained expression.
Can she not move while using Sword Manipulation?
He made his decision. He kicked off the ground once more. There was no time to hesitate. This time, he didn't leap; he charged straight ahead. With feet heavily clad in internal energy, he instantly closed the distance.
Shing—!
Two energy swords followed from behind while one stabbed at him from the front. Seeing it, Yu Yeon reached out his hand.
Grab—!
He caught the sword in front of him.
Slaaash—!
It pierced through his Combat Qi and tore his palm open. Pain flared, but he ignored it.
Crack—!
He gripped it tightly, shattering the energy sword as he charged forward. He moved at a speed the swords behind him couldn't match. In an instant, Yu Yeon arrived before Wi Seol-Ah.
At that moment.
Shing.
“…!?”
Wi Seol-Ah moved her sword as if she had been waiting. He expanded his senses to check. The energy swords were still coming. Only then did he realize.
A feint…!
It was a trap designed to lure him in from the start. Yu Yeon realized it too late.
Slaaash—!
“Keuk!”
Wi Seol-Ah’s sword cut across Yu Yeon’s torso. Blood splattered. He hastily backed away.
Drip—! Drip—!
Blood flowed down his chest. Yu Yeon’s brow furrowed in pain. Fortunately, the cut wasn't deep.
“Hoo-wook…!”
He circulated his internal energy to stop the bleeding. Seeing his wounded state, the judge’s eyes widened as he approached. Yu Yeon spoke calmly.
“…I can continue. I’m fine.”
“...”
The judge retreated.
Vmmmm.
The energy swords flew through the air, circling Wi Seol-Ah. Between two of the swords, energy gathered and formed another blade. The sword Yu Yeon had shattered had reappeared.
…This is difficult.
Her speed had increased, and the energy swords made it nearly impossible to approach. Was she hiding her strength? Yu Yeon looked at Wi Seol-Ah with weary eyes.
…What is it?
Then, he sensed something strange. The woman’s eyes seemed vaguely unfocused.
Don’t tell me.
Yu Yeon realized Wi Seol-Ah’s current state. The state of selflessness. It was the state of enlightenment, and it seemed she had reached it in the heat of battle.
Did she attain enlightenment while fighting?
It was absurd. How could one reach such a state in a fight like this?
If something goes wrong, she’ll fall into a Qi overflow state.
It was a shame, but the right thing to do was to withdraw from enlightenment gained during a duel. Knowing this, the woman was still attempting it.
…Did you think I would wait for you?
Did she think Yu Yeon would yield? No, he realized that wasn't it. This woman simply didn't care. It didn't matter to her if she fought while in a state of selflessness.
“....”
Grip.
He didn't feel ignored, but it wasn't a pleasant feeling either. The bleeding had stopped. Facing the dazed Wi Seol-Ah, Yu Yeon changed his stance.
“Sssss…”
He controlled his breathing and began to emit a different kind of energy. The Sinew-Changing Sutra, Shaolin’s supreme internal art, rapidly circulated his energy. A golden haze began to rise from Yu Yeon’s body. An immense amount of internal energy enveloped him, taking on the form of armor.
The ultimate technique of the Sinew-Changing Sutra.
Descent of the Golden Buddha.
A secret art of Shaolin descended upon Yu Yeon’s body.
“…Heo…!”
“How did he…!!”
The older martial artists in the crowd reacted with shock. For decades, since the generation of the current Shaolin Abbot, Heavenly Eye… and even before him, Abbot Kyungsungja… no one had succeeded in mastering this secret art.
The aura wrapped around him like armor was said to possess a defensive power like an indestructible body of steel. And the fist, cloaked in golden light, was said to be able to crush Mount Tai with a single blow.
K-k-krak… Krak…!!
The ground beneath Yu Yeon’s feet began to crack. It looked as if it were being crushed under an immense weight. Everyone trembled at the overwhelming presence, but…
I have to end this.
Yu Yeon was not in a good state. The Descent of the Golden Buddha was a power that did not yet fit his vessel. Having only recently reached the Fusion Realm, he could barely imitate it. Just wearing it was causing his body to overload.
Ten seconds at most.
The moment he counted past ten, he would collapse. The massive consumption of energy would empty his dantian, and his body would give out. It was that dangerous.
So, why did Yu Yeon use it?
I have to end this.
He had to end this duel, no matter what. Dragging it out was meaningless. And also, frightening.
This woman is growing, even in this moment.
She was stronger than when he first faced her. And that would only become more true as time went on. She was nothing short of an unbelievable existence.
“Hoo.”
Yu Yeon took his stance and inhaled. Seeing this, Wi Seol-Ah moved her hand with calm eyes.
“…Hm?”
Yu Yeon’s eyes widened. As Wi Seol-Ah moved her sword, the energy swords circling her scattered. The energy dispersed into the air, then began to gather on her blade.
“…!”
The energy dyed the blade in a radiant golden light.
Fwhoooosh—!
‘…’
Squinting against the light, Yu Yeon thought.
I see.
Even in her state of selflessness, she was showing her intent. She was going to match him. Amidst his boiling fighting spirit, a strange sense of gratitude bloomed. His first true rival. For Yu Yeon, it was a novel feeling.
Suddenly, he felt a sense of ease. Was it an illusion? The internal energy weaving the Descent of the Golden Buddha seemed to grow stronger. If things continued like this, could he reach the place he sought?
Exhaling that hazy thought…
“...”
“...”
The two of them moved. Yu Yeon didn't punch; he slammed his palm down onto the ground.
Tathagata's Palm.
Kuuuuuuuung—!!!
An impact shook the stage, and a massive crack spread across it.
Vwoooooooom—!!!!
In the air, energy gathered and fell upon Wi Seol-Ah. An energy in the shape of a massive palm, large enough to cover the entire stage, fell rapidly.
And at the same time.
Shing.
Wi Seol-Ah swung her sword down. It was a clean, delicate movement. The sword drew a semi-circle, creating an afterimage in the air.
Moon-Glow Dagger-Circle Slash.
Guuuuuuuuuu—!!
A great crescent moon born from the sword advanced to cut the Buddha’s palm. The two techniques finally clashed.
Woong—!
With a small vibration…
Kuuuuuuuuuuung—!!!!
A massive explosion erupted. The shock was so intense it felt like an earthquake. The blast was powerful enough to engulf not just the stage, but the audience seats as well.
“…Th-this is!”
The judge, shaken by the impact, hurriedly checked the audience.
“…Huh?”
Surprisingly, the impact was having no effect on the crowd. A blue barrier of Qi had appeared, surrounding the area and protecting it from the explosion.
What is that?
The judge was filled with questions, but the barrier soon vanished as if its role was done.
Saaaaaaah—!!
On the stage, the explosion faded, leaving only a thick cloud of dust. The crowd held their breath. A heavy silence had fallen. As time passed, the dust cloud gradually settled.
Swoosh….
On the stage stood Yu Yeon and Wi Seol-Ah. Was it not over yet? Just as everyone was staring at them…
“Cough.”
Someone spat out blood. It was Yu Yeon.
Splat—!
The blood splattered on the ground. Yu Yeon clutched his chest and dropped to one knee.
“Heok… Keoheok…”
He gasped for breath, his limit reached. Seeing this, the judge rushed to his side. It seemed Yu Yeon had been defeated.
“The winner is—!”
Just as the judge was about to declare Wi Seol-Ah’s victory…
Thud—!
Wi Seol-Ah collapsed onto the stage, having lost consciousness.
Clang.
The sword she had been holding fell to the ground. The only one still conscious on the stage was Yu Yeon.
“Uh…”
The judge froze for a moment, flustered. But he soon grasped the situation and shouted.
“N-Number Two Hundred and Nine. Victorious!”
The Heavenly Dragon had seized victory.
Waaaaaaaaaah—!!!
A great roar of cheers erupted from the audience.
“Hoo-wook… Hook…”
As the cheers flooded his ears, Yu Yeon nodded his head wearily. He had won. He had won. His consciousness was fading due to the wound on his chest and the exhaustion of his technique. Even so, a sense of excitement rose within him.
Yu Yeon was suppressing a smile, barely catching his breath, when…
Vmm.
“…?”
He saw Wi Seol-Ah’s body floating in the air. Had he lost too much blood? Was he hallucinating? He doubted it for a moment, but it was no illusion. Wi Seol-Ah was definitely floating.
In the midst of the cheering, she floated low and began to move. The medics and staff rushing over with a stretcher stopped in their tracks. Wi Seol-Ah flew through the air and landed in someone’s arms.
Recognizing the person, Yu Yeon’s eyes trembled.
The Lesser King of Hell.
The one who had caught Wi Seol-Ah below the stage was the Lesser King of Hell. He was holding the unconscious girl, gently stroking her hair. After gazing at her for a moment, the Lesser King of Hell turned his head and met Yu Yeon’s eyes.
His pupils were unreadable—calm yet cool, dry yet filled with heat. Everyone was cheering, but to Yu Yeon, no sound could be heard.
Just then.
—Sorry.
The Lesser King of Hell’s telepathic voice reached his ears.
—I apologize. You're the real deal.
What did he mean? Yu Yeon couldn't ask. He was too exhausted to even send a telepathic message back.
—I'm looking forward to it.
As if he had finished, the Lesser King of Hell, holding Wi Seol-Ah, turned his back and walked away.
“Ah…”
Watching him go, Yu Yeon finally reached his limit and collapsed.
Later, history would say… that this was the beginning. The point at which the stars called Meteors began to bloom, and the Central Plains began to truly change.
That day was this day. It was the beginning of a day that countless people would speak of for generations to come.