Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: Gauging Progress
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Bu Eun-seol blinked, looking at Dan Cheong’s surprised expression.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, how has your martial prowess become so…”
Dan Cheong, who had been speaking while blinking in astonishment, suddenly closed his mouth. He realized his behavior was undignified and unbefitting of his position as the Vice Pavilion Lord.
‘What in the world happened? How could his martial realm change so drastically in just one year?’
Though his reputation wasn't widespread due to spending most of his time secluded in Nang-ya-gak rather than engaging in the affairs of the Murim, Dan Cheong was, in reality, one of the world's greatest martial arts grandmasters.
He had instantly discerned that Bu Eun-seol's prowess had reached the Superlative Realm—not just the entry level, but the middle stage.
“Ahem.”
Dan Cheong cleared his throat once more as he looked at Bu Eun-seol and spoke.
“Your time in the Jianghu was not in vain. You've made great progress.”
*Knock, knock.*
At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by the soft voice of a servant girl.
“The Lord of the Wind and Cloud Division has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
As Dan Cheong spoke, a middle-aged man with features as fine as jade, dressed in a white robe, appeared. It was Baek Yeon, the Lord of the Wind and Cloud Division.
“Lord.”
As Bu Eun-seol bowed his head, Baek Yeon showed a slightly surprised expression.
“I heard you had returned, but…”
Baek Yeon’s eyes scanned Bu Eun-seol’s body, his eyebrows arching slightly.
“You've improved significantly. I almost didn't recognize you.”
At this point, Bu Eun-seol himself became curious.
Everyone he met was astonished, saying how much he had changed. Yet, he himself couldn't feel any difference at all.
“Do I seem that different?”
“Hm?”
“I’ve heard it several times since entering the main pavilion… but I don’t particularly feel anything.”
Seeing Bu Eun-seol’s serious expression, Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon looked at each other and then chuckled heartily.
“That’s only natural. It has always been so.”
Baek Yeon said with a smile.
“The realms of martial arts are not something you can see with your eyes or measure against an objective standard. They are merely a scale devised by grandmasters for convenience.”
Bu Eun-seol mulled over Baek Yeon’s explanation before asking again.
“In that case, it means I still lack the insight to perceive that scale.”
“Not necessarily. If my martial arts had improved from a year ago, you would have clearly felt it. However, it is difficult to perceive the changes in one’s own aura.”
Dan Cheong, who had been listening silently, then added his own explanation.
“Martial arts, in essence, are about observing things outside of oneself—animals or nature, for instance—and discovering the principles within them.”
Dan Cheong stared at Bu Eun-seol and said in a low voice.
“But once you master those principles, you can discover and unravel the phenomena and changes happening within your own body. One who has reached such a level is what we call a grandmaster of martial arts.”
Dan Cheong’s explanation contained not only the meaning of the term ‘grandmaster’ but also the profound principles of martial arts.
Bu Eun-seol looked stunned, as if struck on the back of the head, then his eyes flashed with understanding.
He then took a step back and bowed so deeply his head touched the ground.
“Thank you for your enlightenment.”
With Dan Cheong’s advice, Bu Eun-seol was able to resolve several martial arts questions he had been unable to understand.
Of course, this was only possible due to Bu Eun-seol's exceptional aptitude for enlightenment.
“I can guess your level of martial prowess without seeing it… but I am curious about your actual combat skill.”
At Baek Yeon’s words, Dan Cheong nodded.
“Indeed. It’s a rare occasion… perhaps I should lend a hand myself.”
As Dan Cheong seemed ready to instruct him personally, Bu Eun-seol’s face brightened.
“Will you grant me a lesson?”
However, Baek Yeon shook his head.
“Absolutely not.”
“Pardon?”
“Instruction in martial arts is one thing, but sparring is out of the question.”
Because he rarely involved himself in the affairs of the Murim, Dan Cheong's level of martial skill was not well known.
But Baek Yeon, who had been with him since childhood, knew very well that his true power was fearsome enough to tear the heavens and the earth asunder.
What if he got carried away while demonstrating his skills and failed to control his strength?
Bu Eun-seol would suffer an injury so severe he might never recover.
“You have already entered the Superlative Realm. Knowing your personality, you’ll keep coming at him until you succeed, won’t you? If that happens, the Vice Pavilion Lord might end up injuring you.”
In other words, it also meant that Bu Eun-seol’s martial arts had become strong enough that one couldn't afford to go easy on him.
‘I’m not sure if I should be happy or not.’
As Bu Eun-seol’s face fell with disappointment, Baek Yeon spoke.
“Don’t worry. I have the perfect opponent for you.”
In a field of reeds near the rear garden of Cheongpungjae.
A man holding a large greatsword stood there imposingly.
It was So Jeon, the Lord of the Changshin Division.
“Hahaha! So it's come to this.”
Looking down at Bu Eun-seol, he laughed heartily as if it were a great triumph.
“My hands have been itching to see how much the kid has grown, and now the Vice Pavilion Lord has even arranged the stage for us.”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol scanned his surroundings.
In the reed field were not only Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon but also the members of the Changshin Division, including Vice Lord Je Un.
Even the young masters from Nang-ya-gak who had previously demonstrated real combat for Bu Eun-seol were gathered in a cluster.
“Is it necessary to make such a grand affair of a simple sparring match?”
Feeling the sharp gazes on him, Bu Eun-seol wore a troubled expression. Dan Cheong replied.
“Are these not the same peers who helped you with the basics of practical combat before? Now it’s their turn to watch you and learn something.”
“I understand.”
“Then, you may begin.”
At Dan Cheong’s words, Bu Eun-seol immediately drew the Muk-geom.
*Shhhng.*
As the black sword gleamed with a dark light accompanied by the sound of its drawing, So Jeon bared his white teeth in a grin.
“You’ve acquired a fine sword.”
“It is a sharp blade, so please be careful.”
“Heh heh. Who do you think you’re talking to?”
So Jeon rested the greatsword on his shoulder and beckoned with his hand.
“You may have the first move.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded and, without hesitation, swung the Muk-geom from low to high, unleashing the first form, Heaven and Earth Sundering Strike.
It was a single strike that combined the Hegemonic Blade's Ultimate Form with heavy sword techniques.
With this single move, Bu Eun-seol was paying his respects to So Jeon, who had provided the foundation for his Formless Heavenly Flow.
“You’ve adapted the Hegemonic Blade's Ultimate Form.”
“You could call it the Hegemonic Sword's Ultimate Form.”
So Jeon nodded, pushing back the pressure pouring from Bu Eun-seol, and swept his greatsword horizontally.
“…!”
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol’s eyes flashed.
So Jeon’s single move not only blocked his attack but also completely sealed off the three sword paths of his follow-up moves.
‘He saw through my next moves at a glance.’
Bu Eun-seol was once again reminded of just how exceptional So Jeon’s prowess was.
‘This will be a tough opponent, even if I go all out.’
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol unhesitatingly unleashed the Formless Heavenly Flow, thrusting toward So Jeon’s neck.
It contained the profound principle of ‘Formlessness Defeats Form,’ a marvelous move that protected his own body while inducing an opening in the enemy.
“Excellent!”
Unable to find a flaw in Bu Eun-seol’s move, So Jeon tossed out a compliment.
“It didn't encompass all techniques; rather, the technique itself was unbound by any.”
Having grasped the sword intent of ‘Formlessness Defeats Form’ in a single glance, So Jeon unleashed his Hegemonic Blade's Ultimate Form.
“Try and block this!”
As he raised his greatsword high, a powerful force surged forth, pushing back Bu Eun-seol’s sword form.
Its power seemed several times greater than the Hegemonic Sword's Ultimate Form that Bu Eun-seol used.
*Whoosh!*
In an instant, So Jeon’s greatsword descended as if to crush the world, aiming to split Bu Eun-seol’s head.
‘I can’t dodge it!’
Bu Eun-seol tried to use Extreme Speed, No Shadow, but it was already too late.
The sword force flowing from the tip of the greatsword had sealed all his escape routes and evasive maneuvers.
*Clang!*
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to raise the Muk-geom and meet the greatsword head-on.
*Kwoong.*
In that moment, one of Bu Eun-seol’s knees nearly touched the ground.
A powerful internal energy, like that of Mount Tai, had erupted from the greatsword, pressing down on his body.
‘I can’t match his internal energy either.’
Bu Eun-seol’s Reversal Heart Art had reached the peak of the third stage, but So Jeon’s internal energy was a level above.
‘I have to break through with my techniques!’
Bu Eun-seol spun the Muk-geom in circles, dispersing the overwhelming force.
But So Jeon changed his move to match. When Bu Eun-seol coiled, he tightened his grip; when he relaxed his force, he pushed forward again.
*Ch-ch-ch-clang!*
A shower of sparks erupted in the air as the black sword and the greatsword clashed relentlessly in a swirling dance.
After about twenty exchanges, the two men retreated as if by agreement.
So Jeon stood calmly with his greatsword held high, while Bu Eun-seol held the Muk-geom low, breathing heavily.
“Hah. Hah.”
Bu Eun-seol possessed stamina so formidable he could use his movement arts for three days and nights without tiring.
Yet, after just twenty exchanges with So Jeon, he was panting for breath.
“Hehehe. It seems I can’t hold back any longer.”
With a click, So Jeon lowered his greatsword to a middle stance, baring his canines in a grin.
“I can’t go easy on you. Not at all…”
*Rumble.*
At that moment, a sound like thunder erupted from So Jeon’s greatsword.
He was about to unleash a killing move imbued with his full internal energy.
“So Jeon, that’s enough.”
Baek Yeon, who had been watching, shouted, but his voice didn't reach So Jeon's ears.
“You’d better put everything you have into this one move!”
*Rumble!*
The thunderous sound from the greatsword grew louder, and the wind that started at his feet quickly became a gale.
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol sheathed the Muk-geom into the scabbard on his back. Then, closing his eyes, he raised his internal energy.
*Paaang!*
Suddenly, a crimson radiance erupted from his body like an active volcano. He had drawn out the Reversal True Ki circulating within him to its absolute limit.
“Hegemonic Heaven Blade's Zenith—!”
At that moment, the entire world seemed to darken, and a single streak of blade energy like a bolt of lightning rained down on Bu Eun-seol’s head.
It was like a force of nature, impossible to dodge and impossible to block.
*Shhhng!*
In that instant, the Muk-geom lodged on Bu Eun-seol’s back shot out of its scabbard.
*Kiiii!*
Simultaneously, a sound like the cry of a hawk soaring into the sky spread out, crashing against the descending blade energy.
He had consecutively executed the first form of the Formless Heavenly Flow, Chasing the Moon Like a Falling Star, and the fourth form, Waning Moon, Morning Star, greatly amplifying their power.
*Flash!*
A blinding flash of sword light erupted in the small space between Bu Eun-seol and So Jeon.
As their blades met, both men altered their sword forms in unison as if by prior agreement.
*Ch-ch-ch-clang!*
To an outside observer, it looked as if many techniques had been exchanged. So Jeon had unleashed a single, heavy, and unpredictable sword form.
Bu Eun-seol seemed to have unleashed a single strike, but in reality, he had consecutively executed three forms of the Formless Heavenly Flow, creating a swift and unpredictable killing move.
“Ugh.”
Among the watching martial artists of Nang-ya-gak, those with weaker internal energy closed their eyes.
They not only lacked the ability to appreciate the dazzling display of blade light and sword shadows but also felt dizzy from the complex exchange of moves.
“…”
The light that had filled the reed field dispersed.
Bu Eun-seol’s sword was already back in its scabbard. So Jeon, too, had his greatsword hoisted back onto his shoulder.
If someone had just arrived at that moment, they would have mistaken it for the two having not yet begun their bout.
“Hmm.”
The one to break the silence was So Jeon, with a low hum.
He had maintained a relaxed smile throughout, but now his brow was deeply furrowed, as if he had just chewed on a hot pepper.
“How did you train your sword for the past year?”
To So Jeon’s question, Bu Eun-seol answered calmly.
“I sought out strong opponents and fought them.”
“Is that all?”
“And… I gained much enlightenment.”
“Enlightenment, you say.”
So Jeon nodded and then turned his body abruptly.
“Let us have another bout next time.”
And without waiting for Bu Eun-seol’s reply, he strode away and left the reed field.
“Lord, let’s go together.”
Je Un and the Changshin Division members, who had been watching blankly, bowed to Dan Cheong and hurriedly followed after him.
Then, the remaining martial artists of Nang-ya-gak also bowed to Dan Cheong before leaving the reed field.
“Magnificent.”
Baek Yeon approached Bu Eun-seol, who stood tall in the empty reed field, and smiled faintly.
“To think you took So Jeon’s blade technique head-on. It’s hard to believe even after seeing it.”
“I merely… blocked a single one of the Lord’s techniques.”
Bu Eun-seol’s expression was not bright.
He had unleashed his sword form with all his might, but all he had managed was to barely block a single one of So Jeon's techniques.
“A single technique?”
Baek Yeon said with a dumbfounded expression.
“You blocked the Hegemonic Heaven Blade's Zenith, one of So Jeon’s three ultimate techniques, without a single scratch. How can you call that just a single technique?”
“Hahaha! That was so refreshing.”
Just then, Dan Cheong approached, laughing heartily, and clapped Bu Eun-seol on the shoulder.
“To think that brat, who never listens to a word I say, would turn tail with his pride wounded? I can’t remember the last time I saw him with his shoulders slumped like that. Hahahaha!”
Despite Dan Cheong’s jesting, Bu Eun-seol’s expression did not brighten.
Noticing this, Baek Yeon asked with a curious look.
“Why have you been looking like that? As if you were miserably defeated.”
“I was just wondering… if Lord So had been trying to kill me with his full strength, whether I could have blocked it.”
“What did you say?”
Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon looked at each other, utterly flabbergasted.
It turned out that Bu Eun-seol had been fighting not a sparring match, but a real battle in his mind.
“Hahaha!”
Dan Cheong let out a satisfied laugh and nodded.
“I see. So that’s why this kid was able to improve faster than the others.”
In Bu Eun-seol’s mind, there was no thought of winning or sparring.
In every fight, he was solely focused on studying whether he could put his all into ending his enemy’s life…
It was only natural that among those in Nang-ya-gak who pursued practical combat, he would be the one to improve the fastest.
“Bu Eun-seol. You have understood and practiced the essence of our pavilion’s practical combat faster than anyone else.”
Dan Cheong, who had been nodding with an impressed look, said something unexpected.
“You may not have reached So Jeon’s level yet, but at this rate, we can look forward to a confrontation with a Grandmaster.”
“A Grandmaster…”
“That’s right.”
A flash of lightning that could burn souls sparked in Dan Cheong’s eyes.
“An order has come down to gather all the Ten Demonic Disciples at the Demonic Hall.”