The Eighth Floor Trial (Part 2)
"Wow... She's beautiful..."
"..."
"Ah, I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't mean to stare..."
"No, it's fine."
Somewhere in the eighth-floor trial zone.
Following Lee Jin-hyuk's recommendation, Kaelion had joined the Mount Hua Sect.
What she sought to learn was the Twenty-Four Movement Plum Blossom Sword Technique.
Composed of twenty-four forms, it was the signature sword technique of the Mount Hua Sect.
Elegant yet highly practical, its nature of constant change perfectly suited Kaelion, who specialized in manipulating "flow."
Kaelion had only one goal.
After mastering the Mount Hua Sect's Twenty-Four Movement Plum Blossom Sword Technique, she would adapt its flow and pathways to create the sixth form of her own Dragon Flow Sword Technique.
To assist her in this endeavor, Instructor Jin Yu-seon had been assigned to her side.
Despite her role as an instructor, Jin Yu-seon possessed a remarkably gentle smile and demeanor, which quickly melted Kaelion's guard.
"Hohoho. Shall we see just how talented our elf lady is?"
Of course, those in the know understood the reality of the situation.
Most of the instructors here were merely second-class martial artists.
Even the absolute best among them were only first-class experts.
It was almost comical to watch them put on airs in front of Kaelion, who was already a Master-level powerhouse.
However, no matter how low their overall cultivation might be, the instructors possessed a far deeper understanding of the Twenty-Four Movement Plum Blossom Sword Technique itself.
Therefore, she needed to learn the technique as precisely as possible.
After all, she craved mastery over the sword more than anyone else.
By the way, I wonder how Jin-hyuk is doing?
• The Constellation Guardian of Justice cannot believe the sight before their eyes.
• The Constellation Ruler of the Abyss begins to suspect the secret of your birth.
[God of War]: Is this sword technique level for real? My heart is swelling, fr.
• The Constellation Eye of Wisdom asks if this is normally possible.
[Goddess of Love and Beauty]: Of course it isn't, haha. It's only possible because it's our Jin-hyuk! (⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎)
"C-crazy..."
"This makes no sense. What is this?"
"...?"
Five days.
That was all the time it took for him to master the Peng Clan's signature sword technique.
The Tiger Step Sword Technique taught by Peng Do-hwan.
It was a technique that utilized mana to grant a human the strength, bone density, hide, and muscle power of a tiger.
Looking at the tiger-shaped barrier currently wrapping 180 degrees around Lee Jin-hyuk, there was no room for doubt.
It was a defensive stance, resembling a tiger looking down on its enemies from a high peak.
The sword swept forward to anchor the barrier, while his lower body was rooted to the ground like a tree, shielding his entire form.
It was perfect.
He had perfectly manifested "this sword technique," which was supposedly only learnable by those of the Peng bloodline.
And he had done it in a mere five days.
Of course, one couldn't say that the true intent or the flow of mana within the technique was a perfect match to the original.
No, this is actually...
Peng Do-hwan swallowed hard.
I hate to admit it, but... it's even more perfect!
Actually, calling it "more perfect" wasn't entirely accurate.
If it was a question of whether he had "replicated the technique exactly," the answer would be no.
The issue lay in Lee Jin-hyuk's sheer talent.
Instead of ordinary mana, he had used the power of his holy fire to "modify" the technique to better suit himself.
Blended with the blazing white flames, it looked less like a normal tiger and more like the descent of the White Tiger, the legendary divine beast.
Not only had he mastered the sword technique in five days, but he had also improved upon it.
Despite lacking Peng blood, he had manifested the Tiger Step Sword Technique as if chosen by the tiger itself.
All of these factors combined to deliver a massive shock to the onlookers.
This was further emphasized by the visual of the massive, majestic White Tiger, which seemed to boast that his tiger was far superior to theirs.
Sssssss...!
Once the technique was deactivated and the White Tiger vanished, Peng Do-hwan cautiously approached him.
"...By any chance,"
"Yes?"
"Are you a descendant of our Peng Clan?"
[Ruler of the Abyss]: ...As if.
[Goddess of Love and Beauty]: Gasp! A secret birth? o_o?
• The Constellation Guardian of Justice makes a fuss, saying it's possible.
• The Constellation God of War emphasizes that no matter how you look at him, he's from the Korean Peninsula and has no connection to the "Continent."
• The Constellation Eye of Wisdom snorts, saying he's closer to being from the Archipelago than the Peninsula.
"No."
"You're not?"
"Yes."
"..."
From Peng Do-hwan's perspective, this wasn't something he could just let slide.
First of all, he's definitely at least a Master. No, maybe even a Grand Master. If he underwent rejuvenation, that appearance would make sense.
No, wait. If he were a rejuvenated ancestor of our clan, he would be in the family records. And why would a rejuvenated Grand Master be taking the eighth-floor trial only now?
Besides, whether he's a Master or a Grand Master, how could he manifest such a massive and majestic tiger without Peng blood? Other players fail after barely maintaining a cat-sized tiger for a few seconds!
Since he knew nothing about the existence of the skill Synchronization, his brain was overloaded to the point of bursting.
"I cannot let this pass."
"..."
"If you are the founder of our Peng Clan, I will serve—"
"I'm not."
"Are you truly not?"
"Truly, I am not."
"Then how on earth did you learn the sword technique?!"
"I just moved my mana and swung my sword the way you showed me, and it worked."
"..."
"It's hard to explain, just like it's hard to explain how to walk or breathe when someone asks."
Lee Jin-hyuk spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but Peng Do-hwan's face contorted.
Coincidentally, those were the exact words Peng Do-hwan himself used to say to other martial artists of Murim.
[Ruler of the Abyss]: lol
• The Constellation Guardian of Justice chuckles in satisfaction.
• The Constellation God of War sees your grit and efficiency and is convinced you are from the "Korean Peninsula" just like them.
• The Constellation Eye of Wisdom nods vigorously in agreement.
Damn it. I never thought anyone besides that bastard Namgung Hun would say something like that to me.
His pride was wounded, but there was nothing he could do.
Not only had he already lost their previous duel, but there was also a chance this man was an ancestor of the Peng Clan.
Even if he wasn't, he was a player whose stock was currently skyrocketing.
He needed to invite him to the Peng Clan at least once, by any means necessary.
"If you have the time, please visit the Peng Clan. I would like to host a grand feast in your honor."
"Sure. I'll do that. I have to go to the tenth floor anyway."
"Yes. When you arrive, just ask for the Young Master, Peng Do-hwan. Here."
Peng Do-hwan handed him a token.
◈ Type: Miscellaneous Item
◈ Description: A token containing proof of the Peng Clan's recognition. It only takes effect when directly bestowed by the Family Head or the Young Master.
Unlike other tokens that contained power, this one carried only authority and proof.
Since this token could only be given by the Family Head or the Young Master, he would be able to receive the Peng Clan's assistance whenever he visited the Hebei Peng Clan.
"Then, safe travels, Great Hero."
"Thank you. I'll be off."
After exchanging clasped-hand salutes, Lee Jin-hyuk checked the messages that had arrived earlier.
Main Quest: The 8th Floor Trial
✔ You may now challenge the 9th floor trial at any time.
✔ *There are Constellations showing interest in you!
✔ Presenting the list of Constellations who desire you.
"Skip."
• Constellations of significant power are outraged that you skipped them as if they were a mere nuisance!
[Ruler of the Abyss]: What are you gonna do if he doesn't choose, lol? What can you even do, lmao?
[A Constellation]: Those guys must be pretty pissed. Hehehe. Unlike you all, I can watch him even outside of trials.
[A Constellation]: You won't be able to delay this forever.
[A Constellation]: That's right. You must come to me.
The Ruler of the Abyss had, without fail, extended an offer this time as well, but Lee Jin-hyuk rejected it.
He didn't know what consequences this would bring later, but it was far better than immediately becoming its Apostle and being bound to it.
I'll make good use of the skills and information you gave me. To crush you, that is.
• The Constellation Guardian of Justice grows increasingly satisfied with you.
• You have not entered a contract with a Constellation.
What is up with that person?
They kept expressing their fondness without ever offering an Apostle position.
It felt somewhat unsettling, but he had no choice but to brush it aside for now.
"Check rewards."
"Nice."
After confirming his rewards, Lee Jin-hyuk set off.
His destination was the area where the Mount Hua Sect instructors were gathered.
"T-this is impossible."
Mount Hua Sect Instructor, Jin Yu-seon.
She gasped in shock and grabbed Kaelion's hands.
"My lady... No, Sister!"
"U-uh, yes?"
"You're amazing! How did you do that?!"
Five days.
The signature martial art and sword technique of the Mount Hua Sect.
The technique whose sword paths and mana flow were so complex that it was deemed the "hardest to master."
The Twenty-Four Movement Plum Blossom Sword Technique.
The time it took for Kaelion to learn and execute it was a mere five days.
A timeframe nearly identical to Lee Jin-hyuk's.
Of course, such rapid mastery was only natural for her.
Unlike the Tiger Step Sword Technique that Jin-hyuk had learned, this technique didn't require a specific bloodline.
Furthermore, she was a Sword Master.
Literally meaning an absolute ruler of the blade, she was someone who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
To someone of her caliber, embedding intent into a sword was second nature.
"Wow... In the entire history of the Tower, you must be the only one capable of this! I can call you Sister, right?"
"Sure..."
Though briefly flustered by the girl's enthusiastic attitude, Kaelion offered a warm smile.
She's so pure, for an instructor.
It felt like looking at her past self, before she had been chosen by the spirits and the Mother World Tree.
Seeing that innocence brought a faint, nostalgic ache to her chest.
"It's truly incredible. Learning the Twenty-Four Movement Plum Blossom Sword Technique is one thing, but how did you even modify it?"
"It's all thanks to the skill of the instructor who taught me."
"Gasp!"
Jin Yu-seon clutched her chest, visibly moved.
"Even if you're just saying that, thank you so much, Sister... But really, you're a genius!"
Kaelion grinned.
"You even beat me in our duel! You won't have to bow your head to anyone. In fact, I doubt there's a single player who performed better in the eighth-floor trial than you!"
"..."
"Even the great Lee Jin-hyuk wouldn't be able to adapt a sword technique to himself like you did. Fufu."
Just as she said that, someone walked into the Mount Hua Sect's area with steady footsteps.
"Oh?"
"Jin-hyuk!"
It was Lee Jin-hyuk.
"How have you been?"
"Great!"
Watching Kaelion run toward Lee Jin-hyuk, Jin Yu-seon let out a soft chuckle.
Look at her.
She smiled knowingly.
She's a completely different person compared to when we were training.
The smile Kaelion wore right now was brighter than ever before.
Like a sunflower that only gazed at the sun.
Both Lee Jin-hyuk and Kaelion had already mastered their respective sword techniques and defeated their instructors.
They checked how each other's techniques had been modified, sparred, and reviewed their progress one more time.
"Fortunately, there's a secret training ground for those who clear the eighth-floor trial."
"Ah. The training ground that even the Constellations can't view?"
"Yeah. You can help me there."
"Fufu. Of course I will. You're the one who freed me after twelve years of being trapped, after all."
"Good."
Peng Do-hwan, the members of the Peng Clan, and the other martial artists had been astonished by Jin-hyuk's sword technique, which resembled the White Tiger.
But Lee Jin-hyuk hadn't taken the eighth-floor trial just to learn this single sword technique.
Now, it's time to combine these skills.
Using Kaelion's Harmonious Fusion.
It was time to use it once again to complete the third form of the Star Destruction Sword Technique.
"I'm in your hands."
"Yeah. Let's go."
"Yes!"
Swoooooosh—!
Facing the massive sunflower blooming in place of plum blossoms, its petals carrying razor-sharp sword qi,
Lee Jin-hyuk drew his sword as well.