The Clash of Ya Mi-ang and Jo Pacheon
Bukjin cast Water Cycle on himself. As the blue ring of water was absorbed into his body, a surge of vitality began to well up within him.
Water Cycle (Suhwan)
Fatigue and internal injuries are rapidly suppressed. Vitality restored to peak condition.
The crushing exhaustion that had followed his use of the Reverse Blood Circulation Light Battle Technique vanished in an instant, and his physical condition was restored to its absolute peak. Bukjin had originally intended to cast Water Cycle on Wang Hyeong-yeo as well, but after catching a glimpse of her expression, he thought better of it.
Women truly are strange creatures. How can her face flip so suddenly? What did I even do wrong just now?
No matter how much he racked his brain, Bukjin couldn't understand it. A short while later, the fourth match began. Bukjin activated his Wi-Fi function to boost Mi Yeo-yeon’s power, and she easily crushed Wi Ja-ryong, securing their victory in the fourth round.
Wi-Fi: Power Synchronization
Target: Mi Yeo-yeon. Combat effectiveness increased by 40%.
With that, in a best-of-five series, Bukjin’s team recorded three wins and one draw, emerging as the final victors. Wang Hyeong-yeo handed her team’s flag over to Bukjin and turned away without a word. The 1st Academy ship caught the wind and slowly drifted into the distance.
On the deck of the Jewel Merchant Guild ship, Baek Geum-un stood in a daze, clutching her chest. "I haven't even gone out yet?"
Four of her teammates had performed brilliantly. It should have been Baek Geum-un’s turn next, but the opportunity had vanished before she could even step forward.
Bukjin spoke up. "You’re our team’s hidden trump card. You’re the ultimate warrior we’re keeping in reserve, so you shouldn't reveal your hand so easily. There’s no rush. You’ll have your chance when the next opponent appears."
Baek Geum-un let out a soft sigh. "I know you're just saying that to soothe me, Senior... but if that's the reason, I suppose I have no choice but to accept it."
A shadow crossed Bukjin’s face. Wait, is she actually sharper than she looks?
"The Captain will be alright, won't she?"
Like Baek Geum-un, Oh Pae-yeom hadn't received a chance to fight on the 1st Academy ship. He gestured toward Wang Hyeong-yeo, who was standing by the mast staring into the distance, and whispered to his comrades.
"She'll be fine," Wi Ja-ryong replied. "The Captain isn't the type to throw a fit just because she can't accept a loss."
"But we've been through so many battles, and I've never seen her like this," Oh Pae-yeom muttered.
The four teammates of Wang Hyeong-yeo were deep in worry. The way she was acting after the battle was far removed from her usual self.
"Cheon-gye, why don't you go ask her?" Won Ye suggested to Gu Cheon-gye.
Gu Cheon-gye shook his head vigorously. "No way. Absolutely not. In my experience, when the Captain has that look on her face, her mind is a mess. You should never disturb her when she's in that state."
"Then what do we do?" the other three asked in unison.
Gu Cheon-gye pondered for a moment before answering. "We have no choice but to wait. Once some time passes, she'll cool down."
The four teammates stood in a corner of the deck, quietly waiting for the storm to pass.
"Captain, a battleship has appeared ahead! Let me take a look... Wait! It's the Divine Grace!" Jeong Seok, standing at the bow, shouted at the top of his lungs.
The Divine Grace?
Jo Pacheon surged to his feet. If it's the Divine Grace, then that's the vessel of Ya Mi-ang, that priestess who was always fluttering around Im Bukjin.
A sinister glint flickered in Jo Pacheon’s eyes. Perfect! Before I deal with Im Bukjin, I should properly trample that woman first. It’s not a bad idea to have a little snack before the main course! This feels good!
They were currently in the middle of the Academic & Martial Arts Competition, a place for fair and square matches. Even if he crushed a priestess of the Temple here, no one would be able to say a word against him.
Priestess of the Temple! I will show you that White Cloud City is not a place anyone can mess with! To think you would go around protecting that piece of trash Im Bukjin! Even if you are of the Temple, you shall pay the price!
"Prepare for battle!" Jo Pacheon commanded from the deck of the White Cloud. "Our goal is only one! Victory! No matter who the opponent is, we strike with everything we have and crush them!"
Ya Mi-ang and Jo Pacheon. The two battleships drew closer and closer. Ya Mi-ang also identified the flag of the White Cloud.
To think we would cross paths so early. I can take this opportunity to teach that man a proper lesson. If I eliminate him first, it will save Jin one less headache.
Ya Mi-ang smiled pleasantly at the thought. "Sisters, please prepare for battle."
Turning around, Ya Mi-ang clasped her hands together and began to recite a prayer. Suddenly, a pair of massive wings made of swords unfurled behind her back, emitting a silver radiance as pure as moonlight. The light spread outward, gently enveloping the four girls standing beside her.
"The Lord protects us," the four girls said, clasping their hands in prayer as well.
In the next instant, the Mystic Energy of the four girls began to increase at a visibly rapid pace. If Bukjin had seen this, he would have been shocked. Just as Bukjin used his Wi-Fi function to strengthen his teammates, Ya Mi-ang was capable of using a power with a similar effect.
BOOM—!
Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from the bow of the Divine Grace. Ya Mi-ang turned her head to look. There stood Jo Pacheon, looking like a demonic god, throwing a thick, heavy iron chain ten jang long onto their deck, connecting his battleship to theirs.
Immediately following the chain, Lim Yeok, Dongbang Jeon, Mo U-chon, and Jeong Seok began crossing over, their feet steady on the iron links. Their faces were clouded with murderous intent.
"If you surrender your flag voluntarily, I won't hurt you," Jo Pacheon said, drawing his longsword and leaping over in a single bound.
A flash of contempt crossed Ya Mi-ang’s eyes. "Sisters, for the glory of the Lord... let us fight!"
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Ya Mi-ang’s teammates drew their longswords in unison. The sword-wings spread behind Ya Mi-ang’s back reached a width of nearly ten feet, making her look like a battle angel descended from the heavens. Seeing this, Jo Pacheon laughed loudly.
"To think you still don't understand even after such a warning! I hope you don't blame me for what happens next!"
Jo Pacheon’s figure blurred as he moved with incredible speed, turning into a streak of golden light as he flew toward Ya Mi-ang. A sharp, piercing aura swirled around his body.
CLANG—!
The sound of metal clashing rang out as sparks flew. Ya Mi-ang’s sword-wings wrapped around her body, blocking Jo Pacheon’s blade. Both possessed terrifying strength. Their figures were both pushed back nearly ten feet by the impact.
"Impressive. As expected of the Temple's secret arts," Jo Pacheon said with a confident laugh. "However, I wonder to what level you have mastered the Light of the Lord's Protection, a technique said to manifest seventy-two pairs of wings at its peak!"
The White Cloud Sword in Jo Pacheon’s hand vibrated and glowed. It was as if the clouds in the sky were constantly shifting—winds rising, covering mountains, bringing rain, and creating mist. It held the profound mystery of infinite transformation.
One of the Six Great Sword Arts of White Cloud City. A 3-star technique that embodies the ever-changing nature of the heavens.
This sword style was far superior to the Cloud-Piercing Water Light Sword. Jo Pacheon had recently realized the ultimate secrets of this technique with the help of Baek Hae-geum. As his Mystic Energy cultivation increased, he had been able to master this 3-star sword art to the level of advanced proficiency.
"Die!" Jo Pacheon struck again.
Ya Mi-ang, her face solemn and her long hair fluttering in the wind, formed a hand seal. Her pale, slender, and beautiful hands moved with a grace that exuded an indescribable divine atmosphere. The sword-wings behind her back moved in accordance with her gestures.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
In a brief moment, Ya Mi-ang and Jo Pacheon exchanged countless blows. The sparks generated by their collisions erupted in every direction. The resonance of clashing metal echoed continuously as a storm-like battle unfolded. Those watching were unable to even count how many times the two had collided.
Jo Pacheon’s swordsmanship was as unpredictable and flamboyant as the shifting clouds. His movements were also ever-changing, like clouds drifting across the sky, making it impossible to distinguish between his true body, his afterimages, and his illusions. Jo Pacheon was revealing his true strength.
Ya Mi-ang continued to form hand seals, her hands moving incessantly. The wings behind her back expanded rapidly, growing even larger, and each individual blade making up the wings scattered a dazzling light. The wings were constantly shifting and changing shape according to her will. Every powerful sword strike Jo Pacheon unleashed was blocked by her wings.
At the same time, Ya Mi-ang’s four teammates were also engaged in battle with Lim Yeok and the others. The sound of clashing longswords was constant, and a storm of sword energy filled the deck. This was a true team battle.
"Haha, Fellow Student Mok Geun-han. You are no match for me. Why don't you just give up here? If you gracefully admit defeat, you won't have to show such an unsightly side of yourself," Lim Yeok said with a calm smile, unleashing a sword technique that moved like crashing waves.
"Every battle must be faced with one's utmost effort," the girl named Mok Geun-han replied, her clear eyes burning with fighting spirit. She stood firm in front of the metal box containing the key, refusing to retreat even an inch.
However, a strange feeling suddenly welled up within her. The skill Lim Yeok had shown in the competition so far was something she should have been more than capable of handling, especially now that she was under the effects of Ya Mi-ang’s divine blessing and protection. Yet, as she fought Lim Yeok, she found herself being pushed back little by little.
Has this man been hiding his true strength during the trials?
On the other side, Ya Mi-ang’s other three teammates, who were fighting Jeong Seok, Mo U-chon, and Dongbang Jeon, were struck by the same doubt as Mok Geun-han. They knew very well the power of the divine blessing Ya Mi-ang bestowed. The blessing raised their strength by an entire realm.
Ya Mi-ang was one of the strongest candidates for victory in this competition, and as a person of the Temple, she possessed a background that no one dared to touch. Because of this, countless students had wanted to be on her team. Although the four students who had become her teammates were all female, they were all geniuses whose names were well-known within Unmong City.
What did it mean for students of this caliber to have their strength increased by an entire realm? It meant that a 1st-grade Martial Master became a 2nd-grade, and a 2nd-grade instantly became a 3rd-grade. This was a monumental advantage. This was the power brought by divine authority.
The members of Jo Pacheon’s team that they were currently facing were all experts of the same caliber as themselves. Therefore, it stood to reason that Ya Mi-ang’s teammates, having risen a level in strength, should be overwhelming Jo Pacheon’s team. Yet, the reality was unexpectedly the opposite—Ya Mi-ang’s teammates were the ones being pushed back. The situation was beginning to take a very strange turn.