Chapter 179
Chapter 179
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: Show Me The Martial Arts (2)
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When you train in martial arts, there are times when you suddenly wonder, "What is true strength?"
Even now, when I can shatter a boulder the size of a house with a single blow.
Ah, but I'm not talking about some Taekwondo-esque philosophy where the strength of the heart is true strength.
It was a matter of efficiency, so to speak.
I don't know how the Black Dragon Hall or the Shaolin Temple see it, but martial arts are fundamentally the study of how to harm others.
The question was whether it was necessary to unleash a massive blast of force when a simple stab with the tip of a blade would be enough to kill.
From that perspective, I'd say the martial arts of the Red Dragon Hall are the pinnacle of efficiency.
Those guys would strike stealthily and swiftly with their swords, killing their opponents before they could even prepare.
However, the man before me now, Wi Ji-pung, showed me a different kind of efficiency.
*Bang! Crack.*
"Cough!"
That martial arts, in the end, are about people fighting people.
If I thought he was coming from the left and blocked, he'd strike from the right. If I thought he was aiming low and dodged, he'd attack high.
'Wow...'
So this is possible.
He wasn't called the strongest of the Seven Hegemons for nothing.
*Swoosh!*
"Not bad!"
A club that looked to be two feet long came crashing down on my head.
*Thud.*
At the same moment I used the War King Step to move out of the way.
*Whack!*
The club slammed into my thigh.
"Nngh."
It wasn't a deep blow, but it was an unpleasant one.
I looked ahead and saw Wi Ji-pung smirking, a club in each hand.
I'd been in many fights, but I'd never met anyone like him.
Having great insight and understanding martial arts well. Possessing an excellent physique for efficient training. Having keen senses to absorb internal energy effectively.
These were the conditions for geniuses known in the martial world, but he was different.
'He's a genius in a different sense.'
A genius of combat.
And not in a way born from instinct, but from reason.
*Thwack, thwack. Whack!*
"Hoo."
I barely managed to block the incoming attacks and thought.
'If I drag this out, I'll lose.'
The accumulating blows were no small matter.
Each one was minor, but after taking a few hits, I could feel signs of internal injury.
But, I have a chance to win.
Since this wasn't a life-or-death battle, Wi Ji-pung was using weapons made of wood.
This was a huge advantage for me, whose main weapon was my bare hands.
"Hup!"
I unleashed the War King Step, now one with the Flying Heavenly Wind.
Wi Ji-pung's eyes wavered, surprised by my closing speed.
'Now!'
I struck like lightning with the War King Thirteen Strikes.
*Paang!*
A single strike, yet thirteen blows, rained down on his entire body...
*Thwack! Thwack-thwack-thwack.*
Like hell I landed any blows.
I was pummeled by the clubs that flew at me in an instant.
"Shit!"
Of course, I couldn't just take it.
*Kwoooaaang!*
I quickly unleashed the Explosive Death Force to push him back.
A smile formed on Wi Ji-pung's lips.
"...?"
"They're starting to get pushed back."
He wasn't talking about me.
He meant the confrontation between the War King Gate and Taemo Mountain Fortress.
'I knew we'd be pushed back, but...'
The tide of battle was turning faster than I expected.
The breakthrough using cavalry was excellent, but the underlying strength of a major sect was just that formidable.
Then there's only one answer.
"Hup!"
*Sgeueueuk!*
I have no choice but to destroy the flag as quickly as possible and claim victory.
*Crackle. Crackle.*
As soon as I fired the Ultimate Death Force, I drew upon my War King Energy.
He wasn't an opponent I could beat with just that, anyway.
As the War King Energy, which held the mystery of "Mind is Energy," spread through my body.
*Kwoong.*
I extended the War King Step.
"Die!"
I charged at Wi Ji-pung's side just as he deflected the Ultimate Death Force, but a club blocked my path.
'I expected that, old man.'
War King Thirteen Strikes.
I unleashed a series of attacks, each blow elevated to the level of Explosive Death Force thanks to the series of enlightenments I gained in the Shadow Cave.
*Kwang-kwang-kwang-kwang!*
I'll take hits to land hits.
This is my strategy.
Since I'm even a year younger, my health pool should be bigger.
And.
"Keuk."
"Gah!"
*Crack. Pop.*
Unable to withstand the force, his weapons shattered.
"Die!"
*Kwaaaaang!*
The Explosive Death Force I immediately unleashed had the power of a grenade, blasting the surroundings and creating a gravitational pull that rooted his feet.
A phenomenon that appears when I use my full power.
"Keuheup."
A stifled groan escaped Wi Ji-pung's lips.
But my opponent was the Iron Mountain Western Hegemon.
*Baaang! Thud.*
A fierce palm technique, like the strike of a dragon, slammed into my torso.
"Uweck!"
*Drip.*
I flew back thirty feet before finally stopping.
I choked and spat out the blood rising in my throat.
It felt like being hit by a truck.
It even struck my body faster than my protective aura, the War Dragon Energy, could react, so its speed was also incredible.
If I didn't have the Dragon Scale Armor, all my ribs would have been crushed.
Which means.
It's a divine art.
At that moment, I recalled the staff arts Wi Ji-pung had been using until just now.
A supreme staff art with no openings. And on top of that, a fierce palm technique second to none in the world.
I might not have recognized one, but with both at the same time, one place came to mind.
"The Beggars' Sect?"
The legendary group of beggars that has since fallen to ruin.
*Shaaaa.*
Killing intent washed over me at my thoughtless words.
'Looks like it was a secret.'
But what can I do about it?
I can't take back the words I've already said.
*Kwarurururu.*
With a sound like the heavens and earth collapsing, a palm technique shrouded in a brilliant yellow aura flew at me.
"Tsk!"
He must have realized I was wearing the Dragon Scale Armor from that last blow.
He would definitely aim for somewhere other than my torso.
If it hit my head, I'd die. If it hit my arms or legs, I'd be crippled for sure.
"Geueup!"
I unleashed the War King Step, now one with the Flying Heavenly Wind.
The fastest speed I could manage.
*Paat.*
It was Displacement.
In the instant, not even 0.1 seconds after I moved.
*Pwooooong!*
A huge explosion rang out, and the ground was deeply gouged.
Judging by the result alone, its power overwhelmed the Explosive Death Force I just used.
The problem is, that palm technique is an eighteen-hit combo. It wasn't called the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms for nothing.
"Damn it!"
*Kwarururu.*
I had just used Displacement and needed time.
This time, I had no choice but to block it.
*Kwaaaaang!*
My full-powered Explosive Death Force clashed with the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.
A storm of force and energy surrounded Wi Ji-pung and me.
*Kuaaaaa.*
The War Dragon Energy emerged, devouring the surrounding energy and swelling in size.
"Haap!"
And then came the third strike.
*Pwoooong! Kuaaaaa!*
The War Dragon Energy succeeded in devouring the aura of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.
'I can't block it more than twice.'
No matter how amazing the War Dragon Energy was, it had its limits.
If I took any more hits, it would become useless.
'Chain Ring Force?'
A way to overcome this moment came to mind, but I quickly shook my head.
With the White Silver Gate and Hainan Sword Sect still remaining, going all out now would make things difficult later.
And.
'Even if I use it, there's no guarantee I'll win.'
Of course, I couldn't give up.
I moved my body, trying to create a chance to turn the tables somehow.
"Die!"
As I shot out the Ultimate Death Force with the speed of light.
*Paat.*
I used Displacement to change my position.
"You brat!"
Wi Ji-pung, having shattered the Ultimate Death Force, followed me like a ghost.
"Eek!"
*Swoong!*
A long wooden spear flew in from somewhere.
It was thrown by Yuk Hak, who had been watching me.
"Hmph."
*Crack.*
In the instant he casually waved his hand and shattered the wooden spear.
*Woooong... Swish!*
I shot a Battle Lord Arrow at his left eye.
A surprise attack aimed at a momentary opening.
Wi Ji-pung shook his head and dodged the Battle Lord Arrow.
And.
*Bwoooong!*
The Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms slammed into my solar plexus.
*Crunch.*
A denting sound came from the Dragon Scale Armor.
I flew back dozens of meters before finally stopping.
"Huuuh..."
I barely managed to lift my head and look forward, seeing the wizened, old-tree-like figure of Wi Ji-pung.
I couldn't understand where such monstrous strength came from when he didn't seem to have a single muscle.
"Cough."
"Why don't you give up?"
He continued, looking down at me as I coughed up blood.
"I think you're the one who should be giving up, old man."
"...!"
Wi Ji-pung followed my gaze and turned his head.
His eyes widened like saucers when he saw the flag, torn by the Battle Lord Arrow.
You should have guarded it better.
***
*Crackle. Crackle.*
The campfire radiated warmth in all directions.
*Growl.*
My stomach, on the other hand, was filled only with a cold emptiness.
With no food prepared, everyone from the War King Gate went to sleep clutching their hungry stomachs.
It was a relief that we'd at least found a stream to quench our thirst.
It seems our Grand Chancellor wants to see how long we can endure in extreme conditions.
If everyone's in this situation, we have the biggest advantage.
In the worst-case scenario, we could just kill and eat a few horses...
'No. I have to finish this before it comes to that.'
How could I eat them when they cost so much per head?
Most importantly.
The horses were too cute.
"..."
"..."
Looking at Whitey (a brown horse, but I named him that because of the white fur on his nose) staring at me from across the campfire, my heart felt at peace.
"There, there."
*Snort. Snort.*
And he was so smart, too, snorting in response whenever I said something.
I should probably ask Cheong So-so to perform the Heaven-Revolving Daoist Golden Needle Grand Art on him.
It was the grand art that turned Cheong-ah, a mere insect, into a spirit beast, so it should be even more effective on the clever Whitey.
'A horse is a hundred times better than a cricket. Yes, of course.'
Who knows?
Maybe Whitey will transform into a Pegasus after receiving the grand art.
Just as I was lost in happy fantasies while looking at Whitey.
A low, deep voice spoke.
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
"Just... reviewing today's fight."
"Hahaha, truly a disciple of the Combat King. To be such a martial arts fanatic, just like his master. He's lucky to have you."
"...Well, I suppose so. Honestly, how many people could put up with that temper? It's only because it's me; anyone else would have been out of the question."
"..."
"By the way, when are you heading home?"
Wi Ji-pung replied with a playful air.
"Since I've come all this way, I plan to stay and see who wins."
"..."
Taemo Mountain Fortress, eliminated from the competition, had left, but its lord, Wi Ji-pung, remained here.
Which only made things annoying for me.
He was a grand senior of the martial world, after all.
'This is annoying...'
Ever since my past life, I've been awkward around adults.
In fact, most of the MZ generation is probably like that.
Having to worry about seeming disrespectful, and also...
*Thump.*
"It's a rabbit I just caught. There wasn't much game around."
"Oh! Elder, you shouldn't have... Please, give it here. I'll prepare it!"
"I've lived in the mountains myself, so this much is nothing..."
"How could I let you? It's a matter of martial etiquette. Please, give it here and rest easy. I'll have it roasted for you in no time."
I was deeply moved by the sight of a true adult, something I hadn't seen in a long time.
*Slice, slice.*
As I was skinning the rabbit with a swelling heart, the elder's voice came again.
"It's a secret."
"Phew, of course. How could I let anyone know we're eating when everyone else is starving? I, Jin Mujeon, have at least that much sense."
"...That's not what I meant. I was talking about the Beggars' Sect's martial arts."
"Ah..."
Right, it's best not to reveal the origins of one's martial arts.
"Yes, well. Of course."
"You don't seem to care much."
"It's none of my business."
"True enough. Excessive curiosity is a good way to get yourself killed."
"By the way, do you happen to have any alcohol? Eating just the meat is a bit plain."
"You're a man who fundamentally lacks any sense of tension."
I skewered the meat on a stick I found lying around, placed it over the fire, and said.
"I get very tense. I'm tense right now."
"Because of me?"
"No. We've already won, so why would I be tense about that?"
"...Then what is it?"
"I'm tense because I'm worried we'll be eliminated. You might not know this, Senior, but I spent a fortune on preparations."
"...For someone who says that, you don't seem to have made any preparations at all."
"You'll find out soon enough."
*Crackle, crackle.*
I flipped the rabbit roasting over the fire.
"Just how much we've prepared."