Chapter 51: The Fist King Creates a Lightning Barrier
The Fist King Creates a Lightning Barrier
Chapter 51: The Fist King Creates a Lightning Barrier
Wi Mak-cheon, who had drawn his sword in a reverse grip, adjusted his stance and began unleashing the Golden Sand Sword Technique. As if determined to give his all from the start, he channeled his internal energy in a single burst, and sword qi coiled around the blade like threads of silk. The sound of flames crackled from the steel.
Though techniques varied between schools, sword threads were considered a higher-level skill than mere sword aura.
Of course, it was a technique Plum Blossom Wanderer had never seen him use before.
It was also the core of the Golden Sand Sword Technique.
Wi Mak-cheon planned to swing his sword in this state before releasing the threads forward. What made the Golden Sand Sword Technique fearsome was that the released sword qi took the form of hundreds of needle-like projectiles, erratic and unpredictable. Moreover, the range and effect differed drastically between thrusting and slashing motions, making it an incredibly difficult technique to defend against.
Having seen Dan Woo-sung neutralize sword qi with lightning energy, Wi Mak-cheon continued condensing his energy into the blade, as if stockpiling his power.
The glow wrapped around Wi Mak-cheon's sword grew increasingly dense.
Even the act of condensing energy was difficult, yet Wi Mak-cheon executed it flawlessly while maintaining his offensive.
Dan Woo-sung watched, thinking that the Golden Sand Sword was about to explode like a thunderclap.
He tilted his head slightly in thought.
'Is he trying to get himself killed?'
If Dan Woo-sung unleashed the full power of his White Lightning Ten Stages, he could obliterate Wi Mak-cheon and his sword without leaving a trace.
Wi Mak-cheon, drunk on his own genius, had failed to properly gauge Dan Woo-sung's strength.
As time passed, the sword threads coiled around Wi Mak-cheon's blade scattered like falling sand, dropping to the ground in golden specks.
Hence the name—Golden Sand Sword Technique.
Wi Mak-cheon believed that if he launched a half-hearted attack, Dan Woo-sung would find a way to block it. So instead, he staked everything on this single move.
He feinted toward Dan Woo-sung's neck before spinning his body and delivering a wide diagonal slash to create distance. He attempted a psychological ploy, acting as if he would release the sword threads, but Dan Woo-sung remained unfazed.
Left with no choice, Wi Mak-cheon swiftly transitioned into a thrust and unleashed the condensed sword threads in a violent burst.
This was his all-or-nothing strike.
CRACK!
A vein bulged on Wi Mak-cheon's forehead. The spectators gasped in unison, an eerie chorus of "Ooooh!" Even Cheol Myung-ho shouted in alarm.
"Watch out!"
At that moment, Dan Woo-sung clasped his hands together before pulling out strands of lightning energy from the White Lightning Ten Stages like unraveling thread.
ZZZT!
When he spread his palms, a web of white lightning crackled into existence, completely annihilating the sword threads Wi Mak-cheon had unleashed.
This was the Lightning Barrier, forged from the White Lightning Ten Stages.
Even as Wi Mak-cheon poured out every last drop of his internal energy, Dan Woo-sung's expression remained unchanged.
"Haaah..."
Wi Mak-cheon stared at Dan Woo-sung with a hollow expression.
His energy was completely spent.
He wanted to ask—
What kind of monster are you?
Dan Woo-sung, observing Wi Mak-cheon's expression, casually raised a fist and asked in a calm tone:
"Can you block this?"
If Wi Mak-cheon answered yes, he would immediately unleash a Lightning Fist.
Wi Mak-cheon, reading Dan Woo-sung's expression and aura, lowered his sword and let out a long sigh.
"Huuu..."
His opponent hadn't even flinched, and his overwhelming presence remained unchanged. If he kept fighting, he'd end up no different from Dokgo Han or Namgung Wi. Most importantly, he had no confidence in stopping a Lightning Fist. Moreover, Dan Woo-sung was the type to thoroughly punish those who overstepped. The only way to avoid a beating was to admit defeat at the right moment.
A wise decision.
Wi Mak-cheon lowered his sword and clasped his fists in surrender.
"My skills are far lacking. I admit defeat."
To those of lower martial prowess, the scene was bewildering, but the elders of the Murim Alliance were the first to applaud, accepting the outcome of the duel. As the white-haired elders clapped fervently, cheers soon followed.
Dan Woo-sung returned the courtesy.
"A fine conclusion."
Murim Alliance Leader Yoo Jung-hong rose from his seat and spoke.
"Fist Guest, Golden Sand Sword, and Namgung's First Blade—step forward. There will be no separate celebration. I shall now grant you the promised rewards. If anyone believes they can surpass these three, step forward now... No one?"
Namgung Wi, his head wrapped in bandages, brightened the most.
"Ah!"
He hadn't expected the Alliance Leader to gift a blade to a participant of the Emperor's Assembly. It seemed he had underestimated Yoo Jung-hong's generosity.
Dan Woo-sung received the Century Purifying Ginseng, Wi Mak-cheon the Nine Iron Fang Sword, and Namgung Wi the Great Star Blade.
Yoo Jung-hong spoke to Namgung Wi in a composed tone.
"Namgung Wi."
Namgung Wi, holding the Great Star Blade with both hands, replied respectfully.
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
"The Great Star Blade is a sword I cherished dearly. Will you take good care of it?"
Namgung Wi bowed his head.
"Yes, I will treasure it."
Yoo Jung-hong smiled.
"I leave it to you."
"Understood."
Yoo Jung-hong then turned to Wi Mak-cheon.
"Wi Mak-cheon, they call you a prodigy of the century, and I must say, you lived up to it."
"Not at all. Compared to the young master of the Silver River Merchant Group, I am still far lacking."
"You knew, then. Have you decided on a name for your sword?"
Everyone on the stage turned to Wi Mak-cheon, who replied with an unusually bright expression.
"If it pleases you, I would like to keep its name as the Golden Sand Sword."
It was the name of his sword technique, a testament to how dearly he regarded it.
Yoo Jung-hong nodded.
"Good."
Then, he turned to Dan Woo-sung.
"The victor shall remain here for a moment."
Dan Woo-sung replied.
"Understood."
Yoo Jung-hong stepped forward and addressed the crowd.
"The Phoenix Tournament will proceed tomorrow. For today, we conclude here. You've all worked hard. I have matters to attend to with the victor, so please disperse from the dueling grounds."
As the crowd began to scatter, Yoo Jung-hong surveyed the area and issued orders.
"The White Dragon Unit shall form a perimeter on the outskirts. Elders, form a defensive formation around the stage and stand by. Everyone else, withdraw from the stage."
"As you command."
Yoo Jung-hong walked to the edge of the stage and sat down cross-legged before addressing Dan Woo-sung, who held the Century Purifying Ginseng.
"Junior, consume it here immediately. While you perform your breathing technique, the Alliance members will stand guard. Take as long as you need. I will be watching over you..."
As he listened, a chill ran down Dan Woo-sung's spine.
"Mm."
This meant the elite warriors of the Murim Alliance would stand guard as he refined the elixir's energy.
Moreover, the Alliance Leader himself was present.
Dan Woo-sung's emotions were complicated—this was a treatment he could never have imagined during his days as a wandering martial artist.
"Understood."
Even Cheol Myung-ho and the Hwa siblings couldn't approach the inner formation. Burning with curiosity, Cheol Myung-ho asked Hwa Eun-wol.
"Young Master Hwa, what's happening over there?"
"The moment of consuming an elixir is both dangerous and crucial. That's why the Alliance Leader is personally overseeing it."
"Wow... But why go to such lengths?"
Hwa Eun-wol answered curtly.
"That's just how he treats juniors. It doesn't matter if they're from the Murim Alliance or not."
Cheol Myung-ho watched as his friend sat cross-legged on the stage, swallowed the tiny Century Purifying Ginseng whole, and quietly closed his eyes.
But his gaze lingered not on his friend's serene expression, but on the face of Alliance Leader Yoo Jung-hong.
The white-haired Alliance Leader sat on the stage with a calm smile—a sight so dignified it was awe-inspiring.
Cheol Myung-ho marveled.
'Not all martial artists are impressive, but that Alliance Leader is truly a magnificent old man.'
The sight of white-haired elders forming a defensive ring around the dueling grounds, with younger Alliance members standing guard in disciplined silence beyond them, was equally striking.
The martial world's seriousness was beyond imagination.
Especially for Cheol Myung-ho.
It was a truly beautiful scene.
Under the flickering torchlight of night, his friend sat surrounded by the Murim Alliance's elite, receiving the personal protection of the Alliance Leader as he consumed the elixir.
Dan Woo-sung opened his eyes after half a shichen (one hour), having completed his breathing technique.
Having previously consumed the Supreme Elixir, his body absorbed the Century Purifying Ginseng's effects much faster. Moreover, the ginseng's primary benefit wasn't increasing internal energy but rather building resistance to poisons, so it didn't require prolonged refinement.
"I'm finished."
Though the time was short, his condition had improved dramatically. His cultivation had advanced unexpectedly, and even the White Lightning Ten Stages had reached the ninth stage. This wasn't solely due to the ginseng—his continuous accumulation of energy after consuming the Supreme Elixir had naturally propelled him to this level.
When he spoke, Alliance Leader Yoo Jung-hong looked slightly surprised.
"Already?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? That was too fast."
"I'm fine."
"How perplexing. Are you hungry?"
"Very."
"Then let's go. I'll treat the victor to a meal."
Yoo Jung-hong addressed the Alliance members maintaining the formation.
"You've all worked hard. Return to your duties."
Spotting the three waiting in the distance, he asked Dan Woo-sung:
"Are those your friends?"
"Yes."
"Call them over."
When Dan Woo-sung summoned them, Cheol Myung-ho's eyes widened. Thanks to his friend, he now had the chance to dine with the Murim Alliance Leader.
Yoo Jung-hong didn't arrange a lavish private feast. Instead, they headed to the communal dining hall where Alliance members usually ate. It seemed he often dined here himself.
Cheol Myung-ho, moved by the old leader's candid demeanor, miraculously refrained from his usual brash remarks during the meal.
As they ate, Yoo Jung-hong asked Hwa Eun-wol:
"You're the young master of the Hwa Clan?"
Hwa Eun-wol replied.
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
Yoo Jung-hong chewed thoughtfully before smiling.
"Is your father well?"
"Yes, he's in good health."
"And the villagers?"
Hwa Eun-wol blinked in surprise at the unusual question.
"Ah, yes. They're all doing well."
"Don't be startled. I've received many reports of the Hwa Clan's covert activities during the Five Ridges War. Since you've resumed operations, pass this message to your father."
"Of course. What is it?"
"After the Fist King and Moo Yong-chu, even the Sword Emperor has gone silent. I've already sent a letter urging the Sword King to stay at the Murim Alliance for now. Inform your father of these developments."
Hwa Eun-wol bowed his head.
"Understood."
Yoo Jung-hong added impassively:
"If the Demonic Path seeks revenge, your family and those two must be especially cautious."
Hwa Eun-wol and Hwa Eun-seol clasped their fists toward the Alliance Leader.
"We'll be vigilant."
"Thank you for your concern."
Dan Woo-sung studied Hwa Eun-wol intently. The usually confident young master was uncharacteristically flustered as he ate.
Yoo Jung-hong suddenly frowned at Hwa Eun-wol.
"Young Master."
Hwa Eun-wol straightened.
"Yes."
"You are the descendant of a great lineage. If you appear unsettled, it dishonors your ancestors—especially in my presence. Many of them were my comrades."
The Hwa Clan had secrets that often left its descendants bewildered, and Hwa Eun-wol was no exception.
"I'll remember that."
Yoo Jung-hong then turned to Dan Woo-sung.
"And you."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
Yoo Jung-hong spoke cryptically.
"...You must become stronger. Far stronger than you are now."
"Mm."
"Winning here will spread your name somewhat, but you're still not renowned across the land. I want you to become a hidden blade within the White Path. The Demonic Path shouldn't even know you exist. Their first targets will be old men like me. Do you understand?"
"I do."
Pausing mid-meal, Yoo Jung-hong added:
"Use any means necessary to grow stronger. If you need aid, the Murim Alliance will support you fully."
Dan Woo-sung's goal had aligned with Yoo Jung-hong's. Both were preparing for an unknown enemy. The only answer was to become stronger.
From the beginning, Yoo Jung-hong had recognized Dan Woo-sung's hidden potential better than anyone. For his sake—and for the White Path—he intended to nurture Dan Woo-sung as a wildcard, a decisive weapon.