Chapter 79: The Contest (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 79: The Contest (3)
Whoosh!
The moment he shattered the sword Qi with a single shockwave from Advancing Thunder and a single step of the Radiant Wing Step, he realized he had returned to the basics.
He felt a profound sense of mastery, as if the martial arts mnemonics were being etched directly into the meridians of his entire body.
Namgung Hwa-shin's face came into view. Despite his clenched teeth, his pale complexion remained surprisingly serene.
Was it because he knew he could overwhelm with sheer power, even if he was being pushed back in technique?
Jeong Yeon-shin did not care. He leaned his slightly tilted upper body forward.
He had just crushed the shockwave of his opponent's sword strike with his footwork. Now, his hands—left palm, right sword—finally had room to breathe.
Now.
He had to decide the match here. His true Qi was running dry. If he dragged this out any longer, he would lose.
He decided to draw upon it once more.
The instant he thrust the white Desolate Fortress Sword in his right hand, he activated the opposing mnemonic with his left. His mind felt perfectly clear and cool.
Internal power surged from the Neiguan Point—the Inner Pass just below his wrist.
He wrapped the Demon-Quelling Azure Steel Hand around the Blood Art true Qi that had begun to spread wildly.
Whoosh!
He entrusted his fate to the incomplete fourth form of the Infinite Flower of Time Fist.
Just then, a white sword light filled his vision. Having deflected a strike of the Radiant Brilliance Sword Style, Namgung Hwa-shin thrust forward with a counter-sword move.
The force of the Azure Sky Boundless Sword rushed in like invisible arrows. The air, split into multiple currents, let out a sharp shriek.
Jeong Yeon-shin paid it no mind and unfolded his palm.
Swish!
In an instant, Namgung Hwa-shin's figure spun like drifting sleet. He charged in along a gently curved trajectory.
His movement technique was exquisite—a motion that encompassed both evasion and counterattack. It seemed he intended to deflect the attack from the side and deliver a decisive blow.
As expected of Young Hero Namgung.
He had anticipated this. The White Qilin was an expert capable of reacting instantly to even the slightest shift in stance.
Jeong Yeon-shin guessed the psychology embedded in his opponent's Body Protection Scripture. It was a movement wary of the fourth form's sheer power.
He had only unleashed it once during this duel. Namgung Hwa-shin did not know the flaw of this form. At least not yet, and that was enough.
Whoosh!
He bent his hand backward. He was not aiming forward.
It was a form that discharged palm force in reverse.
He filled the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian—the meridian line running from his shoulder through the center of his left arm—with the overlapping true Qi of the Scripture of Initial Overcoming.
Immediately, without hesitation, he detonated the opposing palm technique of the Blood Art and the Azure Steel Hand.
Boom!
It felt as if a cannonball had exploded in his arm, which was anchored by his true Qi. The scenery warped like a tempest and flashed past his eyes. An immense load was placed on his left foot, which served as his axis. Enduring the strain with his internal energy, he spun around.
"..."
At the edge of his vision, he saw Namgung Hwa-shin's face. The man's eyes were wide with shock.
Having already changed direction once to execute his movement technique, he was caught in an interval where even the White Qilin could not react again.
The rushing speed of the Unimpeded Clear Stream Body was truly fast.
Just a moment ago, Namgung Hwa-shin had been thrusting his sword from point-blank range at Jeong Yeon-shin's flank, but with a single palm technique, their relative positions had violently shifted.
Swish!
Jeong Yeon-shin fully felt the single, rapid rotation of his entire body. It was truly like a gale.
It was a mere instant.
His innate senses flared. It felt as though the uncontrollable vortex of force was guiding his body on its own.
He tightened his ankle's peroneal muscle, twisting the flow of power upward.
It traveled up his thigh and waist, surging to his right arm in a flash.
Clang!
A sword was sent flying. The spinning blade flashed incessantly before plunging into the earth.
Flutter!
After spinning two more times along with his Desolate Fortress Sword, Jeong Yeon-shin's body came to a halt.
The hem of his blue robe fluttered once before settling down. He was still holding his own sword hilt.
The sunlight reflected off the blade of the Desolate Fortress Sword, lowered from his right hand, shimmering in a long, dappled line.
The final move was a technique he had first learned in the Demonlight Wing.
Accumulating Grinding Power. It was his own unique Silk-Reeling Power, learned by watching Cheong-myeong's swordplay. He had truly poured out every ounce of his martial arts.
It hurts.
The palm of his hand throbbed. A numbing vibration traveled up to his wrist.
"..."
A brief silence fell over the training ground. It was because of the sight that had just fully registered in the eyes of the spectators.
The White Qilin, Namgung Hwa-shin, had lost his sword.
The young genius who had mastered the ancient divine art of the Eight Families had been defeated by a younger expert.
It was difficult for anyone to speak immediately. Aside from those directly involved, everyone felt the exact same shock.
Thus, the person who finally broke the silence was one of the duel's participants.
"It wasn't even a real battle," Namgung Hwa-shin slowly parted his lips. "It would be pathetic to clash further with fists and palms."
The corners of the handsome young expert's mouth—the top prospect of the Heaven-Aligned Wing—curled up slightly.
There was no hesitation in his gesture as he raised his hands to clasp them in a polite fist salute. Did he truly not care about the outcome?
Though he must have strived so hard to win, he smiled as if satisfied with the duel itself, regardless of the results.
"Young Hero Jeong, it was a good duel. I have lost."
It was exactly like the way he had admitted defeat during the Desolate Fortress Entrance Exam.
His upright bearing was the very epitome of an Orthodox martial artist. He truly came across as a remarkable person.
During the entrance exam... it was my sword that flew away.
A strange emotion welled up within him. Was this what they called the passage of time? The memory of being unable to withstand Namgung Hwa-shin's sword force and losing his grip on his hilt was still vivid.
It felt like only yesterday when he had relied on the White Qilin's generosity during the entrance exam, yet a day like today had finally come.
It was undeniable proof of his growth.
Jeong Yeon-shin straightened his posture, circulating true Qi through the meridians of his entire body. The aftermath of the intense battle had left his frame stiff.
Throughout the duel, he had withstood a force far greater than his own internal power.
In fact, the defeated Namgung Hwa-shin seemed to be in much better physical condition, but fortunately, Jeong Yeon-shin managed to return the fist salute without showing any weakness.
"I have learned a valuable lesson. You have my gratitude."
The Flash Art of the Demonlight Wing and the White Qilin of the Heaven-Aligned Wing raised their hands to exchange courtesies.
It was the sight of the Desolate Fortress's future bowing to one another. Only then did the crowd finally react.
Some discussed the future paths of the two, while natural-born martial artists could not hide their excitement over the various martial principles displayed by the young experts. Others gripped their swords, unable to suppress their sudden urge to train.
Amidst it all, admiration and cheers filled the central training ground.
"I never thought I'd utter such a cliché, but the future of our main fortress is bright indeed."
"The White Qilin would have shone brightly even in the Orthodox Jianghu. His magnanimous character is truly wonderful to behold."
"I am curious about the Flash Art's sect-exclusive martial arts. I heard that one Buddhist martial art of his has entered the martial library, and its system is extremely complex..."
"I heard even the Unit Commanders couldn't grasp it. I wonder what his other techniques are like. If he created such martial arts all on his own... he could establish his own sect right away."
"Perhaps that would be better than active duty. If he were to lose in a life-and-death duel against the Namgung Clan, wouldn't those precious ultimate techniques be lost forever? After all, among the Blue and White Twin Kirins, the Azure Qilin is an expert who has trained for several years longer than the White Qilin."
The man who had been babbling about defeat in the corner had to shut his mouth immediately.
It was because the Former Commander of the Divine Sword Corps was staring at him.
With just a glance, he exuded an aura so deep and quiet that it commanded absolute silence.
It made the rumors of his rapid decline in martial prowess past his prime seem utterly groundless.
A small commotion arose.
However, it was separate from what was happening in the center of the training ground.
Step.
The Commander of the Thread-Annihilation Unit approached Jeong Yeon-shin and Namgung Hwa-shin.
He seemed completely indifferent to the commotion. He was formidable, his gaunt body still wrapped in a powerful aura like iron armor.
He was the very man who had decapitated the Hwangbo Clan Head, who had been hiding a secret technique. He seemed to have grown even stronger since then.
"The Flash Art will fight the Namgung Young Master," he said.
"The White Qilin shall take the head of the Changryeong Hwaju."
He was referring to Namgung Hwa-shin's half-sister.
It was just like the Commander of the Thread-Annihilation Unit. His indifferent face while speaking of fratricide was striking.
He was said to be a powerhouse who had roamed the Jianghu for nearly twenty years as a Black Rank expert of the Desolate Fortress.
Jeong Yeon-shin had even heard rumors that molten iron flowed through his veins instead of blood.
"...I accept the results of the competition."
Namgung Hwa-shin clasped his hands in a fist salute, his face stiffening.
Just what kind of story lay behind this? He was one of the most fair and upright individuals Jeong Yeon-shin had ever met.
For once, Jeong Yeon-shin felt a rare curiosity about someone else's affairs.
Southern Zhili is quite far.
They had agreed to share their stories before the duel. He would be able to hear it on the way.
They were martial artists. Even without words, they felt it—clashing swords had brought them closer.
"Flash Art."
The Commander of the Thread-Annihilation Unit called out to him. His gaze was peculiar.
"I saw you refining your martial arts right here on the spot. It is an ultimate technique too precious to be buried. If you were to write down a manual, many would shed blood to possess that book. I am speaking of when you venture out into the Jianghu."
It was a thought that had never crossed his mind. Jeong Yeon-shin remained silent.
"Strive to safeguard your martial arts."
Along with the advice, the hand gripping the boy's shoulder tightened slightly.
After looking at the two rising stars one last time, the Commander of the Thread-Annihilation Unit turned and walked away.
Namgung Hwa-shin shrugged and approached.
"It seems like advice worth taking to heart. Extraordinary martial arts always invite bloodshed. Hasn't the tomb of some nameless Heavenly Demon been dug up time and time again?"
"I have heard of that."
Jeong Yeon-shin nodded silently.
With a light chuckle, his face looking much more relieved, Namgung Hwa-shin said, "I've suffered consecutive defeats. And to a single young hero, no less."
"Who knows what would happen if we crossed swords again?"
"For now, perhaps. But do you know? This Namgung is the one who has personally experienced your growth. During the entrance exam, and now."
He grinned.
"A year from now, the opponents you face will be different. Whether in the Thirteen Heavens or the Nine Sects and Eight Great Families. At the very least, they won't be of your generation."
"..."
It was awkward to reply, but it wasn't wrong. To rise to the rank of Commander of the Divine Sword Corps, that was exactly what he had to do.
He would have to attain a level of martial prowess capable of crushing the countless mid-tier experts whose names already echoed throughout the world.
"But now is now. If I may venture some advice, Young Hero Jeong, you should further refine that peculiar palm technique and sword formula of yours. Also, increase your internal energy as much as possible, by whatever spirit elixirs necessary."
Namgung Hwa-shin spoke with a serious expression.
"My brother... is strong in his very being. His martial arts are the same. I have never beaten him, not even once before leaving the main family. You had better not think of defeating him with internal power. Considering the spirit medicines my brother has consumed as the eldest legitimate son of the Namgung Clan, he ranks among the very best in the world among his peers."
"I will keep that in mind."
Jeong Yeon-shin bowed his head slightly.
He had already found his path. All he needed was time.
"The days have grown longer."
Namgung Hwa-shin muttered, returning the bow.
The burning sunset, signaling that the summer solstice had passed, was still vivid.
In the red shadows cast without any sign of twilight falling, people began to leave one by one.
Yet, some remained.
"I knew it would turn out like this!"
It was Heonwon Chang and his other colleagues from the Demonlight Wing, along with the experts of the Heaven-Aligned Wing.
Sitting on the opposite steps as if they were seats, Shin Bin-bin wore a complex expression.
Jeong Yeon-shin looked at his junior from the Demonlight Wing, Shin So-bin, who sat beside her. Her large, round eyes were the same as ever.
Bin-bin and So-bin. He could guess what kind of conversation had passed between the two, who were clearly sisters at a glance.
It was because of Shin So-bin, who was smiling all by herself. Her look of sheer satisfaction was rather amusing.
As the servants cleared the area, the Grand Overseer of the Desolate Fortress approached with a smile.
His gaze, shifting between Jeong Yeon-shin and Namgung Hwa-shin, seemed to overflow with gratification.
"It was an impressive duel."
"Grand Overseer."
"Greetings, Grand Overseer."
At Jeong Yeon-shin and Namgung Hwa-shin's fist salutes, his smile deepened.
"It will take some time to deliver the official documents. This is because we must first declare war on the Namgung Clan. However, you should receive the results in at least seven days."
His commendation was the final word.
The competition, both long and short, had come to an end.
It was a day when several names, including the Flash Art of the Demonlight Wing, were deeply engraved upon the vast Desolate Fortress.
* * *
Afterward.
Time flew by in a blur.
Starting the very next day, a constant stream of visitors arrived. The aftermath was entirely different from his coming-of-age ceremony or his Blue Rank promotion.
A significant number of the Desolate Fortress's experts had turned their attention to those who would face the Namgung Clan. It was only natural.
The World's Greatest Family.
Even if the Unorthodox Thirteen Heavens denied it, whenever Orthodox martial artists discussed the greatest secular power, the Namgung Clan was never left out.
Among the secular sects of the martial world, they were considered the strongest of the Orthodox faction. A one-on-one duel between a Namgung and the Desolate Fortress was an event that would shake the entire Jianghu.
Later. There are only a few days left.
Jeong Yeon-shin rarely went outside. He mostly stayed confined to his room, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Repeating his Qi meditation, he circulated true Qi through his body's main and minor meridians over and over again.
He focused all his efforts on bringing his internal state to peak condition. He also worked to ensure the Golden Sore Medicine applied to his external wounds absorbed quickly.
The sunset continued to fade day after day. He waited for the half-moon to grow plump with light.
Soon.
Every time he completed the Great Heavenly Cycle circulating through the acupoints of his upper body, a certain person's face came to mind.
A supreme being. Both in status and martial prowess.
The full moon was drawing near.