The Sun Golden Frog That Gives Without Stinting (1)
“Please step back for a moment, ladies.”
Hyeon Yucheon spoke as he approached the Sun Golden Frog, basking in the warm sunlight at the peak of Hyeonwang Peak.
With the Point Sword Sect and Wind Cloud Venerable Sa Muhyuk having withdrawn, they likely believed everything was over. Far from it.
The Sun Golden Frog was no pushover.
Docile by nature, but once enraged, it unleashed a ferocious inner fire capable of melting an entire region—a true spirit beast.
“Got it. Don’t worry about us, Young Master Hyeon. Handle it quickly.”
Haomen leader So Jaun flashed a seductive smile.
With her formidable martial prowess protecting Jeong Se-in and Yeon Jinjin, there was no cause for concern.
Reassuring.
Hyeon Yucheon felt a wave of relief watching them.
No matter how much the Point Sword Sect guarded the entrance, one could never predict when they might turn hostile.
Of course, neither Sa Muhyuk nor Yeon Ilbi harbored such intentions.
“Sun Golden Frog, come on—show me that precious face of yours.”
Hyeon Yucheon finally reached it, facing the spirit beast one-on-one.
Krrruk!
Sensing the intruder in its territory, the heavily defended Sun Golden Frog inflated its cheeks in warning.
This was a clear signal to retreat.
A spirit among spirits, indeed.
Though it was his first time seeing one in person, Hyeon Yucheon was stunned by its overwhelming size.
Nearly as large as a grown man’s upper body, its gleaming golden sheen lived up to its name, evoking not just an inner core but symbols of wealth and glory.
Every part—from skin to bones—was priceless, as they said.
“They say you surface once every millennium. My apologies.”
Hyeon Yucheon expressed his regret to the spirit beast once more, then took another step forward.
Kwaaaah!
The Sun Golden Frog spewed the scorching breath it had unleashed before.
Even masters of superior lightness skills would melt in an instant under that insane assault.
It wasn’t mere breath—it rivaled the heat of molten lava.
Heavenly Dominion Step!
But who was Hyeon Yucheon?
In the current martial world, none could stand against him.
Whoosh!
With astonishing, mystical footwork, he evaded the blazing breath entirely.
Even so, its terror lay in how narrowly it missed—by a hair’s breadth.
Jurruk!
The breath that grazed past him melted the massive boulder behind in seconds.
If that had hit me...
Hyeon Yucheon stared at the flowing rock remnants, inwardly shocked.
No matter his superior protective aura, blocking it outright would be impossible.
And that was just the beginning.
Paat!
The Sun Golden Frog launched its true assault!
As mentioned, it was mild-mannered until provoked—then no beast or spirit in the Central Plains could match it.
With a tremendous leap, it charged straight at Hyeon Yucheon with a body slam.
“You dare!”
Startled by the unconventional attack yet composed, Hyeon Yucheon responded calmly.
One Flash One Kill!
In that split second, he precisely thrust his Formless Flash Quick Sword, aiming to halt the charge.
But something astonishing happened.
Kwaaaang!
Despite his formless sword force landing true, the Sun Golden Frog’s momentum didn’t falter.
Impossible!
Hyeon Yucheon gaped in disbelief.
It was due to the creature’s sturdy bones and its shell boasting immense protection.
Truly, every inch of the Sun Golden Frog was invaluable.
Withstanding his strike, even briefly, was no surprise.
Jurrruk!
In the end, Hyeon Yucheon took the unanticipated hit and was sent skidding backward.
That he emerged unscathed owed to his veteran instincts.
“I was the fool.”
After the setback, Hyeon Yucheon rubbed his tingling body with a wry smile.
This isn’t a human or martial master I’ve faced before. It’s a wild spirit beast—unpredictable in movement and attack.
Treating it like a martial opponent was his mistake.
“Out of pity, I underestimated you.”
With those words, Hyeon Yucheon steeled himself anew.
Realization made all the difference.
He put it into action immediately.
Formless Dividing Light Extreme Sword!
Discarding his prior disdain, he unleashed an ultimate technique of the Formless Flash Quick Sword.
Previously, he hadn’t gone all-out. Now, it was different.
He poured his full inner power into the strike.
Kwaaaaaah!
A comet-like formless sword force plummeted toward the Sun Golden Frog.
Its shell, impervious to most masters’ blows, was pushed to its limits.
“Kreeeek!”
So devastating was Hyeon Yucheon’s attack that the Sun Golden Frog let out a piercing screech.
The agony threatened to burst its body; it teetered on unconsciousness.
No spirit beast, however mighty, could surpass the Demon Sword Young Master.
Gazing down, Hyeon Yucheon felt pity but saw no alternative.
“I’ll send you painlessly.”
Praising its tenacity and defense for forcing his full power, he severed the immobilized creature’s breath.
I’ll honor your sacrifice and use the inner core wisely.
Smooth!
After a moment of clasped hands in prayer, Hyeon Yucheon began extracting.
Slice, slice!
Having once honed his martial arts alone in the mountains for years, disassembly was straightforward.
Thus, he effortlessly claimed the inner core, bones, golden skin, priceless gall bladder, and organs.
Some might call it cruel, but they’d be wrong.
When hunting out of necessity, utilizing every part from head to toe was respect for the prey.
“My goodness!”
As Hyeon Yucheon secured the parts and examined the inner core’s size, he couldn’t hide his astonishment.
It was as large as a child’s face—and above all.
Not even refined yet, and this intense heat radiates so vividly.
Just holding it conveyed scorching warmth.
This was perfect for mastering the second Formless Mystery of the supreme quick sword: Formless Flash Light Extreme Exhaust Sword.
Requiring explosive inner power, its fiery yang nature matched ideally, providing the burst he needed.
Shudder!
Clutching even the core, Hyeon Yucheon was overcome with emotion.
All preparations complete.
He yearned to consume it immediately, but this was deep in Point Sword Sect territory.
Lingering to absorb it was impossible.
“All done.”
Hyeon Yucheon signaled his companions a short distance away.
“Finally!”
“Eek, gross!”
“Gross? This stuff’s worth a fortune.”
The trio of peerless beauties reacted with their unique personalities: Jeong Se-in averting her eyes in pity, Yeon Jinjin sighing in relief, and pragmatic So Jaun admiring his thoroughness.
“Let’s return to the Demon Sword Sect.”
Thus, Hyeon Yucheon claimed not just the inner core, but bones, skin, gall bladder, and all rare treasures!
* * *
Rushing back to the Demon Sword Sect to boost his inner power and master the second Formless Mystery, the Demon Sword Young Master entered secluded training once more.
I’ll seclude myself until mastering the second Formless Mystery.
Encouragingly, it wouldn’t last as long as before.
Smooth!
Only in the training chamber reserved for the sect leader did he produce the Sun Golden Frog’s inner core again.
Three days later, it still resembled a compressed miniature sun.
“Must consume it soon.”
Holding it, Hyeon Yucheon murmured.
Unlike pills or elixirs, spirit cores were best taken fresh from living beings—delaying diminished efficacy.
Drying weakened potency, but the Sun Golden Frog’s immense heat preserved it.
Tremble!
Uncharacteristically, his hands shook slightly as he lifted it.
He’d puzzled over consumption, but not for long.
Slurp!
Upon touching his lips, the massive core dissolved into a golden liquid, silently flowing down his throat and esophagus.
He’d expected bitterness, but no!
Not a taste, but a fog spreading through my organs.
The uncanny sensation felt like enlightenment anew.
But joy was fleeting.
Flarrrk, fwoooosh!
A ferocious heat engulfed him, evoking the flames of hell.
Having consumed a millennium-cultivated spirit, was this heaven’s punishment?
Jurruk!
Its blaze tormented even profound Hyeon Yucheon relentlessly.
His body glistened with sweat; flesh visibly withered, moisture evaporating.
Must hold on.
Ordinary folk would have fainted or wailed, but not him.
He seized this rare opportunity.
Formless Myriad Things Heart Method!
Defying the inferno, he circulated the supreme method absorbing all properties.
How much time passed?
Siiiik!
Hyeon Yucheon smiled brighter than ever.
Behind him bloomed a dazzling golden halo, like a lotus.
Yes.
He had gained near-infinite inner power... and more.
At last, the upper dantian has opened!