Chapter 96: Strength Evaluation (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Strength Evaluation (3)
Standing at the forefront of the Great Derivation Sword Formation, Namgung Jun stared ahead.
The Succeeding Symphony Formation of the Resounding Voice Hall.
Just as various instruments combine to create a single, harmonious melody, sound-based martial arts grew exponentially more powerful as the number of practitioners increased.
The Succeeding Symphony Formation was a sword formation that pushed this characteristic of sonic arts to its absolute limit.
In fact, it was often said that when deployed by the entire Resounding Voice Hall—not just a single squad—the power of a complete Succeeding Symphony Formation rivaled that of the strongest of the Ten Halls in group battles.
Instruments like the guqin, xiao flute, bamboo clappers, Beijing cymbals, and octagonal drums erupted into sound simultaneously.
In less than half a breath, the distinct sounds produced by each instrument wove together.
The five tones and six pitches harmonized, creating a powerful wave of sonic qi that vibrated through the air.
Ruuuumble!
For a moment, his ears went numb. Then, an overwhelming pressure crashed over him, like a fragment of a typhoon slamming into the earth.
The entire Great Derivation Sword Formation was instantly shoved backward, as if the very air around them was pushing the Heavenly Sword Hall away.
If they weren’t careful, they would be picked off from a distance by sonic Qi Waves before they could even close the gap.
They needed a first strike, something to shatter the dozens of layers of sonic Qi Waves surging toward them like a tidal wave.
That must be my role.
A thick, deep-blue sword wind surged along the Eternal Righteous Sword.
The sonic Qi Waves had completely seized control of the air, causing the sword wind from his Heavenly Wind Sword Technique to flicker precariously, like a candle in a gale.
But the instability was brief. The sword wind grew steadily, firmly enveloping the Eternal Righteous Sword.
Even the air feels heavy.
As Namgung Jun slashed down with the Eternal Righteous Sword, the muscles on his forearm flexed, and prominent veins bulged.
Crack!
The blade swept heavily, both horizontally and vertically, unleashing a succession of sharp, rupturing sounds.
Again and again, he struck out, shattering the sonic Qi Waves that pressed in like an invisible, intangible wall.
Oh? He's holding back the sonic Qi Waves of the Succeeding Symphony Formation all by himself? Even with the help of the Great Derivation Sword Formation, that should be difficult.
Curiosity flickered in the eyes of the Resounding Voice Hall Master as he observed Namgung Jun’s movements.
Boom!
Stamping his foot in an Earth-Trembling Stomp, Namgung Jun executed three forms of the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique in rapid succession.
He finally severed the sonic Qi Waves—if only for a moment—and carved open a path leading straight to the Resounding Voice Hall.
Having given the Great Derivation Sword Formation some breathing room, Namgung Jun raised his voice.
“Heavy Stance!”
At Namgung Jun’s command, the members of the Heavenly Sword Hall stomped their feet in unison.
Thump!
As the swordsmen executed the Earth-Trembling Stomp together, the sonic Qi Waves surrounding the Great Derivation Sword Formation were violently repelled.
With the heavy pressure weighing down on their bodies eased, the Heavenly Sword Hall immediately charged forward.
As the Great Derivation Sword Formation closed the distance, the lips of the Flagbearer of the Resounding Voice Hall moved rapidly.
As orders were transmitted via Voice Transmission, the melody of the Resounding Voice Hall shifted.
The once-calm rhythm grew increasingly urgent and rapid, punctuated by sharp, ear-piercing notes.
A relentless gale of blades whipped across the front of the Great Derivation Sword Formation.
Sharp sonic Qi Waves flickered from all directions, dazzling the eyes.
But the Great Derivation Sword Formation did not retreat. Its configuration shifted once more, unleashing a fierce barrage of Swift Swords.
Namgung Jun had seamlessly altered the formation’s movements using Voice Transmission.
He commanded the Great Derivation Sword Formation by alternating between his spoken voice and Voice Transmission, a tactic designed to sow confusion in their opponents.
Clang-clang-clang!
Deflecting dozens of sonic Qi Waves at the very front, Namgung Jun shouted, “Weave your internal Qi Waves more tightly!”
The alternating onslaught of heavy pressure and sharp sonic Qi Waves was troublesome enough, but the sound waves constantly targeting the internal organs of the Heavenly Sword Hall swordsmen were also a major threat.
Although the unified Qi Waves generated by the profound principles of the Great Derivation Sword Formation protected them, any lapse in the formation’s execution would immediately allow the sound to penetrate their defenses.
It was a matter of whether they could endure or break through.
With our previous Great Derivation Sword Formation, we would have been breached or pushed back by now, Gong Jun-am thought, feeling the distinct vibrations of the sonic Qi Waves travel up his greatsword. A surge of certainty washed over him. But now, we are more than capable of breaking through the Succeeding Symphony Formation.
The Great Derivation Sword Formation became a single, massive sword, tearing through the sonic Qi Waves and piercing across the Great Training Ground.
The startled Resounding Voice Hall attempted to move and widen the distance, but the Great Derivation Sword Formation was faster. Because the Resounding Voice Hall was maintaining a wide-area sonic attack, their movement speed was inherently limited.
As the pressure intensified with every step they closed, Gong Jun-am’s eyes widened, and he let out a fierce battle cry.
“Haaah!”
Triggered by Gong Jun-am’s shout, the charging swordsmen of the Heavenly Sword Hall began to roar one by one.
The moment their unified war cry drowned out the melody, the immense Qi Wave of the Great Derivation Sword Formation shattered the opposing formation’s qi head-on.
It was like a raging wave crashing against a giant boulder and scattering into mist.
Boom!
An Air-Splitting Sound, like a giant drum bursting, echoed across the field—proof that the sonic Qi Waves had violently collapsed.
Gasp!
What in the world?!
When did the Heavenly Sword Hall become this strong?
The Succeeding Symphony Formation was not a formation that could be broken simply by closing the distance. The closer an enemy got, the stronger the influence of the sonic Qi Waves became. Furthermore, it had numerous forms designed to push back any foes who managed to draw near.
The Resounding Voice Hall's gradual retreat was not out of fear, but a calculated move to make the Heavenly Sword Hall impatient and lure them into a reckless advance. They had been about to unleash the ultimate technique of the Succeeding Symphony Formation to bring their opponents to their knees.
But the sudden surge of qi from the Great Derivation Sword Formation completely threw their melody into disarray.
While the Resounding Voice Hall was thrown into confusion by this unprecedented situation, countless sword strikes poured down like raindrops from the tip of Namgung Jun’s sword at the forefront.
Shatter!
Under the dizzying onslaught of the Sookwoo Sword Technique, over a dozen instruments were destroyed.
The melody was abruptly cut short.
Leaping forward immediately after, the Heavenly Sword Hall swordsmen darted in and out, weaving deep into the ranks of the Resounding Voice Hall members. The Resounding Voice Hall fought back at close range but were steadily pushed back.
At this rate, they could no longer maintain the Succeeding Symphony Formation. Even if they did, the friendly fire would be devastating.
The Flagbearer of the Resounding Voice Hall, who was directing the formation, lowered the xiao flute from his lips.
“We have lost.”
As the outcome of the battle was decided, Lee Se-ha lifted her chin as if it were only natural.
The Resounding Voice Hall Master, who had been watching from afar, called out loudly, “Heavenly Sword Hall Master. It seems the Great Derivation Sword Formation has changed. Am I correct?”
“My disciple changed it,” she replied.
The Resounding Voice Hall Master looked at Namgung Jun with surprised eyes.
“The Azure Star Sword again?”
Other Hall Masters who were listening in chimed in.
“It seems Namgung Jun successfully modified the external arts training method he learned in our hall. I felt quite proud,” said Dan Jung-se.
“There are many martial artists who grow strong alone, but few who make those around them stronger as well. Namgung Jun was born with the qualities to stand above others,” remarked Ha Mu-jung.
Despite the praise from Iron Tower Hall Master Dan Jung-se and Martial Conquest Hall Master Ha Mu-jung, Lee Se-ha’s gaze remained fixed on Namgung Jun.
“Of course. After all, whose disciple is he?”
Lee Se-ha lightly stretched her body and spoke.
“Now, all that’s left is for me to do my part as the Hall Master.”
At her murmur, the expressions of the other Hall Masters grew noticeably more serious.
While the Flagbearer Battle, individual battles, and group battles were important, the one that carried the most weight was undoubtedly the Hall Master Battle. It was a known fact that subsequent evaluations and merit point additions had little impact compared to this final showdown.
Even while the group battles were underway, the Hall Masters had been honing their Qi Waves.
As if certain of the Heavenly Sword Hall’s ultimate victory in the group battle, Lee Se-ha stopped watching. She sat cross-legged and closed her eyes.
And Lee Se-ha’s faith was never misplaced.
* * *
The Hall Master Battle was conducted in a tournament format with random matchmaking, where the ten Hall Masters faced off against one another.
Before long, the battle reached its final stage, with only the championship match remaining.
The Martial Conquest Hall Master had defeated the Mokryun Hall Master, and the Heavenly Sword Hall Master had overcome the Crushing Hall Master.
Finally, with the last martial duel ahead, only the Heavenly Sword Hall Master and the Martial Conquest Hall Master remained.
“Hmm.”
Martial Conquest Hall Master Ha Mu-jung uncrossed his arms and spoke slowly. “I believe you lost to the Crushing Hall Master during the last strength evaluation. You have thoroughly avenged that defeat this time.”
“I don’t intend to stop at mere revenge. Since I’ve made it this far, I might as well take the honor of being the best of the Ten Halls.”
“An admirable spirit, but it will be difficult.”
There was no separate referee for the Hall Masters’ duels. The moment one of them moved, the duel began.
Ha Mu-jung and Lee Se-ha.
The two swordsmen drew their swords simultaneously and charged at each other.
Clang-clang-clang!
Amidst the ear-ringing clash of steel, a series of explosive booms erupted. The ground of the Great Training Ground shattered, sending up a plume of dust and dirt.
“The Heavenly Sword Hall Master’s skills have improved immensely.”
“To be honest, she almost made it into the top three during the last strength evaluation. She just had bad matchmaking. It seems she has grown even further now.”
“Come to think of it, Lee Se-ha is still at the age of a rising star, so it’s not surprising that she’s improving so rapidly.”
The Hall Masters watched the duel with intrigued expressions.
Rumble!
Lee Se-ha countered the Martial Conquest Grand Selection Formula by alternating between the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Sword Technique and the Distant-Cloud Layered-Wall Stance. She used the Distant-Cloud Layered-Wall Stance to deflect the crushing, head-on strikes, all while searching for an opening with her Heavenly Thunder True Yang Sword Technique.
Perhaps because the Hall Masters were fighting with all their might, those with lower cultivation, like the First Cloud and Second Cloud members, found it difficult to even follow the duel properly. All they could see were faint blurs of light and shadow shifting rapidly.
“Namgung Jun. Is the Hall Master winning?”
Man Ye-won, her eyes narrowed to slits, couldn’t contain her curiosity and asked Namgung Jun.
He replied, his eyes fixed on Lee Se-ha, “My master is still at a disadvantage.”
The Martial Conquest Hall Master was originally the strongest among the Ten Halls. Even for someone like Lee Se-ha, he was not an opponent she could easily overcome.
Honestly, just keeping up with him to this extent is an incredible feat.
But the disciple knew. He knew his master would never be satisfied with just this.
Did she achieve a breakthrough during her last Closed-Door Cultivation?
Namgung Jun could not take his eyes off Lee Se-ha.
Whoosh!
As Lee Se-ha deflected a sword strike aimed horizontally at her shoulder, her hips jarred slightly. That was how powerful the strikes of the Martial Conquest Grand Selection Formula were.
But it’s not an insurmountable difference.
Lee Se-ha stared at Ha Mu-jung, who was repeatedly unleashing a fierce, imposing momentum. She adjusted her grip on her sword and stepped forward, facing him head-on.
She’s aiming for a frontal clash? I thought she would endure with the Distant-Cloud Layered-Wall Stance while looking for an opening.
The corners of Ha Mu-jung’s mouth slowly curled upward. When a junior requested a direct contest of strength, it would be bad manners to refuse.
Crash!
After exchanging a single strike, Ha Mu-jung’s eyes widened. He had only just noticed the change in Lee Se-ha.
Her body had become remarkably solid. It seemed Lee Se-ha had also practiced the external arts training method mentioned by the Iron Tower Hall Master.
And above all…
Ha Mu-jung closely observed the dozens of lightning bolts filling his vision. He had faced the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Sword Technique dozens of times before, yet the forms she was executing now were vastly different from the past.
Did she reconstruct the forms? Or did she attain a new realization?
The power of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Sword Technique had risen to another level, and its edge was incredibly sharp.
“Heavenly Sword Hall Master. Your Heavenly Thunder True Yang Sword Technique has changed. Have you gained new martial insight?”
“I did. Though, of course, the spark for that insight came thanks to my disciple.”
Thinking of Namgung Jun, Ha Mu-jung smiled.
“I’m starting to feel envious.”
After exchanging over thirty clashes, the Martial Conquest Hall Master and the Heavenly Sword Hall Master retreated simultaneously, taking a deep breath to regulate their internal energy.
Whoosh!
A powerful gale whipped up around the two supreme experts. It was the prelude to them unleashing their ultimate techniques.
“Huh? Those two…!”
Startled, Man Hun stood up to stop them, but Hahu Seon held him back.
“Let us watch. They aren’t so reckless as to injure each other.”
Just as Man Hun was about to sit back down, flashes of light drawn by the two supreme experts crossed the Great Training Ground from opposite directions.
“That is a form I have never seen before.”
“It’s an ultimate technique I refined during my last Closed-Door Cultivation. What do you think?”
“Magnificent.”
Even after exchanging their ultimate techniques, neither Hall Master’s posture was disrupted.
Just as the two, sizing each other up, were about to clash once more—
“Stop.”
Hahu Seon waved his hand.
“You are perfectly matched. Any further dueling will only result in unnecessary injuries. It is best to stop here.”
At Hahu Seon’s intervention, the two Hall Masters immediately sheathed their swords and bowed in respect.
“The Ink Fragrance Department will take this draw into account. Both Hall Masters have shown excellent performances.”
Under the praise of the Azure Heaven Association Leader, the two Hall Masters stepped back.
All stages of the strength evaluation had come to an end.
Hahu Seon received a sheet of paper brought by Yun Gyeong-jong.
Scanning the contents, Hahu Seon spoke.
“I shall now announce the results of this strength evaluation.”
Silence enveloped the Great Training Ground.