Chapter 81
Chapter 81
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Yielding Ten Breaths
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the martial world, there was something called pae-bun, or hierarchy.
Just as fathers stand above sons and grandfathers above fathers, it was a ranking within sects that distinguished generations, much like seniority.
For example, in the renowned old sects, the most recently initiated disciples were called third-generation disciples.
Above them came second-generation, then first-generation disciples, with the highest ranks occupied by elders and the sect leader.
"Which of the three elders will grace us with their guidance?"
In other words, the current situation had Yang-hui, who was merely a third-generation disciple in rank, challenging an elder—someone effectively above even a first-generation disciple.
The elders of the Frost Moon Sect hardened their faces with sharp glares.
'Well, can't blame them for being upset. It's like a grandson picking a fight with his grandfather.'
By the hierarchies of the martial world—or even by simple common sense—it was like a pup yapping at a tiger.
At least on the surface.
"Baek Clan's young master. How audacious."
The first to step forward was the most hot-tempered among the three elders.
-Moon-Smashing Fist Jang Ju-bong. They said his nickname came from how he'd rampage with enough fury to shatter even the moon. A peak realm master.
Yang-hui clasped his hands in salute again as he received Chui-dal's mental transmission.
"Moon-Smashing Fist, I presume. Will you offer this junior some guidance?"
Unlike the brash young sect leader who had caused scandals due to inexperience and immaturity, Moon-Smashing Fist had wandered the martial world for over thirty years.
He had more than enough experience to read Yang-hui's intentions.
And that was precisely why Moon-Smashing Fist couldn't help but rage.
"Jeong Myeong-gun tried to return that brat's petty scheme in kind? Are you really that confident!"
Jeong Myeong-gun had challenged Yang-hui to a spar in his rush for fame, only to suffer a humiliating defeat.
It was a disaster born of overconfidence and underestimating his opponent.
In short, victory would bring immense fame, but defeat would render it all worthless.
But.
"This junior is merely seeking guidance from a senior. No need for overconfidence on my part."
Moon-Smashing Fist gnashed his teeth at Yang-hui's sly, fox-like attitude.
"Fine. I'll give you that guidance—and shatter you in the process!"
With that, Moon-Smashing Fist leaped onto the sparring platform.
Yang-hui glanced at the Frost Moon Sect leader's expression.
'No intention of stopping it... Well, that would be the strange thing at this point.'
The young sect leader's crushing defeat had already tarnished the Frost Moon Sect's face in the dirt.
At this stage, they must have figured Moon-Smashing Fist crushing Yang-hui was the only way to salvage even a shred of dignity.
'And with a peak realm master like Moon-Smashing Fist stepping up, stopping him would be the odd choice.'
The wall of the peak realm was also called the boundary of transcendence.
So much changed once one crossed into peak realm.
There was even a saying in the martial world to that effect.
'A martial artist who hasn't reached peak realm can never defeat one who has, no matter the method.'
Peak realm masters had comprehended the subtleties of mind-follows-qi, will-manifests-intent, and sword-qi-manifests-form, achieving unity of mind, energy, and body.
Those at first-rate or below simply couldn't beat them.
This was a truth widely known throughout the martial world.
"Huuuuh."
Alright then. Time to shake the heavens and move the earth.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Chui-dal watched Yang-hui on the sparring platform, arms crossed.
He had done everything as instructed, but he still couldn't fathom what Yang-hui was thinking.
So he asked.
"Young Master Dang. Do you suppose... that guy has some kind of plan?"
Over the few years they'd spent together, Yang-hui and Dangun had grown close enough to speak casually.
But while Chui-dal bantered loosely with Yang-hui, he still maintained proper decorum with Dangun.
"Brother Hui's thoughts... even I can't guess them."
Dangun's lips curved into a faint smile.
From the first time he'd met Yang-hui at age eight, he'd been an enigma whose mind was impossible to read.
"No, Young Master. Common sense says there's no gain in fighting a Frost Moon Sect elder, right?"
"True. Victory would bring great rewards, but it's a tough fight."
"Tough? It's impossible."
Chui-dal was right.
Victory against a peak realm master like Moon-Smashing Fist was out of the question for Yang-hui.
Mind-follows-qi. When the mind moves, energy follows.
Will-manifests-intent. Intent unleashes aura to overwhelm foes.
Sword-qi-manifests-form. Formless energy becomes tangible.
These were the three insights needed to reach peak realm.
In other words, peak realm masters suppressed enemies with sheer presence, dominated with superior energy control and speed, and wielded their sword-qi—or fist-qi, in Moon-Smashing Fist's case—as the ultimate weapon.
"He's always pulled off clever tricks before, so he must have something up his sleeve this time too."
To Dangun, Yang-hui was a truly wondrous existence.
Even setting aside his peerless talent.
Younger, yet someone with much to teach in many ways.
This incident was a perfect example.
'Brother Hui never acts at a loss. So show us how you'll turn this around.'
How he'd profit from a no-win scenario.
"Brother Chui-dal. Let's watch together. Seen another way, isn't this quite entertaining?"
"You're right. I'm genuinely curious what face that nose-in-the-sky fellow will make when he's beaten into the dust."
Chui-dal began grinning.
Dangun's smile deepened.
"Indeed, even if it turns out that way, it'll be amusing."
"Right? Give it your all, Moon-Smashing Fist!"
That was when it happened.
"Hm, it's starting."
Yang-hui drew his sword and launched himself at Moon-Smashing Fist.
"He's using a sword this time, at least."
"The last one was a bit much."
A swordsman had overpowered a fist fighter without even drawing his blade, using bare-handed techniques.
The spectators had seen it clearly with their own eyes, so the young sect leader was probably stuck with some humiliating new nickname.
Clang!
Moon-Smashing Fist deflected Yang-hui's sword with his hand.
Despite the clash of flesh against steel, not a single scratch marred his skin.
"They say a swordsman holds the edge over a fist fighter, but once you reach peak realm, that's no longer true. Your sword can't harm me."
Fist-qi shimmered on Moon-Smashing Fist's hands.
A crystallization of formless energy made tangible.
The perfect offensive tool—and an impenetrable shield against all attacks.
"Since you're the one giving guidance to our young sect leader, I yielded the first move, remember?"
Moon-Smashing Fist stamped his foot. Both feet sank ankle-deep into the platform's bluestone.
"Ten breaths. I won't move from this spot while you make your ten moves."
In a senior-junior duel, yielding moves meant forgoing attacks.
Blocking or dodging was fair game.
But Moon-Smashing Fist went further, declaring he wouldn't even evade.
The source of such confidence?
"Protective Aura."
Tangible waves of energy rippled across Moon-Smashing Fist's body.
He had enveloped himself entirely in protective aura.
A mere piece of metal like a sword could never pierce that barrier of energy.
"Come at me. Starting now—ten breaths."
Dangun let out a low groan.
"Enveloping his whole body in protective aura... Moon-Smashing Fist's internal energy is no joke."
"Doesn't that lower your brother's odds even further?"
"Those yielded ten breaths are useless. He won't land a single strike."
Such was the vast gulf between one who had reached peak realm and one who hadn't.
"Hm. But for someone in that spot, your brother's face looks awfully bright."
"Hm? Looks like he has a trick."
Yang-hui flashed a sly grin and began to speak.
"Hero Moon-Smashing Fist. Did you know? There's an old saying in the martial world: beware the elderly, women, and children."
Yang-hui's sword began to tremble slowly.
The vibrations soon intensified.
Vibration.
And also, propulsion.
At first, only the sword quivered.
But soon.
The vibrations spread throughout Moon-Smashing Fist's protective aura.
Synchronizing with Yang-hui's, Moon-Smashing Fist's energy began to shake.
"Kuh!"
The startled Moon-Smashing Fist cried out in shock.
"What sorcery is this?!"
"Sorcery? Don't insult this Baek clansman's ears with such nonsense."
"Nonsense? You brat!"
"Whoa, stay still. It's only the first breath."
"You worm!"
Yang-hui pulled his arm back and thrust his sword with full force.
The moment blade met aura, vibrations rippled through again, sending waves across the protective barrier.
"That's two now, Hero Moon-Smashing Fist. Remember: overconfidence invites disaster."
Moon-Smashing Fist couldn't comprehend the situation.
Just a trembling sword, yet it pierced his aura to deliver shocks?
Unbelievable. Beyond normal reason.
"What technique are you using?"
Yang-hui's answer was simple.
"The Internal Penetrating Strike, executed through sonic principles."
Internal Penetrating Strike. A method to strike externally and damage internally.
Also known as Infiltrating Force.
Exactly as it sounded—a technique that seeped in to assault from within.
"Haha. Brother Hui had a plan after all."
"When did he even come up with such a clever technique? Truly amazing."
Eight breaths remained.
Unless Moon-Smashing Fist retracted his bold declaration, victory was already in the bag.
"So a first-rate master can beat a peak realm one like this?"
"The Frost Moon Sect's reputation will hit rock bottom."
"While Brother Hui's fame shoots to the heavens."
A first-rate junior defeating an elder from a sect—and a peak realm master at that?
"The gossips won't let that slide. It'll be noisy for a while."
"Probably a fancy new nickname too. Something like Moon-Unbreached Wall-Smasher."
Moon-Unbreached Wall-Smasher. Couldn't breach the wall, but shattered it anyway.
Perfect for Yang-hui, a first-rater who beat a peak master.
Though the ring was off, so probably something catchier.
That was when Chui-dal and Dangun were trading jests.
"Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten."
Yang-hui lightly tapped Moon-Smashing Fist's shoulder eight times with casual sword flicks before leaping back.
"There. Ten breaths up, Hero Moon-Smashing Fist."
Moon-Smashing Fist stared piercingly at Yang-hui from his spot.
"Are you in your right mind?"
"Of course."
"You just threw away your only chance to beat me."
True enough. The technique Yang-hui had shown only worked because Moon-Smashing Fist stood motionless.
Once the declared ten breaths ended, the tables turned completely.
Moon-Smashing Fist would now fight warily, and no first-rater could beat a vigilant peak master.
But.
"Eh, I didn't want the win tainted by 'yielded moves' talk."
'Sick of that Sword Fiend crap. Time to snag an epic nickname.'
Yang-hui grinned.
"Come at me then, Hero Moon-Smashing Fist."
"You worm!"
Moon-Smashing Fist charged with the signature footwork of the Moon Shadow Fist Art.
Moon Shadow Fist Art, Moonlit Eighteen Chaotic Fists!
Like moonlight plunging from the high sky to blanket everywhere.
Dazzling, chaotic fist shadows filled every direction.
True to a peak master—blindingly fast, without a single opening.
But.
'I see it all.'
Yang-hui stepped into Ghostly Heaven Steps.
Infused with speed and swiftness, illusion and transformation.
"Impossible!"
"How can this be!"
Not just the onlookers—even Chui-dal and Dangun gasped in shock.
None of the eighteen fist strikes had touched Yang-hui.