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Crack-!

As the friction ignites, my energy scatters like confetti.

The visualization of my energy shattering looks as if shards are flying everywhere.

Creeeak-!

The clash of protective energy generates a harsh sound.

Neither side seems willing to yield, fierce and rough yet, paradoxically, delicate.

Bang-! Bangbang-!

Despite the countless energies bursting forth, none are wasted uselessly.

Each fragment holds significance.

What seems like a casual castaway carries intention.

Rustle-!

The sword tip splits the opponent’s strong energy apart.

Golden rays burst forth, absorbing the light in an instant.

My vision is obscured.

In response, Yu Yeon swiftly twists his body.

Whoosh-!

Even with sight obscured, instincts remain alert.

With a minute margin, the sword tip grazes his shoulder.

Using the recoil, he immediately swings his fist.

Bang-! Pressure is exerted on the Lower Dantian.

Weakening the strong energy, he shifts it into his fist.

Hundred Steps Divine Power.

Shaolin’s essence poured into the void.

Crashbangbang-!

“!”

It’s close.

Too late to dodge. Wi Seol-A furrows her brow and grips her sword handle tighter.

There’s no way to escape or defend.

Instead, I have to let it flow.

Wi Seol-A retrieves the strong energy enveloping her body and deepens her grip on the sword.

Creeeak—!!!

The Hundred Steps Divine Power barely glances off her sword, soaring into the air.

Boom-!

The rising wave feels as if it could pierce the sky.

The overwhelming majesty catches the audience’s attention for a moment.

But the two fighters on the sparring stage maintain their postures.

Before long, each of them rewrapped their protective energies.

Then, flashes of light burst forth once again.

Crash-! Crashcrash-! Crash-!

To those untrained, only blurred afterimages and thundering sounds remain.

Even if the battle is hardly visible, one could certainly tell.

The sparring of these two is of an extraordinary level.

“What an unbelievable sight.”

“I can hardly see at all.”

“…What on earth is happening…?”

The martial artists exhibited reactions close to shock.

Barely past the age of adulthood, these youngsters are battling at a level unheard of.

A struggle worthy of a White-Grade Master.

An exhibition so precious it’s seldom witnessed.

“The enlightenment of children in combat, how absurd.”

Amid the confusion of the martial artists.

“Contact the Sect Leader immediately…”

“We must recruit the Sword Sovereign’s successor.”

The newly emerged independent martial artists are already on the scene.

News about Wi Seol-A, the descendant of the Sword Sovereign, increasingly spreads.

Only a disciple level.

They had recklessly judged her position to be merely due to her lineage.

This is not just a matter of that level.

Perhaps….

“The rebirth of the Sword Sovereign…”

The Gale Sword, a force that once dominated the world, had begun to manifest.

It is only natural that such an aura draws everyone’s gaze.

Of course.

“Phew….”

“…”

The two combatants at the center, however, did not pay mind to such a thing.

Sssss-!

After a round of battle, the two created some distance.

The heat lingered in the air, and remnants of energy scattered around turned to dust.

Shoulders moving up and down.

In the blink of an eye, tremendous maneuvers had passed, leaving their breaths ragged.

“Phew… woo…”

I try to calm my breath around the energy swirling.

At the same time, Wi Seol-A glares at her opponent with squinted eyes.

Shin Ryong Yu Yeon.

The youthful hope of Shaolin, similarly, was staring back at her.

Seeing that, Wi Seol-A let out a shallow sigh.

‘I’m being pressured.’

Objectively speaking.

Wi Seol-A felt her strength diminishing bit by bit.

The sword felt heavier, and the sweat saturated her hair.

Her breath was becoming labored, dry as if choked.

After the match, the energy consumption was already significant.

Yu Yeon, on the other hand, seemed in comparatively better condition.

His breathing was uneven but not too strained.

It was still as calm as a tranquil lake.

Watching that, Wi Seol-A examined her sword.

Woooo—.

The sword’s name resonated.

Yet within that tremor, something alien could be felt.

Just prior, the tremendous recoil from the Hundred Steps Divine Power had taken its toll.

She wasn’t injured, but a strain was unmistakable.

‘…’

A tingling sensation coursed through her hands.

But she did not let it show.

Wi Seol-A lifted her head, looking back at Yu Yeon.

Only then did it begin to feel real.

‘Strong.’

Her opponent was strong.

Stronger than Wi Seol-A had anticipated.

It felt like facing an immense wall.

Perhaps a wall that could resist even dozens of slashes.

However.

‘So what?’

Wi Seol-A’s expression remained unchanged from the start.

Nothing would change from that.

If dozens weren’t effective, she would strike hundreds.

If that still didn’t work, she would continue until she could land a hit.

That was her sole line of thought from the beginning.

Wooooo—!! The sword’s name reached a crescendo.

She might not win.

But that didn’t matter.

‘Just a bit more.’

Wi Seol-A’s gaze was gradually softening.

An unknown sensation settling in.

The strength keeping her balanced was loosening little by little.

And the sword’s name darkened further.

Yu Yeon, seeing this, slightly furrowed his brow.

‘What’s going on?’

While he could certainly feel that he was dominating, something felt off about the atmosphere.

Even though he’s winning, it didn’t feel like a victory.

How should he describe this odd sensation?

He didn’t know.

He clenched his fist.

Not knowing was just an invitation to learn from this moment on.

Thinking this, they both moved their bodies, and once again, shocks erupted above the sparring stage.

Bang-! Krrrmmm-!

A thunderous sound decimated the area.

Far stronger and much faster than before.

Feeling the flow of energy, Yu Yeon adjusted his stance.

The increase in speed wasn’t Yu Yeon’s intention.

‘…She increased her speed.’

To counter Wi Seol-A boosting her intensity, Yu Yeon followed suit.

‘How?’

His weary body was nearing its limit; he pondered why he was pushing himself so hard.

As he dodged a sword strike, a sense of urgency washed over him.

Swoosh-!

“…!”

Feeling a sensation from behind, Yu Yeon launched himself from the ground.

As a result.

Swoosh-!

A sword zipped past where Yu Yeon had been standing.

His eyes widened, nearly bulging.

It was no ordinary sword.

Sword Manipulation.

It was precisely that, shaped like a sword.

Radiating golden light, energy danced through the air.

What is that?

A moment of panic swept over Yu Yeon.

Swoosh-!

“…Cough!”

Surprisingly, that was not just one sword.

Two more, a total of three swords, pierced towards Yu Yeon.

And it was aimed right in the air.

A position making it hard to avoid. Realizing this, Yu Yeon quickly reached out.

Hundred Steps Divine Power. He erupted it into the air as a recoil propelled his body back.

Boom-!

Just barely avoiding the sword’s thrust, he landed on the ground.

But the swords were relentless, refusing to lose track of him.

The golden traces continued to follow him eagerly.

Someone observed, quietly whispering.

“…Moonlight Sword!”

“Truly a technique of the Sword Sovereign…!”

Moonlight Sword, drawing on the fundamentals of the Sword Sovereign’s mind technique, was captivating.

With a notably beautiful sword path, the hundreds of swords swung derived from that profound essence—the identity of the Sword Sovereign.

Now, here was Wi Seol-A showcasing it.

While it was noted that the Sword Sovereign of legend manipulated forty swords in his prime, Wi Seol-A now wielded a mere three.

Yet, even just witnessing this stirred excitement among the onlookers.

“Truly the Sword Sovereign’s successor.”

“…I never thought Shin Ryong would feel pressured to this extent. Could that young lady even be a Transformation Realm practitioner?”

“What else could it be? No matter how you look at it, this isn’t the skill of someone merely polished in peak martial arts.”

“Is she truly a Transformation Realm practitioner at that age? Just what is this generation…!!”

Swoosh-!

As the agile swords continued their assault, Yu Yeon shifted his gaze while dodging skillfully.

Watching Wi Seol-A with a slightly furrowed brow, he pondered.

‘Is she unable to move while using sword manipulation?’

His judgment crystallized.

Once again, he slammed down onto the ground. There was little time to ponder.

This time, not in the air, but straight ahead.

His feet wrapped in potent energy surged towards Wi Seol-A.

Swoosh-! Two swords followed from behind while one lunged from in front.

Seeing that, Yu Yeon extended his hand.

Thud-! He caught the frontal sword.

Crack-! His palm was lacerated as the intense energy burst through.

Despite the pain being rough, he disregarded it.

Heave-! Gripping tightly, he shattered the sword and dashed forward.

So fast that the following swords could not keep up.

In an instant, Yu Yeon arrived before Wi Seol-A.

At that moment.

Swoosh.

“…!?”

Wi Seol-A moved, seemingly waiting for this moment.

Expanding her energy perception, she confirmed the incoming swords.

She recognized the formation.

‘A trap…!’

Having been lured right where they wanted him.

Yu Yeon realized this only too late.

Swoosh-!

“Cough!”

Wi Seol-A’s sword sliced across Yu Yeon’s upper body.

Blood spattered.

Quickly retreating, he gasped for breath.

Thud-! Thud-!

Crimson droplets flowed down his chest, twisting his expression in pain.

Fortunately, it was not a deep cut.

“Ha…!”

Wrapping energy around him, he stifled the bleeding.

As soon as the injured figure drew closer, the referee approached.

Seeing this, Yu Yeon calmly spoke.

“…I can do this. I’m fine.”

“…”

Hearing that, the referee stepped back again.

Woooo–.

The sword manipulations wandered gracefully, encircling Wi Seol-A.

Among the two swords, a mass of energy coalesced to create yet another sword.

It was the very sword Yu Yeon had shattered moments ago, now re-materialized.

‘…This is tough.’

Her speed heightened, and with the appearance of the swords, closing distance became nearly impossible.

Was she hiding her strength this whole time?

In weary eyes, Yu Yeon gazed towards Wi Seol-A.

‘…What is this?’

Something felt off.

The woman’s gaze seemed vaguely soft and unfocused.

‘No way.’

Yu Yeon instantly grasped Wi Seol-A’s current condition.

State of No-Self.

This denoted when a martial artist reaches enlightenment, and she appeared to have achieved that state.

‘She gained enlightenment amidst this struggle?’

How absurd.

How could one ever reach such a state in this combat?

‘If she pursues this recklessly, it may lead to self-destruction.’

If she was aware, she’d likely withdraw from pursuing enlightenment during a spar.

Yet, it seemed she was attempting it without any concern.

‘…Did she just think I would wait for her?’

Did she think Yu Yeon would concede? No, he didn’t believe that.

To her, it seemed that embracing the State of No-Self while fighting held no implications.

“….”

He wouldn’t say he felt disrespected, but it wasn’t entirely pleasant either.

No more blood flowed from his wound.

Facing the lethargic Wi Seol-A, Yu Yeon adjusted his stance.

“Shhhh….”

Calming his breath, he unleashed a different kind of energy.

Shaolin’s essence, the Reverse Breathing Technique, swiftly revived its flow.

Yellowish heat began to rise from Yu Yeon’s physical body.

Enveloping him, an immense energy took shape, resembling armor.

Hwang Ah Gangram.

The essence of Shaolin descended upon Yu Yeon.

“…Hee…!”

“Just how…!!”

Those witnessing the shift were especially shocked, particularly those of age.

Over the past few dozen years.

Before the current Sect Leader, Cheonan, the prior generation.

After the preceding leader, Gyeongseongja,

No one had succeeded in demonstrating the essence of Shaolin.

The energy enveloping him bore the defensive power reminiscent of the legendary Diamond Body.

The yellow aura encasing his fists overflowed and seemed capable of collapsing mountains.

Grrrck…grcckk…

The ground beneath Yu Yeon cracked.

As if crushed under immense weight.

All trembled at that overwhelming authority.

‘It must end.’

Yu Yeon’s condition was anything but favorable.

Hwang Ah Gangram was a power still mismatched to his vessel.

Having just barely reached the Transformation Realm meant he could only replicate it.

Just holding and enduring it would bring overload.

‘At best, I’ll last barely ten seconds.’

After counting to ten, everything comes crashing down.

The immense energy depletion would deplete his Lower Dantian, and even before that, his body would collapse, causing him to faint.

It was a perilous technique.

But why did Yu Yeon dare to use it?

‘It must end.’

Desperate to conclude this spar, regardless of outcome.

Drawing out this elongated clash bore no purpose. It was terrifying.

‘She is growing even now.’

She already seemed stronger than she had initially been.

In mere moments, she seemed like an extraordinary existence.

“Phew.”

Yu Yeon steadied himself and inhaled.

When Wi Seol-A saw that, she moved her hand calmly.

“…Hmm?”

Yu Yeon’s eyes widened upon noticing this.

As Wi Seol-A brandished her sword, the surrounding swords scattered.

The energy of the swords swirled in the air before gradually converging back toward her blade.

“…!”

The energy colored the sword’s edge.

As the surroundings glowed brightly with golden light, it painted everything.

Roar-!

‘…’

While Yu Yeon squinted against the brilliance, he pondered.

Ah, I see.

Even having reached the State of No-Self, she was expressing intent.

That woman seemed poised to adjust her moves to fit him this time.

Within that rising spirit of combat, a strange sense of gratitude and an indeterminate emotion blossomed.

A long-awaited rival.

For Yu Yeon, that sensation was entirely new.

Suddenly, a sense of ease enveloped him.

Was it just an illusion?

The energy combining within Huang Ah Gangram seemed to gain semblance.

If it continued like this, could he reach the place his heart sought?

Holding onto that blurry feeling, they both exhaled.

“…”

“…”

Then, they each moved.

Yu Yeon pressed his palm to the ground instead of launching a punch.

Buddaaaa-!

Massive cracks ruptured across the sparring platform.

Wooooo—!!!!

Energy surged toward Wi Seol-A from the sky.

The palm-shaped energy had grown large enough to cover the entire sparring stage.

As that attack descended quickly,

Simultaneously—

Swoosh.

Wi Seol-A executed a crisp motion, swinging her sword downwards.

Graceful yet intricate.

The sword drew a semicircle and painted ghostly afterimages in the air.

Moonlight Sword Technique.

Bwaaa—!!

The enormous crescent birthed from the sword advanced, aiming to cleave Yu Yeon’s palm.

The two martial techniques collided.

Boom-!

With a minor vibrations,

Krrrrm–!!!!

A cataclysmic explosion erupted.

The shock felt as though an earthquake shook the ground.

At this level of force, the impact could very well overwhelm the audience.

“W-What!?”

The referee anxiously surveyed the spectators amid the tremors.

“…Huh?”

Astonishingly, despite this tremendous impact, the audience remained unaffected.

This was due to the Energy Barrier.

Having been established as a protective shield of blue light, it prevented the blast from reaching the crowd.

What was that?

Though the referee held this question, the Energy Barrier vanished soon after performing its duty.

Swoosh—!!

The explosion cleared, leaving a blanket of dust across the stage.

The audience collectively held their breaths.

Silence washed over them since the moment Yu Yeon had unleashed Huang Ah Gangram.

Moments passed, and as the dust began to settle—

Sssss….

The stage revealed both Yu Yeon and Wi Seol-A still standing.

Was it not over yet?

Just then, someone coughed up blood.

It was Yu Yeon.

Thud-! Blood spatters splashed onto the ground as he clutched his chest, kneeling on one knee.

“Cough… cough…”

He was nearing his limits, gasping for breath repeatedly.

Seeing this, the referee rushed towards him.

It seemed Yu Yeon was at the brink of losing.

“The winner is…!”

As the referee was about to announce Wi Seol-A’s victory—

Thump-!

Yu Seol-A’s body abruptly slumped over, seemingly unconscious, as it fell onto the stage.

Clash.

The sword she had held dropped to the ground.

Yet, the only one left standing was Yu Yeon.

“Uh…”

Momentarily taken aback, the referee was stunned but soon grasped the situation, shouting.

“Number 202, victory!”

Shin Ryong had clinched his win.

Thus, as Yu Yeon’s number resonated confirming his victory, shortly after—

Woaaaaahhhh—!!!

A tremendous cheer erupted from the audience.

“Phew… woo…”

Drowning in the lively cheers, Yu Yeon slightly bowed his head, exhausted.

He had won.

He had truly emerged victorious.

The wound on his chest blurred his consciousness further.

Yet, the thrill surged within him.

Even if he lost consciousness after this, it didn’t matter.

Holding back a smile, as Yu Yeon struggled to collect himself—

Woo-oo.

“…?”

Suddenly, he noticed Wi Seol-A’s body begin to float into the air. Was this an illusion brought on by excessive blood loss?

Doubting for a split second, it became clear that it was real.

It was certainly Wi Seol-A rising.

Not very high, but she was indeed ascending.

Amid the jubilant crowd, Wi Seol-A gently rose before seamlessly landing into someone’s embrace.

As Yu Yeon recognized the figure, his eyes widened in surprise.

So Yeomra.

So Yeomra, who had caught the unconscious Wi Seol-A, began to softly pat her head.

Fixated on her, So Yeomra eventually turned to meet Yu Yeon’s gaze.

His eyes expressed thoughts unknown.

They were eerily calm yet still bore a chilling intensity.

The crowd erupted in cheers, yet all sound was lost to Yu Yeon upon locking eyes with him.

In that moment.

— I’m sorry.

He heard So Yeomra’s voice resonate in his ears.

—I apologize. You are indeed the real deal.

What was that supposed to mean?

Yu Yeon found himself too exhausted to even question it.

— I’m counting on you.

As he finished speaking, So Yeomra turned his back, carrying the unconscious Wi Seol-A with him.

“Ah…”

Witnessing that, Yu Yeon soon reached his limit, collapsing to the ground.

History would later recount that this moment marked the beginning.

The stars once known as Yuseong began to bloom, and the Central Plains changed for the better.

That day was heralded as the dawn of an era.

A day when many would eternally remember the shift that commenced.

 

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