1133——————==

The Soul of the Evil God

The moment Dokgo Seong’s blade sliced through Jang Sam-bong’s neck— he seemed to transform into a ghostly figure for a brief instant. Though it was only a fleeting moment, the blade of Thunder Smash had perfectly severed his neck before returning to its original state, passing through Jang Sam-bong as if he were nothing more than air. As Jang Sam-bong reappeared a moment later, Dokgo Seong smirked.

“Just as I thought. I get it now.”

“Haha… indeed, Dokgo Seong. You seem to have caught on.”

“It stings a bit that my ace in the hole missed its mark, but I did gain something. I won’t use the World Shattering technique anymore.”

“Haha. Why’s that?”

“Because that technique doesn’t sync well with the Thunder God Sword Dance. So, I’ll keep it simple!”

What in the world was Dokgo Seong rambling about?

Even after failing his first attack, he confidently clasped the stance of the Thunder God Sword Dance, the light in his eyes sparkling.

“Are you really okay with conceding three moves? You’ll get caught up in the counterattack first.”

“Hmm… that seems a bit risky. But once I make a statement, I can’t take it back.”

“Let’s see then!”

Ching!

Dokgo Seong transformed his Thunder Sword into a single thrust this time. However, I flinched at the sight of that thrust.

‘Thunder Speed!’

It seemed as if he had manifested the Thunder Spirit itself into his sword; I had to be amazed. Both Dokgo Seong and I specialized in Thunder Blade as an ultimate technique, which layered a tremendous flash of Thunder Qi over the attack. However, it certainly couldn’t compete with the actual speed of lightning. Thus, while it was fast, it still relied a lot on the inherent attributes of lightning. Yet Dokgo Seong’s thrust now fully transcended every notion I previously held of Thunder Blade.

If the Infinite Slash embodied the dominance of thunder, then this move seemed to capture the very essence of thunder itself—

Boom!

For a brief moment, Jang Sam-bong’s palms clashed against Dokgo Seong’s Thunder Sword. When I say clashed, it looked almost as if an invisible barrier had formed between the palms and the sword for a split second.

‘Is that the Peerless Technique?’

No, no way. The Peerless Technique is one of the few techniques I know exceptionally well. It would never manifest in such a manner. Realizing something else had blocked Dokgo Seong’s sword, I pondered intensely, but I couldn’t figure it out.

“Haah….”

Just as Dokgo Seong readied the Thunder Sword once more, he took a deep breath. When he assumed a stance, it felt as if the very space of heaven and earth was being drawn into his blade, meaning Dokgo Seong’s Intent Heavenly Pillar was radiantly powerful, altering the reality around him.

And on the third second, he thrust!

Target: Jang Sam-bong’s neck!

Dokgo Seong’s basic technique was executed without any variation, perfectly mirroring the trajectory and speed of his second thrust as he jabbed at Jang Sam-bong. That thrust was so straightforward it was almost devoid of sect attributes, yet because it was untraceable, the posture and power behind it were overwhelming. A perfect thrust without any excess; that’s what it looked like.

Chirliing – !!

As Jang Sam-bong faced this Lightning Speed thrust, he responded momentarily with the Tai Chi position of the Prosperous Goose, but soon seemed to give up and repositioned himself.

Peerless Technique!

Finally, the powers of Yin and Yang crossed over, and the invincible dominance was redirected through the state of inertia to neutralize Dokgo Seong’s thrust.

Boom!

With the sound of a crash, the exchange of moves briefly came to a halt.

Dokgo Seong’s sword froze just a hair’s breadth away from Jang Sam-bong’s throat, and in that moment, both found themselves in a state of mutual destruction. Dokgo Seong aimed his sword at Jang Sam-bong’s neck while Jang Sam-bong’s fists hovered just before Dokgo Seong’s solar plexus.

It goes without saying that meeting a mutual demise is only for fools, not experts. After maintaining that position for a fleeting moment, they retreated about six feet from each other, reinstating a tense standoff.

Surprisingly, it was Jang Sam-bong who spoke up first.

“There shouldn’t have been such a basic thrust in the Thunder God lineage styles. What’s its name?”

“None!”

Dokgo Seong replied firmly.

“I’m still researching it.”

“Indeed…. Quite impressive. There’s still room for growth as you’ve not hastily named it.”

“Think whatever you want. I’ve figured out your tricks. So…”

With a mischievous grin, Dokgo Seong declared.

“You won’t be able to do anything besides block my attacks with the Peerless Technique!”

Boom!

Once more, Dokgo Seong attacked Jang Sam-bong with an admirable thrust. Each time he initiated his attack, it truly burst forth at the speed of lightning, and Jang Sam-bong, without fail, deployed the Peerless Technique to counter it. After one technique was shrugged off, Dokgo Seong would again snap back into position, launching another barrage.

Thump, thump-thump!

To an uninformed observer, it merely seemed like a mist surrounded Jang Sam-bong while lightning beams shot out from Dokgo Seong’s waist. Yet, each second reflected the clash of ultimate experts, and it was indeed Dokgo Seong’s overwhelming offensive.

I couldn’t help but clench my fists while watching.

‘Can… can Dokgo Seong win?’

This wasn’t just a haphazard thought. I too was a wielder of the Peerless Technique and fully comprehended its downsides. The Peerless Technique demanded immense physical, mental, and focus resources, meaning if it failed even once, the user would face self-destruction. Moreover, the cumulative loss of focus from repeated uses would significantly increase the likelihood of failure after just two or three attempts. Despite practicing for over a decade, even I wouldn’t dare to gamble on using it more than two or three times in succession.

However, Dokgo Seong’s Thunder Smash didn’t seem to consume nearly as much focus as the Peerless Technique. As it was optimized to strike, it rightly expended less energy in comparison to a defensive technique like the Peerless Technique.

While the Peerless Technique could counter anything, the attacker would burn equal focus regardless of whether their technique was weak or strong, which was frustrating. If this continued, perhaps it was reasonable to expect Jang Sam-bong’s Peerless Technique to fail at least once.

‘Dokgo Seong… has really become strong.’

He was already a powerful expert in the past, but now he had truly ascended to an elite level over the past few centuries. If current-day Dokgo Seong were in the world five hundred years ago, he would undoubtedly stand as the greatest.

Admittedly, the Thunder Smash he unleashed felt oddly similar to my Infinite Slash. A blow devoid of distractions from a focused Intent Heavenly Pillar displayed simplistic yet tremendous power, while my own technique relied on precision strikes and his manifested as a piercing thrust.

Suddenly, I found myself questioning how I would have performed in Dokgo Seong’s position. Then it struck me.

If I were there, I would have executed the same strategy.

Pushing forward with the Infinite Slash to induce Jang Sam-bong’s self-destruction would be the best course.

“…”

While I reveled in my thoughts, the Sword Demon next to me spoke.

“Baek Woong, don’t you feel something strange?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s already been over fifty seconds since Dokgo Seong launched his attack. Yet Jang Sam-bong….”

At that point, I froze in shock.

“Hasn’t moved a single step beyond the circle.”

“……!!”

What?!

It dawned on me that Jang Sam-bong’s movement was practically nonexistent. He blocked every single attack from Dokgo Seong yet made no use of footwork, hardly moving at all. He should have been forced out of the realm, yet he hadn’t budged an inch!

‘H-how?!’

Is it even possible for the Peerless Technique to manage that?

Furthermore, Jang Sam-bong had executed the Peerless Technique over fifty times without showing signs of exhaustion or weakness. Witnessing his calm and resolute demeanor instilled a sense of awe in me.

Is that even achievable?

I’d need only one successful strike of the Peerless Technique to feel a mix of accomplishment and relief. And yet, still maintaining perfect composure after launching more than fifty without a hitch? No matter how experienced he was, could such concentration and calm be possible, especially against a technique rivaling the Infinite Slash?

Thump, thump-thump!

“Hmm….”

Dokgo Seong’s brows knitted together as he ramped up his attack. It was evident to all observers that he felt a rising astonishment mingled with anxiety at Jang Sam-bong’s imposing presence. And after nearly seventy seconds had passed, the resonance of Jang Sam-bong’s Six Harmonies Assembly rang out.

[Dokgo Seong, your sword has become ensnared within the stranglehold of real combat; you will be unable to confront transcendent mastery. You should first worry about whether you yourself will tire out.]

The stranglehold of real combat?

“Shut it!”

Dokgo Seong shouted back angrily, suddenly withdrawing his relentless Thunder Smash and taking a grounded stance as he aimed his sword at Jang Sam-bong.

The Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique!

Lightning rippled forward!

The climax of the fight came as his sword technique shifted into the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, and a dazzling flash enveloped his blade. Though Dokgo Seong was usually not one to utilize the Sword Flying Technique, he seemed to channel every ounce of energy from his Intent Heavenly Pillar into this strike. Moments later, he transformed into a streak of lightning, shooting towards the front where Jang Sam-bong stood.

Boom, boom, kaboom!

The combined force of this intense volley shattered air before revealing a dazed Dokgo Seong, gripped by Jang Sam-bong’s hold.

What just happened?

Jang Sam-bong muttered.

“Did you manage to hold onto your sword even after taking the Nine Palace Heavenly Net Tenth Segment? Truly, a model swordsman.”

After observing the unconscious Dokgo Seong for a brief moment, Jang Sam-bong smoothly threw him towards our side. I utilized my own strength to catch him while Jang Sam-bong folded his arms behind his back.

“Thanks to receiving the divine power of Nüwa, I maintain infinite stamina and vigor. So don’t worry about me; just try your hardest to come at me.”

“……”

However, no one dared to charge at Jang Sam-bong instantly. That was understandable as both the Extreme Tiger and Dokgo Seong were indeed among the top-level experts gathered here, and they had fallen bewilderingly like this. If one lacked confidence in breaking through the Peerless Technique, they simply faced a brutal defeat if they rushed in.

At that moment, the Sword Demon spoke up.

“Baek Woong, it’s time to retreat.”

“What? Why…?”

“There’s a rule stating that you don’t need to challenge Jang Sam-bong all at once as you proposed. It means we can descend this tower, rest up, regroup, and challenge again at our leisure.”

Having said that, the Sword Demon glanced subtly over at Jang Sam-bong, who smiled faintly in response.

“A strategic retreat is welcome here. Please step up again whenever you wish.”

“Heh, you’re too relaxed, and it’s annoying…”

With a wry grin, the Sword Demon turned his gaze toward me. Knowing I had no choice, I nodded.

“Let’s head back.”

Charging in blindly against the Peerless Technique wouldn’t yield any sensible results. Though it might foster a focus drain against Jang Sam-bong, now aided by Nüwa to maintain infinite power, it would be wiser to study his Peerless Technique and attempt to break through all at once.

Boom!

We returned and placed the injured Extreme Tiger and Dokgo Seong on their beds while summoning the Five Great Physicians to treat them. Contemplating deeply, I murmured.

“Jang Sam-bong’s Peerless Technique is flawless. Right now, there’s no chance of penetrating it.”

His execution of the technique stood in stark contrast to my own. There were no imperfections in his skills, as he perfectly nullified every attempt with a seamless response and without the slightest hesitation. I simply couldn’t glean enough confidence from my barely sufficient understanding of the Peerless Technique. I might be blocked by it with my Infinite Slash, and should I confront him, I’d likely meet the same fate as Dokgo Seong.

The Sword Demon inquired.

“Why do you think Dokgo Seong switched to the Thunder Smash instead of continuing with the Thunder Sword Dance at the last moment?”

“I believe he reached his limit.”

“Why do you presume that?”

In the face of the Sword Demon’s question, I replied with a heavy tone.

“While it’s less taxing than the Peerless Technique, it’s still a technique that demands considerable effort. I find it relatable to how I might feel after using the Infinite Slash continuously.”

Even though Jang Sam-bong maintained a defensive strategy throughout, he was always searching for moments to retaliate against Dokgo Seong. If the flow of the Thunder Smash had been interrupted even once, Jang Sam-bong would have immediately drawn him into the Yin and Yang cycle to obliterate Dokgo Seong with the Nine Palace Heavenly Net Tenth Segment. Aware of this fact, Dokgo Seong desperately closed the gap one last time with the Thunder Smash, attempting to break through the Peerless Technique. However, he suffered a brutal defeat.

It truly felt unbelievable.

To succeed in executing the Peerless Technique without fail more than fifty, even seventy times in succession…

How drastically did the skillfulness of Peerless Technique differ between Jang Sam-bong and me?

As I sat there perplexed, the Sword Demon remarked.

“…If I put my life on the line to take on this challenge, I’d reckon my chances would be roughly 35% at best. It’s quite demanding.”

“Can you break through it?”

“Well, to say is one thing, but in actuality, it’s just speculation. Dokgo Seong too must have thought he could conquer Jang Sam-bong before challenging. We won’t know anything until we try.”

“……”

Though his words were casual, it felt like the Sword Demon was arriving at a concrete probability against Jang Sam-bong. As he observed the situation, one could almost sense calculations forming in his mind regarding how to counter the Peerless Technique. However, given the magnitude of risk in case of failure, he looked hesitant. Eventually, the Sword Demon spoke once more.

“Baek Woong, do you want to hear about a realistic strategy or an optimistic strategy first?”

“I want to hear the realistic strategy.”

“Simply go down from the Celestial Realm and fetch Yeodong-bin. Yeodong-bin is an equal expert to Jang Sam-bong, and surely with his aid, would be able to take him down with ease. Even in full strength, he would be unlikely to lose as he wouldn’t be bound by any limitations.”

“…That, that’s.”

As I hesitated, the Sword Demon chuckled softly.

“Indeed… that would be futile. As soon as we suggest that plan, everybody in the exploration team will feel utterly demoralized. And they’d perceive no reason to challenge the tower further. It would completely crush pride knowing they couldn’t even take down one Jang Sam-bong, relying instead on unfair methods by using the Sword Saint as a crutch.”

“Agreed.”

“The optimistic strategy would be for you to tackle Jang Sam-bong directly.”

“Me?”

The Sword Demon nodded.

“The remaining explorers will serve as sacrificial pawns to find any openings in Jang Sam-bong’s defense. Meanwhile, while they fall, you’ll discover how to exploit the Peerless Technique and eventually overthrow Jang Sam-bong. Doesn’t sound too complicated, right?”

“……”

I paused before responding.

“If it’s that simple, there’s no need for me to be the last challenger. There’s not that much difference in skill between me and the exploration team.”

The Sword Demon, the Master of Shadowless Sword, and Jin Guk-jun were all formidable fighters who were definitely on par with me. It wouldn’t be too alarming if they were the final challengers instead. However, the Sword Demon shook his head.

“There’s a significant difference between us and you. That would be whether you can utilize the Peerless Technique or not.”

“……!!”

“If it were you, even if a situation like Dokgo Seong’s arose, you could still retaliate with the Peerless Technique after any counterattack from Jang Sam-bong, ensuring at least one survival round. We lack such defensive techniques. The Protection Energy Technique and the Peerless Technique are worlds apart! Naturally, you’d have to take the last challenge.”

“Hmm.”

“The difference between surviving that one attempt in practice is indeed humongous.”

While I understood the Sword Demon’s reasoning, I still hesitated.

“True enough… but that feels more like a method for facing down the Peerless Technique rather than breaking through it.”

“That alone is sufficient.”

He looked at me with a peculiar gaze.

“Somehow, I feel that you might be able to achieve it….”

“……”

It wasn’t just the Sword Demon who looked at me with encouraging anticipation. The seasoned experts gathered in the meeting room regarded me with mild skepticism yet strong hope, likely because I possessed the capability to utilize the Peerless Technique.

‘Ugh…’

Could I really do it? Fine, I surely wouldn’t lose outright if I met the Peerless Technique face-to-face, but…

…I wouldn’t lose?

‘Hmm? Somehow, this sounds crucial…’

I suddenly felt a premonition every reborn person has; why I thought this might be pivotal for unraveling Jang Sam-bong eluded me. Nevertheless, it felt like a vital clue in facing him.

With no other recourse available, I reluctantly nodded.

“Alright. I have no choice.”

“Oh, but wait a moment. I want to speak with you about something from that incident last time.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you remember?”

That incident? What could it be?

“Oh, is it about that….”

I wasn’t entirely sure, but I decided to play along.

“It means you remembered.”

So, I followed the Sword Demon to a secluded area far from the Eight Trigrams Pavilion. Once we reached a decent distance, he opened his mouth.

“Now that we are here, it should be fine.”

“Were you going to say something?”

“……”

After staring at me for a moment, the Sword Demon suddenly relayed a Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Before Mangnyang intrudes into this trial, you must defeat Jang Sam-bong using absolutely orthodox methods.]

[Huh? Why…are you using the Six Harmonies Assembly at such a close range…?]

I started to answer when the realization struck me. The Sword Demon, speaking casually in a tone fit for the moment, continued.

“Of course, it’s about the principles of the Peerless Technique you’re utilizing. We agreed you would share it with me.”

“Oh….”

At the exact same time, the Sword Demon’s words had a completely distinct tone from the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Mangnyang has obtained new powers.]

I decided to play along with his ruse. There could be a risk of Mangnyang overhearing us, which made this elaborate method a necessity.

“The essence of the Peerless Technique lies in the state of inertia. It harnesses the principles of Yin and Yang…”

I feigned explaining the Peerless Technique while subtly probing.

[What do you mean by new powers?]

The Sword Demon nodded in agreement.

“I see… Does it mean I could also use the Peerless Technique?”

[It’s literally what I’m saying. The current Mangnyang is a Great Immortal and a Heavenly Official, but he’s not your run-of-the-mill Great Immortal. Considering the former Mangnyang, this is catastrophic.]

“It would first require a lengthy period of training.”

[Not ordinary? What do you mean?]

“It crossed my mind, yet mastering the Peerless Technique to the level required to defeat Jang Sam-bong in such a short time would be challenging….”

[On Earth, there’s news that not long ago, there was a gathering of the Ten Great Saints of Kunlun, and it’s been revealed that during that assembly, some of them conspired against the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. And……]

As the Sword Demon continued relaying the Six Harmonies Assembly, my face turned rigid with astonishment.

[That day at the assembly, Mangnyang executed four of the Ten Great Saints of Kunlun on his own. They couldn’t even put up a resistance.]

With Mangnyang wielding that power, he could surely triumph over Jang Sam-bong, yet it would surely spell doom for him.