전생검신 81권 18화

Gong Sun Da-rang’s gaze had slipped back into a state of utter indifference. I could tell from her emotionless stare that she had regained her composure in an instant, and I knew the reason for that serenity.

‘She’s figured out how I blocked the Natural Sword.’

It’s only natural. If we talk about the realm of enlightenment, Gong Sun Da-rang is undoubtedly far above me. Recognizing a low-level technique by an expert is a common occurrence in the Martial World. After all, even an expert has gone through the same stage a low-level martial artist is currently experiencing.

Perhaps that’s why Gong Sun Da-rang said in a low voice.

“You’ve struck down something unnecessary. Was what I sliced away your delusion?”

“Maybe so.”

“I want to see again that this isn’t just a coincidence.”

As she said this, Gong Sun Da-rang held a blade of grass in her hand once more. The moment I saw that blade, I focused all my concentration to manifest my Intent Heavenly Pillar as powerfully as I could.

‘This isn’t something that’s coming… This is not a speed attack!’

In fact, speed is unnecessary!

Trying to block with speed and force is why I can’t!

Repeating this thought in my head, I calmed my mind to a peaceful state, suppressing my fighting spirit as if it were dead, allowing all my strength to become a Natural Body. I became unbelievably flexible, trying to forget my own senses, when I suddenly felt the [Flow].

Wave…

An area that cannot be judged by speed or power. In a sense, it was the most sluggish sensation in the world, one that felt time had stopped entirely. Then, with that [Flow] radiating toward me, I struck down in a moment of mindlessness.

Speed doesn’t matter.

After all, the opponent’s attack is also not bound by time.

Swish!!

Once again, Gong Sun Da-rang’s blade of grass got sliced by my sword in midair.

Watching the exact two pieces of the grass flutter down, Gong Sun Da-rang marveled.

“You truly understand the entrance to the Divine Realm!”

“…………”

It’s still okay.

I didn’t let my guard down and recalled what the Asura had taught me when he showed me Dark Night Slash.

[Listen closely. It’s the [Flow]. When five intents align together to blend into a single flow, an inevitable artificial flow is created. If your opponent can grasp that single flow and slice the seams,]

[Nirvana of the Absolute becomes completely powerless.]

[I can teach you how to read this flow. It’s limited to Nirvana of the Absolute. So, it could be said to be the Fahe Technique.]

The Fahe Technique that Asura personally demonstrated with Nirvana of the Absolute.

‘Asura said the method to read the flow that breaks the seams of Nirvana of the Absolute only applies to that technique… but that’s not entirely true.’

When truly realized, Dark Night Slash surely can cut through the seams of all martial techniques, not just Nirvana of the Absolute.

Using this characteristic of Dark Night Slash, I was now defending against the Natural Sword.

Looking back, that was a benevolent lie. My skill level in Dark Night Slash had grown beyond measure compared to when I was just starting; I could now understand why Asura had deliberately deceived me.

[What would you do if you faced an expert for several thousand seconds and someone completely grasped the flow of your swordsmanship?]

[In terms of speed and power, you were far ahead of Yeodong-bin, yet there were times when he understood how your attack would come and you couldn’t land a single hit.]

[I could do something similar.]

[Don’t harbor doubts or dissatisfaction about your training. Even if progress feels slow, effort will not betray you.]

Asura could also use techniques like Moon-Style Defense Technique.

At that time, I simply thought Asura was bragging about being an expert, but now I understood it was more than that because what Asura said was, fundamentally, quite simple.

Moon-Style Defense Technique.

An extreme form of preemptive defense that allows predicting all attacks as if foreseeing the future.

I’ve heard it said that one must possess that [Eye] to truly understand the Heart Sword… but in fact, I had been complicating what was quite straightforward.

It’s simple.

Moon-Style Defense Technique is probably not a specific technique.

It’s just that if one reaches the level of experts like Asura or Yeodong-bin, obtaining Moon-Style Defense Technique is a given!

I realized far too late that Moon-Style Defense Technique is merely a byproduct of enlightenment!

‘By treating it like a separate technique, it’s no wonder Yeodong-bin found it absurd.’

As I contemplated this with a smirk on my face, I thought, ‘Gong Sun Da-rang just cast a defensive technique that bore resemblance to Moon-Style Defense Technique against my Thunder Spirit. In the end, it suggests that those who have understood the Heart Sword and gained enlightenment do not practice Moon-Style Defense Technique as a specific technique but merely handle it as a supplementary realm gained through rising in level.’

However, back when I first learned Dark Night Slash, my understanding of martial arts was too low to comprehend such things. If one forces an explanation of something from a high level, it could easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings or misdirections, which was why Asura had told me a kind benevolent lie. Back then, the most important thing was simply managing to learn Dark Night Slash, so it didn’t matter if I couldn’t fully grasp it.

‘There might have been other reasons behind that lie…’

If I had the ability to know that it was possible to dismantle all martial techniques through the [Flow], I would have needlessly fixated on the dismantling techniques for them all. However, saying that each martial technique had its own unique dismantling method is indeed correct; unless one reaches absolute levels like Asura, it can’t be freely used, and it was a realm entirely out of my reach, leading to unnecessary suffering.

Considering that, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that I couldn’t directly use Dark Night Slash in battles at the realm of Absolute at the same time either.

I began to reflect upon the principles of Dark Night Slash.

At the moment when the first cut of Dark Night Slash spins the [Ring] backward and the intent fully vanishes, a ‘string’ emerges that turns all chaos back to a realm of nothingness, using that string to slice the opponent! However, I was only aware of the phase where the intent completely vanishes and is shot toward the opponent, while I was currently unable to recognize the advanced stage beyond that.

Instead, perhaps due to my training for three hundred years, I sensed the hint of movement in that moment when the ‘intent’ disappears from the first strike. Although I could not properly utilize Dark Night Slash without the sword at hand, I had begun to interpret over half of the process and grasp the hint of that ‘intent,’ allowing me to counter it. It was likely that thanks to understanding [Heart] through Reverse Root Water Mirror.

Swoosh…

I held my sword straight and took up the stance of the Thunder God Lineage.

‘Since I’m just batting away the [Heart], my posture doesn’t really matter.’

Still, it felt like a martial artist’s instinct to do this with the swordplay I was most accustomed to. Perhaps because of this mindset, I felt much less tense and it was easier to maintain a Natural Body than before. It was as if a paper-thin barrier encapsulated my body, and before this paper could break, I hoped to deflect the opponent’s Heart Sword with Dark Night Slash.

Watching my defensive posture, Gong Sun Da-rang asked,

“Have you never met a Martial God?”

An unexpected question.

I replied, surprised, “I have never met one.”

“That’s strange. Someone of your skill should attract the interest of a Martial God…”

“…………”

“Then can you now embody nature into your sword?”

Swish…

In her hand, Gong Sun Da-rang held a wooden stick with an effortless grip. Like before, I felt no energy emanating from it, but in that moment, I jolted and took a slight step back.

‘…Now I can feel it.’

What I had perceived as nothing was simply because my senses hadn’t reached that dimension yet. With my entire mind focused on unleashing Dark Night Slash, I could recognize that the [Heart] itself was flowing, and the sensation of that flow transcended the realm of my previous seven senses. Only at this level could I even begin to acknowledge the sword energy Gong Sun Da-rang wielded.

Natural Sword.

The state of embodying nature within a sword.

I pondered the expression for a moment, but then felt something odd and asked, “Why do you wield that wooden stick instead of a real sword? If a sword can contain nature, does the form not matter?”

“…………”

“Then is the Natural Sword the same as the Formless Sword?”

This was a pure question from the perspective of a martial artist.

I had known about the concept of the Formless Sword for a long time and learned of the Natural Sword indirectly through Yeodong-bin. So, in that case, were the Natural Sword and Formless Sword just different names for the same realm? Or could the two originate from entirely different sources?

Gong Sun Da-rang stared at me thoughtfully before slowly lowering her stick to the ground and replying,

“Your statement leads to a question about whether nature (自然) and non-action (無爲) are the same thing.”

“….That might be so.”

“Then, I will turn the question back to you. What do you think nature is?”

“Um…”

What is nature?

I gazed at the lush forest, the beautiful waterfall, and the pond surrounding me. Clearly, a picturesque natural landscape that was rich and green. I admired the beauty for a moment and then replied.

“Isn’t it referring to these mountains and trees and the great nature?”

Gong Sun Da-rang retorted with an emotionless expression, “If so, do buildings and civilizations created by humans and culture not count as nature?”

“….Aren’t they? Typically, people refer to anything artifice as non-nature.”

“Martial arts are also part of an artifice created by someone. They do not arise naturally within the vast realm of nature. If that’s the case, do martial arts fundamentally oppose nature?”

“….”

“If you think this way, the Natural Sword becomes fundamentally contradictory. For the Natural Sword is also a martial technique; it should be called an Artifice Sword (人爲劍).”

…… Is it possible to think of martial arts and nature in that way?

“Ugh!”

That’s quite profound…

As I pondered, Gong Sun Da-rang continued, “The way of Dao conforms to nature (道法自然). The way considers nature as the law. However, within the myriad phenomena, the martial artist’s way is solely their martial arts alone. Is martial arts the Dao or nature?”

“….”

In that moment, I recognized.

Gong Sun Da-rang was earnestly answering my questions while also trying to impart enlightenment to me.

“Once again, I ask, what do you think nature is?”

I still didn’t have a clear understanding. The conversation was highly complex.

I felt a certain current of understanding that I could not catch merely by reasoning. Indeed, Gong Sun Da-rang was a legendary martial artist and sword deity whom even Yeodong-bin could look up to.

‘No. I shouldn’t think about it analytically. Martial arts cannot be defined solely by reason.’

Having experience in martial arts, I understood this better than anyone. If martial arts could be discussed as logically as a science, then the person with the most brilliant mind in the world should necessarily possess the best martial arts. However, despite being logically coherent to some extent, the heart and dedication poured into martial arts often played a larger role, so if I attempted to comprehend enlightenment solely through the intellect, I ultimately wouldn’t be able to grasp it—something I understood more than anyone else.

‘Huh?’

In that moment, I suddenly realized something strange and remarked, “Are you saying that… everything is nature?”

Gong Sun Da-rang didn’t respond but simply looked at me silently. I maintained my boundary, still as thin as paper, and continued.

“Since everything in this world belongs to nature, whether artificial or mountainous, the name ‘Natural Sword’ fits, doesn’t it?”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because martial arts themselves are the Dao. Thus, it shouldn’t differentiate between what is artificial and what is not.”

“Exactly.”

Boom!

In that instant, Gong Sun Da-rang swirled her stick through the air, and with a wave of it, a massive mountain at a distance split in half—perfectly cut with no deviation as if sliced with a precise blade, slowly beginning to collapse. Pointing out the severed mountain with her stick, Gong Sun Da-rang said,

“What I just did was clearly an artifice that cannot exist in the phenomena of nature. However, since martial arts are law (法) and Dao (道), my willful actions create no contradictions whatsoever. Both cause and effect lie within me; only the [Heart] serves as the mediating factor that binds them, thus there can be no need for separate definitions of artificiality. In fact, we could refer to this as nature since I too belong to nature.”

I savored the profoundness of her words and responded, “Are you implying that artificiality has never existed from the start?”

“It could be viewed that way. Conversely, do you not think the very term ‘artificial’ is arrogant?”

Gong Sun Da-rang continued slowly, “Artificiality… refers to humans performing actions with the belief that they naturally dominate nature and worrying about disrupting cause and effect. Yet, no matter how great the creation, it will never be as perfect as the great nature. Anything humanity creates inevitably has flaws and contradictions, simply because it is made by humanity. Is it fitting for mere humans who cannot foresee a step ahead to dare to concern themselves with the laws and causality of the vast universe?”

“….”

“One reaching the Divine Realm will attain the [Heart] of the world. Such a standard must surpass the realm of mortals. Affirming that nature (自然) has no disturbances in the causality of the universe is key.”

“!!”

Is such a definition even possible?!

As I was bewildered by this realization, Gong Sun Da-rang stated, “The way of non-action (無爲) speaks for itself. Those who comprehend the Great Way (大道) do not stress over whether their actions are artificial or not. The important thing is acknowledging everything as it is.”

“That’s difficult…”

“What you find difficult is that you perceive what I’m saying to be an academic doctrine of martial principles (武理). However, you need not think about the meanings behind it.”

Gong Sun Da-rang stared at me intently, continuing, “The very fact that you can stand against me with your Heart Sword serves as proof that you understand everything with your body, not your mind.”

“…………”

That seems to be correct.

“Of course, while Yeodong-bin’s Formless Sword and my Natural Sword differ in their extreme forms, Yeodong-bin possesses unique features created through his aspiration for worldly influence…”

“What features is that?”

“You will come to know when you clash with him in the Palace of Martial Gods.”

Swish…

As Gong Sun Da-rang spoke, I felt our distance from one another gradually closing. This constant changing of our proximity reflected the tension between our realms. Though it was a common contest of distance among experts, it had a special significance here, as Gong Sun Da-rang’s distance had initially felt completely unreadable to me.

‘I seemed to have no sense of distance around her. So even if she broke through my defense with a Heart Sword, I couldn’t respond… but now that I’ve begun to truly use Dark Night Slash, I can see it.’

Now, I could vaguely feel the distance that could be called Gong Sun Da-rang’s. This was evidence that I had indeed entered the realm of the Divine. Until now, I was defeated without comprehending the battle in this realm, but I could finally fight on the same level.

However, I soon caught on to a deadly problem and let out a worried breath.

‘This is bad…’

In order to win, I needed to counterattack or launch an attack, but how could I do that?!

“I’m coming.”

Seemingly aware of my discomfort, Gong Sun Da-rang stepped lightly forward and swiftly slashed her stick horizontally. It was an incredibly slow and simple motion, yet in that moment, I sensed an unexpected strike from the Natural Sword coming at me.

Speed and rhythm don’t matter.

I’ve sensed the decisive [Heart] wave and will bat it away!!

Dark Night Slash!

Thwack!

I succeeded once more in blocking Gong Sun Da-rang’s Natural Sword with Dark Night Slash; however, the prospect of a counterattack remained a mere fantasy. Detecting just the wave of [Heart] consumed all my mental energy and focus. And there was another reason I couldn’t counterattack.

‘Since it’s Formless, there’s no technique… in other words… even if I neutralize the opponent’s attack properly, there’s no technique to create an opening for a counterattack!!’

Being both a Natural Sword and formless, could it be this intimidating?!

Usually, any martial technique in this world has its techniques, so by properly neutralizing that technique or cutting away its weaknesses, you could absolutely counterattack or gain an advantage. This was a rule solidified even in the realms of the absolute, but the Natural Sword completely ignored that law. Because the [Heart] is inherently formless, even if I attempted to cut through it with Dark Night Slash, there would be no opening left for the opponent!

The opponent could attack without wielding a sword at all; where could I find weaknesses in formalities or movements??

This aspect was so beyond my imagination that I could only feel bewildered. I simply thought that the Formless Sword and Natural Sword were remarkable higher realms; who knew their unique ability to negate counterattacks was such a characteristic?! This was something one could only learn through battling the very opponent!

In a fleeting thought, I considered if I could utilize the abilities of the Portrait Master or Divine Power to counterattack—yet even that was impossible within this Martial Palace. I felt the gravity of the words that the warriors of the Divine at this place serve as perfect [Hunters].

Thwack!

Thwack!!

About twenty strikes later, I endured each and every attack with Dark Night Slash, but I gradually felt myself retreating, and sweat began to bead on my forehead. Seeing this, Gong Sun Da-rang withdrew her stick with ease and remarked,

“The reason you haven’t fully realized the Divine realm is the difference it creates.”

“……..”

“Understanding the level of [Heart], but not being able to fully embody that [Heart] in your sword means you can never mount a counterattack. What you’re currently using to make up for your lack of enlightenment would be the sword of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, but how long do you think you can hold on like that?”

Every single phrase she spoke hit the nail on the head. Indeed, no matter how well my defense stood up, if I couldn’t attack the opponent, I would ultimately lose, and furthermore, that sword I summoned to utilize Dark Night Slash also had its limits. Given the current state, the moment I exhausted its power, I would likely fall prey to her Natural Sword.

‘To retaliate with a [Heart] sword, I must not only perceive its pulse. I too need to use a mind sword…’

Yet could I even realize that in such a short span of time?

Reaching the threshold of the Divine realm and descending into the complete mastery of Divine Skill within a single breath—could someone as dull as me genuinely grasp such a miracle? Even the genius Jin So-cheong might not have confidence in such an improbable feat.

Thinking of defeat made my heart tighten with an anxiousness. Though I managed to conceal a slight tremor of unease with the self-control of Absolute, sensing even that minute flutter, Gong Sun Da-rang didn’t let the gap slip away and simply struck with her sword.

Aiming for my solar plexus with her decisive strike!

I attempted to raise my Dark Night Slash once more, but without thinking, I instinctively swung my actual blade upon realizing something felt off about this one. With the standards of the Absolute, my response time lagged, causing me to feel tense.

‘Will I block it?’

Thud!

Fortunately, my sword had reached the domain of the Fast Sword, so barely, I managed to intercept Gong Sun Da-rang’s strike. She wielded her wooden stick with an unerring grace, creating a perfect storm-like sphere of sword aura, and I focused my eyes within that whirlwind, exerting all my strength to unfurl my sword.

Thunder God Sword Dance!

Clang!

As the crackling energy surged through the air, I and Gong Sun Da-rang clashed over two hundred times in a heartbeat. Noticing the overwhelming force of Gong Sun Da-rang’s sword skill seemed to erupt like a torrent, I tried to hold my ground with Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique. After running through a brief barrage, Gong Sun Da-rang realized her amusement was coming to an end and lightly withdrew her stick.

“Heh… Heh…”

I gasped for air, just having endured the onslaught of Gong Sun Da-rang. Literally, I had defended without catching my breath, and it seemed like it wasn’t entirely my skill but rather a mix of extreme concentration and luck that allowed me to hold on. If I had been in a normal state of focus, my limbs would have been severed by her strikes, leaving my hands and feet trembling.

But it wasn’t that fact that surprised me. I glared at Gong Sun Da-rang and asked, “You could settle this with just your Natural Sword; why go through the trouble of using your trickery and attacking directly? Are you looking down on me?”

The prior assault had been no mere play of the Heart Sword; it was a genuine sword strike. For that reason, I could have easily blocked it using another technique that did not involve Dark Night Slash. However, Gong Sun Da-rang refraining from using her absolute superiority in favor of a relatively disadvantageous technique meant she was underestimating my abilities, which left me displeased.

Gong Sun Da-rang met my gaze and said, “It’s not underestimating; I’m giving it my all.”

“What?!”

“Think about Yeodong-bin. What could possibly be the essence of the Natural Sword…?”

“…………”

Could it be that she is giving me a clue toward understanding the Natural Sword?

While I was caught off-guard, Gong Sun Da-rang slowly positioned her wooden stick straight against her chest. Then she lowered it to the side, drawing a small circle as she said, “This time, let’s duel with the Gongsun Sword Technique. I want to see how well you’ve cultivated that swordplay.”

“You’ll regret it.”

“Make me regret it.”

Swish!

Gong Sun Da-rang dashed forward at lightning speed. She didn’t even resort to using Thunder Spirit, yet I found it impossible to comprehend how she could move this fast, almost feeling as if I were facing her Thunder Spirit.

‘Could it be that she’s shifting the [Heart] first?’

In a moment that denoted no time to react, Gong Sun Da-rang’s horizontal strike aimed for my shoulder, and instantly, I recognized the technique.

“Gongsun Sword Technique, 19th Form, Star Regulation Sword!”

Having practiced the Gongsun Sword Technique over thousands of times in my life, I was able to recall each stance in minute detail. Knowing how to counter the Star Regulation Sword, I naturally swept my lower body to meet the form’s intended counter. To no surprise, Gong Sun Da-rang smoothly transitioned into the 8th Form, Rain Sleep Competition Slash, swiftly aiming to cut me from my throat down to my ribs.

Clang!

Lightly defending against the Rain Sleep Competition Slash, I pivoted, taking advantage of the distance. Within that brief interval, I could sense an unspoken agreement formed between myself and Gong Sun Da-rang.

Clang clang clang!!

Before I knew it, I was engaged in a duel solely using the forms of Gongsun Sword Technique against her, and Gong Sun Da-rang was doing the same. Since we had both reached the mastery level of this swordplay, we executed single forms with an extensive awareness, and thus, our dueling boil down to exquisite technical precision.

As I struggled through at least a hundred exchanges of techniques, I couldn’t help but marvel.

‘What the… Damn it… I hate to admit it… but it’s incredible.’

I couldn’t keep up with Gong Sun Da-rang’s understanding of the Gongsun Sword Technique at all!

While there should naturally be precise answers to the correct counter techniques, it felt as though I was at around 97% correct answers while Gong Sun Da-rang was pulling off a magical level of execution—one could say it was utterly flawless in the execution of Gongsun Sword Technique. Occasionally, I would make a mistake, but even these minor setbacks were compounding; despite using the same swordplay, I found myself continually giving way to Gong Sun Da-rang. In fact, every time I executed my technique, countless variations could arise, yet she was performing the counter techniques to perfection, which seemed utterly ludicrous.

Even I, who has practised the Gongsun Sword Technique to the point where I could do it with my eyes closed, found her understanding of it to be like a divine opportunity! Was this what it meant to possess the title of master (宗師) in the Gongsun Sword Technique?!

Even in this situation, I could certainly turn the odds. If I utilized the Three Treasure Technique, it’d be much easier to evade and bolster my attacks as I compensated for the lack on my end. But I understood that if I resorted to other martial techniques here, it would compromise my pride as a martial artist. Thus, I steeled myself to see this Gongsun Sword Technique duel through till the end.

Clang!!

As my sword clashed with the wooden stick, a clear sound echoed, the reverberation of the swords kicked up dust around us. Briefly, the debris obscured our vision, yet with both sides perceiving each other’s locations through focus, the next moment, I launched a powerful strike reminiscent of the Reverse Scale and swung with all my might while Gong Sun Da-rang met my assault with the 1st Form of the Gongsun Sword Technique, the Lunar Elegance Sword, deftly blocking it.

Swish!

Suddenly, I felt the first definitive shift in her techniques. Gong Sun Da-rang’s sword began to produce transformations that were seemingly absent from the Gongsun Sword Techniques thus far, and I found myself completely entranced by the clean, fluid motions spreading like a snake along with a silken touch.

‘This is…’

Is this the completion of the Gongsun Sword Technique?

Thwack!

In the next moment, I felt a sharp pain pierce through my shoulder. For the first time in this duel of techniques, I found myself soundly defeated. Cradling my blood-gushing shoulder, I realized Gong Sun Da-rang noted,

“You used only my transformation style and hardly any of the original essence of the Gongsun Sword Technique. Why is that?”

“Because the transformation styles you’ve developed are notably more practical and powerful.”

“Do you know what my last technique was just now?”

“………”

I hesitated before replying, “Invincible Three Swords.”

Incredible as it might be, that was indeed what it was—the three moves, like a ritualistic dance of the Invincible Three Swords had just pierced my shoulder with the Essence Sword. Normally, anyone with lower swordplay might not have recognized it but I had deduced that fact well enough. The three forms had merged, completely erasing their original outlines; yet due to extensive practice in the Gongsun Sword, I could glean the minuscule traces that remained behind in that attack.

Gong Sun Da-rang nodded as she said, “I sealed the original forms to block the influence of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, but that doesn’t mean the original was weak. Quite the opposite, as I researched the Invincible Three Swords, I realized it contains hints of higher-order combat suggestions.”

“Is that so?”

“Correct. Just because martial arts are considered ceremonial doesn’t mean they lack strength. It’s only that human-level cultivators lack the capacity to develop from these possibilities. And you’re no exception.”

Swish…

Pointing her wooden stick at me, Gong Sun Da-rang continued, “Since you’ve comprehended the [Heart], you qualify to bloom your true swordsmanship. Keep that in mind.”

“?”

My true swordsmanship?

What on earth is she talking about?

Is she suggesting I should learn the Invincible Three Swords techniques from her?

As I felt entirely perplexed, Gong Sun Da-rang held the stick with a solid stance and proclaimed, “The teaching ends here. Now let us finish this.”

“……..”

Somehow, we’ve arrived at this moment…

Feeling an eerie stillness, I directed all my concentration to its limit. Simultaneously, I activated Trimurti to heal the wound I’d just sustained. Nonetheless, I had a sinking feeling that should Gong Sun Da-rang attack next, that minor healing would mean nothing.

‘Wait… I should prepare…’

Trimurti!!

In that instance, I secretly enacted the powers of Trimurti as a contingency. Gong Sun Da-rang, aware or unaware of my precaution, stepped closer with an unhurried pace. I steadied myself, getting ready to unleash Dark Night Slash.

The sound of flowing water echoed in the background…

The sound of the waterfall continued to flow like thunder as my mental clarity shot up, and I could hardly allow myself to focus solely on the echoing sensations around me. I was driven to monitor precisely when Gong Sun Da-rang would use her [Heart] sword.

A faint glow emanated from Gong Sun Da-rang’s eyes.

Divine Skill.

Natural Sword.

At that moment, I grasped how Gong Sun Da-rang’s entire aura and Intent Heavenly Pillar morphed into a colossal dazzling sword. That light sword appeared as though it were alive, darting into existence in the air. I instinctively realized that this sword wielded by Gong Sun Da-rang was her most potent technique.

And when the light sword’s [Heart] turned towards me—the true name of her technique resonated in my mind.

Final Technique of Swordsmanship.

Meteor Sword.

As the brilliance poured down, I felt my knees buckle under the immense pressure from the soaring light sword. It was unbelievable, but even before I could deflect the pulse of the [Heart], I sensed myself yielding to its force. My very essence was craving surrender before the onslaught of this light sword that eclipsed every sword style I had encountered.

As I tried to swing Dark Night Slash to counter the oncoming light sword, a searing pain bit through my chest.

“Cough…”

I staggered, yet I didn’t fall. By sheer luck, I managed to protect the vital areas with Dark Night Slash, so while I felt great pain, it wasn’t a fatal wound. Yet the outcome was starkly clear; I knew I could no longer stand against Gong Sun Da-rang.

‘So… this is it…’

I had to accept the reality of the vast gap in abilities! Fighting against Gong Sun Da-rang, whose skills were honed in the Martial Palace, marked a wake-up call; my martial arts training still had a long way to go. This made sense—she had spent thousands of years refining herself while I had barely scratched the surface of understanding.

As my consciousness started to fade, I heard Gong Sun Da-rang’s voice.

“Challenge me again next time. You seem to have potential.”

“Gah… ugh…”

Is there even going to be a next time?

If I’m left to die in this Martial Palace, it would be a miracle returning to my original world. If Brahma’s concerns proved true, I could end up wandering the Inheritance Site for eternity. I had to find a way to win this fight, grudgingly accepted or not.

Even if I acknowledged the power gap, I couldn’t lose like this. Understanding what was at stake, I had to endure with the will of a reborn person. But no matter how I tried, I couldn’t find a way, and sooner or later, I closed my eyes tight.

‘Damn it…’

Swish…

At that moment, my precautionary “insurance” activated. As my resolve and life force dwindled, Trimurti began to [Create] my life force anew. With this, no matter how severe a wound I received, I could continue to fight. I had set this plan in place, but with the upcoming strike of Gong Sun Da-rang’s Absolute Slash, the urgency gripped me; I feared that even healing wouldn’t suffice against this assault.

Should I hold on?

Even if my chances were nonexistent, if I maintained my determination and waited… could I somehow survive this?!

It was in this fervor that I firmly gripped my sword.

[Baek Woong. You’ve done just enough.]

…… That voice?!

[Now leave it to me. I’ve been itching to watch.]

A voice so familiar.

‘You, it’s you!’

Recognizing the voice’s identity left me dumbfounded. In an instant, I grasped how he could dwell within me, and I was taken aback but also relieved. Could something like this truly happen?!

“It’s over.”

Before I could process the situation, Gong Sun Da-rang’s single utterance reached my ears.

Clang!!

“……”

As Gong Sun Da-rang attempted to finish me with her last strike, she was suddenly confronted with a presence before her eyes – an ethereal form manifested, shimmering like a faint glow, blocking her wooden stick with a translucent sword. That ghostly figure briefly turned to glance back at me before stating,

[It’s difficult to channel my strength while in this ghostly state, you know? Use Trimurti to give me a body.]

“……”

In a daze, I unleashed the technique of Trimurti, reconstructing the form he once held during his life. With this, the ghost naturally absorbed into that body, and gradually, he opened his eyes with excitement.

“Haha! Indeed, having a real body feels amazing.”

Swish…

Witnessing this transformation, Gong Sun Da-rang rapidly swung her stick in a determined offensive strike, sending the wooden stick cutting through the air toward the new form. It seemed compelling against her complete mastery of the Gongsun Sword Technique, but the figure chuckled lightly, effortlessly avoiding her strike and effortlessly dispelling her technique.

Clang!

Such a flawless counter to the Gongsun Sword Technique! It was evident that he had completely read the flow of her swordplay and likely possessed a deeper understanding than Gong Sun Da-rang herself. I could see a fleeting trace of surprise cross Gong Sun Da-rang’s features as she momentarily fell into disbelief.

Thud!

Her wooden stick had been severed in two. A stick that had deflected the most formidable attacks until now was left useless after just one counter from this newly manifested presence—what a shocking scenario it was!

Gong Sun Da-rang examined the severed end of her wooden stick before turning to face the source of the attack and inquired, “An absolute expert, name yourself.”

The figure grinned as he replied, “Asura!”

My companion and master of swordsmanship.

The very Asura who had aided me in battling against Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen until the 28th round had now appeared on the battlefield!