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Lee Kwang looked at Jin So-cheong first.

“You go first.”

“Okay.”

Without arguing, Jin So-cheong stepped forward holding a spear. There was a look on his face that barely resembled determination, but I knew that the expression was a result of him suppressing his emotions to the extreme.

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard initially lifted his signature weapon, the ring, then put it away. Calmly, he stated, “Since it’s a friendly match, there’s no need for weapons.”

I thought that made sense, but the reactions from Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong were different. Lee Kwang looked incredulous, while Jin So-cheong wore an expression of shock that seemed to say, “Really?”

Just as I felt that the sparring match was about to start, Lee Kwang interrupted with:

“Hey.”

“What?”

“I know you’re prideful, but wouldn’t it be wise to grab a weapon right now?”

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard exploded, “You want me to use my full power against some inexperienced kid? You’ve got to be kidding me, Azure Dragon!”

Lee Kwang shrugged, saying, “Well, if that’s how you feel…” and returned to the observation seats.

I asked Lee Kwang, “Isn’t that kid also one of the Four Great Experts of the Imperial Palace?”

“Ha ha…” Lee Kwang smirked.

He added, “Watch closely. If it goes wrong today, we might end up with a corpse to clean up.”

I couldn’t comprehend what he was trying to say. The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard!

A former member of the Four Great Experts of the Imperial Palace, a peak expert!

Clearly at least the same level as the leader of the Nine Great Sects, or even higher. I knew the guard was a powerful expert, which is why I had yearningly sought strength through rebirth and training. That’s why I was puzzled by the reactions of Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong.

Then it happened.

As the match began, they traded blows for precisely three seconds.

Whoosh!

“Aaaah!!”

With a deafening explosion, a scream echoed. The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard’s left arm was injured, soaked in blood, as he stumbled back across the sparring arena. His arm trembled, revealing he was clearly at an absolute disadvantage.

“……?!”

I was taken aback.

In those quick three seconds, the initial exchange was a clash between Jin So-cheong’s spear and the Golden Eagle Guard’s bare-handed techniques. As Jin So-cheong’s spear twisted and shape-shifted, the Lord hurriedly stopped his defensive moves, starting to channel his divine techniques.

In the second second, Jin So-cheong unleashed his spear again. Oddly, the guard couldn’t escape its trajectory and appeared to be flailing in the wrong direction. While Jin So-cheong remained steady, the guard acted as if he was treading on a hamster wheel.

In the final second, Jin So-cheong thrust again, and with another explosion, the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard’s left arm bled profusely.

‘What is happening?!’

I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Jin So-cheong wasn’t using any special techniques from the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear; he simply executed the basic spear technique three times. Yet the Lord was on the brink of death, showing such inexplicable reactions.

Standing atop the sparring arena, Jin So-cheong calmly asked, “Should I kill him?”

Lee Kwang, from below the stage, replied, “Why not? It’s self-inflicted consequences.”

“……”

With a growl, the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard pulled out his ring. The ring was a large circle weapon that could be wielded with one hand, excellent for close combat and throwing. As powerful energy seeped into it, a faint yet ominous aura began to emanate from the blade.

“Azure Dragon… so you’ve been raising a tiger cub.”

“I warned you to grab a weapon.”

“Having lost three moves already, I’ll match you with three of my own!”

Whoosh!

The boastful Lord threw the ring forward. The ring had a blade known as the Moon Blade attached, exuding dark energy as it filled the air with an aura of death.

Swish, swish, swish!

The horrifying shadow of the ring expanded—it was hard to breathe under its presence. Its trajectory was unfathomable.

‘A deadly move!’

I realized in that split second that the Lord had entered a considerable realm even among peak experts and what he unleashed was a lethal technique from his signature martial arts. With no time for leisurely testing the waters, he was going straight for a decisive attack. If I were in Jin So-cheong’s position, I would have to escape using Thunder Shadow Step.

But instead, Jin So-cheong did not use any deadly techniques. Instead, he assumed a stance and opted for the Na technique.

His spear danced through the path of the ring. In an instant, Jin So-cheong and his spear moved as one, spinning gracefully. As he pivoted on his left foot, the slaughterous space was consumed by his spear, turning the previous attack back onto the Lord.

Thwack!

The Lord wouldn’t give up, trying to redirect the recoil of the ring with his energy control. The ring, acting like it was connected by a thread, dove down under the sparring arena. With the ground beneath it being penetrated like tofu, it seemed to prepare for an unexpected leap. I trembled, realizing every move the Lord made was a monstrous deadly strike.

Jin So-cheong appeared to smile slightly. He adjusted to the Seven Stars position and gracefully executed Thunder Shadow Technique—Heavenly Gathering Kill. The moment he stepped into the fourth position of the Seven Stars, the ring sprang up from underground, targeting Jin So-cheong’s heart.

Bang!

In that short moment, it felt like Jin So-cheong had executed five strikes. He moved too fast for me to catch his movement. When I finally registered what happened, he was already charging right up to the Golden Eagle Guard, wielded his ring on the tip of the spear.

Crash!

“Kuh…!”

The guard stumbled back as Jin So-cheong entered the close quarters fight, hitting him with a knee strike. The guard barely managed to dodge that, but Jin So-cheong followed through, delivering a technique from the Thunder God Fist right to the solar plexus.

Even though the guard barely avoided the strike with slick maneuvering, he couldn’t escape the final attack from Jin So-cheong’s steel spear.

Thud!

“Kuhhh!!”

Bloodied, the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard fell sideways, clutching his bleeding arm, retching blood repeatedly. He seemed to have sustained internal injuries from the last attack.

He gasped for breath, “Th… this is ridiculous… damn it…”

Clang!

Jin So-cheong tossed the ring back to the guard, almost as if showing some mercy. Until that moment, the ring had been caught on his spear’s tip like a sort of trophy.

From the observation seats, Lee Kwang scoffed, “Looks like you haven’t trained in martial arts much. Not even recognizing your own and your opponent’s strength!”

Aaaaah!!

The guard tried to rally and regain his power, but Jin So-cheong swiftly extended the spear, neutralizing his killing intent in an instant. With a look as if cold water had been splashed on him, Jin So-cheong declared, “Calm down. Take one more step and I’ll kill you.”

“……”

Maybe believing Jin So-cheong wouldn’t bluff, the Lord picked up the ring and cautiously got to his feet. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he murmured, “I concede…”

“It was a good match.”

I was stunned watching how that spar unfolded so abruptly on the sparring stage.

It felt as if my understanding of combat capability had been flipped upside down.

‘This is unreal…’

No matter how surrounded by the Golden Eagle Guards I was, I remembered being unable to even touch the Lord when I was at the peak of my previous life’s martial arts. To me, he had always been this insurmountable mountain to climb. And especially in situations where he used his unique weapon and techniques, facing him without using Thunderclap would be a challenge even in my current state.

But Jin So-cheong, without resorting to anything from the Thunder God Lineage or even a flashy finishing blow, had wiped out the Lord in just ten seconds. I was filled with chills.

‘I… had no idea how powerful Jin So-cheong truly was.’

Despite feeling like his talent and strength were a massive wall, I merely viewed him as someone exceptional. Only today did I realize that by this age, he had already broken through the peak realm in his mid-twenties and was a powerhouse fierce enough to take down the former Four Great Experts’ Lord!

There was no way the Jin So-cheong a decade from now would fear the Eight Demons of Martial Daos. Just how strong was he back then?

Lee Kwang wasn’t done, though.

“Okay, my direct disciple’s guidance is finished.”

“What?”

“Now it’s time for you to guide my new disciple.”

On the sparring stage, the Golden Eagle Guard was utterly enraged. The fact that he had been taken down by Jin So-cheong, a twenty-something, was already unbearable, and now he’s expected to face me: a mere kid. He glared at me with eyes brimming with killing intent, responding, “I understand… bring that little brat!”

It was undoubtedly me he referred to. I looked at Lee Kwang with surprise, and he sent me a mental message.

[Listen well. Break that guy and make him your plaything.]

Is this how someone from the Four Great Experts and a former friend was treated?

[The fool came willingly into enemy territory, so legally stomp on him.]

I began to realize just how terrifying Lee Kwang truly was.

And I also understood that facing off with Lee Kwang would be better than simply committing suicide here.

He’s usually emotionless and indifferent towards others, but once he considers someone a foe, he’s a merciless monster.

Of course, I had no intention of rejecting this opportunity. So, I grasped my sword and slowly ascended to the sparring stage.

On the sparring arena, the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard appeared to be taking deep breaths, recuperating his strength. Having seen his primary attack techniques earlier, I pondered how I should counter. I didn’t know what to expect, but the thought of treating him casually like Jin So-cheong made me uneasy.

As I stood in silence, facing the Golden Eagle Guard, Lee Kwang shouted from below the stage.

“Listen up, Baek Woong. That guy’s martial arts technique is called the Treasure Light Heavenly Divine Skill, and his weapon is the ring. He typically uses the Ghostly Steps to target weaknesses and excels in maintaining his distance with the ring. You’ll have an advantage if you engage him up close.”

Our gazes shifted to Lee Kwang. The Golden Eagle Guard was furious and exploded at Lee Kwang,

“You bastard Azure Dragon!! When did you figure out my martial arts skills?!”

“Ha, you think you’re the only one who can do research? I’ve gathered my intel. And since this kid is going against you, I might as well give him this much advantage.”

“Kuh…!!”

I watched the absurd scene, stunned, but in any case, Lee Kwang’s advice was incredibly helpful. Until that point, I had been thinking about my strategy, but I now charged directly at the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard without a second thought.

Utilizing Thunder Shadow Technique and closing in swiftly, I launched a slash. It was just a single attack, but it was the fastest and strongest swordplay I could muster. The Lord barely managed to evade the attack, but ultimately, I struck his shoulder.

Thud!

‘I hit him!’

I didn’t give him a window to recover and unleashed the Sword Flame, executing the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique. He staged a defensive move using the Ghostly Steps to escape my attack range, but unlike before, I could now somewhat gauge how his technique flowed. I charged at him, launching one attack after another, but he merely used his ring to defend.

Clang! Clang!

During the exchanges that lasted about twenty seconds at that proximity, I realized just how intricate and adept his defensive moves were. Even with an injured left arm and internal damage from Jin So-cheong’s spear, he continued to fend off my attacks without much trouble. Although he’d just been defeated by Jin So-cheong, he was clearly an exceptional peak expert.

But an injury is an injury. As I pushed forward using my overwhelming power, the Lord unexpectedly coughed up blood. Unable to control his strength, his pinky finger broke under the strain.

Seeing an opening that emerged in that moment, I capitalized and aimed for his thigh.

Slash!

“Aaaah!!”

With my blade engulfed in flames, I severed his leg just below his right thigh, leaving a gruesome sight. I felt no sympathy; instead, anticipation surged within me.

‘Let’s finish him!’

Once I took this guy down, the Demon Subduing Hall would practically be done with!

As I prepared to strike down on his head—

Bang!

Lee Kwang had unexpectedly caught my sword with his finger, intervening at the precise moment and blocking my attack. Looking at the Lord, who was writhing with his leg severed, Lee Kwang chuckled.

“Oh dear… my young disciple was so inexperienced that you ended up looking like this… such a pity.”

“Kuh…! Kgh… Azure Dragon…!!”

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard was so furious and humiliated that he kept spewing out blood. Enjoying his plight, Lee Kwang chuckled.

“I’ll give you first aid, so rest easy.”

“No… need…!!”

Clenching his teeth in rage, the Lord hastily began to staunch the bleeding in his leg. He then performed a light body technique, leaping onto a building and unleashing a Lion’s Roar.

[I will never forget this day…!]

Suddenly, something flew toward the Golden Eagle Guard. Upon receiving that “gift,” his face twisted in horror as Lee Kwang burst out laughing.

“Take your leg with you.”

With a furious roar, the Golden Eagle Guard hurled his leg onto the sparring arena.

Bang!

And just like that, he fled. As he darted away on a shimmering wave, the Golden Eagle Guards hiding nearby surged forward, numbering in at least a dozen, trailing behind him. I felt a chill run down my spine.

After the chaos subsided, Lee Kwang summoned me and Jin So-cheong to Waryong Hall.

He spoke, “Something feels off. Didn’t you feel anything strange while fighting?”

Jin So-cheong responded, “Yes. It was quite odd.”

“What was strange?”

“That guy seemed to be trying to do ‘something’ during the fight. But I think he couldn’t because you were keeping watch.”

That was something I’d felt too. The bloodied Golden Eagle Guard kept glaring, as if waiting for an opportunity to try “something.”

Lee Kwang responded to Jin So-cheong, “Exactly. He had some hidden card. But it doesn’t seem to be martial arts.”

“Could he be half-demon?”

“The barrier at the Imperial Palace is no ordinary one; demons can’t hide in there. I’ve verified he’s human during our years of working together.”

Lee Kwang interlocked his fingers.

“We could have killed him right then, but there was a reason we didn’t. First, future consequences are a concern, and second, there’s the matter of that strange power I mentioned. Somehow, it seems like it would manifest if he were delivered a fatal blow.”

“……”

“Given the circumstances, we must prepare to deal with the Golden Eagle Guards now.”

It was then that a scream wailed outside.

“Aaaaaah!”

“What… is that?!”

The three of us dashed outside.

What we witnessed was unbelievable.

His leg!!

The leg I had severed from the Golden Eagle Guard was shifting wildly, spewing out bright red blood, and then began writhing, emitting purplish tentacles in all directions.

In no time, that leg morphed into a horror resembling an eight-fingered fish. A smooth bald head with dark eyes lurked on top. The disciples nearby gasped in horror as the tentacles began to target them.

Swipe!

Kaang!

One outstretched tentacle lunged for a disciple’s heart, but I quickly sprinted in and swatted it away. At that moment, both Jin So-cheong and Lee Kwang charged toward the mutated leg to fend it off.

Boom! Boom!

With a powerful clash of energies, the tentacles shattered and scattered, leaving behind a fist-sized portion still wriggling, trying to grow more tentacles. Lee Kwang, gazing down with a look of horror, stomped on the remains.

Crack!

“Looks like your buddy has developed a taste for seafood now.”

I was too stunned to respond to his comment.

At that moment, pieces of a puzzle began to fit together in my mind.

‘So that’s it…’

The Golden Eagle Guard’s sudden rise to power, taking control of the organization and defeating his peers wasn’t due to his martial prowess skyrocketing.

He had absorbed the magic of the otherworldly race within him.

I suspected some being from another realm had summoned him to the Imperial Palace.

In this instance, he hadn’t activated his magic in combat whist engaged with Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong. But if he unleashed that magic, a monstrous calamity could occur.

Lee Kwang, having reduced the remnants to ashes with his techniques, stated, “Given this, our only option is to head to Luoyang.”

“Luoyang? That’s the enemy’s base…”

“Exactly why we must go. This is the perfect opportunity, given his current weakened state.”

Lee Kwang said assertively, <"Let’s break through Great Thunder Valley and rescue General Hwang Yeon.">

 

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