1234——————==

The Soul of the Evil God

As soon as the first combo canceled out, I grabbed the lower stance and lowered my shoulder. During a continuous exchange of blows, I should have aimed for the stability of the upper stance, but this time was different. It was because of what I heard while training under Asura last time.

[If you ever fight against your past self, it’s best to start with the basic techniques focused on the lower stance.]

[Is there a reason for that?]

[In the past, I loved to push my enemies back with powerful slashes, but along the way, I enjoyed using the lower stance to destabilize my opponent. Most sword heroes have a habit of avoiding the unstable and narrow lower stance.]

[Interesting.]

[If you start with the lower stance and wait for an opening, breaking through with a middle stance would give a fun reaction.]

Thunder God Lineage

Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique

Guided Falling Blade

While I waited for Asura’s next attack with the solid framework of the Guided Falling Blade’s technique focusing on the lower stance, sure enough, the first attack strongly aimed for my middle stance.

‘It’s the most annoying combo from Asura’s martial arts, the Purple Shadow Illusion Blade’s Falling Fragment Storm.”

Just as Asura told me before, he revealed a few combos he tends to use regularly in battles, one of which was the Falling Fragment Storm. Of course, learning the counters for each technique would have been a waste of time, but just knowing its features was an enormous advantage with my level of martial arts.

‘I already know the trajectory of the Falling Fragment Storm from sparring with him several times.’

Crack!

Knowing the technique allowed me to gain a brief window of opportunity by simply matching the trajectory of his blade. The blades met at an angle, and the momentum slightly pushed our swords apart. In that gap, I seized the opportunity, pushing the handle of my sword sideways, and swiftly aimed to stab into Asura’s armpit with the Thunder Dragon Sword’s technique, the Tyrant’s Claw.

Ping!

Even when I suddenly transitioned to a fierce thrust, Asura expressionlessly swung his sword to fend off my attack. Even if he should have been caught off guard, he truly was one of the strongest experts in this era. However, his response made it clear he still didn’t grasp my intent, and I couldn’t help but smirk to myself.

‘Perfect. A counter to a counter.’

While floating in the air, I leaned towards Asura’s neck, unleashing force, and he seemed to have a moment of incredulity. This is a move often used in close combat styles, but recklessly approaching a master like Asura could easily lead to getting cut down over a single mistake.

[You bastard…!]

Was it because I took a high-risk move with little reward? Asura’s expression gradually turned to rage as he created a sword barrier to try and slice off my hand. If I got caught in that dense barrier of intense power, even with my Protection Energy, I could easily be cut down in one hit.

Hu Woong!

But I had no intention of going through with it from beginning to end, so I easily released the tension and this time, I conjured the Hell King’s Hand’s energy, emitting it between Asura and me.

Thud!

The Hell King’s Hand packed with rebound energy struck the air hard, suddenly widening the distance between me and Asura, who seized the chance and launched a powerful slash.

With a clang, the impact of the blow struck as I sensed the time was nearing, and sure enough, Asura unleashed another slash aimed at me.

Absolute Technique

Thousand-Handed Guanyin!

With the sound of swish-swish, it felt like thousands of blades created by absolute realm intent surrounded my entire body. Even if just one of these blades was blocked improperly, it would be the fearsome technique that could slice through anything! If I had truly miscalculated this far, my defeat would have been sealed by now.

However—I quickly regained my balance mid-air and transformed my sword energy back to the middle stance. In that fleeting moment, I tried to spot a flaw amongst Asura’s Thousand-Handed Guanyin. Memories of Asura’s past advice echoed in my head.

[Until we reach that merger, the combinations of techniques you and I share are immeasurable, but as long as you maintain a certain level of skill, you should be able to reach it. And at that peak… there is bound to be an empty space.]

I see it.

Just as Asura said, amidst the dense blades of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin, I spotted an empty thought. Normally, such a weakness wouldn’t appear when executing a standard Thousand-Handed Guanyin, but due to Asura’s unconscious habit being connected here, the flaws unintentionally emerged! Not wanting to miss this moment, I shone my eyes and launched the strongest strike of the Thunder Blade.

Absolute Thunder Blade

Infinite Slash!

The flash of the electric blade tore through the Thousand-Handed Guanyin. As the lightning reached Asura’s neck, I could see his expression hardening and a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.

Hu Woong!

However, the Flying Heaven Essence Spirit Jewel instantly protected his body, momentarily weakening the impact of my Infinite Slash, and Asura seized the opportunity to ripple past it, naturally evading my strike. The response was so natural and outstanding that I couldn’t help but admire it, almost in disbelief.

“Ah!”

How could he evade after I found the perfect opening? That’s a level of skill I could never conceive of!

‘As expected of Asura…!!’

Crash!

After dodging the slash of my Infinite Slash, Asura increased the distance between us while wearing a rather complex expression.

“I can’t understand. How could you fight me as if you were very much aware of my techniques and habits?”

“……”

“Who are you? How can you fight like that?”

At that, Gin Nara, who was nearby, asked curiously.

“Are you telling me that the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns possesses such powerful martial arts? You really just fought me relying only on martial art techniques…?”

At Gin Nara’s question, Asura’s anger flared.

“Shut up, Gin Nara! This is my fight, so don’t meddle!”

“……”

“If you meddle, I’ll kill you!”

Gin Nara stiffened at his words. Then the usually quiet Empress Wu Zetian finally spoke up.

[Gin Nara, you might be getting too hasty. This person’s words are worth hearing; isn’t it pointless to leap into a fight out of the blue?]

“Empress Wu Zetian, we despise the Three Sovereigns even more than you do. It’s better to eradicate foolish alliances rather quickly…”

Gin Nara said with a troubled look at Asura.

“…And honestly, this feels reckless. Are you really going to solve it through martial art techniques against the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns?”

“I warned you. If I lose, feel free to intervene.”

“Hmph. Do as you wish…”

Gin Nara shrugged and shot a glance at Empress Wu Zetian. I discerned that Gin Nara planned to conspire with Empress Wu and realized time was of the essence.

‘Damn. While I can’t say for Asura, Gin Nara undoubtedly wouldn’t hesitate to initiate a joint attack and might even call more reinforcements. If Empress Wu supports Gin Nara, dragging this out would be detrimental…’

But could I actually win if I fought Asura one-on-one until the end? Witnessing him counter my earlier strike with such finesse, it was clear that while both of us were on the same absolute realm, there was a level difference. It was nonsensical to expect a swift resolution.

All along, my research on how to deal with Asura was only to navigate through this chaotic situation before discussing things further. Giving the black obsidian to Asura, who seemed to have a bloodthirsty attitude now, would yield no results.

As the situation grew worse, I felt anxious.

‘What should I do… I had planned to reach the Heaven’s Palace within this palace…’

Now that I found myself in this predicament, should I try to get rid of them and rush to the Heaven’s Palace? If I used the Soul Removal Technique, perhaps…

‘No… the chances are too slim… hmm… Aha!’

As I continued pondering, a good idea struck me, and I said to Asura.

“Asura! I dislike dragging this fight out! So let’s make a wager!”

Asura seemed intrigued and replied.

“What kind of wager?”

“Use your strongest move, the Nirvana of the Absolute! If I break it head-on, you have to become my ally and help me!”

In this situation, it could go either way now.

“……!!”

Asura’s expression sharpened significantly. I didn’t stop there and turned to Empress Wu Zetian, standing nearby.

“Empress Wu Zetian! You should be the objective witness! If I win, you have to promise to open the Heaven’s Palace for me.”

[Are you out of your mind? That’s impossible…]

While Empress Wu naturally attempted to refuse, Asura suddenly directed his sword towards her and shouted.

“Accept it. If you don’t, I will slaughter you and your people.”

[Asura, there is no reason to accept such an absurd wager. Why are you so erratic?]

“Are you saying my Nirvana of the Absolute can lose? Are you insulting my martial arts?”

Ghrrr!

“I am the strongest in the world, the supreme master of the Heavenly Prison, Pasun! I will win!!”

Asura’s entire being began to emit fierce energy. The intensity of his fighting spirit and killing intent made Empress Wu and Gin Nara flinch. Realizing Asura was serious, Empress Wu reluctantly responded.

[Very well. I will be the objective witness. If you lose, Asura, you will pay for it.]

“Hmph.”

Sssss!

Asura and I faced each other. Thanks to him, I felt incredibly excited about the exposition here. If it had been any one of the Eight Parts of the Divine, it wouldn’t have stood a chance, but having Asura here allowed for a one-on-one duel.

Gooooh!

I could visibly see Asura’s formidable power consolidating his entire being. It looked like he intended to go all out. His body gradually transformed from human form into his true form. Revealing the visage of a Demon King, Asura lifted a weapon in each of his six arms, his eyes bursting with fierce intensity.

[You audacious fool… while you seem to have investigated me, beware that the price for attempting to receive the Nirvana of the Absolute will be your life!]

I muttered in complaint at his words.

“Hey, that reasoning’s off. Regardless, you were planning to kill me if I lost anyway, so what difference does it make?”

[Shut up. Here I go!]

I could see the energy of Tangled Cosmic Techniques forming in Asura’s six arms. I bit my lip at the sight.

‘Can I do this…’

In the 28th cycle, Asura had given me the counter to the Nirvana of the Absolute. [Read the Flow] was the key to nullifying it, and I had been training to read that flow relentlessly. But truth be told, I didn’t know what that flow precisely was; I had merely learned more about the cracks in techniques.

That is to say, I was almost still in the dark regarding the counter.

It would be impossible to nullify the Nirvana of the Absolute using merely swordplay, like was done in the 28th cycle of Asura.

Yet, I proposed this wager for another reason entirely.

‘It has to work out!’

As Asura’s six arms swelled as his power peaked, the moves that embodied his strongest technique, the Nirvana of the Absolute, unfolded.

Moon Blade of Eternal Status

Thousand-Handed Guanyin

Purple Shadow Illusion Blade

Flying Heaven Essence Spirit Jewel

Explosive Destruction Sword

Asura’s Breaking the Heavens unleashed a storm of violence before me, and the immense pressure he exuded felt as if it were tearing off my skin. Facing it in reality was vastly different from merely observing from the side. I could sense that the power of the Nirvana of the Absolute was at least five times stronger than I’d initially estimated, causing despair to wash over me.

“Ugh!”

As the Nirvana of the Absolute unfolded, I pushed my inner Thunder Energy to its peak, focused to the extent that my eyes reddened. Then, in that moment, I used the Absolute Realm’s intent to deliver a mighty strike.

“AAAAAH!”

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

One White!

Heavenly Contraction Sword!

With a force akin to releasing a tightly wound bowstring, the Heavenly Contraction Sword collided head-on with the Nirvana of the Absolute. There was no way my full-powered Infinite Slash would hold up against the Nirvana of the Absolute’s might, and the energy of my Heavenly Contraction Sword swiftly dwindled. Yet, I didn’t stop there—I summoned my Thunder Energy again.

Howl.

Thunder Soul, arise!

Chi-chi-chi!

The sound of thunder reverberated. All at once, I noticed the Thunder Soul within me began to spin at a breathtaking speed, crackling with electric energy surging throughout my entire body.

That’s right.

As I still didn’t have a technique capable of withstanding the Nirvana of the Absolute head-on—at least the best method to match its power was with the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique! I had no idea how far I could go, but I would confront the Nirvana of the Absolute with the Nine Chambers of Thunder!

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Two Black!

Five Elements’ Energy!

Kki-ki-ki—

In my One White Heavenly Contraction Sword, it didn’t have an effect, but as the Two Black Five Elements’ Energy unfolded, the pressure of the Nirvana of the Absolute momentarily hesitant. Seeing this, I recalled what Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo had explained to me about executing the Nine Chambers of Thunder.

[Grand Master, each technique you insert into Nine Chambers of Thunder isn’t necessarily the strongest, hence the resultant strength may not also be supreme.]

[What do you mean? Can’t I just use the Infinite Slash nine times?]

[Ha-ha. Grand Master, you sure love nonsense. The Infinite Slash is powerful, yet it’s too simple, making it ill-suited for Nine Chambers of Thunder.]

[…….]

[As you combine various properties in Nine Chambers of Thunder, they each amplify differing traits to create spectacular auxiliary effects. Thus, even if singular techniques are weak, their hidden potential can end up being the materials you need to create a far more powerful Nine Chambers of Thunder.]

That’s right. From that training, I accumulated a variety of combinations. Although neither the Heavenly Contraction Sword nor the Five Elements’ Energy were the strongest techniques in my arsenal, I felt this mixture would serve well.

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Three Green!

True Martial Seven Cuts Classic!

Kwah-chi-chi!

For the first time, the Nirvana of the Absolute, which had approached me, slowed down. As my mighty Thunder Soul flickered intensely, releasing lightning, I could see the protective energy of the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic from my left palm shimmering with various colors and becoming a kaleidoscope of light.

With a crack sound, the rotating protective force imbued with the elements generated a powerful repulsive force. Something that had never existed before, a protective barrier imbued both with Five Elements’ Energy and absorption properties, had been born! The fused protective force transcended its original martial power, causing the Nirvana of the Absolute to freeze momentarily in mid-air.

But that alone would not suffice to completely neutralize the Nirvana of the Absolute. The amalgamation of just Three Green could merely hold it back momentarily before the Nirvana of the Absolute would undoubtedly obliterate everything. I tightened my jaw, spinning my Thunder Soul and continuing to unleash the Nine Chambers of Thunder.

‘Just for a moment… a brief moment….’

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Four Green!

Thunderclap!

Chi-zzi!

The unique trait of the Nine Chambers of Thunder was that it could utilize auxiliary techniques like Thunderclap for both offense and defense. Although using Thunderclap during a frantic battle was incredibly risky due to the numerous openings it left, for now, I put my faith in the power of the Three Green protective force, determined to enhance my potential.

Crack-crack!

‘Gah… urgh….’

It felt as though my heart was on fire. Despite giving everything to spin my Thunder Soul and managing to display up to Four Green, I felt a fierce pain. After accelerating so fast it had become drenched in blood, the sensation of deep-rooted agony surpassed anything else.

I poured every ounce of strength I had into holding on, forcing my Thunder Soul to spin once more.

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Five Yellow!

Fog-shrouded Sky Royal Shadow 108 Techniques!

The Eight Wilds Shock of Heaven, including its mightiest champion, the Forbidden Slash! It dawned on me that the techniques wielded by Yeodong-bin would also be incomprehensible without the Formless Sword. Moreover, the diversity of techniques within the Fog-shrouded Sky Royal Shadow meant its deployment while also under the influence of Thunder would reach unprecedented heights.

Crash-crash-crash!

The sword energy seemed alive, spreading furiously from the protective energy. It transformed into thousands of intertwined strands, fluttering through the air like clouds, and produced an unwieldy number of sword paths. This phenomenon occurred when the Fog-shrouded Sky Royal Shadow’s whip was unleashed as a sword form.

And finally, the Nirvana of the Absolute began to show signs of yielding. With a messily crashing sound, I could hear what sounded like the overwhelming strength of the Nirvana of the Absolute cracking!

If I pushed through this, I could slice as far as Asura’s neck, as I was almost about to smile in anticipation when that fleeting moment hit—Asura’s intent echoed in my ears.

[You imbecile. Did you think I had been unleashing my full power till now?]

What?

Kuh-kung!

“……!!”

Suddenly, the rotations of the Nirvana of the Absolute accelerated several times, and I felt a doubled intensity and pressure overwhelm my entire being. The distance that I’d fought hard to create closed ominously, and I could see the powers of the Fog-shrouded Sky Royal Shadow and True Martial Seven Cuts Classic shattering before my very eyes. I realized it was a pure ‘difference in power’ and gaped in horror.

‘N-no way….’

Are you saying he had only brought out a fraction of his power until now?

T-this absurd strength?!

Crash!!

In the next moment, the Nirvana of the Absolute approached dangerously close, shattering my sword effortlessly. Even though it was the Iron Sword I had hastily pulled out, the fact that it shattered with my intent behind it meant the sheer power of the Nirvana of the Absolute was beyond imagination.

I’m going to die.

Again, I’m going to die.

‘Ah… not again….’

I wasn’t afraid of death, but despair set in as the thought lingered that I spent my whole life being tossed around, never having gained anything. Was this truly the end?

In that moment, beyond my fear of death, I realized there was something even more precious at stake.

‘I could still do more…’

Up to this point, I had only used my energies up to Five Yellow, fearing if I pushed too far, I would rupture inside. But if I was going to die anyway, then why not give it one more spin?

No… let’s push through to the end!

Let’s go all the way!!

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Six White!

Infinite Slash!

With the guidance of the Thunder, all the energies from One White to Five Yellow united and surged into my sword. I unleashed an Infinite Slash level I had never attempted before, merging the properties of five different martial arts.

As the blade of the Thunder struck with countless effects, I realized that my insides had burst from the excessive amplification of my Thunder Energy. My body simply couldn’t endure any more rotation.

Pugh!

As I felt the sensation of my insides rupturing, my Infinite Slash collided with the Nirvana of the Absolute. It began to cut through only halfway before suddenly expanding and engulfing everything around me, leaving me with the delusion of cleaving through an endless river.

Kiriiri!

I continued to hear the thunderous cries of my blade. In a state of union with the sword, I pushed forward into a frenzied state when I sensed Asura’s intent again.

[What are you waiting for? Just die already.]

With a sudden rush of blood, I realized there was just one stance left until I made it to Asura. I had come this far, clearly managing to breach? But that distance was, in every essence, a chasm. No matter how much I trained, facing Asura, the Demon King in full swing during this dance with death seemed to be futile.

My body was in such dire straits that even if I survived, there wouldn’t be enough time for a meal before I would definitely collapse again.

…This is truly it…

I believed my body would soon burst beneath the weight of the Nirvana of the Absolute, and I would begin my 30th life when suddenly, I noticed a faint apparition before me.

What’s that…?

[I realized only after becoming the vessel. True lightning is unconfined.]

As I was enveloped in lightning, the presence glimmered with a soft smile.

[Ultimately, it’s the heart!]

Once I grasped that, I felt the Thunder Sphere within begin to vibrate intensely before suddenly bursting forth into brilliant light.

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!

Seven Red!

Thunder God’s Instrument!

Freedom.

The Thunder Sphere throughout my body felt as if it was desperately trying to flee, seeking its freedom. The light radiated from my entire body at a maddening speed, and I felt it trying to escape through every pore. It occurred to me at that moment that the rotation of my Thunder Sphere didn’t necessarily have to remain contained within my body.

Fwoosh!

[…….]

In that split second, a Thunder Blade shot out, piercing Asura’s heart. The Demon King stared at the Thunder Blade plunged into his heart with incredulity. Then, as if drawn to some instinct, I lifted my finger to the sky and moved the blade.

Chukakak!

[Uuuuuah!!]

Asura shrieked, staggering back, even dropping to one knee in the process. Such a significant wound implied that even the Demon King’s power couldn’t withstand it. My mind wandered as I gazed at Asura, muddled and confused.

‘Was… that intention…?’

Something felt different… If it had been an attack purely motivated by intention, Asura could have certainly blocked or avoided it. Yet, he neither evaded nor countered but was struck directly. No, it wasn’t due to the manipulation of the [Small Cycle] that craved time.

I couldn’t pinpoint the principle behind it, but I focused intensely on the ethereal existence before me. Despite the blood flowing from my eyes and my vision being blurry, I could see his appearance and unconsciously called out his name.

“Is… that you, Seol-pyo…?”

In an instant, that apparition vanished.

Thud!

Both Asura and I knelt on the floor, bleeding profusely. I was beyond exhausted, unable to even hold my sword, while Asura began to rise, despite struggling with the horrific pain of his heart being pierced. His overwhelming life force rendered what should have been a fatal injury ineffective.

[Ugh… Ugh… AAAAAH!!]

The Demon King Asura let loose a roar. Then, he reached toward me.

‘Is he planning to chew me up alive?’

Damn… that sounds painful.

I closed my eyes, thinking it was all over, but minutes later, I was taken aback by what transpired.

[Empress Wu Zetian.]

Asura spoke, approaching her and offering my body.

Empress Wu Zetian seemed flabbergasted.

[Asura. You can’t be serious.]

At those words, the atmosphere in the hall turned dead silent.

[Heal him. I have lost.]