전생검신 81권 14화

Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong.

It was the first time I ever heard such an impressive title and name, but he was a member of the Martial God Council, which meant he had reached the level of Divine Skill. In fact, he had just showcased his might by neutralizing Brahma’s powerful attack with Divine Skill and then taking him down in one swift move.

I raised my sword in the Intermediate Stage and calmly observed my opponent’s stance.

‘Gon Technique, specifically the Three Refined Rod, belongs to the Single Rod Technique system. If my opponent uses Single Rod Technique… it must be Master of the Twelve Joules.’

The Long Rod wasn’t that different from what people usually think of with pole techniques, and a Single Rod refers to a middle-distance weapon divided into segments like this. Of course, a segment of the Master of the Twelve Joules could also be considered part of the Single Rod Technique, but it was so wide-ranging that pinning it down as either a long rod or a single rod was tricky.

The usage of the Three Refined Rod and the Multiple Segments would clearly differ. Even if the Three Refined Rod could extend similarly to a sword, it was fundamentally weak at a distance, while the Multiple Segments were significantly longer, making it easy to predict that the fighting methods of Master of the Twelve Joules and Jo Hwan-ryong would be different. Besides, I had hardly ever faced a master of the Three Refined Rod.

Buzz buzz buzz—

Like a threshing tool, Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong began spinning the Three Refined Rod and slowly took a step towards me. I flinched at that simple motion.

‘The distance is closing!’

It felt unbelievable yet clear; the gap between me and Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong was narrowing! I could tell that was his martial power and intention. His spirit surged, actively limiting my attack range. However, since such power and pressure alone couldn’t achieve that, I was perplexed when I noticed something unusual.

‘Near his skin… there’s a layer of qi like paper thin armor.’

Should I describe it as extremely compressed paper armor?

Since I instinctively sensed that something was amiss, the opponent’s intention to concentrate his attack became effective on me. Surely that armor-like qi surrounding Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong would be the key to this duel, and with that thought, I narrowed my eyes and focused.

Swoosh.

As I took a stance to draw my sword, my center of gravity descended. No matter how powerful the opponent was, I deemed it unwise to attack first, so I planned to retaliate as soon as the opponent made their next move. Taking up a defensive position was like playing with fire in a Life and Death Decision, but such principles didn’t always apply in a first encounter.

The variables in this first exchange were too many.

The future of this duel would be read in that one move.

Clang!

As if a window shattered, an eerie sound rang out as my sword clashed with Jo Hwan-ryong’s iron chain mid-air. Jo Hwan-ryong delivered a simple strike while spinning the Three Refined Rod. I instinctively aimed to behead him, but he twisted the trajectory of his blow in mid-air, protecting himself directly.

Swish!

The Three Refined Rod coiled around my blade as his body surged forward. I instantly recognized what he was after.

‘Close combat!’

Utilizing the Three Refined Rod to engage in a brutal brawl at half a step’s distance! Realizing that closing the gap willingly would lead to certain defeat, I withdrew my sword from the Three Refined Rod while causing my lower and upper body to rotate in a circular motion. As I spun, I unleashed a Thunder Sword Dance, leaving only an afterimage as I aimed for Jo Hwan-ryong’s front.

Thunder God Sword Dance!

Swoosh swoosh swoosh!

In an instant, hundreds of sword shadows sliced through Jo Hwan-ryong, yet I felt nothing at the tip of my blade, and the thought crossed my mind.

Boom!

Jo Hwan-ryong had somehow created twenty-four clones that appeared near me. I sensed the clones with my Qi Sense, instantly identifying which was the real one. The reason was that the flow of qi surrounding the clones and the real body was distinctly different.

‘Huh? He doesn’t seem very good at shifting forms…’

I didn’t think he was as skilled in transformation as the Grand Master Hong Gil-dong of the Yuldo Kingdom.

Whizz—

As that thought crossed my mind, I attacked Jo Hwan-ryong again with Thunder God Sword Dance, but the moment I did, I realized my mistake. The clone I believed to be his real body fell easily to my sword.

“……!!”

I’ve been deceived!

The fake pretended to be the real one from the start…

As expected, something flew at me from my blind spot with incredible speed at that moment. I quickly invoked the Intent Heavenly Pillar and executed the Three Treasure Technique, narrowly evading that incoming strike. However, no matter how effective the Three Treasure Technique was, dodging a definite blind spot was tough, so I had to suffer some minor losses.

Bang!!

Like an explosive boom! Indeed, the Three Refined Rod hurtled towards me near my ribs with immense power, and even with Protection Energy Technique to block it, I felt a sharp pain. It wasn’t a direct hit, yet the Protection Energy Technique shattered instantly.

Gong—

But that wasn’t the end. Close on my heels, Jo Hwan-ryong approached, throwing a fist towards my chin. Even as I barely dodged his attack, I felt my head spin from the impact.

‘Ugh.’

Incredible close-quarters power! I could certainly assess Jo Hwan-ryong’s combat tendencies from this strike.

‘That qi wrapped around him like paper armor! That qi only exerts its power at ultra-close range, but once it hits, my defenses won’t hold.’

It seemed Jo Hwan-ryong was more accustomed and powerful in close combat than those who primarily used fist techniques. Unlike fist masters who must be cautious when going up against blades, Jo Hwan-ryong attacked more recklessly while simultaneously guarding himself with the Three Refined Rod.

Thunder Spirit Seal.

Bang!

When I threw Jo Hwan-ryong off with a thrust of the seal, the explosive sound caused him to hesitate.

“Ha!”

The qi, which enveloped his body like paper armor, seemed to glow for a moment, and Jo Hwan-ryong nonchalantly withstood the Thunder Spirit Seal with a aura-like energy. I was dumbfounded witnessing that.

‘What?! That was a power capable of wiping an island and taking down dozens of dragons, and he…’

Crack—

Once he got a grasp on it, Jo Hwan-ryong immediately launched a counterattack with a Three Refined Rod without even creating clones; it was a straightforward linear strike aimed directly at my upper lip.

‘Since it has no deception, it’s an even more powerful attack! I need to brace for it!’

Clenching my teeth, I invoked the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique and launched Infinite Slash at Jo Hwan-ryong’s torso, anticipating that he would hesitate and dodge. However, Jo Hwan-ryong showed no sign of fear and swung the Three Refined Rod at me without flinching, and I matched that with my Infinite Slash.

Clang!

“Guh!”

“Ugh!”

The result was a precarious standoff that barely averted mutual destruction! Both Jo Hwan-ryong and I struck our strongest attacks; as absolute masters, we saw a glimmer of hope in that situation and narrowly saved our lives. However, it seemed we had both sustained some injuries in the process.

Thud.

Jo Hwan-ryong took two or three steps back, glanced down at the sword wound from Infinite Slash on his chest, and said,

“It’s the first time in my life someone has challenged me with the true spirit of Yang’s Duel against my Canghuashen Rod. What incredible guts you have.”

Snap… Snap…

I glared at Jo Hwan-ryong with disapproval, having narrowly avoided having my upper lip smashed while he had severely lacerated the flesh around my ear.

“That’s quite a cocky technique you wield. Unless you’re also willing to perish together, I’ll be the unfortunate one here, right?”

I could discern the features of the Canghuashen Rod technique. It demanded aggressive play, forcing opponents into direct combat while boasting immense offensive and defensive capabilities. Should the opponent retreat out of fright or try to feebly defend, the creator of Canghuashen Rod would invariably gain the upper hand. If all went well, one could potentially strike a fatal blow, and if not, one could inflict injuries while still maintaining a favorable position in the fight.

“The essence of Single Rod Segment lies in that. If you dislike one-sided exchanges like the way you’ve been attacking me, possess the willingness to engage in Yang’s Duel, or wipe me out from a distance so I can’t even approach.”

I chuckled at his words.

“Come now. It’s clear you’re covering yourself in that armor-like energy to keep me from wrapping it up from a distance.”

“Isn’t that the nature of all techniques? Maximize the strengths and reinforce the weaknesses to become nearly invincible.”

Swoosh—

Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong took up the Three Refined Rod again and readied himself as he spoke.

“I may still have a trump card left, but you seem to have many hidden moves as well. If you’re not careful, it could all end in moments, so give it your all.”

“……”

Have I been found out?

In reality, I hadn’t shown everything immediately, opting instead for passive responses, and because of that, I was able to observe the features of the Canghuashen Rod technique. However, the same could be said for Jo Hwan-ryong because he would ramp up his offense more fiercely than before. In other words, Jo Hwan-ryong was warning me that if I relied solely on my intelligence, this fight could wrap up in seconds.

‘Alright. Let’s do this for real.’

Earlier, I had let Jo Hwan-ryong take the initiative, but now I’d take the first shot. I had noticed that while the Canghuashen Rod may appear invincible, it had its flaws. As that thought crossed my mind, I suddenly recalled something and directed my attention back to Jo Hwan-ryong.

“Hey, just one quick question.”

“Stop stalling and just get to it.”

He seemed quite hot-headed.

“Which era are you from? I’m from the Great Ming Empire era, and honestly, I haven’t heard of any peerless masters like you in any literature or rumors.”

I was genuinely curious. If one reached Divine Skill, it meant they were an extraordinary existence among the masters of the Absolute Realm, literally the pinnacle of the arena! Given the likes of Lee Yeodong and Jang Sambong, a figure who could become a Grand Master or a mightiest champion and earn a name for themselves would be irrefutably splendid. Yet, I had never once heard the name Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong in a hundred lifetimes.

‘His skill undoubtedly exceeded mere clan.’

While I pondered, Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong looked deeply into my eyes and sighed heavily.

“Whew, I had a hunch, but that was a waste of a question.”

“Huh… Is it such a bad question to ask?”

“Everyone in the Martial God Council knows you’re a Reborn Person. If you gather information here, you’ll probably go about probing into the identity of others or trying to find and interrogate us.”

“……”

Then Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong smirked wryly.

“Well, even if you figure out which era I belong to, you’ll never find me in this current world…”

You know everything, huh?

I was a tad flustered when Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong continued speaking.

“We’re not that deeply entangled with you. Our goals are separate and don’t necessarily align with those of a Reborn Person. Whatever you seek, we have no intention of being used.”

“Jang Sambong and Lee Yeodong helped me quite well…”

“That’s purely their personal inclination. It has nothing to do with the Martial God Council.”

“What exactly is this grand goal?”

“If you want to know, defeat me right here and now. Then, overcome all three of us and go towards the Martial God.”

Clang!

“Unless you’re genuinely devoted to martial arts, you won’t gain a thing in this Palace of Martial Gods!”

“……”

It didn’t seem likely I could learn anything further through conversation.

‘They’re seriously steadfast.’

Both Lee Yeodong and Jang Sambong had told me other secrets but never a peep about the Martial God Council. Moreover, all individuals suspected of having entered the Divine Realm seemed to follow suit. They had joined the council not merely for gain but as part of an absolute belief, thus sealing their lips.

“Alright. Let’s go for it.”

With that, it might just be a matter of life or death!

Clang clang—

Thinking about that, I created several swords in the air with my inner power. Then, using my Sword Flying Technique, I hurled them at Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong.

‘Let’s begin with some ranged pressure first.’

Boom!

Despite the speed transcending sonic levels, Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong dodged all my flying swords without a scratch. It didn’t seem like he was even using footwork, yet it felt as if he knew precisely where they’d come from from the start. He dodged so easily that I couldn’t help but be taken aback when he spoke coldly.

“To throw mere Eye’s Control Sword Technique at a master of the Divine Realm is a laughable endeavor. At least bring something like Heart’s Control Sword Technique to the table.”

Having said that, he snatched a flying sword with the Three Refined Rod and retaliated with his own Sword Flying Technique. I deflected the sword and stepped back, but as I did, Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong advanced toward me, merging his Three Refined Rod into one.

Clang!

“Hah.”

Transformed into a Long Rod, Jo Hwan-ryong started spinning his weapon like a staff, rushing towards me at a rapid pace. The spinning Long Rod was no different from a pole, and as I watched his fierce assault, I pondered how to respond.

‘Should I start seeing that as merely a pole technique now? Hmm… Normally, I’d adjust the distance based on pole techniques…’

Could it be that it was a ruse to lure me in? I found myself in a dilemma of action while relying on my ample combat experience and sense when a clever idea struck, and I stood still.

Crack!

At that moment, Jo Hwan-ryong thrust his rod forward, attacking my temple with the intention of piercing through. I was able to dodge quickly but chose not to divert my gaze from his rod. Just before it struck my forehead, I noticed his hand suddenly split apart.

I seized that moment and cast the Three Treasure Technique, evading the meteor-like strikes that split into hundreds of trajectories from the opponent. The moment Jo Hwan-ryong, now up close, displayed a surprised expression, I saw that his Long Rod, which was originally in one piece, had reverted back into three segments.

‘Just as I thought!’

If he could form a Long Rod from the segments, he could just as easily separate them!

Perceiving Jo Hwan-ryong’s intention to catch me off guard, I managed to stay one step ahead this time. Regardless of being an absolute master, a critical strike missing proves there’s always an opening; I could swiftly thrust Infinite Slash into the gap of Jo Hwan-ryong.

Whoosh!!

“Geh!”

While Jo Hwan-ryong narrowly evaded Infinite Slash, I could see a significant sword cut on his waist. It had been a mere scrape, but it was as deep as a wound, signaling that he hadn’t truly escaped the strike.

Though I had gained the upper hand, I found it surprising that I hadn’t nailed him with the Infinite Slash after hitting him at such close range.

‘He truly is an impressive master! Even the Master of the White Lotus Sect couldn’t avoid Infinite Slash at this range.’

His agility and martial prowess were sensational! It was plain to see that anyone who reached the Divine Realm would likely be of the same caliber, and I couldn’t afford to lose my concentration. In fact, every nameless divine technique or martial art he executed rivaled the legendary absolute martial skills of the Four Great Families.

Crackle—

At that moment, Jo Hwan-ryong’s eyes blazed blue as a hint of steam escaped from his mouth. There was no mistaking that his Intent Heavenly Pillar was thrumming significantly, and suddenly, the energy in the room was being drawn entirely into him. I sensed he was about to unleash a tense skill and became highly alarmed.

Canghuashen Rod.

One Hundred Eight Styles.

White Flowing Plum Blossom.

Was it merely my imagination? Each segment of Jo Hwan-ryong’s Three Refined Rod seemed to expand, twisting in mid-air like a serpent. All at once, this whole space where I stood was filled with pure white flower petals. As I realized that this domain was blanketed in white blossoms, I momentarily spaced out, only to smell the strong fragrance of plum blossoms suddenly flooding my senses.

‘Plum blossoms…!!’

As soon as that aroma hit me, my whole body exploded with a dangerous warning signal. Moments later, with plum petals spiraling in the air, I witnessed Jo Hwan-ryong rushing toward me, leaving countless illusions of his Three Refined Rod in his wake.

Roar roar roar roar!!

‘Extreme Illusionist martial arts?! He’s literally using every technique possible with the Three Refined Rod…’

Seeing that multitude of illusions splitting left and right, I couldn’t help but scowl. While discerning this many illusions wasn’t an issue for me, the real problem was that the opponent might take advantage of them to land an unexpected strike. I was thrust into a mental tug of war, which meant that letting him use Absolute Slash would be like handing this duel to him.

‘Is he pretending to use illusions while concealing a real dagger for a strike? Or, is he planning to push forward, knowing I’d be wary of the situation?’

Regardless, I had to make a choice. Normally, I wouldn’t hesitate and simply unleash Infinite Slash against illusions, but given this opponent’s caliber, I was conflicted.

[What should one do when facing a master of Illusionary Sword?]

A memory surfaced from my days learning Sword Qi at Dragon King’s Valley.

I remembered fragments vividly from then, filled with the joy of improving my sword techniques; each conversation resonated in my mind.

[Illusionary Sword primarily confuses opponents with sword shadows, leading to miscalculated moves that result in victory. It’s immensely perplexing, making it terrorizing for lower-ranked fighters in Jianghu.]

[Does it not apply to upper ranks?]

[Absolutely not. The truth is, sword shadows are inherently weaker than a real blade delivered with sword intent, and those who’ve already cultivated a certain level of inner strength and skill can undoubtedly perceive their flow. Someone who employs an Illusionary Sword will invariably complete their takedown with a single, true thrust, and as long as the opponent can detect that actual strike, they can easily counter it. Persons solely reliant on Illusionary Sword are admitting their weakness in martial prowess.]

[Hmm.]

[The true terror lies with attacks that cannot be evaded or blocked. Those who have honed real strikes are infinitely more fearsome than Illusionary Sword users; such was the case with Sword Qi.]

[……But can’t those who’ve perfected a true strike also use Illusionary Sword?]

[Of course, they can. Using Illusionary Sword to disorient is part of our Thunder God Sword Dance as well. In such situations… you must trust in them.]

[Trust?]

[You need to rely on the subtle traits, characteristics, and emotions of that person you’ve perceived during your duel… that’s how you read your opponent, and you have to be confident that your insights are correct. To do so, you must trust them.]

I remembered Dokgo Seong’s sly smile as he spoke.

[Don’t get trapped in a mental chess match. True masters never engage in unnecessary mind games.]

At that moment, a realization struck me almost violently. Unlike the instinct I usually felt as a Reborn Person, it was an epiphany grounded in the sheer martial experience accrued through countless battles. This was the true meaning behind Dokgo Seong’s words, and I fully grasped it.

‘This is it!’

This time, I wouldn’t wait or observe until he made his move to execute the Three Treasure Technique. Instead, I focused keenly on the spot of intensified plum blossom scent, tracking it to determine where the current would lead. The moment I figured out its course, I immediately launched a Thunder God Sword Dance.

Swish swish swish!!

A powerful surge of sword intent swept across the area, creating waves as I let my attack respond to his illusions. While I performed the sword dance, the sea of falling flowers that had covered the surroundings evaporated, leaving only Jo Hwan-ryong, charging at me with the Three Refined Rod!

Boom!!

With his true form revealed, Jo Hwan-ryong hurriedly blocked my Infinite Slash with his Three Refined Rod, but at the moment the thunder broke, I saw blood trickle from the corner of his mouth. Thanks to my revelation of his real form, I was able to seize the initiative and deal the first blow. Jo Hwan-ryong staggered back, trying to regain control, but watching his retreat, a triumphant smile crept across my face.

‘This is practically a win.’

Jo Hwan-ryong’s martial arts depended on consistently overwhelming the opponent with brute force! While attacking, he boasted an unparalleled power that might would make it nearly impossible for any legendary absolute martial skill to withstand it, but once he lost his momentum, the force drastically weakened. Grasping that concept, I resolved to maintain distance from Jo Hwan-ryong while pressuring him with my sword techniques.

Clang! Clang!

Jo Hwan-ryong managed to deflect my long-range strike with relative ease, but his face clearly bore signs of defeat. It was only natural, for while he would be searching for a moment to dive in and initiate his own attacks, I never loosened my hold on the gap separating us.

‘There’s no way I can finish this in one blow. Close combat is what Jo Hwan-ryong desires.’

The best strategy would be to minimize errors and keep up the pressure until Jo Hwan-ryong yields!

Even if a tiger were cornered, it would attack with the same ferocity; charging headlong into me while risking being pierced by my sword would require a hefty price to pay.

“Urgh!”

Jo Hwan-ryong seemed to realize this. Even faced with my sword and Infinite Slash pressure, he felt the need to find the right angle to leap in, keeping his composure as he surveyed his options. If he landed even a single strong blow from his Three Refined Rod, it could spell doom for me just as easily.

The weeks turned into a high-stakes clash of talent, where moments dripped away like seconds.

Swoosh…

Suddenly, Jo Hwan-ryong raised his Three Refined Rod in an unusual stance, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

‘What is that?!’

I sensed something. It wasn’t Qi or Blessing, yet an immense ominous presence shifted the air around us. That nefarious sensation slowly morphed into anxiety, and soon, it would become a reality looming over me.

Could it be…!!

As I prepared for a gamble on my own behalf, the moment came.

“I concede.”

Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong lifted his Three Refined Rod, bowed, and declared his defeat.

Dumbfounded by this sudden change, I stared at him blankly before he sighed deeply.

“There’s no sense in pushing the fight further. I acknowledge my loss.”

“……”

Boom—

At that moment, the great gates of the palace swung open; the passage that had been hidden from view was now clear. As I caught a glimpse of the corridor, Jo Hwan-ryong pointed toward it with his finger.

“If you go that way, you should be able to safely reach your next location without being affected by the formation for a while.”

“……Why?”

I asked him again, unable to comprehend.

“You clearly seem to have one more trump card up your sleeve. Why abandon the fight so quickly?”

“……”

Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong fell silent before replying.

“The battle is your victory. What I had intended to use was not my own power, so I felt it was dishonorable to proceed.”

“Not your own power?”

At my inquiry, Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong nodded.

“It is the power of us all. This trial is a contest of our achievements as martial artists, so I couldn’t justify using it. If I couldn’t break through your defense solely with my own strength, my remaining options would lean toward a dishonest outing, and I perceive that as my defeat.”

“Hm.”

“A great warrior. You’ve accomplished something by defeating me.”

I nodded.

“Speak what you wish.”

“You have yet to achieve your own style of swordplay. I may have been relatively lacking in skill and couldn’t exploit that gap, but against someone who perceives the flaw, you won’t triumph, so beware.”

“……Understood.”

I picked up Brahma, who had fainted, and began walking towards the newly opened passage. Moments later, as the door boomed shut behind us, I calmly walked down the torchlit passage, contemplating.

‘My own swordplay, huh…’

Has that inveterate master already perceived that I was still uncertain of my sword’s true essence after three hundred years of training?

Though I had been honing it for what felt like an eternity, I still had no confidence in forming my true sword and was far from completing it. Despite trying to untangle the numerous sword techniques over decades and swirling about aimlessly, there was still no certainty, and I hadn’t perfected the Dark Night Slash either. In fact, that Dark Night Slash remained weak compared to the techniques of the Absolute Realm, making it impossible to put to good use during my duel with Jo Hwan-ryong.

I sighed.

“Damn. Just how much longer until I have to train? If this keeps up, I might surely lose next time…”

Jo Hwan-ryong’s words were more than just idle threats. There would undoubtedly be other masters who could see through my weaknesses, and if they pinpointed my flaws, there’d be no chance of winning. Given the limited time, it would be a struggle to close that gap and achieve my sword’s essence.

At that moment, Brahma, who was slung across my back, spoke up.

“You think you’ll lose for sure?”

Boom.

As soon as I recognized Brahma had woken up, I promptly let him down. After hitting the ground, a bewildered Brahma rose to his feet.

“No way! You can’t just drop me like that!”

“Do you honestly think the God of Creation Brahma is in danger from being dropped?”

“Ahem… I just woke up.”

Brahma crossed his arms, a glint of irritation in his voice.

“I may not know martial arts that well, but saying you’re bound to lose is quite terrifying. What’s the matter?”

“I’m thinking that perhaps my concerns wouldn’t help in the Martial God’s palace. After all, didn’t I just have my butt handed to me by Jo Hwan-ryong in three seconds flat?”

“……”

It seemed Brahma was lost for words as he chewed on his lip, uncertain of a response.

“It was unexpected, huh? I never thought the power of gods would be weakened so substantially within the Palace of Martial Gods. Here, gods are reduced to nothing more than ordinary human psychics. In truth, I even tried manipulating laws and time but was entirely ineffective against him… even gods without martial prowess won’t last here.”

“I sensed that too.”

“However, I do possess wisdom and experience from living for billions of years. Along with my brothers, I have picked up a bit on martial arts skills, so I should be able to help provide solutions to your troubles.”

“Hmm…”

Well, there’s no harm in at least discussing the issue if nothing else had worked to this extent.

I thought that as I began to share my troubles about the incompleteness of my swordsmanship with Brahma. Honestly, I held no expectations that he would necessarily resolve my issues, but I had to try my luck. Brahma listened diligently and eventually came to a realization.

“Why didn’t you utilize your Soul of the Evil God during your battle with Gonshin earlier?”

“Because I witnessed you getting owned in an instant.”

“Ah, I see… You feared that your powers would also be weakened within this space, relating to the Soul of the Evil God…”

“Exactly.”

When I draw upon the Soul of the Evil God, rotation of energy is crucial above all, and the very essence of that rotational power is linked to my divine strength since it was designed to serve in that capacity. This had been precisely my worry, which led me to avoid relying on the Soul of the Evil God during my prior fight.

“So, if you fight purely without relying on the powers of the Soul of the Evil God, you worry about the incompleteness of your swordsmanship…”

Brahma mulled over my predicament before suddenly suggesting an idea.

“If that’s the case, would you care to try using my brother’s secret technique, Trimurti?”