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The elders of the Zhongnan Sect looked utterly flabbergasted at my victory.

“No way…!!”

“This isn’t human internal power…!!”

They seemed horrified at the unfathomable level of my power. The scars drawn around the area resembled a horrific scene as if a monster had screamed in agony. I had inflicted enough damage that the building could have easily crumbled.

After a while, the chaos among the regular disciples calmed down and settled down, one of the Ten Elders stepped forward—the one who had spoken with Jin So-cheong earlier.

“Elder Jin-su’s skills are among the top even among us. So I hoped for him to either defeat you or at least exhaust Jin So-cheong, but… it seems that ‘priest’ is something else altogether.”

His voice carried a subtle hint of fear, and I realized they no longer looked at me as a child.

“He just fainted.”

“Give us a little time. It’ll take a moment for us to decide on our next competitor.”

It seemed he had purposely stepped up to make that request. I chuckled and pointed my finger at him.

“Why don’t you step in? You don’t look any weaker than Elder Jin-su.”

“Haha. I may not be weaker than Jin-su, but that’s a different matter when it comes to winning. If you’ve intruded upon our main force, you should at least grant us this request.”

“……”

He sure was eloquent.

He was slick and smooth with his words, and it was clear from his composure that he was counting among the strategists of the Zhongnan Sect. As I fell silent, Jin So-cheong spoke up.

“Do as you wish. But I cannot wait more than one meal’s time.”

“It won’t take that long.”

Then, the elders took the fainted Elder Jin-su away, presumably discussing something in a secretive location. I stood there blankly on the sparring arena until I received a message from my older brother.

[Priest. Come down now. I don’t have a good feeling about this.]

[What do you mean? No matter who comes out, I’m confident I won’t lose one-on-one.]

I could do this. I had grown stronger.

In fact, I even wanted to take down the other elders and put them in their place. After being provoked earlier, I was feeling quite agitated. Just then, another message came through.

[Did you not see that Elder’s demeanor? He’s someone who would resort to anything, even poison, just to win. Falling into his tricks would not be good for you or the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.]

Jin So-cheong’s gentle coaxing and persuasion calmed the boiling fighting spirit in my head. Reflecting on my life’s experiences, I realized I was indeed entering a dangerous zone.

“…I understand, brother.”

I nodded, no longer stubborn. If my opponent was willing to use any means necessary, responding in kind would be foolish. Should Jin So-cheong step in on my behalf, he seemed capable of handling their schemes. I settled myself down, calming my boiling blood.

“Good decision.”

“Who do you think will be next?”

“They won’t come out alone. It’ll probably be the Combined Assault Formation.”

“No way.”

I thought that was outrageous. Wasn’t this supposed to be a sparring match? How could they deploy a group attack? It felt too absurd to believe, but soon I realized Jin So-cheong’s words were true.

“We will respond with the Six Harmonies Pursuing the Moon Formation.”

As he said this, six elders marched out simultaneously and formed the formation in accordance with their positions.

“……”

“Huh…”

I, of course, stood there with my mouth agape as did Jin So-cheong. I was shocked—they had no shame whatsoever. It was jaw-dropping that the Nine Great Sects intended to gang up with a peak expert formation! Moreover, there was not a trace of embarrassment on the faces of the six elders stepping forward. One of the elders boldly proclaimed.

“You can also combine your strengths. Provided you have additional supporters, of course!”

I objected fiercely.

“Is this how it works?”

“I never said it would be one-on-one, did I?”

“……”

“Besides, the Six Harmonies Pursuing the Moon Formation is a legitimate martial art of the Zhongnan Sect. If we’re using our martial arts, what’s wrong with that?”

His brazen insistence left me momentarily speechless. The norm for sparring was to go one-on-one to test martial skills, but here they were pulling out an official formation meant for bloodshed between sects! If it were a two-man formation, it could’ be recognized as a proper martial art, but having six people was simply against the rules.

‘What kind of lunatics are these? Is this really the Nine Great Sects?’

I was thankful I had listened to Jin So-cheong’s warning. If I had stood out there, I might have been too flustered to do anything and would have had to fight six against one. No matter how strong I had become, I wouldn’t have stood a chance against six peak experts forming a structure like that. My brother calmly rose from his seated position and said.

“Then we shall send out two as well.”

“Suit yourselves. Hehe.”

The elders displayed both confidence and malice in their eyes. Having seen that look before, I had a hunch about their intentions.

They were prepared to use any means necessary and seemed determined to take at least an arm or leg from this encounter!

I realized I had walked straight into a trap and sent a message to my brother.

[We should retreat, brother. This is madness. There’s no shame in refusing to accept this kind of thing.]

[Yes, but I don’t feel like I’ll lose.]

[What do you mean?]

[Come and see. And if you follow what I say, I promise we won’t lose.]

“……”

Reluctantly, I stepped out alongside Jin So-cheong.

‘Sigh, it’s do or die now.’

Jin So-cheong’s understanding of martial arts was beyond what I could comprehend. Plus, I had come prepared for mortality when I decided to enter this place. Showing fear now would never do. In this moment, there was no choice but to trust Jin So-cheong and go as far as we could.

The disciples of the Zhongnan Sect were taken aback, probably not expecting us to stand against the Six Harmonies Pursuing the Moon Formation. They likely thought we would simply cower and admit defeat or try to flee. It seemed their elders shared that assumption, as surprise dawned in their eyes.

The elder standing at the front declared.

“You think you can win? The moment the formation is in place, we’ll unleash as much power as ten peak experts.”

His assertion wasn’t empty bragging. The formation’s effect was not merely additive; it multiplied power in surprising ways. Two members forming a tactic could equate to four’s worth; with four, you’d see effects equal to six or more—this was the essence of high-tier martial arts. How much more terrifying would it be for six peak experts of the Zhongnan Sect acting in unison in the Six Harmonies Pursuing the Moon Formation? Just the thought was enough to send chills down the spine.

Then, Jin So-cheong grinned and asked.

“Can I ask something?”

“What is it?”

“Even so, six against two seems drastically unfair. I would like to propose you let us attack first.”

The elders exchanged glances, quietly deliberating. A moment later, they seemed to reach a consensus and nodded almost in unison.

“Fine!”

Even conceding the first strike, they appeared absolutely confident of victory. In fact, considering their position, that was the sane way to think.

With the formation in place, Jin So-cheong and I stood side by side, facing the six Zhongnan elders, who were taking stances outside the formation. Each of them bore different stances, likely representing the formation’s distinct combat types. From those stances, they’d mix countless strategies to fight decisively.

‘How should we attack?’

As I pondered, my brother’s message chimed in again.

[Those guys are fools. Besides, having a priest here is quite fortuitous for me.]

[What do you mean?]

[Priest, unleash the Thunder Blade fully. I’ll shield you from their attacks, so just focus on reaching your peak power.]

In that moment, I understood what my brother meant. And, feeling a sense of excitement, I replied with a grin.

[Alright. I’ll show them what true power tastes like.]

Vrrrrrr—

“Haaah…”

I gathered my focus while holding onto the sword technique. The sword was soon enveloped by Thunder Energy, and the internal power radiated from my body, intensifying.

Jing!

My arms tingled. I felt my unrivaled Thunder Energy coursing fiercely through me.

Unlike before, the Zhongnan elders seemed unaffected by the formation now. Their internal powers must be bolstering one another as a kind of mutual enhancement.

Kaboom—

The atmosphere trembled heavily. Wind howled around as I concentrated, creating a peculiar whirlwind that began to swirl about me. The ground quaked beneath me as a powerful energy descended like a storm. The elders forming the Six Harmonies Pursuing Moon Formation appeared unsettled at the sudden surge beyond anything they had witnessed earlier.

“What is that punk trying to do…?”

One shouted, attempting to leap forward, but at that moment, Jin So-cheong had already drawn his spear like a lightning strike, effectively blocking the elder’s movement.

As the atmosphere was dominated, Jin So-cheong coldly remarked.

“Did I not say the first strike was ours? Is this how the Zhongnan Sect honors agreements?”

“Graaah…!!”

While they hesitated, I pooled every ounce of my potential and focused on unleashing the Thunder Blade. Normally, there wouldn’t be enough time to gather my power in the heat of battle, but given that they conceded the first attack, I had ample opportunity. I combined my internal strength and concentration fully into crafting the Thunder Blade.

Kaboom—

Zzzzap!!

The blade of lightning erupted in an unabated frenzy, and its initial three-foot length morphed into a sizeable palm of pure lightning, far exceeding any dimensions I had used previously.

As the size of the blade expanded to encompass the entire arena, the aura surrounding me intensified, creating sheer terror on the faces of the Zhongnan Sect’s disciples.

“Ahh…!!”

Further concentrating, I fueled the ever-growing Thunder Blade with even more power.

KABOOM!

As its size expanded to the point where it might break through the sparring arena’s ceiling, the blade lost its sword structure entirely, thickening into a blunt club shape. Yet, anyone struck by that lightning club would undoubtedly not emerge unscathed.

Before long, the faces of the Zhongnan elders turned pale as a sheet. They knew very well the power of this Thunder Blade.

‘Is this the extent of my strength?’

Having poured around seventy percent of my internal force into the Thunder Blade, I had nearly exhausted myself, but if I pushed any further, I feared I might lose control. So I stopped here. Jin So-cheong, standing to contain the elders, smirked and said.

“Priest, unleash it.”

Absolutely.

I agreed inwardly and swung the Thunder Blade down with all my might. The collective screams of the Zhongnan Sect elders erupted.

“Wait noooooo!!”

KWAAAAM!

BOOM BOOM BOOM!

The deafening roars of destruction climaxed, signifying the collapse of the Zhonngnan Sect’s very foundation.

Crackling sounds of destruction echoed far and wide as the site before me imploded. Six-tenths of the Zhongnan building was obliterated in that moment. The hillside crumbled down, leading to a roaring landslide. The sounds of rocks tumbling echoed through the area.

“Gahhh…!”

“Arghh…”

Elders fell from the skies above.

Thump thud!

While the Zhongnan elders miraculously survived, they were stunned senseless by the shockwave generated by the lightning attack. Particularly, the elder who had been incessantly provocating right in front was now fainted, his eyes rolling back.

The disciples who had been witnessing the utter ruin of the Zhongnan Sect were now left with pallid expressions.

“……”

I blinked, even as I had unleashed the Thunder Blade, still in disbelief at its might. I had gathered over thirty breaths and channeled seventy percent of my internal force. Was this the true strength of martial arts?

The Thunder Blade I used against Elder Jin-su was miniature compared to this one. This was a force of nature, at least ten times larger in scale!

“Huff… huff…”

The aftereffects finally hit my body. Breathing became labored, and my head throbbed with dizziness from having released such excessive energy in one go. After a brief pause, I returned to normal, and Jin So-cheong, who had quietly come to my side, patted my back.

“Well done, priest. To sweep away such enemies in a single strike is truly commendable.”

I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

“That was my first time using the Thunder Blade.”

“If you go to the battlefield, you could single-handedly turn the tide of war. I’m proud of you.”

Jin So-cheong’s praise was no mere flattery. If I could unleash such power upon the enemy’s main force, the casualties would be staggering! It was nothing short of miraculous that the Zhongnan elders weren’t dead. I clenched my fist, realizing my internal power had climbed to an inhuman level I hadn’t fully recognized till now.

‘It’s not far now.’

When I can completely utilize this power and elevate my martial arts to an even higher realm, I would surely be able to take down the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard!

Just then, a voice cut through my thoughts.

“You’ve given a great performance, Thunder Blade.”

A deep voice brushed against my ear. At that moment, an indistinct figure passed right beside me at terrifying speed.

Whack!

“Then allow me a stroke as well.”

Out of nowhere, a white-cloaked figure appeared in the hall without any forewarning! He stood directly before the fallen elders; astonishingly, I had missed his presence entirely.

However, Jin So-cheong narrowed his eyes at him as if detecting a severe threat, quite unlike how he regarded the Zhongnan elders earlier. It was evident the man was a dangerous entity. Holding his spear firmly, Jin So-cheong addressed the newcomer.

“Yeon Jeong-hong. The outcome was already determined.”

The middle-aged man in white seemed taken aback.

“You said it was determined?”

“It was a three-match victory! The priest has claimed one victory, and we’ve just won one also in the six-on-two match. You have no further chances to contest.”

Surprisingly, Jin So-cheong didn’t adopt the contemptuous attitude he had displayed toward Zhongnan’s sect members so far. He maintained a respectful manner toward Yeon Jeong-hong.

“Hmm…”

Yeon Jeong-hong looked nonplussed as he gazed over the elders strewn about in disarray. He sighed and said.

“This, an elder of our sect, is the issue. Wanting to handle things on their own has deprived me of face; in the end, their foolish choices might lay an even heavier humiliation upon us.”

“You speak the truth.”

Yet, beads of sweat glistened on Jin So-cheong’s neck, indicating he too was tense.

“Had you joined from the beginning, we would indeed have had to stake our lives to win.”

I couldn’t help but feel a wave of anxiety upon seeing Yeon Jeong-hong.

‘If he charges in now… I’ve almost expended all my power. How could I possibly win?’

The First Sword of Zhongnan, Yeon Jeong-hong!

The current leader of Zhongnan Sect!

Moreover, he was acknowledged as one of the few peak experts in the world, his swordsmanship revered even among the Central Plains. I had learned of this when researching the Twin Gate Sect in Luoyang, and it turned out the reason Zhongnan Sect could compete with the Huashan Sect, despite its generally lacking disciples, was solely thanks to Yeon Jeong-hong’s martial prowess. I recalled being surprised at how much weight a single person could bear.

‘This is… not good…’

Yet now that I faced him, I felt a sense of despair akin to when I confronted the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard.

Peak and Ultra Peak—a mere step apart, yet a gargantuan chasm of might existed. Just moments ago, I had harbored a glimmer of hope at defeating the elders amidst the formation. But with a true peak expert before me, that sliver of luck seemed impossible.

As Yeon Jeong-hong slightly raised a hand, Jin So-cheong and I exuded powerful killing intent. It felt as if we were ready to take any life-threatening risk. But Yeon Jeong-hong nonchalantly cast our hostility aside, speaking with an air of boredom.

“Because the elders have acted without authorization, I’ve arrived late. This has caused our sect great shame… my own incompetence, alas.”

“What will you do?”

“Take down the plaque. And we will seal the gate for five years. We must firmly educate our disciples to prevent such a farce from occurring again.”

Casually declaring the Zhongnan Sect’s sealing proclamation, Yeon Jeong-hong turned away.

“And let the Azure Dragon know soon that I intend to share a drink, Jin So-cheong.”

“Understood.”

It appeared that Yeon Jeong-hong was an acquaintance of Jin So-cheong. Perhaps that was why Jin So-cheong seemed to know all too well the might Yeon Jeong-hong wielded. Interestingly enough, even though Jin So-cheong had no qualms about taking on the Zhongnan Sect, he was remarkably at ease regarding Yeon Jeong-hong. Perhaps, it was a small show of bravado of his own, coupled with confidence that he would end the situation before the leader stepped forward.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait a moment!”

I halted Yeon Jeong-hong. As he turned back, I asked.

“Why do you keep referring to my master as Azure Dragon? His title is the Three Refined Masters.”

Both the Zhongnan elders and the leader of the sect had addressed Lee Kwang as Azure Dragon instead of by his formal title. I couldn’t fathom why.

“……”

Yeon Jeong-hong looked at Jin So-cheong, as if surprised. Jin So-cheong chuckled awkwardly and replied.

“The priest is still relatively new and doesn’t know about the past.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

With that, Yeon Jeong-hong fixed his gaze on me, a piercing look in his eyes.

“You’ll want to ask your master directly about that. One can only wonder how many can reflect on their past objectively.”

“……?”

“I’ve seen your skills firsthand. Until next time, do be sure to show up looking better.”

With that, Yeon Jeong-hong began collecting the fallen elders. Realizing this was his own sort of summon, I and Jin So-cheong exited the Zhongnan Sect.

We didn’t forget to bring the Zhongnan Sect’s plaque with us as promised. As I carried the plaque on my shoulder while running, I turned to my brother and asked.

“Did I ask something wrong?”

Swish!

Jin So-cheong, running beside me, replied with a bitter smile.

“Not really. If I had to point it out, your question instilled a terrible fear in the peak experts around the Guanzhong and Shengxi regions. Had any others been present to hear it, they would’ve likely quaked in terror or fled.”

“What?!”

“But to an ultra-peak like Yeon Jeong-hong, it’s but a tale of the past. Should you return and ask your master, he’ll clarify everything for you.”

“Got it.”

“Oh, and we’ll take turns carrying this plaque. It’ll be heavy if you do it alone.”

Though Jin So-cheong had intended to show consideration, I found myself lost in thought and blurted out.

“But what do we even use this for? It’s not like we can sell it.”

“Hmm…”

Jin So-cheong mulled over the practicality of the Zhongnan Sect’s plaque for a while before answering.

“We might need it one day when it comes to a storage issue.”

“……”

The retort ‘when exactly?’ rose to my lips, but I held back.

For now, I wanted to celebrate the triumph of breaking into the Zhongnan Sect with good food and a relaxing time!

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