790——————==

True Martial Home

I’ve fought countless battles receiving the divine blessings of Yeodong-bin, and I even learned his Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. As his direct disciple, I’ve witnessed his swordplay up close, so I had confidence that I could at least endure for a moment against him.

Clang!

But – the moment I attempted to respond, my steel longsword shattered in one blow, and I felt Yeodong-bin’s sword blade brush past my neck. My strongest sword thunder technique was easily seen through, and his Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram’s Wind Decision shot in like a soft breeze aimed directly at my vital points.

Pshhh

A little line, like a scratch, ran along my neck, but I managed to narrowly avoid a disaster. It was literally a close shave, and as I stumbled back, I thought to myself.

Half skill, half he let me off easy.

Had I not had any skill, I wouldn’t have been able to escape at all, but—

If he wanted, he could have taken my life…

Yeodong-bin could easily have extended his attack range and cleanly decapitated me in that split second. Conventional martial arts theory couldn’t explain this; however, the sword circle of his Six Intent Saintly Heaven was a divine skill that could reach that capability. I quickly realized the true gap in our abilities.

It’s like there’s a stack of paper between us.

Just how many sheets are there?

At least there are dozens piled up, and the actual gap? I can’t even guess.

“……”

Even this much gap still exists.

As I stifled the wound with my internal energy and glared at Yeodong-bin, he merely looked back at me with indifferent eyes devoid of any emotion, which made me feel strangely sucked in.

Then Yeodong-bin spoke.

[Where did you hear about the God of War and the Infinite Whirlwind?]

Seems he spared my life at the first moment just to ask that question. I replied to him.

“Instead of that, could you please let me last until the 99th second!”

[……]

Yeodong-bin glanced at me coldly for a moment before replying.

[I promise.]

Huh?!

I forced that proposal hoping to shake Yeodong-bin’s resolve, and he actually accepted?!

If he can’t take me down in the final 100th second, does that mean I pass?!

Still, I almost got killed when we were trading blows. If I could just endure by any means in the final 100 seconds, it would be a stepping stone to meet the God of War! If I focus only on defense, it’s not impossible!

And knowing Yeodong-bin’s personality, he wouldn’t go back on his word, so there’s no way he’s just playing with me.

Suddenly, I felt my confidence returning. I told Yeodong-bin.

“I’ve heard about the God of War from Master Mangnyang, and based on that, I discovered the stories of Yacha from the Eight Parts of the Divine.”

For now, I wasn’t ready to reveal the obsidian I had to Yeodong-bin. If he figured out what I knew in the divine realm, it might complicate things if I passed this trial. I mixed truths and lies while speaking, but Yeodong-bin still seemed somewhat taken aback.

[Yacha… What do you know about them?]

“I know nearly all the legends from a thousand years ago. Yacha made a deal with Empress Wu Zetian to elevate her as the deity of Dark Heaven Village, and in return, he hastened the Dragon of the Apocalypse by hundreds of years of the Tang Dynasty’s cause-and-effect. Moreover, I also know that to defeat that dragon, you along with the Eight Immortals and the White Lotus Sect banded together.”

[…….]

I noticed a subtle change in Yeodong-bin’s expression. It indicated that he was starting to find my words intriguing, breaking away from his previously emotionless stance.

Good. Let’s spice up the story a bit…

I continued.

“At that time, the White Lotus Sect possessed the Four Great Spirit Deities and was able to wield incredible power. Their participation in the great battle against the dragon was recorded by the Divine Maiden in the sect, and it was documented that you, Yeodong-bin, took down that dragon in a single blow using strength no one could comprehend.”

Of course, this was a lie. I had no idea if such records even existed and had never looked them up. But it could have been recorded by the Divine Maiden of the White Lotus Sect; however, I didn’t recall seeing them.

Yet Yeodong-bin couldn’t see through my words. To him, most of what I said was likely the truth, so doubting the entire process to reach the truth was impossible. In reality, Yeodong-bin had benefited from the Four Great Spirit Deities.

For some reason, he seemed to be believing me now, and after a moment, he slowly replied.

[I see… But did she record anything about the Infinite Whirlwind?]

“She had divine ability. So she had some understanding of the common phenomena experienced by those who approached the God of War. I found it in the records of the White Lotus Sect.”

Of course, I was making this up on the spot, and I was nervously weaving together random thoughts in my mind.

After a moment, Yeodong-bin spoke.

[I owe a debt to the Divine Maiden and White Lotus Sect. Without their help, I could never have overcome the dragon alone. Yet, it is regrettable that I am too busy sorting out my affairs to interfere in the world.]

“Does that answer your question?”

[All my curiosity has been stilled. Yeonja, give your all and come at me.]

“Understood! Since the sword I used before is broken…”

I took out Xuyou from my chest armor. And I grinned.

“I’ll be using Xuyou now.”

It’s not an ordinary sword. If I wield the Seven Luminaries with it, I might get the upper hand against Yeodong-bin!

[Seven Luminaries, huh? You really are a peculiar one, Yeonja.]

“Is that a problem?”

[Not at all.]

“In that case!”

WHOOSH!

I instantly used the Soul Removal Technique to dash forward at an incredible speed while maximizing the Thunderclap, significantly enhancing all my physical abilities. And then, with even fiercer sword thunder, I attacked Yeodong-bin like waves of sword energy crashing upon him.

This should do it…!!

But my dazzling and rapid assault seemed to have no effect at all; Yeodong-bin elegantly swept a horizontal slash with his sword in an instant. It looked slow, but the movement didn’t falter and seemed indeed much faster than my sword strike.

In that fleeting moment, I could almost hear Yeodong-bin’s voice.

[Pathetic.]

BAM!

Yeodong-bin easily brushed aside my attack and immediately unleashed the Six Intent Saintly Heaven.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven

Cloud Decision

An overwhelming tide of sword energy, like a sea of clouds, enveloped me, thrusting at my whole being as if facing the great nature itself. But at that moment, I drew on my previous memories and attempted to run my own version of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven.

I can do it too…!!

Didn’t I feel the essence of future Yeodong-bin engaged in combat?! Because of that earlier sensation, I instinctively understood what it felt like to utilize the Six Intent Saintly Heaven. I drew forth my intent, visualizing the Harmonies of the Six Intent in the air, and managed to match my attack against Yeodong-bin’s incoming assault.

CRASH!

“……?!”

My sword also unfurled like a massive cloud, but for some strange reason, the clouds got entangled and suddenly devoured each other. In an instant, I was engulfed by the sword energy storm, leaving me feeling like I would be shredded to bits. I hastily retreated using the Soul Removal Technique.

However, as I pulled back, Yeodong-bin unleashed his Invincible Sword and severed my left arm in one stroke. It was so fast that I felt he must have predicted all my movements, making it utterly impossible to dodge. I forced my body to twist and marshaled my best Protection Energy Technique to block his attack.

SLASH!

“Gah….”

Even with the Protection Energy, I couldn’t completely block Yeodong-bin’s Invincible Sword. Blood sprayed from my severed limb, and I felt a stinging pain. Yet, more overwhelming emotions welled up within me.

Fear.

Just now… he could have easily pierced my heart along with my left arm in one blow.

It felt like a cat toying with a mouse. In the first encounter, the overwhelming disparity made it hard to feel, but now that I had clashed again, the difference was painfully clear.

What in the world is this?!

Even though Yeodong-bin is a master, I’ve set foot in the Absolute Realm! How can there be a gap greater than that? No way, I’ve managed to win against the reincarnated Yong Junil somehow!

I shouted at Yeodong-bin.

“Yeodong-bin!! What do you mean that my Six Intent Saintly Heaven is merely a mimicry?!”

[What a predictable question.]

SWISH

Yeodong-bin retrieved his Invincible Sword, unfazed.

[You may have stepped into the Absolute Realm, yet you haven’t established the Pillar of Intent, while mastering all other components of martial arts to claim entry. However, without using the Pillar of Intent to direct the martial realm, no matter how excellent your skills are, they end up aimless.]

“……!!”

[Even if you used the Six Intent Saintly Heaven against someone lesser than you, it would’ve easily been countered. While you seem to have gotten used to handling intent, that alone cannot embody the essence of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven.]

Yeodong-bin continued.

[And Yeonja, your divine technique is undoubtedly peerless, but you have not realized the true meaning, preventing it from fully blending with your martial arts. Lacking the ability to unite the balance of the lower body, how do you expect to manifest a peerless martial skill?]

Are you talking about the Soul Removal Technique?

Indeed, the Soul Removal Technique could be dubbed the supreme divine technique. Throughout my past lives, I had not seen a technique faster or more effective than it. Occasionally, otherworldly beings surpassed it, but among martial arts techniques, it was the finest. And I too had sensed that the Soul Removal Technique often felt somewhat disconnected from my martial arts.

Yeodong-bin’s gaze grew increasingly cold.

[At this point, you must have realized it yourself. You are not qualified to challenge the ‘Door.’]

“I refuse to accept that.”

I raised my voice.

“What’s so impressive about opening ‘that door’ that it’s so difficult to even qualify to challenge it? Does opening it truly grant one the ability to save the world?”

[You are barking up the wrong tree.]

DASH!

After exchanging glances, Yeodong-bin and I once again lunged at each other with swords. But while we exchanged blows, it felt like he was pinpointing my weaknesses with every single strike, and my attempts at dodging became frantic and endless. Among all those who could pierce my weaknesses, Yeodong-bin’s Moon-Style Defense Technique belonged to a different dimension altogether.

Fifty seconds in.

“Ugh!”

I was knocked back after Yeodong-bin’s kick landed on my solar plexus despite my Protection energy. My insides felt like they were overturned. Apparently, Yeodong-bin had a separate mastery of sword and body techniques, allowing the prowess of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven to be infused into his body technique. Yeodong-bin stood relaxed, waiting for me to rise.

Eighty seconds in.

THUD!

Before I could move my sword even halfway, Yeodong-bin overpowered my wrist and slammed my neck down to the ground. This was a suppression method seen only in fights between first-class experts and third-rate ruffians; I had never dreamed I would fall victim to it, and the mental shock was immense.

What in the world is that ‘gaze’?

Only now did I feel the terrifying power I could not grasp when I previously wielded the Moon-Style Defense Technique. I had been using the blessing of the Celestial Sage’s Fire Eye Golden Spirit for some semblance of response, but that only allowed me to perceive the movements better. However, Yeodong-bin seemed to have an instinctive foresight of the flow of martial energy itself, setting him apart.

At this moment, I finally understood that the battle between Yeodong-bin and the Master of the White Lotus Sect was indeed an epic showdown of unparalleled martial artists that was far beyond my reach now. Additionally, the fact that I was merely dipping my toes into the Absolute Realm made it painfully evident how vastly inadequate I was.

Moments later, gasping for breath, I muttered.

“…Sword Saint. This is the 99th second.”

[I see.]

At this moment, I could believe it.

To say that the Sword Saint would give me a pass during the 99 seconds was neither arrogance nor pride. Regardless of the steps I attempted, he could undoubtedly dismantle me during that time and take me out in the final second. The disparity in skill had been there from the beginning. But I refused to yield, spurred on by a stubborn will.

“From this moment, I’ll tell you how I plan to endure the last second.”

[Why do you choose to explain that to your opponent?]

“Otherwise, even if I won, I might not be recognized for it.”

[Very well. Speak.]

“First, I might summon the power of the [Old Ruler] using the incantations of the Evil God to wipe you out.”

Yeodong-bin coldly replied to my assertion.

[You think that’s possible?]

“Yes. Although, I have no idea if it would be treated as qualifying to open the door.”

[That’s not allowed. Using dark arts or incantations would disrupt the path of the God of War; thus, sorcery or incantations cannot be permitted.]

As expected.

I wasn’t disheartened and continued speaking.

“In that case, I could infuse my Spirit Power into Xuyou, borrowing the spirit’s strength to erase you. Or I could unleash the Seven Luminaries and augment my potential with all of them.”

Sure, I’d never tried such methods. However, the abilities of Jeon Wook’s Spirit Power allowed me to summon spirits or thoughts into powerful artifacts, making it theoretically possible. Considering the strength glimpsed from the challenge of the Seven Luminaries, the spirit of Xuyou would be quite potent if awakened.

[That will not do either. Spirit Power likely comes from divine power. Ultimately, that method is synonymous with borrowing strength from a god. It’s a form of sorcery.]

“Understood.”

Thus, awakening the spirits was out of the question, and I couldn’t leverage numerous Seven Luminaries to press forward either. What Yeodong-bin needed was for me to set aside every other advantage and fight him solely with my own martial energy.

“Then my final option…”

I summoned my internal energy to its peak and held the blade from my sleeve against my temple.

“With the technique of Great Destruction (대라멸진), I’ll open the Eight Gates of Life and Death to defeat you with all my might. Of course, I’ll perish after using it.”

[…….]

“Will you accept this as a legitimate martial move?”

At my query, Yeodong-bin slowly nodded.

[Very well. Give it your all.]

Bring it!

I thought his brevity was wonderfully cool. At the same time, I felt like my efforts in acupuncture and healing were finally recognized.

Let’s go.

I unleashed the greatest technique of the Hua Clan, Great Destruction. Realistically, this was my best strategy to challenge Yeodong-bin. As the door gradually began to awaken, my physical abilities started elevating to new heights, my internal energy massively amplifying as it resonated with the heavens, sparking gusts of winds for miles around.

GRRRAH!

WHOOSH!

Is the power of Great Destruction enough to change the surrounding terrain when unleashed in this human world? I deliberately fought in this barren land to prevent catastrophic damage that would set off a disaster, and the thought had accompanied my motivation.

Yeodong-bin watched me bobbing in the eye of the storm, his expression unreadable, likely because compared to a creature like the dragon, my current power must have looked like nothing.

“AAAAHHH!”

With all my strength, I slashed at Yeodong-bin. In my mind, I envisioned previous strikes against the God of the Sea, but no matter what, I couldn’t replicate that perfect martial skill. Instead, I concentrated all my foundational capabilities into my sharpest thrust, hoping to overcome Yeodong-bin!

SHWING!

Just as expected, Yeodong-bin, even as the Sword Saint, seemed unable to just brush aside or retaliate against my single strike. The force and speed were likely beyond his capacity to handle. Each of my attacks could possibly deliver an impact greater than a gigantic meteor crashing down on Earth.

Moon-Style Defense Technique!

Yeodong-bin seemed to have found his counterattack strategy with the Moon-Style Defense Technique. No matter how speedy or powerful my attacks could be, there existed another absolute martial art capable of countering them.

But I was certain, no matter how proficient the Moon-Style is, it couldn’t just respond to the full brunt of my strike. If that were the case, Yeodong-bin would have slain the Master of the White Lotus Sect in one go. The Moon-Style Defense Technique could not breach the gap of our power disparity.

Sure enough, when it came time to counterattack, Yeodong-bin appeared uncertain of his next move. If he poorly mishandled or brushed off my blow, he would get obliterated. The reasons were clear in the tightly contested matches he fought against the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

What’s it gonna be, the Formless Sword?

The Six Intent Saintly Heaven’s Formless Sword!

It was Yeodong-bin’s ultimate sword technique typically exhibited against formidable foes. That was the true Formless Sword and a peak that sought after by martial artists. For a moment, I thought, if I were to fall to Yeodong-bin’s Formless Sword, that would perhaps be an honor.

But.

What Yeodong-bin unfolded next was not the Formless Sword. He slightly opened his eyes and assumed the Three Harmonies Sword stance, then suddenly halted, almost like he was dead. A halo slowly illuminated behind Yeodong-bin’s head and appeared in my vision.

What was that…?

It felt like there was an infinite swirl of transformations in the brain that couldn’t be fully grasped. At the same time, as Yeodong-bin’s Three Harmonies stance became simpler, it shifted as though Taoist principles and the five elements started to arise. I could feel Yeodong-bin’s sword subtly rising while embracing the essence of the great nature.

Black Clouds Disperse

A poetic phrase seemed to whisper in my ear, and to my utter surprise, Yeodong-bin smoothly carved a perfect circle, striking my sword at precisely the right moment. When I stumbled with the shock of the unforeseen speed and power, Yeodong-bin ultimately finished his sword strike.

The lonely moon floats mid-sky.

THUMP!

When I came back to my senses, I found myself collapsed on the ground with the smell of mud filling my nostrils. In that fleeting moment, Yeodong-bin was sheathing his sword behind his back. Unable to comprehend the series of events, I lay there dumbfounded, but then I heard Yeodong-bin’s voice.

[Yeonja, I sensed you wished for me to meet your attack with my utmost essence.]

“…….”

[However, if we keep clashing forces, eventually, the weaker side will give in. Even had I repulsed your Absolute Slash with the Formless Sword, opening the Eight Gates would simply make you more berserk. Since you sought the strength of the powerful, I chose to avoid it and opted for the ability to subdue strength instead.]

“That… I see…”

COUGH!

I spat blood as I lay on the ground. I didn’t receive any major injuries from Yeodong-bin’s attack, but the internal force I had poured out had been sent back with the same intensity, resulting in severe internal damage.

At the same time, I could begin to understand the essence of Yeodong-bin’s Absolute Slash.

His sword could endlessly reconstruct what he desired within an infinite circulation.

Just now, he seemed to read all my strength and returned it to nothing!

Once my power reverted to a vacuum state, there was no choice but to bear the full brunt of his overwhelming energy.

“…….”

Even on the brink of death, I felt no resentment. Rather, I found myself filled with admiration.

Because every one of Yeodong-bin’s techniques was an incredible divine skill that even I, who had grasped the Absolute Realm, could not help but be amazed. Although there was no doubt my level had risen since before, the stark difference felt even greater, making me think the world of martial arts was truly mysterious.

It looks like opening the Eight Gates and pushing through with strength won’t work…

While it seemed like Yeodong-bin momentarily put power into the last second, one could envision he could’ve fought at that level right from the start. The Master of the White Lotus Sect had unleashed his strength endlessly like I did, but unlike him, he could neutralize his power return and was not a lower level than Yeodong-bin. If I had unleashed the Great Destruction from the beginning, it still would have been futile against Yeodong-bin.

Then, it’s clear that the only option left is to elevate my level.

I must hone my own abilities to reach the divine techniques that embody the Six Intent Saintly Heaven, Moon-Style Defense Technique, and Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

Hah…

I felt a sense of lightness and chuckled.

Having been shackled by various burdens—from gathering Seven Luminaries, negotiating with gods, to battling demon sorcerers—I had lacked an opportunity to face martial arts head-on. Now it felt refreshing to finally confront the reality. I should have done this much sooner instead of being dragged along by the changes in the world.

[You can let go of much now… It seems your unrecognized restrictions have been lifted, which is fortunate.]

I recalled what Master Hyuncheon said a while ago.

It was likely he meant something along those lines.

It meant that I had finally won the breathing room to train my power, breaking free from the constant urge to uncover the secrets of the world—perhaps this was the breakthrough from the cycle I achieved in the 24th round.

As this realization dawned on my face, Yeodong-bin exhibited a strange expression.

[Are you not furious about losing?]

“I lost because I fought honorably.”

[That is always the truth.]

“Could you please finish me off now?”

[No. It seems you want to think of something.]

Swipe

Yeodong-bin turned and slowly faded away.

[It was an entertaining fight….]

WHOOSH!

The rain began to pour down.

In that empty place, a lonely death commenced.

“Huh… hehe.”

It hurts.

I felt intense pain from within as the end of Great Destruction approached. I had previously sensed this kind of feeling several times; yet, I could never quite get used to it. As the raindrops streamed down my face, I kept my eyes wide open with a smile.

Smile as I die.

For I have gained hope.

That was my 25th death.