Chapter 739: Oops, a mistake.

Jureureuk.

“Cough.”

Yeongpung vomited blood from his nose and mouth.

The shock seemed quite severe, as he couldn’t even properly regain his senses.

Moreover, the place he flew to was the edge of the martial arts stage. This meant that if the martial arts stage hadn’t been widened during construction, unlike during the main tournament, Yeongpung would have been disqualified.

‘Damn.’

I hit him harder than I intended. I didn’t intend to put him in that state with a single blow. My fist just moved on its own.

‘Of all faces, that one.’

That old geezer, who looked both unlucky and unpromising. I had only properly seen his face once, yet the moment I saw it, I threw a punch. Was it instinct?

‘What was that?’

I frowned watching Yeongpung, who was still sputtering. Now, he was back to looking like Yeongpung. It was as if his previous state had been a lie; he had returned to normal. So, what exactly was that just now?

‘It didn’t seem intentional.’

It wasn’t the realm of illusions or formations. Meaning, Yeongpung hadn’t done it intentionally himself.

Furthermore.

‘The crowd’s reaction isn’t much different either.’

If they had seen the change just now, they would surely be surprised. Yet, the crowd was merely surprised seeing Yeongpung knocked down, seemingly unaware of the situation just before.

That means…

‘Only I saw it.’

It means it was a phenomenon that only happened to me.

‘Just now… that appearance was Shin Noy’s face.’

The face I saw within the shattering vessel. It’s a memory that hasn’t faded and remains vivid. What I glimpsed on Yeongpung was definitely the old man’s face. How could this have happened?

As I was repeating my thoughts amidst the sudden situation.

“Hoo… huck…”

Yeongpung was slowly getting up. The bleeding had stopped. It seemed he had staunched it with his qi. Stumbling, Yeongpung got up and reached out his hand.

Cheolgeok-! Swiriric-!!

The sword he had dropped somehow quickly flew back into Yeongpung’s hand and was caught.

“Hoo…”

Immediately after, Yeongpung caught his breath and took a stance. For a moment, the plum blossom scent that had disappeared began to be felt again.

“I apologize… I got too carried away and couldn’t react properly.”

Though it was strange to hear coming from his swollen nose and lips, his eyes were serious.

“Thank you for showing restraint in your technique.”

“…”

I nodded at his words. Although I was surprised he flew a bit too far, it was because Yeongpung’s condition was different from what I expected.

‘The damage is less than I thought.’

The punch I threw in surprise. Even though it wasn’t meant with full force, it was quite powerful. However…

‘He blocked it with his qi mid-way.’

Just before my fist hit, Yeongpung gathered his energy and blocked my attack. The qi, made from plum blossoms, absorbed the impact. Thanks to that, Yeongpung could get up like this.

‘He’s gotten stronger.’

He had become considerably stronger since I last saw him. Yeongpung, whose energy was so messy he couldn’t even properly control it. Because of that, in his fight with Seong-yul, he was at an equal or even lower position.

…But his current state…

‘He just hasn’t reached it yet. He’s no different from someone in the Hua Jing realm.’

At least in terms of ‘aura’, that is. Uncontained energy will soon become a seed, and… it won’t take long for that seed to sprout.

However.

‘Is it truly yours?’

I wanted to ask Yeongpung. ‘Is the power you possess truly your own?’

Dugeun. Dugeun.

Every time Yeongpung raised his aura. Every time plum blossoms burst forth from him. An familiar yet subtle scent brushed against my nose, making my heart race uncontrollably. The demonic energy was quiet, and the heat was calm. Only the trace of Taoism connecting those two showed emotion. It was a gift from the old man who had died. That energy began to fluctuate more and more.

Resonance.

The energy of the ill-tempered old man within my body was resonating with Yeongpung’s energy.

‘This is annoying.’

This damn feeling is irritating every time I feel it. What’s more infuriating is…

‘Am I the only one feeling this?’

Swiriric.

Yeongpung swings his sword. With his single sword strike, plum blossoms began to swirl like a gust of wind.

Regardless of my thoughts.

Yeongpung is focused solely on the current match. Does he think he can win against me?

‘No way.’

Yeongpung must know that’s not the case. Yet, he’s still coming forward.

Yeongpung’s toes danced lightly. His sword recoiled over his disheveled attire.

Plum Blossom Sword Dance.

The flower bud cultivated by Hua San bloomed at the sword’s tip.

Swiiiiiik-!!

The elegant sword dance contained sharp, condensed energy. Fast and sharp.

I put strength into my feet and took a stance.

Swik-! Swik-swik-!

I twisted my upper body to dodge the sword. The sword moved along an unexpected path, continuing to press towards me.

‘Look at this?’

In the past, when I was beating Yeongpung up, I had a thought. It was that his sword was too straightforward. An honest sword. An essential element for a swordsman, but useless on its own. Yet, his sword, so honest it was merely that…

‘He’s changed his swordsmanship itself.’

Numerous feints. Swordplay outside the usual patterns. Meanwhile, he maintained the essence of the Plum Blossom Sword Dance. I couldn’t help but admire it.

Swiriric-!

As I dodged the sword, I sensed something in the flow of energy. Not just one. Dozens of attacks. Each plum blossom leaf seemed to possess intent, attacking me. Judging by the momentum alone, should I consider it hundreds of sword-wielding techniques?

‘That’s quite fearsome.’

Hwarureureuk—!!!

The rising flames burned away all the falling leaves. I had to burn them all, without leaving a single one.

‘It was like this back then too.’

The petals Yeongpung showed back then had turned to embers and faded. Will it be different this time? Will he show something different, commensurate with his changed swordsmanship? Remembering this, I put strength into my heart.

Hwarureureuk–!!

The rings of the Nine Flames Wheel Formation spun rapidly. Then…

Hwaaahhhk–!!!

Azure flames erupted from my body, swirling in all directions.

Nine Flames Wheel Fang (俱炎態輪牙).

That was the martial art that tormented Yeongpung back then. Now, let’s see how you’ll respond. Just as I was anticipating Yeongpung’s reaction.

“…Hooouuu…!”

Yeongpung looked at the flames, seemingly determined, and began to raise his energy. Then, the number of petals floating in the air increased.

Chwajajajak–!!

Yeongpung swung his sword at an unbelievable speed. Sword energy imbued with plum blossoms pierced into the flames. The flames flickered with a single strike. With ten strikes, the flames shattered. In total, it surpassed a hundred times in an instant.

‘Crazy bastard.’

As the flames gradually subsided, I cursed aloud. ‘I wondered how he’d do it.’ It’s absurd. I thought he’d show something special, but he just blocked it by swinging his sword like a madman.

‘Ha.’

However, I wasn’t disappointed. No, I rather liked it. I just realized now. I think I like those brute-force types.

Kwang-!

Before the flames disappeared, I stomped the ground and charged forward. Yeongpung didn’t stop his sword. Instead, he increased his speed. An unbelievable number of sword energies poured towards me. Should I dodge? I could dodge if I wanted to, but I didn’t.

Kkigigik-!

Bracing the ground with my feet, I rotated my waist. My upper body turned, and azure flames seeped into my fist. A speed slightly slower than the speed of sound. Within that, the flames compressed and changed shape through rotation.

Great Flame Orb (大炎玉).

It was merely a Flame Orb enlarged in size, but its destructive power increased proportionally to the internal energy infused. I threw the giant orb at Yeongpung.

Kwagagak-!!

The sword energy was swept away by the orb, pushed back. The vast internal energy was incredibly brute-force. Should he dodge and penetrate? Or should he try to block it? I had only assumed these two options.

Cheok-!

Surprisingly, Yeongpung deviated from those two options. He stopped the flying sword energy and suddenly gripped his sword with both hands. I wondered what he was trying to do, but quickly understood his intention.

Hooouuk-!!

The surging energy from Yeongpung permeated the sword blade. A chilling presence could be felt.

Plum Blossom Flying Hero Slash (梅華飛英斬).

Chwaaak-!

A crimson slash cut the Great Flame Orb in half.

Kwaaaaaa–!!!

The orb, cut in half, exploded, and heat spread in all directions. My vision was obscured by the flames, but then.

Hooook-!!

Yeongpung pierced through the flames and charged at me. So I moved my hand. At that moment.

Ukssin-!

“…!”

I felt pain in my chest. The regenerating wound had burst open again. The wound split open, and blood flowed.

‘Tsk.’

Because of this, my movements became slightly slower.

Pik-!

Yeongpung’s sword tore through my palm. Even though I was covered in protective qi, the slash cut through it. That’s an unbelievable level of compression. The difference in cultivation levels is extreme, yet he can cut through this much qi with his sword. Just how sharply must he have honed his energy? The surprise lasted only a moment; as Yeongpung tried to charge without stopping, I swung my injured hand.

“…!?”

Buak-!

As I swung it, blood spurted from the torn wound. It was thanks to stimulating the acupoints to increase the flow. The spurted blood headed towards Yeongpung’s face, aiming to obscure his vision. However, the fast Yeongpung dodged it without issue.

It doesn’t matter.

Because the crucial thing was that momentary gap. As Yeongpung moved, my foot was already brushing against his ankle.

Tuk-!

“Kkht!?”

As I tripped him, his footing collapsed. He tried to grab onto something immediately, but as expected, he wouldn’t be left alone. Using my knee, I drove it into Yeongpung’s abdomen.

Kung-!!

“Keok!”

Yeongpung flew away, letting out a scream. He didn’t stop and unleashed flames. The flames hit Yeongpung as he flew through the air.

Kwaaaak–!!

The azure flames began to burn as if to consume Yeongpung, but the intention was not fulfilled. It was because, in that brief moment, Yeongpung raised his sword to block.

‘Blocking the impact is good. But what about the recoil?’

Even if he blocked the burning, how does he plan to stop being pushed back in mid-air? If he stayed like that, he’d be pushed out of bounds. Naturally. Knowing that, I had no intention of stopping.

“…Keueuk!”

Hwarureuk-!!

The firepower doesn’t stop. Looking at Yeongpung with calm eyes, I instead intensified the flames even more. I wonder how he will cope. As I watched him with that question in my eyes.

Tung-!

Suddenly, light burst forth from Yeongpung’s sword. Crimson light bloomed, and a slight burst of impact occurred. It seemed like he generated friction with his energy to cause an internal explosion.

“Kk!”

Yeongpung let out a groan. Bursting it internally meant he couldn’t avoid internal injuries. But thanks to that, he succeeded in moving away from the flames by the width of a finger joint. Using that tiny gap, Yeongpung rotated his body in mid-air.

Hwiririric-!

Dodging the flames, he quickly returned. As soon as he created distance, he was coming closer instead. His eyes weren’t dead, and Yeongpung’s sword remained steady. I had seen it beforehand in the match with Bong-sun, but it was truly straightforward growth. There are definitely aspects that bother me… but putting that aside.

‘I should probably accept it for now.’

Let’s accept it first. Thinking so, I changed my movements.

Kung-! I kicked off the ground and charged at Yeongpung. Yeongpung’s eyes widened at the sudden charge, but his sword nimbly flew towards me. Even though it seemed hard to dodge in mid-air.

‘Sorry, but this is my specialty.’

Aerial combat was, in its own way, my specialty.

Ttak-!

I flicked my fingers, creating flames. The explosion spread, and air pressure burst forth.

Swik-!

My body was pushed back, dodging the sword, and using the recoil, I kicked out.

Kwang-! Yeongpung blocked it with his sword. It’s fine. This was less an attack and more an attempt to simply push him away. I put strength into my knee and pushed his sword hard.

Paang-!!

“Euk!?”

Since there was no ground to push against, Yeongpung was pushed back. I pulled my palm back. Immediately, I spewed flames.

Hwaak-!

As the fire burst, my body flew rapidly. I approached Yeongpung directly and threw a punch. The surprised Yeongpung attempted some form of defense, but…

‘Inexperienced.’

His qi was weak, and his movements in mid-air lacked weight. It’s only natural. At his age, where could he possibly have experienced aerial combat? I brought my fist down like a blunt weapon.

Kwaaaang–!!

“Keuhheok!”

Yeongpung, failing to defend, plummeted to the ground. He looked like he was in pain, unable to even perform a proper landing technique, but he couldn’t just stay still. Before he could even gather his wits, Yeongpung moved. He quickly got up, heading towards where he had fallen.

Kwajik–!!

My foot landed. If he hadn’t gotten up, he would have been crushed right there. Flashes rained down. Yeongpung’s sword dance still hadn’t stopped. Even after nearly dying just now. Although I could feel the speed had dropped compared to before, his momentum was still the same. I blocked his sword with qi and threw a punch. Defense and evasion. Combined with offense, an intense close-quarters battle began.

My eyes involuntarily furrowed. The world seen through my Mind’s Eye was filled with Yeongpung’s sword paths. The numerous feints and bizarre sword paths made my head ache just looking at them.

‘This is driving me crazy.’

Just when I think I’ve dodged, he changes direction from an unexpected place. Just when I think I’ve blocked, he presses in an inch further. Could there be such unrestrained swordplay? While it was surprising that ‘that’ Yeongpung’s sword could grow this much.

‘I’m really going crazy.’

Facing the sword, I couldn’t maintain a completely composed attitude.

‘It’s familiar.’

It’s because the sword Yeongpung is currently using felt somehow familiar. Perhaps it was like this from the very beginning. From the moment I faced the pouring plum blossoms. Up until now. The reason I hadn’t finished Yeongpung long ago, despite being able to, was the same.

I…

Had seen this sword before. No, rather than just seeing it.

‘I’ve used it.’

Around the time he borrowed my body to use it. It was the same sword that old geezer used, even if only briefly. The flow of energy felt while performing the sword dance. Even the movement of the sword tip, which felt like that damned old geezer’s personality. Even I, who knew absolutely nothing about swords, could tell.

‘This…’

It’s not simply Hua San Sect’s Plum Blossom Sword Technique. It’s close to Hua San Sword Saint Shin Noy’s sword.

Chwak-!

Yeongpung’s sword grazed my cheek. My skin was cut. It’s getting sharper. Leaving aside cultivation levels, I could at least acknowledge the sword itself. However.

‘Is this sword you’re wielding now truly yours?’

The twelve strikes that came towards me. Of those, I dodged seven and took five head-on. I couldn’t help it. It was something I had to do to get closer. Even while getting injured, I approached, and I grabbed Yeongpung by the collar once again.

I was curious.

Dugeun-! Dugeun-!

This loudly beating heart sound. The jade pendant tied to my forearm that inexplicably tries to move. Even the trace of the old man suddenly discovered in Shanxi, and one more remaining jade pendant. Everything is a question.

Hwarureureuk.

I compressed the flames and overlaid my thoughts onto them. In an instant, a holy spear was completed. Seeing that, Yeongpung tried to move his body to counterattack somehow, but… He was too close to even properly resist.

“This…? Young Master Gu…?”

Did he realize what I was trying to do? Yeongpung’s reaction feels intense. Such a close distance. He must know what would happen if I unleashed this power here. Looking at Yeongpung like that, I calmly opened my mouth.

“I think you’ve done enough.”

“…What do you mean.”

“It would be best if you came out soon.”

Although I was looking at Yeongpung, I wasn’t speaking to him. My words were directed towards the one beyond him, deeper within.

“Young Master Gu…?”

Yeongpung’s eyes trembled at the incomprehensible words. It seems I look like I’ve gone mad. It didn’t matter. Because I knew the other party was listening anyway.

Still not coming out?

I managed a smile.

“Then let’s just die together.”

Hook-!

Just as I was about to unleash the holy spear.

[Tsk.]

[…What a malicious brat.]

For a moment.

Saaaaa-!

My vision became blackened. Within my fading vision, by the time I realized it, my body was already in an unknown space. Where could this place be? I didn’t panic unnecessarily. It’s not like I haven’t experienced things like this once or twice. Just as I was calmly looking around.

[Tsk tsk….]

Hearing the familiar clicking sound of a tongue, I turned my head. Far away, a low rock, incongruous with the space, had inexplicably risen. I saw someone sitting atop it.

Chalbak.

As I took a step, the ground rippled. It felt like walking on ink. The sticky sensation felt unpleasant. Enduring it, I approached the figure. Unlike the black space, the figure wore white martial robes. His pure white hair and crimson eyes were striking. Despite his large height, he was somewhat thin. The way he rested his chin on his long fingers and looked down suited him well. I slowly walked up to the rock, and we met eyes.

[Hmm.]

“Mmm.”

Staring calmly at the familiar old man’s face, I spoke.

“Wow, Noy, you really have an unlucky face.”

[That brat sure looks like he has no manners.]

The words were spoken simultaneously.