CHAPTER 148

"Tang Clan's secret arts?! So you really did visit Sichuan…!"

"Is that the Full Sky Flower Rain?!"

A murmur rippled across the vast ceremony grounds. It was understandable—how could it not be? The supreme secret technique of Sichuan's martial world had suddenly appeared.

And it was wielded by Lightning Genius, whose growth they had observed since his early years, if only through rumors. To not be shocked would have been the stranger reaction.

"That looks real, doesn't it?"

"So the rumors from the province were true…!"

The disciples of Mount Dianqing Sect were even more astounded. The eyes of both the Celestial Sun Sword and Dance Sword were wide with disbelief.

Mount Dianchang in Yunan wasn't too far from Sichuan's martial world.

They had heard more stories about Sichuan's most prestigious secret techniques than most others.

Even the oral transmissions were bound to be clearer due to proximity.

"Wow…"

A soft exclamation escaped the lips of Chui So-ok, the Little Sword Queen.

It lasted only a fleeting moment. For masters watching duels in the upper realms, several sentences could be exchanged in the blink of an eye.

With their internal energy naturally sharpening their nerves, they lived in different timeframes.

Celestial Sun Sword, observing the duel, was no exception.

He glanced briefly at the senior disciple beside him, who seemed unfazed by the sight of Full Sky Flower Rain's rain of petals splattering blood across the Law Enforcer's(Law and Order Squad Leader) body.

He understood why the senior, usually uninterested in any martial art outside of swordsmanship, now gazed in awe with a vacant expression.

Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin—renowned as a swordmaster and equally adept in fist and palm techniques—was an exceptional grandmaster.

And yet, now he was flawlessly wielding the techniques of concealed weapons. It implied extraordinary dexterity and an immense mastery of internal energy.

Speculating about his connection to the Sichuan's Tang Clan, and how deep it ran, was left to the Celestial Sun Sword and Dance Sword.

The Little Sword Queen, however, simply seemed desperate to exchange techniques and cross blades with Lightning Genius.

'At least it's not a romantic interest—that's a relief.'

But the interest was clear. It seemed to stem from admiration for unparalleled talent.

It was uncertain how this dynamic would play out at the Murim Alliance Assembly, and the heir could only hope nothing went wrong at this gathering of righteous sects.

A headache seemed to throb in his temples. He endured the pain and refocused his gaze.

On the dueling stage.

A standoff. The Law Enforcer's body moved at lightning speed before the outstretched hand of the young man.

She seemed determined to shake off the swirling steel petals surrounding her.

Weaving through the vortex of silver fragments, she parried incoming strikes, warding off fatal blows.

The radiant traces of her immaculate sword path created an almost fantastical scene.

Her skill lived up to her reputation. Even against Full Sky Flower Rain, she showed no openings.

Jung Yeonshin stood motionless with one arm raised, the hem of his blue robe gently fluttering at his feet.

He couldn't move carelessly.

Full Sky Flower Rain was an ultimate technique. Just restraining the Law Enforcer with its principles was already no small feat.

His opponent, the Law Enforcer, was an undisputed master of the black rank.

Even attempting to bind her with Full Sky Flower Rain required abandoning any reckless thoughts of closing the distance.

'Unless one trains in Wudang Sect's Dual-Intent Heart Technique…'

Without splitting one's mind completely in two, there was a limit to how much he could restrict the Law Enforcer's movements.

In that brief window, Jung Yeonshin had to devise a way to win the duel.

His method consumed less energy than simultaneous operation of multiple principles. He followed the Law Enforcer's movements with his palm, lost in thought.

The Law Enforcer seemed to have realized that Full Sky Flower Rain's power intensified the closer she approached Jung Yeonshin.

As a master of the black rank, she might still have a countermeasure, but Jung Yeonshin had bought himself some time.

'She's not an absolute master of the Five Energies Returning to Origin. Her realm is unfamiliar, but she's definitely reached the level of Harmonizing Essence, Energy, and Spirit.'

Unlike the young man whose divine energy at his upper dantian was unusually vast, masters who honed their bodies, energy, and spiritual essence into unity stood as the chief pillars of the martial world.

Her energy recovery far outpaced Jung Yeonshin's.

Even for Jung Yeonshin, whose upper dantian energy was enormous compared to most masters, it was an unattainable level—for now.

'A prolonged battle relying on speed is impossible.'

There was no time to hesitate. He quickly acknowledged the gap.

The realization came in a single exchange. The Law Enforcer's strike that shattered the blade precisely exploited the flaws in his Radiance Sword Style.

It fractured the linear sword path from the side, leaving no chance to reinforce it with internal energy before completely dismantling it.

The destructive capability of a master's countertechnique became clear in a single move.

'Even so…'

Jung Yeonshin didn't consider the gap insurmountable. Instead, he interpreted it as the young man's strength lying in clear rhythms.

For someone destined for a short life, there were strengths to be found. In one aspect, at least, he could surpass the Law Enforcer.

'I have to take control of the flow. I'll construct the framework now and execute appropriate techniques immediately.'

The Law Enforcer's divine aura rendered the Radiant Wheel ineffective. However, there were other vulnerabilities.

Jung Yeonshin saw hope in the Law Enforcer's reliance on counter techniques.

Hwaaah—!

A powerful gust erupted from the Law Enforcer's body. It was a fierce and turbulent force.

It resembled the distinct martial principles of the Noble clan that Chung Myung had once demonstrated long ago.

Had all her movements until now been preparation to unleash this technique?

Jung Yeonshin's steel fragments scattered, dislodged from his control by the violent gusts.

He immediately withdrew his palm. The Law Enforcer advanced with astonishing speed.

Seeing her figure rapidly magnify in view, Jung Yeonshin placed his hand on the hilt of the Beiming Sword.

Full Sky Flower Rain isn't meant for prolonged use against Noble clan masters.'

With that insight, the Law Enforcer's sword reached his throat.

It pierced through the distance in an instant, a storm-like strike. It seemed to be her ultimate skill.

Jung Yeonshin spun like a leaf, narrowly slipping past the blow.

His vision momentarily turned white, the dazzling blade flashing dangerously close.

Step.

Unfazed, he stepped forward.

A ripple of colorless energy spread beneath his feet. It was the Splendid Wings Step.

An invisible wave repelled the turbulent gusts surrounding the Law Enforcer.

He had carved out space with a step technique.

The Law Enforcer had already turned halfway around.

Whoosh!

Her rotating sword drew an arc like a crescent moon.

A pale light shimmered along its blade—not just visible energy but compressed winds surrounding it.

The oncoming strike was exquisite, slicing through the air currents created by the Splendid Wings Step.

'Steep Valley Deep Wind Sword Art…!'

So it was said the technique's flow was profound. Seeing it firsthand proved it true.

Jung Yeonshin's flesh-colored movements and the Law Enforcer's silver sword path continued to intertwine.

His Splendid Wings Step failed to perform its intended function, and before he could gather his footing, her sword was already at his throat.

Another crisis loomed. The eerie resonance of steel reverberated like a death knell.

Inhale.

The boy took a sharp breath, locking his internal energy tightly in place with a single motion.

Both the Radiance Sword Style and Full Sky Flower Rain had been countered from the start.

There was no alternative.

'Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.'

Jung Yeonshin channeled his energy into both hands. Her blade was moments from cutting his shoulder in a direct line.

Clang—!

He struck the flat of her blade with the back of his right hand. The shockwave of the Formidable Wall Impact surged forward in a straight line, rippling out with his precise trajectory.

As the wind swept past his face, Jung Yeonshin furrowed his brow momentarily. A dull ache spread across the back of his hand.

Her sword had torn through the protective Radiant Wheel Energy like a storm shredding through delicate fabric.

Even striking the flat of her blade caused such a backlash—it was a testament to her overwhelming swordsmanship.

'I need to create a proper defensive energy technique for myself.' 

He thought, quickly pushing the notion aside.

The sight of the Law Enforcer's jet-black hair sweeping past his vision brought him back into the moment.

His counter strike had failed. Her blade, unyielding and relentless, continued its trajectory, spinning in a crescent arc.

Despite her rapid movements, even exposing her back momentarily didn't present an opening to exploit.

The wind, perfectly synchronized with her defensive aura, continually rippled through her black longcoat.

The Steep Valley Deep Wind Sword Art, an art of fierce and flowing winds, enveloped her entirely. At any moment, the surrounding energy could turn into razor-sharp waves, cutting through all in its path.

This was the realm of a supreme master. Her swordsmanship had transcended technique, reaching the domain of absolute functionality and utility.

Jung Yeonshin, unable to retreat, launched a direct punch, embedding a spiral of kinetic force into his strike.

A brief burst of energy exploded outward, the sensation of her sword grazing his fist chilling him to the core. The vortex of energy clashed with her blade, forcing it back slightly.

But that was all.

The Law Enforcer's swordsmanship was impeccable. Her control over spacing and timing was nearly divine.

Though her blade had been pushed back momentarily, she kept Jung Yeonshin from drawing his Beiming Sword, continuously dictating the flow of combat.

She wielded her sword freely, forcing Jung Yeonshin into close combat.

The rhythm of the battle bent to her will.

Her movements and swordplay imposed a structure entirely opposed to the style of Lightning Genius, which focused exclusively on targeting vital points.

Clang! Boom!

Short and long trajectories tangled in the silence.

The Law Enforcer led the flow based on dismantling techniques. It was a peculiar sword path.

It resembled an endlessly unraveling thread, not a single strike but wind tirelessly eroding a cliff.

Steep Valley Deep Wind Sword Art. Its force never seemed to wane.

'Her martial arts complement her dismantling studies.' 

The boy thought.

She parried every form of Infinite Blossom Fist Strike without difficulty.

Meanwhile, his blue robe was gradually becoming tattered.

The hems of his pants were torn by the sweeping gusts of her sword strikes, and two slashes that cut through his third-form of fist techniques reached his chest.

Slash!

A cold sensation brushed the tip of his sternum.

After the flash of her blade in her pitch-black eyes, burning pain spread across Jung Yeonshin's chest.

He was being completely overpowered.

His senses barely allowed him to predict her moves and match the dazzling speed of her energy strikes.

'It's no wonder.'

The Lightning Genius' martial arts circulating in Desolate Fortress were often called techniques of perception.

Weak points in movements, origins of energy strikes, gaps in flows—her sword strikes exploited them all with precision, paired with her lightning-quick internal energy control at the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown level.

Anyone present could feel the tide of the match tilting heavily.

Even so, the boy's face remained indifferent. The longer the duel went, the more his expression became unreadable.

'…This is unexpected. Or perhaps, it's the Law Enforcer who ran out of time.'

Jung Yeonshin pondered.

Whoosh—!

Suddenly, the Law Enforcer stopped in place and flicked her sword.

With a sharp sound, a bloodstain was carved into the arena floor. A straight line of Jung Yeonshin's blood.

"Lord of the Fortress."

She slowly opened her mouth.

"Lightning Genius' martial arts are sufficiently advanced, but I deem it premature to entrust him with leading a predominantly blue-rank combat unit. He should focus on training until his internal energy reaches the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown. Perhaps he could instead command a specialized detachment limited to operations against demonic sects."

"..."

Silence blanketed the ceremony grounds. The Law Enforcer, who had just been dueling, had halted the match.

And, at the same time, advised against his promotion.

A strange stillness lingered, one of general agreement.

The majority of the hundreds seated in the arena seemed to concur.

It made sense—Jung Yeonshin had landed only one effective strike, Full Sky Flower Rain.

And when the Law Enforcer shattered his sword. He hadn't even managed to draw another blade afterward.

"No, something's off about this."

Few paid attention to Flame Dragon's muttering.

Atop the tiered marble steps, the Lord of Desolate Fortress remained elegantly seated, legs crossed, saying nothing. She simply stared at Jung Yeonshin.

Yet, the boy did not meet her gaze. He stared blankly at the Law Enforcer standing before him.

'What is she even saying?'

Jung Yeonshin muttered internally. Even in his turbulent youth, he could distinguish right from wrong.

He cared about his reputation. His ambition was to become the leader of the Divine Sword Squad, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

Law and Order Squad.

A force tasked with enforcing Desolate Fortress' laws and capturing martial artists who broke its codes.

It was famed for dissecting the fortress' martial techniques in detail. Jung Yeonshin had naturally assumed its techniques focused on dismantling.

But they didn't.

The focus was on countering—centered around the Law Enforcer's own martial arts.

Engaging with her dampened his interest.

If the Lightning Genius techniques had been completely shattered, he had planned to create a new martial art based on that experience.

Perhaps Radiance Sword Style and Infinite Blossom Fist Strike could take on new forms, just as his Radiant Wheel had elevated his internal energy to new heights.

But seeing it firsthand, he knew—it wouldn't work. His thoughts slipped out unconsciously.

"I wish I'd faced a lower-ranked opponent instead."

Perhaps a lower-ranking Law and Order Squad officer would focus solely on targeting weaknesses. Jung Yeonshin swallowed the rest of his thoughts.

The Law Enforcer didn't even turn around. Had she already made up her mind about him? She simply gazed up at the Fortress Lord.

"His martial arts and perception are extraordinary, but his energy control is slower than most Law and Order Squad members. His adaptability in dismantling studies is also lacking."

Her expression remained as blank as it had been at the start of the duel. Only her lips moved.

Despite their intense exchanges, she now seemed completely disinterested.

Step.

Jung Yeonshin took a step forward. Only then did the Law Enforcer's gaze return to him.

"You didn't seem the type to act recklessly."

"..."

The boy did not reply. Instead, the disappointment he couldn't hide surfaced.

The corners of his mouth drooped slightly, and his elegant brow furrowed faintly.

The Law Enforcer's expression wavered just as faintly.

Boom!

Jung Yeonshin's form blurred as he took a step, as though embodying a blade himself.

His tattered blue robe fluttered wildly, streaked with blood and sword marks.

Hwaaak!

He openly stepped forward, leaving ample time for her to respond.

Her black eyes captured every inch of the young blue-rank master's form.

White winds gathered around the long blade in her hand, embodying the Steep Valley Deep Wind Sword Art.

But by then, the boy was already upon her, releasing Infinite Blossom Fist Strike's twin-handed strikes in all directions.

Whirrrr!

A storm erupted at his feet, the muscles in his thighs sharply defined. A wave of energy rippled from his right fist.

Formidable Wall Strike.

He aimed beneath the Law Enforcer's sword path. Again, he intercepted the blade with his fist.

The sharp, ringing impact sent her sword recoiling like a reversed water jet.

Despite her mastery of flowing sword movements, Jung Yeonshin disrupted her rhythm.

'If she regains control, it'll just start all over again. Too fast to intercept physically.'

He thought.

Her black eyes reflected the slight curve of his lips.

The boy extended his left hand. A spiral energy wave formed instantly, condensed by his footwork.

The swirling force shattered the currents formed by her sword path.

"...!"

For the first time, her eyes wavered.

Had she fought with her full strength from the start, the outcome might have been different.

But she had sought to test martial insights, and now her disrupted sword path left her vulnerable.

To dismantle principles is 'breaking and unravelling', to crush them by force is 'breaking and destroying'.

The Law Enforcer's style was neither. Her overwhelming power had now turned against her.

Jung Yeonshin had refined his techniques to specialize in dismantling her flows.

"This is…"

Her trembling white hands raised her sword overhead. The fluidity of her techniques faltered.

That brief opening was enough for Jung Yeonshin.

His dismantling always accompanied destruction. Calmly, he spoke.

"It's a dismantling technique."

Behind the energy ripple from his left hand, his right hand unleashed Formidable Wall Strike.

Finally, he drew his sword.

Flash—!

A streak of blue light shot upward like lightning, shattering the Law Enforcer's sword.

Even as the force exploded, Jung Yeonshin's grip on his blade remained steady.

Clang! Whoosh—!

As if replacing her broken sword, a storm surged from the impact.

Jung Yeonshin stood in an overhead stance, his azure blade flickering.

The blue and black robes of the two masters billowed violently.

The duel was over.

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