CHAPTER 199

A small exclamation escaped from the lips of the absolute ruler of the Murim Alliance.

The old swordsman's insight was exceptional. He could discern the mindset of his opponents just by observing their stance.

The way they gripped their sword, the balance of their body, the positioning of their footwork, the nature of the energy waves spreading through their body.

From these countless factors, he could gauge his opponent. For supreme swordsmen, their eyes could pierce through an opponent regardless of their level of attainment.

Before exchanging a single strike, they could even estimate their opponent's temperament.

'How curious.'

Hyun So-baek carefully observed the young leader's opening stance.

His high guard was anything but ordinary. The black long robe draped over him fluttered incessantly.

It was as if he were clothed in a robe woven from the wind itself.

To the master of the sword, a man known as the Sword Saint, Radiant Demon Squad Leader's appearance seemed like a defensive response to mortality.

Hyun So-baek did not view the martial arts of prodigies any differently from the melodies crafted by great musicians.

There was a commonality. The deep imprint of the creator's mind was evident in both.

He could not tell where that sword would eventually lead.

It was said that the Lord of Desolate Fortress wielded a sword akin to the solemnity of nature itself. Was the Radiant Demon Squad Leader following in his master's footsteps by infusing wind into his swordsmanship?

Outwardly, he stirred up stormy gales, yet his muscles and inner energy moved ceaselessly like lightning.

Inside the shell of an outstanding genius, there was a human figure crouched in unease.

Hyun So-baek, the man, found the boy pitiable.

But the Sword Saint was different. A supreme swordsman admired his junior.

'A swift sword that utilizes the entire body.'

A truly refined technique of rapid assaults.

It carried the distinct intent of striking first, no matter where. The unique, free-flowing wind energy of the new leader of Radiant Demon Squad enveloped the surroundings.

It was wind resembling the capabilities of renowned bloodlines, an energy that, wherever it was unleashed, would bolster his swordsmanship. The crimson leaves beneath his feet were scattered wildly.

"It's disturbing how undisturbing it is."

Sitting behind Lightning Genius, the Thousand Fist Dragon Force Minister, Xiahou Wei-jin, propped one knee up and rested his elbow on it.

His heavy breathing accompanied it. As an exceptional master of a noble lineage, he seemed to feel something peculiar.

"Judgement Qilin."

It was a murmur from Zhuge Qing-ya, who was staring intently at the Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

Standing to the side, Ak Yerim flinched.

Her gaze toward Lightning Genius was filled with complicated emotions. The events between the Radiant Demon Squad Leader and the Zhuge Clan had placed a defining mark on the recent chaos.

It felt as if the world itself was collapsing. The young talents of Desolate Fortress had utterly crushed both martial prowess and chivalry alike.

The world of the righteous sects, which had been firmly planted in her heart, was now shattered.

As the rightful successor of the Shandong Ak Clan, she no longer knew how to carry herself.

'Lightning Genius…'

Meanwhile, the duel between the old and the young unfolded regardless of the thoughts of the onlookers.

"Come slowly."

The Sword Saint did not hastily draw his sword. He allowed his junior to fully display his abilities.

He was a talent capable of utilizing his entire body at will. The longer he was given to refine his stance, the more his abilities would be revealed.

Woooong—!

And indeed, that was the case.

An oppressive pressure, reminiscent of King-Style Sword Arts, emanated from Lightning Genius.

However, the Sword Saint instinctively recognized that it was an entirely different mnemonic verse.

There was a significant difference in the nature of their martial arts.

This was not an aura exuded with the intent of overwhelming his opponent.

It was simply an extension of his own fluid movements, which happened to manifest as pressure.

It was a lofty sword technique.

'He has fully harmonized his swordplay with his body.'

The Sword Saint ran his left hand along the length of his beloved sword and mused.

A verse that a young man called the Grand Hero of Desolate Fortress had once recited came to mind.

It was a melody that had gained considerable fame.

As a swordsman, he found "A moment in youth is worth a thousand gold " more poignant than "Eternal companionship with a worthy rival in the sword."

It was a sword technique that only the Radiant Demon Squad Leader could properly wield.

Most people would not even dare to use such a form of wind energy in their sword strikes.

It seemed the moment to draw his sword had arrived.

Just as the young, old swordsman sank into a brief thought, the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's form suddenly expanded in his vision.

With a leap, he brought his sword down. The sunlight glinting off the blade fell like a thunderbolt.

Zzzzeeeeong—!

His sword clashed violently with Hyun So-baek's.

A powerful shockwave rippled outward. The maple leaves rose in a flurry, momentarily obscuring the figures of the old and young combatants.

They swirled in the sunlight, dyed red, drifting like flurries of snow.

And then, the sword form of the new leader of Radiant Demon Squad was revealed.

'Hm?'

Amidst the cascading light and scarlet leaves, the Sword Saint's eyes widened slightly.

It was not the same stance.

A white 'Desolate' character swirled amidst the leaves.

He had rotated his entire body immediately after releasing his sword energy.

His movement technique, propelled by the rebound force, generated a whirlwind. The flapping of his robes grew fierce.

Lightning Genius, with purely instinctual movements, unleashed his second swift strike.

'He does not contest strength. How wise.'

The trajectory of the Beiming Sword formed another diagonal arc as it descended once more.

The air was torn apart by the whitened blade.

It was the repetition of a single technique, yet in a completely different form. The speed of his diagonal sword strike had not changed from the first.

His high guard had merely been the trigger stance.

Now, he solely relied on the relentless storm of sword winds that surged forward with sharp precision.

For Lightning Genius, there was no need to distinguish between techniques by their external form.

By comprehending the activation principle and mnemonic verse, he could execute dozens of variations from a single technique.

Within just two exchanges, the Sword Saint's eyes curved into a smile.

A sword prodigy. A sword prodigy indeed.

Hyun So-baek, momentarily forgetting pity, laughed in satisfaction.

He gripped his wooden sword and struck downward at an angle.

The essence of the Transcendent Heaven Sword Art was embedded within a simple trajectory.

Seventh Sword Form, Indestructible.

A colorless energy burst forth from his arm, extending to the tip of his sword in an instant.

It was an unshakable strike.

Boom! Screeeeeech—!

The clashing swords ground against each other with an extended screech. Lightning Genius's descending sword strike was forced upward.

Their sword paths collided with fierce vibrations.

The strength in the Sword Saint's grip was unwavering, causing golden sparks to fly seamlessly. The recoil was returned entirely to his opponent.

Rumble.

The hand gripping the sword trembled violently. It was remarkable that he did not lose his grip.

Even though the Sword Saint had held back to widen his junior's insight, it was still an incredible feat.

Hyun So-baek, while feeling rare excitement, was deeply astonished.

Now he understood the intent of the Lord of Desolate Fortress in an instant.

How could she possibly turn a blind eye to such a child?

The tendons on the back of his hands became prominent. From the triceps beneath his shoulders down to the elegant lines of his forearms, energy waves surged.

A transparent pulse of internal energy throbbed intensely. The muscle fibers running down to the extensor pollicis longus below his thumb tingled.

It was the accumulated energy he had borne as a burden until now. Alongside the Sword Saint's sword force.

Hyun So-baek's eyebrows lifted.

'He has harvested it like a farmer at harvest time.'

Jung Yeonshin paid no heed to the Sword Saint's expression and advanced. The sword energy coiled around his grip burned fiercely.

The ground he pushed off from with the tip of his toes erupted with an explosion of energy. In that instant, he unleashed the Beiming Sword.

It was a lateral strike, extending outward from his body's core. The long, concentrated glow of white light shredded the falling maple leaves.

Autumn was embedded within the path of his sword.

Kwaaaaa—!

The Sword Saint, Hyun So-baek, faced a technique born of endurance. The eyes of the supreme swordsman darkened.

'How could he think of such a thing…'

It was a sword technique that endured and endured, only to shine brilliantly at the final moment.

It was not a blade to be swung with such an indifferent expression. And yet, it felt as though it had been crafted without any particular forethought.

That realization saddened the Sword Saint. It was the belief that if one simply endured, in some form or another, an end would come. He could feel the bitterness within it.

Through a single sword strike, he understood the way this young man lived his life.

The Sword Saint did not counter.

Swoosh.

He simply lowered his sword and stepped aside, his movement technique sweeping through the fallen leaves as though he had used the Shrinking Earth technique.

At the same time, a terrifying wave of sword energy swept past his side.

KWAHAAAAK!

An invisible gust of sword wind roared forward. The shredded vegetation formed a sharp, carved path.

The energy wave, radiating destructive power, reached the edge of the garden's lake, creating long ripples across the water.

Only after lingering for a long while with the sound of clear waves did the sword wind finally dissipate.

"..."

Silence fell.

The newly appointed leader of Radiant Demon Squad, having lowered his sword, furrowed his brow. Seeing his stance, as if ready to dispute the matter regardless of rank, Hyun So-baek tactfully spoke first.

"You maintained a single technique throughout, then changed your sword momentum at the last moment. What is the name of your first technique?"

"…Judgement Qilin."

He observes seniority well. The Sword Saint pondered with his hands clasped behind his back.

"And the second?"

"I have not named it yet."

"Perfect timing, then."

The Sword Saint, Hyun So-baek, chuckled.

"What name would suit such a refined sword stroke? This old man hopes that you will not be bound to frozen lands but remain long in autumn. In a way that stays green."

"..."

To speak of the boy's lifespan—it was reminiscent of Heon Wonchang's verses.

Only those who understood the meaning could catch the subtlety of his words.

It was the kind of statement that brought to mind the moment when he first wished to embrace Jung Yeonshin despite their unfamiliarity.

The Sword Saint continued.

"Yes, 'The Everlasting Blue Sword' would be fitting. I hope that its verdant nature flows without end, like the Yangtze River. Would you accept the name Nine Azure Rivers?"

The absolute master of the sword had spoken.

The number nine was deeply cherished across the continent. It was nearly synonymous with the word for 'eternity'.

It also held the meaning of longevity. A sword style that remains green and stretches on like the Yangtze.

Even the mnemonic verse of the technique carried a similar sentiment.

Jung Yeonshin slowly nodded.

"…I will accept it."

The Sword Saint's face brightened.

On his middle-aged features, both old age and youth coexisted.

They say no supreme master is without eccentricity, and Hyun So-baek, too, possessed a peculiar disposition.

Thus, the final event of the Opening Tournament concluded.

The duel between the Sword Saint and the leader of Radiant Demon Squad had drawn immense attention, but those gathered here were figures who dwelled at the highest levels of the martial world.

There would be no spreading of rumors.

However, Jung Yeonshin had gained sufficient renown through his journey to the Murim Alliance. His sword techniques had been consolidated.

Srrng.

With a quiet sheathing, a dim glow was swallowed into its scabbard.

A faint vibration ran along his waist.

Jung Yeonshin slid the Beiming Sword back into its sheath and fell into thought.

The newly conceived sword techniques from his journey across the Central Plains unfolded in his mind.

First Technique, Judgement Qilin.

Second Technique, Nine Azure Rivers.

Third Technique, Azure Flame First Form.

These three techniques formed the foundation of the leader of Radiant Demon's ultimate sword art.

How many more paths would emerge in the future was yet unknown.

It was a sword style filled with infinite potential.

"It feels like your swordsmanship has completely changed."

Yoo Hyun approached him without hesitation.

The connection between the latent dragon of Mount Hua Sect and the leader of Radiant Demon Squad was already well known in certain circles.

Unlike the other young talents who hesitated to step forward, he moved without hesitation.

"This is your own unique sword art, right?"

"Yes."

"What kind of martial art is it? I feel like it's going to become famous in the future. No, I'm certain it will."

Yoo Hyun's question drew attention.

Not only from the young elites but also from the supreme masters who had been preparing to leave.

It was impossible for even those figures to ignore such a question.

The newly appointed leader of Radiant Demon Squad lowered his gaze slightly, lost in thought.

'This sword style…'

It carried a distinct nature.

A fusion of speed, destruction, and profound intricacy. It remained truest to the fundamental nature of the sword.

A technique that wielded the blade as a lightning strike, casting it down upon foes.

A method to flatten the martial sects that encircled Desolate Fortress as if they were but rugged hills in its path.

Before he realized it, the words slipped from his lips.

"Sword Thunder Flash Art."

It was a brief response.

And suddenly—

Saaaa—

The autumn wind, which had been gently sweeping through the garden, receded into the distance.

Scattered leaves, like ancient cotton unraveling, covered the ground.

Some, dyed in red and yellow, lightly settled on Jung Yeonshin's foot.

It was as if they marked the end of his long mission for the Murim Alliance.

At the fading edge of autumn, before the eyes of the greatest masters, the sword style of the leader of Radiant Demon Squad made its name known.

[T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.]

[T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ]

[Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com]