179. Lee Do-hyeon's Entry into Battle

The forest was ablaze with chaos and the heat of battle. The seven swords of the Chilgeommuh (Seven-Sword Dance) weaved freely through the air, breaking through the defenses of the masters one after another. Experts from both the orthodox and unorthodox factions had unleashed their full martial prowess, yet they were steadily pushed back by Cheongeom Mawang's overwhelming inner energy and the destructive force of her technique.

Standing at the edge of the forest, Lee Do-hyeon watched in conflicted silence. His hand was already gripping the Ego's Blade, but he couldn't yet bring himself to wield it. Still, as he saw the masters fall one by one, he knew he could no longer stand by.

"It's time for me to act."

With a resolute expression, he drew his sword. The Ego's Blade pulsed with mana and inner energy, as if resonating with his determination. Taking a deep breath, Do-hyeon leapt into the battlefield.

Sensing his movement, Cheongeom Mawang casually deflected a wave of attacks from the surrounding martial artists with a flick of one of her swords. Her gaze locked onto him, and in that instant, a heavy pressure blanketed the air.

"So you finally step forward, Lee Do-hyeon."

She smiled with interest as she looked at him.

"This is my chance to witness how far you've come. Don't disappoint me."

The moment her eyes met his, a chill ran down Do-hyeon's spine. Her presence was not just overwhelming strength—it carried the weight of psychological domination. He felt his hand tremble slightly.

He forced down the tremor and began preparing his technique.

"Flame and Thunder Sword Dance!"

His blade shot skyward, wrapped in blazing lightning. At the same time, he channeled his mana inward, casting enhancement spells upon himself. His body shimmered, now faster, stronger, more focused.

"I will no longer stand down. You'll see everything I've got!"

With a shout, he charged toward Cheongeom Mawang.

She calmly directed one of her seven swords to intercept him while commanding the other six to continue dealing with the surrounding martial artists. The swords moved as if they had minds of their own, pressuring enemies from all directions.

One of the seven swords streaked toward Do-hyeon, and he swiftly swung his blade to deflect it. At the moment of impact, a powerful surge of inner energy traveled up his arm. He gritted his teeth and took a step back.

"Incredible technique…"He caught his breath."But I won't give up here."

Cheongeom Mawang spoke with composed confidence.

"Very well. Show me everything you have. I want to see just how far I can push your growth."

She directed three of her swords to focus solely on him.

"But know this—if you want to survive, that won't be enough."

The swords flashed as they flew at him. Do-hyeon met them head-on, his blade flaring with lightning and fire. With a precise swing, he disrupted one sword's flight path, scattering its energy.

"Yes… That's more like it."

Mawang smiled and again sent the remaining swords at him, sharper than before.

Do-hyeon continued to block and counter her relentless strikes. He poured every technique he knew into his movements, trying to neutralize her attacks one by one—but her control was flawless, her blades swift and merciless.

Yet his struggle was not in vain. With every clash, he deflected more skillfully, moved more fluidly. He began to feel his inner energy and mana merge into one—realizing he was breaking through another limit.

The forest trembled with their battle. Thunder and fire entwined with sword energy, resounding explosions shaking the earth, trees burning and collapsing all around them.

This fight had become more than a battle—it was a trial of everything they were. Cheongeom Mawang sensed Do-hyeon's growing potential. And Lee Do-hyeon, in turn, fought to break free from his limits through their clash.

The heat of battle reached its peak. And when this duel ended, both would emerge with revelations that would change them.

**

Chapter : Awakening of the Aether Chaser

The battlefield within the forest was still engulfed in chaos, a maelstrom of destruction unleashed by Cheongeommawang's Sevenfold Sword Dance. Her swords cleaved through the air, overwhelming the defenders. Even Lee Do-hyeon found it hard to breathe under the pressure. But then—his hand, still clutching the Ego Sword, began to feel a faint tremor.

"Lee Do-hyeon… feel this power."

A deep, resonant voice echoed within his mind—the sword was speaking to him. The voice halted him in place, a chilling presence threading through his thoughts.

"This… is the power of our world. And you—you can wield it."

Do-hyeon, startled by the voice in the midst of battle, regained his composure and asked calmly,

"What do you mean? What power are you talking about in a moment like this?"

The Ego Sword vibrated intensely, almost quivering with excitement.

"The Aether Chaser. This power resembles Cheongeommawang's Sevenfold Sword Dance. As if born from convergent evolution across different worlds, the essence of this power slumbers within me—and it is awakening through you. If I split into more than one, I can move like her seven blades. But it depends on your strength."

The tremor grew stronger, the sword nearly breaking into motion on its own. Do-hyeon infused it with his mana and inner energy.

"All right. Then show me what you've got. Let's overcome this together."

As his energy flowed into the sword, it burst with radiant light. Suddenly, three glowing blades split from the main sword and hovered in the air—four swords now floated around him. They moved as if they possessed wills of their own, flying toward Cheongeommawang's Sevenfold Blades.

"Aether Chaser…""This is my new potential," the Ego Sword murmured. "If you can command me fully, we can stand against her blades."

Cheongeommawang watched the four blades rise with an intrigued smile.

"Oh? Fascinating. I didn't expect you to bring out something like this, Lee Do-hyeon. Your sword holds an extraordinary power."

The four blades began to clash with her Sevenfold Blades. Though her swords still moved with overwhelming precision and speed, the Aether Chaser swords responded deftly, as if reading their movements.

"You've managed to stop several of my blades. I didn't think you had grown this much," she said, slightly amused, as she adjusted her formation. Some of her blades focused on the Aether Chaser, while others continued to strike down surrounding masters.

Seeing her attention divided, Do-hyeon seized the moment to maneuver his blades.

"These swords aren't just for defense. With me, they'll unlock new possibilities."

The forest exploded with energy as their forces collided. The Aether Chaser swords successfully intercepted several of Cheongeommawang's blades—some even began to counterattack. She chuckled as she witnessed her own blades being blocked.

"Impressive. But unless your sword and swordsmanship become truly one, you won't defeat me."

She channeled even more inner energy into her blades. They grew sharper, faster, more lethal—pressuring Do-hyeon's formation.

He felt the tide turning. The Aether Chaser was powerful, yes—but not yet on par with the perfected Sevenfold Sword Dance. Still, he refused to give in. Pouring more mana and internal energy into the blades, he shouted,

"It's not over yet! This battle is my chance to grow stronger!"

Cheongeommawang gave a small nod of approval.

"Good. If you wish to understand my realm, then come. Show me everything you've got."

Their swords clashed again in the sky, the battlefield quaking as though the world itself trembled. The Aether Chaser and Sevenfold Blades had entered the true climax of their deadly dance.