Jin So-cheong led the way, and I followed, ascending the buildings of the Zhongnan Sect. My senior brother seemed to have a rough idea of where the sparring hall was, even as he was furiously beating the white-robed swordsmen, showing no hesitation.
"Yaaah! Grgh."
Zhongnan Sect disciples sprang out from all directions, brandishing their swords at us, but my senior brother didn’t move much. He knocked them out with a single strike, truly like the Shadowless Fist. His hands moved incredibly fast. It was clearly a renowned fist technique that I couldn’t imitate at my current level.
'Is it the Thundercloud Hard Fist or the Thundercloud Soft Fist? Which of the two fist techniques taught by the Thunder God Style is it?'
I tried to observe my senior brother’s divine might as much as possible, but I couldn’t really tell. The fist techniques of the Thunder God Style are broadly classified into hard and soft, but my senior brother’s movements weren’t confined to either. Of course, regardless of which one you learn, you must also learn the Thundercloud Palm, but at least in his fist technique, there was the freedom of a grandmaster.
"Brat!!"
Occasionally, one or two would target me and swing their swords. I glanced at them and tried to mimic what they did.
'So, you pull your fist like this...'
I attempted to follow the quick release of a fist with a slight infusion of qi.
Boom
"Kyaah!"
"Mother—!!"
Suddenly, a thunderous sound echoed, followed by screams. Although I had stopped my fist just in time, the pressure from my punch sent three Zhongnan Sect disciples flying into the sky. I realized that if I hadn’t stopped, my internal energy would have turned them into well-beaten pieces of meat.
"Ugh..."
I was a bit flustered. When did my fists gain such power?
My senior brother, who was walking ahead, said, seemingly calm even as he was smashing everything in a fit of rage.
"Junior, you haven’t reached the stage of the Thunder God Fist yet, so be careful. If you use your current world-renowned internal energy recklessly, there will definitely be fatalities."
"Thunder God Fist?"
"Yes. You haven’t heard of it yet, but once you master both the Thundercloud Hard Fist and the Thundercloud Soft Fist to a certain level, you can enter the Thunder God Fist. At that stage, you can fully control your internal energy, allowing for more refined combat."
Thunder God Fist!
A new fist technique!
"Damn brats! You dare to invade our mountain and chat idly?!"
Swish
Just as I was listening to his explanation with interest, a figure flew into the building. He seemed to be a grand disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, a formidable expert. Judging by his aura, he was among the top tier of first-class experts, perhaps even at the initial peak level. He unleashed the Thirty-Six Heavenly River Sword Technique, and the sword qi felt like a lethal rain.
Swish
But Jin So-cheong once again displayed the secret technique of the Thunder Image Guard, the Heavenly Executioner. It was just a seven-step movement, but he narrowly avoided all the sword qi with ease. Then he broke the arm of the Zhongnan Sect grand disciple and forced him to kneel.
Boom
"Kraaaah..."
I couldn’t close my mouth. His skills were so formidable that he could be considered a first-class expert in the secular world, yet Jin So-cheong subdued him so easily? I could probably defeat him, but not as cleanly and effortlessly.
"Of course, to enter the Thunder God Fist, you must also master the secret techniques of the Thunder Image Guard. Hands and feet are always with you."
Indeed. From Jin So-cheong’s kind explanation, I understood the process I needed to follow. Unlike Yi Guang, who only told me to do what I saw without any explanation, this advice felt like golden rules.
"This... These bastards... The elders will surely avenge us."
Jin So-cheong smiled. There was no fear in his bold laugh.
"Is that so?"
Jin So-cheong’s grip tightened. The Zhongnan Sect disciple, sensing what was about to happen, screamed.
"Ugh, ugh, stop it!"
Then he threw the broken arm of the disciple and hurled him into the building, which I assumed was the sparring hall. The force was so great that it shattered the door and sent him crashing inside.
Boom!
His body flew like a human cannonball, smashing through the door and embedding himself inside the building. I was speechless at Jin So-cheong’s decisive actions. The “one big fight” at the Nine Sects and One School wasn’t just talk or bravado.
Thud...
We entered the spacious sparring hall. Inside, I saw the Zhongnan Sect disciple who had been thrown in, unconscious in the center, and about a dozen high-level experts sitting in a row. They remained seated, calmly observing us despite the chaos outside.
But the moment I met their gaze, I sensed a chilling killing intent. I could feel it through my skin.
'Real peak experts! They’re strong!'
The opponents outside, no matter how strong, were at best on the cusp of first-class to peak level. But these middle-aged men exuded a powerful aura that reminded me of the elders of the Iron Blood Sect. Each of them was a true master, deserving of the title of peak expert in the martial world.
Jin So-cheong paused, observing them.
The eldest elder, sitting in the center, looked up at Jin So-cheong and said. His aura was exceptionally strong, clearly a fearsome expert far beyond the commoners outside.
"I’ve heard of the Blue Dragon Martial Hall. And I know of its fearsomeness. However, it seems your subordinates have acted rashly and made a mistake. We intended to welcome you with respect..."
Jin So-cheong replied calmly.
"Whether you’re trying to cover up or not, I’m here to take down the Zhongnan Sect’s sign today."
"Haha... As a disciple of the Blue Dragon, you have the right to say such things. However, we are not yet prepared to risk our lives in a fight."
The elder slowly stood up.
"If all ten of us, the Zhongnan Sect’s Ten Great Elders, were to attack, we could take your life, but we would incur the wrath of the Blue Dragon. It’s too dangerous, especially with the Huashan and Huangshan Sects still unresolved."
The Ten Great Elders of the Zhongnan Sect!
They were the ten peak experts that the Zhongnan Sect boasted about in the martial world. With over a dozen such experts, the Zhongnan Sect could be called one of the Nine Sects and One School. I could feel sweat trickling down my back. I never imagined that I would be facing off against the Ten Great Elders, testing my aura.
Thud...
We entered the spacious sparring hall. Inside, I saw the Zhongnan Sect disciple who had been thrown in, unconscious in the center, and about a dozen high-level experts sitting in a row. They remained seated, calmly observing us despite the chaos outside.
But the moment I met their gaze, I sensed a chilling killing intent. I could feel it through my skin.
'Real peak experts! They’re strong!'
The opponents outside, no matter how strong, were at best on the cusp of first-class to peak level. But these middle-aged men exuded a powerful aura that reminded me of the elders of the Iron Blood Sect. Each of them was a true master, deserving of the title of peak expert in the martial world.
Jin So-cheong paused, observing them.
The eldest elder, sitting in the center, looked up at Jin So-cheong and said. His aura was exceptionally strong, clearly a fearsome expert far beyond the commoners outside.
"I’ve heard of the Blue Dragon Martial Hall. And I know of its fearsomeness. However, it seems your subordinates have acted rashly and made a mistake. We intended to welcome you with respect..."
Jin So-cheong replied calmly.
"Whether you’re trying to cover up or not, I’m here to take down the Zhongnan Sect’s sign today."
"Haha... As a disciple of the Blue Dragon, you have the right to say such things. However, we are not yet prepared to risk our lives in a fight."
The elder slowly stood up.
"If all ten of us, the Zhongnan Sect’s Ten Great Elders, were to attack, we could take your life, but we would incur the wrath of the Blue Dragon. It’s too dangerous, especially with the Huashan and Huangshan Sects still unresolved."
The Ten Great Elders of the Zhongnan Sect!
They were the ten peak experts that the Zhongnan Sect boasted about in the martial world. With over a dozen such experts, the Zhongnan Sect could be called one of the Nine Sects and One School. I could feel sweat trickling down my back. I never imagined that I would be facing off against the Ten Great Elders, testing my aura.
Thud...
We entered the spacious sparring hall. Inside, I saw the Zhongnan Sect disciple who had been thrown in, unconscious in the center, and about a dozen high-level experts sitting in a row. They remained seated, calmly observing us despite the chaos outside.
But the moment I met their gaze, I sensed a chilling killing intent. I could feel it through my skin.
'Real peak experts! They’re strong!'
The opponents outside, no matter how strong, were at best on the cusp of first-class to peak level. But these middle-aged men exuded a powerful aura that reminded me of the elders of the Iron Blood Sect. Each of them was a true master, deserving of the title of peak expert in the martial world.
Jin So-cheong paused, observing them.
The eldest elder, sitting in the center, looked up at Jin So-cheong and said. His aura was exceptionally strong, clearly a fearsome expert far beyond the commoners outside.
"I’ve heard of the Blue Dragon Martial Hall. And I know of its fearsomeness. However, it seems your subordinates have acted rashly and made a mistake. We intended to welcome you with respect..."
Jin So-cheong replied calmly.
"Whether you’re trying to cover up or not, I’m here to take down the Zhongnan Sect’s sign today."
"Haha... As a disciple of the Blue Dragon, you have the right to say such things. However, we are not yet prepared to risk our lives in a fight."
The elder slowly stood up.
"If all ten of us, the Zhongnan Sect’s Ten Great Elders, were to attack, we could take your life, but we would incur the wrath of the Blue Dragon. It’s too dangerous, especially with the Huashan and Huangshan Sects still unresolved."
The elder slowly stood up.
"Let’s do this. We’ll have a match as you initially requested, and the result will determine the sign. If you lose, you’ll have to meet our demands."
"......!!"
I realized the situation was taking an unexpected turn. Given the intense killing intent just moments ago, the Ten Great Elders of the Zhongnan Sect were undoubtedly furious at Jin So-cheong and me. I thought we would be overwhelmed by the combined attack of ten peak experts and die.
But it seemed they were making a significant concession. Normally, a sect would demand a life-or-death battle after such destruction, especially one of the Nine Sects and One School.
'Something’s off. Is the Zhongnan Sect afraid?'
Jin So-cheong said.
"Fine. What are your demands?"
"You must become disciples of the Zhongnan Sect if you lose. For life."
"......"
"Why not? It’s not a bad deal."
The elder, who seemed relaxed, laughed.
"Hahaha... Fighting you head-on is a burden, but the humiliation of losing a disciple is unbearable. Isn’t it?"
"That’s not a good offer. I have nothing to learn from the likes of the Zhongnan Sect."
Crack
The atmosphere in the hall became even heavier. Jin So-cheong’s words seemed to have provoked the Ten Great Elders, as the killing intent intensified. If I were below second-class, I might have lost my mind just standing here. But Jin So-cheong remained calm and said,
"...But I’ll accept. How will the match proceed?"
"Simple. Best two out of three. You can send your junior disciple or participate consecutively, whichever you prefer."
"Understood."
"Take a half an hour to rest. We’ll start then. Wait here."
The Ten Great Elders then left, probably to tend to their injured disciples. My senior brother and I were left sitting in the sparring hall, and a Zhongnan Sect disciple brought us some warm tea. But I ignored the tea and asked Jin So-cheong,
"Senior brother, what do you plan to do? This is insane."
"What’s the problem?"
"The Zhongnan Sect’s peak experts... How can we—"
I couldn’t finish my sentence. The Iron Blood Sect’s leader had even sent out an elder to avoid losing face, showing how deeply martial artists valued their honor. A match over the Zhongnan Sect’s sign! The representative would surely be one of the top three experts of the Zhongnan Sect.
Jin So-cheong smiled and said,
"Win, and that’s the law of the martial world."
"That’s true, but it’s really difficult."
"You don’t seem that afraid. Most people would be trembling, but I’ve only seen annoyance in your eyes."
"......"
"That’s my junior."
Looking at the pleased Jin So-cheong, I had nothing to say. Indeed, I wasn’t particularly afraid. I was confident that I could shake off any attack from the Zhongnan Sect’s experts with my formidable internal energy. I was only worried that this reincarnation might complicate my martial arts training.
"Best two out of three, so you should go first."
"What?!"
"Still don’t understand?"
Jin So-cheong leaned against the wall and continued,
"This mission was planned from the beginning to give you more practical combat experience. You improve more in actual combat than in simple training, so you can grow faster by facing the Zhongnan Sect’s experts."
Only then did I understand the reason for this outrageous challenge to the Nine Sects and One School. The cold and distant Yi Guang, who detested inconvenience, had decided to give me accelerated training out of frustration with my slowness. He seemed to have noticed my strength in combat and planned to combine the transmission of secret techniques with practical matches.
"Even so, taking down the sign is a big deal..."
"I’ll take it down. The Zhongnan Sect’s arrogance needs to be checked."
"......"
"Relax. This is nothing compared to what Master would consider difficult training."
What would he consider difficult?
I was curious but didn’t ask. If I were to go first in the best two out of three, my opponent would undoubtedly be a peak expert. One who was ready to maim or kill in the name of a match. I shook my head.
"Ha... I have a long way to go."
"Don’t worry. You can do it."
"No, I don’t really want to."
Jin So-cheong smiled, a silent pressure in his eyes.
"You have to! Hahaha."
"Hahaha..."
There was no choice now.
Since I was prepared to risk my life in training, it was better to gain practical combat experience, even if it meant complicating this reincarnation. I was uneasy about such matches due to the memory of being beheaded in the Iron Blood Sect, but I steeled myself.
After half an hour, the Ten Great Elders of the Zhongnan Sect entered en masse. They formally took up the stance of the Sword Salute, ready for the match. They spoke in unison,
"We will fight honorably, staking the reputation of the Zhongnan Sect."
Jin So-cheong also stood up, returning the salute. I followed suit.
"We will fight honorably, staking the reputation of the Blue Dragon Martial Hall."
Swoosh
The auras clashed and neutralized each other. The Ten Great Elders tried to overwhelm Jin So-cheong with their auras, but when my aura joined, they seemed surprised. They couldn’t understand how a child could exude such power.
Then one of the Ten Great Elders stepped forward.
"I am Jin Shu, one of the Ten Great Elders of the Zhongnan Sect! I will take the first match."
He looked formidable. With a refined appearance and a well-trained body, he exuded the unique sword qi of a peak swordsman. He was likely on par with the Iron Blood Sect’s top elder, the Ghostly Swordsman Jin Ping. Of course, the Iron Blood Sect’s leader had once claimed that the Ghostly Swordsman was slightly above the Zhongnan Sect’s elders, but that was subjective.
Jin Shu looked at Jin So-cheong and said,
"Your skills are truly exceptional for your age. However, I will do my best."
Jin So-cheong shook his head.
"You’re not my opponent."
"What?"
"My junior will face you."
Thud
I walked to the sparring area, almost dragged out. Many Zhongnan Sect disciples, relatively unharmed, were watching, and their eyes were filled with shock.
Murmurs echoed from all directions.
I felt annoyed by their gazes and faced Jin Shu, bowing.
"I am Baek Ung, an instructor of the Blue Dragon Martial Hall. I will take the first match."
"......"
Jin Shu’s face turned red and pale. He couldn’t understand and shouted,
"Are you joking?! How can you send a mere child to face me?!"
Jin So-cheong didn’t say anything, just gestured to me. I nodded and quietly drew my sword.
"Think it’s a joke? Then think what you will."
"......"
Boom
I raised my sword in a middle stance and channeled my internal energy to the extreme. The Heavenly Thunder Imprint automatically formed on my sword, glowing, and the sparring hall began to shake. My internal energy affected the atmosphere, forming visible waves. Jin Shu quickly gathered his sword qi to counter, but as my aura intensified, his eyes widened in shock.