Book 16 Chapter 23
Wind God (風神) Activated
- A Matter of Life and Death -
A swirling current of flame within a jar-shaped valley.
A fierce fire dragon rampaged unhindered within the valley.
The air, heated by the flames, was forming updrafts.
However, due to the wall-like curtain of fire encircling them and the jar-like terrain, the air that should have risen was compressed, unable to escape upwards properly.
The situation was dire, forcing a choice between suffocating from the smoke or burning to death. Their only hidden emergency escape route had been blocked by the explosion of a thunderclap, and they had left their wings to the sky, rendering aerial escape impossible.
"Are we all going to die like this?"
The swirling wall of flame tightened its encirclement. Even the martial arts of the Samsungs were unable to fully exert their power against this colossal disaster. They could temporarily weaken the flames, but complete extinguishment was impossible. Ordinary fires would have likely succumbed to their sword winds. However, the fire here was a "Hwajin" (fire formation) utilizing special ingredients and a sophisticated formation.
"Is there truly no way?"
Coughing sounds from the smoke echoed from all directions. At this moment, a booming voice resonated from the very center of the burning Hongmaegok (Red Plum Valley). There was no trace of despair in that voice.
"Everyone gather around! There's still a way!"
Even in this desperate situation, the voice that refused to break was none other than Biryu-yeon.
The Great Young Master, who had been struck by Biryu-yeon's blow, had already escaped the valley with his subordinates. He knew precisely when the single opening of life and death would appear near the valley entrance. Furthermore, he had kindly destroyed the entrance as well.
No other exits were available. An emergency shelter had been prepared, but it had already collapsed from the first explosion. The enemies must have known of its existence. Their adversaries were truly meticulous.
"Junior Brother, is there truly a way? Even we of the Three Heavenly Samsungs are struggling to find a solution, contemplating the situation?" asked Geomseong (Sword Sage).
"Of course, there is. However, it requires expending a tremendous amount of internal energy, so I'll need your help. I'm not yet confident I can perfectly execute it alone. It's a rather… troublesome technique."
Hyukjung and the Cheonmu Samsungs' eyes widened.
"Is that truly possible? Does a technique capable of breaking through this situation truly exist?"
"Yes, it certainly exists within me."
"If what Junior Brother says is true, we will offer all the assistance we can."
Hyukjung's words were met with a nod from Cheonmu Samsungs, agreeing. Even as they spoke, the wall of flames drew nearer. It was about to enter the final stage of the "Hwaryongmyeolgeopdaejin" (Fire Dragon Annihilation Grand Formation). The current situation was far from over. While the flames approached slowly like a stream now, they would soon surge like a river in flood season, undeniably engulfing them with an incomparable speed and a powerful explosion. And it would undoubtedly swallow all life within its glinting red jaws.
"However, as a condition, though it might sound strange, I have something I'd like to ask."
"What is it?"
"If my endeavor is successful…"
"If it's successful?"
"Who will be the winner of this Volcanic Branch Conference?"
For a moment, the four individuals, rendered speechless, blinked. After a pause, Hyukjung spoke.
"If you succeed, there's no doubt that you will be the victor of this Volcanic Branch Conference. And all honor, rewards, qualifications, and rights will be bestowed upon you. Of course, along with your winnings."
Hyukjung knew this well, as he had witnessed Biryu-yeon participating in the appraisal meeting at that time.
"Then I absolutely cannot fail. In that case, first…"
Biryu-yeon looked at Na Yerin. Na Yerin immediately understood what he wanted to say. She could now discern his intentions from his gaze without needing words. He was truly incorrigible. Did he have the composure to even consider such things in this critical situation? Her face, already flushed from the heat of the flames, turned even redder.
'A charm for success, the kiss of a goddess.'
But now, in this situation? In front of so many people? And even more awkwardly, in front of her master, Geomhu (Sword Empress), who was watching directly.
'Do I really have to do it?'
Na Yerin asked with her eyes, and Biryu-yeon nodded silently. It seemed he wouldn't move, even if it meant burning to death, without her kiss. Though, perhaps not literally.
"Hoo~"
Na Yerin sighed and approached him. Suddenly, she felt a little more at ease, realizing that she herself was in danger. The fear and despair in her heart seemed to have vanished somewhere. 'Let's trust this man! And live!' she resolved.
"Hmph~!"
With a sharp intake of breath, the eyes of Geomhu, Geomseong, Doseong, Hyukjung, and many others widened.
He gently wrapped his left arm around Na Yerin's waist and pulled her close. Then, Biryu-yeon's and Na Yerin's lips met. No one could utter a word, stunned by this unexpected turn of events.
After a long kiss, Biryu-yeon pulled away and smiled broadly.
"This works wonders. I absolutely won't fail now."
It was a statement that truly sounded questionable.
Ahem, Geomhu cleared her throat and said,
"Bold of you. It was already hot, and you made it even hotter. I never imagined my disciple would be like this… These past few days have been a series of astonishing events."
Geomhu addressed Biryu-yeon, who was still hesitating.
"Why are you dawdling? Why aren't you starting immediately? If you're not going to, should I do it for you again?"
"Be careful, boy! If you get a kiss from a hundred-year-old hag, you might get poisoned to death," Doseong warned with a serious tone. It was a perfectly plausible statement.
Wahaha ha ha!
Laughter erupted from various places. It was the laughter of regained hope.
Yes, they were still alive, and as long as they were alive, there was hope.
"Listen carefully. To use 'Wind God,' it is crucial to first understand the laws of nature. Without that prerequisite, Wind God cannot be used. Wind God is a technique that transcends the boundaries of technique.
Both Wind God and Thunder God embody nature within the human body. It is about synchronizing the human body with nature to evoke the most powerful force. The power within the human body alone has its limits. The power of the microcosm is like rolling a snowball. And it is the power of the macrocosm that makes that snowball grow.
The basic principle is this. The world is in constant circulation, and the circle best symbolizes this. However, while it circulates in a circular form, that's not all. On the circular framework called Taeguk, two axes, Yin and Yang, spiral and intertwine, rolling the wheel of the world. This is an immeasurably strong and magnificent power.
Therefore, you must first synchronize with nature and yourself, realizing that moving yourself is moving nature. 'Yi Il Bun Shu' (理一分殊), everything originates from 'Li' (理), so nothing is not 'Li,' and therefore, the whole is one, and one is the whole. 'Zi Biao Er Li Ji Guan Zhi Wan Shi Yi Li' (自表而裏 及其貫之 萬事一理). Existing things have an underlying principle that supports them. Tracing that principle upwards leads to the 'Li' that ties all things together. To encounter, understand, and embody that 'Li.' To move the world, you must first move in a way that reflects how the world moves."
First, draw a circle (圓)… Between heaven (天) and earth (地), two forces spiral within the drawn circle.
Clang clang clang!
The Muk Hwan (Ink Bracelets) on Biryu-yeon's wrists and the Muk Hwan on his right leg were all released. Then, ten Biryeodo (Flying Thunder Swords) emerged from his sleeves. However, before they could be noticed by people, they began to circle around him. Five on the left and five on the right, the ten Biryeodo and his Thunder Spirit Sword danced like a spiral around him.
Initially, the rotation was not very fast. But as time went by, the rotational movement began to accelerate, eventually engulfing Biryu-yeon's form completely. A rotating silver vortex formed a circular wall approximately three jang (about 3 meters) in radius.
In the center of this vortex, Biryu-yeon stood still with his eyes closed. Like a motionless cause of motion, he did not budge. An immense power surged within him. He was at the core of the universe, the center of the world.
Biryeodo (飛雷刀)
Final Secret Art (最終秘傳奧義)
Wind God (風神) Activation (發動)
At that moment, Biryu-yeon's eyes snapped open.
Kwakwakwakwakwakwakwak!
An immense power erupted from Biryu-yeon's entire body, and the spiraling qi roared into a colossal whirlwind. The surrounding gravel and dust were sucked into the raging whirlwind.
'Is… is this a human technique?'
Even the Cheonmu Samsungs couldn't help but be astonished by the energy. Such power emanating from a human body was truly unbelievable.
The power of the whirlwind continued to expand its reach. Consequently, it began to affect the wall of flames that was rapidly approaching to engulf them. The compressed airflow began to move in a spiral around the miraculous whirlwind created by Biryu-yeon. The wall of fire, which had been closing the distance at three times its previous speed, stopped advancing further than five jang (about 5 meters).
Flash!
At that moment, the Hwaryongmyeolgeopdaejin unleashed its final roar, exploding all its latent power. An immense shockwave swept through the entire valley, and a flood of fire raged to ravage life.
The power of the whirlwind created by Biryu-yeon could not withstand this explosion and began to narrow. Biryu-yeon gritted his teeth. If they retreated now, everyone would die. The Cheonmu Samsungs and Hyukjung were helping him. Their strength was not yet depleted.
Biryeodo
Final Secret Art
Wind and Thunder (風雷) Chapter (章)
Spiral Blade (螺旋) Blade (刃)
Whirlwind Dragon Ascending (龍捲昇龍)
A colossal storm raged through the entire valley, shaking it wildly. A tremendous vortex formed around the spot where Biryu-yeon stood. Surprisingly, only the place where Biryu-yeon stood was calm, like the eye of a typhoon. However, his power was ceaselessly at work.
The expanding hot air, unable to find an escape route, was pushed upwards endlessly along the pillar of wind Biryu-yeon had created between heaven and earth. From a distance, it was said to have resembled a red dragon ascending.
The immense wind and fire merged, shaking heaven and earth. And as if exhausted by this tremendous effort, the flames were extinguished in an instant. There was no more material to burn or air to fuel it. Everything vanished in an instant, and a moment of silence ensued. An unbelievable stillness enveloped them. There were no longer any flames threatening them anywhere.
"Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh!"
Cheers of joy erupted from the survivors. They had, after all, survived, and rejoiced in it, embracing and congratulating each other.
"We're alive. We're alive, Ryun!"
Na Yerin embraced him joyfully. This was something that would never have happened normally. Even she thought it was an incredibly audacious act, but at this moment, it didn't matter.
"That's right."
Biryu-yeon replied with a smile, wrapping his arms around Na Yerin's slender waist. However, his voice lacked its usual vigor. There was not a shred of strength left within him. He then lost consciousness and collapsed into Na Yerin's embrace, as if being held. It was the most luxurious faint a man could achieve. A transgression that would surely incite the jealous wrath of the entire martial arts world.
"Ryun! Ryun!"
The most beautiful woman in the world called out to him urgently, but he did not open his eyes. He was battling immense fatigue, and the only solution was sleep. He had fallen asleep, causing everyone a great deal of worry.
"He's truly impossible…"
A faint smile graced her lips. Na Yerin sat down and placed Biryu-yeon's head on her lap, continuing to gaze at his sleeping face. Until he opened his eyes again.
"You worked hard, Ryun."
Stroking his hair, Na Yerin whispered in a dreamlike, soft, and quiet voice.