Book 22 Chapter 12

Two Commentators

―The commentary will be done with the Six Harmonies, Sound-Spreading technique!

This arena housed individuals with exceptionally peculiar professions. They were positioned directly above the central wall of the arena, one remarkably young and the other an aged elder. Their roles were that of hosts and commentators. In essence, they were tasked with conveying the unfolding events in the arena to the spectators in a more thrilling manner. However, it was questionable whether their voices could even be heard within such a vast and boisterous arena. But that doubt was soon resolved.

"Now, you have waited and waited. Finally, today's greatest spectacle, the match of matches. Surely, everyone hasn't lost their necks waiting, have they? If you have, please reattach them quickly. For if you miss this match, you will regret it for a long, long time. At least you won't be able to sleep at night for a month, out of sheer frustration and resentment!"

As the eloquent young host opened his mouth, it was as if his voice was emanating from all directions. Despite not speaking particularly loudly, his voice was incredibly clear.

"Quite the inner energy. To have your voice reach every corner of such a large arena. It's a form of applying the Six Harmonies, Sound-Spreading technique…"

The Six Harmonies, Sound-Spreading technique, which makes sound heard from six directions simultaneously, was a very advanced skill among sound-transmitting techniques. Furthermore, as it presupposes a solid foundation of inner energy, mastering it at a young age was incredibly arduous.

"It's probably not just the Six Harmonies, Sound-Spreading technique alone. Judging by the resonance of metal, they must have installed tubes acting as amplifiers. See those large, golden, funnel-shaped objects installed here and there at the top?"

"There really are."

"They're likely connected to the small metal funnels protruding from the commentary box up there. They use those to amplify the sound."

"You know quite a bit, Yeonbi?"

"Ah, I've had a bit of a hobby for fiddling with metal since a long time ago. I've made quite a few things."

"That's an unusual hobby. Now that I think about it, you said the gift you gave me back then was also something you made yourself. Truly amazing."

"No, it's not that surprising…"

At that moment, the young man's voice echoed once more.

"The commentary will, as always, be hosted by me, the beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene, alongside the martial arts expert, Master Mookwang, who is profoundly knowledgeable in all the martial arts of the Jianghu."

Then, the hunchbacked elder sitting at an angle beside him gave a perfunctory nod of greeting.

"Even I, with my limited knowledge of the Jianghu, have heard the name Master Mookwang. They say he declared his intention to theoretically study the martial arts of all sects as a hobby and wandered the Jianghu for decades."

"Theoretically?"

"Yes, theoretically. It's impossible to physically master all of them, isn't it? So, he decided to acquire them theoretically to satisfy his thirst for knowledge."

"What an unusual person."

"And it's said he's well-versed in ancient and modern texts to understand the content. Not only the Book of Changes, but also adept at various calculation methods and formations. They say no one has ever defeated him in a debate of martial arts. Why would such a person be here?"

"Well, it could just be his hobby. Or perhaps a place for research or experimentation."

Or it could be both. Regardless, Yeonbi had little interest in what he was doing here. In the first place, he had barely heard anything about the great Master Mookwang's reputation.

"Now, finally. It's finally here. Have all the detached necks been reattached? Quickly pick up any fallen eyeballs. This is a match you will regret and regret again if you miss it. Now, from this moment on, the match of the King of the Yuan Tuh Arena, the lion with seven scars on his face, 'Chilsangheun,' will begin! Is everyone ready?"

Self-proclaimed beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene brought his hand to his ear as if listening.

Then, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted.

"Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

As the name Chilsangheun was mentioned, a heated ovation burst forth. This alone was enough to know how eagerly everyone had awaited his match.

"Now, the challenger is a man who has honed his blade of revenge against Chilsangheun for years! The Iron-Blooded Long Spear, Dan Mokgang, and two others!"

Cheers erupted again, and a middle-aged man holding a long spear, followed by two swordsmen, appeared from the right passageway.

"That person is…"

Upon seeing the long spear, Na Yerinn's eyes sparkled.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes, I never expected to see someone I know in a place like this."

Na Yerinn seemed disbelieving.

"Who is it?"

Yeonbi, who was more accurate to say had no particular interest rather than limited knowledge of the Jianghu, asked.

"Dan Mokgang, the Iron-Blooded Long Spear! He is the younger brother of the Sect Leader of the 'Dan Mok Family,' one of the eight great families, and also leads the 'Swift Wind Squad,' the elite force of the Dan Mok Family. His spear techniques are described as extremely refined, and his skills emanating from the tip of his spear are considered incredibly precise and sharp. But why would such a person be here?"

He would certainly have had enough money. Therefore, he wouldn't be in a place like this for money. Standing in such a place was akin to bringing shame to the honor of the Dan Mok Family. But why?

"Do you know the two people following him as well?"

"It seems those two are 'Jando' and ' Hogom,' two of the Three Great Masters of the Swift Wind Squad."

"And the remaining one of the Three Great Masters would be Dan Mokgang himself?"

"That's right. The three great masters of the Swift Wind Squad, the Swift Wind Three Shadows, appearing in a place like this at the same time…"

The cause and effect were utterly impossible to fathom.

"Now, the King finally makes his entrance. Everyone, please welcome him with cheers. The true victor of this arena, undefeated for the past five years, the man of seven scars, the Blood Emperor, Chiii-sang-heun!"

With cheers so loud it was questionable whether the arena itself wouldn't collapse, he emerged from the darkness.

Clang! Clang!

The sound of metal striking metal echoed from deep within the passageway.

Clang! Clang!

Every step he took was accompanied by that sound. As he appeared in the arena, everyone held their breath. Indeed, seven large scars ran across his face like furrows in a field, and these scars further amplified the ferocious aura that enveloped his body. The scars crisscrossing his flesh made the man's face look like patched-together scraps of leather, a terrifying visage. The scars were so heavy that his bare face was unrecognizable. For this reason, some called him the 'patched face.' His hair, falling to his shoulders, was dishevelled, and his eyes were filled with deep darkness and madness.

He was wrapped entirely in black chains, which tightly bound a black coffin suspended on his back. It was a sight that exuded ill omen just by looking at it.

"He's in his usual state today."

The undefeated king, the man of the black coffin. No one had ever seen what was inside that black coffin bound by chains. To see inside, one had to defeat him, but to date, no one had been able to. He reigned over this arena like an impenetrable wall. And there was someone challenging that wall.

"Finally found you, you villain!"

The eyes of Dan Mokgang, a renowned martial artist from Baedok known for his good nature, were now filled with a deadly glint.

"And who might you be?"

Chilsangheun asked in a listless voice. His voice was muffled, and it seemed he did not remember Dan Mokgang. His attitude further fueled Dan Mokgang's anger.

"You don't remember me! Surely you haven't forgotten the name Dan Mokwoo?"

"Dan Mokwoo?"

"That's right, Dan Mokwoo, the Iron Sword of the Dan Mok Family!"

He paused for a moment, then ran his middle finger from above his left eye, across his nose, to his right cheek, tracing a long scar. A cold sneer appeared on his lips.

"Ah, the one who made this scar. Hearing the name I had forgotten makes this scar throb again. Well, in return, I cleaved you from your right shoulder to your waist."

This was a clear provocation.

"The one who avenged my elder brother!"

At this, the murmurs in the arena grew louder.

"Is this possible! Astonishing! Shocking, truly shocking! To think that the one who murdered the second head of the Dan Mok Family was this Chilsangheun standing right here!"

"That's an untold secret of the Jianghu."

"Was the story of his death from illness a lie, Master Mookwang?"

"Hmm, now that you mention it, I do recall hearing such rumors. That Iron Sword Dan Mokwoo didn't die from illness but was defeated and killed by an unknown vagrant. However, those who knew Dan Mokwoo's skill did not believe it."

"So, that unknown vagrant was Chilsangheun?!"

Master Mookwang nodded.

"That's right. It was a secret affair unknown to most."

This story even stirred Na Yerinn, who was rarely surprised.

"I thought the second head of the Dan Mok Family, Dan Mokwoo, died in an accident, but to think he was defeated by such an unknown fighter…"

Na Yerinn also seemed unable to believe it. She had barely heard of the moniker Chilsangheun.

"Was Dan Mokwoo that strong?"

"I heard he had perfected the Dan Mok Family's secret sword technique, the 'Whispering Sword Technique,' to its highest level."

"Hmm, then compared to your master, Sword Empress?"

"Th-that's a completely different level. How can you compare them? The only one who can rival her in swordsmanship is Sword Saint, who is also one of the Heavenly Martial Three Stars."

His voice carried a hint of pride.

"Well, then he's not someone to worry about."

It was truly baffling how one could reach such a conclusion. Using Sword Empress, who was already outside the norm in the martial arts world, as a benchmark…

"That's a peculiar standard."

"It's quite ordinary, I suppose."

Yeonbi replied indifferently.

"But it would be best not to say such things in front of my master."

"Why?"

"Yeonbi, you may not have met her yet, but her personality is not ordinary. Even Sword Saint and Sword God are at a loss when dealing with her."

"Will she get angry?"

Na Yerinn shook her head.

"She'll probably praise you, immensely. Say you have great courage. And then…"

"And then?"

"She'll probably tell you to draw your sword immediately. To converse with swords."

As if picturing the scene, Na Yerinn replied with a smile.

"That's her way of praising."

And usually, you'd be half-dead. Yeonbi didn't want to see that happen.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Yeonbi could smile without hesitation because he didn't fear Sword Empress's praise. Master Mookwang's commentary continued.

"Chilsangheun became somewhat famous in the Jianghu after performing the martial arts feat called 'Hundred Man Slay' (Baekinsam). It caused quite a stir."

Master Mookwang had paid close attention to his whereabouts at the time and knew the details quite well. He chose not to mention the fact that he had personally gone to witness it several times.

"What kind of martial arts feat is 'Hundred Man Slay'?"

The beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene asked. It was a considerate gesture for the new guests. He subtly explained content that unfamiliar spectators might not understand, his hidden skill being to decide the pace of the explanation.

"Ah, it's an incredibly harsh martial arts practice that involves sacrificing one's life to hone both body and mind. It's merely known to have existed, but there are almost no records of it actually being performed. In truth, few lunatics would repeat a life-or-death duel a hundred times, not to mention mere practice. Above all, it's easy to drop out halfway."

"So, he succeeded in this fearsome practice?"

"That's right. And the reason he is in this arena may be due to his will to progress further."

"That means…"

"What do you think comes after Hundred Man Slay?"

Master Mookwang countered.

"Let me see? Two Hundred Man Slay?"

At that remark, Master Mookwang chuckled.

"Impossible. It's Thousand Man Slay (Cheonin Sam). I believe he is still continuing that practice here. Of course, that's just my personal speculation."

It was a convincing argument, but Dan Mokgang didn't care about such stories.

Dan Mokgang shouted again.

"Now, draw your sword! I do not kill those without weapons. Today, I will fight you honorably and show that the martial arts of the Dan Mok Family have not rusted!"

At this, Chilsangheun smirked.

"Honorably? I've never heard of a three-against-one being honorable."

Dan Mokgang's face immediately turned crimson.

"Y-y-you! Do you think I *want* to do this! It's because they said you can only apply if it's three-against-one, that I was forced to bring them along! Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to such a shabby place. Do you think I *want* to be a spectacle?!"

He had finally found Chilsangheun, the enemy of his elder brother, but that enemy remained secluded within the impenetrably guarded arena. He had repeatedly demanded Chilsangheun be released to the arena authorities, but his requests were consistently ignored. The underlying reason was that they couldn't let go of their biggest money-maker. He had even heard that if he wanted to take revenge on Chilsangheun so badly, he should become his opponent. The news that he had to team up with three people was truly humiliating. He had offered to fight one-on-one, but his offer was rejected.

"Hmm, it seems a one-on-one duel didn't materialize, Master Mookwang?"

"Of course. Why else would it be a three-against-one situation? Because no one could match Chilsangheun one-on-one. They would naturally object if it wasn't a match."

More precisely, the problem was that it wasn't profitable. If he fought alone, no one would bet on Dan Mokgang, and since it would be too one-sided, that was the reason. In other words, for profit, someone had to lose, but if no one lost, business wouldn't pick up. Thus, Dan Mokgang had no choice but to grit his teeth and accept their conditions. And so, he stood here with hatred and anger in his heart.

"Now that I think about it, you were determined to discover the origin of Chilsangheun's martial arts. Have you had any success?"

Master Mookwang shook his head with a regretful expression.

"No, regrettably, I haven't found it yet. In fact, his identity has been kept strictly secret until now. He himself has never revealed it. I even suspect the arena management might not know. That's why I tried to ascertain the origin of his martial arts, but there were no distinctive postures that would reveal his master. His ability to win so far without such grand techniques shows his prowess. Today, I wonder if his hidden strength will be revealed. I look forward to the challenger's struggle."

The challenger was still engaged in a war of nerves.

"Don't worry. I will face this alone!"

At that, Dan Mokgang shouted at Chilsangheun.

"No, you don't have to."

Chilsangheun replied in his characteristic muffled voice.

"What?"

Dan Mokgang retorted with a bewildered expression.

"It's bothersome. Come at me all at once!"

This was truly a preposterous statement.

"Yes, it's a provocation. Indeed, the King of the Arena! Such incredible audacity."

"Well, he has never had an opponent who could match him, whether it be three or five people."

"You… you bastard!"

Dan Mokgang's eyes turned red with rage. It was like pouring oil on a burning fire.

"I'll make you regret those words!"

"You can say that after you win. Although, such an opportunity will never come."

"Oh oh oh oh! As expected, he is the King! Unwavering in any situation. Now, place your bets. Place them! You can still bet more money. What will be the outcome of this match? For those who wish to see the future, place your bets! Bet for your own future! For a better tomorrow! For a windfall! Come, enjoy entertainment and hit the jackpot, isn't that great? Now, the curtain rises on the most brutal stage in the world!"

The odds, which had been tilted to one side, began to shift slightly towards the challenger. People began to think that perhaps the third master of the Dan Mok Family, one of the eight great families, was a match.

However, it didn't take long to confirm how naive that thought was.

The first to move were the three members of the Swift Wind Three Shadows. Jando and Hogom stood at the front with a gap between them, and Dan Mokgang positioned himself in the center rear, forming an inverted triangle formation.

"Are all three going to attack together?"

Na Yerinn said, watching the scene.

"They must lack confidence, not living up to their boasts."

Yeonbi's assessment was scathing.

"Is that so?"

Even from a distance, Chilsangheun's presence was extraordinary, giving off an unusual aura.

"But I think it's better than dying for pride's sake."

Dan Mokgang's eyes blazed like burning coals. Although it was humiliating, it was time to prioritize practicality over pride.

"Your arrogance will be your downfall!"

"You can say that after you kill me. Cheap characters always spout cheap lines."

"Wh-what!!"

"Since you have no depth of thought, no profound words can come from you. That's why you can only be a trivial person and live a trivial life. If you are not a trivial person, prove it with that spear!"

Chilsangheun sneered, twisting his scarred lips. The effect was immediate.

"Of course, I intend to!"

Whoosh!

With a fierce sound that sliced through the air, the red long spear aimed for Chilsangheun's brow. The killing intent gathered at the tip of the spear shot towards Chilsangheun. The man with seven scars laughed, as if he were delirious with joy.

"Now, we will commence the 'Arena Battle'! O-pen-battle!!"

The beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene rang a bell with the small hammer he held.

Ding ding ding!

It was the bell that signaled the beginning of a life-and-death struggle.

"Now, come!"

The battle, risking life itself, had just begun.

Taaat!

The two people standing in front leaped, aiming for Chilsangheun's left and right.

"Ah, Jando and Hogom have rushed out first!"

The beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene shouted with excitement.

"It seems like a diversionary tactic, to create an opening for Dan Mokgang."

Before Master Mookwang's words could finish, sparks flew, and a dust storm swirled. Then, a thunderous roar echoed! Something clashed with immense force, but the situation couldn't be discerned due to the dust cloud.

"Ah, this is terrible! I can't see. I can't see at all. Should we have changed the floor to stone? All I can hear is sound. I can't see even with my eyes open, this is truly impolite to the guests!"

"Well, the fights of skilled individuals are sometimes too difficult for ordinary eyes to follow. When fierce techniques are unleashed like this, a dust cloud can be created by the aftermath."

"Then, Master Mookwang, did you see it clearly?"

"Well, that's all I've been doing for a living. I pride myself on my eyesight being second to none."

"Then, regarding the combined attack of those two…"

Master Mookwang shook his head.

"It's not two people. It's three people."

"What?"

At his confident assertion, the arena buzzed.

"Hmm, indeed, his eyesight is quite good."

Yeonbi nodded. Master Mookwang continued.

"That roar that erupted at the end, that was the sound of Dan Mokgang's single thrust."

"Ah, is that so? Then, was the surprise attack successful?"

Master Mookwang shook his head, saying he didn't know.

"The dust will clear soon, so we'll see with our eyes."

As the dust cleared, the arena came into clear view.

By then, Jando and Hogom had retreated seven paces and were kneeling on one knee, groaning in pain. And Dan Mokgang's long spear had reached Chilsangheun's heart. However, unfortunately, his strike failed to pierce the enemy's heart.

Because Chilsangheun's broad, half-broken saber, which he had drawn at some point, was blocking the tip of the spear.

"Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Only then did the crowd grasp the situation, and cheers erupted.

"He blocked it! Yes, he blocked it! Chilsangheun, the King of this Arena, has effortlessly blocked the challenger Dan Mokgang's surprise, fearsome thrust! As expected of Chilsangheun!"

"He deflected the combined left and right attacks of Jando and Hogom, then used the broad saber as a shield to block the thrust. It's truly astonishing skill."

It was impossible to inflict any wounds on Chilsangheun's body. He had deflected the attacks of the two in an instant with the saber he had drawn. The intense pressure that momentarily enveloped him had forced them back five paces.

"His weapon is a saber. Such swift skill."

Na Yerinn exclaimed, admiring the swift move. Her assumption that the level of skill in such an entertainment venue wouldn't be very high was greatly mistaken.

"And it's a strangely shaped saber."

As Yeonbi said, the saber was only half-broken. The broad blade was densely covered in spiderweb-like scars, testament to the many fierce battles fought.

"A half-broken saber…"

The person most shocked in the arena was undoubtedly Dan Mokgang, whose decisive ultimate technique, 'One-Strike Kill' (Ilgyeoksal), had failed.

"H-how can this be! To block the One-Strike Kill…"

Then, Chilsangheun smirked.

"That was a little interesting. But it's useless if it doesn't land."

"Yih!"

Dan Mokgang's face contorted with anger and shame. However, he couldn't withdraw the force he had put into his spear aimed at the heart.

Master Mookwang commented on the scene.

"Hmm, it's a wise decision not to withdraw the force in the spear now. If he did so, he could be counterattacked immediately. But how long can he endure?"

This was what was meant by an inescapable situation.

"Interesting."

Chilsangheun smirked once more and slowly began to push his saber outward. Even with one hand, Dan Mokgang's spear, held with both hands, began to be pushed back.

"Such immense power!"

Dan Mokgang's complexion turned pale as he was pushed back. Incredibly, his body was being slowly pushed back along with the spear.

"Oh dear. If he's pushed back any further, it's dangerous. Player Dan Mokgang, how will he overcome this predicament?"

Just then, Jando and Hogom, having regained their composure, charged at Chilsangheun once more.

"Move aside, Third Master!"

"Die, villain!"

Chilsangheun exclaimed, "Tch!"

"Don't interfere!"

At that moment, his saber glowed red. A thin, red thread of blood light enveloped the air.

It was a blood thread that summoned blood.

"No… no way!"

Dan Mokgang couldn't believe his eyes. Instinctively, he used the recoil of his spear to leap backward at the cries of Jando and Hogom. And in the next moment, a flash of red light flickered through the air. And that red light instantly claimed the lives of the two men.

"Yes, astonishing! Chilsangheun's signature technique, 'Blood Net Kill' (Hyeolmangsal), has been unleashed. Players Jando and Hogom, you cannot stand!"

"Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Once again, ecstatic cheers erupted. The moment a blade drew blood always provided a thrilling sensation to these people. Hearing the excited voices of the spectators, Na Yerinn frowned.

"It seems the lives of those two are nothing more than entertainment to them."

"This is that kind of place."

Yeonbi said, without taking his eyes off the match.

"Jando, Hogom!"

No answer came, no matter how much he called.

"Do you remember this technique?"

At Chilsangheun's question, Dan Mokgang's face immediately turned grim.

"Of course, you villain! How could I forget that heinous technique! The one that took my elder brother's life!"

"It's good that you remember. Then you must have prepared a countermeasure, right? I hope you don't disappoint me."

His words were surprisingly not sarcastic. They were sincere.

To wish for his ultimate technique to be countered… he was not normal.

"Of course, I have prepared!"

How many long years of arduous training had he endured to cast away the nightmare etched before his eyes? It was all for this day. However, he couldn't even find the time to display his trump card.

"I hope you can block it. Your brother couldn't."

Wishing for his ultimate technique to be countered… it was an odd way of thinking. However, there was no need to refuse. Dan Mokgang was reminded of the reason he stood here despite enduring all sorts of humiliation.

"Of course, I intend to."

Dan Mokgang once again raised his long spear forcefully, aiming at Chilsangheun's brow. It was a mountain he had to overcome, one way or another. Until he removed that dried, blood-like stain clinging beneath his eyelid, he would never have a peaceful night.

"Now, come!"

Chilsangheun shouted in his muffled voice.

"Hap!"

With Dan Mokgang's battle cry, the tip of his spear began to glow white.

"Oh, is that Sword Aura? No, since it's a spear, should I call it 'Spear Aura'?"

Master Mookwang exclaimed excitedly, seeing the white light forming at the tip of the long spear.

"Spear Aura? That sounds a bit strange."

"It's probably because you're not used to it. Few people who wield spears have reached that level. Compared to those who have reached the level of Sword Aura."

Eugene nodded, finally seeming to understand.

"Spear Aura… Interesting. But besides the glittering, it doesn't look much different from before, does it? Is that truly a great level, Master Mookwang?"

"You'll see."

Chilsangheun's eyes flashed with madness as he took his stance again to deploy the Blood Net Kill technique. A dense killing aura erupted from his entire body like lava. The killing aura, which seemed to burn the air, silenced the onlookers. His body was once again preparing the fatal technique that had buried countless people.

Dan Mokgang had not developed any special new techniques. He felt that techniques hastily created over the not-so-short period of seven years could not be more powerful than techniques trained for forty years. Therefore, he had dedicated all his efforts to continuously training and evolving the most powerful existing technique. In doing so, he reached a conclusion.

'Ten Thousand Variations (Manbyeon) are suppressed by One Variation (Ilbyeon)!'

Ultimately, with a long spear, there were limits to the variations that could be created due to the nature of the weapon. Simplicity was needed to break variations. So, for the past seven years, he had focused solely on a single thrust.

He started all over again. He began by piercing paper. He pierced paper, then a book. Simply piercing it was meaningless. He repeated only the thrust, aiming to create a round hole as if cut by a sharp sword. Next was a wooden board. He repeatedly thrust the wooden board, which was only hung from the top of a clothesline, over and over again. He did not use any inner energy at all. It took several months because it wasn't completely fixed.

Next, trees rooted in the ground became his targets. He started with those as thick as his forearm and gradually increased the thickness. It took three years to drill into trees as thick as a grown man's embrace. Next were rocks. From giant boulders to small stones thrown into the air. It took another three years to make satisfactory holes.

Finally, he set paper, wood, rock, and iron plates in a single line. He believed that if he could pierce all of them with a single blow, he could break the nightmarish technique clinging to him. It wasn't easy. There were many frustrations. But after bone-grinding training, he finally managed to pierce the bothersome three-layered wall. He could never forget the tears that flowed down his cheeks at that moment.

He may not have reached the realm of 'No Variation' (Mubyeon), but he felt he had done his best. A fatal thrust to pierce any defense or variation, seven years of relentless training. That training was now about to bear fruit.

"Now, if you can break it, break it!"

Once again, Chilsangheun's half-broken saber threw a red net into the air, imbued with killing intent. A single thrust far more powerful than before. Dan Mokgang, watching the screen of blood lines rushing towards him, tightly gripped his spear.

Although he hadn't developed a new technique, the extreme of his training had bestowed upon him a new ultimate technique.

"Receive it!"

The training of the past years was concentrated into this single moment.

'True (Jin) One-Strike Kill (Ilgyeoksal), Triple Union (Samjung Ilgwan)!'

The tip of the white-glowing spear exploded outward, aiming to tear through the deadly red net.

"Ugh ugh ugh ugh!"

The people jeered. Why were they jeering at such a high-level duel?

The reason was simple.

Because it was so fast and so incredible that they couldn't discern what was happening at all. If you can't see it, if you can't understand it, it doesn't become entertainment. When the sound effects are amazing, but there's nothing to see, it can be frustrating for the audience.

"Oh my… I can't see again. I can't see even with my eyes wide open. This is truly regrettable. Can't they fight while showing us?"

The beautiful-voiced prodigy Eugene raised his voice.

"He tried to suppress ten thousand variations with one variation. It was a fatal strike where he risked his entire being. He tried to break through the wave of saber energy that constantly attacked him with a single spear. It can be called a move that risks one's life. I can say this with certainty: there is no turning back from here. The outcome of the match has already been decided by this single move."

Master Mookwang stated with a grave tone.

"Then, what was the outcome of the match?"

Master Mookwang rested his chin on his clasped hands and said in a serious voice.

"That's something we'll have to confirm now. It was a truly incredible clash. Astonishing!"

However, Chilsangheun's signature ultimate technique seemed to have surprised another person.

"That technique just now…"

Yeonbi, who had witnessed the thin, red blood threads enveloping the air, frowned. Yeonbi, who never expected such a surprising event here, felt as if he had been ambushed.

"Why? Is it a technique you've seen before?"

Yeonbi shook his head.

"No. It seems similar to a technique I know. But that technique isn't performed with a saber… To perform such a technique with such a stubby saber…"

Yeonbi was quite surprised.

"I think the spearman's method was not wrong. But unfortunately, his cultivation has not yet reached its peak to counter that technique."

"What does that mean…?"

"There is still something his spear cannot pierce."

As Yeonbi's words ended, the dust slowly cleared, revealing the life-or-death result he had hidden from the masses.

"Oooohhhhhhh!"

Dan Mokgang's spear had passed through Chilsangheun's body and protruded a long way behind him. Upon seeing that sight, Eugene exclaimed excitedly.

"Ah! Is this possible! Then is Dan Mokgang the victor?!"

"That's not it."

"That's not it."

Na Yerinn said with a frown.

"That was close."

Chilsangheun opened his mouth with an expressionless face.

"…Is it?"

Cough!

Blood spurted from Dan Mokgang's mouth.

"It wasn't a bad strike. But it's useless to pierce rocks and iron with this technique. Then again, who knows. Perhaps if it were a spear that pierces water, it might have countered this technique."

"Is that so… was it insufficient after all… Damn it!"

The realm of Water Piercing (Su Gwan), a realm he had strived for but ultimately failed to reach. The realm of piercing a transparent glass bottle filled with water without breaking the bottle. Even after piercing a hole, water should not leak out for a while. Even Dan Mokgang's spear, which easily pierced iron and rocks, could not pierce the Water Virtue (Sudeok), which changes its form according to the vessel.

"If only three more years… if only three more years…"

Even Chilsangheun acknowledged that point.

"It's your fault for challenging before ten years."

A bitter smile formed on Dan Mokgang's lips.

"I was too impatient…"

With those words, Dan Mokgang closed his eyes while standing.

Shook!

At that moment, his clothes tore, and blood gushed like a fountain from the cracks on his back.

Na Yerinn quietly closed her eyes. Yeonbi did not turn away from the sight.

It was the end of Dan Mokgang, the third master of the Dan Mok Family, the Iron-Blooded Long Spear.

"Nine years since then… another failure today…"

Glancing at Dan Mokgang's corpse lying on the scattered blood, Chilsangheun quietly muttered to himself.

Shh!

With a swing of his saber, the blood that had splattered on the ground scattered. After putting away the half-broken saber, he turned his back. And he returned to where he had come from.

Looking forward to the next time.