Book 5 Chapter 17

The Duel of the Ages and Dried Meat

“Wow! So many people!”

Bilyeon exclaimed, his mouth agape.

There were always crowds like this at major matches.

Jinryeong of the Suzaku Clan, who had accompanied them, also scrunched up her pretty nose.

“Ugh! The smell of sweat!”

They were packed in so tightly, brushing against each other, that it felt like one could get heat rash even in midwinter. But this was early autumn, and the summer heat hadn't fully subsided. It was inevitable that they would sweat. If they hadn't cultivated internal energy and learned to control their metabolism, the situation would have been tens of times worse.

Fortunately, many of them had reached a level where they didn't sweat even in midsummer and weren't bothered by the cold in midwinter, preventing a situation drenched in sweat. However, they couldn't block the smell. A fishy odor, also known as the smell of men. It was only natural to cover one's nose and frown. The interest in the final match of the Sword Master Tournament between Moyonghwi and Cheongheun was immense.

“Could you make some room?”

Bilyeon said to Yeomdo.

Yeomdo didn't say, 'No way, how could I!' He simply emanated an aura of killing intent from his body. In a state of swirling killing intent, Yeomdo gently tapped the back of the person in front of him.

“Who the… gasp!”

One of the guards, who had been preparing to shout, 'Who the hell is this!', could only inhale sharply as he turned around. Terrifying red eyes glared at him as if they would devour him. His knees suddenly trembled. A sense of crisis, that he might be beaten to death, washed over him. He had to get out of there. So, the others also had no choice but to reluctantly make way.

Bilyeon once again felt how useful disciples were in many ways.

“Swish!”

“?”

Bilyeon extended his hand towards Namgung Sang. Namgung Sang stared blankly, not understanding why. He felt he had to give Namgung Sang something… Looking at Namgung Sang standing there blankly, Bilyeon clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, tsk! So dull-witted! How will you navigate this harsh world….”

“I apologize.”

Namgung Sang, not knowing why, apologized first.

“Dried meat!”

Bilyeon said each word clearly. Namgung Sang's face contorted vaguely.

He couldn't possibly have it. Why dried meat at a time like this? Namgung Sang had no choice but to confess.

“I didn't prepare any!”

“Thwack!”

“Ouch!”

Bilyeon's hand showed no mercy. Fortunately, Bilyeon's strike was too fast, and everyone's attention was focused on the two people on the dueling stage, so no one noticed his strike. Because of this, Namgung Sang barely managed to avoid public humiliation in front of numerous academy guards. For Bilyeon, it was a way of showing consideration.

“What have you learned and felt during this time? You've made no progress at all.”

Bilyeon interrogated Namgung Sang in a calm tone. His tone was one of utter disappointment.

“I apologize! Senior Disciple Brother!”

Poor Namgung Sang, becoming the target of his anger. But what use was it if he was innocent? He could only lower his head and apologize. If meeting a bad Senior Disciple Brother was a sin, then that was his sin, though he had done nothing wrong…

“Look! This kind of once-in-a-lifetime brawl should be enjoyed with some dried meat! It's simple logic, why haven't you understood it yet?”

“What?”

For a moment, Namgung Sang blinked blankly and had to rack his brain to confirm if he had heard correctly.

What day was it today! It was the final of the Sword Master Tournament, where the rising star Moyonghwi, the Seven Extremes Divine Sword, would clash with Cheongheun, the Unyielding Giant Mountain, the Three Extremes Sword. To seek dried meat before such a historic event…

Bilyeon, with an unfazed expression, had reduced the duel between the Seven Extremes Divine Sword Moyonghwi and the Three Extremes Sword Bicheonryong Cheongheun, a duel of unprecedented significance, to the level of a mere street brawl. How must Namgung Sang feel, having such a person as his Senior Disciple Brother! It was absurd and preposterous!

'He's looking for dried meat before a nail-biting, breath-holding duel like this, is he out of his mind?'

However, before Bilyeon could raise his hand again, Namgung Sang hurried off to get the dried meat. He had to quickly get the damned dried meat before the main duel began. If he missed this once-in-a-lifetime duel because of a piece of dried meat, he would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of those around him.

“Wait!”

The voice that stopped him as he rushed out like a shot arrow belonged to Yeomdo, who was sitting next to Bilyeon. Namgung Sang felt like he had found light.

Namgung Sang looked at Yeomdo with a flicker of hope. It made no sense to miss such an opportunity to watch a duel between such masters for a mere piece of dried meat. As a master responsible for teaching, Namgung Sang expected Yeomdo to stop Bilyeon's childish behavior. However, it only took a breath to realize that his hope was in vain.

“Bring mine too when you come!”

That was it. Then, Yeomdo turned his gaze back to the dueling stage. The signal that his business was done, and he could go. Bilyeon glanced at Yeomdo. His gaze seemed somewhat suspicious.

'Are you planning to match me now?' His gaze clearly meant that.

Yeomdo deliberately ignored Bilyeon's gaze. The reason he was here, not in the comfortable and well-positioned judges' seats, was all due to Bilyeon. Bilyeon, with his foresight, had judged that the final of this Sword Master Tournament would be very crowded, and had brought Yeomdo along to secure good seats. As expected, when Yeomdo showed his face, the guards willingly made way and offered seats. Yeomdo's intimidating presence had proven very useful in many ways through this incident.

Namgung Sang had no more time to waste.

Judging by the situation, the two would likely remain in a standoff for a while. He had to somehow retrieve the packet of dried meat before then. If he only brought two pieces of dried meat, it was obvious he would be openly berated, 'Do you do exactly as you're told! Were you so dull-witted that you lacked such sense and flexibility?'

He should at least get a bundle. Time was running out. Missing such a duel of the ages was unthinkable for a martial artist. Namgung Sang raised his internal energy to the fullest and added strength to his feet to accelerate further.

“Damn it!”

The curse slipped out on its own, without being prompted.

The duel between the young Moyonghwi, the rising star of the martial arts world and rumored successor to the Sword Master, one of the Three Heavenly Martial Stars, and Cheongheun, the Three Extremes Sword, the supreme master of the Nine Provinces and one of the Nine Dragons, was enough to stir the fervent interest of the world.

The finals of the other tournaments felt like mere preludes to this match. In other words, Bilyeon's advancement to the finals was not attracting any attention from the public. Even though his advancement to the finals was astonishing and shocking, a sudden and anomalous event, the attention focused on the Sword Master Tournament finals was that much more special and significant.

Not only the guards but also all the martial arts masters and officials of the academy were showing their utmost interest. The Just Heaven Alliance, the White Path Martial Arts Alliance, had even dispatched people to directly assess the skills of these two. This was tantamount to intending to include them in their ranks. Therefore, all the conditions were met for the Sword Master Tournament finals to be the focus of public attention.

All the blood circulating in his veins seemed to be running wild and playing freely. His heart rate had more than doubled, and his body temperature was steadily rising, as if his blood were boiling.

'Am I nervous? Or excited?'

Moyonghwi hadn't been excited or nervous in front of an opponent in a long time. He always analyzed his opponents coolly and responded accordingly. But now, his heart was pounding violently, as if he were throwing away all his recent training. He had to admit it to himself.

'This is excitement! It's proof that every nerve in my body rejoices in this confrontation!'

Moyonghwi had never fought a worthy opponent since he entered the martial arts world. His true opponents had always been the elders, brothers, and grandfather of his clan. But this brilliant lineup made Moyonghwi truly realize how great the people of his clan were when he came into the martial arts world.

No one had been a match for him. Compared to the elders of his clan, others were nothing to him. When Moyonghwi first watched Cheongheun's match, this final battle was an inevitable fate.

It was only when he stood on this spot that Moyonghwi truly felt that fact. The first opponent who had stirred him since entering the martial arts world, that Cheongheun, was now standing before him like a towering mountain. For the first time, he recognized the existence of defeat.

Cheongheun's current feelings were no different from Moyonghwi's.

Three years had passed since he entered the Heavenly Martial Academy, and apart from the Hall Master, there were almost no worthy opponents. If he had to pick, it would only be a few seniors belonging to the Four Heavenly Martial Sword Souls, whom he rarely saw. Among the upperclassmen, those who could match him were few and far between.

However, facing Moyonghwi now, he had abandoned the thought of underestimating his opponent. The extraordinary aura was indeed as rumored.

'Is this truly the aura of a first-year student who has just entered the Heavenly Martial Academy?'

Cheongheun could only admire. He finally understood why there had been so much talk about Moyonghwi since his debut in the martial arts world. After admiration came anticipation. He felt exhilarated with the expectation that this opponent would allow him to display everything he had.

Since his last Sword Enlightenment, he hadn't given his all in any duel. Everyone had been unable to match him. But today, he admitted that he had to give his all to the person standing before him. His eyes shone sharply. The excitement he had long forgotten now dominated his entire body. Cheongheun was the first to speak.

“We've finally reached here. Indeed, the divine sword aura is magnificent.”

Even though he hadn't drawn his sword, he could read the opponent's level from his posture alone.

“You are also magnificent, Senior. I can only admire you.”

“Hahaha! It is an honor to receive such praise from the successor of the Sword Master Moyong, the great hero.”

“How could I disgrace my grandfather's name? I am merely inexperienced. It is shameful to be mentioned alongside his name.”

“No. I'm sure your grandfather would have been proud of you. Who wouldn't cherish a prodigious talent like you, especially one of their own blood?”

That was Cheongheun's honest feeling.

“Your praise is too excessive, it makes me feel awkward.”

“Hahaha! You don't need to hold back just because I praised you. I'm a person with some sense of shame.”

“There's no way I can afford to be at ease. Even if I give my all, I feel I'm falling short.”

Moyonghwi truly thought so.

“That's kind of you to say. I hope you will give it your all. Let's have a spirited, no-holds-barred match. You're looking forward to it too, aren't you? I can feel your sword longing for it.”

Moyonghwi quietly nodded. When there is a strong person, it is the destiny of those who wield swords to want to cross swords with them.

“I know well that your sword desires the same thing as mine.”

Cheongheun wore a look of 'Indeed.' A faint smile spread across his face.

“It's fortunate that you know. Don't disappoint me. Shall we begin then?”

“Anytime!”

Finally, the swords of both men slipped out of their scabbards, emitting a brilliant light under the sun. At the same time, a terrifying momentum began to erupt from both of them. The grand clash of the ages had finally begun.

For Moyonghwi, this match was one he absolutely had to win. He could clearly feel the unprecedented extreme tension gnawing at his heart.

If he lost this match, he would tarnish the name of the Sword Master Moyong Jeongcheon, the martial artist he respected most in the world and his grandfather. Being just a first-year student was not a valid excuse for losing. He had the teachings of the Sword Master, who was revered by some as the god of the sword.

Moyonghwi had trained under such advantageous conditions, in an environment of immense benefit, far more than others. That's why he always tried to win. To protect the name and honor of the Sword Master…

This promise was a promise with Gongson Ilchwi, the Sword Venerable, who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Sword Master Moyong Jeongcheon. He had to show it. He had to prove himself as a successor to the brilliant name. It didn't matter if the opponent was Cheongheun, the Three Extremes Sword of the Nine Provinces.

For Moyonghwi, the thought of his grandfather's brilliance being tarnished because of him was unthinkable, a terrifying prospect he couldn't even imagine. Therefore, he had to win this duel by any means necessary to protect the honor of the Sword Master.

Cheongheun had the same desperation to win. He was not only a direct disciple of the Great Wudang Sect but also the martial expert of the Nine Provinces. That is, with the Hall Master absent, he represented the military power of the Nine Great Sects.

Although not belonging to the Eight Great Clans, he was, in a way, representing them by coming up. He had to fulfill his responsibility in this match against Moyonghwi, who was considered to be representing them. His mission was to win the Sword Master Tournament and protect the honor of the Nine Great Sects.

For Moyonghwi and Cheongheun, this was a battle for honor, more precious than life in the martial arts world. The word defeat did not exist in their minds. Only victory and the conviction of inevitable victory existed.

Their energies surged like waves, fiercely like a wildfire, and sharply like a sword forest, filling the dueling stage.

“Wow! This is quite a sight!”

Bilyeon said.

“He’s quite capable!”

Yeomdo's words.

“It’s dazzling and good. Lots to see, good for the eyes!”

Bilyeon treated the masters’ swordplay as mere eye candy. Yeomdo simply nodded in silence.

“Oh, oh! If he goes on like that, he'll get caught by the nape of his neck… Young Hui is moving too hastily!”

Bilyeon spoke as if he could see everything, watching Moyonghwi sweep towards Cheongheun, scattering sword energy like starlight. Cheongheun, parrying Moyonghwi's sword, still maintained a calm expression.

“He still has a long way to go to even reach his grandfather’s waist, let alone his toes!”

Yeomdo also chimed in occasionally. And yet, the two of them continued to chew on pieces of dried meat.

“You guys watch carefully too! There's no one among the Azure Dragon Clan members who's stronger than them! So, if you can win against them, you can win against everyone! What do you think, is it a bit difficult?”

No one answered. In that moment, a sharp light flashed across Yeomdo's face.

“You don't seem confident?”

Bilyeon fanned the flames.

“Are you saying you can't do it now?”

Yeomdo's red hair flickered like a burning flame. It was due to unconsciously activating his internal energy.

It was dangerous. They all quickly shook their heads. Yeomdo, once he exploded, was worse than Bilyeon these days. It was Yeomdo who was making them sweat blood with his rigorous training. His competitive spirit towards the Ice Sword Master was unmatched.

The Suzaku Clan members had to endure relatively arduous days because of this. Bilyeon merely sat by and enjoyed the show.

Yeomdo pushed them, and Bilyeon was leisurely…

In the middle of it all, it was the unfortunate Suzaku Clan members who were pushed around.

The Sword Master Tournament finals, which had gathered such immense interest, had the attention of the entire stadium, including the Elder Council Chairman, Sword Venerable Gongson Ilchwi, and Grandmaster Cheolkwon Majinga.

“What do you think? Sword Venerable.”

The overall finals of the Heavenly Martial Three Stars Grand Competition felt like the Sword Master Tournament, and the winner of the Sword Master Tournament was like the winner of the Heavenly Martial Three Stars Grand Competition. Well, it wasn't wrong… In fact, in the White Path Martial Arts world, where over 90% revered the sword, the supreme master of the sword being the actual supreme master was the norm, the common belief, and common sense.

The world's greatest master had always come from the sword schools. Without exception, the world's greatest master had always been a swordsman. Of course, the previous world's greatest master, the Martial God Hyeok Wolrin, used both sword and saber, but he could still be considered a swordsman. Though only half, a sword was held in his right hand.

“Indeed, he is Jeongcheon's grandson! To have honed the sword of a successor to this extent…”

Gongson Ilchwi sighed in amazement. He was inwardly envious of Jeongcheon for taking in such a child as his successor.

'Shouldn't I also find a successor soon? I am also tempted by that child.'

Gongson Ilchwi's gaze shifted to Cheongheun, who stood proudly opposite Moyonghwi. Anyone could see that Cheongheun was the master of this final match, and Moyonghwi was the challenger. This proved how great Cheongheun's potential was.

“Indeed, as rumored. The name Seven Extremes Divine Sword was not given in vain. Today, you are all proving it. Moreover, Cheongheun, the Three Extremes Sword on the other side, is also showing a terrifying momentum.”

A middle-aged man in white martial arts robes with an extraordinary aura, sitting next to the two, repeatedly exclaimed in admiration and praise. The three swords embroidered on his chest proved that he was from the Just Heaven Alliance of the White Path Martial Arts Alliance.

His name was Baekro Geom (Hundred Luo Sword) Chu Hyeon. He had graduated as the top student from the Heavenly Martial Academy twenty years ago and was now employed by the Martial Arts Alliance. And his current position within the Martial Arts Alliance was by no means insignificant. The rumors circulating were true. The reason he was here was to look for talented individuals in preparation for the future. In particular, it was to personally witness the skills of Cheongheun, the Three Extremes Sword, and Moyonghwi, the Seven Extremes Divine Sword, whom he had only heard about through rumors. This was in preparation for the battle against the Sky Tower that would take place in about a year…

“Grrr! Damn it, this is so frustrating!”

Hyoryong spat out irritably. More than 100 seconds had passed, but the outcome of the match was still unclear. Both of them had displayed magnificent sword techniques without clearly showing any advantage. Every move they made was astonishing. It was truly a battle of dragons and tigers.

Is he worried about Moyonghwi? Interpreting Hyoryong's expression now, it would be 'I'm dying of worry' or 'Please save me.'

“I hate being a passive spectator like this the most. I hate being in a position where I can only watch, powerless. I don't think I suit this kind of position where I cannot be the arbiter of my own and others' destinies!”

His gaze, with a stern expression, was serious.

“Don't worry too much, Ryong! The swordsman Moyonghwi has enough ability to forge his own destiny without relying on others. He'll do fine even if you don't worry so much! He's not losing yet, is he? Trust him for now! If Ryu-yeon were here, he would say that worrying about such a capable person is a waste of mental energy. Hahaha!”

Hyoryong felt Jang Hong's words, patting his back and speaking arbitrarily, resonate in his heart. He always felt like a close elder brother, not a peer. So he felt reassured.

'Yes, to believe in a friend's abilities is what makes them a true friend. A true friend, however….'

Suddenly, thinking of his own situation, Hyoryong felt a little bitter. Perhaps he was cheering for Moyonghwi so fervently to escape that feeling. At that moment, Hyoryong's eyes, which had been watching the dueling stage with impatience, widened, and a desperate cry burst out.

“Danger!”

But Cheongheun's sword was already revolving in the air and flying towards Moyonghwi with terrifying momentum. Cheongheun's sword skill was something unheard of, making him wonder if there was such a sword technique that was activated like this in the Wudang Sect.

“Boom!”

Finally, a deafening roar erupted along with a flash of white light.

Two swords flew at each other with blinding speed.

And then, another sword like a streak of rain followed! Even if one avoided the first two, the last one seemed absolutely impossible to dodge.

A final move that could not be dodged!

There was only one way… to collide and shatter it…

Moyonghwi unleashed the ultimate move of the Meteor Shower Sword Technique with all his might. He didn't care if it strained his body. There was no time to consider that now.

“Meteor Roaring Heaven Dance.”

“Boom, boom, boom!”

As sword energy clashed with sword energy, bursts of light erupted, and a thunderous roar, unlike anything one would expect from clashing swords, burst forth. The two men barely managed to maintain their stance after retreating twelve steps.

“Magnificent!”

A faint smile played on Cheongheun's lips. A trickle of red blood flowed beside his smile. He had suffered a slight internal injury from the recent clash. Moyonghwi was not unscathed either. He too was suppressing his internal injuries, barely swallowing the blood flowing down. His clothes were torn in several places, and he had lost his usual neat appearance.

Cheongheun was genuinely admiring the junior who was his opponent. Moyonghwi felt the same admiration for the opponent's high level of skill.

“You are also magnificent, Senior. I am truly impressed.”

The final match between Cheongheun and Moyonghwi, which had become the center of attention, was already nearing its end. Despite constantly displaying countless ultimate techniques through their swords, a clear victory or defeat had not yet been determined. And finally, the two acknowledged each other.

'Their skills are evenly matched!'

If so, it was time to decide the winner with a hidden ultimate move.

Moyonghwi took a breath and raised his sword diagonally. Cheongheun drew out all three of his swords. The three swords began to twirl around his chest as if teasing each other. From now on, it would be the real deal within the real deal.

“Now it's time to show me what you've been saving, isn't it!”

Cheongheun said with admiration and a smile.

“My sword is based on the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom, created by my master in his twilight years after entering the True Sword Realm. One of them is the Three Extremes Lotus Ring Flying Sword, which you just blocked. And the rest is the Ultimate Sword Dao, the Formless Sword.”

I myself, having recently begun practicing the Three Extremes Lotus Ring Flying Sword, have attained a weak but clear understanding of one sword in my heart. It is my fourth sword and my final technique. Now, that sword wants to show off in front of you!”

Is it confidence that he can win even after revealing everything? A sword in his heart… How terrifying its power would be was unimaginable. However, it was certain that it would be unimaginably terrifying.

Moyonghwi responded in a clear voice, not to be outdone. Although he was usually so quiet that he was suspected of being mute, his voice was surprisingly beautiful.

“It is admirable that you already have a sword in your heart.”

The opponent intends to compete with me using his ultimate technique. It is only proper martial courtesy to respond in kind.

“My grandfather, 120 years ago, along with two close friends and one benefactor, faced ‘him’ and, feeling his own limitations, tirelessly sought a new sword principle to pass on to his successors. After about 50 years, he abandoned all the secret sword techniques of his clan and succeeded in creating one sword technique. He named it the Silver River Flow. By fate, I inherited it. Today, I will display it with my imperfect skill, so please don't laugh at it.”

Although he spoke with humility, Cheongheun dared not underestimate him. Fear, excitement, and joy mingled in his heart. Cheongheun also knew who the 'he' Moyonghwi mentioned was. Wasn't it a name so terrifying that he didn't even want to utter it?

In short, Moyonghwi's words meant he would display the sword technique that embodied the insights gained through immense effort by the Sword Master Moyong Jeongcheon, the head of the Three Heavenly Martial Stars, in his twilight years to counter 'him,' known as the Thousand Calamity Blood God.

A sword technique stronger than the Silver River Meteor Sword Technique, which was already one of the strongest sword techniques!

It was impossible to even imagine its form. Although he called it imperfect, how could he not be afraid and also delighted, as a swordsman, to glimpse the Sword Master's insights gained in his twilight years? Cheongheun's body trembled as if struck by lightning.

There was no sword technique in Wudang that used three swords. There wasn't even a dual-sword style, let alone a triple-sword one… Yet, Cheongheun held three swords.

The Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom!

That was the name of the martial art he had learned.

People think the current strongest person in the Wudang Sect is the Sect Leader. This is common sense for most people. However, that is completely wrong.

The martial arts of former Sect Leaders and former Elders who have retired and are engrossed solely in the sword path, free from the troubles of the world, are often superior to current Sect Leaders who are busy managing the affairs of the sect. It is natural for them to be stronger than Sect Leaders who cannot even find time to train due to various administrative duties. Of course, this does not mean that the Sect Leader is weak. The usual reason why the Sect Leader or head of each sect is the strongest is that in most sects, only the Sect Leader inherits the sect's secret treasure, that is, the secret ultimate technique.

Of course, this varies greatly depending on the sect. If only the Sect Leader receives the secret treasure, how strong must the former Sect Leader who passed it on be!

Cheongheun's actual direct master was not the current Wudang Sect Leader, True Man Yunseong. Although formally a disciple of the current Sect Leader, he received his sword energy from the former Sect Leader, True Sword Man Hyeon Geom.

Thirty years after the former Wudang Sect Leader, True Sword Man Hyeon Geom, secluded himself with the Tai Chi Wisdom Sword as a pastime in his later years! In his twilight years, he gained enlightenment and created a sword technique. However, it was a sword technique that differed from the current Wudang Sect's sword techniques. True Sword Man Hyeon Geom, who rejoiced and at the same time felt a bit bitter like a child, naturally could not take this to his grave. So he asked the Sect Leader.

“Sect Leader, this old daoist has gained a rather insignificant insight in his later years. To whom should I pass it on? However, if one masters this, they may not have the leisure to focus on other sword techniques. Moreover, it is quite difficult and requires extraordinary talent, so I am truly troubled.”

The current Wudang Sect Leader, True Man Yunseong, pondered for a moment and unhesitatingly chose Cheongheun and handed him over to True Sword Man Hyeon Geom. Cheongheun, who was about to transition to the advanced stage of Wudang Sword, began to be taught the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom, created by True Sword Man Hyeon Geom, putting aside all other sword techniques. It was a sword technique whose application differed from the general Wudang Sword.

If the sword of the Wudang Sect started from the Tai Chi, which combined Yin and Yang, the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom was a sword technique based on Yin, Yang, Union, and Heaven, Earth, and Man. It was a sword technique that gathered inwards rather than extending outwards. Moreover, it was not a sword technique fought with a sword in hand.

The Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom is largely divided into two parts, the first being the Three Rings Rotating Flying Sword. This can be called a type of sword manipulation with Qi. Of course, it is not perfect Qi manipulation, but it can be considered an entry-level sword technique for Qi Manipulation. Of course, if perfected, one could wield three swords like one's own limbs.

However, Moyonghwi had just blocked his Three Rings Rotating Flying Sword by performing the ultimate move of the Silver River Meteor Sword Technique, Meteor Roaring Heaven Dance, with extreme skill.

The Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword, while powerful, also has weaknesses. Therefore, it is not used carelessly. Once deployed, it is difficult to find an opponent who can block it, but the consumption of internal energy is also extreme.

Qi Manipulation Sword cannot be deployed for long due to the extreme consumption of divine energy and internal energy.

Since the Three Rings Rotating Flying Sword had failed, all that remained was to deploy the true teaching of the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword, the Formless Sword.

Cheongheun had never used three swords simultaneously before. This did not mean that he had abandoned the basic sword techniques of Wudang after learning the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword. For ordinary opponents, that alone was sufficient. But now, it was time to reveal the real thing. The last trump card he had hidden! The Formless Sword was about to be activated by his hand. It was the first step in rewriting the Wudang Sect's sword manual.

'Indeed!'

Moyonghwi marveled at Cheongheun's aura, which pressed down on him like a mountain. He hadn't even deployed his initial move yet. He was experiencing pressure he had never felt before during his martial arts career since entering the martial world and earning the name Seven Extremes Divine Sword.

It was a pressure he hadn't felt even when surrounded by five Black Moon Society experts at Mount Lao.

This was the first time he had encountered someone of his own age who could put such pressure on him and tense all his muscles. How could he not be impressed?

'Indeed, the world is vast.'

Moyonghwi was once again reminded of how vast and boundless the world was today.

As a junior, Moyonghwi, out of courtesy, first deployed the initial move of his ultimate technique.

Moyonghwi pulled his sword towards his chest and, with his left hand, formed a sword seal, entering the initial move of the Silver River Flow's Genesis Sword. Cheongheun, who was preparing to perform the Formless Sword of the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword, immediately stiffened. This was because he sensed an unusual aura emanating from the initial move.

In particular, the heavy and immense aura felt from the left hand sword seal, not just the sword, was also unusual. It felt like two energies were colliding and about to explode in one place. Even with that alone, Cheongheun dared not act rashly.

Like the Formless Sword, the Silver River Flow was not a low-level martial art bound by the form of its moves. It was a martial art that had already surpassed the stage of being bound by moves.

'Truly, the supreme sword technique gained through years of arduous effort by the Sword Master in his twilight years! The pressure I feel is on another level.'

A tremendous pressure seemed to weigh down his entire body. He felt as if he were being sucked towards the tip of the opponent's sword.

'Grrr! I need to snap out of it. I must not be bewitched by the sword like this.'

Without his fourth sword, he would be utterly defeated. Cheongheun also unleashed his ultimate move, responding to Moyonghwi's sword pressure.

All three swords Cheongheun possessed were drawn and hovered in front of his chest. Though no one was holding them, the three swords floated in the air and began to slowly rotate. Finally, Cheongheun had decided to reveal everything he had learned and comprehended.

The three swords rotated around him like a Tai Chi diagram, gradually increasing their speed. Cheongheun sought to repel Moyonghwi's energy by increasing the power entering his Tai Chi diagram.

Three Origins United! Innate Formlessness!

Following the teaching that Yin and Yang unite, and Heaven, Earth, and Man harmonize to return to formlessness and achieve the Great Dao, Cheongheun moved his internal energy. As the sword rotated according to the key principles of the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword, it gradually merged into one and sublimated into a single energy.

The Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword rotated in front of his body, creating another energy. As the three energies merged into one, the increasingly powerful energy gradually took form and began to resemble a sword. The sword materialized in the center of the three swords from Cheongheun's heart! That was his fourth sword, the Formless Sword.

“Huh! What in the world is that? This energy, which feels like sword intent yet not like sword intent… And it’s sword intent with such a clear form! Is that the Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom that my junior brother attained in his twilight years…?”

Gongson Ilchwi, watching, exclaimed with genuine admiration. It was a move that couldn't be attributed to a youth. Even many of the renowned masters in the martial arts world today would not be a match for this. The outstanding achievement of his disciple was a source of great joy for him as a grand-uncle.