Overwhelming martial strength. A power that stood out. 'Opportunity comes to those who are prepared.'
Although Seolhwa's help had been instrumental in creating this chance, in the end, it was something Namgung Jipyeong had earned because he never gave up and endured for a long time. Because he had endured all that time amidst scornful and mocking gazes.
Kwaang—!
"Ha... haa... ha..."
Steam rose from Namgung Jipyeong's body. It was the heat generated from pushing his concentration and the physical strength he had trained to their absolute limits. His eyes were filled with the determination to pour out everything he had right here.
'That monstrous bastard...' The Yellow Dragon member gripped his sword tightly. He, too, was desperate for this position.
Though not as much as Namgung Jipyeong, for the Yellow Dragon member, it was also an opportunity he had seized after many years. 'I absolutely cannot lose...!' A blue Energy shimmered from the Yellow Dragon member's body like a heat haze.
Those watching the sparring match were astonished.
"The peak of the first-rate level!"
The consummate first-rate level, on the verge of the Supreme Realm.
"There was someone that strong in the Outer Hall?"
"Weren't the warriors of the Outer Hall second-rate at best?"
"Why on earth is a guy like that still in the Outer Hall?"
Even among the Inner Hall warriors, a consummate first-rate master was rare. That was how astonishing the power displayed by the Yellow Dragon member was. 'That one is quite something too...'
Seolhwa's eyes filled with interest. It seemed that thanks to what she had done for the Red Dragon 11th Squad, talented individuals who had been buried in other Sword Squads were also getting their chance.
'Yes.
This is what a promotion test is.' A place where one is judged solely by skill, not by power or backing.
"Uwaaaaaah!"
The Yellow Dragon member rushed towards Namgung Jipyeong. 'Heavenly Wind Sword Technique, Second Form, Chaotic Dragons from Four Sides!' Turbulent winds swirled from all four directions, converging on Namgung Jipyeong.
It was a ferocious energy, as if dragons were about to tear him apart. Amidst the surging energy, Namgung Jipyeong exhaled slowly and recalled a voice. 'Master warrior, you are strong.
You have great power. You just don't know how to use it.' Namgung Jipyeong gripped the hilt of his sword.
'Put strength into your lower body. Use the power of the earth, unshakeable.'
Thud!
He put strength into his lower body as if planting roots deep into the ground. 'Once your lower body is firm, the next step is how you hold the sword. Instead of squeezing the hilt, put strength into your thumb and index finger, and support the weight with the other fingers.
Like this.'
He gripped the sword just as the child had shown him. So he could swing the sword in any direction at any moment, without excessive tension in his body. He exhaled and stared at the Yellow Dragon member's sword strikes raining down before him.
At the dragon's energy that surged forward as if to bind and trap him. 'The moment you must swing the sword, put strength into your grip on the hilt. With the will to cut down your opponent in a single strike,' For an instant, strength flowed into the hand gripping the hilt.
In that moment, his eyes flashed. 'With the will to cut down the heavens.' Namgung Jipyeong's sword pierced into the center of the Yellow Dragon member's raging assault.
Heavenly Wind Sword Technique, Counter-Sword Technique!
Chwaaak—!
"Kuaaak!"
The Yellow Dragon member's body twisted in mid-air and was sent flying. He had avoided Namgung Jipyeong's attack, but he couldn't escape the swirling energy. In that instant, astonishment filled the faces of those watching the sparring match.
Seop Mugwang, the leaders of the Sword Units, and even the Hall Masters and elders who prided themselves on their deep knowledge of sword techniques. Those who recognized Namgung Jipyeong's sword technique could not believe their eyes. 'Namgung's sword technique... was countered...?'
'Impossible...!
How could Namgung's sword technique...!' The Namgung sword technique was a peerless art that had made the current Sword Sovereign. It was a peerless sword art acknowledged even by those high and mighty sects, forcing them to concede its superiority!
That sword technique... was countered by an Outer Hall warrior...?
'It worked...!'
Namgung Jipyeong's expression brightened.
I won!
The sword I learned from Young Lady Seolhwa worked successfully!
"I... won...!"
It was the moment he was becoming intoxicated with the feeling of victory as the reality of it sank in. With a loud thud, a massive figure dropped onto the sparring ground. Namgung Jipyeong, the spectators, and Seolhwa all looked at him.
The large man, who appeared reeking of alcohol, was intimidating with a rugged, overgrown beard that covered half of his face. Furthermore, because he stood with the sun at his back, his shadow engulfed Namgung Jipyeong and stretched out long towards where the Sword Unit members were seated, momentarily overwhelming them with his spirit.
"Martial Studies Hall Master...!"
One of the elders shouted. He was the younger brother of the Family Head Namgung Mucheon and the Hall Master of the Martial Studies Hall, Namgung Mugang. Namgung Mugang walked towards Namgung Jipyeong with heavy, thudding steps.
Namgung Jipyeong, his body frozen, stared blankly up at the approaching Namgung Mugang. Just as he was thinking that the man looked like a giant bear.
"Keoheok—!"
Namgung Mugang grabbed Namgung Jipyeong by the scruff of his neck and lifted him up.
"You bastard."
"Keuk..."
It was a grip so powerful that even Jipyeong, who was confident in his strength, could not break free. The thick smell of alcohol made it even harder to breathe.
"That sword, who taught it to you?"
"Keoheuk... Ye-yes...?"
"That sword technique just now, it couldn't have come from your head! I asked who you learned it from!"
Namgung Jipyeong choked from the powerful grip on his collar. He tried to speak, but he couldn't make a sound, suffocating. Namgung Jipyeong struck his hand repeatedly, but the grip only tightened.
Just as Namgung Jipyeong's face was turning red.
"I taught him."
A child's clear voice flowed through the silent sparring ground. Namgung Mugang threw Namgung Jipyeong aside and looked at Seolhwa. Realizing the one who answered was a child, he let out a deflated laugh.
"And who are you? Ah, you must be that Cheong-un fellow's daughter."
Namgung Mugang asked while digging in his ear.
"You're saying you taught this guy that sword technique just now?"
"Yes."
"You?"
"Yes."
"Kuhahahahaha!"
Namgung Mugang's laughter echoed thunderously across the sparring ground. It was so loud that some of the nearby warriors had to cover their ears.
"I may be drunk, but do you really think I'd believe that? You created this sword technique? Kuhaha! Hahahaha!"
He, who was bursting with laughter, suddenly gestured towards the Family Head.
"Brother, you tell me! No! Seop Mugwang, you say it! You must have recognized that sword technique just now, didn't you!"
"Haa."
Seop Mugwang let out a weary sigh. But he didn't answer. He was treating him completely like a drunkard.
Namgung Mugang, as if used to it, didn't give him time to answer and shouted.
"You there. Did you recognize what kind of sword technique this fellow just performed?"
"It was one that countered Namgung's sword technique."
The Namgung training ground stirred for a moment.
"What? A Counter-Sword Technique?"
Shock spread across the faces of those who hadn't recognized the Counter-Sword Technique. Not a few were also surprised that Seolhwa had recognized it.
"Hoh."
So, you do have a discerning eye?
"That's right. The sword technique this fellow performed just now was a Counter-Sword Technique. One that perfectly counters Namgung's Heavenly Wind Sword Technique! Do you know what this means?"
"It means that the creator of the Counter-Sword Technique completely understood the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique, and furthermore, saw through its flaws."
"Hmph. For a little brat, you speak clearly. You're right. But, even so, are you still going to say that you created the Counter-Sword Technique?"
Tat—!
In an instant, his figure vanished. The thud echoed from the platform, a few steps away from Seolhwa.
Thud, thud.
He approached Seolhwa with heavy, resounding steps. Cheong-un, flustered, blocked Seolhwa's path.
"A runt the size of a twig broom like you countering Namgung's sword technique? Nonsense!"
Up close, Namgung Mugang's energy was so rough and profound that it was no wonder he was called the second-in-command of Namgung. Namgung Mugang looked down at Seolhwa with blazing eyes. His presence was so immense it felt as if he could crush Seolhwa in an instant.
Seolhwa did not avoid the intimidating gaze that made one's flesh tremble, but met it head-on.
"..."
Watching the child who boldly met his gaze, the corners of Mugang's mouth curved with interest.
"Fine. Then, show me yourself."
"..."
"What, you can't do it? You said you created the sword technique, didn't you? Go on, show me!"
"Enough."
A voice filled with inner energy echoed across the sparring ground. At the same time, Seop Mugwang's unsheathed sword blocked Mugang's path.
"Hey, I told you to come back after you've sobered up. What is this disgraceful behavior? Aren't you ashamed in front of a child?"
"Disgraceful? Hey, you bastard, no matter how drunk I am, that sword from before, even you...!"
"I told you to stop, Mugang."
At the voice once again filled with inner energy, Namgung Mugang flinched and stopped talking. His expression hardening, he glanced down towards Namgung Mucheon.
"Does it look like I'm bullying your granddaughter, brother?"
"The Heavenly Martial Tournament is in session. Do not cause a needless disturbance."
"Hmph."
Namgung Mugang turned back to Seolhwa.
"You. About what happened just now, we'll talk again later..."
"There are five of them."
"What?"
"The warriors I taught the sword technique to. One of them just finished his sparring match, so there are four more matches to go."
"..."
"One time might be a coincidence, but what about five times?"
Seolhwa smiled at him.
"If I say all five of them learned from me, will you believe me?"
Namgung Mugang's jaw dropped.