The moment after a storm-like heat engulfed Lazy Flame Dragon's entire body.
Gi Geomhyang stepped forward with a large advancing step and brought her sword down. The blade's trajectory, meant for a clean severance, distorted in a mysterious way.
A translucent wind surged along the sword's edge like a wildfire, but the fierce gale emitted by Lazy Flame Dragon's energy swallowed the resonance of her sword.
His own energy waves twisted and collided, accumulating force, and in a fleeting instant, they expanded into the shape of white flames.
Hwaaaak—!
His senses merged with the culmination of the Lightning Genius martial arts. It lasted for only the briefest moment.
"Radiant Arts Secret: Flame River."
He even recited the technique's name using the Art of Lip Synchronization, despite his pronunciation faltering from chewing on poppy leaves.
Lazy Flame Dragon's hand pierced through the fleeting moment.
The Blazing Solar Energy, which had been raging in the white brilliance of the Radiant Arts Secret, gathered toward his palm.
The storm of pure white energy was overwhelmingly thick and condensed. The immense power characteristic of the elite masters of noble lineages was embedded within Gi Geomhyang's sword, yet it was halted before his open palm.
A continuous sound of ripping, as if entire stacks of paper were being torn apart, resonated through the air.
At that moment, the precise sword technique that adapted to the opponent's movements and delivered a lethal strike was completely dismantled.
The disparity in internal power was clear. From the outset, their energy reserves had been vastly different, and on top of that, Lazy Flame Dragon had mastered a method that allowed for the most explosive application of power.
The eldest son of the Hwangbo Clan had pursued their squad leader and had grown immensely strong.
"This is the essence."
Lazy Flame Dragon spoke.
"A secret technique for short decisive battles. This is how our squad leader fights. What I personally like about it is how exhilarating it is. Try experiencing it for yourself."
"…!"
Gi Geomhyang's eyes widened. The previously cool and composed gaze now trembled alongside the scattering fragments of flame.
Lazy Flame Dragon twisted his hand. In a short, slicing motion against the flat of her sword, he infused his movement with the flow of Radiant Arts Secret.
In the instant that the accumulated force in his palm distorted the air, an overwhelmingly hot shockwave exploded outward.
ZZEEEOOOOM—!
Fragments of white, translucent energy scattered like feathers as they surged violently.
Amidst the storm conjured by masters as if in a dream, a single sword shot up into the air.
Gi Geomhyang's weapon had been ripped from her grasp.
With a sharp SWISH, it embedded itself into the side of a tree trunk, leaving only the hilt exposed.
Her arm had been forcibly lifted.
Lazy Flame Dragon raised his palm before her solar plexus.
As the shattered remnants of crushed leaves fell around them, he curled his lips into a smirk.
"You must have felt the accumulation of energy waves. As long as one has the internal power to sustain it, this can be used sequentially. It's not just a technique—it's something incredibly instinctive. A mnemonic verse designed to end battles swiftly."
"…How is that even possible?"
Gi Geomhyang parted her lips, her formerly stern expression now revealing an undeniable astonishment.
"Accumulating and amplifying already-released force…? That's an unheard-of martial art. It shouldn't be possible to use kinetic force that way. Just what kind of energy circulation path does it follow…?"
"Originally, these techniques were created with the premise of a singular, unmatched sense. Our squad leader pioneered it."
Lazy Flame Dragon lifted the corner of his mouth as he continued.
"However, when it was fully systematized, it became much easier to wield true energy. They say even a monkey could learn it? That wasn't entirely wrong. Perhaps there was a bit of exaggeration to motivate disciples."
"..."
"Since the true master of this martial art went out of his way to consolidate it so simply, shouldn't practitioners strive to grasp its deeper essence? This method is a tribute to our squad leader. Don't compare it to Heavenly Dao Sword. Just look at the completeness of the technique."
The voice of the world's greatest prodigy filled the silence. This was a discourse far removed from the realm of common warriors.
Even the distinguished masters of Tianzhu Sect failed to hide their astonishment this time.
Some fell into deep contemplation with grave expressions, while others alternated their gazes between Lazy Flame Dragon and Radiant Demon Squad's leader as if overwhelmed with confusion.
At the back of the battlefield—
Only Jung Yeonshin wore an odd expression.
That wasn't an exaggeration.
It was then that Gi Geomhyang, standing in a daze, brought both hands together below her navel in a somewhat foreign gesture, a form of etiquette unique to her sect.
"…I concede. The martial arts of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader are a rare and extraordinary technique in the world."
"Honestly, this martial art doesn't even need official recognition. I, Lazy Flame Dragon, have acknowledged it. If it weren't for the fact that your sect possessed a vital resource, I wouldn't have gone through this much trouble. If your abilities were lacking, I would've spread the word that the Tianzhu Sect is nothing special across the world."
Lazy Flame Dragon casually dusted off his right hand as he continued.
"Anyway… can our squad leader go take a bath now? Holding up a guest who's still growing at the entrance like this… Not to mention, he's not in great condition."
His squad leader was an intriguing figure in many ways.
Not long ago, he had handed over a precious ice crystal, claiming to have received it for free from the masters of the Ice Palace, acting as if he were offering some cheap street confectionery.
It was a gesture incomprehensible to most. What was the point of earning the loyalty of a dying man?
If anything, it would have been a hundred times better to give it to a legitimate successor of martial arts like Shin So-bin.
Still, he had accepted it without hesitation. Though it ultimately had little effect, it had managed to momentarily cool down the heat surging through his Solar Divine Meridian.
That alone was enough.
He hadn't expected anything to begin with. Lazy Flame Dragon was born into the most prestigious noble clan in Jinan and was raised with the utmost refinement.
Obtaining and mastering Yin-based martial arts had been a trivial task, yet when he attempted to reverse the heavens, his entire meridian system had nearly burned to cinders.
Even the mnemonic verses passed down by past Radiant Demon predecessors had not gone beyond those limitations.
And yet—
It was an unfamiliar sensation. Something oddly sentimental.
'Maybe I shouldn't have taken it. He should have just eaten it himself and lived a long life.'
Popping another poppy leaf into his mouth, Lazy Flame Dragon spoke again.
"Are you all mute? Or did you never intend to let us in from the start?"
Chung Bohwa shook her head as she gently patted Gi Geomhyang's shoulder, who had returned to Tianzhu Sect's side.
"I apologize, but this was never something we could decide instantly. This is a lake infused with the essence of the World Tree. Even if the outcome is clear, formal procedures must be followed. Give us a little time."
"You're just as rigid as the Nine Great Sects. No wonder people compare you to them."
"I'll take that as a compliment. You understand what the Nine Great Sects represent in this world. They are among the few who pursue a truly refined path of cultivation."
"Are you just going to keep us standing here? Unlike you lot, our squad leader is still growing. His knees are in an important stage of development."
"Enough."
Jung Yeonshin stepped forward, pushing Lazy Flame Dragon aside, and Chung Bohwa gave a faint smile.
"Since you won fairly in a duel of pure martial arts, you are officially guests of our sect. We will provide you with accommodations. Please wait for the results of the meeting. Thank you for demonstrating such an honorable technique. We pay our respects to your squad leader."
"I have also broadened my knowledge. Heavenly Dao Sword is indeed sharp. If anything, it makes me realize the deficiencies in Radiant Arts Secret. It's worth reflecting on how its trajectories are so exquisitely refined."
His evaluation of Heavenly Dao Sword was honest and unfiltered.
It wasn't an empty remark.
Gi Geomhyang lacked dexterity in proportion to her energy reserves. Her horizontal strikes wasted too much energy flow.
She traced a long sword trajectory like the overgrown arm of a fully grown monkey, yet there was an incomprehensible wavering in her movements.
'Her shoulder's acromion muscle wasn't fully stabilized. The contraction of her biceps was at an odd angle… Even the propulsion force from the Tiantu acupoint on the side of her shoulder was excessively distorted. How does she even wield a sword like that?'
Yet, despite her dull-handedness, it appeared refined. That was thanks to her training in Heavenly Dao Sword.
With the standard of swordsmanship lowered to the length of a grub, anyone could appear to be a competent swordsman. It was an impressive martial art.
"You are truly humble, for the creator of such a technique."
Chung Bohwa lifted the corner of her mouth in admiration. Even the typically indifferent expressions of the noble lineage masters standing behind her held traces of favor.
Thanks to Lazy Flame Dragon's display of Radiant Arts Secret, their attitudes had softened.
Jung Yeonshin's shoulders relaxed slightly.
So, humility really does go a long way.
'If my mother were still alive, she would have taught me this.'
He parted his lips. As the leader of his group, he had to engage in negotiations.
But it wasn't difficult.
He had recently gained a great realization, thanks to his niece, Hye-ah.
Sincerity was all that was needed.
"I am humbled by your excessive praise. Modesty is the way it should be. Tianzhu Sect is worthy of respect."
"I'm curious about your lineage. If you were to join our village, I would even consider betrothing you to a noble daughter. You must come from a renowned clan with deep cultivation. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the world is lacking, and my insight is insufficient to see through you completely. But it would be rude to pry, so I won't press further."
"Cultivation… That is certainly not the case. I am unworthy of such embellishment."
Jung Yeonshin recalled his grandfather's fiery temper and his uncle's rough hands.
Among the bloodline of the Ma Clan, the only ones with true composure were himself and Ma Se-in.
Regrettable, but true. No matter how dear they were, facts remained facts.
Chung Bohwa chuckled.
"Where has such a hero come from?"
Her expression was completely different from the one she wore when looking at her great-grandson, Chung Myung.
The gentle creases around her eyes radiated warmth—genuine goodwill.
However, Chung Myung, who had been standing beside the Radiant Demon Squad's leader like an invisible breeze, merely smiled cheerfully.
He showed no signs of feeling left out.
Now and then, his fingers twitched as if to playfully tap his squad leader's shoulder, but he never actually raised his hand.
Meanwhile, Shin So-bin, Heon Wonchang, and the other elite members of Radiant Demon Squad tilted their heads with ambiguous expressions.
"In any case, things turned out well."
It was at the moment when Chung Myung murmured with a smile.
"Not bad, was it? I've polished it for quite some time."
Lazy Flame Dragon, having returned, suddenly threw those words toward Jung Yeonshin.
His jet-black eyes glimmered with fire, the heat of a warrior who had little time left to live.
He carried the air of someone who would pursue the way of the sword even in death, reminiscent of Azure Qilin Namgoong Se-jin.
Only the sly grin was different.
Jung Yeonshin, who had been standing still, began walking at Chung Bohwa's gesture.
At last, they were being treated as proper guests.
He spoke.
"I heard earlier. Flame River, was it?"
"Just a name I made up."
"Did you take inspiration from Radiant River?"
"Azure Qilin was my close friend. What's in a name?"
"It matters. It matters a great deal."
"There is no such thing as something that matters greatly in this world. I already said it was a tribute, didn't I? In any case, don't nitpick just because you feel embarrassed. This is already an exceptional technique. Radiant Arts Secret: Flame River. Martial arts are meant to evolve with each generation as successors refine and add to them. That has already begun in this generation. Isn't that moving?"
"It only seems that way because you attached such a grand name to a crude technique. Your energy waves were folding in on themselves haphazardly. If you cut back on the poppy leaves, it would improve."
"Our squad leader still hasn't taken Lady Jung Hye-ah's advice to heart. That's not how an adult should speak. You must practice humility."
"…Prepare the palanquin. We're heading inside."
* * *
Approval came swiftly.
A message was sent permitting Radiant Demon Squad's leader and the Divine Sword Order's leader to bathe in Tianzhu Sect's lake.
Both Infinite Blossom Fist Strike and Radiant Arts Secret had been duly recognized.
The elders of Tianzhu Sect had been watching the duel from the beginning.
Surprisingly, the noble lineage masters of the village did not object.
They were rumored to be incredibly reclusive, yet instead of protesting, they simply perched on trees and observed Jung Yeonshin with peculiar gazes.
'That's a relief.'
Jung Yeonshin felt a sense of relief.
"You are indeed a worthy rival to this Order's leader. You have completed your task splendidly. I am truly grateful."
The Divine Sword Order's leader praised him, his complexion pale.
The two of them were alone.
The transcendent master, whose body was in poor condition, walked with the support of a young subordinate.
Above them, a high-ranking master of Tianzhu Sect leaped from branch to branch, leading the way.
Before they knew it, the twilight had faded.
A full moon rose between the clouds, casting a blue glow over the forest.
For a while, only the sound of bark scraping against bark echoed.
Now and then, the wind and the undergrowth brushed against each other.
The irregular rustling of the forest's whispers felt like an island of tranquility, detached from the chaos of the martial world.
Then, the Divine Sword Order's leader spoke.
"I made you a promise before, I would teach you a martial art."
"Yes, you did."
It had been right after the duel between the Namgoong Clan and Desolate Fortress.
When the Namgoong Clan's leader was slain in a brief exchange, and the Divine Sword Order's leader faced the threat of other grand sects, Jung Yeonshin had stabilized his energy, allowing him to maintain an intimidating front.
"I will pass it down to you at the lake. Consider what you want to learn."
The Divine Sword Order's leader said.
"Tonight?"
"Yes. There's a chance we might clash with the Dark Night War. My recovery will be slower than yours due to my vast reserves of true energy. If a battle breaks out, you will have to take the lead. Having an additional technique would be beneficial. They are an exceptionally troublesome and terrifying group."
Jung Yeonshin pondered for a moment before speaking.
"I'd like something born from a unique inspiration. Rather than a technique with refined completion… Do you have anything like that?"
"Oh ho."
A deep smile formed above the seemingly frail jawline of the Divine Sword Order's leader.
He had the demeanor of a bold scholar, yet his pitch-black eyes shimmered with a spectrum of emotions—
Curiosity, boredom, exhaustion, intrigue, surprise, amusement…
A swordsman who contended for the title of strongest under heaven concealed nothing.
"I see. I now understand your standards."
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