Chapter 51

Wei Makcheon, who had drawn his sword in the Reverse Sword stance, repositioned his grip and began unleashing the Golden Thread Sword Technique. As if determined to give his all from the start, he instantly surged his internal energy, causing sword threads to coil around the blade’s shaft. A roaring sound like blazing flames erupted from the sword.

Though differing by sect, the Sword Thread technique was a skill of higher caliber than mere sword energy.

Of course, it was a technique he had never once used against Plum Blossom Wanderer.

It was also the core of the Golden Thread Sword Technique.

Weimakcheon intended to swing his sword in this state and then project the sword energy forward. The terrifying aspect of the Golden Thread Sword Technique lies in the irregular form of the projected sword energy, resembling hundreds of needles being fired. Furthermore, the range and effect differ entirely depending on whether it is projected as a thrust or a slash, making it a difficult martial art to block.

a difficult martial art to block.

Having witnessed Dan Wuseong neutralize sword energy with his own, Wei Makcheon continued to condense his energy into the blade, as if gathering it.

The light swirling around Wei Makcheon’s sword grew increasingly viscous.

Though the process of condensing itself was difficult, Wei Makcheon executed it skillfully even while engaged in a fierce battle.

Dan Woo-seong thought the blade of the Golden Sword would soon explode like the Thunder of Heaven.

He tilted his head in puzzlement.

‘Has he resolved to die?’

If Dan Woo-sung unleashed the full power of his Ten Thousand Battles Ten Thousand Deaths technique, he could obliterate the Golden Sand Sword raging before him, leaving not a trace behind.

Wei Makcheon, intoxicated by his own genius, had failed to properly assess Dan Wooseong.

As time passed, the sword energy that had been wrapped around Wei Makcheon’s blade scattered and fell to the ground in droplets.

It looked as if golden sand was falling from the sword.

That was why it was called the Golden Sand Sword Technique.

Weimakcheon believed that if he launched a clumsy attack, Danwooseong would somehow block it. So he was staking everything on this single move.

Weimakcheon swung at Danwooseong’s neck, then spun his body and widened the distance with a sweeping diagonal cut. He feigned unleashing his sword to wage psychological warfare, but Danwooseong showed no reaction.

With no other choice, Weimakcheon rapidly shifted to a thrusting form, explosively unleashing the condensed sword energy he had been building up.

He had staked everything on this single move.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Veilsky’s forehead bulged with straining veins. Spectators let out a strange, unison gasp: “Eeeeeek!” Cheolmyeongho also cried out in surprise.

“Watch out!”

At that moment, Danwooseong clasped his hands together, then drew out the lightning energy of the Baekjeonsipdan Gong technique like a thread.

Crackle!

As Dan Wooseong spread his hands, a white lightning energy formed, tangled like a spider’s web, and completely extinguished the sword energy Wei Makcheon was unleashing.

This was a thunder wall formed by the Hundred Battles Ten-Fold Strike.

Even as Weimakcheon expelled his sword energy, squeezing out his last ounce of inner strength, Dan Wooseong’s expression didn’t waver once.

“Haa…”

Weimakcheon stared at Dan Wooseong with a look of utter defeat.

His inner strength was running dry.

He wanted to ask.

What state are you in?

Then, Danwooseong, who had been watching Wimakcheon’s expression, raised his fist slightly, aimed it, and asked in a calm tone.

“Can you block the Golden Sand Sword?”

If he answered yes, he planned to unleash a barrage of brain punches immediately.

Wei Makcheon, who had been observing Dan Wooseong’s expression and intent, lowered his sword to the ground and exhaled a long sigh.

“Huuu…”

The opponent’s expression didn’t waver once, and his fierce gaze remained unchanged. Charging in like this would make him no different from Dokgo Han or Namgung Wi. Above all, he had no confidence he could block the brain-piercing strike. Moreover, the opponent was a man who punished those who charged at him without fail. He thought he could avoid getting beaten if he admitted defeat at the right moment.

and end it.

It was the right decision.

Wei Makcheon lowered his sword and assumed a guard.

“My skill is far too lacking. I admit defeat and will stop here.”

To those of low martial prowess, it was a bewildering sight, but the Martial Alliance elders were the first to applaud, accepting the outcome of the duel. As the white-haired elders clapped fervently, cheers finally followed.

Dan Woo-seong also observed the proper etiquette.

“A fine conclusion.”

Martial Alliance Leader Yu Zhenghong said as he rose from the Taesa seat.

“Kwon Gak, Geum Sa-geom, Namgung Jeil-do, come forward to the dais. There will be no separate celebration banquet. I shall give you what was promised first. If anyone can fight better than these three, step forward… Is there anyone?”

Nangung Wei, his head wrapped in bandages, lit up the brightest.

“Ah!”

He clearly hadn’t expected the leader of the Martial Alliance to bestow a sword upon a warrior from the Imperial Council. Namgoong Wi seemed to have underestimated Yoo Jeonghong’s character.

Dan Wuseong received the Hundred-Year-Purified Ginseng, Jin Sajeom received the Nine-Section Iron Staff, and Namgung Wei received the Taeseong Sword.

Yu Zhenghong spoke to Nangong Wei in a calm tone.

“Namgoong Wi.”

Nangung Wei, holding the Taeseong Sword with both hands, replied respectfully.

“Yes, Lord Alliance Leader.”

“The Taeseong Sword is a blade I held dear. Will you take good care of it?”

Namgung Wi bowed his head and answered.

“Yes, I will cherish it.”

Yoo Jeong-hong smiled.

“I entrust it to you.”

“Understood.”

Yoo Jeong-hong looked at the Golden Silk Sword’s protective veil.

“Weimakcheon, they say you’re a prodigy of the century—truly impressive.”

“Not at all. Compared to the young master of the Eunha Trading Guild here, I fall far short.”

“I see. Have you chosen a name for the sword?”

Everyone on the dais turned to look at Weimakcheon. He responded with a rare bright expression.

“If it’s acceptable, I’ll continue calling it the Golden Sand Sword.”

It was also his way of saying he would treat it with the utmost care, as it was the name of his own sword technique.

Yu Jeong-hong nodded.

“Very well.”

Yoo Jeong-hong looked at Dan Woo-seong and said,

“The winner will remain here for a moment.”

Dan Woo-sung replied.

“Yes.”

Yoo Jeonghong stepped forward and addressed the gathered crowd.

“The Phoenix Grand Tournament will proceed tomorrow. That’s all for today. Everyone, you’ve worked hard. I have business with the winner, so please all step back near the martial arts stage.”

As the crowd began to disperse, Yoo Jeong-hong surveyed the assembly and commanded.

“The White Dragon Corps will form a defensive perimeter around the outer perimeter. Elders, form a defensive perimeter centered around the dais and stand by. Everyone on the dais, withdraw.”

“Understood.”

Yu Jeong-hong walked to the edge of the platform, plopped down onto the floor, and addressed Dan Woo-seong, who held the Baeknyeonjeonghwasam.

Junior, take it immediately here. The guards will watch over you while you practice qigong. It doesn’t matter if it takes a long time. I’ll be watching too…

As he listened to Yoo Jeong-hong’s words, Dan Woo-seong felt a chill run down his spine.

“Mm.”

It meant the elite masters of the Martial Alliance would personally guard Dan Woosung while he practiced qigong.

And with the faction leader himself stepping forward…

This level of treatment was unimaginable during his days wandering the martial world alone, leaving Dan Woosung with mixed feelings.

“Understood.”

Cheol Myeong-ho and the Hwa siblings couldn’t approach the inner perimeter of the formation either. Overcome with curiosity, Cheol Myeong-ho asked Hwa Eun-wol.

“Prince Hwa, what are you doing over there?”

“Because the moment of taking the elixir is both dangerous and crucial, the Lord of the Alliance is standing by personally.”

“Wow… I mean, why is he being so meticulously attentive?”

Hua Eun-wol replied curtly.

“He’s always like that with juniors. He doesn’t care whether it’s the Martial Alliance or not.”

As Cheol Myeong-ho watched, his friend’s master sat cross-legged on the dais, swallowed a tiny, invisible century-old ginseng root, and then quietly closed his eyes.

Cheol Myeong-ho found himself drawn more to the expression on Myeongju Hong, the leader of the Myeongju Hong faction, than to his friend’s calm face.

The white-haired leader Yu Jeong-hong sat perched on the podium, wearing a serene smile that gave off an undeniably impressive aura.

Cheolmyeongho marveled.

‘Not all martial artists are impressive, but that leader is truly a magnificent elder.’

Surrounding the martial arts stage, mostly white-haired elders formed a protective circle, while outside that, young martial arts alliance members stood waiting, not even moving a muscle. This scene was also impressive.

The martial artists’ seriousness was beyond imagination.

This was especially true for Cheol Myeong-ho.

It was truly a beautiful sight.

On a night when torches flickered everywhere, my friend, surrounded by the masters of the Martial Alliance, was taking the elixir while being guarded by the Alliance Leader.

.

.

.

Dan Woo-seong finished regulating his qi and breathing within half an hour and opened his eyes.

Because he had previously consumed the Gongqing Oil, the time required to absorb the effects of the Century-Purified Ginseng was extremely short. Moreover, the Century-Purified Ginseng primarily cultivated resistance to toxins rather than increasing internal energy, so it didn’t require much time.

“It’s done.”

Though the time was short, my physical condition improved remarkably. Because the level had risen, even the Hundred Battles Ten-Stage Demon Realm ascended to the Nine-Stage Realm unexpectedly. It wasn’t just the effect of the Hundred-Year Purified Ginseng; after consuming the Crystal Oil, I had continuously accumulated internal energy, so it could be said I naturally transcended the stage.

.

When Dan Woo-sung spoke, Chief Yu Jeong-hong asked with a slightly surprised look.

“Already?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? That’s too fast.”

“I’m fine.”

“This is rather sudden. Are you feeling hungry?”

“I’m very hungry.”

“Then let’s go. I’ll treat the winner to a meal.”

Yoo Jeong-hong, the leader, said to the members forming the defensive formation.

“Everyone worked hard. Get back to your tasks.”

As soon as Yoo Jeong-hong spotted the three people waiting in the distance, he asked Dan Woo-sung.

“They’ve been waiting for a while. Are they your friends?”

“Yes.”

“Call them over.”

When Dan Woo-sung called the three over, Cheol Myeong-ho’s eyes widened in disbelief. Thanks to his friends, he’d gained the chance to dine with the Martial Arts Alliance leader.

Yoo Jeong-hong didn’t arrange a separate, elaborate meal. He headed to the communal dining hall where the Alliance members ate their daily meals. It seemed he often ate here as well.

Fortunately, Cheol Myeong-ho, who had been moved by the old leader’s candid words, kept his annoying mouth shut while eating.

Yoo Jeong-hong asked Hwa Eun-wol while eating.

“You’re the young master of the Hua family?”

Hwa Eun-wol replied.

“Yes, Lord.”

Yu Jeong-hong chuckled softly while chewing his food.

“Is your father well?”

“Yes, he is in good health.”

“And the villagers?”

Hwa Eun-wol responded with a flustered expression to Yoo Jeong-hong’s unusual question.

“Ah, yes. Everyone is doing well.”

“Don’t be surprised. I’ve received multiple reports on the secret activities of the Hwaseok Family during the Five Tombs War. Now that they’ve resumed operations, please relay this to your father.”

“Yes, Father. Speak.”

“Following the loss of contact with the Sword King and Murong Chui, now the Sword Emperor is missing too. I’ve sent a letter to the Sword King, instructing him to stay at the Martial Alliance headquarters for the time being. Be sure to inform Father about these developments.”

Hwa Eun-wol bowed her head.

“Understood.”

Yoo Jeong-hong said this with an expressionless face.

“If the Demon Sect launches a revenge campaign, your family and those two must be especially cautious.”

Hua Eun-wol and Hua Eun-seol saluted the Alliance Leader.

“We will be especially careful.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Dan Woo-sung stared at Hwa Eun-wol. The usually self-assured Hwa Eun-wol was eating her meal with a rare look of flustered confusion.

Yoo Jeong-hong suddenly looked at Hwa Eun-wol with a displeased expression.

“Young Master.”

Hwa Eun-wol replied.

“Yes.”

“You are the descendant of a great family. If you show embarrassment, it is a sin of disrespect to your ancestors. Especially not in my presence. They are my comrades as well.”

Hwa Eun-wol’s family held secrets that often left descendants flustered, and he was no exception.

“I will keep that in mind.”

Yoo Jeong-hong looked at Dan Woo-seong.

“And you.”

“Yes, Lord.”

Yoo Jeong-hong spoke somewhat ambiguously.

“······You need to become overwhelmingly stronger than you are now.”

“Hmm.”

“Winning will get you some buzz, but you’re not exactly making a name for yourself across the land yet. I want you to become a hidden blade lurking in the shadows. The Mado won’t even know you exist. Their targets will be old fools like me for now. Do you get what I’m saying?”

“Understood.”

Yu Jeong-hong, lost in thought while eating, spoke thus.

“Become strong by any means necessary. If you need help, the Martial Alliance will actively support you.”

Dan Woo-sung’s goal had become identical to that of Martial Alliance Leader Yu Jeong-hong. Both men were preparing for an unknown enemy. There was no answer other than growing stronger.

Martial Alliance Leader Yu Zhenghong, possessing a high level of skill from the start, valued Dan Wuxing’s hidden strength and potential for growth more highly than anyone else. He intended to support Dan Wuxing, both for his own sake and for the sake of the White Path, to grow him into a variable and a decisive weapon.

ⓒ Yoo Jin-seong