전생검신 83권 07화

You wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but there’s no other way to explain the crazy amount of energy Yu Mang has besides that unreal knife-like aura.

We’re talking pure martial power reaching astronomical levels you just wouldn’t think possible!

To bring that kind of power up, you need to have an unimaginable amount of willpower, and since Yu Mang is right in front of me, it’s reasonable to think he must be a high-tier god turning his willpower into divine energy.

With a grin, Yu Mang said, “That’s half right.”

“Half? What do you mean by that…?”

“Weren’t we having a bet? You can’t just flap your gums while putting your weapon down.”

Swoosh…

Yu Mang suddenly sheathed his blade, and this time, he pulled out a bow, gripping it firmly. It looked slow, but he used that ability that lets him “change his stance in no time” which left no room for openings. With the bowstring drawn, Yu Mang said, “Try to catch this one too.”

Thwoooosh!!

Unlike the flashy sword strike from earlier, this shot wasn’t spectacular or fast at all. It was as plain as your average archer’s shot and didn’t seem to have the power to distort time and space either. But the moment I saw the arrow with no tricks or fancy moves, I figured out Yu Mang’s intention.

‘The arrow’s tip must be packed with enough power. It’ll be stronger than the last strike.’

It was a warning for me to dodge if I was scared.

In other words, he was daring me to withstand that power head-on!

Of course, the force packed into that arrow looked unassuming but was likely still strong enough to destroy several stars.

“…”

I briefly contemplated whether I should respond to Yu Mang’s challenge or dodge it. Then I made up my mind.

Three Treasure Technique!!

With footsteps solidified between heaven and earth, I carefully scrutinized the arrow’s final transformation.

Whoosh

After not using the Three Treasure Technique for so long, I was worried I might mess it up, but thankfully, my body evaded the arrow cleanly, leaving an afterimage behind, and Yu Mang frowned when he saw me dodge.

“Did you get scared?”

With a swift motion, I turned half around, regaining my posture while shooting back, “Think whatever you want. I have confidence in my strength to clash head-on, but that wouldn’t be honest to my own self.”

Sure, it was possible to fight him head-on. If I focused all my divine energy into creating a shield or something, it would have been doable. But that kind of clash would rely 99% on divine power rather than my martial arts strength, so in the end, it would be no different than fighting with divine power. That went against my past resolve to avoid depending too much on divine strength, and I believed if I kept crossing that line, it would lose its meaning.

“Hmm…?”

Then Yu Mang raised an eyebrow and spoke, seemingly displeased. “Are you one of those types?”

“What do you mean by ‘those types’?”

“I’ve seen many practitioners who wanted to maintain the purity of martial arts even if it meant losing. I can’t stand that kind of mindset.”

“…”

Yu Mang shouted loudly. “Baek Woong. You’ve already reached the divine level, so your current actions are nothing but very deceptive. Martial Arts signifies conquering the world of the strong with sheer strength and winning at its peak; how can one claim to practice martial arts if they don’t even use their full strength before accepting defeat?!”

Rumble

As Yu Mang’s roar resonated, the mountains and trees trembled. Unintentionally, the sky grew dark, and it seemed like the very essence of this star was shaking due to that immense energy. It turns out Yu Mang holds potential rivaling that of a deity, capable of easily destroying a star. In comparison, the Lion’s Roar of a human peerless master would seem minuscule a fraction of that power.

However, I remained unfazed even as Yu Mang’s thunderous voice echoed at me. My divine energy probably matched his pretty closely. Moreover, unlike usual, I didn’t feel hurt or troubled by his shout in the depths of my heart.

I couldn’t accept it.

Unfounded sermons wouldn’t sway my heart, no matter how much authority was backing it up.

I calmly replied to Yu Mang, “So, does that mean a Martial God is the strongest being in the world?”

Yu Mang seemed caught off guard by the unexpected question, scratching his chin as he thought for a moment. Then he responded, “That could be the case.”

“That’s such an ambiguous answer. You know it may not be the case, right?”

“…”

“Since I’m still in pursuit of strength more than martial arts, I can’t confidently say which side is right in the end. It’s true I exploit divine power conveniently, and my martial arts talent is still at rock bottom, so I’m not even at the level to boast about the extreme limits of martial arts. But…”

I looked Yu Mang in the eye and said, “If you only view martial arts through the lens of the strong eat the weak, then there exists a realm you can never reach. That much is certain.”

“What did you just say…?”

Yu Mang seemed a bit perturbed but didn’t immediately unleash his rage. Instead, he fell into thought and remained silent for a moment.

Then, breaking into an odd smile, he remarked, “You’ve seen such an existence, haven’t you?”

… How perceptive is he?!

I knew Yu Mang had hit the nail on the head, but I was still astonished by just how sharp his instincts were. I cleared my throat and replied, “That’s why even talentless guys like me work hard to practice.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“There’s more than one.”

“Oho.”

Yes, it’s more than one… countless figures have risen to prominence, including Asura and Jin So-cheong, proving that such a realm does exist. Reflecting on the peerless masters I’ve seen, I said, “It doesn’t matter whether you teach me the secret martial arts technique or not. If you say it that clearly…”

Swish

As I spoke, I took the foundational stance for the fist technique. My left hand lightly extended to guard against the front while my right prepared to catch Yu Mang’s counterattack in an ‘yin’ stance. It was the most basic stance for boxing and with steady legwork, I felt the preparation for Tai Chi was complete.

“I’ll prove that martial arts isn’t just about sheer power in this very spot.”

“…!!”

Yu Mang looked genuinely taken aback by my statement. After all, I was essentially declaring that I’d break through solely based on my martial arts technique without mixing in divine powers. By boldly contradicting Yu Mang’s theory, he looked flustered.

Then Yu Mang shouted, “You dare declare that someone recognized as the strongest by gods can defy me without relying on strength? Good bravery, but… let’s see if you have the skills to back that up!”

Boom!!

This time, Yu Mang sheathed the bow and drew a long sword. The blade emitted a silver flash, forming what seemed to be a perfect sword energy, creating a flawless, lethal aura. Seeing that refined energy gave me chills.

‘… It’s going to have more penetrating power than that bow shot!’

I could gauge what level Yu Mang had reached. He could wield any type of weapon he equipped and had mastered corresponding martial arts to perfection. Considering a couple of billion years, it was entirely feasible. The real problem was, this long sword was something he’d never shown in any of our battles until now and had just summoned it. According to him, it meant he had achieved mastery over possibly hundreds of different martial techniques.

Could I dodge that sword?

Before I could even finish that thought, Yu Mang’s sword sliced through time and space with a swift motion.

Giant God’s Weapon

Cosmic Sword

Zwaak!!

In that moment, I felt as though my entire body was being cleaved into three pieces, sending shivers down my spine. I trembled with panic.

‘Damn…!!’

What kind of monstrous strength is this?!

Even with the opponent’s attack firmly within the peerless realm, the very thought of being overwhelmed by sheer power felt absurd!

Peerless Technique

Understanding of the Six Harmonies!

‘The opponent’s strength can only be interpreted as yang!’

To go that route, the yin I express must be close to impotence. But given how much reliance I had on that technique, was it even possible? I had only raised my reliance that high back when I was facing the [Old Ruler] using the peerless technique, and I was a bit worried.

However, just as that concern crossed my mind, I casually managed to divert the energy of Yu Mang’s Cosmic Sword to the side in the next moment. I didn’t even need to fully nullify it; I simply deflected it enough to neutralize the impact.

Crash!!

The energy from the Cosmic Sword skimmed by me, rending the horizon apart like a wave, ultimately splitting the sky in half. It must have been so powerful that it extended far beyond the universe.

Watching that unfold, Yu Mang marveled. “You actually didn’t crumble under my sword capable of cleaving red giant stars in half! What technique is that?!”

“… Peerless Technique!!”

I resumed my Tai Chi stance and shouted, “This peerless technique is the ultimate skill of Jang Sam-bong! If your enlightenment can’t surpass the peerless technique, then you won’t be able to lay a finger on me!!”

“Oho, this should be entertaining.”

Chime!

Another long sword appeared in Yu Mang’s hand. Seeing his stance and weapon made me flinch internally.

‘Twin swords?’

A sinister smile crept onto Yu Mang’s lips.

“Then I’ll prove that absolute power will always crush clumsy techniques!!”

Kiki!!!

A moment later, the swords in Yu Mang’s hands began to emit eerie howls. I realized those two swords were resonating, and moments later, one sword enveloped in celestial aura, while the other glimmered with a crimson yellow hue. The intense feeling coming from those twin swords made me instinctively inquiry.

“What… what technique is that?!”

“I’m just as surprised. I didn’t think I would have to resort to this.”

Yu Mang’s eyes began to radiate with fierce energy.

Before long, Yu Mang recited some mysterious command.

“Awaken, ancient god Azot-Guel!! I hereby release your seal temporarily!”

“…?!”

“Awaken, dark god Radukleam!! I hereby release your seal temporarily…!!”

Boom!!

Moments later, the swords in Yu Mang’s hands emanated gargantuan energy, further amplifying their power, and I recognized that energy as plain divine energy. The sword radiating a celestial aura contained a sense of order, while the crimson-yellow sword oozed thick energy closer to chaos. Even more alarming, spectral illusions of bizarre entities began to rise above the two swords as their divine powers intensified, and the shapes of the entities became unmistakable.

“Is that… the Old Ruler?!”

For sure. The power emanating from those swords was the essence of the Ruler!!

If it weren’t for that, there’s no way they could emit such divine energy to distort space-time through their mere presence. As I felt my mind becoming hazy under the weight of that overwhelming power, Yu Mang spoke.

“The Giant Race has fought countless wars for billions of years, sometimes sealing other deities in weapons. I’m also the Elder of the Giant Race, and these two swords are trophies of victory granted to me by Shennong. One contains the spirit of an ancient god from the eastern universe, while the other seals the renowned Old Ruler, called the great-grandson of the outsider god.”

“…”

“Due to the order of the universe, I can’t completely unseal them, but let’s see if you can still claim to win through mere technique after facing these!!”

Giant God’s Weapon

Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords!

Kwaaa!!

The moment those two vortices of energy came flying at me, I thought I had to dodge them. No matter how much confidence I had in the peerless technique, I doubted I could nullify this mindless juggernaut of raw power.

Having faced numerous beings from across the universe, I realized this one strike could easily kill the physical form of the Three Sovereigns!

In that moment of dread, I heard Heuk Woong’s urgent cry echo in my mind.

[Master!! Surrender now and use divine power! Even against the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords, if you draw upon all your divine energy, you might at least block them with minimal damage…!!]

Judging by Heuk Woong’s frantic shout, it seemed clear he believed I couldn’t block those twin swords with just the peerless technique. My mind flickered with the thought of surrendering right now to stay alive.

This was the second strongest warrior of the Giant Race, just below the Three Sovereigns Shennong!

If he were to fight seriously, he could potentially even kill the essence of the Three Sovereigns!

‘Damn… there’s still a chance!’

Move, body!!

…

Why, oh why, was I already in the state of executing the peerless technique even in this state of nothingness?

“…!!”

Wait, me? I’m…?!

In that moment, both Heuk Woong and I felt bewildered, and I couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

Why am I acting this way?

If I die without the protection of Heavenly Secret now, nothing will remain, so why am I behaving so recklessly…?

And even though I had just thought I could never withstand the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords with the peerless technique, why did I use it regardless?

The moment I unleashed the first move, the pure energy held within the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords began to nullify itself through the peerless technique.

My body craved it that badly.

To be exact, the arduous training I had undergone for three hundred years instinctively compelled me to.

Zheong!!

Even with the dominion power extracted through the nullification technique, I felt the suffocating immense cosmic energy within the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords exceed even my best efforts.

And that pressure coursed through my fingers, overwhelming my body, tearing both flesh and bones apart in an instant.

Bam!

‘This level of strength… I never would have guessed…’

Though the peerless technique theoretically can nullify all of the divine power, there are rare cases where it can’t happen. The first scenario is when the user’s essence is disrupted, failing to execute the peerless technique. The other is when the pure power of the opponent outstrips the power that can be handled by the peerless technique’s vast potential.

I had never even considered cases where the peerless technique couldn’t handle an ordinary power of the [Old Ruler], yet Yu Mang’s [strength] was downright horrifying. The momentary destructive capacity was so immense it overwhelmed the limits of my gathered power from the empty domination technique!

Gag!

I spat blood. My bones and sinews had been entirely jumbled; it would be bizarre for me to walk away alive. And yet, I suddenly felt my mind transcend my damaged body and reached out my remaining hand to grasp my broken wrist.

I mustn’t tremble!!

Zerak

Impeccable Empty Domination!

Return to the peerless technique!

Boom…!!

In that instant, I unleashed the peerless technique again, as the destructive force that was about to overwhelm me was devoured by the new layer of the empty domination, completely nullifying it.

Thud!

However, I realized as a price for blocking the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords with the peerless technique, my body was now utterly wrecked, sprawling out like a ragdoll. As blood continuously seeped from my body onto the ground, I could see Yu Mang standing some distance away.

“Seriously, you blocked that? What a magnificent technique! I must commend you for the peerless technique.”

“…”

“But if you indeed retracted your earlier statement, you wouldn’t look like that. Why did you persist with just technique until the end?”

I briefly lost consciousness, then slowly, through gritted teeth, I rose to my feet.

And I replied, “Because I chose not to look away anymore.”

Right… It’s time to stop turning away.

For the sake of victory and defeat,

For the sake of life and death,

For my comrades and great aspirations,

For righteousness and destruction,

Erase those myriad reasons from your mind.

How long do you plan to bemoan your lack of talent?

As long as you turn away, you’ll never receive the gift of being honest with yourself.

Right… Being honest is a talent in itself.

To ignore all those excuses and concentrate solely on a single moment.

That selfish yet vile honesty becomes talent!

But that’s nature, if it’s not righteousness.

“I’m sorry…”

Without realizing it, I mumbled the apology quietly.

I’m sorry, comrades.

I want to become selfish.

Otherwise, I won’t stand a chance against Yu Mang in front of me.

Even if I bring back the [Great Cycle] on my terms and die, please understand.

‘I can’t back down.’

I need to account for the martial debts I’ve accrued so far.

I may not know where the true path of martial arts lies, but if it’s not dependent on just strength, I must show Yu Mang that truth too, and I can’t do that with mere words.

I must stake my life on it.

No, it’d be fine if I die.

Only that way can I repay the Asura, who passed their intention to me.

I will prove I’ve stepped onto the genuine path of being a martial artist.

And moments later, I took a deep breath to calm my state and quickly pressed my points.

Pababababat!!

In an instant, I struck all my pressure points. Seeing my breathing completely settle, Yu Mang grew intrigued.

“Interesting. What technique is that?”

“My life.”

“Hmm?”

I took three steps forward, closing the distance with Yu Mang. I focused on him, assuming the Tai Chi stance.

From now on, I will never allow him to attack me again.

…

Yu Mang swung the Twin Divine Heavenly Dragon Swords at an unbelievable speed without any forewarning. Their pristine, destructive force felt even greater than before, and it looked like I wouldn’t have any way to block it. In reality, I definitely wouldn’t be able to.

If it were the past…

Thud!!

“…!!”

Yu Mang’s attack completely vanished, and I still maintained my Tai Chi stance.

I let out a victorious shout, overwhelmed with joy.

“Ha!!”

Boom!!

I took another step forward with confidence, and for the first time, Yu Mang flinched.

“You little…”

Cough

My throat felt thick as blood rose up, and I recognized I didn’t have much time left, but that didn’t matter.

Because I could feel the limits of my power I could wield for the peerless technique continuously rising in real time.

‘This feels pretty good.’

It was my first time unleashing the peerless technique with a literal life-or-death scenario.

“`

 

---