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I had a quick chat with Zhuge Sa and then sent Tang San into the sparring match.

‘He should win, right?’

Even though Tang San floundered in his battle with Peng Zuo, he was still an absolute master who dominated the Sichuan Martial World and held the peak realm. Anyone would predict that in a fight against Sagong Lin, who was just a leader of a minor checkpoint five years ago, Tang San would definitely come out on top. Normally, I would think Seo Mun-hye could win too, but I was being cautious by sending in Tang San.

Tang San hadn’t fully mastered the Formless Poison yet, but it was more than enough. That alone showed how significant it was to be on the peak realm.

If he won this fight, he could recover all the information immediately!

But when the spar started, about twenty seconds passed, and the atmosphere in the hall changed dramatically.

Bang!

Tang San was using the Formless Silver Threads technique to attack Sagong Lin, but she calmly withstood it using the Wind Spirit Sect’s sword techniques. This was clearly a bizarre sight, leaving me questioning my eyes.

‘Her Internal Power… her intent… can she really match Tang San?!’

I had invested a significant amount of my spiritual pills into Tang San, and even trained him to boost his energy rapidly in the secret space of the Shaolin Temple. Plus, Tang San himself had spent years training diligently, significantly enhancing his skills and techniques, so it was only natural there should be no one in the current Martial World who could stand against him. Even if he fought the peak Miyamoto Musashi, he could hold his own.

Yet, here was Sagong Lin, who was originally practically a chick, blocking all of Tang San’s power, skills, and intent with the Wind Spirit’s techniques?!

Of course, Tang San wasn’t going all out and was just having a bit of fun in the fight. However, it was clear she had surpassed the peak expert level.

I was momentarily thrown into confusion.

‘Just five years…?!’

Considering that Sagong Lin was supposed to be at her peak level, this was not impossible. After all, Tang San had climbed from being a noob to the peak realm in less than ten years. However, considering Tang San’s innate talent as a top-level martial artist and my unwavering support, this was anything but a typical example.

While Sagong Lin was a peak master, could she really leap over the threshold of peak expert to match an absolute realm master in just five years? Yet right in front of my eyes, Sagong Lin was proving that impossible was happening.

Then Tang San stopped attacking and stepped back, confused.

“That looks like the Wind Spirit Sect’s wind sword techniques, but it’s not quite right. What is it?”

“It’s the Wind God Sword Form,” Sagong Lin replied curtly.

“Here, take a taste.”

Crackle!

With a sound like lightning, Sagong Lin surged at Tang San, embodying the Unity of Body and Sword technique. Tang San seemed to realize that her attack was mixed with the energy of the Thunder God lineage, and quickly defended against it, but Sagong Lin didn’t stop there and spun for a follow-up attack.

Clang! Clang!

Tang San spread the Formless Silver Threads like a bubble to block Sagong Lin’s assault, but he no longer looked overwhelmingly strong. Naturally, Sagong Lin’s sword flow was like a chaotic whirlwind, shifting in a way that was impossible to predict.

“Tsk, in a place like this…”

In the end, Tang San gave up on just using the techniques of the Four Talents Sect and started using the Thunder God lineage martial arts. He unleashed an aggressive attack combined with Thunderclap, pushing Sagong Lin back.

Suddenly, Sagong Lin went low, murmuring as she embraced the world of Heart Command Technique.

“Change! Wind God Sword Form!”

The scene unfolded in an instant. In the middle of using his Thunderclap to attack, Tang San severely injured one of his fingers and staggered back. It was as if Sagong Lin’s counterattack found the exact gap in Tang San’s defense, forcing him back.

“The Formless Poison?”

Tang San spoke in disbelief.

“No way… you mastered all the arts of the Four Great Families based off that sword form?”

“Exactly.”

Sagong Lin answered coldly without changing her expression.

“The technique created by my master, the Divine Sword Form of the Four Gods! If it’s about the skills of the Four Great Families, I can perform the Formless Poison without restraint.”

“…”

“You must’ve thought you could easily beat me with the techniques of the Thunder God lineage, but that would just make you the perfect prey.”

Tang San’s face darkened. As she said, he had rapidly elevated his skills using the techniques of the Thunder God lineage and reached the peak realm, but with the foundation that the Thunder God techniques could be counteracted, he became utterly helpless.

Forced, he switched to using the Bowing Sky Slash and the Seven Great Techniques as counters, but those didn’t seem to stand up to the Divine Sword Form’s counter abilities.

I watched Yong Junil, sitting far away, with a complicated expression.

‘That guy had this hidden away…’

From the first encounter when he ambushed me with that sword form, I thought it was suspicious, but I never expected he sought to master all the techniques of the Four Great Families! Even more, it seemed that the potential of the Divine Sword Form hadn’t been fully revealed yet, which left the true enlightenment of Yong Junil a mystery.

I sent a secret transmission to Tang San.

[ Draw out the fight for as long as possible. I need to observe the Divine Sword Form closely.]

[ …]

[ What’s wrong?]

[ It’s not the level you think… this guy…]

Tang San looked downright perplexed. It was a reaction of having met an unexpected formidable opponent, which was odd given his normally laid-back demeanor. Even if Sagong Lin was using the Divine Sword Form, I thought he could withstand the Seven Great Techniques.

But as I finally realized the reason for their fight at two hundred and fifty seconds, it all became clear.

Wee Ying!

Tang San launched countless Formless Silver Threads aiming for Sagong Lin’s life, but she opened up the Divine Sword Form at that moment, transitioning through Fire God, Thunder God, and Water God.

As that change completed, Tang San’s torso became emptier, and with just a slight poke, Sagong Lin threatened his life.

The issue arose when Tang San tried to block Sagong Lin’s attack. He managed to manifest the protective shield of the True Martial Seven Cuts and dodge with the Seven Star Shadow, adjusting the distance using the Heavenly Contraction Sword technique. Originally, at this level, there would be no undodgeable attack, but unexpectedly, Sagong Lin again utilized the Divine Sword Form, creating a bizarrely intricate transformation!

Pip Ping!

“…!!”

I felt a heavy shock to my head at that moment. Sagong Lin’s attack burrowed deep into the secrets of the Seven Great Techniques, creating yet another counterattack! It was mind-blowing; it was as if she had read the absolute martial arts of Jang Sam-bong right in the middle of the fight. At this rate, any technique of the Seven Greats would surely be countered by Sagong Lin’s chop.

Who could even conceive that the Bowing Sky Slash could artificially disrupt the flow of space again?

‘A martial art that kills martial arts!’

Was this Yong Junil’s secret, the Divine Sword Form?!

With a swift motion, Tang San almost took a hit on the shoulder. Suddenly, he wore a furious expression and stood ready.

“Hmph, let’s see how capable this Divine Sword Form really is.”

With a powerful wave, I realized that Tang San’s stance had shifted into the Mysterious Fire Rain of the Four Talents Sect. Given that stance and the wicked energy he was currently channeling, he was clearly oozing killing intent.

The fact that Tang San was now infused with killing intent meant he had stripped off his barriers of formal martial arts, deciding to eliminate the opponent with all he had.

“This is dangerous!”

Tang San had been fighting lightly until now, because he is a peak realm master who specialized in poisons and secret techniques. If he fought seriously, any leniency would turn it into a deadly massacre, as that was the fate of a master of poisons. In this friendly sparring match, he had tried as hard as he could to seal away the poisonous and secret techniques. But now that his hands were free, his combat power would rise dramatically.

It wasn’t just about increasing combat power. The Formless Poison!

Though he hadn’t fully mastered it, Tang San could refine the extreme poison of the world through his intent. If he mixed the ultimate forbidden poison—the supreme secret technique of his victory—into the Mysterious Fire Rain, Sagong Lin would undoubtedly face a life-threatening condition!

“Damn it! What to do?”

The problem was, Sagong Lin had touched that sensitive spot of Tang San’s pride. If their powers had been equal or if Sagong Lin was significantly weaker, it would be different, but the problem was that she was strong enough to scar Tang San’s ego.

While Sagong Lin was indeed strong, I couldn’t claim she had definitely surpassed the supreme expert level, making the future look clear in front of me. If Tang San genuinely fought with all of his skill, Sagong Lin would either become the finely prepared dish or a stream of poisoned water, melting away in the process. It was still a few years too early for her to directly face Tang San.

No matter the circumstances, I could not let Sagong Lin be brutally slain in a friendly sparring match. I opened my mouth to shout and stop Tang San when unexpectedly Yong Junil, who had been watching from the back, let loose his Lion’s Roar.

[ Stop!! ]

Tang San hesitated, caught off guard by Yong Junil’s intentional command. With his scornful gaze falling back on Yong Junil, he stood up and gave Tang San a martial authority.

“You have won. Our defeat.”

“…”

Tang San still stood there, his expression one of confusion and disbelief, struggling to make sense of it all. If there was any lingering trace of murderous intent on his face, it was undoubtedly from this particular moment. Just seeing that expression made me grasp how much bloodshed Tang San might have caused in Sichuan after he crushed the Four Talents Sect.

I patted Tang San’s shoulder.

“That’s enough. Everyone knows you are stronger than her.”

“… Damn it.”

With a hard bite of his teeth, Tang San jumped up and vanished somewhere, seemingly affronted by his defeat at the hands of Sagong Lin’s Divine Sword Form. After all, facing the humiliation of a peak realm expert was something he could not bear.

“Good spar.”

Understanding the circumstances, Sagong Lin gave a neat bow and withdrew, yet I was deeply confused.

‘In just five years, Sagong Lin has become a super master capable of challenging Tang San and can break through all the basics of the Four Talents Sect with her Divine Sword Form.’

Wait, not just the Four Talents Sect.

The Divine Sword Form was fundamentally a martial art created to counter martial arts. When dealing with the very essence of martial arts, no matter the level, if it turned into a long battle, anyone would be toyed with by the possessor of the Divine Sword Form. Of course, to truly wield the Divine Sword Form, one would need an extraordinary innate talent, insight, and perception – but it was evident that Sagong Lin’s talent fulfilled those requirements and more.

With the ability to see through even the Seven Great Techniques, it seemed that all martial arts in the world would resemble mice trapped in a jar before the possessor of the Divine Sword Form. The moment one began to split powers, their own martial arts would fall apart, causing them to feel dread.

To overcome the Divine Sword Form, one must reach a level where basic techniques are no longer required, even at the peak realm. Yet, only five to ten individuals in the world could be counted that way, and even then, those would merely be equal to one another, meaning the Divine Sword Form was closest to being the strongest martial art.

Moreover, it was not just overwhelming in offensive power. Just a moment ago, Sagong Lin easily shifted the Divine Sword Form whenever she wished, obtaining only the strengths of each of the Four Talents Sect, meaning that without the capability to exceed all martial arts, breaching the Divine Sword Form’s defense would be no simple feat.

Yong Junil remarked.

“This spar was our defeat. If there are any questions, now is the time to ask.”

“Not yet.”

“…?”

I stared directly at Yong Junil’s questioning expression.

“Our competition still remains.”

Yong Junil responded in a low voice.

“That’s forcing it. There’s no reason to fight. I said you won.”

I decided to push until the end.

“Even if it’s forced, if I lose this time, it’s as if we’ve lost everything.”

“Are you serious? You believe you have that much confidence in your skills?”

“What can I say?”

“Fine. If I have the chance to obtain the Seven Luminaries, then I’ll join.”

After a moment, Yong Junil readily accepted. It seemed he deemed my suggestion a foolish act while showing absolute confidence in his martial arts.

Sagong Lin spoke to me.

“Baek Woong, are you really alright?”

“… I’m fine.”

With a resolute gaze, I gripped my sword and stepped forward.

“I must face Yong Junil myself.”

Ordinarily, this would be regarded as a needless fight.

As if carrying an unnecessary risk in an already won wager.

‘I have to fight! Right now!’

But when I judged it, it was anything but. I absolutely needed to confront Yong Junil right now. Otherwise, only his clever words would help me understand him, while the true martial path he walked would remain elusive to me.

The vivid experience of battling him would become invaluable nourishment for both my next life and for my companions! However, having someone else fight would be too tedious and difficult for me to inherit all that experience, so taking matters into my own hands would be best. Since I was a reincarnator, this foolish choice could flip from the best of plans to a true strategy.

Even if this mysterious man tried to hide himself continuously, he wouldn’t be able to conceal his true martial arts in a wager set against the Seven Luminaries. I would make certain to witness that martial art with my own eyes.

“I’ll need to leave the otherworldly items out of this.”

I set aside the two treasures of the Seven Luminaries I had hidden and also tucked away the Fire Dragon Sword. Having warned the Fire Dragon Incarnate not to intervene either, she stated she understood.

When I pulled out an ordinary iron sword and moved forward, Yong Junil stepped forward slowly. He scanned me with his transparent eyes and spoke.

“I don’t understand. I acknowledge that Baek Woong is a rare and strong master, but he couldn’t possibly rule the world… Five years ago there were more than three masters in the world stronger than you. Not even comparing to the current Master of the White Lotus Sect, how did you come so close to the Seven Luminaries and the secrets of the world?”

I ignored what he said, directing my words towards Yong Junil.

“So, may I ask a question?”

Crash!

Like the clash between Jin So-cheong and Dokgo Seong just before, in a split second, we both unleashed our profound strikes. Time seemed to freeze as our energy impacted against each other, a flurry of the strongest techniques flashing back and forth.

Piying!

Yong Junil spun three times in place, creating a small cloud, and finally, I felt fifteen glowing sword strikes bursting forth from that cloud. Realizing it was the Divine Sword Form, I began to think of how to counter it.

The Three Treasures Technique!

I used the movement technique to dodge Yong Junil’s attack range swiftly. Though Tang San could use the Three Treasures Technique as well, he hadn’t been training for long enough, and thus, lacked the familiarity I possessed. When Yong Junil’s attack missed, his eyes lit up, and he swung his sword with his left hand as if throwing it.

The thrown blade grew massive in an instant, large enough to chop giants, and aimed straight for me. Realizing it was the Invincible Sword Technique, I aimed to block it with the Thunder Sword, but at that moment, Yong Junil deceptively altered his sword form to the Water God, changing the properties of the first sword.

The gentle, flowing, Yin forces engulfed my movements.

Smash!

I flew into the air, smashing through the strikes of the Seven Star Thunderbolt Technique, soaring up as I twisted through the air. As I swirled around, I executed the Vagabond Technique to catch up with Yong Junil’s back and sent a sword strike, but Yong Junil shifted his sword form yet again, effortlessly deflecting my attack.

Like Yin and Yang intertwining, our energies meshed with each other seamlessly. This was because I hadn’t collided head-on with every elegantly thrust sword form from my opponent. However, I couldn’t continue dodging like this forever.

So far, about ten seconds had passed.

I finally seemed to grasp the nature of Yong Junil’s Divine Sword Form.

‘The forms can transform back and forth among the four kinds: Thunder God, Wind God, Fire God, and Water God. However, while shifting to the next form brings about ten changes at least within a split second!’

It was marvelous. If he could switch forms this quickly and adaptively, then there wouldn’t be a martial art in the world capable of responding suitably. Internally, I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency.

‘And there’s another independent sword flow that can’t be read… in reality… That’s five changing forms linked together like a thread, creating an almost infinite variety! Over millions of variations are possible! And the ability to mix and match techniques from each sect!’’

It was truly astounding.

The one who could claim to have genuinely integrated the techniques of the Four Talents Sect wasn’t the Master of the White Lotus Sect Dokgo Uncheon with his Primordial Spirit, but actually Yong Junil right in front of me! He didn’t just parry moves with the Primordial Spirit; he perceived the foundations of the Four Techniques, twisting them all together seamlessly into one integrated martial art – that was the Divine Sword Form.

While the Master of the White Lotus Sect might unleash unbounded powers through the Primordial Spirit, the martial arts’ synthesis and the degree of completeness was overwhelmingly greater with Yong Junil’s Divine Sword Form.

The Divine Sword Form could be considered the history of the martial arts of the White Lotus sect in itself.

Locking eyes with Yong Junil, I spoke, “There appears to be an additional change concerning the Divine Sword Form. What would that be?”

“It’s Taiyi!”

“Taiyi, you say…”

“Your abilities are indeed close to those who would conquer the world, surpassing the elders of the Four Talents Sect. But you still fall short of me, thus, I shall claim the Seven Luminaries.”

Smash!

Once again, Yong Junil approached me with an attack from the Thunder God Sword Form. Although it was called Thunder God, the way he breathed through his attacks allowed his physical abilities to amplify, and he also cleverly adopted the characteristics of the Thunder God lineage’s sword art. It was as if I were facing the Sword Hero of the Thunder God lineage directly.

But I couldn’t let myself be deceived. I concentrated as the sword rushed straight towards me. At the moment the form shifted, it transformed into that of the Wind Spirit Sect, and I felt a wild urge to reach out my hand. However, I withdrew cautiously and did not act until the enemy’s blades were nearly upon me, sensing that Yong Junil’s sword contained infinite changes.

Could this be the battle of a peak realm expert?

I realized this infinite transformation and bewilderment was unattainable by any human’s physical capability but was possible only through the intent of an absolute realm master. As I stepped fully into this domain, it constricted my breath as well, but I had a pressing reason to remain focused and forced myself forward.

My nose bled from both sides. It was due to my intense concentration.

Suddenly, I recalled the memory of the Sword Demon. He too had experienced an onslaught of sword arts on par with Yong Junil, or even more powerful, like the cursed sword of Miyamoto Musashi. The vivid battle experience began to flow in my mind, further strengthening my will.

Right now, I could see it.

I could feel it.

I wouldn’t be swayed.

No matter how flawless the sword form appeared, it wouldn’t be stronger than Musashi’s fabled sword, nor could it surpass the Heavenly Unrestrained Technique of the Twelve Joules. The vivid battle experience from being in the peak realm danced before my eyes, amplifying my five insights in the moment.

I desperately observed Yong Junil’s every movement while waiting for my chance to act naturally.

Crash!

Having noticed Yong Junil switching from the Thunder God Sword Form to the Water God, and then back to the Thunder God in three distinct form changes, I would have likely been countered if I had reached out impulsively, but I played it right.

“Umm!!”

The brilliant light of my sword sparked as Yong Junil stepped back. He staggered as if his grasp was nearly torn apart and steadied himself.

His gaze flickered to his injured hand, and he remarked, “Why come at me if you weren’t at peak realm?”

“…”

“Baek Woong, you’ve stepped onto the threshold. To surpass that single step, you set out to challenge me!”

I grinned.

Yong Junil saw through my intent, but it was already too late.

Receiving the wisdom of Mangnyang helped my martial arts enlightenment grow significantly, but I hadn’t crossed over the threshold of the absolute realm just yet. Fundamentally, I had stepped forward, edging at the doorway. I discovered what I lacked while purposely challenging Yong Junil through this duel format to firmly understand his martial arts.

‘I won’t let this chance slip.’

Right now, since I couldn’t fully wield the intent of the absolute realm, I couldn’t launch effective attacks either. Only attacks potent within the absolute realm could take form against a peak realm master. Any sloppy attacks would just get countered.

However – if I focused hard enough, I could still elevate my defense and evasion into that realm!

‘Hold on tight.’

I wasn’t yet ready to clash head-on against a trained expert at the absolute level, but I did possess the best internal power and martial techniques in my arsenal. I would maximize my application of them, endure, and imprint Yong Junil’s martial arts into my very being! This experience would undeniably become my treasure in future lives.

“Come at me.”

Right, I couldn’t stand here whining about level or skill gaps. Even if the Sword Demon was clearly disadvantaged compared to the Twelve Joules or Miyamoto Musashi, he pushed his limits, completing his mission, and passed his will onto me.

A warrior is not always capable of fighting in top condition. They are warriors because they survive perilous times with their capacities and good fortune, turning the tides when needed; hence they can be called warriors. If I still fell short of skills, then I’d have to develop them through combat! Even if someone has low talent, exceeding a thousand years would be pointless – I wouldn’t yield.

Yong Junil stated, “Fine. Now I’m curious how much you can endure against my sword form.”

That was precisely what I hoped.

I came here to grasp everything to restore balance.

I would endure, even risking my life if necessary!

Four thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine seconds.

“Cough…”

I plunged my sword into the ground, collapsing. It took a whole three time intervals to initiate our exchanges, but I persevered through it all. Even while barely holding out for four thousand seconds, I succeeded in imprinting Yong Junil’s sword techniques as if I’d been through weeks of special training. My body was lined with cuts from his attacks, yet he appeared unscathed.

However, Yong Junil’s complexion had also turned slightly pale. After exchanging techniques like this, it seemed a given that his internal power had run low. He looked at me, kneeling on the ground in defiance, his gaze complicated.

“… Have you yet to realize? The difference between absolute realms is as subtle as a single sheet of paper, yet it is a tremendous gulf.”

“Hmm.”

“A mere step over the boundary won’t suffice against me. Although you may have entered the absolute realm, you do not recognize the essence.”

Indeed, I had yet to land a single lethal blow on Yong Junil so far. The Divine Sword Form was not a martial art weak enough for a novice to pierce, as it was undoubtedly a skill deriving from the templates of the Four Talents Sect. Against such an integrated martial art, defeating me was not easy.

‘Phew… this guy… just how strong can he possibly be?’

Could he be reaching the limits of humankind?

It wouldn’t be unusual for him to be lauded as the greatest Sword Emperor in the martial world.

I nearly gave up the fight several times. My martial arts lay scaled into the absolute level, yet I had barely touched Yong Junil. If this was the level of martial arts, he could be almost equal to the Master of the White Lotus Sect or the Twelve Joules currently.

But despite being drenched in my own blood, I rose again, grinning.

“But you couldn’t finish me off either. Despite exhausting your full power, I managed to dodge all your ultimate techniques! I’ve also connected with you at least ten times, right?”

“…”

As blood dripped slowly from Yong Junil’s bruised wrist, I noticed there was a slight scratch. My attacks hadn’t gone completely unnoticed. Yong Junil couldn’t have won without sustaining at least a minor wound here. Though they weren’t fatal, just grazing skin meant there was certainly a chance for victory on my part.

Right now, I wouldn’t be so easily defeated.

‘I have the experience and will of the Sword Demon.’

“I can still fight more. Shall we continue?”

This wasn’t bravado. I could heal the wounds within my inner power as I transitioned it into stamina. I was confident that I could hold my ground for another two days if necessary, while Yong Junil could not maintain this level of endurance.

“Hoo – this feels forced. Isn’t this just like the Dharma Guardian believing in an infinite reserve of power?”

Yong Junil exhaled a deep sigh, but I spoke with poise.

“If you’re going to, then proceed, or if not, step aside!”

“…”

Yong Junil countered with an annoyed expression.

“I concede.”

Yong Junil’s acknowledgment of defeat wasn’t because my skills fell short. The longer we fought in this manner, the clearer it became that my internal power was replenishing while Yong Junil’s was not. He had utilized the resources of the Divine Sword Form effectively for four thousand seconds, but now it was expected that he would deplete even his innate energy to a critical level. If this continued, my chance for victory would eventually arise.

Of course, the Dharma Guardian wouldn’t be able to endure against Yong Junil in the same way, as due to his inadequacy in understanding martial arts, he could wind up getting his head severed before he could do anything.

“Well, against the Master of the White Lotus Sect or Miyamoto Musashi, this wouldn’t work…”

They would surely find a way to kill me long before I could even recover. However, it was solely because Yong Junil’s techniques focused on precision that the momentous impact was somewhat weaker, allowing me to gain the upper hand now.

This might be a bit dirty, but it was my only option. I had to grasp as many insights as possible to prepare for the next reincarnation. Delaying the time to gather excess momentum was unacceptable; now that I had entered the White Lotus Sect, failure was not an option.

“Then I have one last question for you.”

“I suppose there was a stipulation.”

“You must answer honestly.”

“I will indeed.”

Locking my gaze on Yong Junil, I asked the one thing that puzzled me the most.

“… Yong Junil. Why do you show no sorrow over your father Yong Bi-cheon’s death?”

“…”

Yong Junil opened his mouth for a moment before retaliating.

“Why do you ask such a thing?”

“I desire to know what kind of person you are. What do you seek, and what is your goal?”

It was perhaps an absurdly ineffective question.

Yet I couldn’t endure the uncertainty without knowing.

From exchanging blows with Yong Junil, I felt I had gleaned some understanding, leading me to believe that his attitude toward Yong Bi-cheon was not just cold. It was almost indifferent.

To comprehend this, I realized there was not a shred of emotion or grudge in his swordplay. The sheer lucidity of his sword path itself proved this. Even in negotiations, one hides their emotions, but it should be impossible to suppress emotions against a parent’s arch-enemy in a life-or-death duel. Yet, from the very first second through to the four thousand seven hundred and fifty-ninth second, he never exhibited anger or emotional turmoil towards me. This was abnormal for any human being.

Because he lacked emotions, he remained calm even towards his enemies.

Because there were no feelings, he could easily accept the Thunder Clan and bring Dokgo Seong into his own fold.

Thinking this way explains his abnormally calm demeanor until now.

As a successor of Wind Spirit and Dharma Guardian, having no affection or even hatred towards his father held significant implications; this was not a martial artist’s viewpoint on such feelings as loyalty and enmity, which were akin to life for them. Yong Junil felt so detached from what one would expect from a martial artist that it didn’t seem humane at all!

Yong Junil remained silent for a while, gathering himself before speaking.

“Because he is not my father.”

Something resolute glimmered in his eyes.

“… Are you saying Yong Bi-cheon had an affair?”

“Not at all. My father was Yong Bi-cheon, and my mother was Sa Yejeong… They are undoubtedly my blood relatives and my actual parents.”

“Then what…?”

“I just couldn’t grow attached.”

“…?”

Yong Junil said bittersweetly, “I… have lived this life before.”

 

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