860——————==

True Martial Home (진공가향)

As I flew, leaning on a sword like Yeodong-bin and feeling like an extension of the blade, a million thoughts raced through my mind. I should never have such an attitude before a Life-and-Death Decision, but I couldn’t help it. I was curious about how close I was to him while wearing Yeodong-bin’s mask and wanted to know if my Heavenly Escape Sword Technique would work on Musashi.

Swaaat

Musashi’s sword sliced horizontally. I called it a slice, but it was beyond common sense; his Fast Sword scattered and shattered the flow of Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram instantly. The sight of the sword cloud being brutally cut apart before it could even envelop the opponent was a testament to my inexperience, making me grit my teeth.

“Impressive, Musashi. You can determine the weakest point of the sword cloud in that instant? But…”

I can’t keep relying on you forever.

I have to surpass you and reach a higher realm!

A brilliant light shone from my eyes as I shook off the six harmonies of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram from the sword’s tip and returned to the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. This technique had been transformed by the Fire Dragon Incarnate, and I felt extremely familiar with it as I had used it countless times while she borrowed my body. Approaching Musashi through swordplay itself seemed more effective than merely copying the sword form of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique (천둔검법)

Water and Fire Dragon (수화룡)

With a sound like a dragon’s roar, my sword moved gracefully, releasing the sword strength resembling a dragon. When the dragon-shaped aura with properties of water and fire exploded forth, Musashi immediately severed my sword’s expression with his Sword Drawing Technique, beheading the dragon’s head in the void. As Musashi retaliated, I stepped towards him and attacked with a leg technique this time.

Thunder God Lineage (뇌신류)

Thunder Cloud Fist (뇌운강권)

Heavenly Dragon Leg (천룡퇴)

Kwang!!

As my kick targeted Musashi’s head, he reflexively raised his shoulder and blocked it with his shoulder technique. It was a kick infused with all my internal power, yet despite my Intent Heavenly Pillar, he absorbed it just fine, indicating that he was skilled in body techniques as well.

At the same moment, Musashi unleashed his killing strike with resolve, using the White Thunder Slice again, and I cast the Three Treasure Technique without losing distance.

Pababat

“Hmm.”

Musashi let out a hum. How could he not, since if he used the Three Treasure Technique to grasp the powers of Heaven, Earth, and People, even the greatest of masters couldn’t attack me within a second. As the Three Treasure Technique, the most powerful rising technique among the Seven Great Techniques, officially unfolded, Musashi tried to widen the distance.

‘Not like that!’

As he pulled back, I rushed towards him, continuing to attack with the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. With my white sword path swaying and blocking his retreat, Musashi cast a threatening technique that suggested he was annoyed.

Ancient Sword Technique (고대검술) Nenyuu (넨류)

Ultimate Principle (극의)

Meteor Slice (유성베기)

Pukang!!

In that moment, I suddenly realized that my left index finger had been severed, as if time and space had ceased. Musashi’s counterattack was so precise and harmonious with the sword Qi that I failed to recognize it in time. The thought of having my finger slice off nearly dampened my fighting spirit, but I quickly shrugged it off and focused on Musashi.

I can part with a finger for this.

I’ll take your arm, Musashi!

With even greater focus, I unleashed the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique with a roar like never before.

“Uaaaaa!!”

Whirrrrr

Dragon Flame!

The phenomenon that commonly occurred when the Fire Dragon Incarnate unfolded the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!

Every time I unleashed the 81 seconds of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, the Sword Flame flowed like molten lava through the sky, leaving afterimages. That flame was not merely sword flame but a manifestation of the sword strength, and anyone left in its trajectory would take damage. In a chase like this, it was excellent for pressuring the opponent.

Musashi, attempting to avoid close combat, also determined that retreating would become unfavorable as my pressure increased, and thus he began to brace himself to face the incoming Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. Musashi unleashed the essence of the Dongyoung Sword Technique with bloodlust in his eyes.

Demon-Fleeing Mountain (요마퇴산)

Kamae Tachi (카마이 타치)!

Peeeen

At that moment, I sensed the invisible sword winds enveloping my body. This wind sword mixed with the dragon flames, exploding with killing intent. Musashi managed to escape the dragon flame’s pressures and, not backing down for a breath, aimed directly for my neck with the Supreme Slash.

“……!!”

Peerless Technique (무쌍패)!

Kwang

I used the Peerless Technique to block the Supreme Slash once again, but this time a thunderous explosion roared, seemingly tearing apart the area where we stood, creating a vortex of energy that swept both our bodies up. It was by far a bigger cyclone than the last one, indicating that I hadn’t fully taken his Supreme Slash. My forearm was marked up, blood dripping down, proving the damage.

What’s happening?

‘To think he could use Supreme Slash again….’

Even though it wasn’t at the level of Divine Kill Slash, Musashi usually got worn out after using Supreme Slash, or so I thought based on past life experiences. Surely he wouldn’t have the energy to counter again, and I was pressing him hard.

But it was unexpectedly alarming that he could use Supreme Slash again.

I looked at Musashi’s face floating in the void. His face contorted with a terrifying aura, flowing with bloodlust, made me flinch.

Musashi was smiling.

“I’m so happy…. This is truly exciting.”

“You….”

“Let’s settle this.”

A ghostly face….

In that instant I saw Musashi’s face, and all I could think was that.

It was as if an Asura or a demon had manifested with the epitome of killing intent, surrounding everything. Simultaneously, an absolute talent emerged in my mind.

Demon Mask (귀면상)!

According to Yeodong-bin’s past memories, the Demon Mask was a talent that those in the Martial Arts World would dream of while holding it in horror.

Gifted with a talent for a divine sword demon, even the most jaded genius would seem ordinary in front of its wielder. It possessed terrifying reflexes, super recovery abilities, and good fortune allowing anyone mastering martial arts to achieve supreme expertise in the world.

However, it carried a primal killing intent on par with the ten heavenly spirits, often causing great disasters. A person with a Demon Mask would appear once every two hundred years and possessed enough power to threaten the supremacy of the Martial Arts World. The reason the Eight Divine Parts had kept a close watch on young Yeodong-bin was precisely because of this Demon Mask.

‘…So that’s how it is.’

The emergence of an unparalleled swordsman who could aim for being the world’s best by encompassing both Central Plains and Goryeo, from the barren land of Dongyoung. It was because Musashi was a natural-born sword demon with the Demon Mask. Moreover, it indicated that he was akin to the legendary sword master Yeodong-bin in the past.

Musashi was clearly in a state where the Demon Mask was manifesting, fighting fiercely from the very depths with pure will. Moreover, for someone who could wield the Intent Heavenly Pillar, augmenting mental strength meant amplifying all abilities. Thus, Musashi’s next attack would be utterly unavoidable without using the Peerless Technique perfectly.

Buddles….

My sword-holding hand trembled uncontrollably.

Having taken significant injuries to my arms and hands, my mental state was unsteady. Switching masks too often had left the wild killing intent and my own will rampaging in my head. Additionally, the realization that I hadn’t properly countered his lethal attacks with the Peerless Technique created a feeling of despair within me.

‘…I haven’t once perfectly used the Peerless Technique in this fight. There were always some gaps, and Musashi has exploited every single one of them….’

I had thought I was stabilizing my mind, but it seemed that to an adept of the Absolute Realm, vulnerabilities were still laid bare.

It would take ten more years of training at least to eliminate those gaps. Would I be able to use the Peerless Technique correctly in the next clash?

In terms of physical strength and spiritual power, I had the advantage, but if I continued like this, I sensed I would lose. I lamented why I hadn’t beaten Musashi even after reincarnating 27 times, but I swiftly changed my mind.

No more whining.

I can’t call upon Yeodong-bin or Jang Sam-bong in this fight.

Even if I called, they wouldn’t fight for me. I can’t keep relying on Divine Thief to fight for me. The trials I must face to become stronger cannot be delegated to someone else.

…….

No matter how bleak and despairing it gets, isn’t life about not stopping until seeing the end? After tasting that bitter essence at the very bottom multiple times, haven’t I stood up as Baek Woong?

“Let’s go!”

Even if I die, let’s die with dignity!

I shook off unnecessary worries and confusion from my mind and cleared my head. I readied a stance for the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique once more.

Musashi’s gaze glimmered oddly at my posture.

“What’s that sword technique that you hold onto so tightly?”

“Hold on tightly….”

“It seems you have a great story behind it.”

“…Maybe.”

When was it that I first gained the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique?

When I received it unexpectedly, I had no thoughts on it. Then, when Yeodong-bin first descended to defeat the demon of the sea, I witnessed the essence of that technique and was captivated by its power. Eventually, I subconsciously relied on Yeodong-bin’s divine essence to learn the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, making numerous attempts as my talent and capacity expanded.

In the midst of memories flooding like a scene from a movie, I suddenly came to realize something.

“Divine Sword Technique.”

Wooong

I imbued the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique with the power of Divine Sword Technique. Suddenly, a ghostly energy resembling sword Qi swirled around my sword.

The Divine Sword Technique had the ability to condense all causes and effects into a divine sword through the user’s will, thus allowing the user to fight using the created Divine Sword. Of course, I had only just obtained the Divine Sword Technique so my causes and effects wouldn’t be enough, but it was surely better than having none at all.

Tydaht!

“Then die!”

Musashi’s bloodlust gleamed as he executed the Divine Kill Slash, merging with the sword like a perfect union.

There was no longer any need for a probing battle, and he judged that the current situation favored him. After all, until now, I had felt utterly suppressed against Musashi’s strength, despite trying all sorts of tricks. Even if I tried to use the Peerless Technique again now, I felt like I could be overwhelmed by sheer strength.

Here he comes.

For the first time, I saw the true form of the Divine Kill Slash in a fleeting moment, gripping the Divine Sword like never before. This absurd concentration summoned a miracle, the concept state of the Divine Kill Slash appeared like a sleek long saber. That blade contained a lethal intention to cut through anything in its path, even perhaps slaying divine spirits.

That’s… [real].

Musashi was set on cutting through anything, and I didn’t doubt that for a second.

His strong will was undoubtedly a powerful weapon in the realm of the Absolute.

That Divine Kill Slash embodied Musashi’s genuine heart!

In contrast, I still had no certainty about what my ultimate might was.

Then am I a fake?

Is my life as a thief, merely changing masks while wielding fake techniques, truly my life?

Was the desire to become a martial artist a mere childish act for overlooking my own talents? I had no idea.

Normally, at this terrifying moment, I should have raised both hands, gathering the harmony of Tai Chi to execute the Peerless Technique. There was no other way to stop Musashi’s Divine Kill Slash but the Peerless Technique. However, strangely, I felt averse to unleashing the Peerless Technique, and even thought that if I were to die, it may be unavoidable.

‘Does the Martial Heart (무심) truly exist?’

The Divine Thief said.

“In martial arts, there is a heart.”

Back then, I thought that was rubbish, but somehow now I feel like I understand. It’s as if I’m wearing a shirt that doesn’t fit; the Peerless Technique itself rejects me. I knew better than anyone that the current me, unable to unify my mind and body, couldn’t use the Peerless Technique without foiling it—just like pearls on a pig’s neck.

So then, what is the Martial Heart I possess?

What heart resides in all the martial arts I’ve cultivated since birth?

Drip

All of a sudden, I felt a single tear rolling down my cheek. That tear was one filled with regret and discontent towards my ignorance. I felt loathing towards my own inability, not knowing that heart no matter how much I pondered.

‘I don’t know…’

Ignorance.

I have no means to escape that cycle.

“Uaaa!!”

In that moment – I felt as if I had released something inside my heart. And unbelievably, I extended my hand, unsheathing my sword without executing the Peerless Technique.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram (육의성천도)

I don’t know why I opposed the Divine Kill Slash with the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram. Naturally, my lack of profound understanding of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram meant my sword energy got sheared away, and with the next cut, Musashi’s blade pierced through my abdomen.

Puk

As the victor, Musashi’s expression became grotesquely twisted. I could see that intense hatred in his face.

“……”

Chuwak

Musashi said nothing as he pulled the long saber from my belly and wiped the blood away. As I staggered, one knee dropped to the ground, Musashi turned his head and spoke.

“Pathetic.”

I understood why he called me pathetic. It was because he couldn’t comprehend why, at the end, I chose to use the worst move, the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram, instead of using the Peerless Technique. Normally, it would have been bizarre not to decapitate me immediately after winning, but he only stabbed my belly and left me alive—because he looked down on me.

“I fought against a guy who can’t even beat himself…”

Was it the intuition of one who’d severed the blade? Musashi seemed to perceive the conflict I had just experienced.

“Promises are promises; reveal all the information.”

But I was so absorbed in myself that I almost forgot the searing pain in my abdomen. Musashi’s words barely registered in my ears. Why didn’t I grasp the heart of martial arts?

Why hadn’t I reached the state of true heart?

Why was I still wandering within the shackles of ignorance?

How many years had it been…?

‘…I know. This is not about whether I have talent or not.’

I have a critical flaw, I mulled over, slowly standing back up. Musashi only threw a glance at me as I stood unguarded, without attacking.

With empty eyes, I held onto my sword and contemplated.

It’s okay not to look in the mirror.

The mask of Yeodong-bin I wear isn’t me anyway.

As a mask user, I can only pretend to be ‘Yeodong-bin’ in my mind….

And the actor must not forget himself; inevitably, the true heart cannot be recognized.

Let alone in a state where I had not even obtained the mask of the abyss.

But….

Even a mask user has a heart.

Only I know the heart behind the mask.

Do I not have that heart?

Is that heart—unable to become my Martial Heart (무심)?

‘I can’t give up like this.’

Wooaaaaaaa

At that moment, the Divine Sword in my hand began to glow.

As I wished, the causes began to flow into the Divine Sword. I then slowly recited my line.

Now, I am Yeodong-bin.

“I am the sword of the world.”

If there’s no entity within me right now—if I’m merely a fake, then I won’t search for the real anymore.

I will act even more perfectly.

“I will become the sword that encompasses the world!!”

Boom!

With this, the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram unfolded again from the tip of my sword. Musashi frowned in annoyance, and with intense hatred, he swung his sword.

“You idiot!”

Slicing

Musashi undoubtedly believed my Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram was a mere imitation. So he must have been confident that he could smash it with his superior strike. That confidence was correct, and certainly, an inferior imitative swordplay could only disrupt Musashi but not defeat him.

Kang!!

“……?!”

However, in that moment, my Divine Sword clashed with Musashi and pushed him back significantly. Totally caught off guard, Musashi appeared flustered, while I forcefully channeled causes into the Divine Sword, releasing my spirit call.

“AAAAAAAAA!!”

Kuuguuuuuuuu

As I strained in the struggle against Musashi with blades clashing, I barely noticed the torn palm and muscle exposing my forearm. Instead, I focused all my energy into the Divine Sword, so much so that I began to bleed from my nose.

“Ugh… it’s… happening…!!”

“You little…!”

“I… don’t know anything! But one thing I know….”

I confronted Musashi’s bloodthirsty gaze, gritting my teeth.

“Longing is… not a crime!!”

Boom!!

At that moment, the Divine Sword exploded, pitching Musashi backward. The pressure created was so intense that he couldn’t even unfold his techniques.

I realized the Divine Sword devoured my memories while casting the Divine Sword Technique and spat out blood.

“Cough.”

The Law of Cause and Effect piled onto the Divine Sword Technique.

In other words, it had the ability to convert memories also into power, which meant if I infused my memories into it, I could temporarily turn my martial arts memories into strength. Of course, this converted power was very temporary, making prolonged fights impractical, but at least briefly enhancing yourself was possible.

The reason why the Yeodong-bin using the Divine Sword Technique was significantly stronger than other Divine Thieves might be because of this.

Feeling like I had truly used the Divine Sword Technique in battle for the first time, I smirked and muttered.

“What about Baek Woong’s Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram!!”

Pow!

I surged forth once more with the Divine Sword Technique infused with the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram towards Musashi. Naturally, it felt like a pile of garbage compared to the original, but with the Divine Sword Technique channeling causes and memories, my learned Wudang and Thunder God Techniques morphed into sheer power, amplifying the sword’s pressure. Musashi faced back, unleashing his Supreme Slash, and our strengths clashed in the air.

Kuwaaaaan

“Cough!”

“Ugh!”

We both screamed in agony, riddled with wounds, collapsing to the ground. Our injuries were on par, neither could claim superiority, but we both sprang up as if competing with each other.

“Grah!”

Musashi, with a ghostly face, drew every ounce of strength and unleashed the Divine Kill Slash. I, resolved to die here if it meant ending this battle, fully engaged the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram without holding back any internal power. I simply unleashed it without grace, very much unlike the true form.

Wiying

At that moment, strangely, even though my variant Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram was chaotic, I sensed it rotating according to the principles of the Six Harmonies.

It was indeed strange, but thanks to that, the spinning Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram suddenly shifted its nature, turning the flow into a downpour and Musashi suddenly took a hit from my sword energy at a vital point.

Gulp

Though Musashi spewed blood, he plunged the Divine Kill Slash into my throat. It would have been a lethal wound, yet I barely felt pain, managing to catch the shallowly jabbed blade with my bare hands to avoid instant death.

Pabbak

New Shadow School (신카게류)

Blade-less Technique (무토도리).

“…….”

“Huff, huh.”

Bam!

Both drenched in blood, with our pooled life essence dripping on the ground, I drew my scabbard from my waist and struck down Musashi’s shoulder. With a sound, a piece of his flesh fell, but in defiance, Musashi turned his blade aside, severing my two fingers.

Chuwak

Oh, I’m really going to die.

Seeing Musashi’s sword light flying towards my forehead, I felt the real taste of death approaching. However, apart from that foreboding, my Divine Sword calmly established the sword path, ultimately piercing through Musashi’s chest.

Thump!

‘…Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram… Earthly Decision (지결)….’

I had no idea why that had emerged at the last moment.

In that instantaneous battle, where mind transcended body, we both desperately grasped at the bottom until the result was determined. Musashi, wanting to say something, glanced at his chest before slowly collapsing backwards.

Boom!

I held my injured belly, fearing my insides might burst out, weeping blood.

“I… won….”

The series of ten battles might not yet be over, but here lies victory.

I took down Miyamoto Musashi, one of the three great sages of the world and a pillar of the absolute masters.