Chapter 65

A blatant provocation.

However, So Jeongak drew his sword without even furrowing his brow, maintaining a solemn expression.

‘As expected, he won’t fall for it easily.’

Three consecutive defeats.

A shocking result that no one had anticipated.

Though one of them had self-destructed, what mattered was that the Five Great Sects now had only two chances left.

Naturally, those who came to fight weren’t lighthearted enough to lose their composure over provocations.

“Begin!”

So Jeongak took the initiative.

As soon as Hwangbo Seong’s shout fell, the sword in his hand flew toward vital points, leaving a trail of light.

A lightning-fast strike that even a master’s eyes would find difficult to follow.

However, Yuseong, who had activated Eye of Truth the moment he stepped onto the arena, could easily avoid So Jeongak’s surprise attack.

‘This skill really is broken.’

Unless there was an overwhelming difference in specs that couldn’t be resisted.

As long as one could achieve the minimum speed required to dodge the opponent’s attacks, Eye of Truth made it possible to predict approximate movements and engage in some level of exchange even against opponents several levels stronger.

Of course, it was impossible to perfectly predict high-level martial arts just by observing the flow of internal energy, but Yuseong didn’t only have Eye of Truth.

For techniques that contained subtle changes or traps that couldn’t be predicted even with Eye of Truth, he could use Asura Perception Way to extend his perceived time and respond calmly.

“Kugh?”

Nevertheless, there were still limits.

The gap in skill between himself and So Jeongak wasn’t light enough to be overcome with just Eye of Truth and Asura Perception Way.

At first, only his hair and clothes were getting cut, but as time passed, sword wounds began to accumulate all over his body.

Everyone thought So Jeongak would win.

However, So Jeongak himself was trembling with an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

‘Why? Why doesn’t he give up even in this situation?’

This wasn’t simply persisting out of stubbornness.

It meant he had a sure way to win.

‘Then I’ll end this before he can use that method!’

So Jeongak’s sword began to turn red.

The secret technique of the Waning Moon Sword Gate, the Waning Moon Sword Technique, exhibits more than double its power when used with sword energy.

The red afterimages left where the sword passed blur the opponent’s vision, and the sword energy that can be freely adjusted in size takes life in a moment of carelessness.

However, Yuseong charged toward So Jeongak without using fist energy, with just his bare body.

‘If I have internal energy to use for fist energy, I might as well use it to strengthen my body.’

Unless facing an opponent who can’t be harmed with bare fists, there’s no absolute need to use fist energy.

This way of thinking was fundamentally different from martial artists who believe sword energy can only be countered with sword energy, and strong energy only with strong energy.

However, this difference in thinking created the turning point for victory.

‘He’s slow!’

Perhaps because he spent internal energy on creating sword energy?

So Jeongak’s movements, which had been as light as a swallow skimming water, momentarily slowed to a speed that he could catch up to.

And Yuseong didn’t miss that opportunity, throwing himself into the storm of sword energy that So Jeongak was creating.

Slash!

The shocking force rising through the wounds from being cut by sword energy.

He almost collapsed from the terrible pain he had never felt before, but Yuseong activated Pain Nullification to barely maintain his posture and steadily advanced forward.

‘I can see it.’

A beautiful sword technique drawing a crescent moon and countless stars.

However, to Yuseong’s eyes using both Eye of Truth and Asura Perception Way simultaneously, the night sky that So Jeongak was creating looked somehow awkward.

The crescent moon shines too brightly, making the surrounding stars dim.

If the crescent moon and stars had been in perfect harmony, he wouldn’t have dared to approach, but now that the balance was broken, he only needed to watch out for the crescent moon.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

So Jeongak’s face hardened as he watched Wi Jinmu silently approaching while his entire body was being cut by sword energy.

Though allowing numerous attacks, he absolutely wouldn’t allow any fatal attacks that could take his life.

Whether such a technique was possible or not was uncertain, but one thing was clear – if he allowed any more approach, he would lose.

The moment he realized this, So Jeongak steeled his resolve.

‘You think you’re the only one who can use the Six Severance Bone Breaking technique!’

So Jeongak deliberately exposed a fatal opening, and when Wi Jinmu came within two steps, he swung his sword while exploding all his internal energy at a single point.

A sword shot at the speed of light.

However, no matter how swift an attack might be, it becomes meaningless before someone who knows about it in advance and can respond.

Clang!

Blankly staring at his sword caught by a hand without even fist energy formed, So Jeongak asked in a dejected voice.

“What martial art is this?”

“Ying-yang Foresight Barrier. Well done.”

Crack!

“The winner of the match is Wi Jinmu of the Jincheon Martial Arts family!”

Despite the miraculous victory, there were no cheers from anywhere.

This was because Yuseong’s condition was too serious.

At least dozens of sword wounds from breaking through the sword barrier.

His white martial arts uniform had long since turned red with blood flowing from his wounds, becoming a red martial arts uniform.

No matter how much he wanted to win, this was too harsh.

No, even before being harsh, it could only be called foolish.

“How can he properly fight the next match in that state?”

Even at a glance, these were absolutely not light injuries.

The blood flowing from the wounds cut by sword energy had already formed small pools on the ground, and blood vessels throughout his body were repeatedly swelling and subsiding, presumably because his vital points had been cut and internal energy wasn’t circulating properly.

“Come down quickly and receive treatment!”

Even Hwangbo Seong had turned pale – that’s how serious it was.

However, Yuseong shook his head.

“I’m fine, please continue with the final match immediately.”

“Shut up and come down! Fighting in that state is reckless!”

“Do you think it’s reckless?”

Yuseong just silently stared at Hwangbo Seong.

Clear eyes filled with certainty of victory, without any trace of fear of death or defeat.

Seeing this, Hwangbo Seong nodded as if entranced.

“…To think there was someone even more stubborn than me in this world.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

After bowing his head in gratitude to Hwangbo Seong for accepting his insistence, Yuseong sent a strand of sound transmission to Jin Il.

-Did you do it according to plan?

-I don’t know how many times you’ve asked now. I handled it for sure. Can’t you trust my word?

-They say you reap what you sow, right? This much suspicion is natural.

-You really have no filter with your martial brother.

-Oh? Were we still martial brothers?

Seeing Jin Il turn away with a reddened face, Yuseong burst into small laughter, forgetting his current situation.

‘That person has some unexpectedly cute aspects.’

When did he try to kill him as a traitor, and now he shows this kind of reaction?

It was hard to tell whether he liked or disliked Wi Jinmu.

-Having been martial brothers for over ten years, of course there would be lingering attachment. He must have been very disappointed to see me cut ties with the sect without a moment’s hesitation, as if I had been waiting for it.

The strategy Yuseong proposed to Jin Giwoo and Jin Il was simple.

To cover merit with fault and make everything as if it never happened.

Bury Jin Il’s betrayal by assigning him a decisive role in leading to victory in the martial arts competition, and bury Wi Jinmu’s use of black magic with victory in the competition.

However, after experiencing such events, Jin Il and Wi Jinmu couldn’t possibly live under the same roof.

In the end, it was decided that Wi Jinmu would leave the Jincheon Martial Arts family once everything was settled.

‘Should I change the conditions even now? Your master seems to care for you a lot, it would be entirely possible to send Jin Il away instead of you.’

-If we drive out First Senior Brother, the legitimate successor, the Jincheon Martial Arts family will collapse from internal strife. Both for the sake of the Jincheon Martial Arts family and for my own sake, it’s right that I leave.

Having made up his mind, there wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in Wi Jinmu’s voice.

He even showed the composure to offer farewell greetings to Yuseong.

-If it weren’t for you, Mr. Yuseong, neither the Jincheon Martial Arts family nor I would have survived. Though I’m not sure if it will be possible, if the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly repay this kindness.

‘You’re talking like everything’s already over, but there’s still one match left, you know? Shouldn’t you say such things after seeing the victory?’

-If it’s according to Mr. Yuseong’s plan, victory is certain, so what need is there to delay?

At Wi Jinmu’s bold answer, Yuseong nodded with a faint smile.

“Seven Stars Gate’s Jang Muyeong! Come up!”

Looking at his final opponent who had come up to the arena, Yuseong couldn’t help but let out an exclamation of admiration.

He’s more than a span taller, and his build is more than half again larger.

Moreover, Jang Muyeong’s internal energy confirmed by Eye of Truth was beyond that of So Jeongak whom he had just defeated.

‘Even though it’s the same C-rank quest, this seems several times more difficult than [Unidentified Organism. Highly Hostile to Humans.]’

Of course, this was entirely Yuseong’s fault.

If the goal was simply to clear it, [Youngest Disciple of the Jincheon Martial Arts Family] would have been much easier since only 1 victory was needed.

The difficulty had increased endlessly because he recklessly tried to satisfy additional conditions.

“Begin!”

Even though Hwangbo Seong announced the start of the match, Jang Muyeong remained still, breaking out in cold sweat.

Objectively speaking, it was clear which side had the advantage and which side was at a disadvantage.

Jang Muyeong with superior skill and perfect condition in both body and internal energy.

Wi Jinmu with numerous sword wounds and a complexion turned pale white from blood loss.

However, the one feeling fear in this situation was none other than Jang Muyeong.

‘What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?’

The fate of the Five Great Sects rested on him.

The pressure made him feel like he would vomit.

Wi Jinmu’s appearance, looking like he would collapse at the slightest touch, provided no comfort.

This was someone who had achieved 4 consecutive victories against superior skilled opponents.

Common sense judgment had no meaning.

If he fought normally, despite his skill advantage, he might lose in an instant.

“……”

Looking at Jang Muyeong breaking out in cold sweat, Yuseong smiled darkly.

If Jang Muyeong had simply approached and used his martial arts, there would have been no way to endure.

However, due to the previous matches, Jang Muyeong was overestimating him.

‘This was a fight that couldn’t be won fairly from the start.’

To win, he had no choice but to use tricks.

Use unfamiliar martial arts they didn’t expect, take advantage of their carelessness, frame them, sacrifice flesh to take bone.

4 victories barely achieved that way.

However, to perfectly complete the quest, 1 more victory was needed.

Woong!

The first use of fist energy since the match began.

And Yuseong began exaggeratedly waving his arm with fist energy formed, as if performing a trick.

Just as everyone’s eyes filled with questions at this meaningless action that went beyond incomprehensible, Jang Muyeong suddenly launched his body with a bright expression.

“Tahat!”

A strike with all the power of a peak master.

And the match was decided in an instant.

[You have cleared the quest ‘Youngest Disciple of the Jincheon Martial Arts Family’.]

[Analyzing clear process, please wait a moment.]

[Fate Change Rate 202.9%, Otherworld Skill Usage 71.1%, Otherworld Artifact Usage 0%.]

[Final Evaluation: SSS Rank.]

[Amazing! User Han Yuseong has succeeded in creating a new fate that everyone can be satisfied with, not just achieving the goal! Rewards will be given.]

[Basic Clear Reward: 300,000 Karma, Blue Wood Pill×3, Supreme Golden Wound Medicine×3, Supreme Fasting Pill×30.]

[Additional Condition Clear Reward: 10,000,000 Karma, C-rank Skill Free Selection Ticket.]

[SSS Rank Clear Additional Reward: 4,000,000 Karma.]

[Return to original world will begin shortly.]

Jang Muyeong’s fist that hit the wrong place and Yuseong’s attack that accurately struck the heart.

Bringing his mouth to the ear of Jang Muyeong, who was repeatedly coughing up blood foam, Yuseong whispered in a small voice.

“Why? Confused because things didn’t go as planned?”

“H-how. How?”

Looking at Jang Muyeong who seemed capable of only endlessly muttering “how” besides those words, Yuseong’s face showed a smile that couldn’t contain his amusement.

Revealing the truth or hiding it.

While contemplating which would be more interesting, Yuseong soon made his decision.

“A new solution method brought by a traitor. Seems you received it well.”

“…How did you know that?”

Toward the shocked Jang Muyeong, Yuseong left his final words in this world.

“Sorry, but that was bait.”

[Deus Ex Machina Program Activation.]

[Ariadne’s Thread tracking complete.]

[Initiating spirit particle transfer.]