Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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Dark Heaven Village
Swaaak
The moment we began, I thrust my swift sword straight at Jin So-cheong's throat. It had no formal name among the sword forms, but it was the thrusting posture taught first in the Thunder God Style.
Jin So-cheong didn't take my attack lightly. He applied the Three Steps Ultimate Arts and retreated a great distance in a single motion.
Thud!
Thud thud thud
The sound of air tearing followed belatedly. The whooshes exploded simultaneously on either side of Jin So-cheong's head, sending his hair fluttering wildly. He hadn't cut his hair during his secluded mountain training, letting it grow down to his shoulders. Jin So-cheong glanced at the severed strands and said,
I nodded.
“You recognized it right away.”
“You twisted the trajectory using the pulling force of Coiling Heaven Axis Sword… That attack just now was a death-dealing technique in itself.”
“No need to flatter me. What are you, to dodge it so easily?”
“I got lucky.”
Hearing Jin So-cheong's words, I felt a nagging unease.
‘To break a linked technique born from training the Mysteries of the Reverse so effortlessly.’
The Mysteries of the Reverse I'd trained in weren't a specific martial art. Rather, it was a process that greatly enhanced the linkages and proficiency of Thunder God Style techniques while maximizing understanding of their applications. Thus, it encompassed not only Thunder God Style arts but also insights from the Seven Great Absolute Arts and Eight Immortal Divine Arts I'd learned.
My attack just now maximized speed through insight into Remnant Sky Cloud Radiance, one of the Eight Immortal Divine Arts, and temporarily warped space with Coiling Heaven Axis Sword to disrupt the opponent's gaze. Anyone seeing it as a mere straight swift sword would face three piercing strikes out of nowhere and die instantly.
Yet Jin So-cheong saw through every change in my technique in that split second and retreated exactly the right distance with the Three Steps Ultimate Arts—the only reliable counter. In truth, the attack had no effect on him.
“Now I see. I can't face you as you are without my spear.”
Swoosh
Jin So-cheong calmly raised his spear into position. In that instant, his presence surged from nothing, like a ferocious beast's maw gaping nearby. A chilling threat enveloped my entire body. I felt sweat slicking my palms and grinned.
“What an honor.”
Jin So-cheong never used his spear against inferior foes. Like when he flattened Sword King Namgung Myeong before, if he deemed them unworthy, he'd just crush them with fist techniques. Whether pride or nature, him taking up the spear meant something huge.
It meant he acknowledged the opponent as one requiring his full power!
The training period made it absurd, but I harbored no doubts. Jin So-cheong's talent was far beyond envy or jealousy.
“Three Origins Skill.”
Jin So-cheong's spear moved slowly.
‘What is this?’
It seemed like a slow thrust with no major changes, just as when I'd attacked. In that fleeting moment, I probed if it held mysteries from the Seven Great Absolute Arts or Eight Immortal Divine Arts, but felt nothing.
How should I respond?
Sss
Even as I hesitated, Jin So-cheong's spear sluggishly invaded my space. Allowing further intrusion was clearly dangerous. Yet I patiently observed the attack to the end, focusing all my senses on his spear.
That was the moment.
Kuuuboom
“……!!”
I was suddenly repelled, flying far backward. I soared four jang before trying to steady myself with lightness skill, but the repulsive force was so immense I had to channel all my internal energy into my legs to stop.
“Urk…”
I grimaced as I stood. My sword nearly snapped, but I'd managed to block Jin So-cheong's strike. He looked surprised and said,
“You blocked that…? How did you spot the attack moment?”
“I had a hunch…”
I glared at Jin So-cheong and said,
“Isn't this the [next stage] of Thunder God Style spear arts?”
Jin So-cheong readily admitted it.
“Indeed.”
In a past life, Jin So-cheong had told me about it. I recalled that memory.
[When we fought recently, it was an unfinished technique, so I held it back. But I consider this the next stage of Thunder God Style spear arts.]
[I asked my master for advice on this stage. He said it's precisely merging the six harmonies of spear arts into one.]
[I can't explain well, but it's containing the process from single thrust to six straights in one technique. My master called this stage the pinnacle of thrusting.]
If Thunder God Sword Dance was the ultimate technique of Thunder God Style swordsmanship, there existed a realm one step above Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear in Thunder God Style spear arts. It was the realm merging the six harmonies of spear arts: single thrust, double advance, triple barrage, quadruple coil, quintuple grasp, and sextuple straight—all unleashed at once.
‘He reached the Absolute Realm in that realm!’
No doubt. He'd perfected what past Jin So-cheong only knew theoretically. Yet even guessing this, doubt plagued me.
‘There's no sense of the harmonies merging… What principle is this?’
Even transcendental techniques followed basic martial logic. But Jin So-cheong's strike conveyed no spear art form—only that it was coming. Fortunately, I'd defended, so I resolved to endure to the end.
Clang!
Sword ki clashed in midair once. After testing the technique, Jin So-cheong shifted to probing my gaps with ordinary exchanges. I met him head-on, unleashing all my training without restraint.
Clang! Clang clang
Over fifty exchanges flashed by in an instant. Both Jin So-cheong and I adjusted distances with Coiling Heaven Axis Sword based on Three Steps Ultimate Arts. With similar methods, we could block or evade unless using utterly alien variations.
As it felt somewhat stagnant—
“It's coming!”
Kagugung
“Urk.”
I was pushed back by Jin So-cheong's strike again, tumbling across the ground. No time for falling techniques or Thousand Jun Anchor this time—proof of the terrifying power in his spear. I sprang up into stance, but blood burst from my nose.
Drip drip
The inner membrane tore, blood pouring out at once. I ignored it, gripping my sword and glaring at Jin So-cheong. In combat, even if fingers or arms flew, focus on the foe was essential.
For a while, Jin So-cheong and I clashed killing intents, vying with solemn sword ki.
“That's enough!”
Then, watching Lee Cheong-un called a halt. Only then could I wipe my nosebleed; my upper body was soaked in sweat and blood. Clearly outmatched by Jin So-cheong, I saw this spar as my loss.
“Stanch the bleeding.”
“Yes.”
I pressed acupoints to stop the flow temporarily, then used acupuncture to hasten recovery of the tear. As I treated myself, Lee Cheong-un said,
“Good spar. You must have learned much.”
I sighed at Lee Cheong-un's words.
“No need for consideration.”
“Hm?”
“I noticed midway. Jin So-cheong held back considerably against me.”
Indeed. Around twenty exchanges in, my senses caught him conserving power—roughly three-tenths, by my guess.
Lee Cheong-un gave a wry smile.
“Even so, it's impressive. Even White Lotus Cult's Dharma Protectors would struggle against current Jin So-cheong, yet you drew out his full effort.”
“Is that the gap between me now and the Absolute Realm?”
“You clashed with a true superhuman.”
Replying thus, Lee Cheong-un glanced at Jin So-cheong.
“Watch this.”
Boom!!
“…!! What the—suddenly?”
Out of nowhere, Lee Cheong-un unleashed Thunder God Spirit Soul and charged Jin So-cheong!
Blinding thunder-light and explosive roars shook the air, leaving me stunned. This Thunder God Spirit Soul showed no mercy, a strike potent enough for aftershocks—I worried for Jin So-cheong.
But when dust cleared, the scene astonished me again.
Stalemate!
Lee Cheong-un's fist hovered at Jin So-cheong's throat; Jin So-cheong's spear tip at Lee Cheong-un's. One twitch, and either could end the other.
Swoosh
Lee Cheong-un withdrew first; Jin So-cheong followed. Turning to me, Lee Cheong-un said,
“See? Jin So-cheong can match my Thunder God Spirit Soul evenly.”
“Gasp!!”
“That's the difference between Absolute Realm and not.”
Indeed. Thunder God Spirit Soul boasted thunder-speed no human reaction could counter—once rendering even Divine Speed Style Dharma Protectors combat-ineffective in one blow. Yet current Jin So-cheong handled the ambush flawlessly.
“Not just Jin So-cheong. Those in the Absolute Realm can generally trade blows with Thunder God Spirit Soul. It means thunder-speed isn't that remarkable to them.”
“Hmm…”
“Don't you sense something from this?”
I pondered deeply before replying.
“Will transcends thunder-soul.”
“Precisely. After establishing Will Heaven in the Absolute Realm, material speeds bind you less. Even I am merely 'somewhat fast' there; pure speed won't win. Though far quicker than most, granting advantages.”
“………”
“No matter how swift lightning, it can't cross the world in one go. But thought can reach the universe's end?”
A profound metaphor. As I mulled it, silent Jin So-cheong spoke.
“Baek Woong. That's why I'm glad you came today.”
“What do you mean?”
“Thunder God Spirit Soul ranks high even among Absolute Realm insights. Its difficulty is immense; no genius masters it quickly. So I consolidated Seven Great Absolute Arts and Eight Immortal Divine Arts insights to forge my own path. Thus, I grasped the quintessence of Thunder God Style spear arts and ascended to the Absolute Realm.”
Jin So-cheong continued.
“I believe you can reach the Absolute Realm the same way.”
I grasped his intent.
“You mean I should behold the quintessence of Thunder God Style swordsmanship?”
“Exactly.”
Jin So-cheong nodded vigorously.
“You're among history's top three Thunder God Style sword masters. Excluding Patriarch Lee Cheong-un, no one on the Central Plains could teach you. Thus, he's guided your Mysteries of the Reverse and swordsmanship meticulously. And recently, clues to the Absolute Realm surely emerged, no?”
“Clues?”
“When you beheaded the Sea God, you inexplicably unleashed Thunder God Sword Dance and awakened. Your prowess then—I believe even I couldn't defeat you.”
“Ah!”
Yes. Amid collapse and despair, I'd ignited final will, executing Thunder God Sword Dance. Unexplained awakening and exaltation let me sever the [Ancient Ruler] Sea God's neck. Recalling, Jin So-cheong pressed on.
“I think you temporarily exploded all potential, touching the Absolute Realm.”
“But why can't I replicate that insight now?”
“We—Patriarch and I—researched and debated given your years. Conclusion: Thunder God Spirit Soul is the [vessel]; Thunder God Sword Dance, the [contents].”
“Vessel? Contents?”
What metaphor now?
As I tilted my head, nearby Lee Cheong-un crossed arms.
“Mastering one Thunder God style sword, fist, or spear art to Absolute Realm qualifies you for higher stages. Near god-descent, freely wielding even Heaven. Invincible on earth.”
“Ooh! So I once reached such heights…”
“But that's Thunder God's power. Human flesh-spirit can't control it properly. Even controlling body was unneeded, then oblivion. Thus, you need a [vessel] to contain and wield Thunder God's power.”
“That vessel is Thunder God Spirit Soul, right?”
“Yes. That's why our Thunder God Style researched it generationally. Temporary bursts or awakenings like yours occurred often, but none made it their own.”
Lee Cheong-un nodded.
“Right now, all three of us qualify for temporary Thunder God power awakening—being at Thunder God Style martial peaks. But stably wielding it? Theoretically, only me.”
“………”
“When Thunder God Power fills Thunder God Spirit Soul, the ultimate technique nears one step further.”
To wield a god's power, hold the god's soul.
The very essence of nature—Thunder God Spirit Soul!
Hearing this, a question arose; I asked Lee Cheong-un.
“Wait. Something's off…”
“What?”
“Then shouldn't you, Lee Cheong-un, have long surpassed the Absolute Realm?”
That was my doubt. Lee Cheong-un met all conditions closest to Thunder God Style's ultimate. Given his genius, he should dominate Absolute Realm masters—rivaling Fighting Immortals.
Yet objectively, his prowess lagged far behind Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin, slightly below White Lotus Leader. Unmatched against Musashi or Twelve Laws Lords, but none easy foes. By his theory, this contradicted.
Grasping my implication, Lee Cheong-un answered bitterly.
“[Qualification] versus voluntarily awakening Thunder God Power? Worlds apart. Truthfully, unlike you, I've never felt Thunder God's descent in my lifetime. No idea what it feels like.”
“What…?!”
“So I theorized your Thunder God Sword Dance awakening but hesitated to advise rashly. No one here can intentionally awaken Thunder God's power like you did then.”
“………”
“That realm transcends human talent or limits. It's heavenly fortune descending. Even Jin So-cheong may raise realm lifelong without Thunder God's descent.”
“No way…”
Lee Cheong-un's words brought faint despair.
Even mastering Thunder God Spirit Soul after eons, drawing 'that' Thunder God Sword Dance power relies wholly on luck? Could such unstable power be reliably used ahead?
Then Jin So-cheong spoke.
“Yet there's a way to gain further clues.”
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