Ma Gwang-ik, the leader of the Murim Alliance, was using the secret techniques of the Tang Clan.
Those who knew, already had learned the news. It was widely known within the Ipwang Fortress since Ma Gwang-ik’s promotion ceremony.
When he was tested by the black faction leader, Seong Il-you, the event had occurred in the fortress.
Those in the know dug even deeper. Rumors spread as far as Sichuan Province, where Ma Gwang-ik had supposedly formed a master-student relationship with the Tang Clan’s leader.
Such connections among individuals of their caliber were considered fateful encounters.
It had been clear from the time Tang Clan leader had arrived in the Murim Alliance and lent his support to Jeong Yeon-shin that their bond was one forged in martial prowess.
Likewise, the technique Mancheonhwa Woo was famous. The information about the leaders of Ipwang Fortress was considered priceless.
They had seen and controlled the rise and fall of many martial artists, and for anyone unprepared, death was inevitable.
Now, everyone knew the connection between Ma Gwang-ik, Seong Il-you, and Jeong Yeon-shin. It was impossible to separate them when discussing key events.
However, executing both techniques simultaneously was another matter entirely. It was an unknown feat.
It was incredibly difficult to unleash two techniques in one breath. Even the most skilled practitioners of techniques requiring different hand motions could not compare.
The internal energy that flows through the meridians had to be redirected simultaneously with a single breath.
Without the insight required to pierce through the twelve meridians, three hundred sixty-five blood channels, and even more auxiliary channels, it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
The two energy flows had to be smooth, or else they would become intertwined and create disastrous results.
To simultaneously unleash techniques like Mancheonhwa Woo and Hwan-gang was a daunting task, a feat so difficult that few could even imagine it.
Even once the form was perfected, it would still take immense control to channel the energies of the two techniques properly.
Hundreds of meridians needed to be charged with conflicting intentions, and only the most elite could hope to manage it effectively.
What was more, the efficiency of using both techniques at once would be far less than fully mastering a single one.
Even the most accomplished practitioners of the Sammae Jinwha would not dare attempt this.
The crowd around the arena was filled with martial masters, many of whom had already sensed something extraordinary in the air.
The looks of amazement on their faces were almost like flashes of light.
"Could it be the Wudang Sect’s Yangshim Gong?"
"If the mind is divided, I can understand it."
"Still, that’s a ridiculous idea."
"The Wudang Sect’s legendary technique wouldn’t fall into Ma Gwang-ik’s hands so easily."
"Then how do you explain Mancheonhwa Woo?"
"You can’t compare Shimgong and Chosik on the same plane. The study of internal energy is far more complex."
The martial artists of Ipwang Fortress spoke quickly. Their words and the energy crackled through the air like gunfire.
This was known as Kusun-sul (口脣術), a form of communication used by warriors who had experienced countless battles and needed to communicate efficiently under extreme pressure.
"To feel such a technique purely by sensation...?"
"The skill with dual swords pales in comparison to this level of difficulty."
As the conversation swirled, the duel continued to unfold rapidly on the arena.
No matter how fast the crowd's discussions were, they couldn’t keep pace with the swift movements of the leaders.
Whoosh!
Ma Gwang-ik and Seonmok Ryeong.
The whirlwind of ice surrounding them scattered iridescent lights.
The scene, where white ice crystals spun from Ma Gwang-ik’s surroundings like a vortex, was nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Mancheonhwa Woo of Ma Gwang-ik was restricting the evasive techniques of Seonmok Ryeong. Just the sight of it was enough to understand the immense energy behind it.
Though it had failed to break through her defensive energy, it was still an impressive feat to restrict the movements of a black faction master.
Seonmok Ryeong’s Hancheon Muryu Binggong was a divine technique.
Originally powerful, it was further enhanced by spiritual energy.
What had once been insignificant water vapor became crystallized with the power of ice energy. It was no longer just frost but a powerful material for Mancheonhwa Woo.
The solid ice crystals formed by the energy were now spinning into a mighty snowstorm. The sight was nearly blinding, like a spectacle that had come from the depths of a faraway land.
Seonmok Ryeong calmly faced Ma Gwang-ik’s dark eyes. The wrist he held in his hand began to ache.
‘He has trained his external energy. His grip is strong.’
Perhaps it was the force of his internal energy enhancing the effectiveness of his external techniques.
Regardless of how it happened, it was a remarkable achievement beyond his years. Perhaps he had been granted a piece of the Cheonha Mok, the fruit of the Heavenly Tree, or something similar.
No. That couldn’t be right.
She dismissed the thought, realizing it was not something a new leader like him could handle.
Even a fragment of it would be too much to consume for anyone outside the clan.
She knew that Ma Gwang-ik couldn’t have received such a gift.
Unlike others, Seonmok Ryeong had honed her unique senses, sharpening them like a sword.
Through her unique North Sea Internal Arts, she had developed extraordinary insight.
As she faced Ma Gwang-ik, she instantly realized that he had yet to reach the level of complete harmony between spiritual energy and internal power.
He had not yet perfected the fusion of the two.
She could not delve deeper into his energy, not yet.
He, like her, had perfected a divine method that allowed him to refine his internal energy into external techniques.
His spiritual energy was powerful enough to block her insight into his energy.
Only someone with the eyes of a master could truly see through him. Otherwise, even gazing upon him wouldn't reveal any further secrets.
She remained cautious.
It was not the time to let her guard down. Even if she had not yet attained full control over her spiritual energy, she knew she could not underestimate him.
Seonmok Ryeong, like the best of the martial world, faced everything with a calm and rational mindset.
She understood the value of knowing her enemy better than any martial art.
She had already acknowledged that Ma Gwang-ik was an exceptional person.
‘His martial talent is crystal clear. The formulas of speed and strength are evident.’
Seonmok Ryeong’s awareness flowed like light. She was in the domain of true ascension, where even the smallest sensation was keenly felt.
The cold wind from her defensive energy seemed as soft as silk against her skin. The sensations of time slowed, allowing her to feel everything deeply.
As Ma Gwang-ik’s palm moved toward her abdomen, it was unnervingly fast.
It was as if his palm had been shot out, without even a thought in between.
The energy rising from his heart aimed to strike her in a delicate spot.
The force was incomprehensible. She couldn’t afford to take it lightly.
She had to act quickly.
Hwan-gang.
Ma Gwang-ik had overcome the limitations of his technique. He had restricted her movements with Mancheonhwa Woo while simultaneously grabbing her arm to block her energy.
He used his own speed and energy to quickly disrupt her movements.
Her instincts as a natural fighter were clear now.
No wonder he had become a leader at such a young age. He was a perfect fit for the grand power of Ipwang Fortress.
The feeling of her black robe trembling with the force of his strike sent a chill down her spine.
It was mere inches from her body.
The ripple from his movement alone made her abdominal muscles tighten.
In that fraction of a second, she hesitated.
The true master of ascension was one who could act decisively, even in the midst of such uncertainty.
Countless thoughts flooded her mind.
‘What should I do?’
Her left hand was already too late to counter his palm strike. She had underestimated his ability to break through her defenses.
Her Hancheon Muryu Binggong couldn’t withstand his powerful strike.
She had underestimated his internal energy, which was shaking her very foundation.
Her mind spun as she prepared to act.
"Rise."
She whispered inwardly.
At the same time, the cool energy of Hancheon Muryu Binggong surged from her lower dantian like rays of light.
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The harmonized thought of a top-tier master flowed in perfect synchronization with their internal energy. The transmission of internal energy was close to the speed of the mind.
Whoooosh!
The energy, shooting upward toward the Eumgyo (陰交穴) just above her navel, quickly spread through her abdominal muscles.
The speed at which the energy took shape through the preordained formulas of her technique was faster than Ma Gwang-ik’s palm.
This was how a true black faction master operates their energy.
Seonmok Ryeongju, the master of ice energy, was a formidable practitioner of Binggong.
The essence of Yin Cold Energy was, at its core, a unique state of stillness and equilibrium, a masterful pause. The Binggong that reached the level of divine energy granted numerous abilities.
Among those abilities was the internal energy barrier. She was able to raise her Hoshin Ganggi (護身強氣) into the domain of divine energy more easily than other martial masters of her level.
The defensive technique she invoked was Simbyeok Cheonbingpae (深璧天氷牌).
The Invisible Barrier of Energy Surrounded Her Abdomen
The Hoshin Ganggi she manifested was woven from the essence of eternal snow, symbolizing an unyielding defense.
Seonmok Ryeongju’s other technique, the ten layers of internal energy armor, provided an immense defense. It was so formidable that it could withstand even the attacks of top-tier martial artists, such as the masters of the Yangjia Spear she had encountered recently.
Even renowned martial artists had difficulty breaking through a single layer of her defense.
The outer layer of her black robe remained pristine, smooth, without a single mark, serving as proof of the strength of her Simbyeok Cheonbingpae.
When the divine energy was fully synchronized, Ma Gwang-ik’s right hand struck her abdomen.
Boom!
A tremendous shockwave erupted. The hair of the two elite martial artists shot straight up like a lightning bolt.
The petals of Mancheonhwa Woo, spinning like snowflakes, scattered in all directions. The energy unleashed from their stance trembled the floor beneath them.
‘Ugh.’
Seonmok Ryeongju met the blow with her usual composed form. She prepared for the next strike with her left hand, which had not been caught.
At first glance, her posture was graceful, standing tall, with her flowing robe contrasting against her dignified demeanor. The sight seemed almost majestic.
It was the mystical spectacle often created by the clash of top-tier martial artists.
She narrowed her eyes as Ma Gwang-ik’s Hwan-gang shattered her six layers of Simbyeok Cheonbingpae. Even at that moment, she maintained a calm gaze, observing her opponent.
This entire exchange had lasted only a fraction of a second.
Only once her counterattack was completed would she be able to land a significant blow.
If the battle dragged on, she would inevitably be pulled into Ma Gwang-ik’s combat rhythm.
She decided to prepare a great technique and finish the battle swiftly. She placed her trust in her rare divine Simbyeok Cheonbingpae.
Whooosh—!
The force Ma Gwang-ik unleashed was undeniably monstrous. The shockwave seemed ready to destroy her seventh layer of defense.
But it would not be enough to inflict internal damage.
‘This Han man is strong. After receiving my first strike, he created this situation. His hand technique was incredibly precise. If I don’t properly counterattack now, he’ll land another direct hit.’
She thought quickly, her mind flashing like lightning. She had to take the initiative on her next strike.
Ma Gwang-ik had not approached as a boy but as a dangerous master. He exuded the aura of an elite martial artist.
In that moment of intense combat, the energy of Hwan-gang surged like a flame, breaking through her energy barriers as they surrounded her abdomen.
The battle’s rhythm did not stop. Ma Gwang-ik’s strikes continued, pushing forward with immense force.
The power of Hwan-gang never diminished, relentlessly hammering at her abdomen like a thunderstorm, striking with the force of a lightning bolt.
Her eyes widened, realizing the force Ma Gwang-ik wielded. His power was overwhelming.
‘Is he manipulating his internal energy again?!’
The realization struck her like a sudden epiphany.
The dual technique of Mancheonhwa Woo and Hwan-gang had not been simultaneous; Ma Gwang-ik had cleverly intertwined his energy and launched a counterattack.
The third wave of Hwan-gang had been loaded like a cannonball into his wrist’s Naegwanhyeol.
She had heard that Ma Gwang-ik preferred short, decisive battles, but the speed at which he was thinking and acting was beyond what she had anticipated.
She had not considered what would happen if her strike failed.
At that point, there would be no more energy left. Not many masters preferred short battles for that very reason.
With such an overwhelming surge of energy, she struggled to keep up with the speed of Ma Gwang-ik’s techniques.
Crash!
The intense vibration rocked the battlefield.
The layers of Simbyeok Cheonbingpae shattered, one by one. The sensation of a blow to her abdomen was overwhelming.
Ma Gwang-ik’s palm, which struck her abdomen, felt like a terrifying force. The impact of his Hwan-gang technique reached its peak in an instant.
—Even if I counterattack now, it’s already too late.
The sensation of the storm of energy, like the destructive force of a typhoon, filled her thoughts.
With the final, overwhelming impact, the energy barrier around her abdomen shattered.
She coughed, her blood spattering onto Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder.
"...!"
At that moment, the energy of Binggong seemed to spread throughout the area. The martial masters who had been discussing the battle fell silent, frozen in place.
A stillness, as if everything had been frozen, enveloped the arena.
And then...
Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze met that of a figure in the distant crowd.
A handsome man with pale white skin stood out.
He wore a black robe with loose sleeves, and the muscular strength of his arms was evident beneath the fabric.
His presence was sharp and swift, like a finely honed blade.
He appeared to be one of the top martial masters in the Shin Geom Dan.
‘Bohyul Daeju Jin Myeongjo.’
He had the pale complexion and delicate features of a nobleman.
The black robes of the Bohyul Daeju wrapped around him, radiating a chilling energy as he stood, arms crossed, his chin slightly raised toward the arena.
The feeling of his presence seemed to carry the aura of a master who had mastered forbidden techniques. A strange and mysterious energy emanated from him.
He parted his lips.
It was unclear whether he was speaking to himself or to Ma Gwang-ik.
Jeong Yeon-shin watched carefully as the Bohyul Daeju’s lips moved.
‘Damn. Damn it. Hell.’
Bohyul Daeju Jin Myeongjo muttered with a neutral expression.