Chapter 190

Chapter 190

“That’s just, what on earth…….”

Shock.

I turned my gaze from the duel stage at the commotion that erupted—not from the Uicheonmun side, but from the Namgung Family side. Those shocked at their young family head’s prowess.

“To think the young family head’s level was that degree…….”

Why didn’t we know until now? He’s none other than the young family head of the Namgung Family.

Watching the Namgung Family warriors saying such things, I shook my head. It seemed they still didn’t understand why Namgung Hyeon had hidden his skills from them.

‘It went according to Namgung Hyeon’s intentions.’

The Changgung Sword Corps’ miserable defeat. And after that, Namgung Yeon’s defeat to Seohwa, whom they thought would be easily won against.

Due to these two incidents, the atmosphere on the Namgung Family side had plummeted to a state where it could be called wretched. That’s natural—when the family’s prestige is falling to the ground right before their eyes, who could remain calm?

If Namgung Hyeon lost as is, the Namgung Family would fall into a quagmire without hesitation and rot away for the next ten years. Namgung Hyeon knew this, and Namgung Yeoncheon, who had been watching the duel stage from afar, must have known it too.

‘It means he was confident.’

No matter who the opponent was—even if Baek Risan came out—Namgung Hyeon must have been confident he could revive his family members’ spirits. He’d win eight or nine times out of ten, and even if he lost, he wouldn’t lose miserably. Because he judged so, he designed this situation.

And that judgment wasn’t wrong. Because.

Right now before my eyes, Wangpal’s knees were about to buckle.

“Sajae……!”

“Watch.”

Watching Seohwa step forward with a worried face, I extended my arm and pressed down firmly on Seohwa’s shoulder. Then Seohwa, biting her lips while looking at the duel stage, spoke.

“Will he be alright? That’s…….”

“Well, he’s made quite a lot of progress.”

If the Namgung Family’s swordsmanship seen until now was like a kind of explosion, what’s visible now evokes something completely different. It was swordsmanship reminiscent of the stuffiness one feels when looking at the blue sky, or when gazing at the endless great sea.

Sareuk!

A roar that doesn’t resonate.

Chareureureureu—!!!

While scattering dozens, hundreds of sword energies, the sword energies don’t collide with each other. What’s heard is only the small metallic sound of sword clashing with sword. And only the small noise of sword energy cutting through the air.

If hundreds of blue soldiers raised their spears and aimed at one person, would it be such a sight?

Truly a boundless sword reminiscent of the azure vault. Before it, Wangpal appears precarious like a candle in the wind, so grand and majestic is the landscape Namgung Hyeon’s sword creates. However.

“But it’s still alright.”

That’s why Wangpal’s sword won’t break. Because.

Wangpal’s sword is a sword that endures storms.

Sareuk.

“Ah……!”

I quietly capture Wangpal’s appearance in my eyes at Seohwa’s sigh. Wangpal continuously bleeding from the onslaught of blue sword energy.

Legs, arms, cheeks, even hair.

The extremities of his body split and spurt blood. Wounds that would become serious injuries if just a bit deeper.

However, despite such injuries, Wangpal doesn’t waver and maintains his initial stance. He just guards his body’s centerline and waits for the opportunity to come. That absolute patience that Seonwoo Gang, Seohwa, Baek Risan, and even I don’t possess.

And the end of that patience will never end in vain. Because.

The longer a volcano doesn’t erupt, the more violently it erupts in the end.

“We should prepare a towel.”

“Whether he wins or loses, it will be a fierce duel. And that fierceness will surely be of great help to Wangpal’s life as a warrior. So.”

Watch.

At my words, Seohwa, who bit her lips, sat down. I chuckled and turned my gaze to the duel stage. Namgung Hyeon continuing to press, but unable to succeed with a proper attack.

‘Is it soon?’

Namgung Hyeon’s gap gradually revealing itself. However, still a gap as small as a millet grain that can’t yet be stabbed.

Watching that gradually widening gap, I closed my eyes. The sound of clashing swords that hadn’t been heard until just now gradually beginning to echo in my ears.

Little by little, the aspect of the duel was changing.

It’s difficult.

Sswaeeaek!

Wangpal, who watched the sword strike grazing his ear like lightning with indifferent eyes, raised his sword half a chi upward. Deflecting the path of the sword energy rushing in as if it would split his head at any moment.

‘I want to rest.’

I want to be at ease. I want to stop and quickly switch to offense and end this duel.

Wangpal, who forcibly suppressed the thoughts suddenly rising in his head, clenched his large fist gripping the sword tightly. This was all he could do.

—What talent do you think you have?

In the past, before learning the reformed Uicheonmun martial arts.

Baek Riyun asked Wangpal. What is your talent?

—Talent……you say?

—Yes.

Baek Riyun, who showed a small smile to Wangpal blinking his innocent eyes, gripped a training sword that had been placed beside him. And the following words.

—For example, your sajae Seonwoo Gang is a natural-born duelist. He has the intuition to pierce through even the slightest opportunity.

—Seomun Cheok has abundant experience. And based on that abundant experience, he specializes in inducing the opponent’s actions. Should I say he’s skilled at sweeping opponents into his techniques?

—In Seohwa’s case, though her martial form hasn’t been clearly standardized yet, she seems to show excellent ability in analyzing situations. If Seomun Cheok induces the opponent’s actions, Seohwa reads them and moves one step ahead. These things become each of those children’s talents one by one.

—And you also have talent. Definitely. Then what is that talent?

Your own talent.

—I don’t think…… I have any.

—No.

Baek Riyun, who shook his head while watching Wangpal speak dejectedly, quietly stared at Wangpal.

—There must definitely be something you’re good at. Something you can do better than anyone else. Something only you can do.

—Think about what that is. That’s your homework.

After saying such words, Baek Riyun left without teaching martial arts. Leaving behind words to think about it.

And so, for several days.

Wangpal pondered endlessly. Because he didn’t want to disappoint the master he’d newly gained. Because he wanted to proudly hold his place as an Uicheonmun disciple. And.

The seventh day and night.

Wangpal finally reached what his talent was. It was enduring.

Absolutely, not breaking.

“How long do you plan to only defend?”

At Namgung Hyeon’s words, Wangpal, who returned to reality, turned his head slightly to dodge a sword strike aimed at his forehead and stared straight ahead. Namgung Hyeon looking at him with eyes that had sunk coldly but contained strange impatience.

“Until the time comes, that’s my plan.”

“What if I don’t give you that time?”

“Even so, I’ll wait until the time comes. Because there’s nothing else I can do.”

“……You’re mad.”

The anxiety that he might lose, the fear that he might just be pushed back like this and it will end.

Watching Wangpal raise his sword while transcending all such things, Namgung Hyeon bit his lips hard and gripped his sword firmly. The following declaration.

“Five techniques.”

“If you block the next five techniques, it’s young hero’s victory. Dragging it out further wouldn’t be good for this duel, for young hero, or even for me.”

“I’m fine with it.”

“I’m not fine. Because I feel like I’ll fall into young hero’s scheme at any moment.”

Namgung Hyeon, who tried hard to hide his slightly trembling grip, slightly adjusted his sword grip and drew up his internal energy. Dense energy rising from his palm and flowing along the sword tip.

“I don’t intend to show mercy. The next five techniques are merely my limit.”

“Can you block them?”

“I will block them.”

“Good.”

At Wangpal’s firm declaration, Namgung Hyeon, who wore a small smile on one side of his cold face, raised his sword. And.

“Then try blocking it. The essence of the Changgung Muae Sword.”

Immediately after.

Changgung Muae Sword

Azure Sky Advancing Wall

The scattered sword energy converged.

Wangpal, who reflexively twisted his body, quickly swung his sword three times to scratch the wall of sword energy. However, as if it were nothing, the wall of sword energy pushed in while pressing the wall.

Is this what it would feel like if defensive swordsmanship like geommak were executed for offense? At the walls of sword energy approaching from all directions, Wangpal gritted his teeth and drew up the internal energy he’d been saving. White sword energy instantly forming on his sword.

Uicheon Power Technique Art Basic Third Form

Easy Path

Iijei. Subdue the opponent with the opponent’s sword.

Kagagagak!

Sword energy flowing smoothly along the blade twisted direction and struck other sword energy. Wangpal, displaying dozens of changes in an instant and breaking through the technique, despite not being a swift swordsman.

However, the technique didn’t end. Namgung Hyeon, who immediately dug in, surged forward along with the sword energy.

Simultaneously, the sword shot out at light-like speed.

Changgung Muae Sword

Azure Sky Meteor

‘I can dodge……!’

Before his thoughts could fully connect, the sword tip arrived.

At Namgung Hyeon’s attack precisely piercing through the center of his defense, Wangpal gritted his teeth and dodged the attack using the hand-blade bridge technique. However, the sword tip drew one more change and bent downward.

He can’t dodge it. He can’t block it. His sword is far and the opponent’s sword is close. Wangpal, who thought of an instant as if it were an eternity, half-opened his eyes. And.

Wind Thunder Hand

One Heart

Lightning pierced through the air.

‘Thunder energy……?’

No, just an imitation?

Watching Wangpal spit out blood that surged up from internal injury, Namgung Hyeon, who shook off his tingling grip, grasped the situation. Wangpal’s appearance—in an instant, he’d spread hand technique with his left hand that wasn’t gripping the sword to deflect the light-like sword strike.

‘There was impact.’

Looking at the blood he coughed up, it’s not a minor internal injury. Though it’s not serious enough to immediately become combat incapable, there will be difficulties in receiving the next technique.

Namgung Hyeon, who finished his judgment in an instant, immediately lowered his blade diagonally. This time, a sword flying at light-like speed from the start.

Changgung Muae Sword

Azure Vault Leaping Kite

Like a hawk’s talons snatching prey, at Namgung Hyeon’s sword strike sharply stabbing the center, Wangpal reflexively reacted and brought his sword to block. However, just before touching the sword, the sword strike dodged at a right angle as if there were an invisible wall.

It bends and enters.

At the sword path entering without even clashing with his sword and breaking through his defense, Wangpal, shocked, gritted his teeth and twisted his blade. However.

Namgung Hyeon’s attack wasn’t over yet.

Changgung Muae Sword

Azure Vault Boundless

Sword energy rising from the sword dominated the surroundings.

‘There’s no space to move.’

An attack he can’t dodge and can’t block.

A hawk is strongest when it plays freely in the boundless azure vault. At the smooth connection of techniques, Wangpal drew up all his internal energy and looked around in all directions. However, in a situation where no gaps were visible.

‘If I allow even one, it’s over.’

It’s like a combined attack of divine generals trained over decades. Despite facing just one person, the sensation is like facing an entire army.

Then he has no choice but to do his very best. Wangpal gripped his sword in reverse.

Iron Heavy Contending Supremacy

Cinnabar Heart One

Simultaneously, a monotonous single strike completely shattered all the sword energy surrounding the area.

“Good. Is that Uicheonmun’s martial art?”

“……It’s still immature.”

“It seems so. Like a sword not yet familiar to your hand. But it’s excellent. It’s martial arts that fit young hero perfectly.”

Martial arts like unbreakable steel. Truly like Wangpal’s spirit, isn’t it?

Namgung Hyeon, who inadvertently let out an exclamation of admiration, gripped his sword straight and took a middle stance.

“This is the last technique. I don’t have any energy left either.”

“If you block this, it’s young hero’s victory. If you can’t block it, it will be my victory. Will you receive it?”

“By all means.”

“Uicheonmun has too many excellent disciples. To an enviable degree.”

Namgung Hyeon, who glanced sideways at Uicheonmun’s formation, drew up his internal energy. And the following words.

“The name of the last technique is called Azure Vault Harmony.”

“It’s the last technique of the Changgung Muae Sword. And the best technique I can display.”

Receive it.

Watching Namgung Hyeon’s sword slowly extend with those words, Wangpal quietly raised his sword. 

Gradually, the moment the internal energy movement starting from Namgung Hyeon’s elbow reached his sword.

“This is the true Changgung Muae Sword.”

Namgung Hyeon’s sword drew a semicircle.

Changgung Muae Sword Secret Technique

Azure Vault Harmony

Iron Heavy Contending Supremacy

Not Retreating, Not Breaking, Not Shattering

The moment the sword shaped like the sky unfolded.

The match was decided.

Silence.

Everyone watched the situation on the duel stage without speaking at the result that unfolded. Wangpal, extending his arm and pointing his sword at Namgung Hyeon’s throat.

“Th-the young family head lost…….”

“Be quiet.”

The Changgung Sword Corps Commander, who suppressed the corps member’s voice, stared at the Sword Sovereign as if telling her to hurry and judge. And watching that, the Sword Sovereign quietly closed her eyes and made her judgment.

“Victor, Namgung Hyeon.”

“What on earth does that……?”

“He fainted.”

At Seohwa’s question, Namgung Hyeon, who answered briefly, raised his trembling hand to push away Wangpal’s sword touching his throat and supported Wangpal. Then Wangpal drooped completely in that state.

“In the duel, I won, but as a swordsman, I lost. To think he doesn’t let go of his sword even when fainting.”

“Tell him when he wakes up, let’s have a drink next time.”

“What? Ah, yes!”

“Good.”

Namgung Hyeon, who smiled bitterly, transferred the collapsed Wangpal, whose body he’d led after drawing up all his internal energy and becoming exhausted, to our side. And watching that, the Namgung Family members becoming solemn without being able to shout triumphantly.

“You had a good experience.”

“Sometimes you learn more from one valuable defeat than from dozens of victories.”

Through this duel, Wangpal will grow further.

I patted the back of Wangpal, who had fainted with his eyes closed as if he didn’t want to wake, and stood up from my seat. Then Seohwa looking at me.

“Please win for sure.”

“Please avenge Wangpal!”

“To call it revenge when it’s a friendly duel.”

I smiled bitterly and ruffled Seohwa’s hair, and Seohwa shook her head as if frustrated. She seemed quite upset about her sajae‘s defeat.

“I can’t avenge him. After all, it’s a friendly duel. I can’t torment the opponent with private feelings.”

Well, that’s that and this is this, isn’t it?

“I’ll win and come back. Wangpal’s share too.”

That should be enough.

I slowly stood up from my seat and looked at the duel stage. The final turn.

Namgung Yeoncheon had climbed onto the duel stage and was looking down at me.