Martial Arts Ain't Anything Special

Namgung Jincheon, evaluated as having reached the highest peak among all Clan Heads in the history of the Namgung Clan. A spar between Lee Seojun, his daughter’s lover, and Namgung Hyeok, an elder of the clan, was unfolding.

Those watching focused intently on the rapid exchanges, holding their breath.

In the beginning, Seojun seemed to have the upper hand.

Mixing various martial arts and sorcery to control the momentum, his brilliance occasionally drew cheers.

“Well done, our lucky charm!”

Namgung Yeon, cheering for Seojun, jumped up and down in place.

While Seojun had the advantage, he hadn’t yet secured a decisive edge.

The Head of the Law Enforcement Hall, Namgung Hyeoncheol, who was nearby, said.

“His level is certainly high. Especially in qi arts, he has already reached the level of a master.”

“Old man! Don’t think complicated thoughts, just cheer, cheer!”

“You should watch carefully instead of thinking thoughtlessly. This is a spar with much to learn from.”

Soon, the Primordial Sun-Moon Art planted in the rock pillars exploded, followed by sorcery.

Seojun seemed to have gained the upper hand, but Namgung Hyeok drew forth his full power and took control of the momentum.

Namgung Suah clenched her fists at the blue sea that dyed the sky.

“He has completely made the Azure Sky Boundless Sword Art his own...”

Chunbong snorted.

“Lee Seojun will still win.”

“But that is...”

A tsunami falls from the sky. Everyone held their breath at the magnificent sight.

Even Chunbong closed her mouth and clenched her sweaty hands, while Pae Jingwang watched leisurely, scratching his forearm.

He’s not the type to be defeated by something like that...

The key is whether he takes significant damage from that hit, or if he counters it well.

“Go, big brother...!”

Pae Jingwang’s eyes gleamed as he glanced at Chunbong, who was jumping up and down in support.

Sighs erupted from around.

These were the sighs of those who prematurely judged the outcome when the tsunami swallowed Seojun.

“Even so, isn’t that quite impressive?”

“They say he’s only been practicing martial arts for two years, which makes it even more unbelievable that he did so well.”

Pae Jingwang snorted at the evaluations of the ignorant.

Let’s see.

The Primordial Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi, was it? The Fist King’s heart raced unusually at the martial art about to unfold from the youngster’s hands.

“Big brother...! Kill that bastard...!”

While Chunbong’s cheers grew increasingly violent and momentarily dampened the mood, it was only for a moment.

As soon as Seojun’s sword unfolded, everyone fell silent.

“Hahaha...!”

Only Pae Jingwang laughed loudly, trying to calm his heated body.

“A blessing for the martial world!”

I want to clash fists with that guy’s sword. Suppressing the strong urge, Pae Jingwang smiled brightly.

It was regrettable that he wasn’t actively using the Supreme Force Strange Divine Martial Art, but since he had just learned it recently, it couldn’t be helped.

“But definitely...”

The Supreme Force Strange Divine Martial Art is melded into all the martial arts being displayed now. External qi arts silently supporting internal qi arts. Just that alone makes every martial art displayed more powerful.

The life of the Fist King. The Supreme Force Strange Divine Martial Art has become the root for future generations.

“Hahaha...!”

He couldn’t help but be delighted.

*The tsunami comes crashing down.

Caught in its fierce current, Seojun didn’t rush. He simply swung his sword.

Primordial Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi.

The reinforced qi containing the principle of taiji is swung from Seojun’s hand, and also from the emperor’s hand.

The taiji is harmony and expansion.

The spread taiji harmonizes with the tsunami, and thus the tsunami incorporated into the taiji is swung from Seojun’s fingertips.

Swish────────

The imagery of All Rivers Returning to the Ocean and the Absorption Technique assisted the Primordial Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi.

As Seojun’s sword drew a circle, the guided tsunami followed, drawing a massive circle.

His body creaked. It felt like his body would shatter under the enormous weight.

Nothingness (無) and existence (有). The taiji containing the tsunami, according to its mysterious principle, put a load on Seojun’s entire body.

The Giant Spirit Divine Art and the Supreme Force Strange Divine Martial Art supported his body, which was on the verge of collapsing.

The giant force imbued throughout his body gently guided the sword with a weight like a mountain.

“My goodness...”

Namgung Hyeok blankly opened his mouth. Anyone would have the same reaction if their strike was countered in such a way.

Wudang...? No, it seems a bit different...

Especially for someone who has seen the Taichi Wisdom Sword of Wudang.

But this wasn’t the time for that. By the time he realized, it was a bit late.

“Oh no...!”

Seojun’s sword, having completed its gathering, is swung.

The Primordial Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi rushes with the tsunami, soaring towards the sky.

Namgung Hyeok, in admiration, swung his sword in response with trembling hands.

CRASH─────────!!!

It was merely a collision of swords. But the aftermath shook the space around.

“Whoa...!”

“Dodge!”

Though those watching hurriedly tried to avoid, there was no need.

With a single gesture from Namgung Jincheon, the sky came down and caught the aftermath, pulling it up.

Only the floating clouds scattered at the sudden calamity.

A sky without a single cloud. Beneath it, Seojun looked up at the sky, groaning from the pouring fatigue.

“Hmm...”

Namgung Hyeok, who had been staggering, landed on the ground.

While Namgung Hyeok was clearly quite tired, he hadn’t sustained any wounds decisive enough to determine victory or defeat.

The realm advantage is real...

However, he had hastily countered a strike that had returned with increased power. His body and meridians couldn’t possibly be intact.

As if to prove this, red blood trickled from the corner of Namgung Hyeok’s mouth.

In contrast, Seojun had only accumulated pain and fatigue due to the load placed on his body.

Even that was healing quickly, so the situation was definitely favorable.

As Seojun pointed his sword, Namgung Hyeok, who had been standing silently, suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“Ha, hahaha...!”

When Seojun looked at him with a strange expression, the corners of Namgung Hyeok’s mouth rose sharply.

“An old man couldn’t even see the world properly. Yes. You are the blessing of Namgung!”

Namgung Hyeok pointed his sword back. His face glowed red with elation. A smile like that of a boy spread across his face.

How long had it been since his heart raced like this while crossing swords?

Miraculously, a spark ignited in his heart, which had settled like ashes, and that faint light dimly illuminated the path he should walk.

Call it enlightenment, or call it a driving force.

He vaguely saw it. The realm beyond.

It was still far and would require diligent steps, but having captured the destination in his eyes, he could eventually reach it.

Namgung Hyeok, who had taken a step from his stagnant footsteps, happily showed his teeth.

“Come! The sword of Namgung does not bend!”

“What...”

Seojun smiled wryly and placed his index and middle fingers of his left hand on the base of the sword blade. The principle of Heaven Defiance formed at his fingertips swept along the blade, taking the form of a blade.

Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi.

As he brought out the killing move he had been preparing early on, Namgung Hyeok also unfolded his life-and-death killing move in response.

Azure Sky Falling Becomes Great Sea.

Blue airflow rushes to his raised sword.

The blue sky falls to form a great sea.

There was such momentum in the sword that slashed down as he took a large step.

A small fragment of rock that had fallen to the ground. Seojun, who was about to detonate the Primordial Sun-Moon Art embedded there, smiled slightly and stopped.

People have their pride.

He rushed forward and swung his sword upward.

Drawing giant force with the Giant Spirit Divine Art and the Supreme Force Strange Divine Martial Art, he swung the Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Reinforced Qi, borrowing the form of the Sword Form of the Emperor.

The sound of the two swords colliding wasn’t loud.

Swish.

A gentle breeze blew, and Namgung Hyeok’s hair fluttered.

Seojun’s sword, which had reached within an inch of the neck, was blocked by a sword that had flown in from somewhere.

“...I have lost.”

Namgung Hyeok lowered his sword, which had been cut in half.

Whoosh!

As his domain unraveled, blue wind blew in all directions for a moment.

“Cough...!”

Blood poured from his mouth. Namgung Hyeok, who had taken a hit to his mental image as his domain was cut, gently pushed away the sword floating in front of his neck.

“I also extend my thanks to the Clan Head. Thanks to you, I’ve saved my life...”

Namgung Jincheon’s sword struck the air and returned to its sheath.

As Namgung Jincheon silently looked at Namgung Hyeok, he tidied his disheveled attire.

He took a moment to catch his breath, and then, with his back straight, declared.

“Lee Seojun has proven his qualification through his own loyalty and martial prowess, and is not lacking to learn the Sword Form of the Emperor.”

Everyone gathered at the main training ground focused on Namgung Hyeok’s words.

In the silence where even the sound of the wind seemed loud, Namgung Hyeok continued.

“His tie with the Namgung Clan is a blessing for the martial world, and I take this opportunity to congratulate his marriage to Namgung Suah.”

“What?”

Seojun, who had been catching his breath, suddenly raised his head. Congratulate what? We haven’t gotten married yet?

“Furthermore, as the Clan Head and this elder have recognized his qualification, there should never again be such foolish dissent with clouded eyes.”

Namgung Hyeok quietly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he made a fist-palm salute towards everyone gathered here.

“There is nothing uglier than an old person ruining a young person’s future. I admit that this incident was a clear mistake stemming from my inadequacy and ignorance. From this moment on, I will step down from all real power and dedicate myself to the clan, and in my place, I appoint Lee Seojun as an elder of the clan, which is a blessing for the clan and will be the beginning of a new wave.”

An elder?

As Seojun stared at Namgung Hyeok, he approached and patted Seojun’s shoulder.

“I’ve been behaving disgracefully all this time. My eyes have become clouded due to age. Please continue to take good care of the clan in the future.”

“Umm...”

Seojun just blinked. Namgung Hyeok laughed and said softly.

“Everyone is waiting for just one word from you, so if you have something to say, speak candidly.”

As he said, numerous gazes were directed at Seojun.

The expressions were quite a sight to see. Faces flushed with surprise, admiration, or other emotions.

Seojun, who had been pondering blankly, suddenly opened his mouth.

“Well, yes... I dedicate this honor to our Chunbong, big sis Suah, the Clan Head, Mr. Pae, and so on...”

After reciting what sounded like an awards ceremony speech, he suddenly raised both hands.

“Everyone, please congratulate our Chunbong on becoming an adult...!”

Silence fell over the crowd.

Among people who were looking around not understanding what he meant, one loud voice echoed.

- You son of a bitch! ƒrēenovelkiss.com

From that point on, the main training ground was filled with the cheers of people who were, anyway, offering congratulations.

WOOOOO────────!!!

Anyway, the incident was resolved.

*He got beaten up badly.

The fists of the thoroughly angry Chunbong were something incomparable to her usual kitty punches.

Groaning from the bone-chilling pats, Seojun slightly raised his head only after the beating had stopped.

“Anyway, so we should have a celebration party.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Chunbong’s coming-of-age ceremony...! I’ve been thinking about this for the past few days...”

“Just die already!”

Unfortunately, the celebration party was canceled due to Chunbong’s vehement opposition.

Seojun sat on the ground with his lips pursed.

It seemed like he would have to burn and destroy the “Congrats on your peri*d!” banner he had prepared in advance.

If the current Chunbong saw it, she might really stab him.

Now, what remained was the Dragon Phoenix Tournament... but there was still some time before departure.

“Oh, Elder! Congratulations!”

“Thank you, but Elder sounds a bit old, so can’t you just call me Young Master?”

Seojun, responding to the greetings of people he encountered, decided what to do in his free time.

Maybe I’ll create a new martial art?

If he went outside now, he’d be called Elder dozens of times a day, which didn’t sit well with him.

There were many martial arts he needed to create anyway.

There was the Chunbong Divine Art, a martial art for the Fist King, and the Life and Death Breakthrough Art still needed refinement.

Moreover, the war was still ongoing, and since he knew the White Hand Divine Art of the North Sea Ice Palace quite well (having tortured Baek Yuryeon of the North Sea Ice Palace whom he met during the Green Forest suppression, and extracted the sutra as well), it seemed like a good idea to create a martial art to counter it.

Not just martial arts, but he also shouldn’t forget to check on Chunbong and Namgung Suah, who had both consumed the Heaven-Man Divine Pill and improved their bodies.

Why am I so busy?

As Seojun pondered, he felt his sleeve being pulled and turned his head. It was Chunbong.

“Oh, our Chunbong! Why did you call?”

“The Dragon Phoenix Tournament will be held this spring, right?”

“Yes. Why? Are you going to participate too?”

“That, and...”

Chunbong, who had been hesitating, stared at Seojun.

“Aren’t you thinking of participating?”

“Me? What would I do at a kids’ event?”

“This bastard...”

Chunbong looked at Seojun, whose pride had risen considerably, with a sulky expression and snorted.

“What, are you not confident?”

“What. Are you...”

“Scared?”

“Ha...!”

Unable to hold back, Seojun declared.

“I’ll win it for you...!”

“Yes, I’ll only trust you, big brother.”

“Gasp...!”

The Dragon Phoenix Tournament? Everyone’s just dead.

Behind the highly excited Seojun, Chunbong chuckled wickedly.

This is how I’ll spread the name of the Divine Sword Geum Clan far and wide...!

Of course, he was stopped by Namgung Jincheon.

“Son-in-law... Given the purpose of the Dragon Phoenix Tournament, I’d like you to reconsider participating...”

The Dragon Phoenix Tournament can be described as a competition aimed at encouraging the growth of younger generations of martial artists, and rewarding those who have achieved excellent results.

But if Seojun, who was comparable to considerable old masters rather than a younger generation, participated in the Dragon Phoenix Tournament, there was a high possibility that it would become a competition that simply gave a sense of frustration rather than stimulating competitive spirit among the younger generations.

In the current time of war, it was necessary to avoid breaking the spirits of the younger generations.

Chunbong said she only trusts me...

Seojun licked his lips.

“Then it can’t be helped. But what’s the prize for winning this time?”

“From what I know, it’s the Greater Rejuvenation Pill...”

“Oh.”

Greater Rejuvenation Pill? The ultimate in the world of spirit pills.

A spirit pill perfectly suited to feed our Chunbong.

Seojun asked subtly.

“So if I participate...?”

“I would be grateful if you could refrain...”

That’s unfortunate.

“Clan Head.”

Instead, Chunbong stepped forward. However, it wasn’t about Seojun’s participation.

While it was disappointing, it wasn’t worth being stubborn about. Chunbong had something else in mind, and if Seojun couldn’t step up, she would achieve it with her own strength.

“I wish to show that the Divine Sword Geum Clan’s prestige remains intact at this Dragon Phoenix Tournament.”

“That means...?”

“I wonder if it would be a burden to the Namgung Clan.”

Now with the backing of the Namgung Clan, Chunbong had finally established a foundation to step out into the world as Geum-hee.

At this Dragon Phoenix Tournament, she would let the entire martial world know that the heir of the Geum Clan was alive and well.

Seeing Chunbong’s serious gaze, Namgung Jincheon smiled faintly.

“Of course... The Namgung Clan will gladly support the revival of the Geum Clan...”

The revival of the Divine Sword Geum Clan was not far off.