Chapter 8

“This is not what I expected!”

Namgung Woo looked taken aback, as he had been thinking a blade might come flying at him out of nowhere.

He thought he would at least maintain his pride as the leader of a faction that controlled a single realm.

“So, you’re agreeing to the conditions for the duel?”

While Namgung Woo was lost for words, Song Chaeji quickly filled the gap.

Pay the real price instead of trying to get away with a ridiculous low price.

That was Song Chaeji’s demand for victory.

“Of course, I will.”

Hwang Moo-tak, attempting to speak casually as usual, cast a quick glance at Namgung Woo and added on.

“I hear the entire area around here is like that…”

Namgung Woo dropped a hint. It was a provocation. The pressure made Hwang Moo-tak sweat as he thought, “If you don’t want to accept this, then duel!”

“…I will make sure they get a proper reward.”

If that actually happened, it would cost a fortune, but there was no helping it.

With a heavy heart, Hwang Moo-tak resigned himself to Namgung Woo’s demands.

First and foremost, wasn’t survival the priority? Hwang Moo-tak wasn’t foolish enough to pick a fight with a Supreme Peak Master. That was a choice only those suffering from ego issues or emotional disorders would make.

“The Hangsan Faction will confirm it later.”

“As you wish.”

Having agreed to that, Namgung Woo saw no further ground to press his advantage.

So he decided to openly present his final demands.

“And lastly….”

Hwang Moo-tak cursed inwardly. “Isn’t this enough already? What more do you want?”

In considering all the things he had gotten away with, Hwang Moo-tak truly was a rogue from the start.

“Let’s have a spar.”

“A spar, you say…?”

This was different from a duel. It’s more of a training exercise where they would try to exclude any serious moves to improve each other’s skill. If that’s the case, he wouldn’t have to fear for his life.

“Yes, a spar.”

Namgung Woo grinned.

§

“Oh, by the way, does the Black Bear Faction have any swords? I’d like to borrow one.”

When Namgung Woo reached the training ground, Hwang Moo-tak cautiously replied.

“I’m sorry, but the Black Bear Faction only deals with martial arts. If it’s martial arts, we have plenty…”

Martial arts, huh?

Namgung Woo recalled the martial arts he sometimes used for fun. Namgung Mae challenged him to fight with something other than his main weapon, so he used them occasionally.

‘It’s not that I can’t use them.’

But Namgung Woo really wanted to test out the sword techniques he had mastered as his main style.

‘Would the martial arts be handled like a sword?’

His dilemma showed clearly on Namgung Woo’s face. He wasn’t even trying to hide it.

“Please, use my sword.”

“Song-soja?”

It’s said that a warrior’s weapon is like their lifeline.

Handing over such a weapon to another person is a sign of profound trust in that person.

“Hmm, since you’ve done me a favor.”

Though no one asked for a reason, Song Chaeji added her reasoning first. While Namgung Woo, who had been chuckling at Yang Sodang for her antics, accepted her goodwill with a joyful heart.

“I will use it carefully and return it.”

“…It might be a bit small for you.”

“That’s fine. This is enough for me. It’s a good sword.”

It wasn’t an empty compliment.

Song Chaeji’s sword, clearly tailored for her, felt a bit short for Namgung Woo. But the grip that perfectly fit in his palm and the well-balanced feel told him that it had been crafted by a skilled smith.

Namgung Woo took a deep breath, feeling a different sense of stability compared to using his bare hands.

Breathing in accordance with the Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art, the Heavenly Thunder Divine Energy in his Lower Dantian began to rise.

‘Which sword technique would be best? Thirteen Lightning Flash Swords would suit the Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art best, right? The Great Flame Sword Technique is also decent. The Changgung Boundless Sword Technique might be a bit overkill….’

Various sword techniques from the Namgung Family flashed through Namgung Woo’s mind, circling repeatedly.

And the decision Namgung Woo made was to return to the basics.

‘The Iron Sword Techniques are definitely the way to go.’

The Iron Sword Techniques (鐵劍十式) were the fundamental training techniques. They dealt with only the most basic methods of handling internal energy and served as introductory sword techniques to get comfortable with the sword.

This was the first sword technique that Namgung Woo learned in the Chasing Deer Murim.

Namgung Woo hadn’t yet fused the sensations from the game with reality. He needed to approach the sword as if he were learning a brand-new technique from scratch.

‘It’s kind of like rehabilitation training.’

Adopting the starting position of the Iron Sword Techniques, Namgung Woo calmed the Heavenly Thunder Energy in his Lower Dantian. Instead, he focused on the internal energy of his Middle Dantian.

This was from the Vast Heaven Divine Art. While the Heavenly Thunder Divine Energy was heavily tilted towards excess, the Vast Heaven style contained the harmony of Mugeuk’s energy. Appropriately placed in the Middle Dantian where emotions sway, it captures the essence of balance between Yin and Yang.

This felt infinitely faster, but unlike the Heavenly Thunder Energy, which felt uncontrollable, the Vast Heaven Energy was steady. Gently moving like the endless sky, the Vast Heaven Energy flowed through Namgung Woo’s twelve meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Once he began to circulate his internal energy, a wave of Qi permeated from Namgung Woo’s entire body.

Hwang Moo-tak’s palms became sweaty.

‘What is this Qi…?’

This was a Qi he had never seen in his lifetime. It felt like he had activated his internal energy and was following the One Heavenly Cycle, yet such a protective Qi seemed to leak out. He couldn’t even guess just how profound Namgung Woo’s internal energy was.

He had never seen it firsthand, but he couldn’t help but wonder if this was how the leader of the Shadowless Gate, known as the best in Shanxi, felt.

“Shall we begin?”

Namgung Woo took the starting position of the Iron Sword Techniques.

The movements were familiar from being repeated countless times in the Chasing Deer Murim, yet now it felt entirely different from merely mimicking actions.

The meaning behind each technique was etched into Namgung Woo’s mind.

A total of ten sword techniques. These were the basic ten approaches on how to wield a sword.

Horizontal slash. Vertical slash. Left diagonal slash. Right diagonal slash.

The eight directions (팔방) slashes composed of four basic slashes and their reverse slashes.

Then there were the thrust and defensive moves.

Thus, the ten techniques that made up the Iron Sword Techniques were completed.

These movements were incredibly simple, yet the way Namgung Woo executed the Iron Sword Techniques at this moment was a world apart from simply mimicking its previous form.

There’s a reason they named simple vertical and horizontal slashes with grand titles like “Mount Tai’s Pressure” or “Flying Eagle Ascends.”

Each name came with a corresponding intent that was imbued with true energy. The energy infused with intent reflected in the sword strikes, displaying the effectiveness befitting its name.

What Namgung Woo displayed with his sword was just that.

“Ha!”

When Hwang Moo-tak blocked the eighth technique of the Iron Sword Techniques, the Flying Eagle Ascends, he inhaled sharply.

Since an upward slash is inherently weak due to its reverse nature, it shouldn’t have possessed much strength at all.

But Namgung Woo’s sword strike felt as if it were coming down with all its might.

If it weren’t for the spar being limited to the minimum energy necessary to execute techniques, and if it had been a life-or-death situation where he could unleash his full internal energy, this single blow might have determined the match.

Namgung Woo swung his sword freely. Even infusing delicate internal energy into the sword to avoid damage became enjoyable. The excitement made him forget about all other thoughts and dance with pleasure.

What first felt awkward now flowed with absolute naturalness.

It was as if he considered the sword an extension of his limbs.

That realization was echoed from Song Chaeji’s lips.

“Divine Sword Unity…?”

Had it really been so easy to achieve?

Song Chaeji felt overwhelmed watching Namgung Woo’s spar, which resembled a sword dance.

It felt far too distant for her to reach.

But…

‘Maybe I can understand it a bit.’

This was a moment of opportunity.

Song Chaeji’s master, Eulju Jinin, was indeed a peak martial artist, but he never mastered the realm of Divine Sword Unity.

Perhaps only the leader of the Hangsan Faction, Eulcheong Jinin, had reached such heights? It was rare for the leader to draw out their sword, so this was the first time Song Chaeji had witnessed the realm of Divine Sword Unity.

While unaware of how those around her were reacting, Namgung Woo’s consciousness sank deeper into himself.

‘This is so enjoyable.’

So this is how enjoyable it is to wield a sword.

The power of the body transcending human limits.

The mighty internal energy residing within him surged even further.

Divine Sword Unity? It was a natural outcome.

Namgung Woo’s body had already reached a state of harmony with the Five Origins Unity.

The Essence (精) representing the body.

The Qi (氣) representing internal energy.

The Spirit (神) representing the mind.

The unity of Essence, Qi, and Spirit forced the previously uncooperative Spirit up.

Namgung Woo’s heightened consciousness began to transcend the technique of swordsmanship and observe his situation.

‘I can learn about returning to the original world slowly. For now, let’s enjoy this world more. By refining my martial arts and traveling around, I’ll surely find a path.’

He clearly understood where he stood.

At that moment, Namgung Woo truly stepped into this world.

BOOM!

The moment the Essence, Qi, and Spirit united once more.

Namgung Woo’s swordsmanship leaped to a whole new realm.

Without advancing to the stage of Spirit-Infused Sword Technique, the energy infused within the sword swelled, shattering the large sword Hwang Moo-tak held.

“Huh…”

Even though it was an ordinary large sword made for training, it had indeed been crafted by one of the best blacksmiths in Pyeongyo County, yet it shattered into pieces so easily.

Hwang Moo-tak stared blankly at his lightened hand.

“I admit my defeat.”

With Hwang Moo-tak quickly bowing his head, Namgung Woo slowly brought down his euphoric consciousness.

“…Likewise. It was a good spar.”

Namgung Woo, who initially held a grudge against the Black Bear Faction, had shifted now to a tone of greater respect for his opponent.

Of course, he would still collect what was due for the misdeeds he had done until now, but gratitude for participating in this spar was entirely separate.

Hwang Moo-tak felt similarly. Even in a time of clear black and white, respect for a noble warrior transcended those boundaries.

Hwang Moo-tak held his fist in a gesture of respect, motivated by sincerity rather than to garner favors.

“It feels like my eyes have been opened by this great warrior’s sword. I promise that those who harmed us will receive proper recompense.”

“I believe you.”

Namgung Woo read sincerity in Hwang Moo-tak’s words.

Even the Azure Tranquility Eyes that could perceive everything testified that his instincts were right.

‘Is this the end of this matter?’

With a sense of relief, he felt ready to take his leave. Namgung Woo was satisfied that he could now repay those who had done him a kindness before departing.

Sheathing the sword he was still holding, Namgung Woo turned toward Song Chaeji and Yang Sodang, who looked dazed from the events.

As if realizing he would depart without anymore discussions, Hwang Moo-tak hurriedly called out.

“May I know your name? May I learn the name of this great hero?”

With looks that seemed too young to be over thirty.

He might be a No Gosu who had achieved his cumulation, but Hwang Moo-tak had a vague feeling that Namgung Woo looked just as old as his appearance showed.

If so, this young man would undeniably bring a colossal storm to the martial world.

A Supreme Peak Master in their twenties.

Geniuses possessing top-tier qualities always bring forth significant events with each step they take.

And Namgung Woo’s answer firmly cemented Hwang Moo-tak’s certainty.

“Namgung Woo. Just Namgung Woo.”

As Namgung Woo’s name was mentioned, there seemed to be a shift in the air around them.

His name meant something special in the martial world.

“Namgung…? Namgung, you say…?”

As Hwang Moo-tak stumbled over the surname, Song Chaeji rushed toward Namgung Woo, shouting.

“Nam So-hyeop! I knew I could count on you! Just seeing you wield your sword is truly a huge help!”

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