“Hey, is Jin Gayoung going to use the Great Moon technique again?”
“It seems like it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t witness her Taewon Jin Clan’s Heaven Swallowing Blade technique this time.”
“People, the fact that she put down the sword and picked up the axe must mean she’s confident in the axe, right? Let’s just wait and see quietly.”
“That makes sense. There must be a reason she chose the Great Moon technique. She couldn’t have abandoned the sword without thought, could she?”
She had briefly shown her Great Moon technique a while ago, but it seems like the world still believes Jin Gayoung uses a sword.
That perception will change today, with this match.
“It’s an honor to face you, Miss Cheon Hwa.”
“Ah, hello… didn’t we meet once before…?”
A woman with long indigo hair that covered her eyes, Cheon Hwa, stood against Jin Gayoung, who had radiant golden eyes.
Jin Gayoung was dressed in a black martial robe, and Cheon Hwa in a white one, making their confrontation starkly visible.
“Jin Cheon, Sword Flower.”
“Um, Miss… Cheon Hwa!”
They exchanged respectful bows, then Jin Gayoung and Cheon Hwa both drew their weapons.
Griiiink—
Especially when Jin Gayoung slung the Moonlight Division’s axe over her shoulder, the audience gasped in astonishment.
“Is that axe made by some master blacksmith?”
“Just a moment… Can it be that the entire handle is made of dark iron? Is she planning to swing something that massive? Is she right in the head?”
At a glance, the combination of Jin Gayoung’s size and the Moonlight Division’s axe was as striking as the contrast of their martial robes’ colors.
“Then, I shall start.”
Paang—!
Jin Gayoung took the initiative.
Crouching low, she advanced in the blink of an eye and swung her axe straight ahead with minimal force, merely testing her opponent.
It seemed she was probing how Cheon Hwa would respond.
– This is impressive.
‘Is that you, Miss?’
– No, I’m talking about this Cheon Hwa.
Jin U-yong pointed at Cheon Hwa with his gaze.
There was a hesitance in her movements as she swung her sword against the Moonlight Division’s axe.
– The last time during a match, I gave her a small internal injury.
‘That was to ensure Miss’s victory, right?’
– No, there was another reason.
‘…?’
Before Jin U-yong could elaborate further.
Koooom—!
Jin Gayoung’s Great Moon collided with Cheon Hwa’s sword.
Because she already had an internal injury, Cheon Hwa managed the impact by flowing gracefully rather than taking it head-on, just like last time against Jin U-yong.
HOOOONG—!
Jin Gayoung’s Great Moon swung in like a flexible steel chain.
A powerful and fierce motion, brimming with ferocity akin to a roaring beast—it crashed down on Cheon Hwa.
Thud!
Kicking off the ground, Cheon Hwa nimbly ascended into the air to evade.
As a result, Jin Gayoung’s Great Moon slashed through empty air, but she didn’t seem to care and even smiled slightly.
It seemed she had realized something.
That Cheon Hwa wasn’t in perfect condition.
Actually, it was strange she hadn’t already noticed. After just a couple of exchanges, anyone could see that Cheon Hwa’s movements were uncharacteristically restrained.
Afterward, Jin Gayoung’s relentless offensive continued.
“Whirlwind Moon Slash—!”
HOOOONG—!
How awe-inspiring is the sight of something as heavy and large as the Great Moon moving freely, like a fish in water.
“Heaven and Moon Dan—!”
KWAH-AAH—!
Hard to tell what Cheon Hwa is feeling, but right now, she seems quite troubled.
“Eight Strikes of Moonlight—!”
SWIISH! KWAH-KWAH-KWAH-AH!
Retaliation wasn’t even possible as she scrambled to evade left and right.
– Aren’t you worried about Gayoung’s stamina?
“Miss’s stamina is superior to anyone’s. That’s something I can confidently say.”
– …This guy really knows nothing.
“…?”
However, why?
Jin Gayoung’s movements grew rougher.
Rough for a great weapon like the Moonlight Division’s axe is said to be good, but this wasn’t simply rough—it was wobbling.
And it wasn’t the axe but Jin Gayoung’s body that was wobbling.
HOOOONG! HOOONG!
Jin Gayoung’s complexion had turned pale blue.
The only somewhat reassuring point was that Cheon Hwa was also clutching her abdomen and struggling to move, so she wasn’t swinging her sword recklessly.
’…
– I thought you’d know.
“Exactly why is Miss staggering like that? Is she lacking qi or something?”
– You’re right. It is insufficient, but not entirely depleted. Think of it as an incomplete container with not enough content.
“…Excuse me?”
– I don’t know why, but the last time she used a lot of it all at once. Even if you hadn’t, you should have noticed by now, right? It’s strange.
“Are you saying it’s alright to just waste life-force like that? That’s a fundamental truth of innate qi!”
– Why are you angry at me? I don’t know the details either.
“…”
Closing his eyes, he focused his senses on Jin Gayoung.
And then he clearly began to feel her disorganized momentum, erratic breathing, and the incomplete state of her innate qi.
If she were a normal martial artist, it wouldn’t be odd for her to be dead by now.
The extent of her innate qi loss was that severe.
Aaaah!
Even in the midst of everything, the Moonlight Division’s axe and the sword clashed again.
Her weapons, too, trembled uncontrollably, barely able to stay upright, it seemed.
“Then, why inflict an internal injury on Cheon Hwa, not to ensure Miss’s victory?”
– Hmph, would I interfere in the young ones’ fights? I merely wanted a fair match.
“Rather, why didn’t you mention this to me earlier? I could have obtained rare herbs for her.”
– I assumed you would already know, as I said earlier.
“…”
– Don’t worry too much. They both have similar injuries, making it a fair fight.
“But that’s not the point! What if something happens to Miss this way!?”
– Everything has been fine so far, hasn’t it? Just sit quietly and watch. What could you possibly do by intervening now?
“…”
With inadequate innate qi yet still alive—a situation I never anticipated.
For now, let’s just focus on the match as Jin U-yong suggested.
…
My breathing has been heavy from the start.
Since the match with Nam Gong Soso a while ago, every time I push my body to the limit, it’s been like this.
But today, it’s worse.
Could it be because I’m actually dueling against a real martial artist?
‘But there’s still hope.’
Cheon Hwa isn’t normal either.
Equal conditions, equal status.
If we’re both in adverse situations, then I have no intention of losing.
Even if I’m in a worse state, I cannot afford to lose.
Once this Seven Flowers Tournament is over, I plan to make a stylish confession to my uncle. How could I lose?
“HAAAP!”
“GGGK…”
Again, the axe and the sword met, shuddering violently, as if it was becoming unbearable just to hold their weapons.
‘That’s why you injured Cheon Hwa, right? It wasn’t to ensure Miss’s victory.’
– Hmph, why would I interfere in the fights of the young? I merely desired a fair match.
‘You should’ve told me this earlier. I could’ve procured some rare herbs for her.’
– I assumed you would know, as I mentioned earlier.
‘…’
– Don’t worry too much. They both have similar injuries, so the fight’s balanced.
‘But that’s not important! If something happens to Miss this way…!’
– So far, everything’s been fine. Just sit quietly and watch. What could you possibly do by stepping in now?’
‘…’
The unexpected shortcoming of innate qi came as a surprise.
For now, I’ll follow Jin U-yong’s advice and concentrate on the match.
…
Since the start, my breathing has been labored.
Since my match against Nam Gong Soso a while ago, every time I’ve pushed my body to the limit, I’ve been like this somewhat.
But today, it’s worse.
Could it be due to an actual battle against a martial artist?
‘There must be some hope, right?’
Cheon Hwa isn’t normal either.
Equal conditions, equal states.
If we’re both in difficult circumstances, then I will absolutely not lose.
Even if I’m in a worse situation, I must not lose.
This Seven Flowers Tournament will eventually end. When it does, I intend to make a handsome confession to my uncle. How could I allow myself to lose?
“HAAAP!”
Cheon Hwa redirected the blow of the Moonlight Division’s axe with ease again.
KWAAAAGH—!
Once more, the Moonlight Division’s axe struck the ground.
I can’t win like this—it’s pretty clear without much thought.
Every martial art has its advantage over another.
The heavy cannot overcome the fluid.
The essence of heavy weapons is to crush with irresistible force, but fluidity is designed to deflect that overwhelming strength.
CLACK—.
How can I beat Cheon Hwa, a genius from Mount Wu?
What strategy could possibly break her fluid sword technique?
If only I could have an epiphany about “my martial arts” as my uncle always spoke of, it would be wonderful, but, alas, miracles don’t happen.
‘The weapon’s the problem.’
Suddenly, I recall the battle between Baeok Hwa and Leui Hwa from earlier.
Leui Hwa had wielded a heavy weapon too.
But his weapon was different.
Leui Hwa’s weapon was just right—perfect calculation of strength, internal energy, and moves.
It was possible because the weapon of choice was a sword.
But the Moonlight Division’s axe is different. Its massive weight at the end is incomparable to even a sword.
How can I possibly break Cheon Hwa’s fluid technique with such a slow and cumbersome weapon?
‘Or…’
I rack my brain to find a way out.
“TSUEEP…”
Perhaps it’s possible.
Or, is it even allowed?
If I do this, people might sneer at me for having no pride.
People already mock me for wielding an axe like Baeksu Hwa, and this could provoke even harsher criticism.
‘But… hasn’t my uncle said that pride is utterly useless?’
Do my best to win, no matter the circumstances.
Ultimately, Leui Hwa also received cheers after his victory, even though he was mocked before.
Let’s trust that the same thing will happen.
“Crush the Axe Cut—!”
This was the same move Uncle used in his match against Cheon Hwa, but my purpose is quite different now.
KWAAA-AAH—!
The attack explodes in a powerful roar from the start.
Once again, Cheon Hwa’s strategy is to deflect the blow.
SSSLLIIIIIIISSSSHH—.
“I knew you’d respond this way…!”
“…?”
TIIIING—!
The sword and axe clash.
As before, Cheon Hwa’s sword only deflects along the side of the axe.
Seizing the moment.
“NOW!”
“…??”
Instantly, I channel my strength into the axe, changing its direction.
With full grip and internal energy, it isn’t impossible.
Surprise fills Cheon Hwa’s face. She likely has no idea what I’m about to do.
KWADDDEEEK—!!
The Moonlight Division’s axe pushes her sword aside.
Finally, she seems to realize what’s happening, and her face fills with shock.
“No matter how good you are, you can’t deflect this far.”
“…!”
From the very beginning, my goal wasn’t Cheon Hwa.
My purpose was her sword,
In this situation, the full might of the Moonlight Division’s axe transfers to the sword she holds. Now, even if I exert maximum force, she will be unable to deflect it.
From the outset, the direction is skewed, and an attempt to deflect would send the axe heading straight for her body.
In the end, Cheon Hwa did exactly as I planned.
WHOOSH! KWAAANG—!!
She let go of the sword she held, and my hand instantly opened as well.
Both weapons lay abandoned on the ground, deeply embedded in the soil.
“…! G-Gather your sword and fight again…”
Cheon Hwa took a step toward her flying sword.
But I have no intention of letting her have it.
POW!
A sudden punch connected right to her right cheek.
“GGGGHH…”
Why let her retrieve her sword again when I can’t win due to weapon advantage?
If I have to, I’ll drop my weapon.
It might be a disgrace to throw away one’s weapon without pride, but I don’t care.
Winning is more important to me.
She comes closer with her palm forward, ready to strike. I don’t know what kind of palm technique it is.
PAANG!
A massive impact hits my abdomen.
“GGGGHH…”
I bear down with as much strength as I can in my lower body.
If I lose my footing here, Cheon Hwa will retrieve her sword, and the situation will repeat itself.
GGGGREAAAAK—!
I successfully withstood her palm strike using every ounce of strength in my legs, all thanks to the horse stance training Uncle gave me.
“Let’s see it through.”
“Guu, I lack confidence in bare-handed combat…”
“I never learned it.”
Indeed, as I said, I’ve never studied bare-handed combat.
At Taewon Jin Clan, other than the Jin Heaven-Swallowing Blade technique and Moon techniques, there’s no other skill—thanks to our stubborn ancestors.
I’ve trained in the Six-Combination Fist, a popular style, but it’s not particularly helpful now.
Nevertheless, all martial arts ultimately converge, they say.
Whether it’s an axe, sword, or even a human body, there has to be a common ground.
Probably.
“Wudang Cotton Palm.”
ZHHSHHHSHHHSHHH—!
Her palm strikes rush like streams of water against me. Wudang Cotton Palm or whatever, how am I supposed to counter such techniques?
I know the answer—imagine my own body as the Moonlight Division’s axe. That’s the only thing I’ve trained in, after all.
Even if my conclusion might be wrong, I move forward, trusting the martial arts Uncle taught me.
I clench my fist and load it up with internal power.
This fist is the axe blade. My arm is the axe handle.
“HAAAP!”
“…!”
PAANG!
BBOOOM!
A hot, sharp pain runs through my chest. At the same time, my fist feels a burning sensation.
It hurts, but there’s no time to hesitate. I force my eyelids open and catch sight of Cheon Hwa gripping her reddened cheek while preparing to throw another palm strike.
POW!
BAM!
THWACK!
PAANG—!
Some attacks connect, others miss completely.
Actually, most of them are blocked.
Although my vision is blurring, I can still feel when my punch lands correctly.
Of course, I don’t retreat a single step.
This isn’t senseless perseverance. For some reason, I can’t feel any pain from being hit.
It feels deserved.
I’ve heard of this before from Uncle.
“UUUAAAAAAHH!!”
“GGGKK…”
THWACK!
KLOONG—!
POOF! POOF!
PAANG—!
I know I’m getting hit, but my body can’t sense the pain.
Uncle used to describe this state as ‘obstinacy overtaking the body.’
It’s a different kind of heightened emotion from when I fought Nam Gong Soso at Hangsan Sword Sect.
BBOOM! CRACK!
POOF! CRACK!
I’m being hit repeatedly, yet my vision is clear.
Hitting is enjoyable. Being hit is enjoyable, too.
It’s strange, fighting is enjoyable. Very peculiar, but it’s not unpleasant.
“…!”
“…!”
I’m not sure if the boxing techniques I’m using are correct. After all, I haven’t studied any boxing styles.
I’m simply pouring out everything I’ve got.
As long as I can…
POW! POW! POW! POW!
Even as my vision blurs, I throw punches. Even as my fists lose sensation, I swing my arms.
As long as my consciousness holds, I’ll push to the very limits of my limits.
POW! POW! POW! POW!!
PAANG—!!
After hundreds of consecutive strikes from Cheon Hwa’s palm, it hit my forehead once more.
The wave of internal energy struck my head like a tidal wave.
“GGGGGH…”
Jin Gayoung’s eyes rolled back, her knees gave way from their strained stance, and she collapsed onto the arena floor.
PLUMMET—!
The blood trickling from her mouth had already stained the snow red.
The floor felt warm.
Though the monks of Mount Wu had swept the snow away beforehand, due to the intense battle between Cheon Hwa and Jin Gayoung, more snow had accumulated, but their body heat had melted it all away.
“I… lost…”
Through Jin Gayoung’s parted, unconscious lips seeped a sigh of despair.
The wall between the nine sects was too high. They exchanged countless strikes, but she was hit many more times than she hit back.
Being hit didn’t make her sad. She didn’t feel the pain.
What made her deeply aggrieved was that she lost the match.
Even though she had promised not to take it too seriously to Byul Rak, she remained discontent.
After striving so hard to enter the Seven Flowers Tournament, losing like this was expected.
The cool voice of the Heavenly Lord pronounced the verdict, which pierced her heart like a nail.
“You’ve both worked hard. Now, go inside and rest.”
“GGGHH…”
It felt even more disheartening to have lost, not against an evenly matched opponent, but someone like Nam Gong Su-A, who won against another Seven Flower member.
Inadvertently, she saw Nam Gong Su-A as an equal, but unlike herself, Nam Gong Su-A managed to defeat one of the Seven Flowers.
“GGGHH…”
The regret of not holding on just a little longer consumed Jin Gayoung’s heart.
But she knew. She had already pushed herself far beyond her limits, and her body’s unwillingness to move was proof of it.
“GGGGHHHHHHH…”
As her tension relaxed, waves of pain engulfed her.
It hurt, both her heart and her body.
And yet, her completely limp body, which couldn’t even writhe in pain, only made her feel even more disheartened.
‘Talent… lineage… I believed that by putting in effort, I could surpass them…’
The reality was too high a wall.
Since she was very young, Cheon Hwa has been receiving ablutions from Mount Wu elders. She has mastered the essence of the Mount Wu martial arts, regarded as the best of the martial arts world, while Jin Gayoung, clenching her teeth, couldn’t defeat her.
Was she doing her best, and therefore feeling relieved? No, if anything, it made her feel even more disheartened.
Because she had done her best yet still lost.
Cheon Hwa was above her, and even after giving all she had, she couldn’t overcome Cheon Hwa—that was the reality.
A myriad of negative emotions enveloped her.
‘Uncle…’
At that moment, something unforeseen happened.
“… Sword Flower, Sword Flower. Sword Flower!”
“Jin Gayoung, Sword Flower! She’s amazing!”
“Right! This is what a match is! All those other so-called matches of the Seven Flowers were embarrassing, but this! It’s exploding at the end like fireworks!!”
Inspired by Jin Gayoung’s fighting spirit, the crowd began to chant her nickname in unison.
Something all martial artists can empathize with more than victory—willpower in battle.
The sheer determination Jin Gayoung demonstrated by fighting relentlessly against a stronger opponent despite repeated blows moved the hearts of the martial artists profoundly.
Finally.
“Sword Flower? Hmm… No, she uses an axe, so we should call her “Moon Blossom!””
“Moon Blossom! Moon Blossom! Moon Blossom!”
“Sounds good! Moon Blossom! Wei Yuan Sword Family’s Moon Blossom!”
People started creating a new nickname for her.
“Check this out—what’s carved on her axe?”
“Ah, ‘Moonlight Division’? It’s engraved as ‘Moonlight Division Axe’.”
“Moon Blossom… Moonlight Division… Moonlit Lotus! Perfect!”
“Face’s beautiful like a lotus petal too!”
The crowd celebrated her, differently from the uncomfortable silence when Ok Hwa won, or the cheers when Nam Gong Su-A triumphed.
It was a mix of “celebration” and “awe.”
“Cheon Hwa! Cheon Hwa! Truly Mount Wu’s greatest talent!”
Of course, the name of Cheon Hwa, who received all of Jin Gayoung’s determination and emerged victorious, was also mentioned alongside hers.
“Wei Yuan Sword Family!! Moonlight Lotus!!”
“Moon Blossom Jin Gayoung! Moonlight Lotus Jin Gayoung!!”
“Lost but fought well! Respect for Wei Yuan Sword Family!”
In that way, the match of that day, which would later be recorded in the Martial Arts Top Ten Combat, saw an extraordinary scene unfold.
“…That’s my descendant.”
‘She’s also my disciple.’
“Where did you jump in and start acting like a master? You yourself argued earlier that Miss didn’t even know you as a master-disciple relationship.”
‘I am merely following Miss’s wishes.’
For the first time in the Seven Flowers Tournament, the loser’s name resonated prominently among the audience.
