Chung Myung harnessed the swords momentum to propel himself backward.
He crouched slightly, straightened his back, and gazed at Heo Gong.
Blood trickled from the swords tip.
The price Heo Gong paid, absorbing the plum blossom sword qi with his entire body, was substantial. It appeared as though his body was entirely covered in various wounds.
Eukk.
He staggered once, barely steadying himself by planting his feet firmly on the ground.
Thats it.
Chung Myung muttered softly, nodding.
Losing to an Elder of Wudang?
He hadnt even considered such a possibility.
How long has it been?
How many years had passed since his rebirth? How much had he witnessed in this world?
Though he felt remorse, he couldnt afford to linger in this place any longer. He no longer needed to catch up with his former self.
Heavenly Demon.
To confront that monster, he must effortlessly surpass his former self.
He imposed grueling training on Mount Huas disciples. Yet, the most demanding task he imposed was on himself.
Training that pushed his body and mind beyond their limits, repeating endlessly. Since learning of the Heavenly Demons existence, he had subjected himself to rigorous training far beyond anything he had experienced before.
To reclaim his former self.
Ultimately, to transcend his former self.
Because Chung Myung was the sole individual capable of comprehending the Heavenly Demons existence in the world.
How could they possibly understand?
Could they grasp the fear of being the only one capable of confronting the resurfacing Heavenly Demon?
No, he had no desire to comprehend that burden again.
It was a weight solely bestowed upon Chung Myung.
Chung Myung wasnt someone who held high expectations of others to the point of expecting too much from them.
But at least
Come out of that safe house.
If you dont, the reality youll face will be twice as terrible.
The sky seemed to be breathing heavily.
Heo Gong couldnt fathom why this boy kept saying incomprehensible things. There was only one thing he grasped now.
Strong.
Heo Gongs sword couldnt reach Chung Myung.
It was glaringly obvious; he couldnt deny it. Despair was evident on his face as if he couldnt comprehend it.
Am I losing?
An Elder of Wudang against a third-class disciple of Mount Hua?
It cant be.
His heart raced, and more blood trickled from the wound. Yet, he took another step towards Chung Myung, unfazed.
I am Heo Gong of Wudang!
No need to repeat it, I know.
I wont lose! Never!
Kwaak!
Heo Gongs sword traced a large circle.
Chung Myung recognized the significance of this circle.
Wisdom Sword.
The pinnacle of Wudang sword technique. An unbeatable sword said to embody the principles of the world and universe. A martial art that Wudang proudly displayed to the world.
Even if it was the same sword technique, its mastery varies by practitioner.
The Taiji Wisdom Sword Mu Gak wielded a moment ago, and the Taiji Wisdom Sword drawn in the air now were of such different quality that they couldnt be considered the same technique. Just by drawing the light circle, the air around the stage changed drastically.
Woong!
The shattered stone fragments levitated, unable to withstand the immense fluctuation in internal energy, rising into the air at once.
The scene created by the sword that embodied the laws of nature was truly awe-inspiring.
Why did these forgotten words come to his mind now?
His sword qi, filled with enormous internal qi, followed the path led by plum blossoms.
Master I.
And the plum blossom river that swept past the sword qi in the air finally gently embraced his whole body.
Wheeik!
The beginning was the river, and the end was the wind.
The petals that gently encircled his body lifted Heo Gong into the air, leaving him dumbfounded.
The plum blossoms that rose up scattered in all directions and soon blurred.
It was as if nothing had happened from the start.
Heo Gong bowed his head further. Everything had already vanished.
There was no Taiji he had created nor the red plum blossoms of Chung Myung.
All he could see was Chung Myungs form staring at him with his sword pointed down.
Heo Gong closed his mouth and gazed at Chung Myung.
After silently observing Chung Myung for a while, he asked in a clear voice.
Can I ask you something?
Go ahead.
His voice was clear and calm.
Why did I lose?
Chung Myung looked at him quietly and replied.
Because you forgot.
Be it a sword or person.
After a brief pause, Chung Myung spoke slowly once more.
There are things one can never forget. The moment you forget how you first held the sword, you have lost.
His gaze turned to the Mount Hua disciples, specifically Un Geom, who was still unconscious.
The sword you held didnt even convey anything to your disciples. But my master, who transcended the teachings of the sect, delivered the right teachings to them.
It wasnt me who won here.
Chung Myung declared briefly.
If you feel nothing when you see that sword, you are already dead as a swordsman.
His gaze turned to Un Geom.
The sword I guess one couldnt hold sharpness in it.
I understand.
Heo Gong nodded slightly as if he understood.
Srrng.
And then he slowly inserted his sword back into the sheath.
His two hands were brought together and held out in front, both trembling.
I I learned well.
Tak!
Similarly, Chung Myung, who pushed the sword back into his sheath, readily bowed.
I learned well.
The two bowed their heads for a moment to embrace this, and eventually, as Chung Myung raised his head back up, Heo Gongs body collapsed like an old tree rotten from the inside.
Thud.
The sound of an exhausted body falling was clear in the air.
The world was enveloped in silence.
A third-class disciple of Mount Hua defeated an elder of Wudang.
Faced with this absurd result, not just the Wudang and the spectators but even the Mount Hua disciples were speechless.
In that uncomfortable silence, Chung Myung turned to Heo Sanja.
This spar
Is a win for Mount Hua.
And he smiled brightly.
I learned well, thanks to you.
Heo Sanjas teeth, which had been clenched tightly, finally broke.