Chapter 95 : Combat Strength Evaluation (2)
Chapter 95: Combat Strength Evaluation (2)
Namgung Jun felt the vast internal energy surging powerfully through every meridian in his body.
The two internal arts filled his meridians with majestic force, yet the one taking the lead was the Azure King Pure World Qi.
This was the first time he had primarily employed the Azure King Pure World Qi instead of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Art.
Yet Namgung Jun's control over his internal energy was completely natural.
Azure Sword Aura flowed freely around his blade, shimmering as though drifting in the wind.
Namgung Jun recalled the intensive training of the past three months.
'It wasn't simply a matter of combining crude martial principles. Incorporating the profound principles that each sword art had developed into a single sword proved extremely difficult.'
As he taught the Heavenly Sword Hall the Great Expansion Sword Art in greater depth, Namgung Jun himself had also been able to delve into it anew.
Although he was already looking beyond complete mastery toward ultimate mastery, the depth of the martial principles contained within the Great Expansion Sword Art still seemed boundless.
Each new realization he gained revealed an even broader horizon of insight.
Gradually, certainty took root within him.
The Martial Path he had chosen to walk in this life.
The beginning of that path would undoubtedly be the Great Expansion Sword Art.
Even with the memories of his previous life as the Sword Emperor, the path of the sword remained distant beyond measure.
It stretched so endlessly that its end could not even be seen.
No...
Did it truly have an end at all?
'Like the endless autumn sky without boundaries.'
The heart demon that had briefly stood before him like an impenetrable wall instead became another question to ponder, another realization.
'If it is vast and endless, then my sword shall be the same.'
Namgung Jun freely unleashed all the insights he had accumulated over the past three months.
It was not yet a complete sword art.
Nor did it possess proper oral formulas, forms, or techniques.
It was nothing more than a raw mass of enlightenment.
To truly utilize it, he would need much deeper contemplation and many more realizations.
Even so, if he poured those insights into a single sword strike, it would more than suffice as a supreme technique unleashed in an instant.
“Vast Azure Sky.”
Namgung Jun quietly uttered the name of that incomplete fragment of enlightenment.
As the Eternal Justice Sword swept through the air as though drawing the horizon itself, countless azure sword strikes surged upward.
For an instant, it seemed as though blue mist exploded outward from Namgung Jun and the Changcheon Banner.
Its range expanded in every direction, wide enough to engulf all the standard-bearers fighting throughout the Grand Training Ground.
“Hmph!”
“What is this?!”
The overwhelming torrent of sword strikes swept toward them with terrifying breadth.
Though momentarily caught off guard, the standard-bearers made their decisions in an instant and immediately circulated their internal energy.
There was no time to evade.
Each of them immediately unleashed their supreme techniques.
Although none had ever seen this sword attack before, the moment they faced it, instinct told them—
If they held back even slightly, they would suffer devastating losses.
Across the Grand Training Ground, Qi carrying entirely different characteristics shook the air.
The Divine Mechanism Hall's Law Manipulation Fan Art.
The Life's End Hall's Black Twin Dance.
The Ink Wheel Hall's Heaven's Judgment Crushing Vengeance Stance.
The supreme arts of the Ten Halls erupted from every direction, each asserting its overwhelming presence.
Even so, none of them could force back the endless tide of azure sword strikes.
At best, they could only resist being swept away.
Boom!
The expression of the Martial Extremity Hall's standard-bearer twisted as he unleashed the ultimate technique of the Martial Extremity Supreme Battle Art.
His saber, which split through the azure sword strikes, shook so violently it seemed ready to shatter.
'Just what is this?'
The nature of the incoming sword strikes was utterly chaotic.
Heavy Sword.
Swift Sword.
Flexible Sword.
Illusion Sword.
Sword strikes carrying every conceivable martial principle poured down indiscriminately, greedily expanding their domain.
'The Martial Extremity Supreme Battle Art is being overwhelmed?'
Disbelief spread across the Martial Extremity Hall standard-bearer's face as he poured forth even more internal energy.
Among frontal offensive martial arts, only the Sect Hall's Mighty Shattering Axe Art could rival the Martial Extremity Supreme Battle Art in sheer destructive power.
Yet even that standard-bearer, who had unleashed the Mighty Shattering Axe Art's supreme technique, was being driven backward helplessly.
'At first glance it resembles the Great Expansion Sword Art... but what kind of technique is this?'
His thoughts ended there.
Unable to endure any longer, he was violently blown away by the sword strikes crashing into his entire body.
The vast sea of sword Qi filling the Grand Training Ground gradually subsided.
Silence descended.
The condition of the standard-bearers was a pitiful sight.
Most had dropped to one knee or staggered unsteadily.
Some had been knocked completely onto the ground.
Only Namgung Jun remained standing.
After calming his ragged breathing, he sheathed the Eternal Justice Sword.
Turning around, Namgung Jun grasped the Changcheon Banner with both hands.
“The time is up.”
Staring at Namgung Jun with widened eyes, Man Hun finally gave a slow nod.
“...Indeed! I hereby declare that the Heavenly Sword Hall's standard-bearer, Namgung Jun, has secured possession of the Changcheon Banner at the end of the allotted time!”
Even after Man Hun's declaration, the Grand Training Ground remained silent.
It was not because anyone questioned Namgung Jun's victory.
Rather, they were still overwhelmed by the final sword technique he had displayed.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, the Divine Mechanism Hall Master, Jegal Muran, finally spoke on behalf of everyone.
“Namgung Jun. Was that final attack a single supreme technique? Or was it another sword art?”
At Jegal Muran's question, every eye turned toward Namgung Jun.
The other martial artists had been wondering the same thing.
Its scale was far too great to be merely a single supreme technique.
Yet it also contained too many unrefined sword strikes to be considered a completed sword art.
Namgung Jun lightly stroked his scabbard before answering after a brief moment of thought.
“I merely expressed the enlightenment and questions I obtained through my sword. At present, it is neither a supreme technique nor a sword art.”
To an ordinary listener, the answer sounded vague.
But the Hall Masters and the Changcheon Society's senior figures all gasped inwardly.
'Such a concrete manifestation of enlightenment!'
'If properly refined, it truly could become a complete sword art, just as the Divine Mechanism Hall Master said.'
'I can't even imagine what kind of sword art it will eventually become.'
By then, the standard-bearers had recovered enough to slowly stand back up.
Still staring blankly at Namgung Jun, they looked at one another's conditions before gradually breaking into laughter.
Everyone looked utterly miserable.
The sight was strangely comical.
Especially considering they had all been defeated by someone far younger than themselves.
“I've learned something today. That unfolded quite differently from what I expected.”
“When you finish refining it someday, be sure to show it to me again. I won't remain idle either—I shall continue polishing my own skills.”
“It was an excellent match.”
As all nine standard-bearers cupped their fists in salute, Namgung Jun likewise returned the gesture.
Through the Standard-Bearer Battle, Namgung Jun's name became firmly known throughout the Ten Halls.
---
As soon as the Standard-Bearer Battle concluded, the Individual Battles immediately began.
One One-Cloud disciple.
Two Two-Cloud disciples.
And two Three-Cloud disciples.
A total of five members from each Hall were selected to compete.
The format consisted of sparring matches.
Without any fixed tournament bracket, each Hall fought every other Hall in sequence, earning victory points for every overall victory against another Hall.
However, the number of points awarded varied depending on the results.
For example, winning four matches while losing one earned four points.
Barely managing three wins and suffering two defeats earned only three points.
Since identical victories could produce different scores, the Individual Battles became even more fiercely contested.
“Waaaah!”
“No way! They completely turned the match around!”
Hearing the cheers erupt in the distance, Namgung Jun turned his head.
Apparently, the Seonghong Hall, which had been at a disadvantage, had managed to overturn the match against the Divine Mechanism Hall.
'The Individual Battles are nearly over.'
The sequential matches were drawing to a close.
Once the battle currently taking place concluded, the Individual Battles would officially end.
Namgung Jun returned his attention to the match before him.
Boom!
The Heavenly Sword Hall and the Martial Extremity Hall were currently fighting.
This was already the fifth match.
Man Ye-won and Heo Il had both secured victories.
However, the other two Heavenly Sword Hall swordsmen had lost.
Everything would be decided by this final battle.
Around the arena where the Heavenly Sword Hall and the Martial Extremity Hall faced each other, members of the other Halls had also gathered.
“So the Heavenly Sword Hall has become this strong.”
“This is the first time I've seen the Martial Extremity Hall at a disadvantage.”
“After that Standard-Bearer Battle... the Three Rivers might actually change this time.”
Although voices arose from every direction, the participants from the Heavenly Sword Hall and the Martial Extremity Hall remained completely focused upon their duel.
Boom!
The arena shook once more as another tremendous explosion rang out.
It was the aftermath of Gong Jun-am's vertically descending greatsword colliding with the Martial Extremity Hall martial artist's great saber.
Having compared the power of a single decisive strike, both men retreated simultaneously.
“Hoo.”
The Martial Extremity Hall martial artist sighed before driving his great saber into the arena floor.
“I've lost. Forget breaking through your defense... my palms have been torn apart.”
Blood streamed from the Martial Extremity Hall martial artist's hands as he released his saber.
Gong Jun-am also lowered his greatsword before offering a respectful salute.
“Senior Gang. That was an excellent match.”
“Great Wall Sword... how have you become this strong? You were already powerful before, but not to this extent.”
“It's thanks to our Hall's standard-bearer. I've learned a great deal.”
At Gong Jun-am's calm answer, not only the Martial Extremity Hall martial artist but everyone present turned to look at Namgung Jun.
“I see.”
The Martial Extremity Hall martial artist nodded before stepping down from the arena.
The referee, who had been observing the match, waved his hand.
“Victory for the Heavenly Sword Hall! They earn three points!”
At the referee's announcement, not only the Heavenly Sword Hall but even members of the other Halls erupted into cheers.
Until now, no Hall had managed to defeat the Martial Extremity Hall in the Individual Battles.
The Ink Wheel Hall and the Flying God Hall had at least pushed them into close contests, but both ultimately lost their final matches.
Yet the Heavenly Sword Hall, a Hall outside the Three Rivers, had handed the Martial Extremity Hall its very first defeat.
Everyone celebrated the Heavenly Sword Hall's success as though it were their own.
“My disciple. You trained your Hall members well.”
“We still have the Group Battle remaining, don't we?”
“Even so, I know one thing for certain. The Heavenly Sword Hall's strength has risen tremendously. Perhaps my disciple is already more suited to the position of Hall Master than this master.”
As Namgung Jun quietly shook his head, the five Heavenly Sword Hall swordsmen who had competed in the Individual Battles approached.
“Namgung Jun! Well? I defeated every Two-Cloud opponent from all the Halls!”
“I almost got into serious trouble because I ran out of alcohol midway through... My hands are still shaking.”
Listening to Man Ye-won and Heo Il, Namgung Jun turned toward Gong Jun-am.
“Senior Gong. You worked hard.”
“Mm. It was nothing.”
“Your Heavy Sword has improved. I could clearly see it.”
Gong Jun-am simply nodded quietly.
While Namgung Jun congratulated the five swordsmen who had fought in the Individual Battles, the Group Battle began.
The Group Battle.
As its name implied, every Hall member except the Hall Master participated.
“Jun. I'll be watching.”
“Don't worry.”
As Lee Se-ha stepped back, Namgung Jun looked over the Heavenly Sword Hall swordsmen.
“Let's go.”
Led by Namgung Jun, the Heavenly Sword Hall stepped into the center of the Grand Training Ground.
Waiting on the opposite side was their first opponent.
'The Seonghong Hall.'
Every member of the Seonghong Hall carried a different musical instrument.
The woman standing at the center waved toward Namgung Jun.
She was the Seonghong Hall's standard-bearer whom he had fought earlier.
“Junior Namgung. It won't be easy this time.”
“Is that so?”
Namgung Jun did not respond any further.
Watching the Heavenly Sword Hall and the Seonghong Hall face each other, members of the other Halls began discussing the match.
“The Heavenly Sword Hall has been on an incredible rise, but I wonder how they'll fare this time.”
“The Seonghong Hall fighting while deploying its formation is considered one of the strongest forces among the Ten Halls. Even the Sect Hall and the Martial Extremity Hall would rather avoid facing them.”
“How the Heavenly Sword Hall chooses to confront the Seonghong Hall will determine this Group Battle.”
As the members of the Ten Halls watched the confrontation with keen interest, Namgung Jun quietly spoke.
“Formation.”
The instant the Great Expansion Sword Formation unfolded, waves of Sound Arts burst forth from the Seonghong Hall in perfect unison.
“Junior Namgung. The Seonghong Hall has never once failed to claim ultimate victory in the Group Battle.”
Layer upon layer of overlapping sound waves began pressing against the Great Expansion Sword Formation.