Chapter 165 : Chapter 165
Chapter 165 - Come at me
That night.
Biyoung called for Absolute Protector separately.
Absolute Protector's shadow, flickering in the dim light, was unrealistically long.
His well-defined and handsome features, revealed in the moonlight, were also a rare sight.
“What if I had asked you to go to the martial arts tournament?”
Absolute Protector rejected Biyoung’s words in one fell swoop.
“I wouldn’t have gone.”
“Right. That’s why I excluded you.”
Biyoung smiled bitterly.
What a shame.
It seemed he felt more regretful than Absolute Protector himself.
Among the next-generation disciples, excluding Biyoung, the best was undoubtedly Absolute Protector.
Although he wasn't particularly obsessed with fame, Biyoung wanted to reveal Absolute Protector’s skills to the whole world.
“Well, as they say, even the king can’t be forced if he doesn’t want to.”
Biyoung set aside his regret and got to the main point.
“The senior brothers who go to the martial arts tournament will gain an experience that money can’t buy. It will surely be a great help in their growth. They might even surpass you in a short period of time.”
“Right.”
Absolute Protector answered indifferently, as if it were someone else’s business.
It seemed that even the competitive spirit that a martial artist should naturally have did not exist in him.
“So, I’m thinking of giving a gift to each of the remaining next-generation disciples.”
“A gift?”
“Should I call it a gift…… or a punishment……”
Biyoung pondered for a moment, then nodded his head.
“At least you, Junior Brother, will understand it as a gift. Right?”
If it were any of the other next-generation disciples, they would have glared at Biyoung with narrowed eyes.
What kind of deed was he planning to make them do with words like these?
Absolute Protector was a little curious but didn't bother to ask.
However, at Biyoung’s next words, even Absolute Protector’s steadfast pupils shook slightly.
“From now on, I will teach you the Sun-Shooting Sword Art.”
“…………!”
A movement so small that it was embarrassing to even call it a shake.
But Biyoung’s eyes sparkled like someone who had discovered treasure at the bottom of the sea.
“Hoooh? Even a wooden block like you can be moved! You are moved, right? Kekeke.”
“………….”
“You are already a person obsessed with protecting things, Junior Brother, aren’t you? There is no technique more perfect for you than the one I am about to teach you.”
Absolute Protector was lost in thought for a moment.
A technique of the Sun-Shooting Sword Art specialized in protecting something.
He was a man of few words, not of shallow thoughts.
He was able to find the answer before long.
“Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift?”
“Kuh. As expected.”
Biyoung let out a sound of admiration as if he had drunk sparkling water.
There was nothing more pleasant than having a conversation with someone who understood.
“From now on, I will teach you Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift. You can be moved as much as you like, just like before. It’s a technique I haven’t taught anyone yet.”
“………….”
“Well, yeah. Miracles don’t happen twice a day.”
Biyoung smirked and undid his scabbard.
“As you know, Junior Brother, Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift is a technique to block an opponent’s attack. It can block not only swords, but also sabers, whips, and even palm energy or internal energy.”
It was easy to say, but the content was immense.
Did it not mean that if one learned this one technique well, they could counter all the martial arts in the world?
Although he didn’t show it, strength was gradually entering Absolute Protector’s eyes.
“But Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift also has a downside. It’s the same with the other Sun-Shooting Sword Art techniques, but this Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift is particularly difficult to learn. Do you know why?”
Absolute Protector lightly shook his head.
“Because you can’t practice it alone. You need something flying at you to be able to counter it. Besides……”
“The martial arts of the one teaching must be exceptionally outstanding.”
At the sudden answer, Biyoung’s eyes widened.
Then he nodded his head with an extremely satisfied face.
“That’s right. There have been more than a few swordsmen who were wrecked after carelessly extending a sword strike to a swordsman practicing Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift. Training is only possible with a supreme master who can handle all of the opponent’s clumsy attempts at Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift.”
And that supreme master was right in front of him.
Biyoung, sticking out his belly under the moonlight, seemed to be saying just that.
“But the fact that it will be a tough night doesn’t change. At first, it will be hard because you have to experience the Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift I perform with your body, and later, it will be hard because you have to implement the technique with a battered body.”
Sreung.
Absolute Protector drew his sword without any particular answer.
Biyoung also stopped talking and straightened his sword.
“Come at me.”
As if taking Biyoung’s words as a starting signal, Absolute Protector stamped his foot.
Pababak!
The martial art Absolute Protector unleashed was the basic swordsmanship of the Diancang Sect, the Eagle Talon Twelve Swords.
Although it was a basic swordsmanship, its power was no less than the high-level martial arts of any other orthodox sect.
Intense repetitive training that made the expression ‘practice bug’ feel inadequate.
A natural talent recognized by Biyoung and an advantageous physical condition.
His only weakness, his internal strength, had long since become a strength after eating the Cradle-to-Grave Pill.
Look at that blue sword aura shining brightly even at night.
As a result, the fastest and sharpest sword strike among the next-generation disciples was extended towards Biyoung.
Sky-Mirror Shattering Strike.
The tip of his sword aimed for Biyoung’s Adam’s apple without a hint of hesitation.
‘Heeya…….’
He must have extended this sword strike knowing it wouldn't be taken.
But seeing that menacing momentum, Biyoung felt somewhat resentful.
To use such a killing move against a senior brother?
It was an attack so well-polished that even Biyoung had such thoughts.
Cheok.
In contrast to the sharp assault of the Sky-Mirror Shattering Strike, Biyoung casually extended the tip of his sword.
It was a posture that would make anyone who saw it mistake it for giving up on defense.
But when Absolute Protector’s blue sword aura was about to touch Biyoung’s sword,
Hwiririk.
At the moment the swords touched, Biyoung rotated his body once.
Even a high-speed spinning top would not be as fast as Biyoung was now.
The sword path of Absolute Protector, which was rushing fiercely as if to pierce Biyoung’s body, collapsed in an instant.
All his energy was sucked into Biyoung’s spinning momentum.
Absolute Protector’s sword and posture were disrupted unconsciously.
Biyoung extended his left fist, carrying the full force of his rotation.
Kung!
Absolute Protector’s long body was sent flying like an arrow.
He had only been hit in the shoulder by a fist.
But because the power contained in the Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift was so strong, Absolute Protector had to fly three chapters away.
Kwang!
The unwilling flight finally stopped only after reaching a large wooden pillar.
Ujijik.
The impact was so great that the wooden pillar, which couldn't be wrapped around with both arms, broke and fell over.
A terrible pain was transmitted from Absolute Protector’s waist.
He remained still for a moment with his head bowed.
Naturally, he was not discouraged or afraid of the training.
‘This is Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift……!’
He was slowly replaying the exchange from a moment ago.
It felt like he had performed a technique against a great typhoon.
The sword he had extended so firmly was helplessly twisted before the power of great nature, and a counterattack flew in in the blink of an eye.
Biyoung, who had approached at some point, threw a question at Absolute Protector.
“What if it had been a sword instead of a fist?”
Originally, Shooting Rotation Reversing Shift involves countering with a sword carrying rotational force.
Since it was training, he had hit him with a less powerful fist.
“I would have died.”
Absolute Protector answered shortly and got up from his spot.
Biyoung wiped the smile from his face.
“This process will be repeated all night long. If you don’t have the confidence, say so now.”
Absolute Protector chose action instead of words.
Sweeeek!
Yes.
This is what a swordsman of the Diancang Sect should be like.
A faint curve formed on Biyoung’s lips.
“Haat!”
“Hap!”
The exchange between the two swordsmen, which began deep in the night, did not cease until the day broke.
***
The next day, Biyoung faced a total of three swordsmen.
Hyeokri Hong.
Danseol.
And Sedong.
The three swordsmen standing side by side each had a different expression.
Hyeokri Hong’s lips were pouting, and Danseol, as always, had his slit eyes lowered without expression.
And Sedong was grinning foolishly as always.
“Anyone have a complaint?”
“Me!”
This time too, Hyeokri Hong shot her hand up.
“Alright. Speak.”
“This junior sister achieved victory in the duel with the True Dragon Sect. And against a One Person One Path at that.”
“It’s One Heart, One Path (Ilsim Illo), not human trafficking (Insin maemae)……”
“Whether it’s Insin or Ilsim, that’s not what’s important! Why can’t I participate in the martial arts tournament?”
Hyeokri Hong protested, with veins popping on her neck.
In fact, her words were not wrong.
Defeating a One Heart, One Path disciple of the True Dragon Sect meant that the next-generation disciples of most sects would be no match for her.
But Biyoung had a sufficient reason to persuade her.
To be more precise, should he say it was a reason prepared by Shaolin?
“Your age is the problem.”
“Eeng?”
“This martial arts tournament has an age limit. You must be over Jihak (15 years old) to be eligible to participate.”
“My goodness. Where is there such a crappy standard?”
At her words, Biyoung quietly chanted a Buddhist invocation.
“Amitabha. Please say that to the Abbot of Shaolin.”
“Ugh!”
Hyeokri Hong was angry, but there was nothing she could do.
What more needed to be said when she didn't meet the basic eligibility requirement?
“You two have no complaints?”
At Biyoung’s words, Sedong nodded his head, and Danseol gave an awkward smile.
Sedong had known from the start that he wouldn't be able to go.
His admiration for the Murim was second to none, but he was not yet skilled enough to participate in the martial arts tournament.
Of course, he could expect to put up a good fight to some extent, but the Diancang Sect’s goal for this martial arts tournament was not a ‘good fight’ but ‘domination’.
Besides, while he was a warrior of the Diancang Sect, he was also the young family head of the Yi Family Clan.
It hadn't been long since he took on the role of the young family head, so in many ways, it was better to look forward to Sedong’s future.
‘And this one…….’
Biyoung’s most painful spot was Danseol.
He had no problem with the age limit, he had no other position like Sedong, and he had shown overwhelming superiority against the third-generation disciples of the True Dragon Sect.
He was a man who met all the conditions to participate in the martial arts tournament.
But paradoxically, that was precisely why he had to be left behind on Diancang Mountain.
“Absolute Protector’s swordsmanship is outstanding, but he has a single-minded side. He’s weak at joining forces with other colleagues or devising strategies. We need a leader who can react wisely when the enemy attacks systematically. And he must also be highly skilled.”
“You don’t have to praise me like that.”
Danseol scratched the back of his head and continued.
“It would be a lie to say I’m not disappointed, but the mission of protecting the sect while you are away is just as important. There will be other opportunities, so don’t worry about it too much.”
“Are you really okay?”
“I’m telling you I am.”
“Well, I’d need to see your eyes to check if you’re telling the truth.”
Biyoung smirked and nodded his head.
With this, the arrangements were finalized.
Eung Gajin, Jeong-i, Uma, Solbo, and himself would be participating in the martial arts tournament.
“By the way.”
“Hm? Junior Sister Hong.”
“Why isn’t Senior Brother Mu here? You said he’s staying on Diancang Mountain too.”
“Ah, he’s passed out from training right now.”
“Eeng?”
Hyeokri Hong’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s.
Absolute Protector was the man with the highest training volume among the next-generation disciples, and yet he was the first one to come out in the morning, a real tough nut.
He was a man who would swing his sword until he collapsed from exhaustion, and would flail his arms even while unconscious.
For such an Absolute Protector to be passed out because training was hard?
As if reading Hyeokri Hong’s thoughts, a faint smile appeared on Biyoung’s face.
“I gave him a gift in exchange for staying at the Diancang Sect.”
“A gift?”
When the sun had fully risen after exchanging countless blows throughout the night, there was something Absolute Protector had said to Biyoung.
‘……Thank you.’
That was the last word Absolute Protector had left before fainting.
Then.
What about them?
Could the training Biyoung was about to teach them also be a gift?
“Now I will give similar gifts to you senior brothers and junior sisters.”
“?”
The corners of Biyoung’s mouth turned into something resembling a demon’s.
“Kyaak!”
“Heok……heok!”
“Uwaaaaaaah!”
Although the Diancang Sect was already a place where wails never ceased, today, more sinister screams and shouts echoed throughout the day than ever before.
It was the day before Biyoung left for Mount Song.