Chapter 113 to 115

 Chapter 113 – The Final Gate (4)

At the moment when Mok Gyeong-un was pushed back, his ribs and chest were struck by Mu Jang-yak’s secret technique.

-Swoosh!

“Ha!”

In an instant, exclamations of astonishment erupted from the spectators’ seats beside the platform where the duel was being observed.

And they were not alone.

Even the other cadets waiting for their turn to duel couldn’t help but be amazed by the scene unfolding before their eyes.

‘…So this is what it meant.’

Mok Yu-cheon clicked his tongue as he watched Mok Gyeong-un being pushed back.

He had only one chance to gauge Mu Jang-yak’s martial prowess, and that moment came to mind.

[Are you perhaps left-handed?]

[Who knows.]

At the time, he had been puzzled by that ambiguous response for a moment before forgetting about it.

However, after witnessing the Right Fist, Left Palm technique, each employing different techniques, it made sense.

This was not a method anyone could casually attempt.

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‘Impressive.’

Mok Yu-cheon was genuinely amazed.

If one could wield different martial arts with each hand, it meant they could perform the work of two people alone.

Since it wasn’t being executed by two individuals in the first place, it could become even more precise.

Of course, the very act of pulling it off was difficult, as it required splitting one’s thoughts.

In any case, witnessing this aspect of Mu Jang-yak’s potential, Mok Yu-cheon’s heart raced with excitement, even giving him goosebumps.

-Thump! Thump! Thump!

Indeed, the world was vast.

To think such a monster existed among his peers.

‘I was nothing more than a frog in a well, after all.’

Coming here and having his eyes opened didn’t mean he could afford to be complacent.

Mok Yu-cheon clicked his tongue as he looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

It seemed he had truly met his match.

‘It’s futile.’

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Even if he had mastered a unique technique, this duel was meant to demonstrate one’s martial prowess, plain and simple.

The reason for his sudden improvement remained unknown, but the opponent was too formidable.

Mu Jang-yak could genuinely be called a true genius.

-Bam!

Now, it appeared Mu Jang-yak was about to end it.

As he unleashed his Right Fist, Left Palm technique, even Mok Yu-cheon felt at a loss as to how he would counter it if he were in Mok Gyeong-un’s place.

At the moment, other than creating distance…

‘!?’

Mok Yu-cheon’s eyes widened in that instant.

-Pow!

He was so astonished that he sprang up from his seat.

‘This is insane…’

For a moment, he doubted his own eyes.

Mok Gyeong-un was employing different martial arts techniques with each hand, just like Mu Jang-yak.

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With his right hand, he executed sword techniques, and with his left hand, he wielded fist techniques.

‘…Is this possible?’

He wasn’t just clumsily imitating; he was genuinely displaying proper techniques.

Mok Yu-cheon couldn’t help but be shocked by this sight.

He was confident that the bizarre method of using different techniques with each hand, like Mu Jang-yak, couldn’t be easily replicated even by supreme masters, so what on earth was happening?

‘It can’t be.’

Even seeing it, he couldn’t believe it.

How could one imitate it after seeing it just once?

He wasn’t the only one surprised.

“…Ha!”

Hang Yeo-ryang of the Summoning Sound Valley let out an astonished gasp, her eyes narrowing.

She had already judged that the outcome was completely tilted in Mu Jang-yak’s favor upon witnessing his Right Fist, Left Palm technique.

However, something entirely unexpected had occurred.

‘He’s imitating that?’

Wielding different martial arts techniques with each hand.

It was a method that, contrary to the idea, was difficult to execute in practice.

If it were easy, countless martial artists would already be employing different martial arts with each hand.

‘…The true genius was someone else, I see.’

She had considered Mu Jang-yak a rarely seen genius after witnessing his Right Fist, Left Palm technique.

But now, that thought had changed in an instant.

If Mok Gyeong-un had truly made Mu Jang-yak’s technique his own in a flash after seeing it just once, then she might be witnessing a tremendous genius that appears only once every few centuries.

-Swoosh!

Hang Yeo-ryang glanced at Shadow Master.

Shadow Master also appeared greatly astonished, his mouth slightly agape, unable to take his eyes off Mok Gyeong-un.

Who wouldn’t be amazed upon seeing this?

At this, her eyes sparkled strangely.

In the bet, she had already practically lost.

However, that no longer mattered.

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‘Mok Gyeong-un…’

Originally, she had no interest in the male students and had come only with the intention of taking Mo Ha-rang of the Demon Fire Hall.

But now, that thought had completely changed.

Letting go of such immense talent was out of the question.

‘Could this ultimately be a good thing?’

Since she had lost the bet, she could use that as a pretext to concede the Demon Fire Hall’s woman to Shadow Master and take this monstrous fellow instead, which would be far more advantageous.

As this was happening, the tide of the battle noticeably shifted.

-Bam bam bam!

“Ugh!”

The sword techniques executed by Mok Gyeong-un’s right hand struck the acupoints of Mu Jang-yak’s left chest—the Six Roots[1], Sun and Moon (Il-wol), and the Small Sea acupoint (Sohae point) on his left arm—causing Mu Jang-yak’s body to stagger and be pushed to the side.

‘The variations in the sword techniques are too intense.’

While the fist techniques wielded by his left hand were simple and sturdy, making them easy to block, the sword techniques executed by his right hand were diverse in their variations, causing Mu Jang-yak to miss three moves.

‘This monstrous guy!’

Mu Jang-yak was genuinely dumbfounded.

He had initially thought that Mok Gyeong-un’s Right Fist, Left Palm technique might be a temporary strategy to catch him off guard.

After all, wielding different techniques with each hand required not only splitting one’s thoughts but also a special qi circulation method, which Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t have possibly mastered.

However,

-Bam bam bam bam bam!

The techniques Mok Gyeong-un displayed with both hands were by no means empty moves.

He was truly executing different techniques.

‘At this rate, I’ll lose.’

Mu Jang-yak, sensing the unfavorable situation, attempted to create distance.

His mind was becoming too scattered.

Normally, when employing the Right Fist, Left Palm technique, the opponent would become flustered and fail to respond to both techniques simultaneously, but with Mok Gyeong-un also wielding the Right Fist, Left Palm, the exchange of techniques had grown complicated.

‘It’s dizzying.’

Even Mu Jang-yak, the originator, felt dizzy.

Thus,

-Tap tap tap tap tap!

Mu Jang-yak utilized the lightness skill to try and create as much distance from Mok Gyeong-un as possible.

However, Mok Gyeong-un wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

“Where are you going?”

-Bam!

Mok Gyeong-un unleashed his body towards Mu Jang-yak without hesitation.

‘Tsk.’

Realizing it was futile, Mu Jang-yak gathered qi in the soles of his feet and stomped on the ground with his toes.

-Boom!

-Crack!

The ground of the plaza shattered, and rock fragments shot upwards.

The fragments, infused with qi, became dozens of small projectiles flying towards Mok Gyeong-un.

Naturally, he had no choice but to evade them.

However, in that fleeting moment,

-Swoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un bent his knees backward and leaned his waist back, sliding across the ground as if to avoid the fragments.

‘No way?’

How did he think to dodge by lowering his posture backward like that?

His waist and leg strength were no joke.

While it was impressive to evade in such an acrobatic manner, dodging like this would inevitably create a critical opening.

‘Foolish. You’ve made a mistake!’

-Bam!

Not missing this chance, Mu Jang-yak twisted his body, leaping forward, and attempted to strike Mok Gyeong-un’s abdomen with a vicious palm strike.

It was at that very instant.

-Bam bam bam bam bam!

“Urghh!”

Mu Jang-yak had thought that in this posture, Mok Gyeong-un would have a blind spot and be unable to respond immediately.

However, the moment he was about to deliver the palm strike, Mok Gyeong-un’s body, which was almost lying down backward, spun sideways, repeatedly striking Mu Jang-yak’s jaw with foot techniques.

‘H-how in this posture?’

-Thud!

Unable to contain his shock, Mu Jang-yak fell backward.

“Phew.”

Mok Gyeong-un got up and looked at the fallen Mu Jang-yak.

It seemed that having been hit in the jaw and face consecutively, his brain had been shaken, causing him to lose consciousness.

‘The 5th move of the Profound Mystic Foot Technique, the Whirlwind Kick[2]… quite useful.’

It wasn’t a technique meant to be used in this way, but when the posture was unbalanced, employing it could effectively draw out the opponent’s carelessness.

Cheong-ryeong’s martial arts were indeed worthy of being called supreme.

At that moment, Cheong-ryeong’s voice reached Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.

-You must have been quite eager to end it quickly.

‘…’

-You think I wouldn’t know? You added more power to the last move, didn’t you?

‘Ah, I’ve been caught.’

Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head.

The original plan was to determine the victor using only techniques within the Peak Realm.

However, while executing the Whirlwind Kick, he had increased the power he typically used from 20% to 30% in the final move.

‘Well, isn’t this still enough?’

He hadn’t done anything that would expose his true abilities.

Most of the leaders beside the platform were supreme masters of the Transcendent Realm, so to avoid revealing his actual strength to them, he had limited his power to 20% during the fight.

Moreover, there were several instances where Mok Gyeong-un had noticed openings in Mu Jang-yak’s defense but had let them slide.

-Don’t let your guard down. If the crowd realizes that you’ve already reached the Transcendent Realm, they will go beyond recognizing your talent and start to be wary of you.

‘Yes, yes. I’ll keep that in mind.’

Wasn’t that why he was controlling his strength?

Otherwise, Mu Jang-yak would have been lying on the ground long ago.

Controlling his power while fighting seemed to have been the right decision.

‘Thanks to that, I learned something interesting.’

As Mok Gyeong-un reached the Transcendent Realm, he could see the opponent’s qi more clearly.

Although not in great detail, he could roughly discern how Mu Jang-yak’s qi circulation was structured.

Interestingly, Mu Jang-yak’s lower danjeon was divided into two.

It could be considered a unique form, which likely allowed him to execute different techniques with one body.

Mok Gyeong-un applied this by drawing out some of the death qi from his middle danjeon to wield different techniques.

‘It’s quite useful.’

If utilized well, it seemed convenient when fighting opponents of similar levels.

In any case, had he achieved his objective to this extent?

The goal in the final gate was to impress upon the observing leaders that he possessed exceptional talent while only displaying the Peak Realm.

‘This should be sufficient, right?’

Of course, Mok Gyeong-un’s intentions were conveyed.

He had firmly imprinted his talent in the minds of the observing leaders.

However, beyond that, a small confrontation was unfolding among the leaders on the platform.

“Brother Son. It seems I’ll have to take that Mok Gyeong-un kid as my disciple.”

At the words of Won Byeong-hak, the Thunderbolt Fist King, Son Yun, the Bright Blade King, raised an eyebrow and replied.

“…What are you saying? Didn’t you just say you had chosen the child from the Esoteric Realm Gate?”

“I said I was considering it. But… no. Let me be honest. If I miss out on that child in today’s closing ceremony, I feel like I’ll regret it for a while.”

“Is it acceptable for someone who has received the title of ‘King’ to speak with a forked tongue?”

“Hah. I said I had the child from the Esoteric Realm Gate in mind. When did I ever definitively state that I would take that child no matter what? And respectable brother Son, you already have many excellent disciples, so why are you being greedy here?”

“Greedy? Did you just accuse me of being greedy?”

“If this isn’t greed, then what is it?”

Before they knew it, the atmosphere between them had become quite hostile.

‘Oh my…’

Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, felt perplexed. He needed to announce the end of the first duel, but the sudden confrontation between these two kings made it difficult.Chapter 114 – Disciple Scramble (1)

‘This is troublesome.’

Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, had intended to ascend the platform and announce the end of the duel.

However, he had not expected a situation where the two most influential upper echelon members among the Five Kings would engage in a confrontation.

‘…I understand their intentions, but they went too far.’

Lee Ji-yeom clicked his tongue inwardly as he glanced at Mok Gyeong-un.

In fact, he too had been unable to conceal his astonishment upon witnessing Mok Gyeong-un replicating the profound principles of Mu Jang-yak’s Right Fist, Left Palm technique in a single attempt during their duel.

If it weren’t for the fact that he knew his liege was possessing the boy, he would have been desperate to accept him as a disciple due to his innate martial talent, just like the others.

In any case, to ensure smooth progression, he needed to intervene in their confrontation.

“Ahem. You two…”

However, just as he was about to speak, Shadow Master’s voice came from the left side.

“Hohoho. I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but would it be alright if I said a word?”

As Shadow Master stepped in as if to mediate, the two kings, whose emotions were about to escalate, simultaneously turned their gazes towards him.

Among them, the more belligerent one, Son Yun, the Bright Blade King, spoke in a somewhat sharp tone.

“What do you wish to say?”

“It is nothing more than a remark, wondering if there is a need for you two esteemed individuals to damage your sentiments over a single talent in this gathering.”

Under normal circumstances, they would have quickly come to their senses upon hearing these words.

However, this time was an exception.

Passing all the gates of the Corpse Blood Valley meant that most of the qualities a martial artist should possess had been verified, and it signified that they possessed fierce survival skills as well.

Not only that, but reaching the Peak Realm at the age of 17 and possessing innate martial talent to the extent of being able to replicate profound principles that even Transcendent Realm supreme masters couldn’t casually attempt after witnessing them just once…

Who would want to let go of such an individual?

“I understand what you are trying to say, Shadow Master, but this is a matter between the Thunderbolt Fist King and myself, so please do not interfere.”

Son Yun, the Bright Blade King, issued a strong warning.

On the other hand, Won Byeong-hak, the Thunderbolt Fist King, remained silent.

It wasn’t due to his gentlemanly nature, but because he had visited Shadow Master the previous night and requested him not to touch the child from the Esoteric Realm Gate.

“Ahem.”

He had resolved to be shameless, considering that he couldn’t afford to let go of such a talent, but naturally, he had to be mindful of the situation.

Fortunately, he hadn’t made such a request to the Bright Blade King, but he could only hope that Shadow Master wouldn’t bring it up.

At that moment, Shadow Master smiled and spoke.

“However, what is the point of you two deciding who will take the talent here?”

At those words, one of Son Yun’s eyebrows raised.

Could it be that Shadow Master was also intending to participate in this talent scramble?

With that, Son Yun spoke in a warning tone.

“Don’t tell me you’re also after that child…”

“Ah, no. That’s not what I meant. What I’m saying is that it would be futile for you two to engage in this debate if we follow the rules of the closing ceremony.”

“Futile? What do you mean by that?”

Shadow Master pointed at Mok Gyeong-un with his hand and spoke to the two puzzled kings.

“Although it’s difficult to confirm without witnessing the duels of the other students, if that student were to pass the final gate as the top ranker…”

‘!!!!!’

He trailed off, but everyone understood Shadow Master’s implication.

Come to think of it, with that level of martial talent, the probability of him passing the final gate as the top ranker was significantly high.

If that were to happen, the choice would lie with the student.

In the end, the debate over who would accept Mok Gyeong-un as a disciple might become entirely futile.

‘That’s right. It’s pointless for us to argue.’

Unlike those who agreed with Shadow Master’s words, Hang Yeo-ryang, the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley, glanced at Mok Gyeong-un with twinkling eyes.

***

Mok Gyeong-un sat on the ground, his arms crossed, watching the next duel.

The next duel was between Mo Ha-rang of the Demon Fire Hall, ranked third, and Yeon Mu-ung of the Esoteric Realm Gate, ranked fourth.

They were already engaged in a fierce battle.

The confrontation between Mo Ha-rang, who specialized in the Swift Assassination Blade Technique, and Yeon Mu-ung, who wielded the Iron Fist based on the external martial art known as the Iron String Technique[1], was quite intriguing.

Should it be called a battle of lightness and heaviness?

-Bam bam bam bam bam!

As their qi consumption was still low and their stamina was sufficient, the duel between the two was evenly matched.

However, judging solely by their fighting styles, it seemed that Mo Ha-rang, who prioritized swiftness, would tire out faster than Yeon Mu-ung, as her movements were two to three times faster than his.

As he was observing the duel,

-Who do you think will win?

Cheong-ryeong asked.

Without any hesitation, Mok Gyeong-un muttered quietly in response.

“Mo Ha-rang.”

-Ho. Your discernment has improved quite a bit.

She shared the same opinion as Mok Gyeong-un.

At a glance, one might think that Yeon Mu-ung, who was moving in a composed manner while employing the Iron Fist, would have an advantage as time passed, but the difference in their skill levels was evident.

In Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, despite exchanging over twenty moves, Yeon Mu-ung still couldn’t keep up with Mo Ha-rang’s movements, while she was gradually attacking his weak points.

This alone indicated that Mo Ha-rang was a step above Yeon Mu-ung.

“Damn it!”

As Mok Gyeong-un had predicted, Yeon Mu-ung was gradually becoming impatient.

Yeon Mu-ung, whose Iron String Technique had only reached the 7th stage, had three vulnerable areas.

They were his face, armpits, and ankles.

When the Iron String Technique reached its pinnacle, the entire body would become as hard as rock, resolving most of the weak points.

However, Yeon Mu-ung still had vulnerabilities.

-Bam!

“Hiss!”

At some point, one of Mo Ha-rang’s daggers had penetrated the area near his armpit, one of his weak points.

Yeon Mu-ung, who had been firmly holding his ground, finally employed footwork and retreated.

With this, she could be certain.

‘Found it.’

An incomplete external martial art inevitably had weak spots.

Now that she had found them, she could make her move.

‘You’re finished.’

-Clang! Crack!

As she released the dagger from her hand, the silver thread connected to it moved like a living snake, chasing after Yeon Mu-ung, who was trying to create distance.

It persistently targeted his armpit, tormenting Yeon Mu-ung.

“Damn it!”

Enraged, Yeon Mu-ung tried to strike down the silver thread, but it entangled and coiled around his arm like a spider’s web.

Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

The outcome would soon be determined.

Being at a higher level than himself and having his weak points exposed, it would be difficult for Yeon Mu-ung to endure.

At that moment, Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave, or rather, the evil spirit possessing him, approached Mok Gyeong-un and whispered in a low voice.

“My Lord. What should we do?”

The evil spirit glanced at someone.

It was Mok Yu-cheon.

Although he knew that Mok Gyeong-un didn’t have any particular feelings towards him, they were ostensibly brothers, so he was asking how to handle the situation.

Without much contemplation, Mok Gyeong-un replied.

“Confront him at the level of the body’s owner.”

“Understood.”

The evil spirit occupying Yeom Ga’s body could display greater martial prowess, but doing so might unnecessarily draw attention, so there was no need for that.

Besides, with the evil spirit’s skill, even at Yeom Ga’s level, it would not be difficult to defeat Mok Yu-cheon.

The experience of his previous life could not be ignored.

At that moment,

“Gasp!”

Mu Jang-yak, who had been lying unconscious beside them, woke up.

Upon waking up, he struggled to regulate his breathing, sitting up and coughing.

“Cough, cough.”

Seeing him like this, Mok Yu-cheon approached and spoke.

“Jang-yak. Are you alright?”

“Cough, cough… I-I’m fine.”

After coughing a few more times, Mu Jang-yak finally managed to catch his breath and raised his head.

Then, with a bitter look in his eyes, he opened his mouth.

“As expected… I lost.”

“…You fought well enough.”

Mok Yu-cheon spoke in a regretful tone.

He wanted to console him in a way that could lift his spirits, but there was no way to do so.

Not only had he reached the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm, but he had even mastered the profound technique of the Right Fist, Left Palm technique, which even peerless masters couldn’t replicate. Yet, he had still lost.

His opponent had perfectly recreated his own technique after witnessing it only once.

The opponent was simply the worst.

‘Mok Gyeong-un…’

What on earth are you?

He had thought that something had changed about him since the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, but this was a completely different level of existence.

Even he, who was called a genius, felt a sense of inferiority compared to Mok Gyeong-un’s martial talent.

That fellow was a monster in itself.

“Phew.”

At that moment, Mu Jang-yak struggled to stand up.

Mok Yu-cheon tried to stop him.

“Don’t push yourself. Sit down and circulate your qi. You must be quite dizzy after being hit in the jaw and face.”

The fact that he had woken up this quickly was already remarkable.

Despite Mok Yu-cheon’s suggestion, Mu Jang-yak shook his head, saying he was fine, and then got up and approached Mok Gyeong-un.

Mok Yu-cheon looked at him with puzzlement.

Was he doing this because he couldn’t accept the outcome of the duel?

Thinking that a dispute might occur, Mok Yu-cheon approached to intervene.

-Plop!

However, Mu Jang-yak sat down next to Mok Gyeong-un and spoke in a low voice.

“I lost. No, I lost to you. As promised, my lord…”

“Ah, no. I think you used the wrong form of address.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Mu Jang-yak’s cheeks trembled, and then,

“…I will serve you as my master. Please forgive me for not being able to properly show my loyalty in front of the leaders and their watchful eyes.”

‘!?’

Mok Yu-cheon, who had intended to intervene in case a dispute broke out, couldn’t hide his bewilderment upon hearing their conversation.

‘Master?’

What was this about?

Why was Mu Jang-yak addressing Mok Gyeong-un as his master and submitting to him in such a humiliating manner?

Could it be related to the promise they had mentioned earlier?

As he was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un looked at him with a smile and pointed his finger at a certain location.

It was the training ground in the center of the plaza where the duel was taking place.

‘Ah?’

Looking over there, the outcome of the duel had been determined.

“Haa… Haa… I lost.”

Yeon Mu-ung of the Esoteric Realm Gate, holding his blood-soaked right armpit, knelt on one knee in front of Mo Ha-rang’s dagger, acknowledging his defeat.

This meant that it was now Mok Yu-cheon’s turn to duel.

Although he was curious about what had transpired between those two, he had to prepare for the duel first.

‘Tsk.’

Mok Yu-cheon turned his body, intending to leave.

At that moment,

“Good luck.”

“Yes, Master.”

‘!?’

Upon hearing the voice of Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave addressing Mok Gyeong-un as “Master,” Mok Yu-cheon froze in place.

What was going on?

He knew that person had been accompanying Mok Gyeong-un for some time, but “Master”?

Wasn’t that a form of address typically used by slaves or servants?

With that, Mok Yu-cheon turned around and spoke to Mok Gyeong-un in a dumbfounded tone.

“…What have you done?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Why are they calling you their master? What exactly have you done to them?”

In response to Mok Yu-cheon’s question, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and replied.

“I didn’t do anything special.”

“What do you mean you didn’t do anything special? Then why are they addressing you as their master or whatever…”

“Mok Yu-cheon!”

At that moment, the voice of Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, resounded.

Mok Yu-cheon bit his lip and turned around, walking towards the center of the plaza.

While dealing with that fellow here in the Corpse Blood Valley, he had realized his devilish true colors.

There was no doubt that he had played some trick.

At that moment, he saw Mo Ha-rang, who had won the duel, walking back to where the students were.

Considering their friendship from being in the same team during the flag contest, Mok Yu-cheon spoke.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

“…Thanks.”

-Step, step!

As they approached each other, Mok Yu-cheon warned in a whisper.

“Stay away from that Mok Gyeong-un. I don’t know what trick he played, but it seems like he’s making the students around him serve him as their master.”

He was telling her this out of a sense of camaraderie, as they had been on the same team.

However,

“…That advice. It’s already too late.”

‘!?’

Upon hearing Mo Ha-rang’s voice as she passed by, Mok Yu-cheon’s expression stiffened.

So, she was also serving Mok Gyeong-un as her master?

Mok Yu-cheon turned his head and looked at Mok Gyeong-un with trembling eyes.

Despite being brought here as a hostage, what the hell are you up to in this place?

***

Thus, the duel between Mok Yu-cheon and the evil spirit possessing Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave began.

As he was observing the duel, a voice echoed in Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.

-Hello.

‘!?’

Mok Gyeong-un slightly furrowed his brows.

What was this?

This wasn’t Cheong-ryeong’s voice.

The sound penetrated his ears, but it wasn’t reverberating around him; it sounded as if someone was whispering directly into his ear.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed as he lightly scanned his surroundings.

Where did that voice come from?

At that moment,

-Hehehe.

A chuckle was heard.

At that moment, as Mok Gyeong-un was raising his vigilance, he detected the faint form of internal energy carried along with the reverberating vibration of the incoming sound.

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and looked at Hang Yeo-ryang, the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley, who was sitting as a spectator beside the platform.

‘Ha!’

At this, a glimmer of admiration flashed in her eyes.

Ah, yes. That fellow truly exceeded her imagination.

When infusing internal energy into sound from a distance, it was difficult to discern who had spoken and pinpoint their location.

Yet, he had instantly found her from this distance.

‘I must have him, indeed.’

He was not someone she could afford to concede.Chapter 115 – Disciple Scramble (2)

At this distance, when infusing internal energy into sound, it was difficult to discern who had spoken and pinpoint their location.

However, surprisingly, Mok Gyeong-un had found her after just two attempts.

A mere brat who had merely reached the Peak Realm possessed such keen perception?

Hang Yeo-ryang, the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley, clicked her tongue and smacked her lips.

A strong sense of desire arose within her.

‘How can I concede something like this?’

Even if most of the leaders were after him, she had no intention of yielding whatsoever.

No, their opinions didn’t matter anyway.

There was only one thing to consider.

It was a matter of successfully enticing Mok Gyeong-un.

Hang Yeo-ryang looked at Mok Gyeong-un and spoke again, infusing internal energy into her voice.

-Hehehe. You’re quite something. To find me instantly like that.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

He had simply looked at the center of the rippling energy waves, and his guess had been correct.

However, how did she do it?

‘Without moving her lips?’

The sound was echoing in his ears.

As he was puzzled, Hang Yeo-ryang said to Mok Gyeong-un,

-Why are you surprised?

Rather than being surprised, he found it intriguing.

The method of transmitting sound over such a distance using qi seemed quite useful.

Should it be said that it appeared suitable for secretly speaking to someone?

-Are you curious about how it’s done?

There was no way he wouldn’t be curious.

Mok Gyeong-un lightly nodded his head.

Then,

-Shall I teach you?

She suddenly offered to teach him this?

Mok Gyeong-un looked at her with puzzlement.

Mok Gyeong-un believed that everything had a corresponding price, so he thought there was no way that woman would teach him such a thing with pure intentions.

‘It’s quite fascinating, but not knowing it won’t cause any inconvenience.’

With that, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and turned his head away.

Hang Yeo-ryang slightly furrowed her brows.

She had tried to pique his interest, but she hadn’t expected him to refuse so readily.

‘…What an interesting kid.’

She hadn’t demanded any compensation and had simply offered to teach him, yet this was the first time she had seen someone instantly end their displayed interest like that.

Because of that, she became even more intrigued.

Thus, she continued,

-The essence of sound techniques is to create vibrations in the air through sound. This can be considered a similar principle.

‘!?’

What was this?

He hadn’t agreed to learn it, but as she explained the principle, one of Mok Gyeong-un’s eyebrows slightly raised.

Regardless, Hang Yeo-ryang continued her explanation.

-Imagine touching cotton with your qi between your vocal cords and the root of your tongue at the Yanquan acupoint[1], generating internal energy and quickly creating vibrations. And then…

Even if he didn’t want to listen, the continuous sound made it impossible for him not to understand the method.

Moreover, surprisingly, the method wasn’t very difficult.

-A clever kid like you should be able to do it sufficiently with this level of explanation, right?

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un slightly tilted his head to the side.

Then, looking at Hang Yeo-ryang, he followed her instructions, sending internal energy to the Yanquan acupoint and tried it once.

-Is this how it’s done?

‘Correct.’

Upon hearing his voice, Hang Yeo-ryang slightly raised the corners of her mouth.

He was indeed intelligent.

Even if the execution seemed easy, comprehending and performing it in one attempt was not a simple feat.

He possessed the sharpness to grasp the principles that easily.

‘He’s a delightful child to teach.’

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un asked her,

-It’s impressive. What is this technique called?

-The monks of Shaolin refer to it as the ‘Intention-Sealing Voice Transmission’ (意闔傳聲), but the Valley Master and those who study sound techniques call it the ‘Secret Voice Transmission’ (傳音入密). In short, it’s also referred to as ‘Voice Transmission’.

-Voice Transmission… Is this a technique that others cannot hear?

-That’s right. It’s a technique truly suitable for having secret conversations, like between you and me. Isn’t it nice?

-Yes, it is.

It certainly seemed like a useful technique.

Using very faint qi to create vibrations and transmit sound.

He had no particular desire to learn it, but since she had taught him on her own accord, it would likely come in handy.

As they were conversing, she transmitted a message to him.

-I watched your duel, and it was truly magnificent.

-Thank you.

-Originally, the Valley Master had come to take a female disciple, but it was a duel that made me change my mind.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled inwardly.

She was openly revealing her intentions.

As expected, there was a purpose behind teaching him this technique.

-Ah, hearing you say that, I’m at a loss for words.

-Hehehe. Child, let me be direct. Become this Valley Master’s disciple. Such opportunities are rare.

Hang Yeo-ryang, the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley, blatantly proposed for him to become her disciple.

In fact, her proposal was indeed a rare occurrence.

The final gate hadn’t even ended yet, and the closing ceremony hadn’t taken place, so approaching a student and persuading them to become a disciple was something that wouldn’t happen unless they were exceptionally fond of them.

However, the problem was that Mok Gyeong-un himself had no intention whatsoever of becoming the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley’s disciple.

Mok Gyeong-un transmitted a message with a regretful expression.

-Oh my, what should I do? I am truly grateful for the Valley Master’s offer, but I need more time to consider it.

He expressed it politely since she had taught him something.

It was essentially no different from a refusal.

At this, Hang Yeo-ryang let out a small snort.

‘Do you think you can escape from this Valley Master?’

She had already made up her mind to accept Mok Gyeong-un as her disciple.

Therefore, she was determined to make him beg her to accept him as a disciple, using whatever means necessary.

-If you’re considering the two kings, I’d like to tell you that it’s a foolish choice.

-A foolish choice?

-Bright Blade King Son Yun already has four disciples and a designated successor. If you were to join them, do you think you’d be able to fully showcase your talent?

-Ah… Is that so?

-Hehehe. From the looks of it, you must have thought of choosing Thunderbolt Fist King in mind. But do you know this?

-What are you referring to?

-The Thunderbolt Fist King’s only disciple became crippled in his right arm while learning his secret techniques.

‘Hmm.’

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un stroked his chin.

In fact, he hadn’t chosen anyone yet.

Originally, he had his sights set on Baek Sa-ha, the Poison Annihilation King, but since he didn’t attend as a spectator, his original plan had been disrupted.

However, if what Hang Yeo-ryang said was true, becoming a disciple of the two kings might turn out to be quite troublesome.

‘Internal competition or the risk of martial arts?’

Whichever it was, it became unpleasant to choose.

However, this information was ultimately Hang Yeo-ryang’s attempt to exclude these two individuals.

Therefore, Mok Gyeong-un considered it as information to be referenced, nothing more, nothing less.

-Yes, I will keep the Valley Master’s advice in mind.

-…

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, which seemed to draw a line, she tapped her fingers on the chair.

This kid seemed to be more stubborn than he appeared.

If it weren’t for the final gate or the closing ceremony, she would have wanted to forcibly take him away and reshape his mental state to her liking.

However, the most troublesome person was right across the platform.

Bright Blade King Son Yun.

He was someone who interfered and obstructed her affairs at every turn.

But now, that time was not far off.

Once she reached the seventh stage, the pinnacle of the Sound Wave Transmission Technique (派攻音響功), no one would be able to stand against her, except for the two among the Five Kings who had attained the realm of Awakening.

Even the Bright Blade King was no exception.

Thus, she decided to change her approach and try to coax and persuade Mok Gyeong-un this time.

-Do you know why this Valley Master only wanted to accept female disciples?

-…

-This Valley has always accepted mostly female disciples, except in truly special cases. And it’s not limited to disciples. The majority of those in my Valley are women.

-…

-If you become this Valley Master’s disciple, you’ll be able to enjoy the feeling of being the First Emperor of the Epang Palace[2]. Doesn’t it tempt you?

-…I apologize.

Mok Gyeong-un flatly refused her temptation.

‘Look at this brat.’

He should be at an age where his blood was boiling, yet he even rejected such a proposal?

At this sight, Hang Yeo-ryang’s annoyance started to rise, going beyond his stubbornness.

Originally, she had a whimsical temperament and didn’t engage in persuading others or such acts.

If she liked something, she would forcibly take it, that’s all.

‘If he keeps responding like this…’

Her patience was reaching its limit, but she decided to endure it one last time.

-From what I can see, you seem to be learning sword techniques. In that case, wouldn’t it be even better to become this Valley Master’s disciple?

-…What do you mean by that?

-The Bright Blade King and the Shadow Master are masters of blade techniques, and the Thunderbolt Fist King, as his title suggests, is a master of the Thunderstrike Fist. However, judging from the duel, it seems that what you primarily trained in is sword techniques.

She considered Mok Gyeong-un’s sword techniques to be more refined than his fist techniques during the duel.

In that regard, she deduced that Mok Gyeong-un had mainly practiced sword techniques.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke,

-As far as I know, the Valley Master is primarily skilled in sound techniques.

-Hehehe. While that is certainly true, the Valley Master is also a master of the sword, comparable to my own sound techniques. I can confidently say that if you learn the Striking Sword Technique[3], one of my Valley’s legacies, you will reach an even higher realm of swordsmanship.

‘Striking Sword Technique?’

Did she also have proficiency in sword techniques?

However, there was one fact that Hang Yeo-ryang was unaware of.

Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said,

-I am grateful for your words, but I don’t necessarily have to focus on sword techniques.

Although she didn’t know, Mok Gyeong-un hadn’t devoted himself solely to the sword.

He was prepared to learn whatever he deemed necessary.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s response ultimately angered Hang Yeo-ryang.

-Tsk!

‘This Valley Master is offering such a proposal, yet he keeps arrogantly refusing.’

If carrots didn’t work, then the answer was the whip.

In fact, that was more convenient for her.

-This Valley Master is holding you in such high regard and trying to accept you as a disciple, yet you are being utterly arrogant. Very well. In that case, I’ll have to accept that Mok Yu-cheon brat who is currently engaged in a duel as a subordinate of my Valley.

‘Mok Yu-cheon?’

Mok Yu-cheon and the evil spirit possessing Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave were in the midst of a fierce duel at the training ground in the center of the plaza.

They were almost evenly matched.

Most of the leaders were also watching their duel with interest.

-I heard that the child is your younger brother, right?

Before the duel, when Won Byeong-hak, the Thunderbolt Fist King, learned that the two shared the same surname, Mok, he had asked if they were siblings.

In response, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, deemed it acceptable to reveal that information and confirmed it.

That was how she knew about it.

-Yes, that’s correct.

-I see. That child also seems quite useful. Don’t you think?

-…

-If he’s such a useful talent, I should accept him as a subordinate, play with him for a while, and then kill him when I lose interest.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t help but chuckle.

As he continued to express his refusal, she was now blatantly threatening him.

Although she spoke indirectly, she was threatening to take his younger brother as a subordinate and kill him if Mok Gyeong-un didn’t become her disciple.

‘Try refusing again this time.’

She twitched her lips and looked at Mok Gyeong-un with malicious eyes.

Considering that both siblings had made it to this stage, they must have relied on each other while passing through the gates.

In that case, their brotherly bond should be deep.

‘If you don’t want to let your younger brother die, obediently become the Valley Master’s disciple…’

-Do as you please.

‘!?’

Suddenly, upon hearing Mok Gyeong-un’s transmitted voice echoing in her ears, her expression, which had been twitching her lips venomously, stiffened.

What did he mean by doing as she pleased?

For a moment, she doubted her own ears.

Hang Yeo-ryang spoke in a voice mixed with anger,

-You must think that this Valley Master wouldn’t actually do it.

She was someone who followed through on her words.

How dare a mere student not listen to her words and respond in such a manner?

Fine. Then she would truly show him.

-It’s all your own doing. Let’s see if you can remain so composed after losing your younger brother.

-Yes, yes. Do as you please.

-Ha! You…

-You can kill him, I don’t mind, and you can even dismember him and turn him into a cripple after playing with him. After all, that’s the Valley Master’s decision for the subordinate you’re taking in.

-What?

-If my younger brother can make the Valley Master happy even in such a way, that would be quite fortunate.

-Tsk!

He says that with a smile on his face.

-…

Suddenly, rather than her anger rising, she was left dumbfounded.

What was wrong with that brat?

Although there was a distance between them, as someone who had reached the Transcendent Realm, she could see Mok Gyeong-un’s face to a certain extent.

How could he smile and say it was fine to kill his younger brother or turn him into a cripple?

It wasn’t an expression of pretending to be composed while scheming something.

His face truly seemed to convey that he didn’t mind.

‘…Is that kid really in his right mind?’