The martial world was abuzz with excitement over the impending duel between Bu Eunseol and the Heavenly Sword.
The heir of the unorthodox path facing off against the disciple of the greatest orthodox swordsman? In the past decade, no duel in the martial world had sparked such intrigue.
The area around Taijeong Mountain was already teeming with countless martial artists and merchants setting up stalls, creating a sea of people.
Even retired masters who had long left the martial world were flocking to Seokgwang Plain to witness this fight.
In preparation for the grand duel, Majeon opened its elixir treasury for Bu Eunseol, providing him with various forms of support.
But the Heavenly Sword, having insulted the head of the Inspection Corps and voluntarily left the Martial Alliance, received no support whatsoever—not even from his master, the Sword Venerable.
"He’s brought so much disgrace upon himself that even the Martial Alliance won’t back him."
"Yeah, even his master, the Sword Venerable, isn’t stepping in."
"Most people are just going to watch him lose."
Typically, such a duel would be a matter of pride between the unorthodox and orthodox factions.
But the Heavenly Sword, without any support or even cheers, was preparing for the duel alone.
Even if a Martial Alliance warrior were to face a third-rate unorthodox master, they wouldn’t be treated this poorly.
"Self-inflicted misery," people muttered, clicking their tongues.
The Heavenly Sword had made too many mistakes. Ignoring and exploiting commoners was unforgivable. As a result, no one supported him, and even the orthodox factions turned their backs on him.
This duel was practically decided before it even began.
Yet, another issue arose before the duel.
Seokgwang Plain was so packed with people that there was barely room to stand, threatening to disrupt the duel itself.
In response, Bu Eunseol took the initiative and sent a proposal to the Martial Alliance.
"Wouldn’t it be wise to limit the spectators from outside to three hundred each from the unorthodox and orthodox factions?" He added, "And if the Martial Alliance’s leadership and I are allowed to attend regardless of the lottery, there should be no complaints."
With so many people crowding in, accidents were likely, and unexpected incidents could occur during the duel.
The Martial Alliance couldn’t hide its embarrassment.
Having been humiliated multiple times because of the Heavenly Sword, they had turned a blind eye to this duel.
Yet here was the heir of the unorthodox path stepping forward to ensure the safety of the martial world?
"Truly… worthy of Majeon’s heir."
As this news spread, martial artists praised Bu Eunseol once again.
In the end, the Martial Alliance promptly sent representatives to work with Majeon to devise a plan to control the crowd at Seokgwang Plain.
Not only had Bu Eunseol provided clear reasons and made his proposal respectfully, but rejecting it could lead to unfortunate incidents for which the Alliance would be blamed.
"Under the joint supervision of the Martial Alliance and Majeon, we will fairly select three hundred spectators from each side!" they announced.
The martial artists were disappointed but couldn’t object.
If tens of thousands of people flooded Seokgwang Plain, the duel might not even take place.
The Martial Alliance and Majeon each selected three hundred spectators through a lottery.
"One spectator pass for a hundred thousand taels! Witness a once-in-a-lifetime duel between orthodox and unorthodox masters!"
But then, something absurd happened.
Some of those fortunate enough to obtain passes began reselling them at outrageous prices.
"Hand over your pass!"
Moreover, some unorthodox and dark path masters attacked those rumored to have passes, stealing them.
As these incidents repeated, Majeon and the Martial Alliance issued a stern warning.
"We will reissue the passes through another lottery. They will be marked with precise signatures, and stealing or reselling them is forbidden. Violators will face the wrath of both the orthodox and unorthodox factions!"
In the end, the lottery was held again, and three hundred spectators from each side were reselected.
With the monumental duel approaching, Majeon and the Martial Alliance began strictly monitoring Seokgwang Plain to prevent any unauthorized intruders from causing trouble.
After all these twists and turns, the night of the duel finally arrived.
Step, step.
Under the bright moonlight, Bu Eunseol arrived first.
He wore a dark gray martial robe, with the Ice Soul Sword hanging at his waist.
"Oooh."
The martial artists watching Bu Eunseol stop at the center of Seokgwang Plain let out gasps of admiration.
In the moonlight, his appearance was like that of a celestial being descended to earth. Despite his resounding fame, Bu Eunseol had always moved discreetly, so his visage was not well-known in the martial world.
"He’s far stronger than the rumors suggest."
Some masters couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.
As one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, he had rarely displayed his prowess publicly.
Some in the martial world still believed his abilities were overrated, as his reputation stemmed more from his strategic brilliance than his martial feats.
But seeing his aura in person, the masters realized his prowess more than justified his place among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Step, step.
About half an hour later, a hulking figure ascended to Seokgwang Plain. With a smile on his lips and large eyes gleaming, he appeared at first glance like an innocent youth, but his eyes burned with a strange madness.
It was the Heavenly Sword.
His presence was formidable, but no one among the martial artists gasped in awe.
Instead, whispers of "He does seem a bit off, just like the rumors" echoed through the crowd.
For a next-generation master who had once made the name Golden Divine Eye resound through the martial world, it was a pitiful reaction.
"Heh heh heh." Despite sensing the atmosphere, the Heavenly Sword burst into laughter.
"Shall we get started?"
His gleaming eyes spoke, and—
Shing.
Bu Eunseol drew the Ice Soul Sword without hesitation.
As their gazes clashed in the air, sparks seemed to fly.
No words were needed.
Whoosh!
A chilling aura rose from the Ice Soul Sword, reflected in the moonlight, and a bone-piercing wind spread in all directions.
"Nice sword," the Heavenly Sword said with a grin. "Your other sword looked good too. Do you use multiple blades?"
He spoke casually, as if to show he had plenty of composure.
"A little chat won’t hurt, right? One of us is going to die soon anyway."
"The Martial Soul Command Lord," Bu Eunseol replied coldly, raising the Ice Soul Sword, "does not converse with the dead."
In that instant, a spark of madness flared in the Heavenly Sword’s eyes.
"Excellent."
Clank.
The Heavenly Sword drew a greatsword from his back, splitting it into two and wielding one in each hand.
"I’ll face you with the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style."
The Myriad Phenomena Sword Style.
Created by the Sword Venerable in his later years, this technique encompassed all orthodox swordsmanship. Its power and variations shifted entirely based on the practitioner’s enlightenment, internal energy, and weapon.
Using his innate divine strength, the Heavenly Sword wielded two greatswords to unleash the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style at its maximum potential.
Swish!
The greatsword in his left hand stabbed at Bu Eunseol’s throat, while the one in his right traced an arc, slashing diagonally at his torso.
But due to the distance, the strikes didn’t reach Bu Eunseol.
This was the opening stance of the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style.
The Heavenly Sword was showing decorum as an orthodox martial artist in front of the crowd.
‘Still scheming, I see,’ Bu Eunseol thought, his lips curling into a smirk as he observed the Heavenly Sword’s opening stance.
The Heavenly Sword wasn’t the type to use an opening stance in a real fight. He was clearly mindful of the spectators’ gazes.
As proof, his eyes burned with both madness and an intense attachment to life.
‘As expected…’ Bu Eunseol realized once again.
The Heavenly Sword was a madman consumed by greed, and the madness underlying it was another name for arrogance.
Swish!
Bu Eunseol swiftly thrust the Ice Soul Sword at the Heavenly Sword’s throat.
In that moment, it was as if the heavens and earth paused, and all movement around them froze.
The strike resembled the Meteor Chasing the Moon, but its sword momentum was unpredictable. No matter how one dodged or positioned themselves, it seemed the sharp demonic sword would pierce the Heavenly Sword’s throat.
"The Martial Soul Command Lord’s swordsmanship is that profound!" exclaimed some martial artists at Seokgwang Plain.
With a single move, Bu Eunseol had transformed a simple sword strike into a world-shaking technique. From a state of chaotic darkness, it was as if he had created a genesis of heaven and earth.
With this one strike, Bu Eunseol announced that his prowess had reached the Supreme realm.
Clang!
Sparks flew from the Ice Soul Sword, its form obscured by the chilling mist.
The Heavenly Sword had struck the tip of the blade.
Thud.
Frowning, the Heavenly Sword took a step back.
While Bu Eunseol had superior internal energy, the Heavenly Sword possessed innate divine strength. His monstrous physical power and recovery compensated for the gap in internal energy.
"Unique sword, huh?" the Heavenly Sword said with a relaxed smile. "But the spectators must be disappointed. They can’t easily discern your techniques."
As its name suggested, the Ice Soul Sword emitted a chilling mist, and when reflected in moonlight, its blade became as indistinct as fog. It was a demonic sword that made its path and techniques unpredictable.
"You’ve got some tricks up your sleeve!" the Heavenly Sword shouted, unleashing the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style once more.
Whoosh!
With a single swing through the air, his sword split into thirty-two streams of sword energy, enveloping Bu Eunseol’s body.
He had infused the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style with the essence of the Whirlwind Sword, unleashing thirty-two sword techniques in a single burst, carried by the wind.
Clang clang clang!
The Ice Soul Sword and the heavy greatsword clashed dozens of times, producing clear metallic sounds.
Each clash sent sparks flying, and the distance between the two narrowed.
Swish swish swish!
Finally, their weapons were close enough to reach each other’s faces.
"Impressive. You’re really impressive," the Heavenly Sword said, gazing at Bu Eunseol with excited eyes.
Even pouring all his energy and divine strength into the fight, Bu Eunseol stood unmoved, staring at him like a wall of ice.
The Heavenly Sword found the demeanor of such a formidable opponent exhilarating.
"Entertain me more!" he shouted, brandishing the greatsword in his left hand in a strange manner.
The blade condensed sharply, slashing at Bu Eunseol’s entire body like a frenzied sword dance at point-blank range.
Clang clang clang clang!
As the swords collided repeatedly, a loud metallic clamor echoed.
The Heavenly Sword’s Myriad Phenomena Sword Style transcended the limitations of weapons, capable of unleashing any sword technique he desired.
Boom! Boom!
Bu Eunseol swiftly countered with the Fist Demon Flash Style from his left hand, pushing the Heavenly Sword back.
Swish.
As the Heavenly Sword was forced back three steps, Bu Eunseol unleashed the Supreme Heavenly Flow with the Ice Soul Sword once more.
Boom! Boom!
Each clash of their swords shook the ground.
Bu Eunseol was employing heavy sword techniques, targeting the Heavenly Sword’s openings. Despite using heavy swordsmanship, which required immense internal energy, Bu Eunseol’s expression remained calm, showing no sign of exerting his full power.
"Your internal energy is incredible!" the Heavenly Sword exclaimed.
This kind of overpowering approach was actually the Heavenly Sword’s preferred method. But as Bu Eunseol pressed him with the same tactic, the Heavenly Sword was so thrilled that he practically drooled.
"Good, very good!" Realizing Bu Eunseol’s prowess was even greater than expected, the Heavenly Sword’s momentum grew sharper.
In all his years of training swordsmanship, he had never fought at full strength except against his master, the Sword Venerable.
Yet, as Bu Eunseol effortlessly pressured him, he was overcome with joy.
"Now I’m going all out!" he declared, unleashing the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style in the form of the Scattering Sword.
His massive greatsword split left and right, creating hundreds of shadows like the hands of a thousand-armed deity.
Whoosh! Whoosh whoosh!
Astonishingly, despite scattering hundreds of sword energies, the sounds of their trajectories were inconsistent. Some spun like whirlwinds, piercing through, while others spread wide like nets.
Though called a single style, the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style was merely a name. It could unleash endless variations and techniques without restriction.
Clang clang!
The Ice Soul Sword and the greatsword clashed in the air, ringing with metallic sounds.
In fights between masters, swords rarely clashed repeatedly. But as both poured lethal techniques at point-blank range, this phenomenon occurred.
A true battle of titans.
Even after over a hundred exchanges, the fight remained so evenly matched that no victor could be predicted.
Pop pop!
But the tide of battle shifted abruptly.
As they entered a frenzied close-quarters exchange, the Heavenly Sword’s greatsword condensed sharply, piercing through Bu Eunseol’s sword barrier.
The practical swordsmanship of Nangyang Pavilion evolved to counter the enemy.
But the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style was already recognized as a perfected orthodox technique.
Since the Supreme Heavenly Flow couldn’t evolve fast enough to overwhelm the enemy in the heat of battle, the Heavenly Sword’s swordsmanship began to overpower it.
Flash!
But as if waiting for this moment, Bu Eunseol unleashed a short burst of sword light into the air as the Heavenly Sword breached his barrier.
At the same time, the Ice Soul Sword curved at an unavoidable angle, striking at the Heavenly Sword’s throat.
The eighth form of the Supreme Heavenly Flow—an unavoidable counterattack that accounted for every possible sword technique: Lament of the River.
"Hup!" the Heavenly Sword gasped.
But something astonishing happened.
As the Ice Soul Sword stabbed at his throat, he spun his body fiercely, creating a massive sword barrier.
The ultimate life-saving technique of the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style—Spinning Sword Heaven—unfolded.
Clang!
With a world-shaking metallic sound, the Heavenly Sword’s two greatswords caught Bu Eunseol’s Ice Soul Sword like chopsticks.
He had blocked even Lament of the River, Bu Eunseol’s ultimate critical technique.
"Hahaha!" the Heavenly Sword laughed, baring his white teeth. "What now? You were banking on that one, weren’t you?"
Clang!
Pushing Bu Eunseol back, a razor-sharp glint flashed in the Heavenly Sword’s eyes.
"What else have you got?"
Hum!
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol summoned his internal energy.
Black mist began to rise from his body.
Swish swish!
At the same time, black energy threads shot out like spider webs, filling the gaps in his sword techniques and piercing toward the Heavenly Sword’s body.
"Oooh!"
"Is that the ultimate technique of Majeon’s heir?" the watching martial artists exclaimed.
Materializing energy with internal power wasn’t particularly remarkable. But to wield it so freely, reflecting the practitioner’s will as if it were a living entity?
Such martial arts and tactics were unprecedented in the martial world.
‘Heh heh heh. Finally showing your true strength,’ the Heavenly Sword thought, thrilled enough to dance.
From their earlier encounters, he knew this technique relied on Bu Eunseol’s immense internal energy—a critical move. To unleash such a technique so early in the duel meant Bu Eunseol was determined to kill him.
‘Well, it could mean you’ve got more to show… but it doesn’t matter,’ the Heavenly Sword thought, his eyes narrowing like crescent moons.
‘This fight isn’t about winning or losing anyway.’
Bu Eunseol’s intellect was undoubtedly superior.
Though the Heavenly Sword held a slight edge in swordsmanship, he knew he couldn’t achieve a complete victory.
But he wore a triumphant expression.
‘Heh heh heh. No matter how smart you are, you couldn’t have anticipated this.’
A victorious smile curled his lips.
A madman has a madman’s way of fighting.
The Heavenly Sword had no intention of defeating Bu Eunseol in this fight from the start.3
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