NOVEL NEXT Chapter 643
Dark Heaven Village
The Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect in Gansu.
I participated in the sparring arena without any special disguise or stealth techniques, pretending to be a follower of Jin So-cheong. After all, it was clear that drawing unnecessary attention in the bustling Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect, filled with eccentric characters, was a bad idea. Just lowering my internal power would keep me from being noticed.
“Oooooh!”
“Jin So-cheong, may you become the greatest in the world today!!”
And with that, over fifty followers, filled with enthusiasm, rallied behind Jin So-cheong. These were the vigorous members of the Orthodox Sect, primarily in their late thirties. They were inspired by Jin So-cheong’s martial arts and declared that they would share his fate, even if he were to lose. Of course, this wasn’t sincere; surely the White Lotus Sect wouldn’t massacre or abuse the loser while all eyes in the martial world were on them.
Moreover, to watch Jin So-cheong’s duel, the Bright Dragon and the Master of Zen intentionally came to the White Lotus Sect, while the Sword Demon from the Heretical Sect had also shown up. In response, the White Lotus Sect had their top three Dharma Guardians standing beside the sect leader, wearing masks.
The Master of the White Lotus Sect stood on a large platform, looking down at Jin So-cheong, who gazed back up at him. After a long moment of eye contact, the sect leader silently floated up and slowly descended in front of Jin So-cheong.
The sect leader declared the Six Harmonies Assembly.
[ Today’s duel is particularly significant. I never thought I’d have a martial artist from the Central Plains challenge me in my lifetime.]
At those words, silence swiftly enveloped the arena. It was merely the sect leader uttering the proclamation, but the pressure that accompanied it was immense, causing those with lower martial skills to stagger and turn pale. Taking a step forward, Jin So-cheong replied.
“Master of the White Lotus Sect, I’ve heard that you possess the greatest martial arts in the world.”
[ Who told you that?]
“Everyone I meet says so.”
Jin So-cheong’s statement was not an exaggeration. Martial artists, while whispering, speculated that the sect leader was indeed the best in the world, and no one dared to compare themselves or Jin So-cheong to him. The rumors suggested that even the Dharma Guardians were beings beyond the realm of men. The sect leader then said.
[ You have attained quite a high achievement at such a young age. Who is your master?]
Jin So-cheong calmly replied.
“Though I cannot reveal the name, you must already know of my sect. Correct?”
Murmurs filled the hall. The followers gathered there seemed to sense something odd. The truth was, they had followed Jin So-cheong due to his impressive capabilities, but they didn’t have a deep understanding of his martial arts lineage. The people from the White Lotus Sect, however, seemed to know more and remained unperturbed.
The Master of the White Lotus Sect looked at Jin So-cheong and said.
[ Indeed. Thus, I cannot let you go easily today.]
His words carried multiple implications.
From the sect leader’s perspective, Jin So-cheong was akin to a butterfly caught in a spider’s web. He sought to capture Jin So-cheong and extract the secrets of the Thunder God Lineage. The subtle deadly intent in those words created tension in the hall.
At that moment, Jin So-cheong spoke.
“It is an honor. How about we make a wager?”
[ A wager?]
“The loser becomes the winner’s disciple.”
[ ……]
“Since the eyes of the entire martial world are on this duel, it wouldn’t yield a fortunate outcome. Therefore, regardless of who wins or loses, I hope it will serve as an opportunity for both of our martial arts to refine and polish.”
Upon hearing this, the sorcerer Cheon Woo-jin, standing behind the sect leader, let out a cold laugh.
“Hehe! A coward thinking of excuses before losing, huh?”
“Shut it. There’s no need to react to some punk like him.”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong’s sharp reprimand silenced Cheon Woo-jin. However, Han Baek-ryeong herself didn’t seem too pleased either. The Dharma Guardians must have felt that having a green youngling challenge their supreme leader would tarnish the White Lotus Sect’s prestige.
The Master of the White Lotus Sect stroked his mask, seemingly intrigued.
[ Interesting. Jin So-cheong, do you wish to become my disciple?]
“If your martial skills are indeed worthy of it! But it won’t be easy!”
Jin So-cheong raised his spear, aiming it at the Master of the White Lotus Sect, as if to provoke him.
“Perhaps I might even gain a new disciple today!”
Kugugugu…
“Y-You arrogant brat!”
“How dare you to the sect leader!!”
“Kill Jin So-cheong!”
In that moment, a tremendous wave of Qi and deadly intent surged from the White Lotus Sect’s side. It emanated from the high-ranking experts of the Su Shin Sect, as well as the Elder Council. As the peak masters released their overwhelming power, the followers of Jin So-cheong paled in horror.
“W-What is this?”
“No way!! So many experts…!”
The unexpected surge of killing intent left them stunned. They had been dreaming of the martial world, unaware of the true power of the White Lotus Sect. The force of the White Lotus Sect was not just strong, but could easily submerge the entire Jianghu.
As the atmosphere grew tense, the top figures of the Orthodox Sect – Bright Dragon, Master of Zen, and Sword Demon – stepped forward to protect the followers from Jin So-cheong. The Master of Zen quietly intoned a prayer.
“Amitabha. Members of the White Lotus Sect, please lower your killing intent.”
The sect leader glanced at the Master of Zen and replied.
[ I didn’t expect you to come with such children. I had thought you were among the more discerning among the Jianghu.]
“Master, you possess the power of the heavens, so I beg for your mercy. Hurting us here would yield no benefit for anyone, as you must know.”
[ That is true. Getting angry over such childish antics would be a foolish act…]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect casually responded, raising a hand.
[ Stop it all. Anyone who emits killing intent towards our guests will be punished.]
With that command, the killing intent and energies ceased. Once the hall had calmed down, the Master of the White Lotus Sect stood with his hands behind his back and turned to Jin So-cheong.
[ Jin So-cheong. I am very curious about the intentions you have in meeting me.]
“……”
[ If you desire a lighthearted atmosphere, I will oblige. But if I become serious, don’t think you will be able to match me.]
Suuuuuu…
[ How about we engage for about ten seconds without using any techniques?]
“How arrogant.”
[ Just the right amount.]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect drew up his Qi while keeping his hands behind him. Jin So-cheong countered by lifting his spear, aiming at the sect leader. Instantly, their standoff seemed to conjure the very essence of the void between them, forcing those around to step back, sensing they might become mere fodder if they intervened.
Only when the spectators retreated about twenty paces did Jin So-cheong and the Master of the White Lotus Sect start to make their moves.
I thought to myself as I watched them.
‘ Currently, Jin So-cheong’s skill must be on par with or slightly below mine…’
Despite having imparted vast martial experience through the use of the Silver Phoenix, the fact that Jin So-cheong had reached even the Threshold of Absolute Realm in such a short time was no small feat. However, because Jin So-cheong’s talent had its limits, he wouldn’t reach the peak of the supreme level. Thus, today’s duel was practically predetermined in terms of victory and defeat.
But Jin So-cheong wasn’t here to win against the Master of the White Lotus Sect. If he aimed to win, he would have locked himself away for years in training. Jin So-cheong naturally came to become the sect leader’s disciple, so the important thing was how seamlessly he could accept defeat.
Given the attention of everyone in the world on this wager, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, due to his character, wouldn’t break his promise with his own hands. He would undoubtedly take Jin So-cheong as his disciple. However, there was also the risk of him suddenly changing his mind and killing Jin So-cheong, so I could only watch the unfolding duel with bated breath.
The first to move was Jin So-cheong.
“Ha!”
Kugung!
It felt as if the air vibrated intensely, and Jin So-cheong’s spear struck at the Master of the White Lotus Sect. While it may sound light, in truth, it was an explosive speed attack imbued with the secrets of the Thunder God Lineage aimed at the sect leader’s vital points. In the current Jianghu, there would be no more than a handful of individuals capable of blocking or avoiding such an expeditious strike.
However, Jin So-cheong’s Absolute Slash merely penetrated the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s afterimage. The sect leader moved with terrifying speed, not leaving the slightest gap, as he circled behind Jin So-cheong. In that moment, Jin So-cheong, too, utilized the Thunder God line’s footwork technique, creating a clone made of light.
[ Hooh!]
Pababat!
A fantastic duel ensued, as both sought to seize each other’s backs! It was not only a battle of techniques but also an intimate conversation measuring their martial prowess. As expected, the one who held the upper hand was the Master of the White Lotus Sect, who quickly located Jin So-cheong’s real body after leaving behind an afterimage and lightly kicked at him.
Boooom!
The White Lotus Sect’s signature attack, the White Lotus Kick, surged towards Jin So-cheong with overwhelming force, but at the last moment, Jin So-cheong dodged just in time, countering with an attack directed at the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s neck. The unfathomable sect leader, who seemed to have anticipated Jin So-cheong’s counter, deftly avoided the strike with incredible precision.
Suuuuuch!
Pabach!
“O… Oooh…!”
“What is happening?!”
The followers in the hall, witnessing their exchanges, were left dumbfounded, unable to track the rapid succession of techniques shared between the two over the brief span of mere seconds. After all, the incredible speed of their exchanges was such that only those with exceptional insights among the peak masters could even begin to grasp what was occurring.
The experts from the White Lotus Sect, observing from the sidelines, appeared amused, ceasing their anger as they began to watch quietly, whispering amongst themselves. Even they saw Jin So-cheong as a “fairly formidable” expert.
Kwah!
Just as ten seconds had almost passed, the Master of the White Lotus Sect unfurled his martial aura, and Jin So-cheong deflected the resulting force with his spear. The sect leader returned to his original position, saying,
[ Truly… It seems I have to exert myself a bit more. You possess the strength to break through the strongest of the Central Plains’ orthodox figures.]
“Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if you couldn’t hold your own and ended up losing?”
Jin So-cheong provocatively challenged, but the Master of the White Lotus Sect maintained his composure.
[ If only there were someone like you, full of spirit, in our sect, it would make things more entertaining.]
Wi-iing—
The instant the sect leader relaxed his posture, the atmosphere in the hall shifted dramatically. Layers of mandala began to rise behind him, and the boundless internal power he commanded began to stretch out. While it was not yet the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, this indicated that the sect leader was about to engage seriously.
‘ For Jin So-cheong, it would take the Seven Great Techniques and the Eight Immortal Divine Art to withstand the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Even if he faces the sect leader, he should be able to hold on for at least a hundred breaths. But…’
Jin So-cheong wouldn’t do that. Though he had managed to fuse the Seven Great Techniques and the Eight Immortal Divine Art in that short time, he could not use them in this duel. If signs of different martial arts responses were detected, it was clear the Master of the White Lotus Sect would become intrigued and attempt to uncover their origins.
Jin So-cheong’s objective was to preserve his life while concealing the mastery of the Seven Great Techniques and the Eight Immortal Divine Art, and naturally lose! Very few things in the world could prove more challenging than that. He had to endure solely with the pure martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage.
After a moment of silence, Jin So-cheong activated Thunderclap. The sound of thunder resonated in his core as the sect leader, surprised by the sudden detonation of Jin So-cheong’s internal power, mumbled mildly in his Heart Command Technique.
[ To summon Thunder God techniques before me, a practitioner of Su Shin, is quite reckless.]
Zheeng!
Jin So-cheong’s body contorted like thunder, accelerating at least several times faster than before as he launched an attack against the sect leader.
[ Where do you think you’re going?]
The sect leader, as if waiting for that moment, launched a dazzling defense with a mandala, intercepting Jin So-cheong’s strike while simultaneously producing a swift palm strike at Jin So-cheong’s opening.
A flawless counterattack!
That was the terrifying nature of the Absolute Realm achieved by the sect leader. He was one with both offense and defense; despite not being as remarkable as Yeodong-bin’s Moon-Style Defense Technique, he possessed incredible reflexes, leaving no openings for surprise attacks. Even if he sought an advantage through a technique like Thunderclap, he couldn’t achieve success as both attack and defense were executed simultaneously.
‘ What’s even more terrifying is that he hasn’t even activated Heart of Heaven’s Abundance yet…’
Kwah!
“Ghk.”
Jin So-cheong was flung from the air several times but managed to right himself, utilizing the Void Step to hold his position.
Shush!
At that moment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect caught Jin So-cheong’s back using the previously demonstrated technique, launching a swift cutting motion aimed at the back of Jin So-cheong’s neck, but Jin So-cheong managed to parry it skillfully with his spear. However, as his spear formed a protective barrier, that swift attack produced a dazzling burst of white light as it struck Jin So-cheong’s abdomen.
Perviverbuck!
“Gah!”
Jin So-cheong spat blood as he was sent flying back. I could see that he was struggling to retain his composure while naturally trying to lose. His acting skills must be so good that even the one attacking, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, might not even notice!
‘ Incredible, Jin So-cheong!’
Truly amazing.
From the perspective of an underling, Jin So-cheong was purely bearing the brunt of the ranks of the world’s greatest masters while naturally concealing his strength for over three exchanges! That could only be achieved through innate talent and intuition!
No matter how supreme the Master of the White Lotus Sect was, he was currently underestimating Jin So-cheong, having classified his Thunder God skills and Thunderclap as Jin So-cheong’s limit. In a state of arrogance, even the Absolute Realm would struggle to accurately evaluate the skill of an opponent, making today’s plan half achieved already.
My prediction changed to certainty as the Master of the White Lotus Sect, without any suspicion, slowly approached Jin So-cheong, saying,
[ How clear your limits are. With such skill, you would barely be able to handle even one of our Dharma Guardians, yet you challenge me… ]
“… Urgh…”
The moment had come. As Jin So-cheong wobbled, seemingly incensed, the Master of the White Lotus Sect continued.
[ Now, I will finish you off. To take the disciple of the Thunder God Lineage, what a joyful occasion it is… ]
Pababat!
A surge of fierce energy erupted from the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s palm, heading straight for Jin So-cheong. It seemed that he was poised to put on a grand performance, likely pretending to defend before feigning another move while calculating his next! If he could deceive the sect leader even that far, Jin So-cheong would be the greatest performer of all time. Plus, if the sect leader was intent on accepting him as a disciple, by virtue of his character, he likely wouldn’t seriously injure him.
‘ It’s all set!’
I concentrated, hoping Jin So-cheong wouldn’t sustain any serious injuries, as I kept my eyes glued to the unfolding duel. This plan seemed undoubtedly to succeed.
But then – an anomaly occurred.
Kwah!
The energy charging towards Jin So-cheong was suddenly shattered.
What blocked that force was a single spear – and one martial artist.
As Jin So-cheong glanced back at the figure who had boldly obstructed the attack, he uttered softly.
“Master.”
Lee Kwang had appeared!