Oh Hyun-seok's eyes snapped open.
"Ugh! Huk!"
The pain was so intense, he momentarily lost consciousness.
'What just happened?'
The last thing he remembered was his master, Azure Tiger Saint, appearing before him and raising his fist.
'Ah, I see.'
Oh Hyun-seok quickly understood the situation. He passed out during sparring.
Its not surprising.
It was the usual kind of sparring they always did.
'...But something feels off.'
However, he felt puzzled by a strange sense of dj vu.
By now, Azure Tiger Saint should have appeared with his hearty laughter, turning Oh Hyun-seok into minced meat.
Kwaang!
Then, in the distance.
He saw one side of the training ground's mountain crumbling.
Blue and white rays of light are flying back and forth atop the mountain.
The white ray seems to be desperately trying to escape the blue ray.
'Ah, that explains it.'
Oh Hyun-seok then fully grasps the situation he had just experienced.
'It was right after reaching Qi Building with Seo Eun-hyun, wasn't it?'
That mustve been it.
Right after entering the Qi Building stage with Seo Eun-hyun.
His master, Azure Tiger Saint, had cheerfully suggested celebrating their rise to Qi Building by sparring, and Oh Hyun-seok had been thoroughly beaten until he passed out.
'Phew, truly a terrifying strike.'
The mere thought makes his body shudder.
But hes intrigued as he watches the two glowing entities demolishing a mountain peak and flying in the sky.
"How is Seo Eun-hyun managing to hold up like that under Master's training?"
This world has already become familiar to him.
He had perfectly learned the language, culture, and constellations.
Even cultivation methods, which seemed like strange make-believe from fantasy novels, have long become second nature to him.
He had long understood the realms of Qi Refining, Qi Building, and others.
However, understanding them only made Oh Hyun-seok more puzzled.
"Wasn't that guy only entering Qi Building with me?"
Kugugugu!
Once again, another mountain peak crumbles in the distance.
Kugugugu!
Within the white ray of light, a figure extended a hand towards the blue ray.
The white force emanating from the hand was what collapsed the mountain.
An incredible power!
'He's far more talented than I am.'
Oh Hyun-seok recalled his master's words, saying his own talent of reaching Qi Building within a year is an impossible feat under normal circumstances.
But he shakes his head, thinking.
"True talent lies in that guy. What kind of talent do I have?"
The talent to reach Qi Building in less than a year.
The talent to unleash a strike of the Nascent Soul stage with the body of Qi Building in less than a year.
It's clear which one is superior.
"He was always diligent at the company too. It seems like he found his talent after coming here."
He recalls Seo Eun-hyun at the company.
Certainly, he was a man of few words, but he was a junior who always tried his best at everything.
The guy who I took care of has become
While Oh Hyun-seok is reminiscing about his time at the company.
Kwaang!
A burst of blue light explodes.
From a distance, a white beam of light falls beneath the mountain.
And, before Oh Hyun-seok can react, light flashes again. Azure Tiger Saint, surrounded by blue energy, appears in front of Oh Hyun-seok.
"Oh no, youve been waiting. Seo Eun-hyun, that kid, was showing a lot of interesting abilities, so I got a bit excited and ended up focusing on him."
"Haha... he's a talented guy, so it wouldnt hurt to watch him a bit more"
"Nonsense. Theres no favoritism among my disciples! Don't worry! I'll make you strong too!"
"Just a moment"
Kwaang!
And before he could say anything else.
Azure Tiger Saint's fist slammed into Oh Hyun-seok's stomach.
Oh Hyun-seok immediately vomited blood and lost consciousness.
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily, raising his fist.
"Such excellent disciples. Don't you worry. Both of you possess tremendous talents, but even if you were the dullest in the world, humans are creatures with the potential capable of anything.
As your master, I will never give up on you and will teach you no matter what."
Azure Tiger Saint grabs one of the unconscious Oh Hyun-seoks legs and begins dragging him somewhere.
"Its been about a year, so the training ground should be completed by now. With their talents, now that they've reached the Qi Building stage, its time to start training them to confront nature with their human bodies."
Azure Tiger Saint, smiling broadly and eyes shining, notices Seo Eun-hyun trying to get up in the distance.
And before Seo Eun-hyun can regain his senses.
Azure Tiger Saint charges at him and launches a punch towards Seo Eun-hyuns head.
Kwaang!
Seo Eun-hyun vomits blood and faints again, and Azure Tiger Saint drags the feet of both disciples towards the training ground.
"Kyaaaaah!"
Kwooooom!
A massive surge of water sweeps all around.
Oh Hyun-seok screams towards the tidal wave rushing towards him and thrusts out his fist.
Kugugugugu!
From his fist, trained in the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, a blue light spirals, creating a dragon fist wind.
Kwaaaaaah!
The dragon fist wind shot from Oh Hyun-seoks fist pierces through the tidal wave.
"Haaaaah!"
Kwooooom!
As he shouts, his momentum pushes the surrounding water currents away in all directions.
But he does not relax his vigilance. He gasps for breath while keeping an eye on his surroundings.
Then, Azure Tiger Saints voice echoes from all around.
[Five Colors Substitution. White Lung, Metal.]
Kiring, kiriririring!
Simultaneously, the sea surrounding Oh Hyun-seok suddenly starts to harden.
Along with it, the hardened sea extends spikes in all directions like thorns.
"Krugh!"
Oh Hyun-seok hastily leaps into the air.
Chwajwajwajwang!
Metal!
Metallic spikes stretch out in all directions, chasing after Oh Hyun-seok.
Chachang, chang!
From afar, a white light sweeps through, sending the metallic spikes flying.
'Is that Seo Eun-hyun over there? I need to regroup with him first.'
But before Oh Hyun-seok can make a decision.
Azure Tiger Saints voice is heard again from all around.
[Eun-hyun, shouldnt you use the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture in your training. It seems its too easy for you, so Ill increase the intensity of your training a bit more.]
Simultaneously.
Kugugugugu!
From the sky, a massive chunk of metal falls towards Seo Eun-hyun.
Kwaang!
The surroundings erupt with a loud bang, and a storm filled with metal dust blows in all directions.
Oh Hyun-seok, enveloped in Protective Body Force, looks beyond the metal-dust-filled storm.
'Is he okay.'
And to his relief, with a glow of brilliance!
The chunk of metal is split in half with a white flash of light, and Seo Eun-hyun soars into the sky from within.
...Hes already surpassed the realm of ordinary humans.
Oh Hyun-seok realizes theres no need for his concern.
Kagagagak!
But before he can feel relieved about Seo Eun-hyun's safety, tens and hundreds of metallic spikes attack him.
"Keeugh!"
After wrestling with the domain of metal for a while and finally adapting to it, Azure Tiger Saint's voice rumbles from the sky again.
[Five Colors Substitution. Yellow Spleen, Earth.]
Kugugugu!
The property of metal in all directions changes, and mountains start rising from the ground.
Kwagwagwagwa!
The landscape continuously transforms, pressuring Oh Hyun-seok.
"Is it ten Li in all directions?"
The training ground, where the properties of the Five Elements change according to Azure Tiger Saint's will, spans ten Li in all directions.
Once Oh Hyun-seok and Seo Eun-hyun adapt, the properties change again.
[Red Heart, Fire.]
Kugugugugu!
The mountains melt, and within a ten-li radius turns into a sea of lava.
Oh Hyun-seok feels a terrible sensation of melting all over and uses his body refining method to adapt to the extreme environment.
[Green Liver, Wood.]
Kugugu!
Suddenly, trees grow out of the flames, and the area is once again covered in a forest sea.
[Black Kidney, Water.]
Chwurururu!
Soon after, the sea of trees dissolves according to Azure Tiger Saint's command and turns back into the blue sea that engulfed him.
Azure Tiger Saints training method called the Five Elements Supreme Response, is designed to repeatedly throw disciples into constantly changing extreme environments to ensure their survival and to face higher realms of cultivation.
Its a training method designed to enable them to survive against natural disasters.
[Listen well, Hyun-seok. Your Unique Holy Body, also known as the Primordial Chaos Holy Body, has the quality to disperse the boundaries of all things and phenomenons.
The Unique Holy Body possesses numerous abilities, but its most famous ability is undoubtedly the Five Elements Primordial Chaos! In essence, the Unique Holy Body corresponds to the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, but its training speed is at least seven times faster than a Heavenly Spiritual Root!
Therefore, you can master all properties of the Five Elements and even manipulate the forces of Yin and Yang. Though Im not sure what the sharp energy Seo Eun-hyun possesses is, your one ability alone signifies you have a talent far surpassing Seo Eun-hyun!]
Kugugugu!
The Five Elements around Oh Hyun-seok transform, pressuring his body.
[Furthermore, the Unique Holy Body is a divine physique born with countless unknown abilities! If you train well in the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, you will become invincible! Have confidence and use your method well, my disciple! I believe in you!]
Kugugugu!
Please save those words for after getting us out of this brutal place!
The Five Elements around him changes, increasing the pressure on him.
And at some moment.
Oh Hyun-seok feels his body surpassing a 'critical point.'
Puuung!
Blue light explodes, healing all the minor injuries on Oh Hyun-seok's body.
"This, this is..."
Woowooong!
Oh Hyun-seok notices an additional Spiritual Energy Star formed in his dantian.
[As expected, its astonishing! To form two stars within a day of reaching Qi Building!]
Azure Tiger Saint's laughter fills the surroundings, and soon after,
An even more intense storm of Five Elements engulfs Oh Hyun-seok and Seo Eun-hyun.
[Now then, shall we continue with the training?]
Oh Hyun-seok clenches his teeth and endures Azure Tiger Saint's training.
Just like that, 10 years passed in a blink of an eye.
Kugugugu!
Mountains rise from the ground.
"Haaaaat!"
As Oh Hyun-seok shouts, a mountain that sprung up in front of him bursts apart.
Kugugugu!
Trees grow on top of the mountain and rush towards Oh Hyun-seok, trying to bind him.
"Huhahaha!"
But Oh Hyun-seok, finding it laughable, charges towards the trees.
The trees are torn apart like paper, failing to stop Oh Hyun-seok at all.
Whooosh!
The trees catch fire, and the surroundings turn into a flaming mountain.
Yet, Oh Hyun-seok, undeterred, aims a punch at one spot.
Kwaang!
The mountain is ripped apart, and a blue light bursts forth from within.
At the center of the blue light sits Azure Tiger Saint in a meditative pose.
Azure Tiger Saint smiles warmly.
"You've managed to reverse-engineer the intricacies of the Five Elements Supreme Response and find me. Excellent!"
"Thank you, Master!"
Woowooong!
Oh Hyun-seok laughs heartily as he charges at Azure Tiger Saint with a punch.
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily in response, throwing a punch back at him.
"Excellent, but not yet there!"
Kwaang!
Their fists collide, and blood spurts from Oh Hyun-seok's arm.
"Kuh...!"
Oh Hyun-seok steps back but then, just like Azure Tiger Saint, laughs heartily and raises his fist again.
His bleeding arm has already stopped bleeding.
An unbelievable regenerative ability healed his body.
And then, the two muscular giants begin exchanging punches like madmen.
Kwaang, kwaang, kwaang!
With each exchange of punches, the Five Elements around them change.
The flaming mountain melts into a great sea.
The sea hardens into a world of metal.
The metal softens into earth.
Boom, boom, boom!
With each punch from Azure Tiger Saint, Oh Hyun-seok's body is battered.
But each time Oh Hyun-seok exerts force, blue light swirls, healing his flesh.
Kuwang, kwaang, kwaang!
The explosions grow faster, and the pace of their exchange increases.
But suddenly.
Kwaang, bang, kwaang!
Oh Hyun-seok's punches ingeniously pass Azure Tiger Saint's, hitting even more areas.
The exchange rate reaches seven blows from Oh Hyun-seok for every one from Azure Tiger Saint.
And when their clash reaches its climax.
Kwaang!
The Azure Tiger Saint's punch pushes aside all of Oh Hyun-seok's attacks and strikes him directly.
Oh Hyun-seok's body explodes.
Kugugugugu!
Simultaneously.
Kwarururung!
A blue thunderbolt descends from the sky, striking Oh Hyun-seok's body.
"Heh, hehehehe! Hahahaha!"
The Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily.
Shiiii...
Oh Hyun-seok walks out from within the smoke.
"Congratulations! Reaching Core Formation in just 10 years! This is an unbelievable speed of cultivation. Even natives of the Bright Cold Realm take at least 50 years to reach this stage."
Oh Hyun-seok smiles sheepishly.
"It's still slower than Seo Eun-hyun."
"Well, that kid's talent is on an unbelievable level too."
Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily.
Oh Hyun-seok joins in the laughter, thinking of Seo Eun-hyun.
In just 5 years.
Seo Eun-hyun has already reached Core Formation and moved on to training in the Starlight Protecting Void Body after mastering the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture.
"Now that you've reached Core Formation..."
"Another spar?"
At Oh Hyun-seok's words, Azure Tiger Saint grins.
"Of course! Seo Eun-hyun! Where are you?"
Shortly after.
Seo Eun-hyun, in a white radiance, flies in.
Kwoong!
Seo Eun-hyun lands in the training ground and emerges from the brilliance.
Oh Hyun-seok swallows hard.
Can I win this time?
Under Azure Tiger Saint, the two continuously sparred against him.
But oftentimes, Azure Tiger Saint made them spar against each other.
And the result was always Oh Hyun-seok's defeat.
He has never won against Seo Eun-hyun.
I have no grudge against him, but...
Kuuuk....
He had lost more than a thousand times already.
At this point, its a matter of pride.
In the company, it was always me teaching him. But here, Im the one always learning.
The situation was the same even when exchanging punches with Azure Tiger Saint just now.
He faced Azure Tiger Saint using the Fighting Monster Traceless Fist created by Seo Eun-hyun.
Over the past 10 years, Seo Eun-hyun had taught Oh Hyun-seok not just fist techniques but also the 'art of fighting.'
"Congratulations on reaching Core Formation."
"Hahaha! Right, thanks. Now that I've reached Core Formation, let's spar again."
Oh Hyun-seok clenched his fists as he spoke.
To that, Seo Eun-hyun just smiles slightly.
"You're not yet a match for me."
Oh Hyun-seok looks at Seo Eun-hyun.
"Length and shortness are known only through comparison, arent they?"
10 years.
For 10 years, they were both hammered by Azure Tiger Saint, fought together, and sparred.
Yet, Oh Hyun-seok still couldn't defeat Seo Eun-hyun.
Nor could he fully comprehend him.
Despite the days filled with struggling to survive Azure Tiger Saint's training, there came a time when they stood face to face, exchanging punches with each other.
It's said that when people are close, they can sense each other's feelings.
However, he has never once felt any emotion from Seo Eun-hyun.
'After coming to this world, something changed in him.'
It wasn't a physical change.
It was something mentally.
He became a completely different person.
The somewhat clueless but diligent and occasionally smiling junior, Seo Eun-hyun at the company, never showed that demeanor again after coming to this world.
Though he sometimes smiled, that smile lacked the previous innocence, and whenever Oh Hyun-seok looked into his eyes, it felt like staring into an endless abyss.
And more than anything.
Since arriving in this world.
Seo Eun-hyun had never once sought Oh Hyun-seok out separately.
'At the company, we used to have coffee and chat during breaks.'
It was mostly Oh Hyun-seok listening to Seo Eun-hyun's worries.
But since they came here, he hadn't come for advice or casual talk.
He spent every spare moment training or poring over manuals, engaged in something.
This isn't the person he once knew.
When people suddenly change, theres always a reason.
The spar begins.
Taatt, tat!
The two clash.
Three exchanges.
Within three exchanges, Oh Hyun-seok is immediately subdued by Seo Eun-hyun.
"I have won."
Seo Eun-hyun spoke with an emotionless face, twisting Oh Hyun-seok's arm behind him.
However.
Kugugugugu!
Blue light burst from Oh Hyun-seok's entire body.
"It's not over yet!"
Oh Hyun-seok thinks to himself.
'He's gotten stronger. But at the same time, he's changed too much. So much that Id mistake him for a completely different person.'
Paang!
Releasing an immense force, Oh Hyun-seok frees himself from Seo Eun-hyun with sheer strength and looks at him.
'Since he wont tell me why hes changed so much, I have no choice.
Kuuuuung!
On each of Oh Hyun-seok's arms, the illusion of a blue dragon swirls.
The dragons circle his arms briefly before seeping inside.
Paaaat!
A pair of blue wings sprout where the dragons entered on each arm.
'He may be emotionless, but he definitely occasionally shows feelings when fighting with Master. If so
"Azure Spirit Starlight, First Wing!"
'If I become as strong as him, and properly compete against him, maybe I can truly understand him...!'
With that resolve, Oh Hyun-seok, to his once junior, vowed to hear Seo Eun-hyun's heart and charged towards him, kicking off the ground.
-x-X-x-
When Oh Hyun-seok first saw Seo Eun-hyun, it was Eun-hyun's first day at the company.
Entering the company building, it was Oh Hyun-seok who helped the flustered and unsure newcomer where to go.
He wondered why that moment came to his mind.
Eun-hyun, who had thanked him with a bright face and polite manners, was a well-mannered junior.
Chyarak, chyarak!
The wings that protruded from Oh Hyun-seok's arms fell from his body and flew behind him, supporting his back.
Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method.
First Wing.
Kurung, kururung!
Oh Hyun-seok, observing the force contained in his fist, looks at Seo Eun-hyun.
"Just being grazed by this will be dangerous.
Seo Eun-hyun replies.
"It seems so.
"Don't try to dodge. Wouldnt it be better for you to confront it with a technique you're confident in?"
"A technique I'm confident in..."
Seo Eun-hyun smiles faintly, raising one hand.
"I think its a bit too early to draw out such a thing from me.
"Hahaha"
Indeed, hes changed.
That tone filled with absolute confidence.
The profound gaze.
Every action of Seo Eun-hyun, somehow, carries an unsettling feeling.
For some reason, Oh Hyun-seok felt that at some point, Seo Eun-hyun became broken.
He really doesn't know why.
But Oh Hyun-seok has always been good at reading people's emotions.
"Well, try and take this."
Oh Hyun-seok activates the energy stored in both arms further, hurling his fist dyed in blue light towards Seo Eun-hyun.
Kugugugu!
The world seems to flip, distorting the space right before him.
A dominating force of fist wind flies towards Seo Eun-hyun.
Taatt!
However, Seo Eun-hyun, with an expressionless face, takes one light step.
And swiftly moves out of the range of the strike.
Just a graze.
Or even being within the range would have been enough for a fatal blow.
Yet, as Eun-hyun swings his hand a few times towards the void, he completely escapes the influence of the fist wind.
He cut it.
Oh Hyun-seok, with shining eyes, realized what Seo Eun-hyun had done.
Seo Eun-hyun is akin to a sword personified.
Every time he swings his hand, the subtle flows of force in the air are all sliced through, creating a path for Seo Eun-hyun to escape.
But Oh Hyun-seok grins.
He only extended one fist in the attack.
Theres still one more to go!
Kugugugu!
From Oh Hyun-seok's other hand, another blue light bursts forth towards Seo Eun-hyun.
'After just evading, can he really dodge this!'
However, Seo Eun-hyun impressively dodges Oh Hyun-seok's strike once again.
In an instant, Seo Eun-hyun approaches Oh Hyun-seok, extending his palm.
Whoosh!
It isnt a particularly strong force, but the strike contains a mysterious subtlety that shakes Oh Hyun-seok's internals.
Ting!
Oh Hyun-seok thought he heard the sound of a sword ringing within his body.
Puff!
Without a chance to react, Oh Hyun-seok coughs up blood from his internal organs and passes out.
'Too strong'
Seo Eun-hyun has become so powerful that hes beyond Oh Hyun-seok's reach.
So what Im saying is, this isNo! Thats the file for the meeting! The files the director gave us should be gathered over here.
"Ah, thank you!"
Ah, this is
Oh Hyun-seok blinks for a moment and then realizes.
Its a dream.
A memory from before they fell into this world, when they were still at the company.
No, thats not itJust give it here. Ill show you.
"Yes, sorry!"
Its a scene from when Seo Eun-hyun, who was learning his job and very nervous in the beginning, was being taught by Oh Hyun-seok himself.
'He made a lot of mistakes in the beginning.'
Even when organizing documents, he accidentally knocked over the coffee on his desk, staining Oh Hyun-seok's documents.
I was quite angry then.
Oh Hyun-seok reminisces.
'Judging by those documents, this must be after the coffee incident. My complexion had been quite bad after that, so he was really tense afterward.'
While watching Eun-hyun get scolded for his mistakes, the past Oh Hyun-seok sighed for a moment.
"Seo Eun-hyun, come here for a second."
Oh Hyun-seok smiles as he looks back on that scene from a third-person perspective.
Ah, that timeI remember that too.
"Yes, Chief Oh."
He took Seo Eun-hyun to the smoking room.
They stood there for a moment, smoking.
"Eun-hyun, how do you find life at the company?"
"Yes, satisfactory"
"Shitty, right?"
"Uh"
Oh Hyun-seok chuckled and patted Seo Eun-hyun's shoulder.
"I get it. Superiors are always nitpicking whatever you do. Colleague Jeon Myeong-hoon, that bastard, relies on the executive director's name and slacks off all day. I heard he had a big fight with Min-hee recently?"
""
Eun-hyun looked uncomfortable with Oh Hyun-seok's candid gossip.
"I'm a bit sorry for always nitpicking as your superior. But it's a superior's job to keep pointing things out until you learn the job perfectly. And well... honestly, Jeon Myeong-hoon pisses me off every time I see him, but what can we do? We can't do anything to him. And from what I see, guys like him usually end up causing some trouble and leaving the company on their own, so don't worry too much about it."
"That... Thank you."
"Sure. Well, what can we do? Everyone in our department knows Jeon Myeong-hoon doesnt work. The guy isnt bad, but hes just too accustomed to being pampered. Thats his problem."
Oh Hyun-seok continued to gossip about Jeon Myeong-hoon while chatting with Seo Eun-hyun.
Indeed, nothing brings people closer than gossip.
Seo Eun-hyun's face, which had been grim from being scolded, soon brightened considerably.
"And Min-hee, I think she just has a completely opposite way of thinking from you, so try to understand her a bit. From what I see, what she says does make sense, but it's probably just too different from your approach."
"Yes, I do understand. Its just that we often argue when our work overlaps."
"Haha, well, I'll try to pay a bit more attention so that your work doesn't overlap with hers in the future. Ah, and..."
Click...
After snuffing out his cigarette, Oh Hyun-seok dusted off his hands and said,
"If you ever have any troubles, just say you want to have a smoke break. We can go out and talk."
"...Thank you."
Saying so, he left the smoking room.
"...As expected."
Flash!
Oh Hyun-seok opens his eyes.
"Hes completely different."
His whole body still aches.
Comparing the face of Seo Eun-hyun he saw in his dream to the expressionless face that struck him, he clearly felt their vast difference.
Thump, thump, thump!
The surroundings shake, and Azure Tiger Saint walks toward him.
Looking around, Oh Hyun-seok realizes hes still in the training ground. It seems not much time has passed since he fainted.
"Are you okay, Hyun-seok? You lost again today."
"Yes, I'm fine."
Oh Hyun-seok gets up, brushing off his body.
"You've managed to use First Wing. It's a technique that can only be deployed at the mid Core Formation stage. To use it just after reaching Core Formation"
"It's all thanks to Masters excellent teaching."
Oh Hyun-seok smiles, looking past Azure Tiger Saint and at Seo Eun-hyun, who is watching them with clear eyes, impassively.
"Hey, Seo Eun-hyun!"
Oh Hyun-seok calls out to Eun-hyun as he passes Azure Tiger Saint.
"Indeed, it became clear today. You, don't you think you've changed too much from before?"
"Well, people change with their environment, don't they?"
"Is that so? But the extent of your change is too drastic. Do you really not want to talk about it?
"I apologize. I have too many things to do to have spare time for that.
Whoosh!
Having finished speaking, Seo Eun-hyun flies away using the Flying Escape Technique.
Watching him leave, Azure Tiger Saint approaches Oh Hyun-seok, laughing heartily.
"He must be focused on his training. Don't be too disheartened."
At that consolation, Oh Hyun-seok suddenly felt an odd sensation and chuckled.
'I used to be the one consoling my juniors.'
Now, he had become the disciple receiving consolation from his master.
...Its good to train, but I feel like hes been avoiding talking to me, his former colleague, lately.
"Avoid talking, you say"
Azure Tiger Saint seems to ponder for a moment before laughing and slapping Oh Hyun-seok on the back.
"People of the Azure Heaven Creation Sect trust the conversation of exchanging fists the most. Just become stronger so you can have a proper 'conversation of fists' with him."
"Haha, I see."
Such a barbaric theory of muscles.
Yet, somehow, Oh Hyun-seok likes his master's words.
'A conversation of fists'
He isn't sure about a conversation through fists, but he had felt something while sparring with Azure Tiger Saint lately.
There seemed to be some kind of lines visible between him and Azure Tiger Saint during their spars.
Following those lines can reveal the opponent's attack and his optimal path.
And sometimes, following those lines, he can sense the opponent's emotions.
'Surely, he must be talking about that.'
He recalls the sensation of feeling those lines.
'The lines felt during sparring. But certainly... sparring is only valid when the opponents are equals.'
The difference between him and Seo Eun-hyun is too overwhelmingly vast.
They arent on the same level to spar.
So, what should he do?
'I have to become stronger.'
Until he can have a proper conversation with Seo Eun-hyun.
Until he can stand on equal footing and talk to him.
Looking up at the sky, Oh Hyun-seok resolved to become even stronger.
Time flows quickly, and another 10 years pass.
By now, Oh Hyun-seok has completed the early stage of Core Formation.
Kugugugu!
Energy flows through his body without any hint of awkwardness, naturally seamless.
Wo-woong!
Light radiates from Oh Hyun-seok's body.
He half-opens his eyes, and from them, a morning glow streams out.
"Early Core Formation. Heavenly Market Enclosure."
Inside Oh Hyun-seok's Golden Core.
There, the spiritual energy stars representing the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method shimmered, solidifying the constellation symbolizing the great method.
Wo-woong!
Oh Hyun-seok gazes beyond the sky,
Receiving the celestial energy transmitted from beyond the vast dome of the heavens, he murmurs.
"Fate is without adornment."
There are four stages within Core Formation.
Early Core Formation, Heavenly Market Enclosure - It commands without adornment.
Mid Core Formation, Supreme Palace Enclosure - Its service commands reverence.
Late Core Formation, Purple Forbidden Enclosure - Its nurturing commands benevolence.
Grand Perfection Core Formation, Celestial Dominion - Its duty commands righteousness.
The Heavenly Market Enclosure perfects the flow of life force (Qi) coursing through one's body and the fate that reveals one life, ensuring there are no blockages anywhere. By considering the Qi flowing through one's body as one's subjects and mastering it, one generates an unhidden, pure life (vital) force throughout the entire body, achieving a form of fate that is pure and unadorned.
The Supreme Palace Enclosure liberates the Qi and blood throughout the body to connect outwardly, aligning oneself with the heavens and one's own fate, effectively turning oneself into an altar for fate. After mastering the Qi within ones body, one can borrow the power of fate to govern the people (Qi) as a nation, summoning ministers to govern to body.
The Purple Forbidden Enclosure establishes a foundation and altar, culminating in becoming a priest that connects heaven and earth. By seizing control over ones people and ministers, one becomes the king of their own named nation, having full control over their vital force, capable of regenerating the body from severe injuries, even if beheaded or torn apart, provided the Golden Core remains intact
Lastly, the stage of the Celestial Dominion follows, where one acts as a priest through one's own body as an altar to perform rites to fate. From this stage onwards, one can interfere with not only their own life force, but the life force of others as well, beginning to grasp the concept of planes right before Nascent Soul.
The four stages corresponding to Core Formation are characterized as follows:
The command of fate is without adornment (Its form commands without adornment).
In serving fate, one is with reverence. (Its service commands reverence).
In nurturing fate, one is with benevolence. (Its nurturing commands benevolence).
In commanding fate, one is righteous (Its duty commands righteousness).
It seems these principles of Core Formation resemble the process of humans embracing fate.
Initially looking at fate without any pretenses.
Then venerating fate, becoming one with fate and living graciously.
Eventually, commanding fate.
Is this why cultivation is considered defying heaven?
Looking up to the heavens, imitating it, and conducting rituals to honor it.
Yet at some point, becoming another heaven itself, defying the heavens.
Taking the heavens as a master, but ultimately, reaching the pinnacle of arrogance in aspiring to surpass it.
That is, the cultivator.
Its the Heaven Tribes approach to fate.
And recently, Oh Hyun-seok felt a peculiar sensation while practicing what is known as the Cultivation Method.
To take the heavens as a master, in order to eventually command it, that is the Cultivation Method. But why is it that the more I explore the Cultivation Method
All the cultivation methods seem to treat the heavens as if they are 'living' entity.
And if the heavens are indeed a living entity, is it right to leave those who seek to rise above it, those who act against natural piety, unattended? To leave it all to Heavenly Tribulations, which can be overcome with the power of artifacts beyond the cultivators realm? Is that trulyall there is?
If so.
If the heavens are truly some kind of living being.
How will it react when someone reaches a realm that surpasses even the heavens itself?
Contemplating the Golden Core nestled within him, Oh Hyun-seok became immersed in such thoughts.
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It's peculiar.
But rather than chasing after that strange sense of unease, Oh Hyun-seok began to think of something else first.
Kugugugu!
The light burning from Oh Hyun-seoks body enters within.
He has completed the early Core Formation stage, the Heavenly Market Enclosure, and entered the mid stage of Supreme Palace Enclosure.
'Mid stage of Core Formation.'
Oh Hyun-seok looks up at the sky and raises his fist.
Kugugugugugugu!
And as he thrusts his fist towards the sky,
The entire blue sky seems to ripple.
"Huuh"
Paaaat!
Around Oh Hyun-seok, the blue light of the Azure Spirit Striking Origin Technique, the starlight of Starlight Protecting Void Body, and the Five Elements of the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture shine.
Under his focus, all the energies floating around his body merge into one, transforming into the power of Primordial Chaos.
Patsutstst!
The power of Primordial Chaos mixing inside Oh Hyun-seok's body suddenly turns purple.
But after a while,
The purple covering Oh Hyun-seok's body disappears, and once again, the light emitted by the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method covers his body.
'Was it called the Unique Holy Body?'
Oh Hyun-seok recalls the ability he had just used to summon 'Primordial Chaos' power from within himself.
The authority of the Unique Holy Body was already fully conveyed to Oh Hyun-seok by Azure Tiger Saint.
Among the capabilities of the Unique Holy Body he was told, there was no ability to manifest Primordial Chaos like just now.
'My talent is not merely the Unique Holy Body.'
Somehow, Oh Hyun-seok feels that the Unique Holy Body is just an 'additional feature'.
His true talent lies elsewhere.
'...Well, for now, that's all I can know.'
Oh Hyun-seok contemplated his body for a while and then stood up.
'If there's a way to maintain this state of Primordial Chaos... I feel like I can even defeat Seo Eun-hyun if I keep drawing upon it.'
Oh Hyun-seok licks his lips regretfully and looks somewhere.
Anyway, whether it's due to the Unique Holy Body or the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method.
Oh Hyun-seok can tell that he had gained an enormous increase in power by advancing to the mid stage of Core Formation.
"Now, I possess power that surpasses the Grand Perfection of Core Formation."
He isn't sure if it reaches the Nascent Soul stage.
But anyway, he has definitely surpassed the ordinary Core Formation stage.
"Wait for me, Seo Eun-hyun."
Today, of all days.
He is determined to defeat him.
Oh Hyun-seok thought so.
Patt!
Heaven and earth flashes
On Azure Tiger Saints training ground, small mountains rise up as Oh Hyun-seok rolls his feet.
Compared to Azure Tiger Saint's mountains that fill a radius of ten li, Oh Hyun-seoks mountains are quite small in size.
But still, a mountain is a mountain.
Over 20 large terrains spread out in all directions.
And, dodging those terrains, a man is rushing towards Oh Hyun-seok.
"Haha, look, how about it! My power has definitely surpassed Core Formation! Am I a bit worthy to face you now!?"
Kugugugu!
Oh Hyun-seok rushes towards Seo Eun-hyun.
Kugugugu!
Oh Hyun-seok, transforming into sheer power itself, charges at Seo Eun-hyun with a body slam.
Seo Eun-hyun dodges, and the mountain where Oh Hyun-seok collided with explodes and shatters completely.
Paaat!
"Second Wing!"
In the middle of the exploded mountain,
A blue light bursts forth from its center, and two pairs of wings spread out behind Oh Hyun-seok.
The offensive technique of the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method, Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter, starts from a single pair of wings, First Wing, to nine pairs, Ninth Wing.
The tenth pair, the legendary Tenth Wing, exists in legend but is just thata legend.
First Wing allows a mid Core Formation cultivator to deliver a late Core Formation level strike.
Second Wing enables a late Core Formation cultivator to exert power surpassing Grand Perfection.
However, Oh Hyun-seok is already unfolding Second Wing at the Mid Core Formation stage.
Zzzzng!
Space ripples around Oh Hyun-seok.
Even without using Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter, his normal punches already surpass Grand Perfection of Core Formation!
With Second Wing, Oh Hyun-seok boasts the power of the early Nascent Soul stage!
"Be on your guard! Even you cannot remain unharmed if you take this hit!"
He proclaims confidently.
But Seo Eun-hyun remains expressionless, standing still.
"...In my opinion, it might be more feasible to settle this with close combat rather than wasting energy."
"Ha! Quiet! Take this!"
Oh Hyun-seok throws a punch.
Kiiiiing!
Blue light explodes, creating a vortex.
The swirling ligh fly towards Seo Eun-hyun as if to engulf him.
But Seo Eun-hyun dodges again without direct confrontation, simply moving his feet.
But just when Seo Eun-hyun dodged.
Kugugugugu!
A vortex of light pours again towards the spot Seo Eun-hyun dodged to.
Seo Eun-hyun smiles with a hint of interest in his eyes.
"You've read my intent. Are you finally entering my world of vision?"
He dodges Oh Hyun-seok's attack once more.
'He dodgedagain.'
Oh Hyun-seok inhales deeply, looking at Seo Eun-hyun.
But this time, he isn't as dejected as before.
'Previously, he just leisurely evaded my attacks with his footwork.'
But today is different.
When Seo Eun-hyun dodged his last attack, there was no leisure.
In addition to his usual footwork, he had to hurriedly combine it with the Flying Escape Technique to dodge in a hurry.
A mountain so high it pierces the clouds and whose peak is invisible.
If that was Seo Eun-hyun until now.
For a moment, Oh Hyun-seok felt as if the clouds had briefly cleared, revealing the summit.
"Be on your guard, Seo Eun-hyun!"
Oh Hyun-seok shouts as if pleased.
"The day when you and I can truly spar isn't far off!"
Paaat!
In front of Oh Hyun-seok, who was shouting like that.
Seo Eun-hyun appears swiftly.
Seo Eun-hyun extends his hand with a faint smile.
Its slow and soft.
But somehow, Oh Hyun-seok feels it is impossible to dodge the hand.
And then.
Koong!
As Seo Eun-hyun's hand touches Oh Hyun-seok's body, Oh Hyun-seok spits blood and is knocked away.
'He's smiling for the first time in a long while.'
"...That's good. Please grow quickly."
Seo Eun-hyun says.
Oh Hyun-seok thinks to himself, watching Seo Eun-hyun return to his quarters.
'Did you only smile in anticipation of properly sparring someday, Seo Eun-hyun?'
A person who responds to everything indifferently.
Always training madly, as if endlessly busy, with an expressionless face and profound eyes.
Only when he truly fights,
Or when a worthy opponent appears, does he occasionally smile.
'Just how broken are you?'
Is that truly human?
Is that the life of a proper human being?
How broken must a person be to lose their smile except in battle?
Over the past 10 years.
Oh Hyun-seok, training and sparring by Seo Eun-hyun's side, felt this more and more clearly.
Yes.
Seo Eun-hyun is definitely broken!
'I don't know why you're so broken, but...'
Oh Hyun-seok clenches his fist.
'I'll train even harder to stand on equal ground, in order to ask you properly!
With a firm resolution, Oh Hyun-seok immediately recovers and goes to find Azure Tiger Saint.
"Master, I request to spar! Please instruct me!"
"Hahaha! You've got a good look in your eyes recently, Hyun-seok. Alright, shall we continue today?"
Oh Hyun-seok fully prepared himself to be beaten by Azure Tiger Saint, clenching his fist.
Let's become steel.'
To be beaten and to beat in return, to become even more hardened steel.
So that he can become a shield to protect that once junior from becoming more broken.
To become such an adult.
Thus, 5 years passed.
Paaaat!
As the spiritual energy of heaven and earth connected, Oh Hyun-seok completed the mid stage of the Supreme Palace Enclosure and entered the late stage of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure.
A stage where he himself becomes a priest connecting his body to the heavens, and the king of his own flesh as a nation.
Late stage of Core Formation.
Purple Forbidden Enclosure!
Oh Hyun-seok half-opens his eyes and stands up.
A lot has happened over the past 5 years.
Since reaching the mid Core Formation stage, Oh Hyun-seok traveled around Azure Cold Island, carrying out missions for the sect.
Seo Eun-hyun did the same, traveling here and there on missions. There were no missions that Oh Hyun-seok and Seo Eun-hyun undertook that ended in failure.
Recently, that guys been traveling all around Azure Cold Island collecting something
Over the past 5 years, while taking on the sect's missions, Seo Eun-hyun had been collecting certain materials.
Each of these materials are quite expensive, and it has become quite the topic of conversation throughout Azure Heaven Creation Sect.
Azure Tiger Saint appears to know why Seo Eun-hyun is doing so, but when Oh Hyun-seok asked, he always responded with Ask him yourself.
When Oh Hyun-seok directly asked Seo Eun-hyun, he never gave a straight answer, only mentioning he was making something to save a comrade.
Such a secretive guy
Despite being busy with training, hes learning and making something in the meantime?
Hes more versatile than I thought.
After pondering about Seo Eun-hyun for a moment, he got up and went to Azure Tiger Saint.
"Master, I've reached the stage of Purple Forbidden Enclosure."
"Hahaha, my disciples indeed! Both Eun-hyun and you always exceed my expectations! It hasn't even been 50 years since you reached Core Formation, and now you're already in the late stage..."
"Yes, it's all thanks to Masters grace."
"Nonsense, it's all thanks to your tireless efforts."
"Haha, the one who truly works tirelessly is Seo Eun-hyun."
Word for word.
Seo Eun-hyun trained as if possessed, not even speaking to Oh Hyun-seok.
Was it some kind of obsession? He always trained with an anxious face, constantly practicing.
As a result, he has now entered the peak of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure.
Soon, he might even advance to the stage of Grand Perfection.
"Well, Seo Eun-hyun is indeed a rare breed."
"Yes. Anyway, since I've reached the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, we should celebrate, shouldnt we?"
Oh Hyun-seok asks with a sly look, and Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily, standing up.
"Right! To celebrate, let's enjoy a spirited spar!"
And the two prepared themselves in the training ground.
Kugugugugu!
Azure Tiger Saint's mystical technique signaled the start of the battle.
As he moved, the entire training ground transformed into a forest, becoming a battlefield that emitted dense wood spiritual energy.
Simultaneously, Azure Tiger Saint vanished from sight.
However, Oh Hyun-seok was not flustered and used the Five Elements Enduring Origin Scripture to trace the flow of spiritual energy.
"There you are!"
Kwaang!
Oh Hyun-seok's punch strikes somewhere in the forest.
A corner of the forest flies off, revealing Azure Tiger Saint who chuckles.
"Hiding is no longer effective against you."
Ta-at!
The two muscular giants charge at each other.
Kwaang, Bang, Kwaang!
What follows is a relentless physical brawl!
Oh Hyun-seok and Azure Tiger Saint aim their fists at each other.
"Haha, now you're definitely at the level of the Nascent Soul stage!"
Space ripples where Oh Hyun-seok's fist passes.
Of course, where Azure Tiger Saint's fist passes, space and everything else is torn apart.
Kwaang, Bang, Kwaang!
Their fists collide repeatedly.
Each time, blood spurts from Oh Hyun-seok's arms, while Azure Tiger Saint's healing power flows, regenerating the battered Oh Hyun-seok.
At the same time, Oh Hyun-seok becomes tougher as he is beaten.
At a certain moment.
Woong!
Oh Hyun-seok's momentum changes.
Here I go.
Kwaang, Kwaang, Kwaang!
Explosions echoe in all directions.
When Oh Hyun-seok's fist hits Azure Tiger Saint, the ground behind him collapses under the impact.
Even without a direct hit, the aftermath alone drastically alters the landscape.
Chachak, Chachak, Chachachak!
Continuously being hit by Azure Tiger Saint's attacks and having flesh torn away, Oh Hyun-seok steps forward, looking at Azure Tiger Saint.
An even fiercer storm of punches envelops Oh Hyun-seok.
But he steps forward again.
One step, second step, third step
And eventually.
Oh Hyun-seok, amidst the storm of punches, can see something flickering before his eyes.
Now, I can see it clearly.
Red lines.
Following these lines indicate where the opponent will strike.
Paaat!
After dodging Azure Tiger Saint's fist,
Oh Hyun-seok clenches his own as hard as he can.
Blue lines.
Following these lines allows him to attack the opponent with the maximum power he can muster.
Until now, these lines were only fleetingly visible.
But at this moment!
Oh Hyun-seok can finally see the lines he wants, when he wants.
Wooong!
"Third Wing."
Three pairs of wings unfold behind Oh Hyun-seok.
Oh Hyun-seok concentrates all his energy into his arm and launches at Azure Tiger Saint, following the blue line.
Azure Tiger Saint's eyes glow with fighting spirit as he thrusts his own bare fist directly at Oh Hyun-seok's punch.
Kwaaaaang!
A thunderous noise erupts, turning the world upside down.
Blue brilliance swallows the land.
After a while,
When the light subsides.
Shuuuuu...
"Amazing. Setting aside the fact that you've unfolded Third Wing, how is the power of Third Wing equivalent to the late Nascent Soul stage?"
"It just happened like that."
Oh Hyun-seok chuckles in response.
Suddenly, Azure Tiger Saint launches a fist towards Oh Hyun-seok.
Paaat!
Oh Hyun-seok dodges Azure Tiger Saint's fist with minimal movement, similar to how Seo Eun-hyun had effortlessly dodged his attacks until now.
Seeing this, Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily.
"You've entered it too, that vision!"
"Embarrassingly, I've only just managed to enter."
"Hahahaha! What are you talking about? It took me 80 years just to properly see intent, and you've reached that stage in less than 50 years. You have talent for martial arts after all. Having reached the vision of a peak martial artist, you'll definitely see the third color in a few decades."
The Azure Tiger Saint laughs heartily, crossing his arms.
"It took me 80 years to enter the world of intent, and another 60 years to barely see the third color, but it seems you also have talent in this area. Having such outstanding disciples makes me beam with pride!"
"You flatter me. But, Master."
Oh Hyun-seok looks at Azure Tiger Saint with serious eyes.
"With the realm I've achieved, do you think I can defeat Seo Eun-hyun in your opinion, Master?
"Hmm..."
To that, Azure Tiger Saint ponders before responding.
"You will definitely lose. However, if you continue to diligently progress, it's certainly possible. Eun-hyun's growth seems to have slowed down recently, but your growth rate is still steadily increasing, is it not?"
"Is that so."
'Definitely lose. That means the gap between him and me is that significant.'
However, Oh Hyun-seok grins.
'Master said, "definitely lose."'
Until now, when asked about the gap between him and Seo Eun-hyun, he wasn't given such a clear outcome.
He was just told to continue diligently progressing.
In other words, until now, a fight between him and Seo Eun-hyun wasn't even considered feasible.
'But now, at least it means a spar is possible!'
Which means,
'I can somewhat stand up to him.'
Oh Hyun-seok's face is filled with competitive spirit as he thinks of Seo Eun-hyun.
'The time is soon!'
Kuong!
Once again, Seo Eun-hyun and Oh Hyun-seok face each other.
'His surroundings are...'
Completely red.
And without any gaps
Reading Seo Eun-hyun's intent, Oh Hyun-seok finally understood why Azure Tiger Saint declared his certain defeat.
Hundreds, thousands, millions perhaps?
Countless red threads envelop Oh Hyun-seok.
'And each one is a lethal blow.'
Getting hit by even one means death.
When his realm was too low, he couldn't comprehend how formidable Seo Eun-hyun was.
But as his realm improved, he finally understood.
'So, aspiring to defeat him from the start was arrogance.'
Let it go.
Abandon the thought of defeating him and humbly accept defeat.
Then.
'I'll learn what I can from him!'
Taatt!
Oh Hyun-seok and Seo Eun-hyun.
The two clash once again.
Oh Hyun-seok rolls his feet, seizing the surrounding Five Elements.
The terrain around him changes constantly, providing a battlefield suited for Oh Hyun-seok.
Kugugugu!
Oh Hyun-seok charges at Seo Eun-hyun like a storm, throwing his punches.
Jjeong, Jjeong, Jjeoreong!
Oh Hyun-seok's strike tears through the ground, altering the terrain.
He's avoiding everything.'
However, Oh Hyun-seok never manages to hit Seo Eun-hyun even once.
The blue lines are ineffective against Seo Eun-hyun.
Every blue line is nullified and blocked by Seo Eun-hyun's red lines
But
Wo-woong, wo-woong, Bo-oong!
Oh Hyun-seok further accelerates his speed.
Along with the speed of his body, the Flying Escape Technique overlaps with his movements, making Oh Hyun-seok seem like a beam of light as he chases after Seo Eun-hyun, throwing punches.
His speed reaches that of a Nascent Soul cultivator's Flying Escape Technique!
'How about that! Do you think you can avoid this too!?'
No matter how much one blocks the opponent's attacks with intent, it's useless if the body cannot keep up.
Sure enough, as Oh Hyun-seok increases his speed, Seo Eun-hyun, who had been avoiding the attacks with ease, begins to narrowly dodge Oh Hyun-seok's strikes.
It's working.
Oh Hyun-seok smiles broadly.
Previously, a match with Seo Eun-hyun would have been decided in at most 10 seconds.
But what about now!
Although he hasn't properly landed an attack, Seo Eun-hyun also couldn't fully exploit his openings, creating some semblance of a match!
They are actually having a fight!
Seo Eun-hyun, who has been dodging Oh Hyun-seok's attacks, smiles faintly.
"Youve grown remarkably. Now then"
At the same time, a bright light emanates from Seo Eun-hyun's body.
"Ill get a bit more serious."
Flash!
Over Seo Eun-hyun's movements, the gleam of the Flying Escape Technique is layered.
Along with that, Seo Eun-hyun's speed surges tremendously.
What!
In the next moment.
Seo Eun-hyun's hand pinpoints various vital points throughout Oh Hyun-seok's body.
Kurung!
Sharp energy burrows into Oh Hyun-seok's vital points, disrupting the flow of Qi within his body.
"Kughk!"
And, its over.
Oh Hyun-seok lets out a hollow laugh.
So up until now, he's been avoiding all my attacks just with his physical speed, direction of intent, and a bit of footwork, without even using the Flying Escape Technique.
He is overwhelmingly powerful.
Yet, Oh Hyun-seok grins.
'I made him use the Flying Escape Technique with my power.'
He laughs, not disheartened, and thinks.
'Next time, what else can I make you draw out?'
"Now, its my victory"
Crack, crackle!
In a state where his vital points were targeted, Oh Hyun-seok forcibly moves his body.
The energy Seo Eun-hyun infused stimulated his vital points, hindering Oh Hyun-seok's movements. Oh Hyun-seoks forceful move caused blood to spurt, though the wounds healed almost instantly.
"If you can take even this, I'll admit your win today!"
Chalak!
Three pairs of wings sprout from Oh Hyun-seok's back.
And before Seo Eun-hyun can react.
Oh Hyun-seok throws a punch.
Kugugugu!
Its qualitatively different from before.
A tremendous storm of fist force!
Both the force and speed are on a different level.
Perhaps, can you avoid this too!?
It's unavoidable!
This time, for sure!
In the next moment.
Seo Eun-hyun, covered in the Flying Escape Technique, explodes the energy in his body and simultaneously wraps himself in an energy as sharp as a sword.
Flash!
Seo Eun-hyun turns into light for an instant, flying through the sky.
Oh Hyun-seok watches, laughing.
This time, you had no leisure?
He somehow felt it.
That strike just now, Seo Eun-hyun had to exert considerable effort to avoid it.
Perhaps, he avoided it with all his might.
But the Azure Wing Heavenly Shatter can strike twice.
Kwagwagwang!
Oh Hyun-seok's next punch connects towards Seo Eun-hyun.
For the first time.
For the very first time, Seo Eun-hyun extends his hand in the air to meet it.
Shukang!
And Oh Hyun-seok's punch is cut.
That is the end.
Something sharp, without a sound, sliced apart his strike.
He couldnt even perceive it.
Just like that, it was over.
"Ha, hahaha!"
Oh Hyun-seok laughs joyfully.
'It's enjoyable.'
Enjoyable!
Initially, he aimed to become strong to have an equal conversation with the broken Seo Eun-hyun.
But, at some point.
He enjoyed the process itself of becoming stronger, moving his body, and the very act of sparring with Seo Eun-hyun.
And with all the things he enjoyed doing up until now.
Finally, for the first time, Seo Eun-hyun could not avoid his attack and was forced to counter.
"Yes, I lost."
Oh Hyun-seok smiles brightly.
"But next time, I hope you and I can properly exchange blows."
Seo Eun-hyun looks at him for a moment and then smiles bitterly.
"...I look forward to it."
Azure Tiger Saint approaches them laughing.
"Now, since both of you have grown to a usable level, I think it's time to assign a new mission."
Oh Hyun-seok and Seo Eun-hyun look at Azure Tiger Saint.
"There are two missions for you. You can take whichever you prefer. Recently, the Mad Lord Jo Yeon has been slaughtering various races and turning them into living puppets. Because of that, the Heaven Tribes Grand Alliance has intensified the bounty on the Mad Lord."
At Azure Tiger Saints words, Seo Eun-hyun frowns and asks.
"...Grand Cultivators at the Integration stage should be able to capture the Mad Lord. Why aren't they taking action?"
"Well... I don't know the reason either. However, the Grand Cultivators are currently all gathered in the vicinity of our Human Territory, searching for something. Hence, there seems to be a shortage of people to confront the Mad Lord."
"..."
"Therefore, the Heaven Tribes Grand Alliance has issued a mission. It involves surveilling the Mad Lord near his Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress, gathering information about him."
Oh Hyun-seok asks Azure Tiger Saint.
"You said there are two missions, what's the other one?"
"The other one is related to the True Devil Realm. There's a devil that crossed over from the True Devil Realm to the Bright Cold Realm, and the mission is to capture it."
"Should we each take on these missions?"
To Oh Hyun-seok's question, Azure Tiger Saint shakes his head.
"No, both missions are extremely dangerous, so both of you will have to go together. In addition to you two, three disciples of the First-Cloud and ten disciples of the Second-Cloud will join. I asked because I wanted to know where you two would like to go together."
"Hmm..."
As Oh Hyun-seok ponders, Azure Tiger Saint furrows his brows.
"Honestly speaking, as your master, I hope you don't take on the mission related to the Mad Lord. It doesn't make sense to gather information by scouting that madman. Besides, it's too dangerous. Of course, I respect your choice, but personally, I hope you take on the mission related to the True Devil Realm."
At his words, Oh Hyun-seok looks at Seo Eun-hyun.
"Master said so, so I plan to follow his advice. What about you?"
Seo Eun-hyun meets Oh Hyun-seok's eyes.
...!
Oh Hyun-seok flinches.
'Emotion'.
For the first time in a long while, 'emotion' is visible in Seo Eun-hyun's eyes.
"I... would like to go to the Mad Lord."
At that, Azure Tiger Saint's eyebrows twitch.
"Why?"
"Because my colleague is under the Mad Lord."
"Ah, that was indeed the case."
At Seo Eun-hyun's words, Oh Hyun-seok shivers.
'That's right, Team Leader Kim was there.'
He heard stories about the Mad Lord.
The most dangerous lunatic in the world.
After hearing the stories about Kim Yeon being captured by that madman, what has that guy done until now?
'Thats right. So he was worried about Team Leader Kim being under such a person.
For the first time in a long while, Oh Hyun-seok sees a human side in Seo Eun-hyun.
At the same time, he looks at Azure Tiger Saint with firm resolve.
"As Master knows, Seo Eun-hyun and I are from the same hometown. She who is captured by the Mad Lord is also my colleague, so I will go as well!"
"...Haaaah."
Azure Tiger Saint lets out a soft sigh.
"Alright, I respect your choice."
Thus, with twisted fate, Oh Hyun-seok, who was originally supposed to undertake the mission to capture the devil from the True Devil Realm, ended up joining the expedition to spy on the Mad Lords Wonderfully Mysterious Fortress.
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