The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

If an ordinary person had witnessed it…

No, even if a skilled martial artist who had polished their craft to reach new heights had seen it, they would have been unable to comprehend it.

Gal Dong-tak’s Aura Qi was clearly at the pinnacle of mastery.

His twin axes spun like a dance in both hands, an otherwise unimpressive technique that, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t stand out.

A truly exceptional martial artist could conceal their body behind the swing of a single blade.

Likewise, they could strike their opponent’s body amidst dazzling blade movements.

However, Gal Dong-tak utilized his divinely gifted physique and immense, overwhelming Aura Qi.

With those, he transformed what would otherwise seem like the tricks of a street performer into a powerful martial form.

How did Yi-gang break through such an impenetrable, iron-clad defense, through which not even a single raindrop could pass?

That was why the ten Absolute masters gathered here could clearly see Yi-gang’s movements.

An opening as fleeting as an instant.

Through it, Yi-gang thrust his sword.

It was his blade that entered before his body did.

Naturally, the Exploding Whirlwind couldn’t simply stop just because of that.

It was certain that either the sword would break or Yi-gang’s hand would be torn apart.

But Yi-gang’s sword did not resist the fierce rotational force.

A blue Sword Aura formed on Yi-gang’s sword.

That electrifying and flickering Sword Aura was formless yet tangible, intertwining with Gal Dong-tak’s white Aura Qi as if magnetized.

Then Yi-gang used Gal Dong-tak’s rotational force to propel himself upward.

Such a feat could not occur merely from the intertwining of two sets of Aura Qi.

Yi-gang had utilized the suction technique in that brief opening.

Leaping onto the axes, the blades never touched his body.

By deploying the secret art of light footwork, his movements were as light as a feather.

Effortlessly, Yi-gang dove into Gal Dong-tak’s defenses.

In truth, if Gal Dong-tak hadn’t been in the midst of using Exploding Whirlwind, he wouldn’t have been so easily overcome.

Yi-gang sensed intuitively that Gal Dong-tak’s skill level wasn’t far from Hwa Mu-cheon, the Divine Sword of Mount Hua.

However, Exploding Whirlwind was far too elaborate to stop abruptly mid-execution.

Slash—

Yi-gang slashed Gal Dong-tak’s right hand and slipped away.

“Aaargh!”

Gal Dong-tak, now at a standstill, inevitably dropped one of his axes.

Yi-gang’s expression as he glanced back was peculiar.

“Your skin is remarkably tough.”

Although he had restrained the Qi on his sword, the damage was so minimal it barely scratched the surface.

Had the wound been any shallower, he wouldn’t have dropped the axe. Instead, he would have charged forward like a wild boar.

“I-I might have….”

Gal Dong-tak gripped the axe in his left hand with his injured right hand.

It was a sufficiently massive weapon to wield with both hands.

And as with most axes, it was far more effective when swung with two hands rather than one.

“… Sturdyyyyy!”

Even the gentlest of beasts became ferocious upon seeing their own blood.

Gal Dong-tak swung his axe wildly, like a madman.

Bang! Crash!

Each time the Shooting Star Fang collided with the axe, a thunderous sound echoed.

The axe blade began to wear down under the sharpness of the meteorite sword, but what did it matter? One solid hit from the axe could easily cleave a human body in two.

“Tsk.”

Yi-gang clicked his tongue, his face contorted into a grimace.

The physical difference between them was vast.

Though Yi-gang wasn’t short, his slender body made it difficult to match strength with such a robust opponent.

Wasn’t this a level of force that rivaled Yi-gang’s own, who had almost mastered the secret art of physical power?

“Uwaaaah!”

Moreover, he could now understand why Gal Sa-hyeok had confidently sent his child into this battle.

From the moment he unleashed his Qi with both hands, it was clear that Gal Dong-tak’s movements were sharp, contrary to his dull appearance.

When injured and agitated, it’s natural for movements to become simplistic and overly forceful.

However, the more agitated Gal Dong-tak became, the stronger his movements grew.

It could be seen as a talent opposite to Yi-gang’s own.

Gal Dong-tak’s hand holding the axe shot forward like lightning.

Just as he had grabbed Jun Myeong’s wrist earlier, he attempted to seize Yi-gang’s hand, but all he could grab was the hem of Yi-gang’s garment.

Yet Gal Dong-tak laughed.

Even Gal Sa-hyeok, watching, spat as he cheered.

“Good! Well done!”

Even with just a fistful of fabric, Gal Dong-tak possessed the brute grip strength to throw someone.

He swung Yi-gang by the hem of his clothes.

Yi-gang’s body soared into the air with immense force.

Dangling upside down in midair, Yi-gang thought to himself, ‘As expected, this won’t be simple.’

Unable to allow himself to be slammed into the ground, Yi-gang twisted Gal Dong-tak’s middle finger midair.

Crack!

“Grrrk!”

It was almost admirable how Gal Dong-tak, despite the pain, still tried to slam Yi-gang down.

However, the deafening sound that Gal Dong-tak and his father anticipated did not resonate.

Yi-gang landed lightly, as if a feather had descended.

Having trained under Zhang Sanfeng and the Sword Emperor, it was impossible for Yi-gang not to understand the principle of softness overcoming hardness.

And then, the sword gleamed.

Slash—

The wooden axe handle was effortlessly sliced apart.

Several more flashes of sword light followed.

Papapak—

Blood sprayed from Gal Dong-tak’s entire body.

However, none of his critical acupoints were struck, and only his skin was slightly cut, revealing that he had mastered some form of external martial arts.

Yi-gang floated his sword in the air.

The blade hovered without touching the ground.

Even the Absolute masters observing were astonished, murmuring in awe, “Telekinetic Sword Technique…!”

Instead of clenching his fist, Yi-gang spread his palm and struck Gal Dong-tak’s abdomen.

Thump—!

It was the Azure Forest’s palm technique.

Specifically, it was the Dragon Tree Palm, naturally imbued with explosive force.

Even a strike capable of felling an ox in one blow did not bring Gal Dong-tak down.

“Huh.”

He flashed a smile as rugged as a mountain bandit’s, then moved to embrace Yi-gang, resembling a bear rising on its hind legs.

If he got caught, it would be dangerous.

Judging this, Yi-gang clenched his fist.

“This is something I’ve never used before…”

If his physical body could resist even explosive Qi, then it might be acceptable to employ a method slightly beyond the scope of martial arts.

Turning his body to the right, Yi-gang drove his fist into Gal Dong-tak’s exposed flank.

Thud!

Though swift, it seemed far from enough to topple Gal Dong-tak’s massive frame.

Yet—

“Guhh!”

The seemingly invincible Gal Dong-tak suddenly bent over.

Yi-gang struck again, landing another punch.

The flank. The solar plexus.

Stepping onto the bent knee of Gal Dong-tak, Yi-gang leapt upward and delivered successive blows to his face.

Pababak!

With each hit, Gal Dong-tak’s enormous body staggered backward.

Yi-gang’s strength hadn’t suddenly increased.

Only the sharpest-eyed among the Absolute masters noticed the faint blue sparks flickering on Yi-gang’s hands.

Gal Dong-tak made one final desperate attempt.

He swung his hand widely, like a tiger trying to snatch a hawk mid-flight.

This time, Yi-gang’s figure shone with a dazzling blue light.

The Heavenly Thunder Bell—

Once he had fully mastered its use, Yi-gang could infuse his hands with electrical energy.

And now, with his mastery of Radiant Shadowless Art, it was as if Yi-gang wasn’t human, glimmering as he moved around the round table.

He struck Gal Dong-tak’s body countless times.

His speed was incredibly fast.

The Absolute masters in the room strained their eyes to capture the fascinating scene, not wanting to miss a moment.

It was only when even their experienced eyes began to tire that the one-sided beating came to a stop.

“Hoo.”

Both Yi-gang and Gal Dong-tak stood in their places.

However, the difference was clear: Yi-gang remained unscathed, save for a torn hem, while Gal Dong-tak’s eyes had rolled back into his head.

Finally, Gal Dong-tak’s massive frame wavered and collapsed.

Boom!

Leaving Gal Dong-tak sprawled on the ground, Yi-gang stepped down from the round table.

Standing beside his father, Yi-gang could see Gal Sa-hyeok’s face across the round table.

“Grrk!”

Gal Sa-hyeok glared at Yi-gang, his face flushed red with anger.

Yi-gang realized that the Green Forest Tyrant King now harbored a grudge against him.

“Well done.”

At that moment, Baek Ryu-san pulled his chair forward, placing himself between Yi-gang and Gal Sa-hyeok.

Then he added quietly, “You were outstanding.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Yi-gang had no reason to fear the Green Forest Leader here.

First, Yi-gang demonstrated his skills before the successors of Mount Song.

Then, he showcased them once more before the greatest masters of the martial world.

Reflecting on it, it was clear that the one who first proposed the duel with his child was none other than Gal Sa-hyeok, the Green Forest Tyrant King.

However, as Yi-gang recalled the earlier conversation in detail, it seemed likely that the Divine Monk had egged Gal Sa-hyeok on.

Come to think of it, even Baek Ryu-san had chimed in to agree.

‘Should I consider this as fulfilling my filial duty?’

Yi-gang chuckled unconsciously at the thought.

Seeing that smile, Gal Sa-hyeok’s expression hardened once again, but Yi-gang didn’t care.

The public demonstration of Yi-gang’s skills seemed to have pleased both the Divine Monk and Baek Ryu-san.

Aside from Gal Sa-hyeok, the other Absolute masters spared no praise for Yi-gang.

Even the Unorthodox Union Leader began looking at Yi-gang more favorably.

And it made sense. The unorthodox sects revered strength more intensely than the orthodox sects did.

Moreover, Yi-gang, as an orthodox martial artist, refrained from exuding arrogance or pretension. Instead, he had thoroughly and practically subdued Gal Dong-tak.

However, not everything was positive.

It was when Baek Ryu-san spoke in a firm tone, “We must cease these conflicts. Now that the Evil Cult has emerged as an undeniable threat to the martial world, and the Demon Cult has declared its intent to invade, there is no reason to spill more meaningless blood.”

While the official reason for convening the meeting was the Divine Monk’s retirement, the true purpose of the talks was to halt the conflict between the orthodox and unorthodox sects.

The Unorthodox Union Leader, who could be considered the central figure of the unorthodox factions, remained silent for reasons unknown.

However, others were different.

“Meaningless blood, you say. Did you also think the blood of our Green Forest comrades was meaningless when you drove them into the Red Dragon Corps?” Gal Sa-hyeok retorted, his expression deeply agitated.

“Are you referring to the Black Light Fort?”

“Yes! They are one of the proud 36 forts of ours. But what did you do? You trampled over our comrades, who were resting and feasting, with your cavalry!” Gal Sa-hyeok growled as if trembling with rage.

If he was sincere, it was a sign of deep fury. Even if it was feigned, the intensity was remarkable.

Baek Ryu-san, who had responded calmly until now, clicked his tongue in disbelief.

“They were plundering innocent villagers and using the spoils to throw drinking parties!”

“That’s just your side of the story!”

Gal Sa-hyeok’s shamelessness was astounding.

Of course, disputes between the orthodox and unorthodox sects were rarely purely righteous on one side.

Even the sects affiliated with the Murim Alliance weren’t always virtuous, and those in the Unorthodox Union weren’t inherently evil.

However, banditry could hardly be considered honorable.

“And now a truce? I cannot accept it! If you want the fighting to stop, bring compensation along with the head of the Red Dragon Corps Commander!”

“…”

Baek Ryu-san finally displayed a cold fury.

It seemed as though a sword fight might break out at any moment, but Gal Sa-hyeok didn’t back down either.

Yi-gang turned his gaze away from the two and looked at others in the room.

He noticed the Crimson Moon Demoness watching with interest, while the Unorthodox Union Leader yawned in boredom.

If they shared Gal Sa-hyeok’s sentiments, they would have voiced their support. Conversely, if they opposed him, they would have stepped in by now.

Since neither happened, it was clear they were merely letting Gal Sa-hyeok wreak havoc on their behalf.

Under the tacit approval, Gal Sa-hyeok raised his voice even further.

“Sure, let’s say the Demon Cult is a threat. But the danger of the Evil Cult is grossly exaggerated. Weren’t those dusty relics of the past only a problem for a few sects of your orthodox faction?”

Though not entirely true, it wasn’t entirely false either.

The hardships caused by the Evil Cult had indeed been borne primarily by the orthodox sects.

“Come up with a more convincing excuse!”

As if waiting for that, the Divine Monk interjected, “So you claim the Evil Cult poses no significant threat?”

“…That’s how I see it!”

Gal Sa-hyeok, who usually couldn’t raise his voice against the Divine Monk, now spoke as though daring him to offer a rebuttal.

The Divine Monk, seemingly uninterested in a fight, muttered a single remark, “I don’t think that’s the case.”

“Bah, spit. If you’ve got nothing to say…”

At that moment, someone who had remained silent until now spoke up, “The Evil Cult is dangerous. If those bastards set their minds to it, half the people here would be as good as dead.”

It was an old man with a dark, sallow face.

The ornate clothing and accessories felt oddly familiar to Yi-gang, and there was only one reason for it.

“You must be the Five Poisons Demon Lord. What could someone from Yunnan possibly know?”

“I’d know better than some bandit. Hehe.”

“…Hah, do you want to die?”

“Do I want to die? From where I stand, it looks like you’re the one who’s walked into a death trap.”

“What?”

“The Evil Cult, me—either one of us could kill half the people here in an instant.”

The atmosphere grew tense.

The Five Poisons Divine Lord gestured with his chin to a young blue-faced man standing behind him.

The young man lifted a bamboo basket from the floor and placed it on the round table.

“Oh, this is getting interesting.”

The Divine Monk rubbed his hands together and leaned forward.

“Hey, bandit, ever seen anything like this?”

The bamboo basket was covered with silk cloth.

The Five Poisons Divine Lord, standing at the edge of the round table, flicked his bejeweled fingers.

With a crack, the bamboo basket shattered, and its contents rolled onto the table.

“Take a good look up close.”

Dark, fist-sized orbs rolled across the round table.

Since the objects were brought by the poison practitioner of Five Poisons Valley, the Absolute masters cautiously observed the orbs, wary of potential toxins.

As Yi-gang gazed at the black metal spheres, his pupils dilated significantly.

Time seemed to flow in slow motion.

The smooth metal orbs, with no visible seams, resembled mere toys.

However, Yi-gang’s keen ears picked up a distinct sound.

Sssssss—

It was the sound of a fuse connected to a detonator filled with explosive powder.

And the unmistakable sound of ignition.

The sound preceding a massive explosion.

“Heaven-Shattering Thunder!” shouted Yi-gang as he instinctively leapt into the air.

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