713 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Best Under Heaven's Childhood Friend Chapter 713 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Crack-! The friction arises, and aura fragments scatter. The shattering of the crystallized aura looked like shards dispersing in all directions. Screeeeech-!! As the protective aura collided with another, a harsh noise reverberated. Neither side was willing to yield, their energies fierce and relentless, yet paradoxically, delicate. Boom-! Boom boom-! Despite the explosion of a vast amount of energy, not a single bit was wasted. Every rhythm had a purpose. Though seemingly discarded lightly, each carried its intent. Swish-! The sword’s tip sliced through the opponent's aura. A golden flash erupted, dazzling the surroundings for a moment. His vision was obscured. Immediately, Yuyeon spun his body. Whoosh-! Even with his vision blocked, his instincts were sharp. His sword narrowly grazed a shoulder. Taking advantage of the momentum, he instantly swung his fist. Boom-! Pressure concentrated on the danjeon*. He shallowly weakened the aura, converting its power into a fist. Hundred-Pace Divine Fist. The ultimate technique of the Shaolin cast out into the air. BOOM-! “!” It was close. Too late to dodge. Wi Seol Ah furrowed her golden brows and gripped her handle differently. She couldn’t evade, nor could she block it directly. She had to deflect it. Wi Seol Ah also retracted the aura surrounding her body, focusing it deeply into her sword. SCREEEEEEEEECH---!!! The Hundred-Pace Divine Fist slightly glanced off her sword, shooting into the sky. THUD! The rising wave seemed as though it might pierce the heavens. Despite the overwhelming spectacle, the audience's attention was entirely captivated. Meanwhile, the two on stage seamlessly continued their bout. Both had already rewrapped themselves in their protective auras. Again, flashes started erupting one after another. Bang-! Bang bang-! Bang-! For those untrained in martial arts, only indistinct afterimages and booming sounds remained. Though the fight was barely discernible, even to the untrained eyes, there was a clear understanding. The duel between these two was of an extraordinary caliber. “What an unbelievable spectacle.” “I can barely see anything.” “…How is this even happening…?” The martial artists reacted close to disbelief. Barely in their youth within the core martial prowess, yet the level of this spar was unfathomable. A battle of such monumental merit, usually unseen unless between grandmasters of renown. “Realizing such things from kids’ skirmishes.” A somewhat absurd situation. While the martial artists were bewildered, "Contact the merchants immediately..." "We must recruit the successor of the Sword Sovereign." The news about Wi Seol Ah, the grandchild and heir of the Sword Sovereign, who was currently unaffiliated in the martial world, began to spread rapidly. Initially dismissed as a mere disciple level due to her status as the granddaughter, those assumptions were swiftly being reconsidered. This was not a matter of mere standing. Perhaps... “The return of the Sword Sovereign…” The storm-like presence of the Swift Sword, who once dominated an era — was it possible that her strength resurfaced? Naturally, everyone's gaze was drawn to the possibility. Of course, "Fuu..." "..." The two in battle were indifferent to such concerns. Ssss-! Finishing a heated brawl, the two briefly created distance between them. Heat filled the air as debris from the spar flitted about, cloaking the surroundings in dust. His shoulders heaved up and down. An immense flurry of actions had passed in an instant, causing his breath to become ragged. “Huff… huff…” He steadied his breath by focusing his aura. Simultaneously, Wi Seol Ah frowned slightly as she gazed at her opponent. Divine Dragon Yuyeon. The youth known as the hope of Shaolin, was himself gazing back at Wi Seol Ah. Witnessing this, she let out a shallow sigh. 'I'm falling behind.' She was being overpowered. This was an objective assessment. Wi Seol Ah gradually felt herself tiring. Her sword felt slightly heavier, sweat drenching her hair. Her throat was parched from exertion almost to the point of irritation. Right after every strike, the drain on her stamina had been significant, yet, Yuyeon was holding up relatively better. His breath was disturbed but not greatly so. He seemed like a serene lake to her. Seeing this, she inspected her sword. Uuuuuuuuuum. The sword’s hum reverberated. Yet something odd was sensed within the tremors. The forceful deflection of the Hundred-Pace Divine Fist had taken a toll. It was not an internal injury, but surely a strain. ‘...’ Her hand tingled with a lingering sensation. Yet she showed no sign of it. Wi Seol Ah lifted her head to gaze back at Yuyeon. It finally sunk in. 'Strong.' The opponent was powerful. Much stronger than she had anticipated. It felt like facing an insurmountable wall. Perhaps a wall that wouldn't be cut down even after dozens of attempts. But still, 'So what?' Her expression remained unchanged from the start. Nothing changes because of it. If dozens don’t do it, strike a hundred times. And if that doesn’t work, keep striking until it happens. That was her thought from the beginning. Uuuuuuuuum---!! The hum of the sword emerged in an intensified wave. Perhaps it was an unwinnable fight. Even so, it didn’t matter. 'Just a bit more.' Wi Seol Ah’s eyes began to glaze over. An unknown sensation. The power she had centered started to unravel little by little. The sword’s hum deepened. Yuyeon noticed, his expression subtly furrowed. ‘What?’ Despite sensing his superiority. Something odd pervaded the air. Even while having the upper hand, it felt like he wasn’t winning. What should this strange feeling be called? He couldn’t grasp it. His frustration mounted, he clenched his fist. If it’s unknown, then now is the time to discover it. With those thoughts, they both resumed movement. Once more, the shockwaves erupted on the stage. Boom-! Rumble-! Thunderous sounds akin to thunder crashing ensued. It was more intense and swift than before. Yuyeon aligned himself with the flow of aura. His increase in speed was not of his own accord. '...She heightened the pace.' Wi Seol Ah was driving up the intensity, and Yuyeon was matching her pace. 'How so?' Her exhausted body was nearing its limit, so why push beyond? As he evaded the sword's trajectory, pondering these questions, Swish-! --- *Danjeon: In martial arts terminology, refers to an energy center within the body often associated with balance and power. "...!" Feeling a sudden sensation from behind, Yuyeon launched himself off the ground. Then, Swish--!! A sword flashed past his previous position. Yuyeon's eyes widened in shock. It wasn't just any sword. An ethereal sword. To be more precise, it was something in the form of an ethereal sword. A golden energy gliding through the air. What is that? Though Yuyeon was momentarily taken aback, Swish-! "...Kuh!" To his astonishment, it wasn't just one sword. Two more appeared. A total of three ethereal swords thrust toward Yuyeon. Unfortunately, he was mid-air. It meant a position difficult to escape from. Realizing this, Yuyeon extended his hand. Hundred-Pace Divine Fist. He unleashed it into the air, propelling himself backward. Boom-! He narrowly avoided the ethereal swords and landed on the ground. Yet the ethereal swords relentlessly pursued him. Trailing golden streaks, the ethereal swords continually followed. One observer whispered quietly, "...Moonlit Dance of Ethereal Swords!" "To think it's truly the Sword Sovereign's technique...!" The Moonlit Dance of Ethereal Swords. A martial art built upon the Sword Sovereign's profound skill, the Intent of the Moon. Characterized by its beautiful sword paths, the Moonlit Dance of Swords, combined with the numerous ethereal swords wielded, was central to the identity of the Sword Sovereign. This was the very art Wi Seol Ah was now displaying. The Sword Sovereign in his prime was said to command forty ethereal swords. Wi Seol Ah, however, showcased merely three. Yet witnessing even that roused excitement among the onlookers. "Indeed, she is the successor of the Sword Sovereign." "...To push the Divine Dragon to such a degree. Could she possibly be at the Flower-like stage as well?" "If not the Flower-like stage, what else could it be? This level is not something just any peak martial artist can display." "That she could reach such a stage at her age...! What's with this generation...!!" Swoosh-! The nimble ethereal swords attacked. Dodging them deftly, Yuyeon shifted his gaze. Wi Seol Ah, with a slightly furrowed brow, was expertly orchestrating the swords with her hand. Observing this, Yuyeon pondered. 'She can't move while controlling the ethereal swords, can she?' A conclusion dawned upon him. Once more, he kicked off the ground. There wasn't much time to deliberate. This time, he charged directly forward rather than staying airborne. Wrapping his legs tightly with energy, he lunged at Wi Seol Ah. Swoosh-! Two swords followed from behind and one approached from the front. Seeing this, Yuyeon reached out. Grip-! He seized the sword coming at him from the front. Shred-! Though his palm tore through the energy, Yuyeon ignored the pain. Crack-! Firmly grasping and crushing the ethereal sword, he pressed on. His speed was such that the ethereal swords trailing him couldn't catch up. In a flash, Yuyeon was right before Wi Seol Ah. At that moment. Swish. "...!?" As if anticipating him, Wi Seol Ah moved her sword. He expanded his senses to check. The ethereal swords were still coming. Only then did he realize. 'A feint...!' A distraction intended to draw him close from the beginning. Yuyeon realized this too late. Shred-! "Kuh!" Wi Seol Ah's sword sliced Yuyeon's torso. Blood sprayed. He quickly stepped back to distance himself. Drip-! Drip-! Blood streamed down his chest. Yuyeon furrowed his brows in pain. Thankfully, the cut wasn't deep. "Huff...!" He wrapped his body with aura to stanch the bleeding. Seeing his wounded state, the judge approached, eyes wide. Yuyeon calmly spoke upon noticing him. "...I can continue. I'm fine." "..." Hearing this, the judge stepped back. Hum. The ethereal swords floated gracefully in the air, circling around Wi Seol Ah. Between the two swords, energy gathered, forming yet another sword. The ethereal sword that Yuyeon had previously shattered reappeared. '...This is tough.' The pace had quickened, and the appearance of the ethereal swords made approaching more difficult. Had she been holding back? Yuyeon glanced at Wi Seol Ah with weary eyes. '...What is it?' Then he sensed something peculiar. Her eyes appeared subtly glazed over. 'No way.' Yuyeon realized the state Wi Seol Ah was in. A state of divine selflessness. It meant the martial artist had entered a realm of insight. And she seemed to have reached this state. 'Did she attain enlightenment during the fight?' It was preposterous. How could she reach an epiphany amid such a battle? 'If mishandled in this state, she'd risk a dangerous internal collapse.' Even if precarious, seizing an insight during a duel was deemed necessary. Despite knowing that, she was willing to take the risk. '...Does she think I'll just wait for her?' Did she think Yuyeon would concede? Was that her plan? No, Yuyeon didn't believe that was it. To her, it simply didn’t matter. Reaching a state of divine selflessness, regardless of the fight's outcome. "...." He didn't think he was being underestimated, yet he wasn't entirely pleased either. Blood no longer flowed. Facing the dazed Wi Seol Ah, Yuyeon adjusted his stance. "Ssss...." He regulated his breath, exuding different energy. Shaolin’s profound technique, Bone-Altering Sutra, rapidly circulated his energy. A yellow haze began to form around Yuyeon's body. Overwhelming power surrounded Yuyeon, resembling armor. The secret of the Bone-Altering Sutra. Yellow Swallows' Grace. Shaolin's greatest art descended upon Yuyeon's body. "...Hah...!" "How...!!" Those who saw Yuyeon's state, especially the older ones, reacted with astonishment. For the past several decades. From before the current Shaolin doctrine of the Celestial Eye. Since the era of the previous master, Zen Monk Gyeongseung. None had succeeded with this Shaolin technique. The energy enveloping him was reputed to have the defensive power akin to the invulnerable Golden Bodhisattva. His yellow-clad fist was rumored to crush mountains with a single strike. Crack... Cr-crack...!! Cracks spread from beneath Yuyeon's aura-laden feet. As if something heavy was pressing down, shattering the ground beneath him. Despite the overwhelming majesty inducing shivers in all, 'This must end.' While donning this state, Yuyeon wasn't in perfect condition. Yellow Swallows' Grace was a power yet unmatched to his current self. Though he managed a semblance due to reaching the Flower-like stage. Merely bearing it on his body felt like an overload. ‘At most, ten seconds.’ Once the count surpasses ten, it will collapse. The immense energy expenditure will empty the danjeon*, and before that, the body will give out, leading to unconsciousness. It was a martial art fraught with danger. Yet, why did Yuyeon choose to use it? ‘I must end this.’ He used it to bring this duel to a conclusion, no matter what. Dragging it out any longer would be futile. Also, there was fear. ‘Even now, she grows stronger.’ She's more formidable than when they first clashed. As time passes, that will only increase. She was nothing short of an unbelievable existence. “Hoo.” Yuyeon steadied his stance, inhaling deeply. Watching him, Wi Seol Ah moved her hand with calm eyes. “…Hmm?” Yuyeon’s eyes widened as he noticed. When Wi Seol Ah swung her sword, the ethereal swords orbiting her dispersed. The energy of the ethereal swords scattered through the air. And then began to converge on her sword. “…!” The energy infused the sword's blade with color. Suddenly, the surroundings were tinted with a radiant gold. Flaaash-! '...' Even as he squinted against the light, Yuyeon thought. So that's how it is. Even in the state of divine selflessness, she was showing her intent. This time, she was aligning with him. Amid the rising fighting spirit, a peculiar gratitude and unexplainable emotion surged. A true rival met for the first time. It brought a novel feeling to Yuyeon. Suddenly, a sense of comfort washed over him. Was it an illusion? The aura binding his Yellow Swallows' Grace seemed to strengthen slightly. If this continued, would he reach the place he aspired to touch? With that faint sentiment in mind, “...” “...” The two of them moved. Instead of directing his punch forward, Yuyeon struck his palm downwards. Buddha's Radiant Palm. BOOOOM---!!! With a shock, a massive crack burst across the duel area. WHOOOOOOSH---!!!! In the air, energy condensed and descended towards Wi Seol Ah. A palm-shaped energy form. Its size was enough to cover the entire stage. Such a massive force descended rapidly. Simultaneously. Swish. Wi Seol Ah executed a graceful sword movement. A precise and delicate motion. The sword drew a semicircle, leaving an afterimage in the air. Moonshine Crescent Slash. WHOOOOOOSH--!! A great crescent born from her sword sliced toward Buddha's palm. As the two techniques clashed, Humm-! With a soft vibrating sound, BOOOOOOM---!!!! An immense explosion erupted. The shock was as intense as an earthquake. With such force, everything from the duel stage to possibly even the spectators could be caught in the chaos. “…W-What!” In a panic, the judge glanced towards the audience. “…What?” Surprisingly, the impact did not affect the audience area at all. The reason was an energy barrier. An azure energy barrier unexpectedly appeared, preventing the explosion's reach. What is this? The judge was puzzled, but before long, as if its purpose was fulfilled, the barrier vanished. Whoosh--!! In the aftermath of the explosion, the duel stage was filled only with dust. The watching crowd held their breath. The silence began when Yuyeon unleashed Yellow Swallows' Grace. Time passed, and gradually, the dust settled. Ssssss…. On the stage, Yuyeon and Wi Seol Ah remained standing. Was it still not over? As everyone watched the two intently, "Cough." Someone spat up blood. It was Yuyeon. Drip-! Blood spilled onto the floor. Yuyeon clutched his chest, dropping to one knee. "Hah... Kugh..." He repeatedly gasped, his limits clearly near. Seeing him, the judge hurriedly approached. It seemed Yuyeon had lost. "The winner is…!" As the judge was about to declare Wi Seol Ah's victory, Thud! This time, movement was detected from Wi Seol Ah's side. When the judge looked over, She appeared to have fainted, collapsed on the duel stage. Clang. The sword she held also fell to the ground. The only one still conscious on stage was Yuyeon. “Ah…” Momentarily flustered, the judge stammered. Yet, soon grasping the situation, he cried out. "The winner is No. 209! Victory!" The Divine Dragon had secured victory. As Yuyeon's number was announced and his victory confirmed, not long after, WAAAHHH---!!! A thunderous cheer erupted from the spectators. “Hoo… Huff…” Yuyeon nodded, weary, as the cheer pierced his ears. He had won. He had truly won. His mind grew hazy from the wound on his chest. Even so, heat surged within him. It wouldn’t matter if he lost consciousness now. As he withheld a smile, steadying his breath, Hmm. “…?” Suddenly, he noticed Wi Seol Ah's body rising into the air. Was he hallucinating from the loss of blood? For a moment, he doubted, but it wasn’t an illusion. Wi Seol Ah was indeed floating. Not high, just above the ground. Amid the raucous cheers, she began to drift away. It caused those hurrying with stretchers and physicians to pause. Wi Seol Ah flew through the air and gently landed in someone's arms. Recognizing the person, Yuyeon's eyes widened in surprise. So Yeom Ra. Beneath the stage, the one cradling Wi Seol Ah was So Yeom Ra. He softly petted the unconscious Wi Seol Ah's head. After looking at her quietly, So Yeom Ra turned his gaze towards Yuyeon, locking eyes. Those eyes, inscrutable. Despite appearing detached, there was a palpable heat, a simmer beneath the surface. Though everyone else continued cheering, Yuyeon heard nothing as he met So Yeom Ra's gaze. At that moment. -Sorry. He heard So Yeom Ra's transmitted voice in his ear. -I apologize. You're the real deal. What did he mean? Yuyeon found himself unable to question it. Too exhausted even to send a reply through transmission. -I have expectations. Once his message ended, So Yeom Ra turned away, carrying Wi Seol Ah and leaving. "Ah..." Watching them go, Yuyeon finally reached his limit and collapsed into unconsciousness. Later, history would speak of this moment. It was said to have been the beginning. The point at which stars, known as comets, bloomed, marking the true change in the martial world of Zhongyuan. That day was the start of it all. --- *Danjeon: In martial arts and Eastern practices, it refers to an energy center or reservoir within the body, often associated with balance and vitality. It was the beginning of the day that countless would speak of like that.