The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

Chapter 297: The Immortal Divine Dragon, Return (2)

The meteorite sword, Shooting Star Fang, was born for the Immortal Divine Sword Baek Sung-cheon.

The Shooting Star Fang, the fang of a meteor.

Since the meteorite sword was forged from iron extracted from a meteorite that fell from the sky, the name was quite fitting.

From afar, a meteor seemed to move slowly.

But in truth, it was moving so fast that it burned itself up.

The Shooting Star Fang, moving in sync with Yi-gang’s gaze, was no different.

Flying like a flash of lightning, the Shooting Star Fang struck Dong Yu-pyeong’s sword away, truly resembling the fang of a meteor.

“This must be the telekinetic sword technique…!”

A warrior of the Nanhai Sect opened his mouth wide in disbelief.

It was far more reasonable and natural to believe it was the flying sword technique.

But how could a person without the use of their arms possibly throw a sword?

Dong Yu-pyeong gritted his teeth.

Even though he had lost his sword in such an absurd manner, he was by no means weak.

“Just one more chance…”

“Do it next time.”

Yi-gang’s sword, still floating in midair, surged at Dong Yu-pyeong once again.

Facing a sword with bare hands was not an option.

Dong Yu-pyeong bent his body sharply backward to avoid the sword.

However, the Shooting Star Fang stopped right in front of him instead of piercing him.

Then came the real strike.

Thud!

Yi-gang’s foot slammed into Dong Yu-pyeong’s upper abdomen.

Unable to withstand the force, Dong Yu-pyeong was pushed back.

Splash!

The raft wasn’t very wide, so he had no choice but to fall into the water and flail around.

“You had your one chance. Don’t bother trying to climb back up.” Yi-gang said without much emotion.

It wasn’t as if a warrior of the Nanhai Sect wouldn’t know how to swim.

Dong Yu-pyeong floated in the water for a moment before turning away with a disappointed expression.

The Shooting Star Fang flew back and slid into its sheath.

The combination of the telekinetic sword technique and telekinesis he had just demonstrated felt like an illusion.

Yi-gang tilted his head slightly to each side.

A faint sense of fatigue washed over him. Both telekinesis and the telekinetic sword technique consumed a significant amount of mental energy.

But this was proof enough. It showed that telekinesis could be used effectively in real combat.

“Hmm. If I face them all at once, maybe three… Hmm, could I handle more this way?”

Yi-gang calculated how many martial artists of Dong Yu-pyeong’s caliber he could handle using the telekinetic sword technique.

He hadn’t even utilized the results of his training with Tang Eun-seol yet.

Meanwhile, by the pond—

The commotion caused by the successors subsided temporarily.

It was inevitable.

The reason they were fighting so recklessly was to climb onto the raft where Yi-gang stood.

Or, to stop anyone else from doing so.

But then, they learned that Dong Yu-pyeong, a swordsman of the Nanhai Sect, had managed to get onto the raft.

“What happened?!”

“Why isn’t he holding his sword?”

By the time more than half of them realized what was happening, Dong Yu-pyeong’s sword had already fallen from his hand.

“The Immortal Divine Dragon struck Dong Yu-pyeong’s wrist with a kick.”

“Are you kidding? If you tried that on a Nanhai Sect swordsman, you’d end up with a shattered ankle!”

Yi-gang executed the telekinetic sword technique.

His sword, moving on its own, knocked away Dong Yu-pyeong’s weapon.

Only a few people witnessed the act clearly.

It was likely because they were far away and could only see Yi-gang’s back.

“No, I’m sure he struck the sword with another sword.”

“How could he do that with his arms hanging limp like that?”

“Well… that’s true.”

However, even among the few who witnessed it clearly, no one realized it was the telekinetic sword technique.

That was unavoidable.

When observing phenomena, people judged what they say based on what they knew.

The successors knew martial arts well.

They were knowledgeable about kicking techniques and swordsmanship.

In their world, a sword was something wielded by a person.

Even if it weren’t, it would simply be thrown, but it would never fly around on its own like a living thing.

This was why their realization of the telekinetic sword technique came a step too late.

“Something feels off…”

Even so, they couldn’t help but notice if they paid close attention.

The sight of the Shooting Star Fang charging at Dong Yu-pyeong as if alive, and Yi-gang using a kicking technique to knock him back—

Too many people had seen it clearly with their own eyes.

“The telekinetic sword technique!”

“They say he was taught by the Sword Emperor, and now he’s even using the telekinetic sword technique!”

But the Sword Emperor had never used the telekinetic sword technique.

However, techniques like the telekinetic sword technique and the sword-riding flying sword art were all legendary martial arts of the Taoist sword sects.

Yi-gang’s exploits were deeply engraved into the minds of all the successors.

“Ha! Incredible!”

“I can’t believe it…”

Yet, there were many who weren’t discouraged by the telekinetic sword technique.

They boldly began crossing the pond.

Some managed to break through obstacles like Ha-jun or Peng Mu-ah and crossed the stepping stones.

Others, perhaps inspired by Dong Yu-pyeong’s approach, reached the raft through other clever means.

However, their timing was far from synchronized, as they had not coordinated a proper joint attack.

Yi-gang claimed victory several times in one-on-one duels.

Splash! Splash, splaaash!

One by one, he sent the successors plunging into the water.

Ha-jun also gritted his teeth as he blocked the successors who charged at him.

As he fiercely held his ground, someone shouted at him, “Iron Blood Sword Dragon Baek Ha-jun!”

It was Grand Master Hyun Gak of the Guest Hall.

Ha-jun, drenched in sweat, turned his head.

Following Grand Master Hyun Gak’s command, a martial monk approached Ha-jun.

“Return the four yellow jade beads.”

“…”

What was this sudden demand about? Was it because he had stopped other successors from crossing to the raft?

Ha-jun briefly cast a cold gaze at the martial monk before throwing the four yellow beads to him.

Whether it was punishment for wrongdoing or not, he didn’t want to waste time on a matter that had already been decided.

However, it wasn’t a punishment.

“You have earned qualification.”

In exchange for returning the four yellow jade beads, he received a single red bead from the martial monk.

It signified passing the trial.

“Now cease your interference.”

“But…”

“Your brother is not weak. Even though he lost his arms, he remains strong. Can’t you see it for yourself?”

“…”

Indeed, it was so.

Ha-jun hadn’t accepted the idea of cooperating to gang up on Yi-gang.

He found it unreasonable for a group to attack his brother, who had lost his arms, using any means necessary.

But in reality, what was the result?

Yi-gang was like Zhang Fei at the Changban Slope, singlehandedly sending the successors into the water.

“Cease your interference.”

“…Yes.”

Ha-jun eventually lowered his sword.

While he didn’t directly confront Yi-gang under the given conditions, he was among the first to enter the top five selected participants.

Splash!

In the meantime, Yi-gang sent yet another successor into the pond.

In the end, the successors gave up on trying to leap across the pond.

They realized that Yi-gang’s skills were genuine.

“Ha-ha-ha…”

The Divine Monk finally burst out laughing.

He observed the successors cautiously gauging Yi-gang’s condition while eyeing each other.

The successors still lingering by the pond, waiting for an opportunity, were the calmest and strongest among them.

However, the Divine Monk made his judgment.

“Those guys won’t do.”

“What do you mean, Senior Uncle?” Hyun Gak quietly asked.

The Divine Monk responded with a smile, “If these so-called younger generation successors coordinated a proper joint attack, it would be fine. But do you think those prideful kids would do that?”

“They don’t seem likely to.”

“Exactly. Those kids need to have their petty pride broken.”

Hyun Gak slightly bowed his head to his senior.

Though the Divine Monk was known for his eccentricity, he was by no means thoughtless or foolish.

He hadn’t created this complicated and elaborate situation just for entertainment.

As he said, it was to dismantle the factors preventing the successors from growing.

“They think swords only fly straight at them.”

Thanks to the conflict with the Unorthodox Union, there had been some improvement, but the successors still clung to outdated notions of pride and appearances.

“Being surrounded by people praising their talents must have inflated their egos.”

None among them had likely gone without being called prodigies of martial arts, and one in three had probably been labeled a genius.

“People only become stronger after being broken.”

“That is true, Senior Uncle.”

Like Yi-gang.

The sight of Yi-gang, who had lost his arms—the lifeline of any swordsman—must have long been imprinted on the successors.

Some had mocked him, and others had pitied him.

But none of them had imagined Yi-gang would ever rise again.

No one, not even his brother Baek Ha-jun, had imagined that Yi-gang would fight and win without the use of his arms.

“It’s still too soon to say they’ve been thoroughly broken.”

Yi-gang’s actions must have been shocking, but the Divine Monk wanted him to stand out even more in this regard.

“Hwa Mu-cheon.”

“Yes, Grand Master.”

Mount Hua’s Divine Sword, Hwa Mu-cheon, had been watching the chaos from near the Divine Monk.

Witnessing Yi-gang’s telekinetic sword technique, his interest and competitive spirit had been piqued.

“How about you go and test yourself against that rascal Yi-gang?”

“…”

Hwa Mu-cheon didn’t answer right away.

It wasn’t out of hurt pride. Who could think of pride after witnessing the telekinetic sword technique?

“Am I permitted to do so?”

Hwa Mu-cheon was a Supreme Peak master. Such masters are said to have found their personal mountains to climb.

He also had great confidence in his own skills.

“Yes, but going alone wouldn’t be very compelling. Jeong Myung, and you, over there.”

Jeong Myung obediently ran over and clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect.

“M-me?”

“Yes, you. The one unnecessarily carrying five spears.”

“Y-yes, sir.”

And then, So Woon, who had yet to show any noteworthy performance, approached the Divine Monk.

“You three, go.”

“With Shaolin’s First Fist and West Sky’s Five Spears joining, won’t the raft be too cramped?” Hwa Mu-cheon spoke confidently yet firmly.

He was clearly displeased at the idea of three people teaming up to face Yi-gang.

“From afar, things may seem small, but up close, there is always more space,” the Divine Monk responded only with these words.

Hwa Mu-cheon offered no further rebuttal.

“…Let’s go, juniors.”

With that, he ran toward the pond.

Jeong Myung and So Woon sprinted to the right and left respectively.

The successors naturally parted to the sides, clearing a path.

“Hup!”

Hwa Mu-cheon indeed lived up to his reputation.

He leapt from the dock with a dazzling display.

Rather than immediately landing, he lingered in mid-air as if he had become a bird.

Soaring high above, he stepped only once on an empty barrel that had served as a stepping stone, before landing gracefully on the raft.

Even if Peng Mu-ah and Ha-jun had been guarding the area, they clearly wouldn’t have been able to stop him.

“Hooh.”

Not long after Hwa Mu-cheon stepped onto the raft, Jeong Myung and So Woon also arrived.

Their methods were as varied as their skills.

Jeong Myung kicked one of the barrels remaining near the dock and quickly jumped onto it, gliding across the pond as if skating.

So Woon’s method was even more surprising. Contrary to his delicate appearance, he used the shoulders of three successors still floundering in the pond as stepping stones to cross.

“Yi-gang,” Hwa Mu-cheon addressed Yi-gang first, clasping his hands in a martial salute.

Naturally, Yi-gang could not return the salute.

“I once promised to become your sword, yet I didn’t expect we’d stand against each other like this.”

“Yes. So it seems.”

Yi-gang stood with his feet slightly apart.

It was clearly an unfavorable situation for him—facing one Supreme Peak master and two Peak masters who had learned from the Ten Grandmasters.

A silence long enough for three breaths passed.

The successors by the pond had completely turned into spectators, quietly watching the raft.

Standing on the water’s dueling stage, Yi-gang looked at each of the three faces.

Then, slowly, he opened his mouth.

“Do you know how to swim?”

That marked the beginning of the duel.

The Divine Monk had instructed the three not to hold back.

The one who followed his instructions most faithfully was So Woon, who appeared to be the most timid of the three.

The nickname West Sky’s Five Spears wasn’t given without reason.

As he charged forward, he threw a short spear like a bolt of lightning.

Whoosh!

The short spear flew with a force akin to a ballista, spinning fiercely as it hurtled through the air.

Made of pure steel and thrown with added rotational force, it wasn’t easy to block.

If one deflected it with a sword, the impact would travel up the arm, dulling subsequent movements.

Clang!

However, with the telekinetic sword technique, such disadvantages could be mitigated.

The meteorite sword deflected the short spear with precision.

The unfortunate spear embedded itself deep into the raft’s floor.

But Yi-gang had no time to feel relieved.

Jeong Myung was also charging silently.

His running posture didn’t appear particularly fast.

Yet, in an instant, his body seemed to stretch forward, closing the distance to just a step away from Yi-gang.

It was the Vajra Immovable Body Technique.

A fist targeted Yi-gang’s exposed torso.

The punch, imbued with a golden, subtle internal energy, could easily shatter a boulder.

But Yi-gang was already renowned as a master of kicking techniques.

If speed and precision issues were overcome, it’s only natural for legs to be stronger than hands.

Smack!

Instead, it was Jeong Myung who crossed his arms and was pushed back.

However, that was the limit.

The most powerful and threatening presence was Hwa Mu-cheon, charging from the front.

“This is Falling Petals of the Twenty-Four Moves Plum Blossom Sword Technique.”

Despite his polite explanation, the level of his sword energy was extraordinary.

The sword tip swayed dizzyingly.

The merciless sword of the Divine Sword of Mount Hua seemed to scatter blooming flowers as they fell.

There was no stance Yi-gang could take to avoid it.

This was not a strike that could be blocked with the telekinetic sword technique Yi-gang had only recently mastered.

Whooong—

The sword, radiating a brilliant crimson glow, descended mercilessly, seemingly ready to slice through Yi-gang’s chest.

At that moment, Hwa Mu-cheon’s pupils dilated sharply.

The speed at which the demonic energy that had spread to Yi-gang’s neck disappeared was faster than the speed of Hwa Mu-cheon’s sword swing.

The details were obscured beneath his garments, but Yi-gang had clearly begun moving his arms.

He gripped the floating sword in midair.

By then, Hwa Mu-cheon’s sword had already closed in, just above Yi-gang’s shoulder.

Even if Yi-gang tried to counter, it was too late.

At this rate, his junior could sustain serious injury.

But as a martial artist, Hwa Mu-cheon instinctively knew—he couldn’t afford to relent.

And his judgment proved correct.

Zap—

A blue flash simultaneously burst from Yi-gang’s eyes and sword.

Clang!

With a speed akin to lightning, Yi-gang blocked Hwa Mu-cheon’s sword from below.

Hwa Mu-cheon bared his teeth in a smile.