Chapter 12 – The Size of Ones Vessel

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read more at Nineheavens.org

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Chapter 12 – The Size of One's Vessel

All the White Peak Sword Sect members felt chills running up their spines, making their hair stand on end.

'Good heavens…!'

What did we just witness? – such were their expressions.

Hyeop Mu-geuk's eyes in particular were so widely enlarged that they were almost bloodshot.

He couldn't believe it.

That he would overwhelm Geum Ja-jeom, who was at least the vice gang leader of the Thousand Snake Gang, in just a few exchanges and push him back.

That was something even he would find difficult to do.

Even if the opponent, Geum Ja-jeom, had let his guard down, seizing the initiative in such a manner was absolutely not as easy as it sounded.

And what was most surprising above all.

'When on earth did he learn the ultimate technique?'

That's right.

The grandiose single strike he had seen at the end was none other than 'Mountain Coming' – the first of the three ultimate techniques from the final chapter of the White Peak Sword Manual.

A technique that maximized the pressure of sword wind and power of sword energy through the essence of instantly gathering and releasing internal energy, striking the target as if smashing it.

The Mountain Coming that Cheol Ryu-heun had displayed was at a refined level that recalled Sagong Woon during his lifetime.

If he had merely imitated it superficially, he couldn't have repelled Geum Ja-jeom so decisively.

Hyeop Mu-geuk knew the operational characteristics of that ultimate technique better than anyone.

Because in the past, whenever Sagong Woon practiced the three ultimate techniques of the final chapter, he had been his sparring partner.

By his estimation, Cheol Ryu-heun must have experienced a dramatic rise in internal energy level along with the body reconstruction that was the main effect of Bone Replacement and Marrow Cleansing.

However.

What he couldn't readily understand was the time it had taken.

In Sagong Woon's case, it had taken over ten years to fully make the ultimate techniques of the White Peak Sword Manual his own.

It was only natural.

There was a reason ultimate techniques were called ultimate techniques.

The three ultimate techniques of the White Peak Sword Manual's final chapter were the legacy of the founding Sect Master and the essence of the sect's martial arts, so they naturally required a long time.

But Cheol Ryu-heun was barely of age.

It was truly an unbelievable learning speed.

Setting aside the creator, the founding Sect Master, no past Sect Master had mastered the ultimate techniques around the age of twenty.

No matter how much secret training he might have received from his master Sagong Woon, it would be impossible without innate sword talent.

Like Hyeop Mu-geuk, the psychological shock on the other side for Gul Ma-hun was also considerable.

His gaze fixed on Cheol Ryu-heun, the mocking smile had already vanished from his face.

In truth, his expression had already stiffened when Geum Ja-jeom's surprise attack was blocked.

'What he performed was…'

He had realized the moment he saw that sword strike, like a massive mountain range crashing forward all at once.

That it was the ultimate technique Sagong Woon had once performed in the past – Mountain Coming.

Though the sword power itself fell somewhat short of his, what mattered was that he had grasped the essence of the ultimate technique.

It was an incomprehensible situation.

Something was definitely wrong.

If it were the Cheol Ryu-heun he knew, he should have coughed blood and collapsed before the gang's expert Geum Ja-jeom's surprise attack.

The doubts swirling in his chest soon became a cold voice.

"Who are you?"

Of course, he knew the opponent was Cheol Ryu-heun, but at this point, he couldn't help but ask.

"That's a strange question."

Cheol Ryu-heun shrugged his shoulders and continued.

"As you can see, I'm indeed the Young Sect Master of this sect. And I'll soon become the new Sect Master as well."

A faint smile was still on his lips.

Seeing that, Gul Ma-hun pressed firmly with his hand gripping the sword hilt and muttered internally.

'So, it wasn't simply a bluff after all.'

Suddenly.

Tap, ta-tap!

Geum Ja-jeom, who had quickly pressed several acupoints to calm his internal injury, put strength into his feet.

"You!"

Just as he screamed desperately and was about to charge.

"Stop."

Gul Ma-hun's heavy voice caught Geum Ja-jeom by the ankle.

His weighty voice echoed in his ears again.

"I shall finish this."

The flustered Geum Ja-jeom hurriedly shook his head.

"No, Gang Leader! There's no need for that. Let me properly engage him again…"

"I do not permit it."

"But…"

"Do you think it was the result of carelessness?"

"Pardon?"

"His power was beyond that range from the start."

"…!"

Geum Ja-jeom was momentarily at a loss for words.

Because what he just said meant Cheol Ryu-heun's martial prowess was far above his own.

'C-Could he possibly consider him to be at your level?'

Sure enough, Gul Ma-hun narrowed his eyes and said,

"Stand back. This is not a force you can handle."

At the solemn command, Geum Ja-jeom dared not object and quietly retreated backward.

Splish, splish.

Gul Ma-hun trod on the rain-soaked garden floor and advanced, stopping at an appropriate distance.

"A one-on-one duel… You mean to minimize casualties on both sides?"

"Neither side has anything to lose, right?"

At Cheol Ryu-heun's words, Gul Ma-hun removed his rain hat and tossed it aside.

He had a point.

There was nothing to lose.

In truth, if Cheol Ryu-heun's martial prowess was at the same level as his own, some sacrifice of elite gang members would have to be expected.

Considering the time and effort it took to train each one, choosing a one-on-one duel rather than group combat was a rational way to minimize personnel casualties.

'A gamble staking the sect's fate… Well, from that guy's position, it would be the best self-rescue measure.'

Having judged so, Gul Ma-hun asked in response.

"The exact conditions?"

"Simple. If you win, I'll hand over Eul Sa-jeok. Kill him or let him live – do as you please."

Gul Ma-hun flashed his eyes as if surprised.

"Oh, interesting. You'll let it all go as if it never happened?"

"I don't say one thing and mean another."

Having replied briefly, Cheol Ryu-heun turned his head back.

"Go bring that Eul fellow. Let's settle everything while we're at it."

"Y-Yes! Young Sect Master!"

Right after the second of the three Head Instructor brothers, Guyang Ji, who had been singled out by his gaze, hurriedly disappeared.

"I like it. Then if you win?"

"Compensation money."

"Heh, that is also interesting."

"It's a fair demand, isn't it? I'll state the amount after I win."

"Fine, as you wish… After all, if you lose, everything will be over. But know this in advance. Given the nature of this matter, I will show no mercy in my sword."

A warning that he might lose his life before the sword he wielded.

Cheol Ryu-heun didn't so much as blink.

"Same here. Don't hold any grudges after you die."

Then he pointed at the horse in one corner of the garden with a jerk of his chin.

"If you beat me, I'll throw that in as a bonus too. It's an exceptional steed that this sect has been raising. As you saw earlier, you understand."

Simultaneously, the White Peak Sword Sect disciples tilted their heads.

What? An exceptional steed, you say?

First time hearing this.

It was just an ordinary horse you could buy at any stable, so what…

'Oh, now that I look, the horse's muscles are severely swollen? What's going on?'

Just as everyone was puzzled, the eldest of the three Head Instructor brothers, Guyang Cheon, whispered with a worried expression.

"Ch-Chief Supervisor. As I thought, the Young Sect Master still doesn't seem to be in his right mind. What should we do?"

"Shh, let's just wait and see quietly."

Hyeop Mu-geuk's voice showed no wavering whatsoever.

It was proof that regardless of the incomprehensible situation, he fully trusted and supported Young Sect Master Cheol Ryu-heun's judgment and actions.

At that moment, Gul Ma-hun raised one corner of his mouth.

"Heh, I'll also make one more promise. If you die here… I'll at least show consideration to let White Peak Sword Sect's legacy continue."

Though he spoke as if being generous, his true thoughts were different.

He had come for evidence destruction from the start – he had no intention of settling things with just a one-on-one duel.

Naturally, elements that could become future troubles had to be thoroughly eliminated.

Gul Ma-hun soon employed a secret Sound Transmission technique.

<What he relies on is solely his own martial force – there are no other clever solutions. This works out well for us.>

Hearing this, Geum Ja-jeom swiftly responded.

<Ah, then has there been no change to the main strategy?>

<Of course. If we just drain that bastard's strength like this, we can dispose of the rest much more easily.>

<Yes, Gang Leader! We'll wait for him to tire, then launch an all-out offensive.>

When Geum Ja-jeom sent a glance backward, the elite gang members grasped his hidden meaning and steeled themselves for battle.

Meanwhile.

Tae Sa-ja, aboard the cart, was thoroughly confused.

'This is maddening! What exactly is going on right now?'

First, he understood well enough that this was the fallen orthodox martial school, White Peak Sword Sect.

Just from the clothes worn by the few who appeared to be executives – white fabric embroidered with a simplified pattern depicting a large mountain – he could easily tell.

But then.

Who exactly was that bastard who had earlier introduced himself as the Young Sect Master of White Peak Sword Sect?

He had heard several months ago.

The news that after the famous Hunan Province swordsman White Gate Sword Gentleman Sagong Woon died unexpectedly, even his direct disciple Cheol Ryu-heun had become a vegetative person.

Anyone living in this area would know about it.

That was why he understood the current situation even less.

No, in what way did that look like the martial prowess of someone who had been a vegetative person until now?

The sudden appearance of the Thousand Snake Gang was also puzzling.

From the atmosphere of the conversation, the one who appeared to be the infamous gang leader White Snake Head Sword had come here, which meant something unfortunate had occurred between the two factions… though he didn't know exactly what.

'Damn it, what can I do? I can only hold my breath and watch…'

His mindset was simply: whoever wins, wins.

Suddenly, Gul Ma-hun raised his sword straight up before his chest.

A stance announcing his attack.

Following that, a transparent haze spread out around his body.

Fwoosh-!

His rain-soaked clothes fluttered, scattering water droplets in circles.

He had raised his internal energy.

The sword White Fang, symbolizing his position as gang leader, received its master's true energy and vibrated lightly while emitting a thick sharp edge.

"Now let me see the size of your vessel."

With those words, Gul Ma-hun heightened his energy sense to the fullest.

However.

It was strange.

Because currently, no energy was being detected from Cheol Ryu-heun.

'What?'

This was a first.

If one was a martial artist who possessed internal energy, that energy should naturally be detectable, yet Cheol Ryu-heun seemed like an ordinary person who hadn't learned any martial arts at all.

Suddenly, Cheol Ryu-heun's gaze quietly settled.

His expression also vanished.

A face from which not even a fragment of emotion could be felt, as if indifferent to worldly affairs.

"Have you made all three ultimate techniques your own?"

At Gul Ma-hun's meaningful question, Cheol Ryu-heun asked back indifferently.

"Do you think I'm below my late Master?"

"…"

"Don't tell me you're nervous?"

"Impudent one – what you did, I can easily do as well."

He meant not to get cocky just because he had seized the initiative against Geum Ja-jeom.

Just then, splashing footsteps sounded in succession.

The disciple who had gone to the storage under Hyeop Mu-geuk's instructions and Head Instructor Guyang Ji, who had left with Cheol Ryu-heun's new order, had returned carrying Eul Sa-jeok on a stretcher.

Gul Ma-hun frowned involuntarily.

'Hmph.'

He had seen Eul Sa-jeok's body condition, wrapped in splints and bandages here and there.

Meanwhile, Cheol Ryu-heun didn't even glance that way and made a gesture.

"Go on. Verify my vessel."

Gul Ma-hun clenched his teeth and kicked off the ground without delay.

Pak!

His body advanced, fiercely cutting through the rainwater.

Having closed the gap in an instant, he rapidly wielded White Fang.

Shoo-shoo-shoo-shoot!

The moment that piercing sound burst out.

Flick.

The two of them vanished from everyone's sight like smoke.

Right after.

Crash!

A dull thunderous sound came from the flanking wall not far away.

Simultaneously, a scream struck their ears.

"Gahk!"

The White Peak Sword Sect disciples and Thousand Snake Gang members all turned their heads toward the sound and were shocked beyond belief.

'Gasp!'

It was because they witnessed Gul Ma-hun, stabbed in the left side by Cheol Ryu-heun's Gan Jiang, embedded in the wall.

What did he do?

When did he get all the way there?

We didn't see a thing?

While everyone's minds went completely blank before the shocking sight.

Slide-

Cheol Ryu-heun withdrew the Gan Jiang and muttered indifferently.

"What a drama queen for a gang leader."