Characters[]
Synopsis[]
Novel[]
The protagonist of the story has a unique advantage over other martial artists: he can use both the lower and middle dantian, allowing him to access a different internal energy. He recently reached the 4th star of Seongmyeongshinkong, surpassing the barriers of a first-class expert.
In combat against Jo Seong-won, the latter begins his attack with the Drunken Step technique, trying to confuse his opponent with staggering movements. The protagonist, however, advances quickly and faces the attack of Seong-won, who uses the third style of the Seongmyeonggeom method, Bichuhyeonggeom (泌鲍形劍). The fight is intense, and Seong-won tries to block the fierce blows with a technical variation of Hangryongshippaljang, deflecting the blade and absorbing the impacts.
However, the protagonist's superiority in speed and aerodynamics proves decisive. He identifies an opening in his opponent's defense and thrusts his sword into Seong-won's right collarbone. When the latter tries to counterattack, the protagonist changes his strategy and strikes him in the head with the blunt part of the blade, sparing his life. Seong-won falls down in pain and confusion, and is immobilized with a blood injection, preventing him from using his internal energy.
The protagonist, determined to get answers, interrogates Seong-won about his identity and connection to Hangryongshippaljang, a secret technique of the Open Ark. He discovers that Seong-won was possibly a spy infiltrated in the Blood Cult. Seong-won, in turn, reveals his frustration with the succession of the beggar leader, Hong Geol-gae, stating that he was not worthy of the position. He felt unfairly treated for not having received the same training and believed that he had been deliberately sabotaged.
The protagonist concludes that Seong-won was discarded by the leader of the Open Ark himself after the selection of the successor. Seong-won, realizing the reality of his situation, becomes desperate. The protagonist, however, offers him a new opportunity, proposing that he ally himself with him and change his destiny. Thus, the narrative ends with the possibility of Seong-won betraying his former faction in search of redemption or revenge, depending on the path he chooses to follow.
Manhwa[]
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