Wudang Sacred Scriptures
Author: Bang Su-yoon
Chapter 164
Kwak Yeon knew that Sang Gwan Eung, Head of the Sang Gwan Family, had not yet attained the perfect state of Harmonized Flame.
"It means he's not yet an absolute master capable of rendering Dynamic Force entirely useless. In that case..."
As Kwak Yeon observed Sang Gwan Eung closely, he suddenly realized why Dynamic Force was having no effect on him.
"Because there isn't a single opening!"
To have no opening meant the ability to respond to any attack.
This created an infinite number of possible outcomes, making prediction impossible even with the awakened function of the Original Unity Art.
"If it's martial arts that can respond to any technique...!"
One particular realm naturally rose to the forefront of Kwak Yeon's mind.
"The purpose of learning techniques is ultimately to reach the realm where the formless surpasses form. Some misinterpret this to mean defeating form with no form, but that distorts its true meaning. How can you subdue your opponent without moving? Martial arts are movements themselves—how can techniques not exist? Thus, true Formless Surpassing Form means mastering and embodying countless techniques so completely that in any situation, the appropriate form emerges instinctively."
Kwak Yeon recalled those words from Master Hyeonmun, who had said them while explaining why disciples needed to study a wide variety of martial arts.
At the same time, he realized that Sang Gwan Eung had reached the realm of Formless Surpassing Form.
A state where, in any situation, one could naturally perform the proper technique without hesitation.
It meant that Sang Gwan Eung had mastered countless martial arts forms and had fully internalized them through real battle.
"The opponent a martial artist must most fear is one who has reached the realm of Formless Surpassing Form—a Formless One. Able to match any technique, the Formless One is the embodiment of the Unbeaten."
Kwak Yeon remembered his master’s stern warnings about relentless practice and felt a chill run through his chest.
"To think I would meet a true Formless One in person."
Even in his unease, Kwak Yeon felt a deep respect for Sang Gwan Eung as a fellow martial artist.
"The realm of Formless Surpassing Form cannot be reached by chance, fortune, or sudden enlightenment."
It can only be reached through sheer will and unrelenting effort.
As someone who had yearned for martial mastery more desperately than anyone, Kwak Yeon could relate to Sang Gwan Eung’s hunger and the blood-soaked path of discipline he must have walked.
Though worthy of awe, Sang Gwan Eung now stood as the wall blocking his path.
"I have to overcome him somehow."
In his mind, he already saw his techniques being countered and shattered. He couldn't afford to rush into an attack.
He had already resolved to reserve the Three Demonic Arts of the Western Master for use only against true demons.
"Attacking blindly would just mean stepping into a trap. This is a problem."
As his thoughts grew tangled, Kwak Yeon realized why Sang Gwan Eung remained still in the Peaceful Wrath-Pacifying Stance.
"He's trying to subdue me without even using martial arts!"
Left like this, his thoughts would twist into knots, and he would eventually lose the will to strike at all.
In the end, it would mean conceding defeat to himself.
"To be standing before an Unbeaten Formless One, where even time is a disadvantage..."
Though it was an unforeseen crisis, Kwak Yeon felt a hidden joy in his heart.
"Maybe it’s actually fortunate that I met a Formless One this early."
There were countless oddities and monsters in the martial world. If he had encountered one like this in a worse situation, it would have /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ been even more dangerous.
"And the world is endlessly vast. Meeting a worthy rival is rare. To find someone who forces me to see my own shortcomings—that too is an opportunity."
Only when you recognize a wall can you begin to try to overcome it.
"But right now, I have to break through this obstacle."
Only then could he progress one step closer to the realm of Infinite Extremes.
His blood boiled.
It was like a silkworm awakening from hibernation.
"Just as Master Hyeonmun said, Formless Surpassing Form doesn’t mean techniques don’t exist. It means using them without being bound."
Like a starving silkworm single-mindedly seeking mulberry leaves, Kwak Yeon focused.
"Only by seeing how he defends and counters can I find an opening. Which means I have to strike first."
Having reached a conclusion, Kwak Yeon activated the Original Unity Art.
The mind stirs; energy arises.
As internal energy surged from his core, the built-up external energies in his meridians followed in sequence, forming a mighty current.
PAANG!
With a piercing sonic boom, Kwak Yeon’s body shot forward like a flash, instantly closing the ten-pace gap.
SHWAAAK!
Wrapped in condensed energy, the Bluesteel Sword split the air in a direct strike.
Single Edge Severing Heaven—a technique from the Grand Ultimate Sword Art.
True to his nature as a Formless One, Sang Gwan Eung's Heavenpiercer Saber emitted a pure white glow as it intercepted from the shortest possible range.
SHUUT!
Power clashed against power!
KWAANG!
The energy around the Bluesteel Sword wavered and thinned, while the icy radiance of the Heavenpiercer Saber shattered like glass.
But even Kwak Yeon’s full-force blow couldn’t scratch the saber.
Since attaining the realm of Harmonized Force, this was the first weapon his energy had failed to cut.
Without even a moment to be surprised, he accepted the recoil and flung himself backward.
It was a move he had prepared in advance—a Phantom Shift.
FLASH!
A blinding white light exploded in front of his chest.
PAANG! CHWAAAK!
His robe burst open as a heavy shock struck his chest.
Even with his defensive energy barrier activated, the impact shook his internal organs.
Had he not prepared the Phantom Shift in advance, a hole would've been punched clean through him.
"Oh-ho!"
Sang Gwan Eung let out an admiring sound.
"So you've reached the level of manifesting defensive energy as well!"
Kwak Yeon replied immediately.
"I was impressed by your ability to break through it, Family Head."
His bare chest had been sliced long and deep, blood flowing freely.
"That wasn’t my own skill, but thanks to this saber."
"You need not be so modest, Family Head. The technique that pierced my defense was beyond my imagination. If you had truly reached the Harmonized Flame realm, I wouldn’t have lasted a single breath."
"You're exaggerating over a torn bit of cloth."
Though he spoke lightly, Sang Gwan Eung felt true regret.
He had believed the Cave Daoist had been caught completely by the secret blade art of the Sang Gwan Family—Sun Piercing Through Clouds—but the Phantom Shift had allowed him to escape.
"Daoist Kwak, in any case, show me your divine hand once more. It is a rare joy to meet such a worthy rival."
Kwak Yeon responded cheerfully.
"This junior feels the same."
Sang Gwan Eung thought Kwak Yeon was putting on a brave front.
Like all others before his Formless Surpassing Form, surely the Cave Daoist too must be inwardly searching for an excuse to withdraw.
"My Unbeaten Formless path—against a greenhorn fresh to the martial world? He shouldn’t have any means to counter it."
But Kwak Yeon’s light expression and bright response were sincere.
Though his robe was torn and his chest bloodied, thanks to it he had clearly seen the trajectory of Sang Gwan Eung’s saber as it shifted from direct strike to lateral slash.
And then—a faint shadow formed in his once-empty mind.
Having seen Sang Gwan Eung’s hidden secret technique, Dynamic Force finally began to work.
He was still far from ready, but there was no reason to decline such an offer.
"Then I won’t hold back."
BOOM!
Kwak Yeon stepped in deep and slashed downward with the Bluesteel Sword.
SHUUT!
One move from the Azure Dragon Across Eight Seas: Mountain Falls, Sea Sealed!
Said to be the moment a divine being casts a mountain into the sea, the move embodied the pinnacle of swift swordplay.
A flash!
It was so fast that the white afterimage of the Bluesteel Sword trailed like a falling star.
Kwak Yeon had chosen the most variable set within the Grand Ultimate Sword Art—Azure Dragon Across Eight Seas—to observe Sang Gwan Eung’s counters.
The blade that sought Sang Gwan Eung’s head, like a mountain crashing into the sea, was blocked by the Heavenpiercer Saber.
CHZZZZ!
Riding the moment of energy clash, Kwak Yeon slid the Bluesteel Sword and swept across Sang Gwan Eung’s neck.
SHUAT!
The Heavenpiercer Saber spun, parrying the sword.
CLAAAAANG!
Sword energy and saber frost clashed again, evenly matched.
"Haah!"
SHWAAK!
Kwak Yeon unleashed Elastic Force, pushing the Heavenpiercer Saber half a span outward.
To use Elastic Force, one had to temporarily draw from the outer energy supporting the meridians, risking internal injury.
The fact that even with such risk, he gained only a momentary edge showed just how dense and weighty Sang Gwan Eung’s internal force was.
Still, Kwak Yeon took advantage of that opening to slash rapidly at Sang Gwan Eung’s flanks and top.
PAPAPAPAK!
True to his title as a Formless One, the Heavenpiercer Saber appeared like a ghost to block each strike.
It was as if four sabers existed in the air at once.
KWA-KWA-KWA-KWAAANG!
After four overlapping friction blasts, Kwak Yeon sensed a subtle shift in air behind him.
He twisted and dropped.
PAANG!
RIIIP!
A searing blast erupted near his back as fabric tore and heat burned his spine.
Kwak Yeon twisted further with the Flowing Body Reversal technique and launched the Bluesteel Sword upward.
KWAANG!
It collided head-on with the descending Heavenpiercer Saber, thunder cracking through the air.
FWIP! FWISH!
The two men leapt back at the same time to shake off the recoil.
With admiration in his expression, Sang Gwan Eung asked:
"Daoist Kwak, what is the name of that mysterious sword art you just used?"
He had assumed it was one of Wudang’s ultimate styles—either the Grand Ultimate Graceful Sword or the Pure Heaven Sword Style.
"It’s the Grand Ultimate Sword Art."
Kwak Yeon’s answer was unexpected, and Sang Gwan Eung couldn’t believe it.
"Was the Grand Ultimate Sword Art truly so mysterious?"
"Since it could not overcome your saber style, it only proves that I’ve yet to reach its essence."
Sang Gwan Eung's brow furrowed.
That would mean his family’s secret technique had barely managed to hold off Wudang’s foundational sword style.
"Still arrogant to the end."
Suppressing his rising anger, Sang Gwan Eung said:
"Impressive. If I only defend, I may fall behind. I shall go on the offensive now."
Kwak Yeon lifted the Bluesteel Sword and said:
"I am somewhat prepared. Come at me."
"Somewhat prepared?"
Sang Gwan Eung thought the man was bluffing.
It was clear the Cave Daoist had not studied Wudang’s higher-level sword arts for some reason.
Though the mystery in his execution of the Grand Ultimate Sword Art was remarkable, it had been hard to believe it was that same style.
Regardless, he had waited this long to assess the Cave Daoist’s true depth. Now that he had, there was no reason to delay.
Letting a duel drag on would only harm his prestige.
Yet the Cave Daoist had the gall to claim he was ready.
"Then I will sweep in like a storm and end this."
WHUUUUUM!
White radiance surged from the Heavenpiercer Saber, and in an instant, the air of the Great Pavilion turned frigid.
"It means he's not yet an absolute master capable of rendering Dynamic Force entirely useless. In that case..."
As Kwak Yeon observed Sang Gwan Eung closely, he suddenly realized why Dynamic Force was having no effect on him.
"Because there isn't a single opening!"
To have no opening meant the ability to respond to any attack.
This created an infinite number of possible outcomes, making prediction impossible even with the awakened function of the Original Unity Art.
"If it's martial arts that can respond to any technique...!"
One particular realm naturally rose to the forefront of Kwak Yeon's mind.
"The purpose of learning techniques is ultimately to reach the realm where the formless surpasses form. Some misinterpret this to mean defeating form with no form, but that distorts its true meaning. How can you subdue your opponent without moving? Martial arts are movements themselves—how can techniques not exist? Thus, true Formless Surpassing Form means mastering and embodying countless techniques so completely that in any situation, the appropriate form emerges instinctively."
Kwak Yeon recalled those words from Master Hyeonmun, who had said them while explaining why disciples needed to study a wide variety of martial arts.
At the same time, he realized that Sang Gwan Eung had reached the realm of Formless Surpassing Form.
A state where, in any situation, one could naturally perform the proper technique without hesitation.
It meant that Sang Gwan Eung had mastered countless martial arts forms and had fully internalized them through real battle.
"The opponent a martial artist must most fear is one who has reached the realm of Formless Surpassing Form—a Formless One. Able to match any technique, the Formless One is the embodiment of the Unbeaten."
Kwak Yeon remembered his master’s stern warnings about relentless practice and felt a chill run through his chest.
"To think I would meet a true Formless One in person."
Even in his unease, Kwak Yeon felt a deep respect for Sang Gwan Eung as a fellow martial artist.
"The realm of Formless Surpassing Form cannot be reached by chance, fortune, or sudden enlightenment."
It can only be reached through sheer will and unrelenting effort.
As someone who had yearned for martial mastery more desperately than anyone, Kwak Yeon could relate to Sang Gwan Eung’s hunger and the blood-soaked path of discipline he must have walked.
Though worthy of awe, Sang Gwan Eung now stood as the wall blocking his path.
"I have to overcome him somehow."
In his mind, he already saw his techniques being countered and shattered. He couldn't afford to rush into an attack.
He had already resolved to reserve the Three Demonic Arts of the Western Master for use only against true demons.
"Attacking blindly would just mean stepping into a trap. This is a problem."
As his thoughts grew tangled, Kwak Yeon realized why Sang Gwan Eung remained still in the Peaceful Wrath-Pacifying Stance.
"He's trying to subdue me without even using martial arts!"
Left like this, his thoughts would twist into knots, and he would eventually lose the will to strike at all.
In the end, it would mean conceding defeat to himself.
"To be standing before an Unbeaten Formless One, where even time is a disadvantage..."
Though it was an unforeseen crisis, Kwak Yeon felt a hidden joy in his heart.
"Maybe it’s actually fortunate that I met a Formless One this early."
There were countless oddities and monsters in the martial world. If he had encountered one like this in a worse situation, it would have /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ been even more dangerous.
"And the world is endlessly vast. Meeting a worthy rival is rare. To find someone who forces me to see my own shortcomings—that too is an opportunity."
Only when you recognize a wall can you begin to try to overcome it.
"But right now, I have to break through this obstacle."
Only then could he progress one step closer to the realm of Infinite Extremes.
His blood boiled.
It was like a silkworm awakening from hibernation.
"Just as Master Hyeonmun said, Formless Surpassing Form doesn’t mean techniques don’t exist. It means using them without being bound."
Like a starving silkworm single-mindedly seeking mulberry leaves, Kwak Yeon focused.
"Only by seeing how he defends and counters can I find an opening. Which means I have to strike first."
Having reached a conclusion, Kwak Yeon activated the Original Unity Art.
The mind stirs; energy arises.
As internal energy surged from his core, the built-up external energies in his meridians followed in sequence, forming a mighty current.
PAANG!
With a piercing sonic boom, Kwak Yeon’s body shot forward like a flash, instantly closing the ten-pace gap.
SHWAAAK!
Wrapped in condensed energy, the Bluesteel Sword split the air in a direct strike.
Single Edge Severing Heaven—a technique from the Grand Ultimate Sword Art.
True to his nature as a Formless One, Sang Gwan Eung's Heavenpiercer Saber emitted a pure white glow as it intercepted from the shortest possible range.
SHUUT!
Power clashed against power!
KWAANG!
The energy around the Bluesteel Sword wavered and thinned, while the icy radiance of the Heavenpiercer Saber shattered like glass.
But even Kwak Yeon’s full-force blow couldn’t scratch the saber.
Since attaining the realm of Harmonized Force, this was the first weapon his energy had failed to cut.
Without even a moment to be surprised, he accepted the recoil and flung himself backward.
It was a move he had prepared in advance—a Phantom Shift.
FLASH!
A blinding white light exploded in front of his chest.
PAANG! CHWAAAK!
His robe burst open as a heavy shock struck his chest.
Even with his defensive energy barrier activated, the impact shook his internal organs.
Had he not prepared the Phantom Shift in advance, a hole would've been punched clean through him.
"Oh-ho!"
Sang Gwan Eung let out an admiring sound.
"So you've reached the level of manifesting defensive energy as well!"
Kwak Yeon replied immediately.
"I was impressed by your ability to break through it, Family Head."
His bare chest had been sliced long and deep, blood flowing freely.
"That wasn’t my own skill, but thanks to this saber."
"You need not be so modest, Family Head. The technique that pierced my defense was beyond my imagination. If you had truly reached the Harmonized Flame realm, I wouldn’t have lasted a single breath."
"You're exaggerating over a torn bit of cloth."
Though he spoke lightly, Sang Gwan Eung felt true regret.
He had believed the Cave Daoist had been caught completely by the secret blade art of the Sang Gwan Family—Sun Piercing Through Clouds—but the Phantom Shift had allowed him to escape.
"Daoist Kwak, in any case, show me your divine hand once more. It is a rare joy to meet such a worthy rival."
Kwak Yeon responded cheerfully.
"This junior feels the same."
Sang Gwan Eung thought Kwak Yeon was putting on a brave front.
Like all others before his Formless Surpassing Form, surely the Cave Daoist too must be inwardly searching for an excuse to withdraw.
"My Unbeaten Formless path—against a greenhorn fresh to the martial world? He shouldn’t have any means to counter it."
But Kwak Yeon’s light expression and bright response were sincere.
Though his robe was torn and his chest bloodied, thanks to it he had clearly seen the trajectory of Sang Gwan Eung’s saber as it shifted from direct strike to lateral slash.
And then—a faint shadow formed in his once-empty mind.
Having seen Sang Gwan Eung’s hidden secret technique, Dynamic Force finally began to work.
He was still far from ready, but there was no reason to decline such an offer.
"Then I won’t hold back."
BOOM!
Kwak Yeon stepped in deep and slashed downward with the Bluesteel Sword.
SHUUT!
One move from the Azure Dragon Across Eight Seas: Mountain Falls, Sea Sealed!
Said to be the moment a divine being casts a mountain into the sea, the move embodied the pinnacle of swift swordplay.
A flash!
It was so fast that the white afterimage of the Bluesteel Sword trailed like a falling star.
Kwak Yeon had chosen the most variable set within the Grand Ultimate Sword Art—Azure Dragon Across Eight Seas—to observe Sang Gwan Eung’s counters.
The blade that sought Sang Gwan Eung’s head, like a mountain crashing into the sea, was blocked by the Heavenpiercer Saber.
CHZZZZ!
Riding the moment of energy clash, Kwak Yeon slid the Bluesteel Sword and swept across Sang Gwan Eung’s neck.
SHUAT!
The Heavenpiercer Saber spun, parrying the sword.
CLAAAAANG!
Sword energy and saber frost clashed again, evenly matched.
"Haah!"
SHWAAK!
Kwak Yeon unleashed Elastic Force, pushing the Heavenpiercer Saber half a span outward.
To use Elastic Force, one had to temporarily draw from the outer energy supporting the meridians, risking internal injury.
The fact that even with such risk, he gained only a momentary edge showed just how dense and weighty Sang Gwan Eung’s internal force was.
Still, Kwak Yeon took advantage of that opening to slash rapidly at Sang Gwan Eung’s flanks and top.
PAPAPAPAK!
True to his title as a Formless One, the Heavenpiercer Saber appeared like a ghost to block each strike.
It was as if four sabers existed in the air at once.
KWA-KWA-KWA-KWAAANG!
After four overlapping friction blasts, Kwak Yeon sensed a subtle shift in air behind him.
He twisted and dropped.
PAANG!
RIIIP!
A searing blast erupted near his back as fabric tore and heat burned his spine.
Kwak Yeon twisted further with the Flowing Body Reversal technique and launched the Bluesteel Sword upward.
KWAANG!
It collided head-on with the descending Heavenpiercer Saber, thunder cracking through the air.
FWIP! FWISH!
The two men leapt back at the same time to shake off the recoil.
With admiration in his expression, Sang Gwan Eung asked:
"Daoist Kwak, what is the name of that mysterious sword art you just used?"
He had assumed it was one of Wudang’s ultimate styles—either the Grand Ultimate Graceful Sword or the Pure Heaven Sword Style.
"It’s the Grand Ultimate Sword Art."
Kwak Yeon’s answer was unexpected, and Sang Gwan Eung couldn’t believe it.
"Was the Grand Ultimate Sword Art truly so mysterious?"
"Since it could not overcome your saber style, it only proves that I’ve yet to reach its essence."
Sang Gwan Eung's brow furrowed.
That would mean his family’s secret technique had barely managed to hold off Wudang’s foundational sword style.
"Still arrogant to the end."
Suppressing his rising anger, Sang Gwan Eung said:
"Impressive. If I only defend, I may fall behind. I shall go on the offensive now."
Kwak Yeon lifted the Bluesteel Sword and said:
"I am somewhat prepared. Come at me."
"Somewhat prepared?"
Sang Gwan Eung thought the man was bluffing.
It was clear the Cave Daoist had not studied Wudang’s higher-level sword arts for some reason.
Though the mystery in his execution of the Grand Ultimate Sword Art was remarkable, it had been hard to believe it was that same style.
Regardless, he had waited this long to assess the Cave Daoist’s true depth. Now that he had, there was no reason to delay.
Letting a duel drag on would only harm his prestige.
Yet the Cave Daoist had the gall to claim he was ready.
"Then I will sweep in like a storm and end this."
WHUUUUUM!
White radiance surged from the Heavenpiercer Saber, and in an instant, the air of the Great Pavilion turned frigid.