I Became the Genius Mage of the Martial Academy

Chapter 94 : Dragon and Phoenix Assembly (4)

‘Is using sorcery a rule violation?’

A silence fell over the venue. The atmosphere was tense, as if cold water had been poured on it.

Since I couldn’t understand what was going on, I first waited for the host’s next explanation. Because in times like this, it was advantageous to exercise the right to remain silent.

The host, who looked to be middle-aged, opened his mouth with a firm but somewhat tired expression.

“This is the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, a stage where people compete with each other through martial arts. The use of sorcery is not allowed.”

At those words, I narrowed my brow. As far as I knew, the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly allowed most things as long as they were related to martial arts, whether it was sorcery or anything else.

‘No, does it depend on the yardstick they apply?’

Although there was no rule that said not to use sorcery, if one were to interpret martial arts as martial skills in the clause ‘participants will compete with each other’s martial arts,’ a ban was also possible.

Because whether it was a law book or anything else, it was all up to interpretation.

‘Should I argue that sorcery is also a martial art? Or should I deny using sorcery in the first place? But there are too many masters here for that.’

I looked at the faces of those sitting in the judges’ seats. They were all individuals who had reached at least the super-master level. It was impossible to deceive their eyes.

Therefore, I decided to first confirm the issue and look for room to dig in.

“Are you taking issue with the fact that I made ice flowers bloom during the duel?”

“Because that is sorcery.”

Looking at the host’s attitude, it seemed he was convinced that the ice flowers I had created at the end were sorcery.

As evidence, Yang Ha-eun’s waves, which were made of sword qi and mental images, had long since scattered, but the ice flowers I had made still remained in the training ground, emitting a cold air.

Well, the operating principle of magic is indeed different. It’s not about recreating it with a sword and body, but about changing reality with the movement of mana released to the outside.

Similarly, just because energy spews out from within the body doesn’t mean the principle is the same.

Of course, if one surpasses the Transformation Realm, it is called the ‘return of all streams to the source’, and the boundary between magic and it becomes somewhat blurred.

The problem was that this was the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, and I was just a new martial artist who had just reached the peak level.

With other experts present, it was obvious that insisting it was martial arts and not sorcery wouldn’t work.

Then there was only one method I could take.

“The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly is a place to compete in martial arts. Since I created ice with my sword, isn’t this martial and also art?”

“Then what are those ice blocks? Making ice and snow like this is something a sorcerer does. The other judges also saw your last blow as sorcery.”

Then, the host, who was trying to push his opinion by borrowing the influence of the judges. At that, I brought out the counter-argument I had prepared in advance.

“Among the martial arts of the North Sea Ice Palace, there is a special move that creates ice with yin energy. Then are you saying that the secret art of the North Sea Ice Palace is not a martial art?”

At my counter-question, the host, who seemed to be at a loss for words for a moment, was flustered.

To single out a large sect in front of such a large crowd and deny its identity was an impossible thing. For a sect, martial arts was its foundation and root. If one were to ignore that, one had to be prepared for death.

Because there had been countless times in history when wars had broken out because of that justification and honor.

The host shut his mouth, as if at a loss for words. Since it was a checkmate, even the judges could not act rashly. Who would want to become an enemy of the North Sea Ice Palace over a single word?

“Ahem!”

A quick answer did not come back to the tricky question. This also meant that the opponent’s point was that flimsy.

A displeased voice was heard from the murmuring crowd.

“Anyone could see it was a hot martial art, what a trivial thing to pick a fight over!”

“I don’t know if this is the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly or a fish market. If there’s ice, you’re disqualified? If there isn’t, you pass? As long as you use the sword well, since when did we care about such trivial things? If it’s sorcery, does it mean you won’t die even if you’re hit?”

Perhaps because it was such an impressive battle, the public opinion of the crowd was favorable. In the first place, from their point of view, it didn’t matter whether the last move was sorcery or swordsmanship.

Because it was strong anyway. And that was also a definition that pierced the essence of martial arts.

“Ahem, calm down, everyone! Calm down!”

No matter how much the host tried to talk his way around it, public opinion did not change easily. On the contrary, he only received boos.

At this, the host, who was startled, went to the judges’ seats, and after discussing for a long time, he came back with a shabby complexion.

“Boo!”

“Get rid of the bogus martial artist appraiser!”

In the midst of the dissatisfied protests, the host began to speak, imbuing his voice with internal energy.

“I will announce the results!”

While everyone’s attention was focused, the host’s explanation continued.

“Although it is difficult to see sorcery as a martial art, in this case, it was only the last move, and since it has similarities with other similar martial arts, the distinction is difficult, so we have decided to confirm Zhuge Cheonwu’s victory and have him advance to the finals. However, in the finals, we will prohibit the ice sorcery that was just shown! If you use sorcery recklessly like now, you may be disqualified, so be careful!”

‘They’re being cheap.’

It seemed they had done quite a bit of research on me. It seemed they were trying to seal one of this side’s weapons for Namgung Minsu’s victory.

Because from the beginning, the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly in this Anhui Province was the possession of Namgung Minsu, who was sitting in the seat of honor in front.

Although he was a participant, he was being treated differently just because he was a direct descendant of the Namgung family, so that said it all.

But even so, the tournament organizers could not disqualify me.

‘If they disqualify me like this and let Namgung Minsu win by default, they’ll lose face.’

It was clear that there would be talk. I could tell by the curses coming from the crowd even now.

Although it could be considered unfair, considering that there were interferences when Baek Hasin tried to win in the original work, this was rather mild.

For now, I had advanced to the finals, and the judges had lost their justification to interfere any further, so it was wise to back down at this point.

In the first place, it was difficult to do anything against a group that was united based on the vested interests of the Martial Alliance and the Namgung family. You have to know when to back down.

I left the tournament venue, receiving the cheers of the crowd. Unlike my relaxed face, which was waving to the surroundings, I was in a state of deep thought.

‘If the ice system doesn’t work, then fire… of course it won’t.’

Since they had stipulated that I couldn’t use sorcery at all, it was clear that they would find fault with it somehow.

‘Do I have to win with just swordsmanship?’

I looked at my palm, which was still trembling faintly. It had only been a day since I had reached the peak level. But this body was getting stronger in real time. I could feel it.

Looking at the martial prowess displayed in the arena so far, Namgung Minsu must also be at least at the initial stage of the peak level.

‘It’s worth a try.’

Just as I was about to continue my strategy against Namgung Minsu, I felt a gaze.

Namgung Honpyeong. He was staring this way. I didn’t like his expressionless face.

‘I’ll crush your son.’

Because this cheap trick wouldn’t have happened without that man’s silent approval.

And so, as I was heading back to the inn, Choi Mi-kyung’s voice was heard without fail.

“That was amazing. I lost. But how in the world did you do it? It resembled the martial arts of the Huashan Sect, but it wasn’t from Huashan.”

“That’s right. Let’s just say it’s my secret technique.”

At the word "secret technique," Choi Mi-kyung licked her lips.

Because even in a world where most martial arts were shared, that was still an unwritten rule.

“So, what about the bet?”

“I’ll give my testimony. First, let’s take care of the fly.”

At the same time, Choi Mi-kyung’s figure disappeared and then came out of an alley.

There, a man was being held, foaming at the mouth. It seemed he had committed suicide after going berserk right after sensing the danger, as his veins were bulging.

‘Are they already moving?’

As I was inwardly clicking my tongue at the Blood Cult’s tightening grip, I couldn’t help but stop at Choi Mi-kyung’s next words.

“They were watching you. Be careful.”

“Yes?”

Not Yang Ha-eun, but me? But there was no way a super-master of Choi Mi-kyung’s level would have missed the enemy’s gaze.

In that moment, the worst-case scenario I could have imagined came to mind.

‘Don’t tell me the target has changed to me?’

Come to think of it, the top student of the Martial Academy, reaching the peak level in half a year, and even the magic of the third circle that didn’t exist in this world.

I was close to the type of talent that the Blood Cult guys were looking for. And what’s more, if they had seen me fight with Yang Ha-eun this time.

I looked at the Blood Cult member who had committed suicide with his tongue sticking out and narrowed my brow.

‘Is it me now?’

Although I had been prepared to some extent when I had stepped forward to eliminate a future enemy and save Yang Ha-eun, they were guys who were more spineless than I had imagined.

I completely revised my future plans. And after devising a way to live, I came to a conclusion.

‘I have to win even more.’

I needed the prize for winning. If I wanted to survive.

***

Finally, on the day of the finals, the entire Anhui Province was excited for the finals, the flower of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

The large arena, which was about 35 meters wide and had been expanded for today, was crowded with thousands of people.

Just as I was about to head to the stage along the controlled path, the voices of the onlookers who had spotted me grew louder.

“It’s Zhuge Cheonwu!”

“Waaaaah! Law Dragon!”

Law Dragon. It seemed they were calling me that because I used sorcery.

As I took a step, the crowd split to the side along the path.

After passing through the shower of hands that were reaching out from both sides, I reached the end of the path, and the flower of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly and the most splendid stage unfolded.

As I went up onto the stage along the stairs decorated with white stone, the open view of the surroundings came into sight.

I drew my sword amidst the heated gazes of the crowd.

‘I can’t use magic.’

I could see the figure of Namgung Minsu, who had a frown on his face. He was at the initial stage of the peak level. Although his realm was similar to mine, his experience was different.

Because there was bound to be a difference between someone who had only passed the wall for a day and someone who had been there for nearly a year.

“You’ve managed to come this far. You incompetent scoundrel.”

“If I lose to a guy like that, I’ll be doing some mid-air steps in my blanket.”

“That way of speaking also ends with this!”

I took a stance, dealing with him appropriately. At that, Namgung Minsu, who was indignant, drew his sword opposite me. Soon, the host’s announcement, imbued with internal energy, followed.

“Then we will now begin the final duel of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly!”

At the shout, Namgung Minsu kicked off the ground.

“I’ll crush you!”

As befitting a family that used both a fast sword and a heavy sword, his legs were quite fast. In an instant, the distance between us narrowed, and the blade rushed in like a thunderbolt.

The Boundless Azure Sky Sword Art. As if lightning were flashing in the middle of an endless sky, a brilliant series of sword strikes burst out from among the countless sword paths.

Clang-clang-clang-clang!

A speed that was difficult to follow even with the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword. Still, as befitting a direct descendant of the Namgung family, it was an outstanding martial prowess.

‘Still, it’s not to the level of Yang Ha-eun.’

I awakened my blood magic and deflected the opponent’s sword in an instant.

“Keuk!”

Along with Namgung Minsu’s single cry, I took advantage of the gap where his posture had been broken and immediately dug in. At the same time, the ninth form of the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword, the Nine Changes of the Plum Blossom, exploded.

Swish-

In that moment, the sensation of the opponent’s shoulder being cut was transmitted to my fingertips. But it wasn’t deep.

‘Did he dodge this? Still, he had at least one hidden move.’

As I lifted my head with my sword extended, Namgung Minsu, who had retreated that far back, was there. A strange electric current was flowing through his entire body.

To the point where it looked as if he were clad in lightning magic. It seemed he was turning the energy in his body into a fast sword, like an electric eel.

‘Is it something like a special move?’

The energy I felt was unusual. No matter how much the direct descendants of the Namgung family had gilded their internal energy with various elixirs, it was enough to be discharged quickly.

‘Then for a long-term battle…’

The moment I thought that, his figure disappeared.

Before I knew it, Namgung Minsu, who had rushed in front of me, was swinging his sword. Although it was fast, it was heavy. To the point where I was being pushed back little by little even after awakening my blood magic.

And what’s more, the electric current that was sparking from the tip of his sword without me realizing it was subtly tricky. It stiffened my muscles and blocked my vision throughout the hilt fight.

‘My internal energy is still not enough to cover my whole body with protective qi.’

At my level, which was a little over half a cycle, it was out of the question.

‘The consumption of internal energy is considerable.’

Since the other side had also brought out a secret technique, my internal energy was being cut down in chunks every time I responded to a single blow.

‘I’ll have to use my mana.’

At this rate, my internal energy would run out before he got tired.

Crackle!

I was pushed back greatly by the sword strike that came in with a blue electric current.

Although I had raised my internal energy to block it, the electricity had dug into my body. It stung.

A situation where I could be pushed back if I wasn’t careful.

‘Should I try that.’

Just then, Namgung Minsu was taking a moment to catch his breath after drawing out a large amount of power. I took advantage of the distance and slightly lowered my sword, and then I contemplated my inner self.

The next stage of the martial art left by the Heaven-Shattering Demon. The Heavenly Thunder Qi.

The inside of my dantian flickered. The center of my internal energy, which was connected to countless energy veins, was being reconstructed by the Heaven-Defying Cultivation Method.

Originally, it would have been an impossible thing. But a talent that had reached a peak that a single human could not fully contain made it possible.

“Are you being careless against me?!”

At that moment, Namgung Minsu, who had arranged his gear, rushed in, and along with a flashing heat, an electric shock struck my body again.

Kiiing-

The sword cried, and this side’s figure shook. I barely blocked his attack and retreated. My whole body was numb, but it was bearable.

“It’s quite thrilling.”

I stood up, staggering, from my seat. And then I muttered.

“Is this how you do it?”

I operated my internal energy, recalling the oral secrets of the Heavenly Thunder Qi that I had seen in the library someday. The mysterious action of the Heaven-Defying Cultivation Method made it possible.

At that moment, a blue electric current rose on my skin.

“H-how? You, the martial arts of my family…?”

At that sight, Namgung Minsu’s astonished voice came back. He probably hadn’t expected me to be able to clad myself in electricity in addition to the family’s cultivation method.

“I learned it, on my own.”

“No way!”

Along with a scream-like shout, the opponent rushed in. I moved forward instead of answering.

Following the operation of the Heavenly Thunder Qi, an electric current sparked on the blade. At the same time, a high-density lightning magic was added on top of it.

Crackle!

Soon, the two lightsabers clashed with each other, and the sword of lightning, which had exploded even larger than Namgung Minsu’s, swallowed the opponent.

Rumble!

Along with a thunder-like roar, a heat wave spread.

What was left after the momentary flash had passed was only Namgung Minsu, who was lying there, scorched here and there, and me, who was standing in front of him.

In the end, I won. Although we were at the same peak level, this side, which was clad in the lightning magic made with the mana of the third circle, had won.

“…This is invalid!”

Just then, someone from the judges’ seats raised their voice. I looked that way and let out a faint sigh.

‘They’re troublesome until the very end.’

It seemed there was still an opponent I had to defeat.

(End of Chapter)