Absolute Dominion

Chapter 38

Yeom Chung stood at the edge of the stone plate as he continued his explanation.

“The test is simple. All you have to do is move from here to there. However, there are two conditions. First, you must step precisely on the footprints marked here. Second, the two of you must synchronize your steps.”

The arena erupted in chatter.

To Cha-Ryun, it didn’t seem particularly difficult. It appeared that everyone else shared the same thought. Everyone except Jeok Lee-Gun, that is.

“This is going to be difficult.”

“Why?”

“Each martial artist has their own habits when it comes to their unique martial arts techniques, especially footwork. It’s deeply ingrained, so it comes out unconsciously. But if you try to consciously follow these footprints, your movements will undoubtedly falter. The prints aren’t aligned to match anyone’s specific footwork. Moreover, the real challenge is that two people must move together in perfect harmony.”

“Ah!”

Only then did Cha-Ryun realize that the test wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

“So quick reflexes are essential?”

“That’s one way of putting it.”

Just then, a participant raised his hand to ask a question.

“How will the test be conducted? Will everyone else leave the area while the participants take their turn?”

All of the participants focused their attention on Yeom Chung. He shook his head.

“No. The test will take place in front of everyone.”

The same participant asked another question.

“Then wouldn’t it be advantageous to those who go later?”

“What makes you think that?”

“If you go later, you can observe and mimic the footwork of those who went before you.”

“That could be possible.”

The Young Dragons began murmuring to one another, glancing around. Yeom Chung raised his hand, and the hall quickly quieted down.

“This is not a test that can be passed through mere imitation. If you try to copy the previous participants without mastering the technique yourself, you will be immediately disqualified.”

Only then did everyone accept the explanation. Those who were judging the competition were renowned masters. They would immediately be able to discern any attempts to cheat. Plus, there were hundreds, if not thousands, of onlookers watching closely.

The participants stared at the stone slab, whispering and discussing strategies. Cha-Ryun also gazed at the slab with a serious expression. It seemed simple at first, but it was clearly much more difficult than expected. Just watching it made her head spin. No matter how hard she tried to imagine it, she couldn’t figure out how to approach the test.

“What do you think? Have you figured out what to do yet?”

Cha-Ryun asked, turning to Jeok Lee-Gun. As expected, he was distracted.

“That Lady Seol is quite popular, isn’t she?”

Please, focus!

Even so, Cha-Ryun couldn’t help but glance in the direction Jeok Lee-Gun was looking.

Sure enough, a crowd had gathered around Seol Byeok-Hwa. She attracted the men, while Yang Su-Chang drew the attention of the women.

Other than the participants who came together as couples, everyone else seemed captivated by them. Though, even those who came as couples were sneaking glances at them.

The two were the most perfect pair in this year’s tournament.

The spectators’ attention remained fixed on the “Jade Dragon” and the “Most Beautiful Flower of Chongqing.” Every move they made was met with excited cheers.

In contrast, Lim Ha-Gi of the Northern Sky Clan received far less attention.

He seemed displeased by this, and his expression toward Sama Young reflected his discontent. His bad mood was so apparent that even Cha-Ryun could feel it.

What a pathetic guy.

From a distance, Sama Young waved to Cha-Ryun. Cha-Ryun politely returned the gesture.

She’s far too good for you, you clueless bastard.

Cha-Ryun sighed as she asked Jeok Lee-Gun.

“By the way, do you think we’ll pass this gate?”

“Of course.”

The moment she heard his answer, Cha-Ryun realized it was exactly what she had been hoping to hear—Jeok Lee-Gun’s confident “of course.”

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Not long ago, she would have thought he was crazy for saying that. But now, she genuinely believed him.

“Who are you, really…?”

“I’m such an amazing guy, right?”

I want to punch you so badly.

“So, can we pass?”

“That will be difficult.”

“What?”

“It will be difficult for you.”

Cha-Ryun’s expression hardened, but Jeok Lee-Gun seemed sincere.

“So, are we going to struggle?”

“Not at all.”

Are we going to pass or not?!

Jeok Lee-Gun extended his finger, pointing to one side of the stone slab.

“Look over there.”

Cha-Ryun focused on where Jeok Lee-Gun was pointing.

“The size of the footprints are a bit different, aren’t they?”

Indeed, now that she looked closely, there were smaller footprints scattered here and there.

“This isn’t just one person’s footwork. And on top of that, there are traps.”

“Traps?”

“Yes, there are footprints that start from the opposite end, as if they’re trying to block the path. At least three people left these prints.”

Who is this guy, figuring out everything so easily?

At that moment, someone stepped forward.

“We will take the challenge.”

Cha-Ryun turned around in surprise.

Someone is already taking the test?

Two individuals bowed respectfully and performed a fist salute.

“I am Sa Do-Pung of the Wind and Cloud Castle.”

“I am Yang Ok-Ran of the Wind and Cloud Castle.”

The moment they introduced themselves, the hall exploded with thunderous applause.

Sa Do-Pung was the heir of Wind and Cloud Castle, one of the Four Great Conquerors. Yang Ok-Ran was the only daughter of Yang Jin-Geum, the Grand Elder of Wind and Cloud Castle. She was also betrothed to Sa Do-Pung from birth.

Most of the people here had never seen Sa Do-Pung before. Unlike well-known figures like Lim Ha-Gi of the Northern Sky Clan or Yang Su-Chang of the Southern Peak Alliance, Sa Do-Pung’s appearance drew even more attention.

Whish, whoosh, whish.

The two of them moved gracefully across the stone slab, moving in perfect harmony as if they were dancing.

Gasps of admiration erupted from all corners of the arena.

They skillfully stepped on the footprints, advancing several feet in an instant.

Thud, thud, thud.

Suddenly, Yang Ok-Ran’s footwork faltered for just a moment. The footwork test was far different from what she had imagined. But still, she did not give up. She struggled stubbornly to match each footprint, and Sa Do-Pung did his best as he adjusted his movements to match her pace.

However, their footwork didn’t flow as naturally as it had in the beginning. Yang Ok-Ran made several mistakes, but the two of them did their best and persevered until the end.

After completing the footwork, Yang Ok-Ran’s expression wasn’t good.

Sa Do-Pung gently patted Yang Ok-Ran’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.

The two of them stood side by side in front of the judges.

The judges began to discuss among themselves.

A brief smile appeared on Jeok Lee-Gun’s face as he spoke.

“Those guys are smart.”

“Why?”

“Being the first always carries some significance.”

“What do you mean? Don’t tell me…?”

As the judges finished their discussion, Yeom Chung stepped forward.

“Sa Do-Pung and Yang Ok-Ran, you pass!”

The arena erupted once more, with thunderous cheers from their supporters and loud jeers from those who opposed Wind and Cloud Castle.

Yeom Chung ignored the noise and returned to his place without offering an explanation for why they passed.

Then, the next pair of participants stepped forward.

“I am Lim Ah-Jin of the Black Shadow Sect from Shandong.”

“I am Yang In-Ju of the Yang Family Blade Sect, also from Shandong.”

They were the successors of two up-and-coming sects in Shandong—the Black Shadow Sect and the Yang Family Blade Sect.

Having meticulously observed the footwork of Sa Do-Pung and Yang Ok-Ran, they were confident that their own performance would surpass that of the previous pair.

Their test began.

Their movements were quick and light, even faster than Sa Do-Pung and Yang Ok-Ran’s. The two of them completed the test smoothly.

Once again, the judges gathered around Yeom Chung.

The two who had just finished the test were smiling, clearly satisfied with their performance. Objectively, they believed they had done better than the previous pair.

However, the result was entirely unexpected.

“Disqualified!”

Of course, they protested immediately.

“We cannot accept this!”

It was as if Yeom Chung had anticipated their reaction. He calmly approached them and pointed to three specific footprints. They had unknowingly mimicked the footwork of Sa Do-Pung and Yang Ok-Ran.

“When you passed from here to here, why did you skip this step?”

“Well, that’s because…”

Lim Ah-Jin was at a loss for words, unable to provide a clear answer.

Yeom Chung then turned his attention to Sa Do-Pung and posed the same question.

“Why did you skip that step?”

Sa Do-Pung answered without hesitation.

“Stepping on it would have required reversing the flow of my qi.”

Yeom Chung looked back at Lim Ah-Jin with an expression that asked if the explanation was sufficient. Lim Ah-Jin frowned, wanting to protest, but Yang In-Ju grabbed his arm and shook her head. It was a wise decision—after all, they were being watched by many martial artists.

The two of them lowered their heads and left the area.

They were the heirs of two of the most prominent rising sects in Shandong. Seeing them fail in one go, the other participants felt a mix of joy and tension. Going earlier in the trial didn’t necessarily mean having an advantage after all.

Finally, everyone understood why the test was being conducted so publicly. If you didn’t rely on your own unique footwork, observing someone else’s test could actually work against you.

With the disqualification of two participants, everyone grew more cautious.

Those who knew each other gathered in small groups, discussing strategies. The judges didn’t intervene, seemingly allowing anything as long as external help wasn’t involved.

Cha-Ryun, looking anxious, turned to Jeok Lee-Gun and asked.

“Should we just stay here and do nothing?”

“No. We need to practice.”

What’s this now, is he finally taking this seriously?

“Come with me.”

Jeok Lee-Gun led Cha-Ryun to a quiet corner of the training ground, through a corridor connected to the martial arena. The martial artists of the Northern Sky Clan who were stationed nearby watched them closely, though it was clear they wouldn’t interfere as long as they didn’t leave the corridor.

“Perform the Red Silk Sword Technique for me.”

“Right here?”

“Yes.”

“But…”

“What? Are you afraid someone might see?”

Of course! This is my family’s treasured technique. Don’t you see the martial artists over there watching us?

“It’s fine. Just do it.”

“But…”

“Just because someone is watching doesn’t mean they can grasp the essence of your martial art. And those capable of such insight would probably have no desire for the Red Silk Sword Technique anyway. It’s just a matter of perception.”

Though his statement was frustrating and stung her pride, Cha-Ryun knew it was the truth.

Jeok Lee-Gun’s tone grew more serious.

“Is the Red Silk Sword Technique the pinnacle of your martial arts journey? Is it your ultimate goal?”

Cha-Ryun, sharp as ever, understood the deeper meaning behind his words. Jeok Lee-Gun was urging her not to limit herself to the Red Silk Sword Technique. It should be used as a stepping stone to master more powerful techniques.

Still, even though stronger martial arts may be out there, this technique was still precious to her.

Chaang!

Cha-Ryun drew her sword.

‘I trust him.’

Cha-Ryun began performing the seventy-seven paths of the Red Silk Sword Technique with fluid motions.

“Wait.”

Jeok Lee-Gun suddenly stopped her, and Cha-Ryun froze mid-swing.

“At that part, slow down by half a breath.”

What?

Jeok Lee-Gun had already approached her and adjusted her arm.

She flinched in surprise but didn’t resist Jeok Lee-Gun’s guidance.

“From right here to here, just half a breath slower.”

Cha-Ryun swung her sword again, deliberately slowing her movements as instructed. A slight adjustment, yet just that half-breath delay changed the entire flow of her sword.

What is this feeling?

Her whole body seemed to tell her that his correction was spot on.

At the same time, memories of Yang Hwa-Young’s teachings resurfaced in Cha-Ryun’s mind. The combination of Yang Hwa-Young’s advice and Jeok Lee Gun’s guidance was opening a new realm in her martial arts.

Jeok Lee-Gun had corrected nine specific points in her technique. Cha-Ryun accepted all of his corrections.

The result was far beyond anything Cha-Ryun could have imagined.

As Cha-Ryun finished the seventy-seven paths of the Red Silk Sword Technique, Jeok Lee-Gun smiled and spoke.

“Congratulations. Your mastery of the Red Silk Sword Technique has just advanced from seven-star to eight-star mastery.”

“You little…! Martial arts aren’t some kind of game!”

Yet, at this moment, there was one thing Cha-Ryun didn’t realize. The gap between her martial arts level and Jeok Lee-Gun’s was so vast that raising her level by one stage wasn’t as difficult for him as she thought.

Seeing the seriousness in Jeok Lee-Gun’s expression, Cha-Ryun asked with a hint of doubt in her voice.

“…Are you serious?”

Jeok Lee-Gun nodded confidently.

“I’m not lying.”

“That’s impossible!”

“Try performing the technique again, you’ll notice a difference.”

Cha-Ryun instinctively swung her sword once more.

What exactly is supposed to be different?

Cha-Ryun couldn’t feel any noticeable change. If she had to consciously think of anything, it was that the sword felt a bit heavier as she swung it—that was the only difference.

Then, Jeok Lee-Gun said something so ridiculous that she couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

“Alright, let’s try again. This time, try to aim for nine-star mastery.”

[TL Note: Earlier nine-star mastery was referred to as the composition stage, this correction has been made across previous chapters as well.]

“Have you lost your mind?”

As Cha-Ryun looked at him in disbelief, Jeok Lee-Gun glanced over at the stone slab in the distance before speaking.

“If you don’t reach the nine-star level, you won’t be able to pass the test.”