The Crown Prince Who Raises Alt Characters

#Chapter 192 Scholar Juyul (15) - Urgent Expedient Measures "Procedure is important, but when matters are urgent, improvisation is also necessary" *** The Western 5th rank is commonly called a realm equivalent to the Eastern transcendent peak. This assessment is made because both use the same power called Sword Force, or aura in the West, as their standard, but actually examining it closely reveals some differences. In the West, they complete form first, then pursue intent. In the East, they determine intent first, then piece together the form. In the West, they focus on improving physical conditions, mana, and technical levels until reaching the stage called 5th rank, then delve into their mental imagery to advance to the next stage. Conversely, in the East, almost all martial arts inherently contain meaning, and in the process of raising one's realm, one naturally makes that meaning their own. From this perspective, Zhang Hualing's realm was in a somewhat ambiguous position to evaluate. Her body and technique are complete, and her intent and mental imagery seep into her techniques and internal energy to be expressed in the world, which by Western standards would be 6th Rank. However, since she herself cannot control the expressed intent and inner-imagery, from an Eastern perspective, she is nothing more than a half-wit who has only borrowed the name of the Transformation Realm. This was why a fight between Drunken Dreamer Yayul Jae, known as transcendent peak, and Transformation Realm Zhang Hualing could be established. "You mangy dog-like bastard!! Since you seem to like alcohol, I'll put you in a pot with liquor and boil you!!" Crimson Flame Demon Art. Dragon Claw Flame Eruption. Each time Zhang Hualing swung both hands, claw marks made of flames were carved in the air as if a giant dragon had swung its front paws. The power was so tyrannical that rocks barely grazed by the attack would melt slightly, and seeing this, Drunken Dreamer whistled lightly. The power of the attack was impressive, but what was even more striking was how despite containing such firepower, not a single small ember scattered to the surroundings. As Zhang Hualing became more infuriated by this and increased her output, Drunken Dreamer's staff drew irregular trajectories in response. His footsteps were precarious, his body's balance chaotically scattered as if he might topple sideways at any moment. Yet each time he swung his staff, Zhang Hualing's flames weakened in momentum, and her attacks frequently cut through empty air without catching Drunken Dreamer's body. Zhang Hualing gritted her teeth. 'I'm being pushed back by technique...!' Even if you block an opponent's full-powered punch, it's difficult to completely absorb the damage. However, if you can grab the forearm before the arm extends and cut off the attack midway, you can block the attack with minimal damage. Drunken Dreamer's technique was like that. Before her attacks could display their proper power, he was cutting off the flow while she was casting her techniques. It was a technique that would bring worse results than not doing it at all if attempted half-heartedly, so his boldness and exceptional skill could be seen in how he attempted it without hesitation. Meanwhile, Drunken Dreamer was unable to suppress his own admiration. 'This isn't my first time facing dragonkin, but this one is on a different level! Isn't it like fighting a fireball that has taken human form!' Certainly, Drunken Dreamer was skillfully dealing with Zhang Hualing's attacks. If Zhang Hualing's attack power was 10, he was cutting off the flow so that 5 out of 10 couldn't be properly unleashed, and handling the remaining 4 with evasion or defense. What remained was at most 1, or even less. However, even that was threatening. Even when evading attacks, the aftereffects alone would roast his skin golden brown, and even when blocking with his staff, the impact made his muscles tingle. When he breathed in, the heated air made his body feel like it was cooking from the inside, and the heat waves made it difficult to keep his eyes properly open. Drunken Dreamer was also a master who had reached a high realm, so protecting his body with internal energy and protective energy was not a problem in itself, but this type of war of attrition was originally not very appealing to him. 'I need to hurry and end this.' The staff in Drunken Dreamer's hand silently absorbed internal energy. Penetrating into Zhang Hualing's embrace with a posture as if he had mistepped and was falling, he struck her side with his staff. Drunken Immortal Illusion Art. Wine Seeking Heart Pierce. Kuuuuuung! No loud impact sound echoed. Because all the impact that would have been wasted penetrated into Zhang Hualing's body, shaking her internal organs. Penetrating force. A technique that penetrates through thick, tough muscles and even a master's protective energy to destroy the opponent's interior - Drunken Dreamer's specialty. Drunken Dreamer was certain of victory from the satisfying sensation, but soon he had to roll his body aside urgently with wide eyes. Whiiik! Seeing the afterimage of flames that passed by his head by a hair's breadth, Drunken Dreamer let out a hollow laugh. Zhang Hualing glared at him with displeasure as he rolled on the ground to create distance. "Lazy Donkey Rolling. What a move befitting a drunkard." "Once you're dead, dignity and face are all useless. But... what did you do to be fine? You should at least be vomiting a bowl of blood." "I am not so weak that my body would be harmed by being touched by a mere stick." A blazing yang energy that seemed to burn everything began emanating from Zhang Hualing's fingertips. "Whoa. That's truly impressive." Admiration leaked from Drunken Dreamer's mouth. This time it was genuine, not sarcasm or anything else. There was a possibility it was simple bravado, but whether it was bravado or not, looking fine on the surface meant being far from fatal injury. At least it proved that the common assessment that 'Lady of Trampling Fire's defense is weak compared to her offense' was already wrong. Just as Drunken Dreamer tilted his gourd to fill his parched throat, thinking he'd get more excited, he realized the gourd's contents were completely empty and frowned. "─It seems your liquor has run out too, so it would be good to wrap things up here." When Drunken Dreamer turned his gaze to the suddenly interjecting voice, there was a vagrant with shadows under his eyes, chewing betel nut with smacking sounds. Drunken Dreamer made a displeased sound. "Don't interfere, Oh Ga fellow. I was just getting excited." "If you didn't want interference, you shouldn't have caused trouble first. Even Beggar Sect beggars wouldn't pick a fight with the host's family while being a guest." "I'm not a Beggar Sect beggar." "If you drink alcohol, swing a staff, and wear rags, that's a beggar - what else would it be? If you just tied a knot around your waist, Beggar Sect folks would bow their heads saying 'Oh, senior!'" At Hao Sect leader Oh Ga-myeong's sarcasm, Drunken Dreamer's mouth twisted. Zhang Hualing was also about to glare at Oh Ga-myeong wondering what this was about, but soon realized Juyul was beside him and lowered her head in panic. "I'm, I'm sorry, Master. This girl was immature and caused a disturbance." Zhang Hualing couldn't bring herself to lift her face. How long had it been since the commotion over the Black Blood Sect incident, and now she had caused another disturbance related to martial arts matters - she was afraid of how Juyul would view her. What if he thought of her as a troublemaker who goes around picking fights at every opportunity! Meanwhile. Oh Ga-myeong and Drunken Dreamer, who had been engaged in a heated verbal argument, forgot what they had even said to each other and gaped with their mouths open. Zhang Hualing's restless appearance, clearly trembling with fear of being scolded, had that level of destructive power. Honestly, it was enough to make one wonder if they were dreaming. "It's fine. If you had completely lost your reason and gone on a rampage, I would have had to scold you too... but you tried not to cause damage to the surroundings even while fighting, so how could I reproach you for that?" "I'm sorry." Zhang Hualing answered with a voice mixed with relief and joy, and Drunken Dreamer, who had been listening to the conversation beside them, was startled and looked around. 'Come to think of it...' Either way, it was a fight between masters who made names for themselves in the martial world. Moreover, Zhang Hualing's specialty was fierce attacks through powerful Blazing Yang Energy, so normally the entire surrounding area would have become a sea of fire. Yet not even a small fire had occurred in the surroundings, which was proof that Zhang Hualing had suppressed and controlled her energy to the extreme even while fighting. "Whoa, you fool. Even though your opponent fought with one hand tied, you didn't realize it!" Drunken Dreamer let out a deep sigh, which was essentially a declaration acknowledging his defeat. Oh Ga-myeong, who had figured out the full story of the fight that took place here through his excellent insight, also had to acknowledge that Lady of Trampling Fire's abilities were superior to what he had expected. Although there seemed to be psychologically unstable elements remaining, conversely, this meant that if only the mental issues were resolved, she could fully advance to the realm of enlightenment. 'And the value of a scholar who receives such devoted respect from that Lady of Trampling Fire goes without saying.' Oh Ga-myeong, having made up his mind, said to Drunken Dreamer. "Since you seem to acknowledge the outcome, it should be fine to proceed with the proposal, right?" "...Tch. How could a man go back on his word? Do as you please." "That's fortunate." When Oh Ga-myeong cleared his throat with an "Ahem," Juyul and Zhang Hualing's gazes turned toward him. "First, let me reintroduce myself - I am Oh Ga-myeong, serving as the leader of the Hao Sect. I came here today to prepare for coming calamity─" Befitting the leader of a sect that deals with information, Oh Ga-myeong's explanation was clear, concise, and to the point while maintaining minimum courtesy. Heaven-Breaking Lord Mu Hyeok, who was recruiting allies and eliminating those who opposed him while building his forces to become the ruler of heretical sects. Already four of the Seven Hegemons including Heaven-Breaking Lord himself had joined their faction, and only the three here remained. If things continued like this, what awaited them was either submitting to Heaven-Breaking Lord and going under him, or being recognized as enemies and eliminated, so they should join forces to create a new option. After finishing his rough explanation, Oh Ga-myeong observed the reactions around him. Drunken Dreamer, who had already heard the story beforehand, was indifferent, while Zhang Hualing's face alternated between pale and flushed, apparently thinking Juyul was getting involved because of her. The only one whose inner thoughts were unreadable was Juyul, who maintained a calm expression. Oh Ga-myeong, intuiting that the success of this matter depended solely on his mood, bowed his head towards Juyul. "Of course, I understand that such talk may sound uncomfortable to you, Scholar, who is not a martial artist. The Hao Sect will spare no effort to repay your hard work, and Drunken Dreamer here also has high reputation among the wanderers drifting between orthodox and heretical paths, so he will be quite a great help. May we please ask for your assistance?" "Hmm, so you mean that both of you and all those you lead want to attend this inadequate person's lessons?" "Pardon? Ah, yes. That's right." The moment Oh Ga-myeong complied, thinking it was true that he wanted to learn Juyul's martial arts. For some reason, he caught sight of Juyul's lips curling up slightly. "Then from now on, I shall treat you as my disciples. This one, Langlang, will be your junior martial sister, so I hope you will show her the proper courtesy." "Junior... sister?" "...Langlang?" "Ideally, we should take time for each of us to deeply accept the teacher-disciple bond before changing formalities like speech patterns, but according to your story, there doesn't seem to be much time, so for now I'll use expedient measures - that is, shortcuts." Juyul declared. "Disciples. First, let's go beat up some trees."