In the cavern, unaware of the eyes on them, the two champions battled fiercely. It was to the point that the cavern looked nothing like what it had been mere minutes ago. Jin was being pushed in a tough spot as his energy began to diminisce at a quick pace. After a few seconds, he could no longer sustain the flying spears and decisely switched all his attention to the physical spear in his hands. He wielded it with smoothness to the point that it felt like an extension of his own body. But it wasn't enough. Because his opponent his sword with the same aptitude if not a better one.

The old man witnessed the disappearance of the flying spears and understood his opponent's situation. He didn't consider the possibility of it being a trap. It was impossible. In this little battle of theirs, the weight of those techniques was too heavy. Even for a trap, it wasn't worth it. Because, as strong as he was with his spear, he couldn't block eleven swords with a single one. The old man knew he won.

And so, he jumped back. He retreated. It was very unexpected. Not only Jin but every watcher felt it odd. Why did he retreat when he could have won? It was precisely because he had and knew it. Since he had seen the extent of his opponent's power and determined after the battle that he was stronger, it didn't matter anymore what his opponent did. He would win regardless. This enemy of his might take a pill to recover his lost energy if he hadn't eaten one yet but then so what? He could eat one too. Fate was sealed and as such, he decided to make the most of the opportunity.

He noticed that the next round wouldn't start until all duels concluded. He planned to make use of this rule. There was a technique he had yet to fully comprehend and he had this great desire to master it. Before his death. Since he knew he would die during this trial or not long later due to his age, this was his only remaining wish.

The man in front of him was weaker but strong enough to provide a decent sparring partner. Especially in this situation where he would have no choice but to give it his all.

A good sword was forged through the fiercest of tempering.

Contrary to the expectations and thoughts of many, he didn't have much of an interest in taking the win from the start. Since the moment he agreed to participate a hundred year ago to the present, he had a single goal in mind. It was to reach the pinnacle of understanding in the sword. He witnessed his master's sword a few times and knew that he never would. It was beyond him. But a man can dream and hope.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

He knew that he was being selfish and unfair to the young man in front of him but he couldn't help himself. This was the most human feeling he still felt. It was greed.

Still, even though it was even more selfish, he hoped that the young man would understand him. He told him: "I witnessed your limits, please do the same"

He expected the young man to give up and drop to his knees, frown or even curse at him. He hoped for something else but expected no more than that. It was a request far too selfish, unfair and ugly. Yet, unexpectedly, the young man laughed as he nodded and took a stance.

The old man smiled genuinely as he prepared himself. He whispered: "Iron Sword"

The many flying disappeared along with every light coating the blade in his hands. The hazy image behind him fluctuated and seemed to be absorbed inside of him. Then, the image reappeared but elsewhere. It was now glowing on his forehead.

Jin frowned as he couldn't sense any more energy coming from the old man. There was neither 'will' nor 'spiritual energy'. Even with his sight, he couldn't see anything. Yet, the feeling of danger remained. It even grew.

Jin couldn't help but ask: "What did you do?"

The old man didn't answer, merely smiling lightly, before extending his sword straight all the way up, perpendicular to the ground and pointing at the ceiling. Then, he slashed down in a single movement.

Jin didn't see anything strange happening. But the next instant, he felt something missing. He looked to his right side and witnessed with disbelief that the corrupted arm had been sliced cleanly off. He dropped down and placed the amputated end of his arm to the sliced one. Thankfully, he sliced this arm...The one that could regenerate itself. Obviously, Jin wasn't dumb enough to think that the old man missed or something along those lines. It was a warning and testing shot.

Since he didn't pursue his attack after slicing it off, it showed that the old man was seriously intending for Jin to be his stepping stone. Jin could understand the old man, the greed and desire to grow. He knew the feeling rather well himself and wouldn't dare say he never did something similar. Still, understanding and agreeing were two different concepts. He wouldn't let himself be treated like this.

He had no other choice but to swallow a spiritual energy medicine. Later, he would be unable to eat another but then again, there needed to be a later for that to matter.

He felt his reserve of energy being replenished and concentrated his all into his spear. There was no need to try creating flying spears. The old man would slash them easily with that move. It had been invisible but as it hit him, he felt the power from it.

It was pure 'will' and nothing else.

Maybe the spiritual energy was being utilized to power the 'will' in some intricate ways but he hadn't managed to distinguish it this far. In any case, since 'corruption' was sliced this easily, it showed that this 'will' was stronger than his own. There would be no point trying to face it with his own...