N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 700
Kugugugu!
Raon felt the immense energy of Roman through the Red Dragon Axe pushing against Heavenly Drive as if it would shatter it.
It was so heavy that there were no words to describe it. Roman was perfectly wielding the Red Dragon Axe, a massive weapon.
'It feels like my arm is going to be ripped off, but...'
I can’t afford to lose in terms of strength.
Currently, my physical strength and agility surpass the intermediate level of Grandmaster.
If he were to be outmatched in physical strength, Wrath would wake up and dance a furious dance.
Kuuung!
Pressing down on the river with his toes, Raon channeled energy into his entire body. The massive energy that began in his thighs transferred through his abdominal muscles to his right shoulder and grip, giving him an extraordinary strength.
Crackle!
Intense sparks erupted as the Red Dragon Axe slowly began to be pushed back.
Roman’s eyes trembled slightly at the bizarre sight of a thin sword overcoming a massive axe. His expression was one of disbelief, unable to accept being overpowered in strength.
“Did you think you could win by brute force?”
Raon smirked and roughly pushed Roman away.
Kwaaang!
Roman staggered back three steps, breaking the waves. Every step he took deeply indented the river.
“Hahhaa!”
Roman let out a hollow laugh as if it was absurd.
“I never thought I’d be overpowered in strength. Truly, you never disappoint!”
"It's too early to be impressed."
Raon stepped forward with his right foot and used the Supreme Harmony Steps. He moved against the waves and closed in on Roman’s left side. The red-soaked blade evaporated the water droplets as it shot towards Roman's forehead.
“Hmph!”
Roman swung the Red Dragon Axe to block the thrust of Heavenly Drive as if he had been waiting for it.
Kuuuuung!
When the sword and axe collided, a thunderous sound like steel pillars clashing resonated.
It wasn't just the sound that was evenly matched. Heavenly Drive and the Red Dragon Axe remained locked in the air, neither yielding an inch, a pure contest of strength.
“Huu.”
Raon rotated the Ring of Fire as he looked at the dark red flame emanating from the Red Dragon Axe's blade.
Ghoooooo!
As the eight rings resonated, his heartbeat echoed in his ears.
In the splashing droplets, he saw his reflection, and the scent of the rough wind tingled his nose.
Extreme concentration. Time seemed to slow, and his senses reached their peak.
This was not something to be happy about. Entering this state as soon as the battle started meant that the opponent was that dangerous.
“To block the Red Dragon Axe head-on, you have monstrous strength. But…”
Roman smiled as if delighted, and the energy in the Red Dragon Axe suddenly amplified.
Kuuuuuuung!
Even though he was blocking with all his might, he felt a shock that felt like it would tear his shoulder apart.
"It's too early to be satisfied. The real fight starts now."
“Kuhh…”
With Roman’s roar, the Red Dragon Axe grew even heavier. His fingers holding the sword trembled.
While Raon’s physical strength was superior, Roman was still superior in overall power.
Crack.
Raon bit the edge of his lip with his canine teeth.
'If I back down here, it's over.'
Roman's Revolving Void Axe Strike is a martial art that grows stronger the more the opponent retreats. Instead of fleeing, he had to push forward.
Hwaaaaa!
He unleashed the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation output to the maximum. The flames that had been swirling around the blade of Heavenly Drive rotated like saw blades, creating sharp sword strike. It was the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
Revolving Sky.
"That's a good sword strike!"
Roman, not wanting to be outdone, imbued the blade of the Red Dragon Axe with the astral sphere and pressed down.
Boom!
The flames clashing created a deep groove on the river's surface as if they could melt metal.
The submerged waterway erupted, sending massive waves in all directions.
The warships of the South-North Union anchored at the riverbank were half-destroyed, and the shattered decks soared into the sky.
Even though this clash could have been fatal, Raon and Roman smiled as they wielded Heavenly Drive and Red Dragon Axe amidst the storm of aura.
Rumble!
Each sword strike split the river, and each axe strike twisted the sky.
As the duel between Raon and Roman, who seemed to transcend humanity, continued, dark clouds gathered in the sky as if signaling the end of the world, and the river turned, revealing its bottom.
Kuooooooong!
Roman seemed to gain even more power from the battle, crushing the flames of the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and exerting even stronger pressure.
Jjeooooooooong!
Raon narrowed his eyes as he deflected the fiercely charging Red Dragon Axe.
'His speed has increased too.'
The speed of the Revolving Void Axe Strike gradually increased, and now the Red Dragon Axe was becoming blurry.
As time passed, Roman displayed even more formidable power.
Huff.
After taking a deep breath, Raon positioned Heavenly Drive diagonally.
Cheeeeng!
The Red Dragon Axe, swung down by Roman, slid along the blade of Heavenly Drive and struck the river. With a massive shockwave, the water split deeply.
Chwaaaaak!
Raon, not missing the gap as the Red Dragon Blade descended, drew the Frost Pound. Two sword strikes filled with extreme speed dug into Roman's neck.
However, Roman anticipated this and shifted to his left with a step.
It was an evasion so perfect in speed and accuracy that it was almost like teleportation magic.
'Is that the Nine Palaces Steps?'
Although the Axe King preferred overpowering opponents with sheer strength without moving, when he did move, it was said to be so swift that it was hard to follow. That movement seemed to be created by the Nine Palaces Steps.
Whoosh!
When the Axe King raised the Red Dragon Axe, hot air rushed in. The dark red flames burning on the axe blade transformed into hundreds of astral spheres, all aimed at Raon's vital points.
Teong!
Raon twisted his ankle and used the Supreme Harmony Steps. Rather than cutting through the river, he followed the flow of the river with his footwork, letting the rain of the astral sphere flow past him.
Kooooo!
But Roman's offensive was not over yet. He followed up with the Nine Palaces Steps and directly struck down with the Red Dragon Axe. There was no space to dodge. It was an attack that had to be blocked.
Goooooo!
Raon gritted his teeth and lifted his gaze. As he rotated the Ring of Fire to the point where his heart ached, and the descending path of the Red Dragon Axe came into view.
Kugugugu!
He twisted his wrist and thrust Heavenly Drive towards the Red Dragon Axe. The flames that had been coating the blade extended into a graceful line of heat. It was the Crimson Slash of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
Jjeooooong!
The pressing Red Dragon Axe and the rising Heavenly Drive clashed, creating a powerful shockwave once again.
Countless waves of aura burst forth between the sword and the axe.
'This is my chance.'
Raon twisted the line of heat formed at the tip of Heavenly Drive. The thin flame drew a concentric circle, creating a shield of flames, the Firewall.
Kwang!
He deflected the Red Dragon Axe with the Firewall and closed in on Roman.
Chiiiiing!
Raon stepped forward with his left foot and slashed down with Heavenly Drive. The tip of the blade fluttered like a mirage, drawing a dream-like curve. It was the Sword’s Silvery Dream, a strike that beheads before the pain is felt.
"Hmm!"
Roman furrowed his brow, sensing the danger of the Sword’s Silvery Dream. He erected a wall of aura in the air without even raising the Red Dragon Axe.
Jjeooong!
As the Sword’s Silvery Dream shattered the wall of aura, the Red Dragon Axe flew in. Roman had regained his stance in an instant and launched a surprise attack.
'I have no choice but to block it.'
Raon pulled Heavenly Drive, which was cutting to the right, inward. His body, transcending human limits, performed an impossible maneuver to block the Red Dragon Axe.
Kuwaaaaang!
But because he couldn't perfect his defensive stance, his arm and shoulder shook, causing severe internal shock. The pain halted his legs.
"Now I see an opening!"
Roman grinned and swung the Red Dragon Axe upwards from below. It was a trajectory aimed to split his body in half.
'This is dangerous, but...'
It's also an opportunity.
Raon infused Heavenly Drive with Glacier's cold energy. Using the ultimate technique of the Blizzard Sword Art, he diverted the Red Dragon Axe that was shooting up like a cannonball.
The axe twisted, exposing Roman's chest.
'Now!'
Raon bit down hard and drew the Blade of Requiem with his left hand. The red blade's ghastly energy grazed Roman's left chest.
Phiaaaak!
Red blood flowed down Roman's black long jacket.
"You don't back down an inch."
He laughed heartily as if he enjoyed seeing his own blood.
"This is the most exhilarating fight I've ever had in my life."
"Same here."
Raon nodded, wiping the blood from his lips.
'How could it not be enjoyable when we are both fighting with all our might?'
As Roman, the Axe King, recognized as one of the top warriors on the continent, acknowledged him and fought with all his might, his heart burned with excitement.
Despite his internal injuries, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Shall we continue?"
Roman bared his white teeth as he gripped the handle of the Red Dragon Axe with both hands.
"As much as you want."
Raon summoned all the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier’s energy. The fire and frost, which didn't naturally blend, were intertwined by the wind of the Light Wind Style. The blazing flame and frost blades emitted a noble light.
This time, instead of waiting for Roman to approach, Raon advanced first. He entered Roman's space and unleashed the Fangs of Insanity.
Clack clack clack!
The beast filled with madness pierced through Roman's aura shield and sank its fangs into the Red Dragon Axe.
"Kuhahaha!"
Roman, as if intending to use the shake caused by the Fangs of Insanity, raised the axe handle high.
He unleashed a rapid series of attacks as if he had changed his weapon to a club.
However, since he was still using the Red Dragon Axe, its heavy power remained unchanged.
The pain in Raon's right arm, which held Heavenly Drive, felt as if it was being crushed.
Kugugugu!
Roman spun his wrist and raised the axe blade high again. It felt as if the entire Rable River was placed on the Red Dragon Axe.
Fwhooooosh!
Raon thrust Heavenly Drive towards the tip of the Red Dragon Axe. Fire and frost blazed on the shooting blade, forming the shape of a dragon.
Like a flying dragon soaring through the sky, the sword strike of Heavenly Drive pushed back the Red Dragon Axe.
'Kuh...'
Though he could push Roman back using the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier simultaneously, his chest ached even more. It seemed his internal injuries had worsened.
'It's not time to stop yet... huh?'
As he moved to the left, aiming for an opening in Roman's defense, the Flame Dragon Art, which had advanced with a majestic wave, split in half.
Through the splitting flames and frost, the Red Dragon Axe was visible. It seemed Roman had completely split the Flame Dragon Art.
'What?'
Raon exhaled in disbelief as he saw Roman with flames in his eyes.
'His energy has grown stronger.'
Roman's energy, which he had definitely thought was his full power, had risen to another level.
"Not yet!"
Roman charged forward with a grin. The blade of the Red Dragon Axe, slashing from left to right, emitted a chilling light.
Kuwaaaang!
Even though Raon deployed the Firewall with Heavenly Drive and the Flawless Golden Strands with the Blade of Requiem, the shock penetrated through.
His head shook as if he was seasick, and severe pain erupted in his shoulder.
'It's certain.'
That guy is getting stronger through this battle.
Roman wasn't just fighting with all his might, he was growing stronger through this battle.
* * *
Next Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/theAxeKing
Advance chapters: Tinyurl.com/Albnlfff
For Indonesian: Tinyurl.com/Aldbnlff
"It was pointless to come here."
Helgurum, the vice union leader of the South-North Union, clicked his tongue shortly.
"Excuse me...?"
The Black Wolf Unit leader blinked as if asking what he was talking about.
“Raon Zieghart is certainly not surprising to be called the greatest talent on the continent. However….”
Helgurum snorted and shook his head.
“He's still not enough to reach Roman. No, he should not be considered a match for the grown Roman.”
“But until just now, they were fighting almost evenly….”
“Roman had an enlightenment just yesterday. It means he hasn't had enough time to fully internalize that enlightenment yet.”
“Then, that means….”
"Yes. Right now, Roman is internalizing his enlightenment through this duel to the death. In other words, he is getting stronger and stronger."
He waved his hand as if shooing away a fly.
“He already had the upper hand, and now he's getting stronger as he fights? There's no answer to that.”
Helgurum dusted his hands off, indicating that the fight was as good as over.
“But Raon Zieghart has sword field.”
“The sword field alone cannot overcome this gap.”
He shook his head firmly.
“It’s fortunate that we can eliminate that young monster now. In the future, he would become a true monster that no one could face.”
Helgurum put down his wine glass and looked to his left. House Zieghart’s swordsmen were clenching their fists tightly as they watched Raon being pushed back, refusing to give up.
“Do they not want to admit it?”
The Heavenly Blade division leader Sheryl and Zieghart’s Sword of Light Rimmer must have grasped the situation, yet their expressions remained unchanged.
They completely trusted Raon as a person.
“Pathetic.”
“That might not be the case.”
Beorn, standing behind Helgurum, shook his head.
“What do you mean?”
"Because that's not the face of someone who has given up."
He pointed to Raon, who had swapped positions with Roman. Raon was smiling broadly despite bleeding from his mouth and chest.
“Hmm….”
Helgurum frowned as he looked at Raon.
‘Why is he smiling?’
He should be feeling his opponent getting stronger, so why is he smiling?
‘This fight is already over. Roman is pressing, and that guy is either dodging or barely enduring… wait.’
Dodging or enduring?
Roman has definitely risen to a higher level as he internalized his enlightenment. For him to endure the full power of the evolved Roman.….
Helgurum looked at Raon and trembled his lips.
‘It means that guy is growing too!’
* * *
“Haa….”
Raon exhaled hot breath as he dodged the endless trajectory of the Red Dragon Axe.
‘I feel like I’m going to die. But….’
It’s exhilarating.
When he first felt that Roman was getting stronger as they fought, despair overwhelmed him.
He was already being pushed back, and knowing that his opponent was growing stronger left him feeling hopeless.
As he was barely holding on, he saw the ice flower bracelet below his trembling wrist.
‘Wrath.’
Just thinking about how that arrogant guy would have been snickering at this situation brought forth buried anger from within his soul.
Determined to drive a sword into Roman's chest even if he died, he resonated the Ring of Fire to the extreme.
As his heart pounded as if it would burst and the intensity of his soul surged to its limit, the swords he had built up in his mind manifested before his eyes.
The sword trees that had sprouted seemed to bear fruit, and his swordsmanship level rose rapidly.
Jjeoooooong!
By combining the principles of heavy sword, destructive sword, severing sword, and blunt sword, he was able to block Roman's axe swings without retreating a single step.
Cheeeeeeng!
When he harmonized the wind sword, swift sword, light sword, and variable sword, Heavenly Drive advanced faster than the Red Dragon Axe, slicing Roman's shoulder.
He also suffered a wound on his waist, but he felt no pain.
The thrill of being able to grow stronger consumed his entire body.
As he manifested the sword techniques he had only imagined in his mind, it felt like there was nothing he couldn't do.
"Good!"
Strangely enough, Roman seemed to share the same emotion. As he continued to grow stronger, he tilted his lips and lifted the Red Dragon Axe above his head.
"But this time, it will be a little different!"
The red light of astral sphere scattered between the axe blades. It was the Revolving Void Axe Strike. However, the level of energy was vastly different from before.
Koooong!
Using the Nine Palaces Steps, Roman approached Raon and unleashed the wave of the Revolving Void Axe Strike. It was a transcendence martial art that detonated long-range bombardment right in front of the opponent.
Hooo.
Raon inhaled as he saw the wave of the astral sphere filling his vision.
Gooooo!
Time slowed down even further. In the state of extreme concentration where he could see himself reflected in the enemy's eyes, he raised Heavenly Drive.
Cheeeng!
What coated the silver blade was not just ordinary aura.
The sword techniques that had been built up in his mind seemed to merge into a single sword, seeping into the silver-grey blade.
‘Now I understand.’
The reason why the new sword field kept failing was that he had been trying to weave too many techniques that his current capacity couldn't hold.
He emptied out the excess techniques and discarded the inadequate flow of aura. Only then did a sword befitting his current abilities form in his mind.
A golden sky reflected on Raon's eyes.
“Sword Field Creation.”
A new, as-yet-unnamed sword field drew a single line that split the sky and the land.
