






by Ryuhon (검류혼)•Art by Awin
A young orphan was alone in the world until he meets the master of a secret form of martial arts. To learn these otherworldly techniques, he will need to endure years of his sadistic teacher’s grueling and weird training. But why does he have to do laundry, cook meals, or play instruments to learn martial arts anyway?! If he can survive long enough (and if his massive ego doesn’t get in the way), he just might be able to wield the unstoppable lightning knives. Will he make the cut or be sliced down to size?

A young orphan was alone in the world until he meets the master of a secret form of martial arts. To learn these otherworldly techniques, he will need to endure years of his sadistic teacher’s grueling and weird training. But why does he have to do laundry, cook meals, or play instruments to learn martial arts anyway?! If he can survive long enough (and if his massive ego doesn’t get in the way), he just might be able to wield the unstoppable lightning knives. Will he make the cut or be sliced down to size?
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
7/14/2026
The world of Lightning Degree is set in a vibrant, highly competitive Murim (martial arts world) dominated by the orthodox Murim Alliance, prestigious sects like Mount Wudang and Mount Hua, and the shadowy threat of the Dark Heaven Alliance. At the center of the next generation's development lies the Cheonmu Academy, an elite institution designed to train the youth of major sects in combat, strategy, and leadership to maintain peace.
The power system is rooted in traditional Ki (internal energy) cultivation, divided into orthodox sword qi and martial arts, alongside unorthodox, highly secretive arts. Cultivators advance through deep physical training, sensory awareness, and the refinement of internal energy. Legendary treasures, such as snow ginseng, can catastrophically boost a martial artist's reserve of internal energy, allowing them to skip decades of standard training.
What sets this world apart is the sheer versatility of its high-tier martial arts. Rather than relying solely on swordplay or fist arts, master martial artists utilize unexpected mediums. This is epitomized by the "Lightning Degree" style - an unorthodox, lightning-fast system taught by an eccentric, nameless hermit master. This style utilizes extreme physical flexibility, razor-sharp steel threads, and sound waves (via the zither) to manipulate the battlefield. Power dynamics in this world are fiercely hierarchical, governed by legendary figures like the "Three Saints" (including the Sword Saint and Blade Saint), while rising stars fight for prestige in grand gatherings like the Mount Hua Covenant Meeting. Yet, behind this structured martial society lies a brutal undercurrent of assassinations, poisonings, and deep-seated political conspiracies.
A brilliant, mischievous, and highly unconventional martial artist. After losing his father at a young age, he was taken in by an eccentric master who subjected him to grueling, unorthodox training. Ryu-yeon hides his overwhelming, god-like strength behind a lazy, playful facade, often playing tricks on his peers and instructors alike. He has a penchant for operating under various aliases - including the beautiful female musician "Yeonbi" and a fake grandmaster academy instructor - to achieve his goals without drawing unwanted attention. Powers: Master of the "Lightning Degree" style, possessing god-like speed, dexterity, and physical flexibility. He utilizes razor-sharp steel threads for mid-to-long-range combat and manipulates sound waves using a zither to deliver devastating acoustic attacks. His internal energy reserves are practically limitless, thanks to the consumption of a legendary snow ginseng during his childhood.
Chapter 1An eccentric, terrifyingly powerful old hermit who resides in a secluded mountain. He takes Ryu-yeon in as his sole disciple, subjecting him to bizarre, exhausting household chores and brutal physical tasks under the guise of training. Despite his seemingly abusive and money-loving behavior, his extreme methods forged Ryu-yeon into an unmatched martial prodigy. Powers: Possesses absolute mastery over the unorthodox Lightning martial arts. His physical capabilities, speed, and Qi manipulation are god-tier, allowing him to easily overpower Ryu-yeon even after the latter's immense growth.
Chapter 1Highly talented and ethereal, she is known in the Murim as the "Ice White Phoenix" (Bingbaek). She is the daughter of the prestigious Murim Alliance Leader. In her past, she was captured and traumatized, only to be rescued by Ryu-yeon's female persona, "Yeonbi." This rescue left a lasting mark on her heart. She attends Cheonmu Academy to grow stronger and protect those she cares about, carrying herself with immense grace and cold dignity. Powers: Elite practitioner of ice-based martial arts and swordplay. Her agility, precision, and internal energy cultivation make her one of the strongest students at Cheonmu Academy.
Chapter 12A hot-tempered former master thief who holds a legendary reputation in the underworld. After losing a high-stakes bet to Bi Ryu-yeon, he is forced into a humiliating and bizarre "discipleship" under him, acting as his errand boy. Despite his constant grumbling, he later takes up a post as a high-ranking instructor at Cheonmu Academy, taking charge of the Jujak team's training. Powers: Elite speed, stealth, and thievery techniques. He is a formidable martial artist in his own right, possessing great martial experience and defensive physical techniques.
Chapter 42Known as the "Seven Gods Sword," he is a highly refined, disciplined, and meticulous elite student at Cheonmu Academy. He suffers from extreme mysophobia (fear of dirt and germs) and is obsessed with absolute cleanliness. This obsession leads to constant comedic clashes when he is assigned as Bi Ryu-yeon's dormitory roommate. Powers: High-level swordplay from the Moyong Clan, marked by refined technique, speed, and precise Qi execution.
Chapter 63The talented successor to the legendary Sword Saint. Murong Hwi is a dedicated, honorable, and earnest young swordsman who acts as both a close ally and a rival to Ryu-yeon. He possesses a strong sense of justice and is always willing to push his body past its physical limits to protect his fellow students. Powers: Exceptional swordsmanship derived from the Sword Saint's lineage. He can manifest advanced sword Qi and possesses high physical endurance.
Chapter 102A brave, honorable young student at Cheonmu Academy who participates in the Mount Wudang joint training expedition. He values comradeship above all else and possesses a fiery spirit. Tragically, he loses his life defending his fellow classmates during a brutal assassin ambush. Powers: Skilled swordsman capable of manifesting advanced sword Qi in defensive maneuvers.
Chapter 142An analytical, sharp-witted young woman who arrives at the academy to investigate the suspicious circumstances and political conspiracies surrounding the death of her fiancé, Gal Hyobong (Gal Hyo Ryeong). She is highly perceptive and works closely with the academy's top students to uncover hidden threats. Powers: Gifted in deduction, investigation, and defensive martial arts.
Chapter 185A prideful and ruthless competitor in the Mount Hua selection trials, closely associated with the Vice Alliance Leader's corrupt faction. Operating in Group 8, he seeks to secure his faction's dominance by sabotaging and eliminating potential rivals. Powers: Advanced offensive martial arts, which he tries to weaponize in surprise attacks.
Chapter 202The fierce, headstrong granddaughter of the legendary Blade Saint. She is a core member of Group 10 during the Mount Hua Covenant trials, eager to prove her family's martial legacy on the battlefield. Powers: Expert saber/blade martial arts utilizing heavy, explosive physical strikes and slashing Qi.
Chapter 202A highly respected, powerful, and traditional martial senior of the academy. Suspicious of Ryu-yeon's untraditional power and mysterious background, he challenges the young martial artist to a formal duel to test his integrity. Powers: Master of advanced frost-based sword arts, capable of freezing his surroundings and manifesting razor-sharp icy sword projections.
Chapter 211Ch. 1 - 11
Following the sudden death of his blacksmith father, young Bi Ryu-yeon is taken in by a Nameless Master. He must survive years of cruel, bizarre, and physically exhausting household labor designed to forge his physical vessel and awaken his internal meridians. Bi Ryu-yeon vs. The Mountain Wilderness: A continuous struggle of survival against extreme nature, wild beasts, and his master's sadistic daily training regimens.
Ch. 12 - 41
Ryu-yeon leaves the mountain to explore the secular world, working at a blacksmith shop. To perform music freely and avoid his master's pursuers, he adopts a beautiful female alter-ego named "Yeonbi." During his travels, he uncovers a human trafficking ring. Yeonbi vs. Secretive Kidnappers & Bandits: Ryu-yeon utilizes his acoustic zither attacks and thread manipulation to effortlessly decimate the criminal elements.
Ch. 42 - 62
Ryu-yeon infiltrates a secluded training facility under a false identity as a grandmaster. He takes charge of a group of untalented, mediocre academy students (the Jujak Team) and subjects them to his master's torturous training methods to turn them into warriors. The Jujak Team vs. Massive Bandit Coalition: The newly trained Jujak Team utilizes coordinate tactics and physical conditioning to utterly rout an army of bandits.
Ch. 63 - 101
Ryu-yeon officially enrolls as a student at the prestigious Cheonmu Academy. He immediately sparks chaos by easily bypassing "impossible" security traps, passing elite examinations without effort, and reforming the school's defunct Stealth Club. Bi Ryu-yeon vs. Arrogant Senior Students: Ryu-yeon humbles high-ranking seniors who try to haze the new freshmen. Bi Ryu-yeon vs. Academy Security Traps: A demonstration of his spatial awareness and speed as he casually dismantles high-level arrays.
Ch. 102 - 141
The elite students of Cheonmu Academy participate in the high-stakes 30th Heavenly Martial Art Tournament to showcase their strength before the Murim's absolute masters. Bi Ryu-yeon vs. Various Tournament Contenders: Ryu-yeon dominates his matches utilizing his signature zither and steel threads. Murong Hwi vs. Elite Competitors: Murong Hwi pushes his limits to secure victory for his faction. The Divine Battle (Finals): Bi Ryu-yeon secures a spectacular, earth-shaking victory to win the tournament.
Ch. 142 - 184
En route to Mount Wudang for a joint training camp, the academy students are ruthlessly ambushed on land and water by elite assassins from the Dark Heaven Alliance utilizing pain-severing techniques. Academy Students vs. Dark Heaven Assassins: A desperate, bloody struggle on transport vessels and mountain paths. Murong Hwi & Gal Hyo Ryeong vs. Pain-Severing Assassins: A fierce clash where the students must fight enemies who feel no pain or fear.
Ch. 185 - 201
In the somber aftermath of Gal Hyo Ryeong's death, external factions and investigators arrive at the academy. To prepare for the looming war with the Dark Heaven Alliance, the academy holds brutal selection trials to form elite squads. None (primarily focused on investigations, training, and strategic planning).
Ch. 202 - 210
The selection trials escalate into a brutal, free-for-all flag-retrieval race across dangerous mountain terrain filled with elemental hazards, traps, and elder gatekeepers. Bi Ryu-yeon & Group 10 vs. Environmental Hazards & Guard Elders: Ryu-yeon effortlessly bypasses traps while defending his group. Wi Ji Cheon vs. Bi Ryu-yeon: Wi Ji Cheon attempts a lethal ambush on Ryu-yeon, only for his attack to be turned against him.
Ch. 211 - 212
Following the trials, the traditionalist Grand Elder Ice Sword challenges Ryu-yeon to a formal duel to test his background, suspecting his unorthodox powers are dangerous. Bi Ryu-yeon vs. Grand Elder Ice Sword: The Grand Elder unleashes his ultimate frost-sword techniques, only for Ryu-yeon to effortlessly counter and subdue him.