Clang!
As Bi Ryu-yeon's left foot tip lightly tapped the ground, strangely, the Ink Dragon Rings wrapped around Bi Ryu-yeon's left ankle came off and fell to the ground with a "thud". Simultaneously, a powerful current erupted from the tip of Bi Ryu-yeon's foot, standing firm on the ground, swirling around like a dragon's whirlwind, swiftly enveloping his entire body. Before the Blazing Blade's eyes, Bi Ryu-yeon had already concealed his presence within the emptiness and nothingness of space with a seemingly effortless – to the observer, infinitely light – step of his left foot.
Before Blazing Blade could even fully unleash his explosive fiery blade, Bi Ryu-yeononce again revealed his presence within his line of sight. In truth, no time had passed between the first and second moments. By now, the concept of distance no longer existed between Bi Ryu-yeon and Blazing Blade. At this moment, the concept of distance between Bi Ryu-yeon and the Blazing Blade ceased to exist. In this instant of transformation into nothingness, a fierce clash ensued.
It was Bi Ryu-yeon's right foot, which first nullified the distance between Blazing Blade and himself, that moved first. With his right foot forward and left foot slightly back in a drawing sword stance, he directly stepped on Blazing Blade's left foot just as Blazing Blade was preparing to unsheathe his own blade. Caught completely off guard by this subtle move, the Blazing Blade found his own movement sealed.
However, what defines a renowned martial arts master is their ability to react even when something goes awry. Almost instinctively in this fleeting moment, Blazing Blade had already half-drawn his beloved crimson fiery blade. But unfortunately, before that graceful crimson sword had even fully left its sheath, it was pushed aside by Bi Ryu-yeon's swirling left palm, losing direction and weakening in might. Ultimately, the partially drawn red blade was caught in his left hand, losing its momentum entirely. The Blazing Blade's sword was halted in vain.
Blazing Blade was momentarily stunned by this unbelievable event. No matter if the blade was not fully drawn, the condensed power within it was by no means negligible. Had it been gripped by any normal person, they'd have lost the use of that arm permanently. How does one wield a lump of charred black meat?
The fact that his Crimson Flame which had the fiery power and Qi of the The Divine Technique of Fire Spirit[1] fully in condensed and gathered state, to be grabbed by some no-name whelp right before it was even fully drawn—was simply a disgrace and infamy that staining the sword with one's mouth and dying would not remove. Yet, oblivious to the Blazing Blade's sorrow, Bi Ryu-yeon's movements were not over yet.
As Bi Ryu-yeon extended his right hand, a subtle twist of his wrist turned his open palm upside down, allowing the inner side of his hand to connect squarely with the solar plexus of Blazing Blade. What appeared to be a simple, effortless flip of the palm was far from light; the force embedded within it was not to be underestimated. It was the moment Bi Ryu-yeon's mysterious and powerful energy infiltrated the Blazing Blade's body.
Like ripples spreading across a tranquil lake, or like fierce waves in a storm, the powerful energy carried by Bi Ryu-yeon's right palm expanded widely within the Blazing Blade, delivering a tremendous shock that wreaked havoc on his internal organs. The precise strike to a vital point concluded the match in Bi Ryu-yeon's favor with this single, seemingly effortless move.
Amazingly, the renowned bladesman from the strong country was unable to withstand the single palm technique unleashed by the young weakling, defeated in an inglorious manner. A part of this was undoubtedly the psychological and mental impact of Blazing Blade's beloved crimson blade being shamefully grabbed before it was even drawn. As such, experiencing his vision darkening and consciousness fading into the abyssal marsh, Blazing Blade sank deeply into the darkness. It would take considerable time before he, Blazing Blade, who suffered this disgraceful defeat, would regain his senses.
"'Reversal Palm'… Hmm, not bad at all."
Bi Ryu-yeon murmured, glancing briefly at the Blazing Blade who lay face down on the ground. His murmur contained a hint of pleasant surprise. The martial art Bi Ryu-yeon had just demonstrated was one of the techniques he had learned as a bonus from his master, known as the 'Reversal Palm'[2] within the One Palm, One Punch, One Kick, and One Finger methods he had been taught. The One Punch was known as the 'Three Dog Days Pummeling Fist Technique,' the One Kick as 'Thoughtless,' and the technique he had just used, the One Palm, was the 'Reversal Palm.' Despite its seemingly mundane origin—created without much thought—the technique's effectiveness was undeniable.
The 'Reversal Palm', true to its name, is a technique with profound implications and depth, based solely on the action of flipping one's palm. The entire essence of this seemingly trivial technique, named so whimsically, lies in… the act of flipping the palm. The mystical rotation generated from the tip of the toes, through the waist and shoulders, spiraling down to the fingertips, is what constitutes the entirety of this technique. Yet, this single movement, combined with the Splitting Thunder Hand technique, produces formidable power.
The reason Bi Ryu-yeon not only withstood Blazing Blade's overbearing blade force but could further disarm and seize his blade without obstruction, was due to Reversal Palm's sublime use. Right before the Crimson Flame was about to erupt, it disturbed the direction of its power and speed, drastically diminishing its potency. This allowed Bi Ryu-yeon to capture that weakened crimson blade with the Splitting Thunder Hand technique.
It might seem almost laughable, how a martial arts technique that gives the impression of being crafted out of boredom, something so simple, managed to not only capture the blade of the Blazing Blade, a figure of high renown in the martial world, but also shattered his pride, leaving him unconscious and sprawled on the ground.
Should this incident become known, it could potentially turn the martial world upside down as effortlessly as flipping one's hand, much like the 'Reversal Palm' technique itself. However, Bi Ryu-yeon appeared nonchalant, quietly waiting for the Blazing Blade to regain consciousness, occasionally poking the fallen bladesman's head with his finger…
'Hehe, do I have a new disciple to playfully torment now?'
If there was even a speck of consciousness left in the collapsed Blazing Blade, he would surely have been plunged into endless bone-chilling frost. Oblivious, with perception fading amidst darkness, Blazing Blade remained comfortably sprawled out. The moment he awoke, a ludicrous reality of heaven and earth flipped upside down awaited.
With a joyous smile, Bi Ryu-yeon picked up one of the Ink Dragon Rings he had removed and placed it back on his left ankle. The act of shedding this ring was symbolic of the significant effort Bi Ryu-yeon had put into the duel with the Blazing Blade. To overpower the Blazing Blade without using his Flying Lightning Knife technique required greater speed than his current state. Thus, he had removed one of the four Ink Dragon Rings bound to him, which provided him with the necessary acceleration to defeat the Blazing Blade.
Bi Ryu-yeon then quietly gazed towards the western horizon. The sun was tilting towards the mountains, casting a deep twilight hues between the reddening sky and the earth. Between the crimson tinted heavens and earth, a comfortable breeze blew by with a "whoosh".
***
A Master's Novice Disciple
'Disciple!'
'What is a disciple?'
'It's the opposite of Master!'
'That may be correct.'
'One who learns under another is called a disciple.'
'A disciple cannot exist without a Master.'
'It is because there is a Master that there are disciples.'
A master must be extraordinary. A trivial being can never become a master. I am no longer a disciple. I am someone who possesses the qualifications to be a master to others. Everyone recognizes this. They acknowledge my strength, my excellence. Thus, they plead, even if it's just a single technique, for me to share the secret of my strength, to become their master, begging earnestly.
But I have rejected all such requests. It was bothersome.
Of course, there was a time when I was a disciple myself. Naturally, as I was a disciple, there had to be a master for me to be so. My master was powerful. I admired that strength immensely and thus respected and learned from it. I desired my master's strength, and to achieve it, I learned.
The master is an absolute figure for a disciple.
When the master rises, the disciple fetches water for washing.
When the master is hungry, the disciple prepares the meal.
When the master desires to drink, the disciple runs down to the valley to buy wine.
When the master's room is untidy, the disciple cleans it.
When the master calls, the disciple rushes over.
When the master commands, the disciple obeys.
Commands, and the disciple obeys. Does, does, whatever is asked.
The master commands, and the disciple must obey. Must obey.
The man dreams. There was a master. The teacher of his martial arts. His dream, his yearning. The endlessly strong master. No one could aspire to the master's position and status. That's how strong the master was. Compared to the master, he was still far, far behind.
Blazing Blade had a friend who studied under the same master. Now, he is no longer a friend. Let's call him 'that bastard' or 'that fellow.' Such titles suit him much better. Let's not think about such a person anymore. It's unlucky.
The master was absolute. The master was great. I was half of the master. The other half of the master was that guy. Half is not enough. It's not complete. It can't be perfect. But there's no helping it. That guy and I could never become ideals.
The Supreme Ultimate's Blue-Crimson Divine Spirit Ice-Flame Technique[3]
The name of the ultimate, supreme martial arts technique that my master possessed. Among the ultimate truths of martial arts, it was the ultimate truth. CrimsonFlame(紅焰) burns everything, and Blue Flame (靑焰) freezes everything. A supreme martial arts technique that contains both Yin and Yang energies. When the two are combined, there is nothing to fear or block. However, it was not possible to possess both in one body. Though master could contain both in one body, that bastard and I could not. My master was of a unique constitution, and we were not. I chose Crimson Flame[4]. The master gave me the Divine Blade Red Spirit[5]. My friend chose Blue Flame[6]. The master gave him the divine sword Divine Sword Blue Spirit[7].
Up to here, all was well. No issues whatsoever. However there was a daughter. My Master's daughter. I loved her. Loved her tremendously. But, but he gave her… to that bastard! This really pissed me off. It was intolerable. What was so good about that icicle freak?! It angers me. So, we fought. We fought and fought again. No conclusion was reached. But it must be settled. The loser has to give up everything.
But she picks him. Without even a victor determined, she chose that bastard! I said Master made that choice while she claims she chose herself. I became further enraged. Increasingly furious. Simply could not endure it anymore. Wanted to confront Master about it but… he passed away. He who seemed like he would never die, as if even death itself was within his control, yet had died. I fled that place. Bolted away just like that. Recklessly roamed Jianghu without aim or purpose. Remorselessly removing any obstacles in my path. Never will I return to that place. Ever again…
***
The man gazes at his beloved blade held aloft in his right hand. An extraordinary divine blade that holds a deeper red than the twilight of the evening, never once failing or disappointing him, his other self. At some point, instead of the true name he had, he became known by another name, Crimson Flame, for his sword. He stares at it blankly. At his beloved saber emanating flames red as blood!
There was a hand. Certainly not his own. Without doubt, were his hands not tightly gripping his crimson beloved blade in this posture? None who had recklessly charged him so far while he assumed this stance. They all valued their little lives. Yet that floating hand over there was an exception.
That hand playfully moving about in the distance seemed devoid of caution. Undeterred, it approached closer towards the red-haired man. Without hesitation the man swung his beloved blade. Dazzling, beautiful, yet violent flames gushed forth, encircling protectively around the man in a spherical veil. He felt satisfied. He was certain.
'Nothing can penetrate this veil of flames to reach me. Therefore I am safe. Therefore I am powerful.'
Yet in a flash, the man's confidence crumbled to specks of dust, scattered apart. With unbelievable ease, the hand penetrated the defensive blaze barrier he created and assaulted him. The snowy hand started expanding. Double the size, triple the size, bigger and bigger until soon enough, it grew large enough to press down and overwhelm the man. That palm which nullified all his attacks was highly threatening. In the end, it crushed him. He was unable to resist. Darkness shrouded all around.
After some time, as the unconscious man regained awareness and recognized his surroundings, he realized he was standing atop a gigantic snowy white palm. Like Sun Wukong on the Buddha's palm in Journey to the West… Then with an extremely casual flip, the palm spun upside down. So did the man. He felt the entire world had flipped upside down.
With this single action of the palm flipping over, the man realized that everything about him had been turned upside down and changed. When he was on the palm, he was strong. People hesitated even to approach him, considering him too strong. There were countless who, drawn to his strength, begged to be taught even a single technique. The man was strong. He was recognized as such, and he was very satisfied with this treatment and assessment. No figure in the martial world would deny it. The man was filled with confidence and arrogance.
His honor shone brilliantly in five colors, and his fame echoed throughout the vast world. That was how it had been. There was no stopping him. But then the palm flipped over. Suddenly, he felt insignificant. That's how the man felt. While he was in the world on the palm, he had been more than qualified to become a master who teaches others. However, the world beneath the palm was not so. The man became infinitely pitiable, diminished, and shrunken. Now he had reverted to being a disciple, needing to serve a master again. It was a tremendous change.
Just a moment ago, he had been above, but now he was below. Honor lost its brilliance, and fame plummeted to the ground. It was shameful and unjust. The man could not accept this reality. So, he cried out.
"Arghhh I refuse to acknowledge this! Absolutely unacceptable! This is but a fleeting nightmare. It will disappear when I awaken from this awful dream."
He wailed loudly. Perhaps owing to his roaring sobs, the world started vibrating. Finally, the man realized he was standing upside down in an inverted world. The world around the man slowly began to crumble and fall apart piece by piece. The man fell along with it. Soon, a world of complete nothingness swallowed him. The man completely lost his sense of self.
Tears rolled down incessantly from the eyes that were fixed intently on a single person, as if they were determined to scrutinize and unravel everything about the subject of observation.
"I wonder why he's drenched in cold sweat…"
He must have sweated buckets for his clothes were soaked through.
***
With contorted expression, babbling nonsense while convulsing as if tightly squeezed by pliers, he showed no signs of getting up despite the lack of grave injuries, just rivers of cold sweat. Gazing at the peculiar visage with flaming red hair, Bi Ryu-yeon's face conveyed how very amusing he found it all.
"Twitch!"
Suddenly Bi Ryu-yeon's observation target jerked and thrashed violently. Like a ball bouncing off the floor, the previously still object – Blazing Blade's eyes – flipped wide open. Accompanied by a bizarre scream…
"Arghhh!"
Blazing Blade was in an awful mood. Awfully, utterly awful. Having just narrowly woken from the earlier excruciating nightmare of being horrifically squeezed by pliers, the first sight that entered his vision was this freakish face staring right at him, examining Blazing Blade as if he were some curiosity toy. That expression made his already fouled mood even more dysphoric.
It took a moment for him to recognize that face he had seen so often and to come to the despairing realization that the events that had transpired with this person were not a dream. Blazing Blade's mind was in considerable turmoil, and he needed ample time to regain his ability to think clearly.
At last Blazing Blade recognized… and soon after, sank deeply into despair.
('I shouldn't have woken up… Why did I regain consciousness?')
Yet he had to admit it was already too late for such regrets. Thus Blazing Blade arrived at the turning point in life. And in the worst possible way for him… That day, Blazing Blade became Bi Ryu-yeon's disciple. A Gangho master became the disciple of a novice kid. And so, the two set off on a journey together.