A Fateful Encounter - 1
While training the four guards, Mookhyang spent the rest of his time focusing on his own cultivation. Day by day, he continued his relentless training, marveling at the vast and profound path of martial arts. However, one day, Mookhyang felt as though he was no longer making any progress, and began to wonder if there was something wrong with his training methods.
Every morning, he would wake up at 4 AM and start his day with an hour and a half of breathing exercises. He would then sit on the porch and meditate until one of the four guards arrived. After engaging in two bouts of sparring with one of them, he would eat breakfast, which they brought with them. After the meal, he would take a short rest, and at 10 AM, head to the waterfall, where he would meditate for four hours under the cascading water. At 6 PM, he would have dinner, and afterward, he would either sit quietly in his room, listening to the sounds of nature while meditating, practice his lightness technique, tend to his flower garden, or read martial arts manuals.
In the beginning, this training was extremely beneficial. The vast array of martial arts manuals from the Demonic Cult contained a variety of techniques. When Mookhyang began reading through so many manuals, the higher-ups of the sect were initially on edge, but they soon realized that he wasn't actually mastering all of them. Instead, he was browsing through dozens of manuals a day, seemingly searching for something specific. Mookhyang was curious if there existed martial arts that differed from the techniques he already knew. However, most of the manuals simply contained variations on familiar techniques, only slightly altering certain forms, never straying far from the same underlying framework.
Surprisingly, it was often the orthodox sects' martial arts that contained unique and profound insights. Some orthodox techniques possessed considerable depth. However, even those were short-lived revelations. Meanwhile, the manuals that had been gathering dust in the Demonic Sect's treasure trove were even worse, often filled with trivial demonic arts. Occasionally, he would come across something innovative, but the majority of the content was designed to deceive and manipulate. These types of techniques might work on those with low internal energy, but they would be ineffective against someone with either higher internal energy or those trained in the pure arts of the orthodox sects.
At first, Mookhyang's meditation-based training was helpful for organizing the questions and ideas that arose while reading the various manuals. But as time passed and there were no more manuals left to examine, this method stopped being useful. As a result, he felt the need to change his training approach. However, he couldn't find any effective alternatives. Since he had already surpassed the highest level of the Demonic Cult's martial arts, sparring with other experts in the sect no longer served any purpose. Additionally, the training trials within the sect—while challenging for others—felt like mere child's play to Mookhyang.
That day, when one of the guards, Juk, came to train, he saw Mookhyang deep in thought. After waiting for quite some time, and seeing that Mookhyang wasn't snapping out of it, Juk cautiously asked, "Vice leader, is something troubling you?"
Snapping back to reality, Mookhyang responded, "What did you say?"
"I asked if something was bothering you."
"What do you think would be an impossible task for a human? The more difficult, the better. I'm searching for a new training method, but I can't seem to find anything good."
"Something impossible... Perhaps you could try climbing the cliff on the western side of Mashin Peak in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains?"
"That would be easy for me."
"In that case, what about walking across the Yangtze River?"
"That's not a bad idea, but the Yangtze River is too far. Plus, I'd need the sect leader's permission to go."
"In that case, how about breaking rocks? No, wait... Ah! I know! If you go about five li south of here, there's a pine forest. You could count the pine needles."
"Pine needles, huh... That's a good idea. How did you come up with that?"
"I once heard that there was a troublemaking martial arts master at the Shaolin Temple, and they used this method to restrict him. They said that if he could count the needles from 1,000 pine trees, he would be allowed to leave."
"And how did that turn out?"
"The area has a natural phenomenon where strong winds blow twice a day. In the afternoon, the heated air rushes into the valley, and in the evening, the cold air blows out. Because of this, the pine needles sway and many fall off, making it impossible to count them. In the end, the master grew old and died in the forest. Still, to train like that until death shows that he was a man of great loyalty."
"You've given me a lot to think about. How many pine trees are there?"
"If you go and check, you'll find around 3,000 trees. But don't worry, there's no wind here, so it's a similar condition to what that man faced."
"Understood. Thanks for the advice. Now, shall I begin my training...?"
Mookhyang went to the pine forest every day to count the pine needles. He soon realized that excellent mental arithmetic, sharp eyesight, and lightness skills were required to count the needles. Day by day, he continued his training, counting more and more needles. At first, he couldn't even count the needles from ten trees, but as time passed, he developed a knack for it and his numbers steadily increased.
The progress was slow—so slow that at times it felt as if the end of martial arts mastery might lie within this task. The pace of progress was almost disheartening, but each day he counted at least one more needle than the day before. This was enough to keep him from growing tired of the task.
Eventually, winter arrived, but since the pine trees are evergreen, plenty of needles remained. Even in winter, his training continued. From the day he began counting the needles, Mookhyang went to the pine forest at dawn. The four guards who were training with him also came to the forest to learn martial arts, and they would bring food for him each day.
On this particular day, Nan brought food and handed it to Mookhyang, saying, "Uh… Vice leader."
"What is it?"
"Actually, Muryang wishes to apologize and requests an audience with you."
"Oh? It's been nearly two years. Alright, I'll go now."
When Mookhyang arrived at the blacksmith's forge, Muryang knelt before him, apologizing.
"Vice leader, please forgive me."
A startled Mookhyang lifted him up and asked, "What is the matter?"
"Well… actually, I would like more time to finish making the sword."
"Why? Are you having trouble?"
"It's just…"
"I told you before, time doesn't matter. Even if it takes until after I'm dead, it's fine."
"Actually... could you breathe your true energy into it once again?"
"Why? Did you fail to make the sword?"
"Yes, I failed. It's not just an ordinary failure... I did manage to make the sword, but it seems like I'll have to destroy it and start over. That's why I've come to you, despite the imposition."
"You managed to make the sword? Then it's fine. Hand it over. I don't need an exceptional sword."
"But..."
"It's fine, just give it to me."
Reluctantly, Muryang brought over the sword he had stashed away in the corner.
"This is it. The greatest failure of my life..."
Mookhyang smiled as he took the sword.
"It's fine. The appearance is decent enough..."
Mookhyang slowly drew the sword. A subtle dark hue emanated from the thin, two-cheok and three-chon-long blade. The sword was exceptionally thin, short in length, and slightly curved upward, almost identical in shape to the Mookhon Sword that Mookhyang was currently carrying.
"This is excellent. I like it very much. Don't worry so much. From my perspective, it's quite good. What exactly are you unhappy with?"
"I wanted to forge a legendary demonic sword worthy of our sect's history, but this… this turned into something strange, neither a divine sword nor a demonic sword."
"Aren't a divine sword and a demonic sword essentially the same?"
"They are fundamentally different. A demonic practitioner should carry a demonic sword—that's the only way to amplify the power of demonic arts. With a sword like this, it would be difficult to unleash great demonic power."
"Is that so? Then, shall I give it a try?"
As Mookhyang began to channel his true energy, the Mookhon Sword hummed, and an intense demonic aura started to radiate from the blade. The overwhelming aura was so frightening that it seemed like it could steal a person's soul. Muryang, with his weaker inner energy, instinctively took a few steps back. At that moment, Mookhyang let out a deep shout and performed a technique towards the sky.
"Jinpacheonwol!"
With that, enormous blue sword energy shot into the sky, emitting a fierce demonic aura. Seeing this, Mookhyang smiled and said, "Look, isn't this great?"
"Impossible... This sword contains both demonic and righteous energy. I was too short-sighted. I was so focused on why such a failure was created that I didn't realize the vice leader's inner energy contains both demonic and righteous elements... This sword will only show its true potential in your hands, vice leader."
Then, Mookhyang removed the Mookhon Sword from his belt and handed it to Muryang, saying, "Destroy this one for me."
As he fastened the new Mookhon Sword to his belt, Mookhyang remarked, "But the scabbard seems a bit too luxurious."
Muryang smiled awkwardly, slightly embarrassed.
"Among the martial world's nosy eyes, there won't be many who can recognize how luxurious the scabbard is, so don't worry."
"Anyway, thank you."
As Mookhyang was about to leave, Muryang hurriedly brought over a dagger and said, "This is a dagger I made to match the Mookhon Sword. I took the liberty of naming it. It's called 'Mookyeongbi' (Ink Shadow Dagger)."
"That's a good name. I'll use it well."
"This dagger, as you'll find when you use it, is far too precious to be wasted on something like skinning a deer."
Mookhyang smiled, offering his admiration for the craftsman's skill and dedication, and then returned to his residence.
Spring had arrived, and Mookhyang continued his 'mad training' as Sagunja would call it. That day, after a long time, Mookhyang entered his home to rest, stepping out from the pine forest. Lately, he'd been going home every three days to a week. When not counting the pine needles, or engaging in duels with Sagunja, he spent all his time thinking about how he could count even more needles.
As he approached his house, he sensed that someone was inside.
Three of them. They're quite skilled. But judging by their energy, they're not from our sect. So who are these bold people who've entered the sect?
With various thoughts running through his mind, Mookhyang approached his home. However, he didn't reveal in the slightest that he had already noticed their presence. Instead, he was mentally preparing himself and slowly gathering his true energy. As he opened the door and stepped inside, one of them immediately held a dagger to Mookhyang's neck. But since he didn't feel any killing intent, Mookhyang didn't retaliate. He suspected they might be warriors from his sect sent by the sect leader to test him, and he couldn't kill them without confirming.
The dagger stopped just half an inch from Mookhyang's neck, and a low, threatening male voice spoke, "Keep quiet!"
At the same time, another person next to him took the sword strapped to Mookhyang's waist. Mookhyang discreetly surveyed the room. He noticed that the breathing of the man who took his sword was uneven, indicating that he was severely injured. Another person was lying in the corner. Judging by the shape of their chest, that person seemed to be a woman.
All three are injured. So, they're likely not from our sect. Should I take them out now? Or later?
Mookhyang chose the latter. These were people he could take out at any time. Instead of killing them now, he decided it would be more beneficial to gather information about their identities. With that in mind, Mookhyang obediently followed their instructions.
"Where is this? How far is it to get out of the Demon Sect's territory?"
"You'll have to travel another 30 li (about 12 km) to leave the sect's territory."
At this, the man who had taken the sword sighed in despair, "Senior brother, what should we do?"
The one holding the dagger to Mookhyang's throat asked in a cold tone, "Who are you, and why are you living here?"
Mookhyang replied in a fearful tone, as if genuinely terrified.
"I've lived here for a long time. My father used to hold a position in the Demon Sect, but he was ousted during a power struggle and forced to live here. I've been staying here ever since, hoping to join the sect once I've learned some martial arts."
"Is that so?"
The man struck a flint, briefly using the resulting spark to observe Mookhyang's appearance. He then spoke to the person beside him, "He seems to be telling the truth. He has no demonic aura, and he doesn't look like someone well-versed in martial arts. Besides, he looks quite young. Can you guide us out of the Demon Sect's territory?"
"Well, my life's on the line too, hehe... I'll need some payment."
"You'll be paid later. Will one liang of silver suffice?"
"Since you're already spending, why not spend a little more, my lord?"
"Fine, I'll give you five liang."
"Very well. But it would be best if we leave after tending to that person over there. I know a bit about medicine, so would it be alright if I take a look at her wounds?"
The man put away his dagger and said, "Alright."
Mookhyang lit a lamp and approached the person lying on the ground. The woman had significant external injuries and even more serious internal ones.
Looks like she was struck by the Black Demon Palm. This wound here is from a sword, but it's not very deep. She's also taken a few more hits, but the worst is from the Soft Demon Fist. Someone used that technique from our sect's formless demonic arts, but they weren't particularly skilled. Since she has the pure inner energy of the orthodox sect, it looks like she didn't die. She probably didn't even realize she got hit. Her internal injuries are severe; if not treated soon, her life will be in danger. But her face... looks familiar. Who is she? I don't recall anyone I know who's trained in orthodox martial arts for such a long time...
As various thoughts ran through his mind, Mookhyang removed her clothes and applied acupuncture. Upon closer inspection, her external injuries weren't as severe as they first appeared. He took out a jar of Gold Wound Ointment from his pocket and applied it, then fed her three medicinal pills from the sect used to treat internal injuries. He also treated the two men. The man who had taken his sword had a deep stab wound in his abdomen, but it wasn't fatal. Mookhyang gave him the same medicinal pills and applied the Gold Wound Ointment as well.
Gold Wound Ointment is an essential item for martial artists. The fact that they didn't have any indicated they were captured and had their supplies, including the ointment, taken from them before they escaped.
However, one thing puzzled Mookhyang. The woman had trained in the orthodox sect's pure internal energy, but the two men had not. While the men's internal power was stronger than the woman's, her purity of energy was far superior. It was clear that in twenty or thirty years, the woman would surpass the two men. Why did their cultivation methods differ? This was one of Mookhyang's lingering questions.
The next morning, Nan arrived with Mookhyang's meal. He had been meditating on the porch, and when she handed him the food, he said, "Thank you, Young-young! I've run out of rice and side dishes at home. Would you mind picking some up for me? I can't keep freeloading forever, I need to cook for myself. Also, I've run out of Gold Wound Ointment and Neoryeong Masok Pills, so could you bring about thirty of them?"
Mookhyang handed Nan some silver. Realizing that something was different from his usual tone, she hesitated briefly and sent him a telepathic message.
"Understood. I'll bring it right away."
About half a shijin (A shijin is 120 minutes) later, Nan sent three servants to bring food and medicine to Mookhyang.
"Thank you for your hard work. I'll enjoy the meal."
Mookhyang handed each of the servants three liang as a reward. At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to Nan.
"I'm busy, so I can't talk for long. Take care."
"Be careful. See you next time."
As Nan slowly moved away with the servants, she sent another telepathic message.
'Tianzhimen... a sect based in Luoyang. How did they get all the way here? This is quite puzzling. Mai is from the Beongdae, so he might know more.'
While Mookhyang was treating them, he sensed someone climbing onto the roof. Thanks to Mai's excellent stealth technique, no one else noticed, and Mookhyang sent a telepathic message to Mai.
In the past, the chief elder was the Sword Demon of the Yeojul Sect, but after his death, his son, Heavenly Blade King Yeojigo, advanced and took his place. The Ye family within the Demon Sect was an exceptionally prominent martial family.
At that moment, the presence of the person on the roof disappeared. Mookhyang was able to learn various things while treating them for about a month. He also discovered the name of the woman he found familiar. The men referred to her as Sister Su, and it seemed the person who had pointed a sword at Mookhyang was the highest-ranking among them, called Senior Brother Jeon. Another man who had taken the sword from Mookhyang was referred to as Junior Brother Lim.
"Sister Su. So her surname is Su. Is there anyone among the Su women I know? Su... Su... And the legitimacy of Hyunmun... Right, why didn't I think of that?"
From the moment he realized this, Mookhyang dedicated considerable effort to them. After about a month, their wounds had nearly healed. They were quite pleased to know that Mookhyang treated them sincerely, and the suspicions they had harbored gradually faded. Once they had recovered, Mookhyang gathered them together to discuss the escape plan.
"To escape from the Demon Sect's territory, we will inevitably catch the attention of the Demon Sect at least three times. No matter how much we try to hide, we cannot avoid it. We have no choice but to disguise ourselves and leave boldly."
"Isn't there any place with weak security?"
"There are no places with weak security. The escape route is through here." Mookhyang picked up a brush and roughly sketched a drawing on the paper while explaining. "If we go out through this way, we will be detected by the guards at least five times. And we'll likely attract the attention of those hiding nearby as well. However, this route is heavily trafficked, so if I lead the way, I won't be suspected much since I frequently travel this path. And we must disguise ourselves well."
At that, Senior Brother Jeon looked at Mookhyang with suspicious eyes and said, "The place you mentioned is too conspicuous. Can't we take a mountain path instead?"
"The mountain paths are even more heavily guarded. There are all sorts of ambushes and traps set up. This is where the headquarters of the Demon Sect is located. There's a reason why the Demon Sect, with a thousand years of history, has never once given up its headquarters to the enemy. Even if the interior of the mountain has fewer ambushes or traps, the number of spies is powerful enough to drive people to the other world. If we're going to die anyway, it's better to choose the path that is a bit more comfortable and has more chances of success."
Sister Su asked Mookhyang, "So this path is the safest?"
"That's right. I have a pass for this path, and since I travel here frequently, I'm well-acquainted with the guards. Just say that we're gathering herbs to sell in the city, carrying them in our bags. We'll smear mud on our faces, and I'll provide you with some clothes to wear. If you go out in the outfits you're wearing now, you won't make it even a mile before getting caught."
They had no choice but to follow Mookhyang's words. With shabby clothes and bags filled with a few roots of herbs, they hurried along the path. The guards, already informed by Mookhyang, did not impede them at all. Mookhyang led them down the Shibandan Mountain and said, "Within a hundred li from Shibandan Mountain is under the influence of the Demon Sect. Once we get past this hundred li, we can breathe a little easier. We can rest during the day and travel at night." He chuckled, "But what about the money? Are we calculating it now?"
"We don't have any money right now. After we return to the main sect, we will send someone to settle the account."
"Please return my sword as well. Now that we've escaped danger, taking my sword is too much." A person named Junior Brother Lim unloaded the pack from his back and handed over the sword. "It's a really good sword. I used it well."
Mookhyang received the sword and strapped it to his waist, smiling. "You're not a completely rude bunch."
When Mookhyang's tone suddenly changed, their expressions shifted. They all gathered their energy and took defensive stances. Ignoring their actions, Mookhyang shouted, "I am!"
At that moment, Nan rushed out of the forest with a speed like lightning and knelt before Mookhyang. Recognizing her as the woman who had brought food and herbs earlier, their faces grew increasingly tense.
"Give me what I asked for."
"Here it is."
Mookhyang handed the small bundle he received from Nan to the woman referred to as Sister Su. "I couldn't prepare anything good because it came on suddenly. It's small, but please accept it as my sincerity."
As Mookhyang spoke gently, the woman called Sister Su hesitated before accepting the bundle. After handing over the package, Mookhyang took out a pouch from his robe and handed it to the man referred to as Senior Brother Jeon. "There's a bit of silver in here. Since you're all broke, use it for travel expenses."
Mookhyang gazed at the woman called Sister Su with a nostalgic look, as if staring far away. "It was nice meeting you. Take care of yourself."