I Dislike the Current Situation - 2
The young man was slightly offended by Mookhyang's mocking tone and summoned all his inner energy. His clothes began to inflate, and he immediately launched his attack. "Straight Cross Moon!"
Simultaneously, more than ten crescent-shaped blue sword energies shot toward Mookhyang. In that instant, Mookhyang's body surged forward. His Mookhon Sword gleamed darkly, and a bluish aura, five inches thick, flared around the blade as if burning.
Using the Mookhon Sword, Mookhyang destroyed the blue sword energies and advanced toward the young man, slicing from the man's right hip to his left shoulder. The young man, shocked, pulled back as fast as possible and blocked with his sword. However, Mookhon cleaved the young man's sword in two and continued its upward trajectory. Fortunately, the young man's body barely escaped Mookhon's range. It was sheer luck due to the shorter length of Mookhon.
But the young man's protective energy was completely shattered by the sword aura that spilled forth from Mookhon. Along with his clothes, the flesh from his right hip to his left shoulder was torn open. Luckily, the wound wasn't deep enough to expose his internal organs.
As the nearby Wudang Sect disciples hurriedly supported him, the young man lowered his head and spat blood. His internal injuries must have been severe, likely caused by the collapse of his protective energy. Still, it was a stroke of luck that his defensive aura was so strong—otherwise, he would have been torn in two by the force of Mookhyang's sword aura.
Seeing this, Mookhyang clicked his tongue in disappointment and said, "Tsk, tsk. You really thought you could face me relying on the Blue Moon Sword Technique? You must've worked hard to master it to the tenth level, but it doesn't seem worth risking your life for someone else. Hey, Sect Leader! It looks like it's your turn to step in now…"
The Wudang Sect disciples, stunned by Mookhyang's skill, hesitantly retreated. The Sect Leader gave a bitter smile and spoke, "This was all done by my own hand. Kill me, and it will end."
"If that's true, then why haven't you drawn your sword?" Mookhyang asked.
"Even the Thunder Sword Emperor fell to your blade. I, a mere sect leader, cannot hope to be your match. It would be over in less than five seconds. What would be the point of resisting? Just take my head and leave quietly."
Hearing that the Thunder Sword Emperor had been killed by Mookhyang, the "frog in the well" who had challenged Mookhyang earlier, still vomiting blood, now stared at him in complete shock. The Sect Leader turned to a fellow Taoist and said, "Brother Fungjin, I ask that you take over after me. And under no circumstances seek revenge. You already know what happened to the Thunder Sword Emperor's disciples when they ignored his last words and sought revenge."
The Wudang Sect disciples surrounding Mookhyang began to realize that this seemingly young man, who didn't even resemble a martial artist, was actually a master who had reached the state of rejuvenation, reversing age. They slowly retreated even further.
Mookhyang, seeing the composed Sect Leader, hesitated to strike. He stared at the clear, dark blade of the Mookhon Sword for a long moment before finally sighing.
"Hah... It's quite difficult to kill someone like you," Mookhyang sighed, sheathing the Mookhon Sword.
"I'll spare your life, but in return, you'll grant me one favor later. Will you accept?"
"I cannot. Just take my head now."
"Wouldn't it be better to grant a small favor rather than lose your life?"
"There are some requests worse than death."
"It seems you didn't fully understand me. What I'm asking is for you to agree to grant me one favor later. Of course, after hearing the request, you have the right to refuse. You'll only have to fulfill one favor that you find acceptable."
"Very well, I accept your terms."
"This isn't a request, but I have a question. Which way is the fastest route to Taejin Sect?"
"Walk in that direction. After about 60 li, you'll find it. But let me apologize and suggest you reconsider going there. It would be better for both of us if you turned back. I'll speak to the Taejin Sect Leader and have the bounty canceled."
As Mookhyang walked away from Wudang, he spoke to the three figures standing near the main gate.
"Let's go."
As Mookhyang and his companions rode off into the distance, the Sect Leader of Wudang muttered to himself, "Perhaps today I am truly fortunate. I never imagined I'd witness the legendary Sword Control technique in my lifetime. To die by that sword wouldn't even be a dishonor…"
The Sect Leader turned to the injured young man.
"Don't feel too bitter about this. Consider it an honor to have crossed swords with a swordsman of that caliber. He'll likely be remembered as the second highest master in the history of martial arts to reach the Profound Realm."
The young man, wiping the blood from his mouth with his sleeve, smiled and said, "Of course. I now realize a person can become that powerful. But how did you ever come to cross paths with such a monster?"
"It's a long story. Let's head inside. You need treatment..."
Beiming Divine Art (北冥神功) - 1
Mookhyang returned to the sect and received a severe reprimand from the sect leader. He was supposed to remain in self-reflection for five years after completing his mission, but the sect leader found out that Mookhyang had caused more trouble without permission. As a result, his period of reflection was extended by two additional years for the offense of provoking a conflict at Mount Wudang.
During this time, Mookhyang led a monotonous life, continuously training every day. His martial arts improved steadily, like counting the needles of a pine tree—day by day, inching forward. However, after four years of this, he hit a plateau. No matter how much he trained, his progress stalled.
For a year, Mookhyang pondered the cause of this stagnation, reflecting on his mistakes, but he realized that there was no path forward. With no other options, he decided to approach the sect leader. Mookhyang had long desired something from the sect leader, a faint hope that this very thing could break through the barrier that blocked his progress.
Even though Mookhyang was still under reflection, the sect leader did not refuse his request when Mookhyang explained that it was to discuss martial arts training. After Mookhyang entered and greeted him, the sect leader asked bluntly, "What is it?"
"Please allow me to view the Beiming Divine Art (北冥神功)."
"The Beiming Divine Art has only been seen by successive sect leaders. You have no authority to view it."
"Even so, I beg for your grace."
"Why? Even without the Beiming Divine Art, you are strong. Why are you so obsessed with power?"
"It's not just about power. I only wish to understand the limits of martial arts. Nothing more, nothing less. Recently, I have been training relentlessly, but I have reached a point where I can no longer progress. A human limitation is blocking my path, and my current abilities are not enough to overcome it. I ask in hopes that there might be a way to break through this barrier."
"The sect leaders before me have all seen that manual, and I have seen it too. But I doubt it will be of the help you seek…"
"Even so, I still wish to see it."
"No matter how much you wish for it, I cannot break the rules set by the previous sect leaders. If you intend to succeed me as sect leader, then perhaps I can show it to you."
"I believe we've already settled that matter."
"Then I cannot show it to you. Not unless you take my life, for I cannot break the rules."
In an instant, Mookhyang gathered his energy and drew Mookhon. As soon as the sword was unsheathed, it burned with a blue light and flew toward the sect leader's neck.
The sect leader barely managed to step back, as if he had anticipated such a move.
"Wait! I'll show it to you. My, your temper is truly rash…" The sect leader muttered as he touched his neck.
"I'm not sure if my head is still attached. Your sword technique is truly terrifying. Even though I said you'd have to take my life, I didn't think you would really come at me like that. Thankfully, I had prepared just in case. Otherwise, I would've been joking one moment and off to the next world the next."
"Will you show it to me?"
"I will. But only to you... And you cannot take it out. You must read it here in my training room."
"Thank you."
"Follow me."
Mookhyang waited in the sect leader's private training room, and soon, the sect leader brought a book and handed it to him.
"Here it is. I'm not sure how helpful it will be..."
With trembling hands, Mookhyang gazed at the book.
Beiming Divine Art (北冥神功)
As he opened the first page, he saw bold, magnificent writing. The script reflected the strength and boldness of its author:
"I have gathered twelve fragments of stars from the distant sky of Beiming and left them here. I name this the Beiming Divine Art. Each fragment may or may not be connected, and may or may not be considered martial arts. However, one who fully comprehends this will open the Life and Death Realm (生死境) that all martial artists of the world have dreamed of."
When Mookhyang turned to the next page, he saw ancient Balhae script written on old parchment, no bigger than a grain of a red bean. The parchment was fastened to the book with brass to prevent it from falling apart. The subsequent pages contained translations of the Balhae characters into Chinese, with the translation continuing the text.
The ancient parchment consisted of twelve pages, most of which were worn from age. Some characters were difficult to decipher, and certain sections had been torn or burned, leaving parts of the content missing. Unlike the bold writing on the previous pages, the translation was written with a delicate, meticulous hand, suggesting that a scholar had painstakingly transcribed it. Since the sect leader did not know Balhae script, it was clear he had asked a scholar familiar with the language to translate it.
Mookhyang had spent a long time learning Balhae characters under Yoo Baek's advice in preparation for this moment. As a result, he was able to read Balhae script well enough. He began by reading the original Balhae text, comparing it with the scholar's translation to check for discrepancies.
As Mookhyang read on, he realized that the content seemed oddly familiar. After reading further, he discovered that it was related to Sword Control. However, he noticed a slight difference between the technique described and the way he used it. Mookhyang meticulously analyzed that section, realizing that there was a problem with the scholar's interpretation. The method of using true energy was incorrectly explained. It was clear that the scholar had deliberately recorded it incorrectly.
Mookhyang did not concern himself with why the scholar had made such a mistake. Instead, he compared the original text with what he knew, experimenting and researching bit by bit to determine which method was more effective. Since he was familiar with the core principles, he could guess even the parts that were unreadable.
After spending a long time studying the first page, Mookhyang gained significant insights. He realized that even slight differences in technique could drastically alter the power of Sword Control. He also understood where he had been misinterpreting his approach to the technique. Mookhyang had not mastered the art through traditional means; rather, he had pieced it together from various techniques that resembled Sword Control, leading to a deviation from the orthodox method.
The second page contained detailed instructions on the mindset one must have when training in rising martial arts, as well as critical aspects to be mindful of during practice. Much of this Mookhyang had already grasped through his own experiences, so it was not difficult for him to understand.
On the third page, the text delved into the very foundations of martial arts, explaining the process of accumulating energy and the techniques to harness and unleash it. It even described how to gather and release energy equivalent to ten levels of power at once. As Mookhyang read, a wave of excitement surged within him. Martial artists always prepared by gathering energy before a fight. Unleashing ten levels of power in an instant, without preparation, was thought impossible. Even hastily summoning just five levels of power to counter a surprise attack could cause significant internal injuries. That was why many martial arts masters had fallen victim to assassins with lesser skills.
However, the text detailed a method that allowed the practitioner to instantly summon up to eight levels of inner energy. Unfortunately, just as Mookhyang's excitement peaked, he found that the bottom part of the page had been torn away. The missing portion left him deeply frustrated, as it prevented him from fully understanding the method.
Mookhyang continued to carefully examine the contents of the scroll. The fourth chapter provided various instructions on handling both the sword and the blade. It covered the essential techniques for ascending to higher levels of swordsmanship, focusing on two key methods: how to trap energy within the sword and how to release it. If energy is trapped, it becomes Sword Control; if released, it manifests as Sword Qi, Sword Wind, or Sword Force. The instructions were concise yet precise, highlighting the most crucial aspects, indicating that whoever wrote this must have been an exceptional master.
The fifth chapter delved into the concept of gang-gi (hardened energy), outlining different methods to generate and control it. The techniques allowed for the release of multiple strands of gang-gi and provided guidance on how to regulate them.
The sixth chapter explored controlling energy, from manipulating external objects through neunggongseobmul (the ability to manipulate space) to transmitting sound through energy with eogi jeonseong (sound transmission). It briefly touched on nearly every aspect of using energy but was written so concisely that it was difficult to fully comprehend.
The seventh chapter discussed Igi-eo Swordsmanship, much of which resembled the earlier sections on Sword Control. Unfortunately, a large portion had been burned away, making it challenging to understand in full. However, since Mookhyang was already familiar with Igi-eo techniques, he could piece together the general flow of the missing parts.
The eighth chapter covered methods for controlling gang-gi. It detailed techniques for further refining control, potentially leading to the use of Simgeom (Heart Sword), though parts of the text were torn and incomplete.
The ninth chapter outlined various methods for emitting energy, focusing on techniques designed to destroy wide areas. Different types of energy were described, including soft, hard, explosive, and attracting energies, with guidance on how to wield them effectively.
The tenth chapter was about expelling harmful energy from the body. While it could be applied to techniques like Hae-hyeol (Blood Purge), it offered a higher-level method. This included dissipating energy during an internal energy crisis, or even eliminating one's entire internal energy if necessary.
The eleventh chapter described absorbing energy from nature into one's body. By adapting this method, it was possible to absorb the internal energy of opponents. The original purpose, however, was to accumulate pure energy from nature. Though it was a lengthy and arduous process, mastery of this technique was said to elevate one to a divine state.
The twelfth chapter detailed how to distribute one's internal energy evenly throughout the body, a technique to manage excessive energy overflow.
After reviewing all the chapters, Mookhyang finally understood how the Heupseong technique of the Heavenly Demon Sect had been developed. It was a combination of the eleventh and twelfth chapters, which involved absorbing and storing internal energy. However, the challenge lay in controlling the absorbed energy, as it wasn't one's own. To mitigate this, the sect had stolen the Vajra Illusion Mind Technique from Shaolin to dissolve and merge different types of energy. Even so, absorbing too much energy caused the body to fail, and even with the technique, it couldn't entirely prevent the collision between different energy types. In extreme cases, failure to control the energy could lead to internal deviation and an untimely death. This is why the masters of orthodox martial arts in the sect refrained from practicing the Heupseong technique.
Mookhyang was puzzled by the eleventh chapter. The lower part of the parchment contained something written in a much older Balhae script, and the translation of that section had been torn off. Unable to decipher the characters himself, Mookhyang believed they must hold something significant, so he carefully copied that part.
He then threw himself back into intense training. The Bukmyeong Divine Art was explained too briefly for him to grasp its entirety, but it was the only thing available to him. He had no choice but to learn what he could from it.
Time passed, and as the end of his period of reflection and restriction, imposed by the sect leader, approached with only one year remaining, Mookhyang received a summons from the sect leader. When Mookhyang arrived, the sect leader was in discussion with several elders but warmly welcomed him.
"Come in. I've called you because I need your help with something."
"What would that be?" Mookhyang asked.
"An issue has arisen in Sichuan with the Tang Clan. At first, it was just a minor dispute between them and one of the Unorthodox Sect alliances, the Spider's Fist Society. Neither side was willing to give ground, and the situation escalated into three bloody battles. Two of the Five Great Clans have gotten involved, turning it into a full-scale conflict. The Tang Clan has requested our support, and we've sent skilled fighters from three of our branches, but their opponent is formidable, so no decisive result has been achieved yet."
The sect leader sighed before continuing, "While we could easily wipe out the Tang Clan, the Five Great Clans are not to be taken lightly. Behind them stand the Nine Sects and One Clan, as well as the Murim Alliance. We don't want a full-scale war over something so trivial. The timing isn't right. I want you to handle this matter—can you do it?"
Mookhyang hesitated, "I'm still under restriction..."
The sect leader laughed. "Haha! That restriction? Forget about it! It seems you have a good memory—I've already forgotten about that! I've fulfilled your requests, haven't I? Won't you honor mine?"
"Surely there are others better suited for this, like Elder Hyeok Musang..."
"No, no. This matter could easily spiral into a full-scale war, but our sect is in no position to commit all our forces. We have the Asura Blood Sect and the Dark Demon Sect to deal with. If war breaks out, we'll need to resolve everything with our current strength. I'm sending you because, if worse comes to worst, you can eliminate their leaders without escalating to an all-out war."
Mookhyang understood. "Ah, now I see why you need me. Very well."
"I'll grant you command of the Asura Demon Slaying Squad."
"Will that be necessary just to settle things?"
"No, they're not for you to use directly. They're for intimidation. I want you to resolve the conflict while preserving the honor of both sides. But if words fail, show them a taste of your strength. We've been too quiet recently, and it seems some people have become overly bold. If a war suddenly breaks out, the forces in the nearby branches won't be enough, so take them along just in case. And don't worry, five hundred men won't draw too much attention."
"I understand. Is there anything else?"
"Hmm…"
The sect leader then spoke to Mookhyang using Eoge Jeonseong (Transmission of Voice through Controlled Energy), a martial technique that allows one to deliver sound through mastery of energy. Unlike the more common technique of Transmission of Sound, which requires slight movement of the lips to send energy-imbued sound over a distance, Eoge Jeonseong involves full control of energy to deliver intent without moving one's lips. Only those who have reached an advanced level of internal energy can perform it, and the more powerful one's energy, the farther the voice can be transmitted.
Using this method, the sect leader conveyed a private message to Mookhyang.
With that, the sect leader handed Mookhyang a small package and then passed him a black jade pendant engraved with the image of Asura.
"Take this Heavenly Demon Order and handle everything accordingly. You're authorized to do whatever it takes to resolve this swiftly. I give you full permission to act in my name."
"Understood!"