The Strange Kidnapper and the Hostage - 2
As Mookhyang stepped onto the mountain path, Okryeong asked curiously, "There's no landlord's house along this road, is there? Is that landlord also involved with bandits?"
"No, I'm on my way to a temple. The innkeeper said there's a temple called Jeongnyangsa if we keep going this way."
Upon arriving at the temple, Mookhyang called for a young monk and requested to meet with Master Jiseok. While he chatted with Okryeong and waited briefly, Master Jiseok emerged. Surprisingly, she was a beautiful nun in her late twenties to early thirties, undoubtedly a stunning beauty in her prime. Mookhyang pressed his palms together in greeting, and Master Jiseok reciprocated, asking, "You were sent by Jungil?"
"Yes, I was asked to deliver this."
As he spoke, Mookhyang handed her a small package he had received from the sect leader.
"There's no reason for me to accept this. I appreciate your effort, but please return it."
She spoke coldly, and as she turned away, Mookhyang asked her, "Is there any chance I could make a donation? This is not from Jungil, but from me..."
"You can't simply refuse a donation."
Mookhyang took out his wallet and handed over all the money inside to Master Jiseok. Although she seemed slightly surprised by the amount, she quickly regained her composure. It was Okryeong whose expression changed. Just as she was about to speak urgently, Mookhyang suppressed her blood energy, preventing her from speaking, and said nonchalantly, "Since the item I'm delivering carries sincerity, I hope you'll at least consider it."
"No matter how much you've donated, I've already told you I won't accept it."
"If you insist on refusing, then I have no choice but to show it to you. I was instructed to present this to Master Jiseok. If you continue to decline, I may have to burn the temple first…"
As Mookhyang began to curse, Master Jiseok's complexion turned pale. At the same moment, she launched a surprise attack. Surprisingly, the martial technique she used was not from the Seon sect, but rather an advanced sorcery technique. Mookhyang sensed her gathering energy and prepared himself, but he was taken aback as the martial technique unfolded from the nun's hands.
She believed Mookhyang to be a considerable master since he was sent by the sect leader, so she secretly concentrated her essence and launched a surprise attack. However, her sorcery technique failed to inflict a fatal blow. Her white hands, radiating a hazy bluish light like jade, emitted a faint glow and surged toward Mookhyang. But as Mookhyang blocked with his hand, she could not advance any further. From Mookhyang's hand, a bluish energy extended forth, and the force of that energy repelled the nun's hand, causing sparks to fly and preventing her from getting any closer.
Seeing Mookhyang use his energy, the nun tilted her head in surprise. "How did you acquire the energy of the Seon sect?"
She employed various techniques derived from the sorcery technique, showcasing martial arts skills that indicated she must have been a formidable master during her time in the demonic sect. Since her techniques were all executed through the sorcery technique, they contained a powerful cold energy.
The techniques she employed were all derived from the sorcery technique, which contained powerful cold energy. As the serious battle began, Mookhyang immediately struck Okryeong's blood channel and threw her back. Startled by the sudden force, Okryeong wanted to scream, but since her blood energy was suppressed, she couldn't make a sound. However, when her body fell sharply to the ground from a distance of about two feet, slowing down before gently landing, she sighed inwardly. Once the immediate danger passed, Okryeong watched intently as the two masters engaged in their duel. Although she didn't have the skill to fully comprehend the precise martial techniques they were using, it was evident that the nun was employing the rising martial arts of the demonic sect. Meanwhile, the shameless person threatening to kidnap her and burn the temple was using the orthodox rising martial arts, causing her mind to spiral into confusion. What kind of identities did these two possess…?
Okryeong desperately wished for the shameless kidnapper to defeat the nun. Yet, reality was not in accordance with her wishes. The nun's martial arts were formidable, but she was no match for the shameless villain. Mookhyang was adept at manipulating his energy, continuously overwhelming the nun until he finally struck her blood channel. The fallen nun shouted, "Kill me."
"You only need to see this. If you refuse, I will first set fire to the temple. If you still refuse to look, I will start torturing the monks here one by one. If that doesn't work, I will begin killing them, and once they are all dead, I'll find another temple. I happen to have noticed another temple over there on the next mountain. I will do the same there. Until you see this, I will continue to burn temples and torture the monks until I kill them all. If you don't see this and choose to commit suicide, I promise to completely destroy at least twenty temples."
"Shall we see who wins?"
However, Master Jiseok remained still, perhaps not believing he would actually set fire to anything. But when Mookhyang went to the kitchen of the temple and brought out a burning piece of wood, she panicked and shouted, "Hey, I give up!"
"Good choice. Here you go."
Mookhyang presented the package and released Master Jiseok's blood channel. Realizing that her blood channel had been completely released, Master Jiseok was surprised by his confidence. "You've completely released my blood channel."
"Yes."
"Did you really think I wouldn't anticipate another surprise attack?"
Mookhyang smiled gently. "Then I can just suppress your blood channel again and persuade you."
Master Jiseok sighed and began to unwrap the package. "Your confidence in your donations and your martial arts are truly impressive. Jungil probably can't match you."
"Thank you."
Inside the package were a letter and several silver ingots. After reading the letter, the nun burned it with the true fire of samadhi. "Convey that I understand his intentions well, and also thank him for his various considerations."
"I shall take my leave now."
"It seems you've realized the nature of the profound truth. Congratulations."
"Profound truth sounds good to hear, but I'd prefer to be called 'the one who transcends the demon.'"
"It seems you've delved deeper into the orthodox martial arts than the demonic techniques, haven't you?"
"Yes, given my background, I had to learn more of the orthodox martial arts than the demonic ones."
"In that case, 'profound truth' is appropriate. It's unreasonable to see you as just a demon from the start. Of course, your foundation must have been learned from the orthodox sect, but the essence of that sorcery comes from the orthodox teachings."
"Then let's stick with 'profound truth.'"
"Oh! Quickly go and release the blood channel of your companion. I understand why you threw her back, but why did you suppress her blood channel?"
"She's a valuable hostage. It would be troublesome if she ran away."
Master Jiseok questioned in disbelief, "A hostage?" She couldn't see her as a hostage at all.
Once Mookhyang released Okryeong's blood channel, she brushed off her clothes and shot him a sharp glare. "You're thorough, aren't you? Were you worried I might run away during that time?"
Mookhyang replied nonchalantly, "Well, given your actions until now, I can't say you wouldn't."
After exchanging farewells with the smiling Master Jiseok, the two turned to leave.
"Now that you've completed your errand for the nun, where will we go next?"
"Didn't I mention? I'm going to take care of something at a friend's house."
"Oh, the reconciliation matter? Are you the problem-solver?"
"You could say that."
"What kind of answer is that?"
"Complicated matters tend to fall into my lap."
"I have one question I'm curious about; will you tell me?"
"What is it?"
"Where is your sect? And who is your master?"
"You'll naturally find out later."
"Then let me guess."
"Go ahead…"
"Are you perhaps a disciple of the legendary Jeonjin?"
"Why did you think that?"
"First of all, all the martial arts you use are the transcendent techniques of the orthodox sect. There are many famous families of orthodox sects, like Wudang, Jianzhuang, Qingsheng, and Zhongnan, but there isn't anyone who has reached the level of handling inner energy like you. And your twisted personality doesn't shy away from any means when it comes to doing something. That deviates from the orthodox sect's nature, so the only sect that naturally comes to mind is the legendary Zhenzhen Sect. The Zhenzhen Sect is a sect that doesn't insist on orthodox methods in martial arts, instead grasping the strengths and weaknesses of various unorthodox techniques and adopting the strengths from them. There have been very few disciples from the Zhenzhen Sect, which has turned them into a legend, but those disciples who have appeared occasionally have left the world in shock with their martial arts."
"If you want to think of me as Zhenzhen, then feel free to do so. It will be enjoyable for a while."
Despite Mookhyang's sarcastic tone, Okryeong countered without losing her ground.
"This is fate, so please teach me the techniques of Zhenzhen, okay?"
"Why should I go through the trouble of teaching you martial arts?"
"Oh, but a kidnapper must take responsibility for their hostage, right? Since the hostage is asking for something like this, please don't be so stingy..."
As Okryeong continued to whine and persist, Mookhyang eventually threw up his hands. However, all he could think about was that he had to find a way out of this absurd situation, no matter what means he had to use.
"Fine, but you also have to teach me martial arts so that it's fair for both of us."
"But the techniques I know are all quite inferior compared to yours."
"It doesn't matter."
"The only technique I can confidently show is the Cheonha Mulyu Sword Technique. My skill is still not worth much, though..."
"That's fine; just show me."
"The techniques are based on a dance-like sword style, and it consists of 36 movements with each movement having 12 variations, making a total of 432 forms."
Okryeong drew her sword, which was 2.5 feet long. Mookhyang simply suppressed her blood flow with each movement but did not take away her sword. Since Okryeong would not be able to deal any significant damage to Mookhyang, he intentionally let her be. She held the sword with its blade pointing downward and lightly presented it to Mookhyang.
"My skills may be inexperienced, but..."
Okryeong took a stance according to the rules, revealing the unique opening stance of the martial arts she would use. After that, she began to dance with her sword, shouting out the names of the forms.
"Cheonha Maejang! Cheonha Yuchun! Cheonha Jeongsim...!"
Okryeong's sword technique was quite elegant, and hidden within its softness were terrifying lethal strikes. True to its name, the "Cheonha," a gentle red light emanated from the blade, and each form moved in various directions, arranged to allow for easy adaptations to the circumstances. Mookhyang waited until she finished all 432 forms before clapping.
"Your movements are quite graceful and fluid, so it's certainly worthy of being called a technique from a famous sect, but you've just stolen my Cheonha Maeryeong Sword Technique and made some modifications."
At this, Okryeong's face turned red as she protested.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Then let me show you. Just watch carefully. Don't say anything strange afterward."
Mookhyang slowly drew Mookhon and skipped the formalities and opening stance, immediately launching into his own forms.
"Cheonha Maejang! Cheonha Yuchun! Cheonha Jeongsim...!"
Mookhyang first stole Okryeong's forms to use as a skeleton for his own, then modified a significant portion of it. He couldn't be bothered to name the forms and left them as they were. Mookhyang's swordsmanship did not resemble a dance but rather took the form of an incredible swift sword technique with a formidable speed, capable of overwhelming destructive power.
Okryeong began to be astonished as she saw a sword technique that was quite similar to her own but also fundamentally different. She had not realized that Mookhyang was someone who did not confine himself to the established forms, and as Mookhyang unleashed sword energy that had been crafted to produce a red light, she started to mistakenly believe that her technique was merely a stolen version of the Cheonha Maeryeong Sword Technique. Mookhyang omitted the labor of executing 432 forms and boldly removed unnecessary portions, using only 144 forms. When he finished, trees in the vicinity fell and were blown away, creating a wide open space.
"Are you still going to insist that the martial arts you know are orthodox?"
As Mookhyang spoke with confidence, Okryeong's voice began to falter as she made excuses.
"I don't know. I heard that this was a martial art my grandfather realized while watching the sunset one day and perfected over three years."
"Hmph! That old fool doesn't even feel embarrassed about stealing someone else's martial arts and claiming them as his own. I feel so offended that I can't teach you anything."
"Don't be that way; please teach me. If you do, I'll tell you about other martial arts."
"I don't need to learn that kind of technique, no matter how much you teach me."
At this moment, a good idea popped into Mookhyang's mind. He made a serious expression, making sure not to reveal his true intentions.
"Fine. I'll teach you the Cheonha Maeryeong Sword Technique, but you have to come with me to play the role of a resolver and help me out."
"I don't think I'll be much help."
"No, you can speak well, have persuasive skills, and you've learned a lot, so you seem suited for that role. Besides, as a third party, they should listen to you since you're not the one directly involved. What do you think? Will you allow it? Of course, I won't be responsible for your life."
"Alright, just teach me quickly."
"If you swear that you won't teach this to anyone else..."
"Okay, I swear. I swear to the heavens. I, Okryeong."
"No, repeat after me. I will never teach the Cheonha Maeryeong Sword Technique I learned from Mookhyang to anyone else. If I do, may heavenly punishment befall me. Even if I die an unjust death, I will not complain, so please look kindly upon me."
"I will never teach the Cheonha Maeryeong Sword Technique I learned from Mookhyang to anyone else. If I do, may heavenly punishment befall me. Even if I die an unjust death, I will not complain, so please look kindly upon me. Your name is Mookhyang?"
"Didn't I forget to tell you?"
"But the content of the oath is strange. To die an unjust death... Is it a threat that if this gets into your ears, you will make me die an unjust death?"
"Indeed. You know, don't you? I'm someone who takes responsibility for the words I speak. Now, I will recite the incantation, so remember it well. Unless your grandfather has stolen the techniques, it's impossible for him to steal the incantation."
"Yes."
The techniques refer to the outward form of martial arts. The movement sequence and methods are referred to as techniques, and without mastering the flow of inner energy during each moment of executing these techniques, the true destructive power of the martial art cannot be unleashed. The incantation is a detailed explanation of the flow of inner energy while executing these techniques. One must connect all techniques according to this incantation; if either one is missing, it will not become a martial art with true power. However, the importance of each can vary slightly depending on the martial art. For example, the Tanshu Martial Art has no techniques and only incantations. Techniques may use various stances or forms, but if the incantation is used solely for the Tanshu Martial Art, it can deal a lethal blow to an opponent with its tremendous yin energy.
Mookhyang slowly recited the incantation for the handover of the Ghostly Spirit Sword Technique that he had falsely displayed, remembering it carefully. Most martial arts incantations are intentionally expressed in difficult terms to prevent their secrets from being learned or are filled with numerous codes, making them quite challenging to memorize. In contrast, Mookhyang had neither the time to think of words to summarize each incantation nor the knowledge to do so. Hence, Ok Ryeongin could easily understand. Every word made sense in sequence, allowing her to avoid the hassle of memorizing nonsensical characters like when learning another martial art's secret. After Mookhyang recited it three times, Ok Ryeongin could perfectly memorize all the incantations. After reciting it without a single mistake, Ok Ryeongin smiled brightly.
"This incantation is really easy. If all incantations were so coherent, it would be much easier to remember..."
"Of course, there's a significant difference between learning it by stealth and learning it properly."
At Mookhyang's words, Ok Ryeongin protested.
"Don't keep insulting my grandfather."
As a way to pass the time, Mookhyang began teaching Ok Ryeongin the sword technique while heading toward the Jiryung Association. After a few more days, Ok Ryeongin asked curiously.
"Are we not going to Sichuan, are we?"
"No! It's Sichuan."
"Then did you receive a request from Uncle Tang of the Tang Clan?"
"You don't need to know about that."
"I'm also involved. The clash between the Tang Clan and the Jiryung Association has become widely known in the martial world. Everyone is keeping an eye on it."
After traveling for a while and reaching a fork in the road, Ok Ryeongin spoke urgently.
"This isn't the right path. We've taken a wrong turn."
"No, this path is correct."
When Mookhyang confidently replied, Ok Ryeongin muttered to herself in a small voice.
"Is that so? Was I remembering incorrectly? It was such a long time ago…"
"When we arrive, I will introduce you as my companion, so keep quiet. Otherwise, it will get noisy. I will introduce you as the spoiled daughter of the elder, so understand that. After being cooped up for so long, you've thrown a tantrum wanting to get some fresh air, and that's why I had no choice but to bring you along."
Despite Mookhyang's warning, Ok Ryeongin remained cheerful. She was planning to tie up Mookhyang once they arrived at the Tang Clan and repay him for the humiliation she had endured until now. However, her enjoyment was short-lived when she learned that their final destination was the Jiryung Association.
After riding for about ten more miles, they arrived at a fairly impressive large estate, and a big sign hung above the main gate.
「蜘逞會 (Jiryung Association)」
Upon reading the sign, Ok Ryeongin's face turned pale. She knew the person she was accompanying had a character associated with the unorthodox sect, but she firmly believed he was a disciple of a righteous sect based on his martial arts. Whether he knew her thoughts or not, Mookhyang leisurely rode out and pulled something from his pocket toward the guards of the Jiryung Association. They then welcomed him with great fanfare. Following Mookhyang's request, Ok Ryeongin quietly stood by, observing the unfolding situation. Mookhyang and his party were soon guided to the inner chamber, where they received the hospitality of the leader of the Jiryung Association. What shocked Ok Ryeongin once again was Mookhyang's title.
"Welcome, Vice Leader! We have been waiting for you eagerly."
At the mention of Vice Leader, the eyes of Ok Ryeongin widened to the size of lanterns before returning to normal. Although she was astonished, she wisely chose to remain silent.
"I was delayed due to the request from the leader, but the Four Gentlemen should be here. Where are they now?"
"They have gone out for information gathering. They should return by evening."
"This young lady is the granddaughter of Cheongridokhaeng, and she has been throwing a tantrum wanting to see the world, so I brought her along. You can just call her Cheol Soja."
"Yes."
"Let her take a bath first. After traveling for so long, she's covered in dust."
"Yes, yes... Soha and Maehwa will attend to her. If you need anything, please feel free to let us know."
"I didn't see any corpses on the way here; it was quite peaceful. Is it in a state of calm?"
"No, it was quite severe three days ago, but it's quiet because of that. The sub-leaders have been helping, so we are holding up fairly well."
"I will make sure to wrap this up properly, so don't worry. You must be busy too, but I feel like I am holding you up too much. When the Four Gentlemen arrive, we can have a meeting then."
"Understood. I will take my leave."
After bathing and drinking fragrant tea, Ok Ryeongin dismissed the maidservants and spoke coldly in a low voice.
"I never dreamed that you were the Vice Leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect."
"Why? Are you disappointed?"
"How did you learn the martial arts of the righteous sect?"
"There are always special circumstances. And you should know that due to the prolonged conflicts, the library of the Demon Sect has an immense volume of martial arts from the righteous sects. The Ten Thousand Great Mountains have not been invaded even once in a thousand years, making it a fortress of our sect. In contrast, most righteous sects have been raided by our sect at least once, so it wouldn't be difficult to imagine that."
"Why do you know? I thought the affairs of the sect were mostly unknown outside."
"I heard it from my grandfather. There are several armed factions in the Demon Sect, but he said five are the strongest. They are the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Squad, the Asura Demon Slaughter Squad, the Thousand Wolves Squad, the King of Hell Squad, and the Purple Star Ten Thousand Demon Squad. The Purple Star Ten Thousand Demon Squad often shows up in the martial world, but the other four rarely appear. Especially, the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Squad and the Asura Demon Slaughter Squad have never shown themselves in the martial world."
"That's not true. Both have appeared in the martial world several times. However, no one knows about it."
"But there are organizations in the martial world, like the Open Door and the Myeong-ungmun, that are good at gathering information, right?"
"They leave no trace at all. The reason I brought the Asura Demon Slaughter Squad this time is that while I'm confident in fighting alone, I'm not good at leading a group. I've never read military strategy or anything like that; it's almost like a blank slate for me. So, I brought them all along. If things get out of hand, I can just say one word: 'Hey, tell the Human Butcher to wipe them all out.' That's it."
"So, the Human Butcher handles everything?"
"Of course! That guy is an incredible butcher. So, make sure you persuade those people well. I don't want to have to resort to my last measure."