The Power of Northern Divine Art - 2
"You… I've finally caught you…"
But her attempt at revenge ended before it even began. As soon as she drew her sword, the surrounding people, startled, began buzzing like a swarm of bees. The sect leader's thunderous voice soon cut through the noise, and everything stilled. The sect leader had heard a bit about the situation from Okmaehwa, but since Mookhyang had merely teased her without causing any real harm, he saw no reason to confront him. Moreover, Mookhyang had treated Okryeongin kindly, even teaching her a powerful sword technique, so the sect leader didn't believe Mookhyang had any ill intentions from the start.
At her grandfather's reprimand, Okmaehwa grudgingly sheathed her sword and stormed out, fuming. Watching her retreat, Mookhyang chuckled softly.
"Looks like she hasn't been put in her place yet."
Seeing this, Okryeongin spoke awkwardly.
"You treat me so well, so why do you torment my sister like that? Can't you be a little kinder to her?"
"I'm someone who deals with others as they deal with me. If someone treats me well, I do the same. But if they cause me trouble, I'll make sure to return it even worse. That's just my nature, so there's no need for you to worry about it."
Mookhyang took a long drink from his cup.
"It's time to get going now."
Just then, Mae and Guk entered from outside.
"You called for us?"
"Keep a close watch on that troublemaker. You know what'll happen if she causes a serious incident, right?"
"We understand and will be vigilant."
"I'll be off then."
As Mookhyang walked outside, Okryeongin followed.
"When will you be leaving?"
"As soon as the banquet ends."
"There's going to be a swordsmanship competition soon. Won't you join? There are some great prizes…"
"Such matches are boring. Bring me my sword."
Mookhyang fastened Mookhon to his waist as he spoke.
"Unless the sect leader himself participates, why would I waste my time fighting those who couldn't even survive one strike from me?"
"If you're leaving in three days, at least have a drink with me before you go. There's a small pavilion over there. I'll have food and drinks brought over."
"That sounds good. Let's all go together," Mookhyang replied.
Okryeongin gave instructions to one of the maids, who led them to a small pavilion not far from the banquet hall. Once they were settled, the maids brought out simple appetizers and drinks. After they left, Okryeongin noticed Mookhyang absentmindedly touching his sword and spoke up.
"You're incredibly skilled in martial arts, so why do you always carry your sword with you? Everyone was shocked when you used your 'Sword of the Heart' technique back then."
"The 'Sword of the Heart' doesn't last very long. It consumes an enormous amount of inner energy. Its power is barely comparable to sword control. That's why I always carry this. I can disarm an opponent if I choose to, but this sword was custom-made for me, and I'm familiar with its weight. I don't want to use anything else."
"Let me see it. I've never had a close look at your sword before. It looks simple, but…"
Mookhyang handed over his sword, still sheathed. As Okryeongin took it, she commented, "It's short, but incredibly heavy."
She partially drew the sword and gasped, "I thought I remembered correctly. I was wondering why it looked black back then… Is this made from black iron?"
"Yes."
"That's why it's so heavy. Its exterior may be plain, but inside, it's so luxurious…"
Okryeongin nearly said, Just like you, but she swallowed the words and continued, "I don't think anyone else would carry such a fine sword in such a modest sheath. There are letters here… '墨魂 (Mookhon).' Is that the sword's name?"
"Yes."
"It's a great name. It suits it perfectly. Thank you for showing me."
Mookhyang fastened the sword back to his waist, and the group resumed drinking. Most of the conversation was between Mookhyang and Okryeongin, while the subordinates stayed silent, not daring to interrupt. Okryeongin asked several questions about swordsmanship before suddenly remembering something.
"Oh! I received a beautiful zither for my birthday recently."
She called for a servant to bring the zither from her room, then turned to Mookhyang.
"It's really wonderful. Won't you play it for us?"
Mookhyang hesitated, but seeing her persistent request, he finally gave in.
"You play first, and then I will."
When the maid returned with the zither, Okryeongin plucked a few strings and then began to play. As the delicate notes floated through the air, the guards around the pavilion turned their attention toward the sound, listening intently. Even the drunken patrons who had been making noise nearby grew quiet. Whether out of respect for the people in the pavilion or knowing that they were members of the Heavenly Demon Sect, no one approached.
As Okryeongin played, her enthusiasm grew, and she even began singing. When she finished, she blushed and apologized, "I'm sorry for my poor skill. Thank you for listening."
Mookhyang and his subordinates applauded.
"You played very well. You've improved a lot since last time!"
Flustered by the compliment, Okryeongin blushed even more.
"I've been practicing a lot. Now it's your turn."
Mookhyang placed the zither on his lap, plucked a few strings to tune it, and then began playing. His mastery of internal energy allowed him to play in a way that resonated deeply, stirring the hearts of everyone listening. Combined with the guidance he'd once received from an expert in musical arts, Mookhyang's performance left the entire area in awe. Even the distant chatter from the banquet hall faded into silence as his melody floated into the night. Okryeongin, moved by the music, recited a poem, further enhancing the atmosphere.
"The green mountains stretch far and wide, the water's path flows far away,
Autumn has come, and the grass and trees in Jiangnan wither,
On this night of bright moon over the twenty-four bridges,
Where is my beloved teaching the flute?"
This poem, originally written by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu, resonated deeply with Mookhyang, even though he didn't know its origin. The beauty of the scene, the bright moon, and the serene night stirred something within him, so he played one more song before setting the zither down.
"Haha, no one can match my skill with the zither," Mookhyang boasted shamelessly.
The praise Okryeongin wanted to give him got caught in her throat, and instead, she responded with a teasing tone, "Don't get too full of yourself. Your skill isn't all that impressive…"
But before she could finish, Mookhyang cut her off.
"Let's call it a night. We'll talk tomorrow."
Feeling a bit regretful for teasing him, Okryeongin tried to convince him to stay.
"Why don't you stay a little longer?"
"I'd like to, but that troublemaker over there is coming."
Mookhyang stood up, and everyone followed his lead. From a distance, Han Yeongyeong, who had been having a boring conversation with the sect leader at a high table, saw Mookhyang chatting with a woman and felt a surge of irritation. She redoubled her efforts to engage the sect leader in conversation, though she found no enjoyment in it. When Mookhyang's zither music, enhanced by his power, reached her ears, she became entranced by the sound. Unable to resist, she coaxed the sect leader to join her in heading toward the pavilion where Mookhyang was. However, before she could arrive, Mookhyang had already stepped out of the pavilion.
Here's the translation of the provided text:
"It's getting late. You should get some rest now." Mookhyang's tone was gentle, but his gaze towards Han Young-young held a terrifying, unspoken pressure. Han Young-young considered using the leader to reject Mookhyang's words, but since she had to go back to the sect, she didn't want to be trapped in a box again or dragged away tied to the carriage as Mookhyang threatened. So, she hurriedly greeted the leader. "I'm sorry. I think I should be heading back now."
"Why don't you enjoy a bit longer before sleeping…?"
The next morning, the leader encountered his granddaughter, who was hastily walking during his morning stroll. Seeing her, he greeted her warmly. "Are you already awake?"
"Grandfather, did you sleep well?"
"Yes. But I must apologize for this matter. I sent a polite letter to the sect leader requesting the person you desired, yet he sent his own granddaughter, so I couldn't fulfill your request."
At that, Okryeong smiled brightly and replied, "It's alright, you've already made it happen. Thank you so much."
"What? That's strange. The person you wanted was the sect leader's granddaughter?"
"No, it's the vice leader who came with him. I'm on my way to meet him now. Would you like to come with me?"
"I've been wanting to meet that old man after hearing your story. Lead the way."
The grandfather and granddaughter walked side by side, chatting as they headed toward the house where Han Young-young and her party were staying. When she knocked on the door, Nan opened it and welcomed her.
"Hello?"
"Yes, hello, I'm Soja. I've come to see the vice leader."
Nan smiled and guided her. "Please follow me. He's currently in training."
"Does he train here as well?"
Nan nodded with a look that said she couldn't argue against it. "He never neglects his training."
Following Nan, Mookhyang sat cross-legged under the warm autumn sun with his sword resting on his knees, his eyes closed softly. As Nan approached and whispered to him, Mookhyang gave her some instructions before closing his eyes again.
Nan approached Okryeong with an apologetic expression. "He doesn't want to be disturbed during his morning training. He says you should just go back."
"When will his training end?"
"When he was at the main sect, he sometimes sat for days on end. He wouldn't stay seated until night, would he?"
At this moment, the leader, who had been quietly observing Mookhyang, asked Okryeong, "Is that the vice leader Mookhyang?"
"Yes."
"He's impressive at such a young age. I heard the Thunder Sword Emperor himself asked for a spar, and I thought it was unusual. It seems that if it weren't for his position as leader, he would have wanted to spar as well. Hey."
"Yes."
"Would you mind asking your master to share a drink with me and discuss swordsmanship?"
As the leader said this, Nan looked at him in surprise and then approached Mookhyang again. Watching Nan walk toward Mookhyang, the leader spoke to Okryeong.
"When someone came from the Jeryeong Sect and said that the Thunder Sword Emperor had passed away, I asked him, and he said that the Sword Emperor had sparred with you all night. He also urged his disciples to remember it well. So, the old man hurried to the Jeryeong Sect to investigate various matters and tried to find out about that sparring session. However, no one was willing to tell him. Since it was such a long time ago, they had all forgotten. But the master devoted his life to informing his disciples, so it must be kept extremely secret from outsiders. Upon discreetly investigating, it seems they have preserved the content of that conversation in a book. You may not know, but once you reach a certain level, such conversations are even more valuable than useless secret manuals. The Northern Divine Art, which is called the best secret manual in the martial world, should be seen more as a collection of recommendations for juniors rather than a true manual. The loss of such an invaluable treasure of the martial world being lost in practice is truly a significant loss."
Nan returned and waited for the leader to finish speaking before finding an opportunity to say, "He doesn't want to spar. Instead, he said that after the training ends in a little while, Ok Soja should stay and spar together."
"If it wouldn't be a bother, I'd like to stay and watch my granddaughter spar," the leader said.
At that moment, Mookhyang stood up and slowly approached the leader. Mookhyang politely performed a fist salute and said, "Greetings."
The leader returned the gesture and said, "As you have heard, if it wouldn't be a bother, I'd like to stay and watch my granddaughter spar. Please grant me permission."
"Of course. Follow me."
As Okryeong followed Mookhyang to a slightly larger area, Mookhyang said, "Explain again what you asked about yesterday."
"Right, in the three-second calm state…" She opened the technique and said, "This part is strange. Even though I'm moving my true energy according to the method, it's not working well."
"Speak the incantation for that part."
"…"
After listening to the incantation, Mookhyang thought for a moment and asked again, "Is there any other part that's not working well?"
"Yes, the eight-second, twelve-second, sixteen-second, and twenty-one-second parts."
As she unfolded the techniques for the parts that weren't working well, Mookhyang, who had been quietly observing, said, "It seems strange that the true energy doesn't flow well when you unfold the technique, and it feels like your strength is waning, accompanied by sudden fatigue. Sometimes it even feels like the true energy is reversing, right?"
"Yes! That's right. How do you know this so well?" Mookhyang, with a sympathetic expression, answered playfully, "My dear, it's because your inner strength is so lacking. If you exert a bit more effort to enhance your inner energy, everything will resolve itself."
"Can't we solve this in a short time?"
"There is a method, but it depends on your aptitude. Now, give me your hand. Let's take a look at your pulse." As Mookhyang examined her pulse, he infused his true energy into Okryeong's body, exploring every corner. After a while, Mookhyang happily said, "You haven't taken the elixir."
"Yes, my sister took it, but as you can see, I don't have much talent for martial arts, so she said it would be a waste and didn't give it to me."
"If you haven't taken the elixir, then you have one opportunity."
Mookhyang was aware that the leader was listening intently to the conversation between him and Okryeong, but he didn't pay much attention. "I can inject my energy into you. However, your inner strength is so chaotic that it won't be very helpful. The best method is to completely eliminate your useless inner strength and then refill it with true energy."
"Eliminate my inner strength?"
"Why? If you're scared, you don't have to do it. I'm just suggesting the best method; the choice is yours."
Seeing that Okryeong hesitated, possibly distrusting him, Mookhyang felt slightly annoyed. Okryeong hurriedly said, "No, it's not that I don't trust you, but I'm worried it will be painful…"
"It will be a bit painful, but just endure it. It will hurt, but you can squirm all you want as long as you don't open your mouth. Can you do that? If you open your mouth, it's all over."
"I'll try."
"It's not about trying; you must do it. Otherwise, in the worst case, you might lose your martial arts. Do you understand?"
"Okay, I'll do it."
"Good. Sit cross-legged. Just sit there without thinking about anything. I'll handle everything. Hey, Nan! You act as a guardian."
After a moment of time passed, Mookhyang, who had been placing his palm on Okryeong's back, said, "I've completely removed your inner strength. Now, I will transmit the breath of nature to you. Follow my lead and circulate it throughout your body."
As time passed, a cloud-like shape formed above Okryeong's head, composed of the energy emanating from her body. While Okryeong wore a painful expression, Mookhyang showed no signs of distress. Gradually, as time went on, Okryeong's expression began to change. She started to display a more serene demeanor, and after about two seconds, she fell into complete tranquility. After another half a moment, Okryeong finished the process, inhaling the condensed energy above her head through her nose, guided by Mookhyang. When she stood up, Mookhyang praised her enthusiastically, "The first time is crucial; you endured well. You did great!"
As she unfolded the techniques for the parts she was struggling with, Mookhyang observed silently and said, "It seems that when you unfold the techniques, your true energy doesn't flow well, you feel your strength draining, and suddenly you experience a surge of fatigue. At times, it even feels like your true energy is flowing backward, doesn't it?"
"Yes! That's right. How do you know so well?"
Mookhyang replied with a seemingly sympathetic expression, "Child, it's because your inner strength is quite lacking. If you exert a bit more effort to enhance your inner strength, everything will resolve itself."
"Can't we resolve this in a shorter time?"
"There is a method, but it depends on your innate talent. Now, let me take your hand. I'll check your pulse."
As Mookhyang felt her pulse, he channeled his true energy into Okryeong's body, examining it thoroughly. After some time, Mookhyang said with a joyful expression, "You haven't taken the elixir."
"Yes, my sister has taken it, but as you can see, I don't have much aptitude for martial arts, so she thought it would be a waste and didn't give it to me."
"If you haven't taken the elixir, there's a chance now."
Mookhyang knew that the leader was listening intently to their conversation, losing his composure, but he didn't pay much attention to it. "I can inject my inner strength into you. However, your inner strength is a mess, so it won't be much help. The best method is to completely eliminate your useless inner strength and refill it with true energy."
"Eliminate my inner strength?"
"Why? If you're scared, you don't have to do it. I'm just telling you the best method; the choice is yours."
Noticing that Okryeong seemed hesitant because she didn't trust him, Mookhyang felt slightly displeased, and Okryeong quickly said, "No, it's not that I don't trust you; I'm just worried about the pain…"
"There will be some pain, but bear with it. It might hurt a bit, but it's okay to squirm all over as long as you don't speak. Can you do that? If you speak, it's all over."
"I'll try."
"It's not about trying; you must succeed. Otherwise, in the worst case, you could lose your martial arts. Do you understand?"
"Okay, I'll succeed."
"Good. Sit in a lotus position. Just sit there without any thoughts. I'll handle everything. You just focus on guarding your body."
After some time, Mookhyang, who had been holding his palm on Okryeong's back, said, "I've completely eliminated your inner strength. Now I will impart the breath of the Great Nature to you. Follow my lead and circulate it."
As time passed, a cloud-like formation of true energy condensed above Okryeong's head, emanating from her body. While Okryeong wore a pained expression, Mookhyang showed no signs of discomfort. Gradually, Okryeong's expression began to change. She started to show a more peaceful demeanor, and after about two breaths, she completely fell into a state of tranquility. After another half-breath, Okryeong, under Mookhyang's guidance, inhaled the condensed true energy above her head through her nose, completing the process. Mookhyang praised her as she stood up, clearly delighted, saying, "The beginning is crucial, and you endured well. You did great!"
He then turned to Nan and said, "Thank you for your efforts. The guardian is no longer needed, so you can rest."
"By the way, what we just did seems a bit different from the energy absorption technique I've learned so far. As time passed, my mind gradually settled and became clearer, feeling peaceful... What is this?"
"That's the Taehomuryeong Heart Method. Originally, this should be learned from the beginning, but since your inner strength is so impure, I resorted to this last resort. From now on, you must use only the Taehomuryeong Heart Method for energy circulation. Otherwise, all the hardships you've endured will be in vain. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"The Taehomuryeong Heart Method is an orthodox technique of the Xuanyuan School. The longer you practice it, the faster your progress will be, and it also calms the mind, ensuring you won't fall into a trance."
"What's really strange is that there's not a single technique from the unorthodox sects that you've taught me."
"I can't just teach our school's techniques to anyone. And the promise I made back then is still in effect."
"What promise?"
Mookhyang shook Okryeong as he said, "Did you forget the oath you made while learning martial arts?"
"But even if I don't say it, others…"
"That's absolutely not possible. The Taehomuryeong Heart Method has long been lost in orthodox circles. If it were to circulate in the world, you would be the only culprit."
"I understand."
"However, I allow you to pass it on to your offspring. After all, since the Taehomuryeong Heart Method thrives on purity, those who have used other energy absorption techniques will benefit more from it than harm, so teaching it would be akin to leading the other person to fall into a trance. Now that you've rested enough, show me the technique of the Jeonghamalryeong Sword Method that I've imparted to you."
As Okryeong performed the sword technique, the momentum was vastly different from before. Each technique radiated a powerful aura, and through her sword, a continuous crimson sword energy extended outwards. Despite her inexperience, it was clear she had reached the state of the basic form, as the entire sword was tinged with a light red hue.
With each thrust, the red sword energy burst forth, and each time it collided with the ground, explosions occurred. Her Qi-infused sword technique was the result of accumulating inner strength and using it according to the technique. It was vastly different in quality from what a practitioner at the Transformation Realm could freely create.
As her thirty-six techniques concluded, Mookhyang applauded and said, "Now you have a proper form. Let's spar."
"Okay." She confidently launched an attack towards Mookhyang with her sword techniques. Unlike her previous playful approach, the sword thrusts came at him with precision. At that moment, Okryeong gasped, giving up on completing her techniques and hurriedly focusing on defense. However, Mookhyang's sword would bend to the side whenever she tried to block, finding yet another opening to attack.
After about half a breath, Okryeong's body was drenched in sweat while Mookhyang toyed with her without breaking a sweat. As time went on, Okryeong felt despair creeping in, and eventually, she burst into tears. When Okryeong began to cry, Mookhyang approached her and comforted her.
Mookhyang spoke calmly. "This happened because you didn't execute the technique properly."
Through her sniffles, Okryeong protested. "But I executed the techniques correctly."
"When we were sparring, how far apart do you think we were?"
"About one jang? Or maybe a little closer."
"The Red Demon Sword Technique doesn't work well at close range. Out of its thirty-six techniques, only around ten are effective for close combat. Most of the techniques utilize sword qi to attack the opponent, meaning the enemy needs to be at least one jang away for them to be effective."
"Then what do I do against an opponent who gets close?"
"If they're really close, you have to hit their vital points with your free hand, or kick them. For those who are a bit farther away, you'll need to directly attack with your sword. But… that requires skill. With your current ability, there's no helping it."
"Is there no way to master this more quickly?"
"There is. It's a method everyone uses. In close combat, you often need to rely on all five senses rather than just sight. To hone this, close your eyes and listen. Can you hear the sound of the wind, birds, footsteps, and countless other noises? While listening, think about the distance between you and those sounds. You mustn't miss even the smallest sound. It's similar to how monks meditate facing the wall."
"Does everyone train that way?"
"Of course. At the very least, the Four Lords trained like that. Thanks to it, they became some of the best in close combat in our sect. I trained them well."
"Then the Four Lords are your disciples, right? And now, so am I."
"No. I never take disciples. I just pass on bits of martial arts to those I happen to cross paths with. I've never taught anyone my true martial art, nor do I plan to."
"Why not? Wouldn't it be a huge loss for the martial world if your martial art disappeared?"
"Not really. It might actually be a blessing for the martial world. If the wrong person inherits it, it could bring a bloodbath. With my skills alone, I could wipe out an entire clan by myself."
"Aren't you overestimating yourself?"
"No, I'm just accurately assessing myself. Ask anyone, you foolish girl. A master at the Profound Realm has immense power, and I'm not just at the Profound Realm. From my sense of things, I'm nearly at the Life and Death Realm."
"Really?"
"That's right. But being close to the Life and Death Realm and actually reaching it are two different things. For example, there's an enormous difference in skill between me, who is close to the Life and Death Realm, and your grandfather over there, who is stuck at the last barrier of the Profound Realm but hasn't broken through. It's like the difference between heaven and earth."
"Then, what if my grandfather breaks through that barrier and reaches the Profound Realm?"
Mookhyang gently approached the crying Okryeong and comforted her, offering some advice.
"Don't worry, once you keep practicing, the difference in our skill will shrink significantly. However, even within the same stage of mastery, there's always a gap between the upper and lower levels, so I can confidently say you won't be able to surpass me anytime soon."
"What about now? How big is the gap between us?" Okryeong asked.
"Right now? Even if your grandfather, a grandmaster, fought me with ten others like him, it wouldn't be enough."
"But my grandfather is about to reach the Profound Realm soon! Please don't underestimate him like that," Okryeong protested.
Mookhyang shook his head and calmly replied, "It's not about underestimating. Do you know how many martial artists in the world never even reach the Harmonious Realm, let alone the Profound Realm? Even fewer can breach the Profound Realm and enter the Life and Death Realm. Honestly, if your grandfather remains stuck at the Harmonious Realm, it wouldn't be surprising."
"But you're exaggerating the difference between stages! You make it sound like an insurmountable gap. Isn't that an exaggeration?" Okryeong challenged, doubt in her eyes.
At that moment, the Leader of the sect, who had been listening silently, decided to speak up. "He's right. And from what I can see, you've mastered the Northern Dark Divine Art, haven't you?"
Mookhyang's expression grew serious. "Why would you assume something so absurd?"
"I've heard that the Northern Dark Divine Art allows one to absorb the energy of nature itself to strengthen their power. What you just did wasn't passing your inner energy directly to her. Instead, you acted as a conduit, absorbing the energy of nature and passing it through to her. There's no way you could have given such immense power and remained unscathed without breaking a sweat otherwise. Does the Heavenly Demon Sect teach this art?"
Mookhyang's face hardened, his voice firm. "I can't answer that. If I do, I'll have no choice but to kill you. Please, don't ask me that again."
The Leader gave a wry smile and replied, "Understood. I apologize for prying into matters I shouldn't have. In any case, your sparring with my granddaughter seems to be over. How about we enjoy a friendly spar together? I'd be honored to serve you some of my most treasured Hua'ju Wine."
"Grandfather, it's barely morning! You're thinking about wine already?" Okryeong exclaimed.
The Leader laughed heartily. "Even if I were to die tomorrow because of drinking, it wouldn't matter. Meeting such a powerful expert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've never had such a stroke of fortune in all my years!"
Mookhyang, considering the situation, smiled. "Well, if you put it like that, I'd be happy to join you for a drink. But let's bring Okryeong along. I can't leave her behind, as I'm afraid of what trouble she might get into if I'm not around."
"Do as you wish, then," the Leader replied with a grin.