Celestial Realm
Paah!
I was momentarily surprised by the suggestion to summon Yeodong-bin. After contemplating his intentions, I slowly shook my head.
“Yeodong-bin only appears when facing demons; he won’t descend for humans.”
“Demons? What are they?”
“Well, that’s…”
I quickly explained about demon beasts and otherworldly beings. As I spoke, Dokgo Seong seemed to piece together something and said,
“I remember seeing such beings in the remote areas of Xinjian.”
“Otherworldly beings, you say?”
Dokgo Seong nodded.
“There were indeed certain entities that could not be considered natural creatures in the Rocky Mountain range of Xinjian and its outskirts. It had become somewhat of a regular event for the White Lotus Sect’s masters to exterminate those things.”
“Are you certain they’re demon beasts?”
“Well, they were frog-like creatures about the size of a man’s arm. They were called Jiao (脚). There were other various beings too.”
As Dokgo Seong explained by drawing on the ground, it suddenly clicked for me—I had faced a similar creature before. It was undoubtedly like the Tentacle Toad guarding Great Thunder Valley, though the Tentacle Toad was ten times larger than a mere Jiao.
‘So otherworldly beings are scattered across the world.’
This suggests that the White Lotus Sect might have considerable combat experience against them. In Dongyang, the influence of the [Ancient Ruler] was so strong that the Demon Ki and demon beasts were rampant, creating the Life Sea of Aokigahara to trap those beasts inside. It seemed the Central Plains faced the same issues with sporadic manifestations of Demon Ki, one of which might be Xinjian.
I suddenly felt a strange curiosity.
Why do demons not manifest in the Central Plains?
People from Goryeo and Dongyang were accustomed to monsters, and some knew quite a bit about otherworldly beings; such monsters often appeared in both Dongyang and Goryeo. However, it was exceedingly rare to come across demon beasts or even youkai in the Central Plains. Admittedly, some were aware, but considering the vast area of the Central Plains, their number was practically nonexistent. Logically, with such a scope, there should be many more demon beasts lurking about.
‘Why is that?’
I decided to set this curiosity aside for later. As I mulled over this, Dokgo Seong spoke up.
“If we could summon the Sword Saint, it would surely be a great help, but what a shame.”
“Why do you want to duel him?”
“What a foolish question! Who would refuse the chance to face the Sword Saint Yeodong-bin as a martial artist?”
“……”
I could understand his response, yet I found it somewhat absurd. Judging by the prowess I had seen from Yeodong-bin, he could probably slay Dokgo Seong in less than ten seconds. The memory of countless sword strikes filling the air with overwhelming energy was still fresh in my mind. I thought it was understandable how Dokgo Seong could make such comments when he didn’t know the Sword Saint’s fighting prowess.
‘Hmm… No, wait. Perhaps I can make good use of that martial artist’s temperament.’
I suddenly came up with a plan and said,
“Master, there is indeed a way.”
“What is it?”
“Please follow me.”
Paah!
A little while later, I arrived at the entrance of the Life Sea in Aokigahara, hand in hand with Dokgo Seong. There were still buildings resembling forward operating bases, and signs indicating that two of Dongyang’s great swords were stationed here. Just then, while roasting meat, Kamizumi Nobutsuna looked up, startled by our sudden appearance.
“Who are you to appear out of nowhere?”
“Ah… well.”
Dokgo Seong appeared similarly flustered. It was an unusual encounter with an old man grilling meat, speaking in a foreign tongue, and emanating the aura of a top practitioner. To ease their confusion, I first addressed Dokgo Seong.
“Please let me explain; do not attack those people.”
“Understood.”
I then called over the two great swords of Dongyang and began translating with Dokgo Seong present. I had now reached a level where I could freely communicate in Central Plains, Dongyang, and Goryeo languages. After explaining the situation, I approached the wall of the building and said to Dokgo Seong,
“This writing appears to be in Han’gu…”
“Hmm!”
Upon verifying the inscription in Han’gu that read, “I will seek the Moonlight Slashing Technique and kill the sect leader,” Dokgo Seong let out a low sound.
“It’s the script of Cheongwol. Cheongwol must have come this far.”
“……”
“So it serves three purposes at once. Let’s track down Cheongwol and then return to the Central Plains.”
“If that’s possible, that would be great.”
I was already aware that entering the second stage of this sea, the Death Sea, required eight individuals. Otherwise, the Yin-Yang Master clan guarding the Life Sea would not open the door for us.
We then departed from the forward operating base towards the entrance of the Life Sea.
Woo woo woo –
‘Here they come.’
As the presence of demon beasts heightened and the Demon Ki swelled, I sensed Yeodong-bin’s descent beginning. Passing through the stage of Faith in the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique and reaching the stage of Release, I felt my arms slowly open up, releasing my inner force. I smoothly drew on my divine energy and guided Yeodong-bin’s spirit, welcoming his descent.
[I shall eradicate the demons!]
In an instant, Yeodong-bin appeared, abruptly releasing my internal energy. Although I had opened only three out of the eight gates, the possibilities of the human body that Yeodong-bin could wield seemed far beyond that, as if a fiery storm was erupting from the heavens.
Quarrrrrrrrl!
Heavenly Escape Sword Technique
Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram
Heavenly Determination
With the overwhelming might reminiscent of lightning and fire pouring down, the sword’s energy surged forth, sweeping across the surroundings. Heavenly Determination, filled with immense destructive power, began to obliterate the demon beasts and top-tier monsters scattered everywhere. As those with remarkable durability displayed some resilience, Yeodong-bin then executed the Phantom Sword Technique, radiating tremendous energy as he processed them.
Spirit Needle Technique!
A hand made of thoughts appeared in the air, yet that transparent hand seemed colossal enough to cover mountains. When it slammed down upon the ground, it felt as if an earthquake erupted around us.
Quawaqua-quang!
Kiieeeek –
Unable to withstand the pressure, the demon beasts exploded, spewing black blood. When Yeodong-bin followed up with the Spirit Needle Technique, Spirit Needle Strike, and Spirit Needle Fist in quick succession, the wasteland transformed entirely. His body split into dozens of phantoms, unleashing a continuous flurry of thousands upon thousands of attacks—a sight of sheer terror.
[This is the end!!]
Heavenly Escape Sword Technique
Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram
Rainfall of Destruction!
Peep, peep, peep, peep, ping –
When Yeodong-bin flung his sword into the sky, it pierced through the clouds, soaring high. The sword, which had risen to a point where it was invisible to the naked eye, began to rain down, infused with storm and terror. What was astonishing was that each raindrop contained tremendous power, making even regenerative monsters and those akin to adamantine shatter and explode as if they were melting. Millions of sword strikes penetrated the ground.
Thud thud thud…
After the torrent of sword winds passed, the battlefield lay barren. Demon beasts that had filled the Life Sea and had no space to step were wiped clean from existence. It appeared some remnants survived, but they were fleeing in terror.
Shushushhu!
[Yeodong-bin! I just obliterated quite a few demons!]
Yeodong-bin seemed poised to leave contentedly. However, I couldn’t let him go just like that, and I reached out to him mentally.
[Yeodong-bin! Please wait a moment.]
[What is it? I have eradicated all the demons.]
[This is Aokigahara’s Life Sea, and behind it, there are even more powerful demon beasts. Thus, I cannot rely solely on your strength—please grant me your teachings.]
[Teachings, you say?]
Yeodong-bin seemed slightly taken aback. I desperately persuaded him.
[I have reached the stage of Release in the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. Please teach me the next stage, or impart your swordsmanship to my friend. It’s essential for survival ahead.]
[Yeodong-bin, the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique is a technique of immortals; it has no fundamentals… Yet, do you still wish to learn?]
[You say it has no basics, but don’t you use the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram and Fire Dragon Sword Technique?! Please teach me as well!]
When I pressed him on this, Yeodong-bin responded,
[The Fire Dragon Sword Technique is something I learned during my human days, and I’ve only retained the familiar form. As for the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram, it is a transcendental technique that cannot be used by ordinary humans.]
Transcendental technique?
What on earth does that mean?
As I displayed my confusion, Yeodong-bin continued explaining.
[You seem to be capable of using consciousness, so I’ll tailor my explanation to your level. The typical limit for an ordinary human is to gather their will to unleash a finishing move or utilize their thoughts to execute techniques. However, beyond that point, there can still be gaps in enlightenment.]
[Hmm…]
[If you pass that stage, you will reach a state called Connection between Heaven and Earth (天地交泰), where your intentions align with the universe, leading to the realm of the Absolute (絶大地境). In this state, you transcend human thoughts and can manipulate nature, becoming a Natural Sword (自然劍).]
[……]
I was awestruck by the significantly high level of immortal martial arts.
‘So, the sword energy incorporated into the raindrops earlier is indeed the Natural Sword!’
When considering what it meant to fight against an immortal, it wasn’t difficult to understand. Even when I faced the Sword Demon and Dokgo Seong two-to-one, he might have been holding back. The fact that immortals gain tremendous power through their martial arts journey towards ascension was evident.
Suddenly, something crossed my mind, prompting me to ask him,
[The current strongest in the human world is the leader of the White Lotus Sect, who said that the Celestial Academy leads to the Primordial Spirit. However, he implied that it’s only a midway point and eventually, one should reach the hearts of the upper, middle, and lower dantians to achieve infinite strength and transcend humanity.]
[……]
[Yeodong-bin, your explanation contrasts sharply with this; how should I interpret this?]
To my surprise, Yeodong-bin replied,
[Would you be willing to part with ten years of your lifespan?]
[What do you mean?]
[To explain it, I will need to counter the heavenly secrets and that would need a price.]
I bit my lip, nodding in agreement.
[Take as much as you need.]
After all, what difference would ten more years make if I was going to be reborn upon death? Listening to the teachings of the Sword Saint Yeodong-bin was worth that much.
[Understood.]
Shhshhhsh…
At that moment, the aura of Yeodong-bin, who had descended into my mind for conversation, suddenly vanished, and a misty apparition emerged before me. This apparition eventually solidified, taking on a human form.
A mature Taoist with a serious demeanor and clear blue eyes.
It seemed to be Yeodong-bin’s human form. The moment he appeared, all the top practitioners tensed, but Yeodong-bin seemed indifferent as he perched himself casually on a nearby tree. Looking calmly at me, he said,
“Time of manifestation is but half an hour. Ask what you wish during this period.”
I gathered that Ji-seon Mang-ryang might have utilized his skills to summon Yeodong-bin at the cost of his lifespan. Obtaining the valuable information that even immortals could be summoned by specific methods was intriguing. While I was organizing my thoughts, Dokgo Seong cautiously interjected.
“Are you truly the Sword Saint Yeodong-bin?”
“Human, the only way to prove I’m me is through swordsmanship.”
“Then I, Dokgo Seong of the Raijin School, would like to seek the teachings of the immortal!”
Pa-ah!
Dokgo Seong charged at Yeodong-bin with zeal. The speed of his sword was unbelievable, revealing that Dokgo Seong’s swordsmanship was significantly superior to mine. In an instant, he unleashed dozens of sword strikes aiming to slash Yeodong-bin’s entire being. Yet, Yeodong-bin simply closed his eyes, calmly drawing his finger from left to right.
Chiring!
The summoned great sword chimed as it deflected Dokgo Seong’s strikes to the side. With his killing moves thwarted, Dokgo Seong attempted to recover but Yeodong-bin moved with incredible speed, casting a force that pushed him away.
While being pushed back, Dokgo Seong managed to retaliate, unleashing a sword strike imbued with the form of a dragon, indicating tremendous power compressed within. However, Yeodong-bin leisurely tilted the great sword and effortlessly drove the dragon strike into the ground, then quickly followed it up with a slash that severed Dokgo Seong’s upper body.
Ku-kung!
In an instant of mental fortitude, Yeodong-bin executed three moves in succession. Dokgo Seong managed to block the slashes to his upper body and counterattack, but he had no way to respond to the final kick aimed at his thigh. His center thrown off-balance, Dokgo Seong was effortlessly tossed into the air by Yeodong-bin’s Light Spirit Technique.
“……!!”
Dokgo Seong landed on the ground, his face etched with disbelief. He then exhaled in resignation, saying,
“There’s no doubt now… I’ve witnessed heaven beyond the heavens today.”
It was astonishing. Even the three great protectors of the White Lotus Sect would struggle to subdue Dokgo Seong in under two hundred breaths, yet Yeodong-bin had suppressed him without the slightest bit of levity, as though it were a simple game. At that moment, I truly realized the transcendental level of Yeodong-bin’s martial arts.
However, Yeodong-bin appeared more interested in addressing me than the defeated Dokgo Seong.
“Yeon-ja, I shall answer your earlier question regarding the Celestial Academy and the Primordial Spirit.”
Everyone’s attention sharpened.
Particularly, Dokgo Seong’s eyes nearly bulged as he hung on Yeodong-bin’s words.
“That is not martial arts; that is divine power.”
“Pardon?”
Everyone in the room gasped at the following words.
“The Celestial Academy is not a state permitted to humans; therefore, consider that those who claim to have mastered the Celestial Academy and Primordial Spirit are all apostles of the divine.”
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