Chapter 288: Divine Arts.
The martial arts referred to as divine arts are mostly classified as techniques with exceptionally high limits.
Without settling at the peak.
Martial arts whose limits are so high that they can transcend.
Most people refer to these as divine arts.
For example, when taking the Trinity as an example,
Geomjon’s Wolseonmugeom is a sword technique based on the deep energy of Wolui (月意).
Paejon’s Tuapacheonkwon utilized a unique deep technique created, not the Dokmunsimgong of Bija.
In the case of Cheonjeon,
He would use the martial arts of the Namgung clan, which has stood as a pillar for centuries.
All of these could certainly be called divine arts.
Transcending human limitations.
Overcoming walls and breaking shells.
A martial art that enables one to ascend to a higher plane.
That is precisely why it is called divine.
So then,
Is the Gu family’s Gu Yan Hualun Gong truly a divine art?
“Definitely a divine art.”
As I asked myself,
I answered myself,
Yes, the Gu Yan Hualun Gong was indeed a divine technique.
I could easily tell just by looking at my father.
And likewise, seeing Gu Hee-bi.
Strangely enough, even by looking at someone like me, it became clear.
The martial arts of the Gu family are divine arts.
Divine arts are, in other words, opportunities.
Opportunities that allow one to transcend human boundaries.
It is an opportunity given to those who have trained.
Whether someone can grasp this opportunity or not
Depends on the talent and effort of the martial artist.
Seizing the opportunity and expanding one’s realm.
Progressing little by little towards where one wishes to reach.
At least, that is my conceptual framework of deep arts.
Along with divine arts, the secret techniques contained within martial arts serve as indicators, revealing these matters one by one.
The Gu family’s secret techniques number five in total.
One is the level where one can create heat via stakes.
Allowing one to maximize physical abilities by containing heat within the body.
Immediately after my reincarnation, I began using the Gu Yan Hualun Gong almost forcefully as soon as it reached my consciousness.
The second is the ability to produce flames, which in itself is a secret technique.
If there is a distinction between the Gu family’s martial arts and other fire techniques, it is precisely this.
The flames of the Gu family do not exist to burn.
“That sounds absurd; flames aren’t meant for burning things!”
Upon hearing this,
I would later come to understand the deeper meaning behind it.
Yet to me, flames were simply flames,
Regardless of the intentions of our ancestors.
Funny enough,
“They wanted to create the sun themselves.”
Just as each deep art carries meaning,
The meaning behind the Gu Yan Hualun Gong is no different.
Our ancestors, despite already having a sun in the sky,
Sought to create another sun.
Though I would later vaguely comprehend the deeper meaning,
It was a meaning I could not fully grasp.
“Is that why I couldn’t reach the pinnacle?”
The reason I remained at 9-star, let alone 10-star, in my previous life—
Was it because I couldn’t wholly accept that deeper meaning?
No, that can’t be it.
It’s simply because I couldn’t overcome it.
I just couldn’t reach it.
There’s no need for excuses.
Nothing is uglier than that.
The third secret technique is called Jeokcheon (Red Sky).
To emit the breath of the martial artist,
Dyeing the sky red.
An extremely cultivated deep art can invade the sky and dye it its own color.
When my father came to the Black Palace and broke the formation,
At that time, the sky was vastly red.
At that point, can anyone still be called human?
How can a mere human manipulate the heavens?
At a stage where one can do such things,
They must have already begun shattering the limitations of humanity.
And for the fourth technique,
The martial art I’m about to employ now is the fourth one.
“Yellow prison.”
Secret Technique: Flame Jade.
Raise the stakes.
Making the body boil with heat.
Grab every released spark so it doesn’t escape.
Condensing them in your palm to form a sphere.
Hooosh!
The blood vessels running through the stakes expand.
I could hear my heart racing as it thudded in my ears.
Whoooooosh!
The night sky twisted.
The previously dark sky now adorned with numerous stars like decorations.
Using the heat from my body as fuel, I ignited a fire,
And the once dark sky begins to grow brighter.
The range may be narrow,
And it wasn’t a brilliant light that blinds me, but at least in that spot, it felt like the sun had risen.
Crack-daaaah!
The wildly swirling flames screamed.
Suppressing the urge to move forward,
Being drawn into a narrow space,
Such agony.
Veins stood on edge,
My forehead became moist with sweat.
The tension in my rigid forearms showed just how much effort was needed to control this.
If it had been in its original state,
This was a secret technique I could not use right now.
Like Jeokcheon,
It was something gradually formed only after extreme training.
“Just pounding with sheer force!”
Because my stakes were unreasonably high for my level,
I could manage to do this.
Barely managing, that is.
It was a product of training involving compression and amplification.
Along with countless insights I’ve gained from my past life,
It was also a combination of all the fortuitous events I experienced in this lifetime.
Only because my Gu Yan Hualun Gong has reached 6-stars was it even possible.
Woooosh—
As I bore that oppressive pressure, I gathered it all into one place.
Before I knew it, a bright red jade bead was floating above my palm, emitting a graceful light.
I glance at it and ponder,
“How many seconds did it take to create?”
Between five and seven seconds.
For others, it might have seemed like the blink of an eye;
Yet among those at the peak, it was ample time for life to hang in the balance.
This meant I still wasn’t ready to put this technique to practical use.
“I definitely can’t use it in a one-on-one scenario.”
To cast it, my body first has to stiffen.
I must carefully control the stakes, for a misstep could twist my blood vessels and lead me to catastrophe.
In other words,
This means being defenseless for a few seconds.
Simply put,
“You die, I die.”
Sigh.
This was the problem that arose when I tried to use such a technique without the proper grounding.
At least in my previous life,
I could do it while speaking, laughing, or even stomping on someone.
I realized just how weak I had become again.
“Of course.”
Was it really necessary to endure such a state?
“…I must use it.”
I would nod without hesitation.
Among the secrets of the Gu family,
It is practically the only martial art that could be wielded in real combat.
Its destructive power was incredibly immense, comparable to the stake put into it.
The fifth secret also shares a similar feel,
But I wasn’t able to use that yet.
Woooosh….
“Ahhh…”
Only after creating it did I release the breath I had been holding.
As mentioned, for a few seconds, I had to be defenseless.
The reason I was okay right now
Was because the inspector didn’t do anything.
Thanks to that, I was confident she wouldn’t act.
“This makes sense.”
You dragged me all the way here just to observe this one technique.
I desperately tried to hide my shaking hands as I looked at Geomhu.
“Thank you for waiting.”
I spoke, making sure to mask my weary voice.
Yet, there was no response from the inspector.
As if she had been utterly stunned.
For she was staring at me with her eyes wide open.
“I didn’t want to do this as I feared your reaction would be like this.”
In the end, enlightenment is an aggregate of insights.
For the unarmed to move forward,
Or on the path they’ve traveled until now,
What enlightenment have they gained?
The only thing that reveals that is martial arts and secret techniques.
In this little orb,
“Whoa…”
Lies the insights I’ve gained throughout my life.
Including my past life.
For someone of the inspector’s caliber,
I would assume they’d witness how significant it is.
That’s why I am met with such a reaction.
In her gaze,
She would think that I possess an enormous insight relative to my age.
She wouldn’t understand how I shuffled through my past life.
Wouldn’t it merely appear as if I had an extraordinary talent?
Just overwhelmingly absurd talent.
“…This.”
Thus, it’s only natural for Geomhu to show that expression.
She gazed at my hand, flabbergasted for a considerable duration.
Finally, she spoke as if overwhelmed with despair.
“…It seems you were at a much higher level than I expected.”
“Not really that high. As you can see, I’m still trembling.”
That’s no lie.
To maintain a bead slightly larger than a finger joint,
I had to expend more than half my Danjeon,
And use my entire body.
If I didn’t retrieve this and let it explode,
It would create an explosion over a considerable radius, engulfing everything in flames.
Controlling and containing such energy is damnably tough.
“Yet I managed to use it.”
The person in front of me, Geomhu,
Is capable of averting a disaster without casualties if need be.
I was observing while sweat dripped from my brow,
As Geomhu stared at me in disbelief.
After a moment, she finally spoke.
“Do you know what people these days are calling your later index?”
Such a sudden and random query.
I was at a loss, wondering what that meant out of the blue.
Then I answered.
“What was it…? The generation of Yoo Seong. That sounds about right?”
“Exactly. The generation of meteors. Quite a fitting term.”
At that moment, Geomhu sparkled brilliantly.
In the not-too-distant past,
Especially during Geomhu’s own time as a late index,
Everyone shone brightly,
But the current era glowed with an unprecedented brilliance.
The primary reason behind the title of the Meteor Generation
Was due to the overwhelming presence of talented people, as though stars had fallen from the sky.
Moreover,
It symbolizes the hope that such brilliance will lead the future of the Central Plains.
Of course,
That had nothing to do with me.
“In this scenario.”
Geomhu examined the red bead resting on her palm.
I could see bright light radiating from that bead.
Although it was the midst of winter,
The once bitter cold weather was filled with heat at the appearance of this orb.
The previously dark surroundings were now brilliantly illuminated.
Like—
“It feels like holding the sun in your hand!”
“How could one possibly hold something so terrifying?”
While Geomhu spoke, my expression morphed oddly at her words.
“Nonsense!”
How can one lay hands on such a thing? I wouldn’t even be able to touch it in the first place.
In response to my denial, Geomhu simply smiled and remarked,
“Or perhaps, you are the sun.”
“Why do you make me into such a thing? That’s just absurd.”
Tsk.
I had originally planned to just let it slide.
Yet there she was, with a face that clearly stated she would not let this go without proper defense.
There are also connections to it.
I had even spoken to her.
With how things were, I thought I could let it slide.
After all, I did save her life!
“Of course, I did capture a glimpse of that energy.”
Regardless, it should warrant a little leniency.
“At least, I didn’t plan to use this!”
This wasn’t something I had any intentions of showcasing in front of others for a while.
In the end, it felt like a paltry attempt to merely pass this test.
Thanks to that, Geomhu finally showed a satisfied expression,
But I was the one with the issue.
“Why do you hold such expectations of me?”
Could you please take a bit more care of your disciples?
“People are annoying!”
Nevertheless, it seemed I managed to appease her somehow.
Did she sense my gaze?
“I apologize; ultimately, I tested you. So please accept my apologies.”
Suddenly, Geomhu approached me with an apology.
“Sure. Thanks to you, everyone is staring at me.”
Of course, I had no intention of accepting that.
It wasn’t just Geomhu.
The other late indices who had gathered around were watching at a distance, avoiding my flames,
The instructors observing also looked astonished by the sight.
“What was so peculiar that they’re staring at me like this?”
“How could they possibly not?”
At my blunt words, Geomhu chuckled quietly.
“It’d be akin to witnessing the birth of a comet.”
“Please, stop with the flattery. It makes me feel nauseous.”
This attention is a burden.
I felt as though that might have been Geomhu’s intention all along.
Did she wish for me to stand out even more in front of others?
If that was the case, it’s quite troublesome.
I never intended to stand out so glaringly.
“…What do you want from me?”
“What could I possibly desire? Just—”
Geomhu returned the sword to its sheath and continued,
“I simply wish for you to shine even brighter and stand tall.”
“Anyone looking at this would think I’m with the Volcano faction.”
“Given that you are both honorary writers, aren’t you similar?”
“Oh.”
That’s correc—
I did just that.
To prevent anyone from speaking about the volcanic pottery within,
I had prompted Maehwa-seon to keep it in check for future endeavors.
Although that was merely an honorary mention.
No follow-up repercussions didn’t cause me concern.
While blowing out a huff of air.
“Thank you for tolerating my stubbornness.”
Geomhu seemed poised to conclude her speech, signaling an end to the test.
“…Did I pass?”
“Of course, if I don’t allow you to pass, that would be utterly nonsensical.”
As I finally heard the words confirming I passed,
The tight feeling in my chest slowly faded away.
If she had been displeased with all of it, I would have probably thrown everything and stormed out.
After that, a brief silence fell.
She had intended to reclaim her sword and exit long ago,
But I remained still, not releasing my energy.
Geomhu found it odd and finally asked,
“What are you doing?”
No answer was given.
It seems my refusal to retrieve the energy bead seemed strange to her.
So I addressed the inspector,
“I mentioned earlier, didn’t I?”
“Huh?”
“I believed you would take full responsibility.”
“What does that…”
Geomhu tilted her head, perplexed by my words.
But then, something dawned on her, and her eyes widened in surprise.
Far more surprised than when she first showcased her skills.
It seems she finally caught on.
Geomhu probably didn’t know;
I could never stand idly by and allow myself to be taken advantage of, even if it meant my life.
I’ve disliked it for a long time.
It feels as if I have come this far only to play the fool.
“If I just walk away, I might die from frustration!”
So I absolutely could not simply walk away.
“No way… kid.”
“I’ve shown it to you, but I haven’t retrieved it just yet.”
Of course, that was a fib.
If I wanted to, I could have appropriately disposed of it.
That was hardly my intention.
“Halt…!”
“Please handle it yourself.”
As I witnessed Geomhu hastily raising her stakes,
Crunch.
I clenched my fist that was still holding the energy.
Then,
Fwoosh!
A tremendous wave of heat surged forth from my body.
CRAAAAASH—!
The next day arrived.
If the first day had been for the exam seen by the blood relatives,
The second day lay ahead for those of the sect to observe.
Knowing that, everyone began gathering at the designated time.
“What do you mean?”
Yeongpung, arriving with other practitioners for the exam, had to endure some rather bewildering news.
“The exam period has been extended?”
Originally, the family’s blood relatives’ exam that was supposed to conclude yesterday was now postponed by a day.
How could that be possible?
Since it was a test conducted by the clan,
Extending the duration was unthinkable.
Word had it there was to be another entrance exam tomorrow or the day after.
“…Something unexpected occurred last night, so there was no other choice.”
The expression on the face of the one delivering this news appeared inexplicably exhausted.
Should I say fatigued?
“What on earth happened back there?”
Yeongpung couldn’t comprehend.
Even when his tutor was set to attend as an overseer,
He pondered why this was the case.
“Were they exhausted from the entrance exam?”
For someone like Geomhu, who seemed so powerful he couldn’t even glance at them yet,
It was unimaginable that they would feel that worn out from merely one day overseeing the entrance examination.
From Yeongpung’s perspective, this was utterly inconceivable.
Nor was it confined to a mental issue.
She appeared somewhat physically drained as well.
This raised even more confusion.
One:
“…What the…?”
“What in the world is this?”
“What happened??”
Upon arriving at the designated location meant for the examination,
Yeongpung could vaguely infer the reason.
“This seems to be the problem…”
“Hah.”
Yeongpung automatically muttered at the sight before his eyes.
“Did a meteor fall from the sky?”
In the very spot where they’d originally intended to take the test,
A massive hole, indicating something had burst forth with a radius of at least thirty jang was formed.
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