Chapter: 563
It was about two years since I had begun my training.
It had been a year since I opened my Mind’s Eye.
During this time, Tuapacheonmu had been busy mastering the three styles.
Moreover…
Whoosh whoosh!
It had already been half a year since I started receiving training from my father.
Most of the training rooms in the Gu Clan are made of stone rather than wood.
The reason being, if you messed up, you could end up burning everything down.
If one becomes proficient, you can control the flames so they don’t catch fire.
However, there were scenarios where that wasn’t possible, and it was to prepare for those situations.
And right now, it was just that kind of moment.
Whoosh whoosh-!!
Flames erupted and filled the training room.
That meant sparks were flying about, heating the walls.
[Ugh…]
A groan escaped my lips.
Compressing this wild flame into one place wasn’t easy.
I had already been through this once while practicing Yeom-ok, but this was on another level.
It wasn’t just about compression and rotation.
After casting it and completing it, I had to make it sustain itself.
[It’s insane to maintain this.]
The bets kept slipping away.
Even if it wasn’t as much as in my previous life, the amount of energy inside me was likely extraordinary.
I was using more than half of it just to create this one thing.
After repeating this countless times for months…
Kirrrrrrrr!
[…!]
The result was the same this time too.
The sphere, barely shaped, cracked and exploded shortly after.
Kwaaaaaaaaaaah-!
Light exploded in all directions.
Since there were so many bets piled up, the explosive force was tremendous.
If I left it like this, the training room and everything else would be on the verge of obliteration.
Fortunately, such a disaster did not occur.
Because there was someone in the training room who could stop it.
Kuuuung-!
The explosion was blocked by the barrier inside the training room and couldn’t proceed any further.
This meant that even the vast explosion couldn’t break through this shallow barrier.
As the aftershocks gradually began to subside…
[I failed again this time.]
[…]
I turned my head towards the heavy voice.
The owner of the barrier in the training room.
The head of the Gu Clan, the fierce Gu Cheol-un, my father, was standing there.
I regained my energy and responded.
[… I guess so. It’s not easy.]
How many times has it been?
It was too late to count the attempts. In terms of days, it had been exactly half a year.
I could only say I had gone crazy in there.
But I had never succeeded even once.
[That’s to be expected.]
My father said while watching me.
[It’s only natural since I have not reached the realm.]
[… Yes, that’s true.]
I hadn’t reached the realm.
Nothing could be more accurate than that statement.
As Shin Noya mentioned before…
What I’m trying to do now is within the realm of imagination.
Aside from the bets, it’s a so-called realm of transcendence that must be achieved solely with the power of the mind.
Only by mastering the martial arts I have learned, transcending them, and becoming one with them, can I reach the hard-to-reach place.
And yet, even knowing that, here I am trying to do it.
[Phew.]
I wiped the sweat that was flowing down.
After compressing and rotating my energy all day, I was drenched in cold sweat.
[Are you planning to continue this time as well?]
My father asked.
Am I going to continue?
[Of course, I’ll give it a try.]
I said confidently.
When my father heard that, his eyebrows twitched slightly.
[Why?]
[…yes?]
I was taken aback. I didn’t expect my father to ask me something like that.
[Why are you so determined to keep doing this? As I said, it’s beyond your reach.]
[…Hmm…]
It’s a pointless endeavor. My father didn’t say that outright, but that was the sentiment I got.
And he was right.
It was extremely inefficient to engage in this when I hadn’t even reached the realm yet.
However…
[Then, how are you helping me, Father?]
Conversely, I wanted to ask my father that.
[Didn’t you readily step up when I asked for your help?]
[…]
Six months ago, I had gone to my father and asked him for a favor.
I wanted to learn the power he exhibited at the Tang Clan back then.
He had looked puzzled at my request…
But he didn’t refuse.
And now, half a year has passed since then.
To my surprise, my father had been teaching me more intensively than expected.
I had anticipated being turned down when I first uttered those words.
[Didn’t you ask me?]
[Are you saying that the only reason you’re doing this is because you think it’s impossible?]
Because I asked, he was teaching me.
It was a simple yet absurd reason.
Then why didn’t he just do this from the start?
That thought crossed my mind, but I shook it off.
[And… I don’t think I’ve tried enough to definitively say it won’t work.]
As that damned master said.
If it’s not working, he told me to keep at it until it does.
When it doesn’t work, it’s usually because I’m not putting in enough effort anyway.
To have a reason to give up, I need to work hard enough for it to convince myself.
At first, I thought it was the most ridiculous effort anthem I’d ever heard.
But after going along with it half-heartedly, my thoughts changed.
If I tried hard enough, somehow, things worked out.
This time was no different.
I’d keep at it until it didn’t work. That was my mindset.
[…]
The look on my father’s face as he watched was still indifferent.
I had grown accustomed to it by now.
Just as I was about to start training again…
My father’s question reached my ears.
[Why is it so important for you to try and do this?]
The reason I stubbornly insisted on pursuing this.
A specific reason for wanting to obtain it while taking a beating from the Paejon from time to time.
[Hmm…]
I thought about it for a moment, but there was no need for deep contemplation. The answer was actually much simpler than I expected.
[Because I need it, that’s all.]
I need it now. This strength is something I need to wield at this moment.
That was everything.
[I have some things to do in the future. The strength you displayed is exactly what I require.]
I still remember it.
That dazzling presence from when I saw it at the Tang Clan.
That little sun that consumed everything around it and expressed its presence alone.
That’s what I needed.
If that power belonged to the Gu Flame Wheel Technique, I wanted to obtain it, if possible.
And so, I wanted to ask my father for help with something I had never asked him for in my life.
Even knowing that I couldn’t do it because I hadn’t reached that level yet.
With that thought in mind, I attempted to gather my energy again.
[If that’s the case, then your direction is off.]
[What?]
He brought up a topic that my father had never mentioned before.
[I think there’s an issue with your perception. You need to correct that aspect.]
[What do you mean?]
I looked at my father with a confused expression, taken aback by his sudden words.
To which he responded…
[If you want to learn even the basics, you have to change your perception.]
[What…?]
[You are not me.]
I had to widen my eyes at those words.
I didn’t have some kind of epiphany.
I was just struck with how incredibly obvious that was.
I am not my father. Isn’t it simply true?
Seeing my blank expression, my father continued speaking.
[You must fully recognize that difference to even reach out and touch it.]
I refrained from arguing, thinking, “What kind of nonsense is that?”
My father must have had reasons for saying such trivial things, contrary to that old man.
That’s what I thought.
And in reality…
After focusing on this concept and beginning my training again, months passed.
Following my father’s advice, I was finally able to barely graze what I wanted.
I looked up at the sky.
A small sphere hung in the center of the darkened space.
All the light illuminating this surrounding area gushed forth from that sphere.
‘Fire Wheel Star.’
It was that little sun I’d seen back at the Tang Clan.
That luminous force allows me to hide my presence by scattering the ambience around while shining brightly.
Moreover, it was a power I had tirelessly honed over the past months.
Hwaruk-!!
The blue light filling the surroundings is evident.
The Fire Wheel Star emitted an exceptionally bright light while projecting a potent presence.
If there is a problem…
At first glance, it doesn’t seem all that different from my father’s except for the appearance.
However, if we delve deeper, it’s the complete opposite.
While my father’s Fire Wheel absorbs presence to erase the caster’s identity…
The one I used, on the other hand, serves to amplify mine.
A force that stands in direct opposition to the intended use of the Fire Wheel.
And that’s just the way it was.
‘… It’s all like that when you skim the surface.’
When attempting to cast Fire Wheel, the rotation is meant for absorption rather than amplification.
It swallows the caster’s presence to contain it within this sun.
That’s the power represented by the Fire Wheel Star.
‘For someone like me, who hasn’t reached the realm of imagination, there’s no other way to use it.’
I intended to stop the rotation and merely utilize the form.
But it turned out instead, that it spun around and enlarged my presence.
In short, it became a half-baked power.
Yet…
‘I actually quite love it.’
Curiously, it turned out to be favorable for me.
Amplifying my presence and leaving an impression on others.
While it diverges from the original intent of the Fire Wheel Star, there’s no better power for me.
Because I forced something that didn’t fit my level, it ended up becoming something only half-effective.
Yet this very flaw became my asset.
Knowing this was likely why my father had said what he did.
The Fire Wheel I wanted to utilize.
The one my father employed was fundamentally different, hence his advice to grasp that distinction.
He believed that if I understood that, I’d be able to wield it.
I lowered my gaze from the sky.
Before me stood an old man with a distorted expression. It was Woo Baek.
‘That flabbergasted look suits him well.’
Alongside the huge-bodied Tottoli, who’d tried to assert dominance…
The groundwork laid down by Dangdeok.
And me, who showed up on the scene afterward.
The dark space woven from Heukcheon (black sky).
Even my Fire Wheel Star, which swelled my presence and cast light.
Just by looking at that, Woo Baek was likely to connect the dots.
He’d recognize me as a curious opponent.
I hoped he thought so.
And it was in that moment I intended it to resonate.
Looking at Woo Baek, I spoke.
“You seem to be far less talkative than expected.”
It felt as though a thorn had sprouted on my tongue as I attempted to speak in the old manner of my previous life.
But I held back.
“I even gave you an introduction first; it seems that wasn’t enough.”
As I said that, I took a step forward.
Using the Fire Wheel technique improperly, I felt the backlash not only on my energy but also in my body.
Still, I didn’t let it show.
The Heavenly Demon I see cannot show weakness.
I had to grit my teeth and endure it.
The steps forward continued.
After a few more strides, I realized something.
If I went any further, I’d find myself inside Woo Baek’s attacking range.
Knowing this all too well, I stepped forward without hesitation.
“… You…”
Woo Baek didn’t swing his sword even though I had entered striking distance.
It would be a matter of assessing the situation.
Given the circumstances, it must have been difficult to navigate through this.
“… Did you call yourself a heavenly demon?”
“Indeed. I am the Heavenly Demon.”
Though it must have been an unfamiliar name, Woo Baek frowned when he heard the term “Heavenly Demon.”
That was probably because…
“… I’ve heard the rumors.”
That must’ve been due to hearing about the stories that were gradually spreading throughout the Central Plains.
“There’s a figure raiding the local branches of the Murim Alliance. The culprit claims to be the Heavenly Demon.”
Upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Ha ha.”
This way, Woo Baek would know I was laughing beneath the mask.
“So that’s you?”
“It seems you have wider ears than I anticipated. I commend you.”
“… What is your purpose? What on earth is your motivation for not only attacking the Murim Alliance but brazenly stepping foot into the Wudang Sect?”
Phew!
An exclamation erupted from the old man.
His voice was filled with sarcasm.
Perhaps he intended to snap the surrounding martial artists, pressing them to focus again.
“Ugh.”
“Elder Jang…”
That alone didn’t suffice to break the spell.
I noted that it provided me with useful information.
Is it true that even with this much bet, it wouldn’t break easily?
That was quite an unexpected gain.
“The reason…”
I stroked my chin as if pondering, while trying to hide my thoughts.
The texture of the mask felt slightly irritating.
After a brief moment of silence, I addressed Woo Baek.
“Is having a purpose truly necessary?”
“…What?”
“It seems you have mistaken something.”
With arms outstretched, I could touch him.
I spat my words directly towards Woo Baek.
“You’re merely part of the Wudang Sect.”
“…!”
“I don’t know what you’re contemplating, but why would I feel threatened by all of you coming to confront me?”
“You…!!”
“How preposterous, old man.”
I continued speaking while observing Woo Baek’s face contorting further.
“Do you get frightened by seeing ants crawling on the ground?”
As those words escaped my lips…
Swish-!
Woo Baek swung the sword he had been holding.
It was swift.
Since I had already entered striking distance it shouldn’t have been surprising.
Moreover, the sword of one who had reached the Elder rank in the Wudang Sect moved faster than anyone would anticipate.
Had it not been for my earlier observations, dodging would have been quite the challenge.
Yet…
Thud-!
“…!?”
If you had been paying attention from the beginning, the story would have changed.
Woo Baek gazed at his wrist, caught before he could properly swing the sword.
“I asked what your purpose is.”
Woo Baek’s eyes trembled as he listened to my voice.
“I will answer you, you incompetent fool.”
As I stated this, I pulled the magic energy within me.
“I simply wished to meet you.”
The rising magic flowed from my heart into my body.
It soon began to billow up like a mirage towards my shoulders.
“The Alliance that constitutes the Central Plains.”
The billowing mirage soared higher and grew in size.
“And the leader of the Murim Alliance who is presently rotting the Central Plains.”
As I unleashed my energy, my body cried out in protest. Frankly, I had already reached a dangerous state with just the Fire Wheel Star.
“That’s the reason for my precious journey over here to the Wudang. However…”
I eased my grip on him.
It was an intentional effort to provoke Woo Baek into reacting.
And sure enough…
Crack-! Woo Baek swiftly withdrew his ensnared hand, spinning away.
The energy swirled around him.
Sharp and fierce. As expected, he was one of the top masters in the Central Plains.
“I see your point. This place is hardly worth viewing as anything but rubbish.”
“How dare you! How dare you insult the Wudang!”
Benefits of having seen Woo Hyuk’s sword before.
Woo Baek’s moves were far more refined, displaying elegance at the fingertips of this elderly man.
Unlike the coarse black sword of the younger generation, this one was delicate and graceful.
This refined style soon transformed into stars.
The stars emerging from the dark gathered and created a Milky Way.
Beautiful.
It was a mesmerizing sword, simply watching it was splendid.
Though I had a negative view of the Wudang, I couldn’t deny their swordsmanship.
And that made it all the more disheartening.
Such beautiful swordplay…
Crash-!
It could be shattered with just this light gesture.
“Huuh!?”
Just before Woo Baek’s sword could carve through and grace the pathways.
My Mind’s Eye grasped the old man’s intentions.
The flow was clear.
Given the old man’s high skill level, the sword paths remained stable, highlighting the path distinctly.
So it actually became remarkably easy to grasp.
It was merely a matter of reaching for the path he intended to trace and severing it.
The sword path twisted.
Boom-!
An attempt to embed force met with resistance, causing my intended motion to get derailed.
This left behind an opening that had previously been absent.
In response, Woo Baek swiftly tried to reposition himself.
Aware of the apparition of an opening, he sought to conceal it.
Yet, that didn’t matter.
Because even that was all too visible.
My body was already in motion. My right hand had ensnared Woo Baek’s collar.
Questions swirled in my mind.
‘Should I draw this out a bit longer to put on a show?’
Perhaps extend the conflict to display even more.
Or would it be wiser to end it now?
With those thoughts fluttering in tandem with my decision, I realized…
I shouldn’t draw this out unnecessarily.
If I did, it could get troublesome by the time the Sword Master of the Wudang arrives.
Phew-!
The wind coalesced in my left hand.
Whoooosh!
Energized by my heart, the essence journeyed through my veins.
Pain felt like blades slicing my body.
I ignored it. The discomfort had become an old friend.
Thud-!
A slight advance forward.
The soles of my feet connected with the ground.
Kuung-!!
The vibration washed over the training area.
The core had been anchored.
I twisted my waist slightly.
Simultaneously regulating the backlash.
Though it might seem like an unremarkable movement, it had to be executed precisely.
My mind’s eye scrutinized not only him but my body as well.
I aligned with the visible line.
At that moment.
Whooosh!
As if it had been waiting, a tempest coursed through my body to the tips of my arms.
It was now.
Tuapacheonmu (Fighting with the Sword to Break the Heavens).
Technique II.
Concept: Blow of Heaven and Earth.
The gathered gust slammed into Woo Baek’s chest.
Instantly.
“Crack?!”
Woo Baek’s body crumpled with a short gasp.
Kwaaaaaaaah!
Torn apart by the exploding pressure!
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