0093 : Dark Heaven Village
Through Jeong Cheol-wook, the sparring manual I sent to the Twelve Righteous returned after about a month. It stated that all the leaders of the Twelve Righteous had accepted my request for a spar and that I could come whenever I wanted. As I read the manual delivered by a messenger from the Jeong Clan, Hwa Seo-myeong spoke.
“Baek Woong. Are you really planning to clash with the Twelve Righteous?”
“It’s not a clash. It’s just an opportunity to hone our skills by testing each other’s techniques.”
“Don’t make it sound so nice. I was once a leader of the Medical Sect in Hebei, so do you think I wouldn’t understand the dynamics of the martial world? Right now, they may not be able to act recklessly because of Jeong Cheol-wook’s influence, but the protection of the Jeong Clan has its limits. If Jeong Cheol-wook loses his power, the Twelve Righteous will not look favorably upon you.”
I replied calmly, “But that would be at least several years from now.”
“Of course, what I’m saying is that the probability is low. The Twelve Righteous are not merely a gathering of petty individuals. But is it worth taking such risks to improve your martial arts?”
There was concern in Hwa Seo-myeong’s eyes. Right now, I was about to receive the medical teachings of the Hwa Clan, almost like his own son, so my failure would also bring great misfortune to the Hwa Clan. I closed the medical text I had been reading and answered.
“I still have a long way to go. There are too many issues that cannot be resolved without elevating my martial arts. And without strength, I can’t protect anything. I am doing my utmost, and I believe there will be good results at the end of this path.”
“Hmm. If you think that way, I won’t say anything more.”
After a moment of thought, Hwa Seo-myeong continued, “How well do you understand the concepts of Empty Foundation, Solid Foundation, Strong Foundation, and Weak Bone?”
“I’ve been diligently practicing Huatao Five Animals Play since seven years ago, so I think I have a decent understanding now.”
After pondering, Hwa Seo-myeong clenched his fists.
“Okay… then I will teach you the application methods.”
“Application methods?”
I tilted my head in confusion.
Over the years, I had learned the Hwa Clan’s 108 Needles and Huatao Five Animals Play. However, while the 108 Needles definitely possessed enough power to be classified as martial techniques, Huatao Five Animals Play was more akin to health exercises. It was lacking to qualify as martial arts, and it was at a level that could easily be taught by a local trainer. Still, Hwa Seo-myeong encouraged me to practice it diligently, so I had been practicing Huatao Five Animals Play every day.
Hwa Seo-myeong said, “I was going to wait until your level of the 108 Needles improved further before sharing this, but it cannot be helped. In fact, Huatao Five Animals Play contains hidden techniques.”
“Hidden techniques?”
Hwa Seo-myeong picked up the nearby herbal tea and poured it into a cup. With steam rising from the warm tea held in both hands, he said, “What do you think a physician is in the martial world?”
“Well, they are someone who treats the wounded and the ill.”
“That’s just the primary aspect. In reality, a physician is like the eye of the storm in the midst of the whirlwind of debts of gratitude and grievances.”
After taking a sip of tea, Hwa Seo-myeong continued.
“If a man named A fights against B and suffers a fatal injury while seeking the help of a physician, what happens if the physician saves A?”
“He would go back to fight B again.”
“If A successfully avenges himself against B, who does B blame?”
“……”
“That’s right. To B, the physician may be even more detestable and blameworthy than A. After all, B was also doing his best to defend himself to save his own life, but the physician’s actions saved A, thereby putting his own life and family at risk. There’s no grudge like this.”
At a loss for words, Hwa Seo-myeong said, “That’s why most physicians tend to avoid getting involved in martial matters. Yet martial artists, having their lives on the line, desperately seek out physicians. If a physician is slightly skilled and reputable, they can’t avoid getting involved with martial artists. If you knew how foul the lengths martial artists would go to just to receive proper treatment, you would be astonished.”
“Hmm…”
“This situation leads to many physicians, entangled in the web of grievances, being unjustly murdered by martial artists wielding swords without mercy. Consequently, physicians currently active in the martial world have developed countermeasures.”
“What are they?”
“The first is to develop self-defense techniques; the second is to find powerful allies for protection; the third is to devise methods of feigning death.”
“……!!”
“Huatao Five Animals Play incorporates both self-defense techniques and methods of feigning death. The Hwa Clan has endured as a renowned medical family in Hebei for centuries without suffering significant calamities thanks to the benefits of Huatao Five Animals Play. I want to teach that to you now.”
Not fully comprehending, I questioned, “Methods of feigning death? You mean pretending to be dead?”
“Exactly. In fact, Daoist techniques and methods of nurturing life are far inferior to those of the medical practitioners. If you can properly control your breathing to regulate all involuntary muscles and internal structures in your body, you can withstand attacks while pretending to be dead with minimal damage.”
With a gentle smile, Hwa Seo-myeong added, “It may look ridiculous, but over the course of hundreds and thousands of years of the Hwa Clan’s history, many have saved their lives using Huatao Five Animals Play. It can be considered the ultimate life-saving technique.”
“If it’s that good, you could have taught me sooner…”
“To cast the hidden techniques of Huatao Five Animals Play, your level of the 108 Needles must reach a certain point. You must understand the principles of energy flow and meridians used in the 108 Needles to be able to use them. Therefore, I have been watching you quietly to see if your understanding of medicine would improve.”
“I see.”
“I don’t know what result you will achieve in your duel with the Twelve Righteous. But if you master the hidden techniques of Huatao Five Animals Play, you will surely return safely without sustaining serious injuries.”
And for about half a year, I received the hidden techniques of Huatao Five Animals Play from Hwa Seo-myeong. As he said, without understanding the 108 Needles, one could never grasp the hidden techniques at all. It was only after that that I was able to challenge the Twelve Righteous for a spar.
The first sparring opponent was the Azure Dragon Gate.
Swoosh—
On a rainy day, I stood before the large door of the wooden building. Shortly after the gatekeeper of the Azure Dragon Gate received the sparring manual, I was able to head towards the internal sparring arena of the Azure Dragon Gate.
Plop
Outside, the sound of cold moisture and water echoed through the windows. Occasionally, the loud chirping of insects could be heard as well. However, the interior was exceedingly quiet, with about ten disciples of the Azure Dragon Gate sitting cross-legged, surrounding the sparring arena.
In front of me stood the leader of the Azure Dragon Gate. He was a middle-aged man with a hearty impression, equipped with a massive saber at his waist. The owner of the Azure Dragon Gate, known for wielding the great saber among the Twelve Righteous, was standing before me.
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader spoke.
“I was wondering when you would come, and now you’ve made me the first target for the Twelve Righteous spar. It’s very moving, Baek Woong.”
“I’ve heard that the Azure Dragon Saber Technique is unparalleled in the world, so I wanted to witness it for myself.”
“Hahaha, who said that? It’s embarrassing to receive such flattery.”
“Jeong Ga-joo said so.”
At my response, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader narrowed his eyes slightly. A mix of joy and suspicion passed through his gaze.
“Is that so? How honorable…”
“I would never lie here to save my skin.”
“Hohoho. You’re quite thoughtful for your age.”
“I believe that sparring with the Azure Dragon Sect Leader will be a great blessing for me.”
As I showed no openings, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader smirked.
“Alright, then shall we see the skills of the genius from the Central Plains that the Flowing Water Sect Leader praised?”
Kiiing—
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s saber and my spear both emitted a strange sound as they were drawn almost simultaneously. In reality, the sound of drawing itself was nearly nonexistent, but it was a phenomenon created by the clash of our energies. For a moment, a shockwave rippled through the air, causing one of the Azure Dragon Gate disciples to cough up blood.
“Cough!”
“Oh no! Regulate your vital energy!”
“My apologies.”
As the Azure Dragon Sect Leader furrowed his brow, his disciples supported the wounded and retreated, moving further away, almost to the edge of the building, where they began to watch under the eaves while getting wet from the rain. The Azure Dragon Sect Leader rested his saber on his shoulder and said,
“Have you reached the realm of Counter-Reverse Vitality? I’ve heard your internal energy is extraordinary, but it seems tightly packed and dormant within you.”
“Counter-Reverse Vitality isn’t something one can speak of lightly. I’m just sealing it for convenience’s sake.”
“Honesty is good. Then let’s have some fun!”
Boom!
The clash began. I sensed that the Azure Dragon Sect Leader was also an exceptional master, so I believed exploring was meaningless. He was certainly more skilled than me, so I had no choice but to go all out from the start to seize the upper hand. In an instant, my spear roared as it unleashed a terrifying spinning attack.
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader tried to easily deflect the attack, but his eyes widened in surprise.
Crack!
“……!!”
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s saber broke in two, and his body was sent flying backward. Though he wasn’t significantly injured, he appeared greatly shocked. He landed on the ground through the air with expert lightness. Looking at his broken saber, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader exclaimed in astonishment,
“This was made of refined Qing Steel; what kind of internal energy is this…?!”
“Don’t be dramatic. You know that if you can’t block it, you can just let it flow, right?”
“Well, I suppose… then shall we continue?”
Was he going to continue fighting with his broken saber?
I twitched my eyebrows and attacked again. This time, I incorporated Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike into my assault, thrusting my spear in various directions with multiple curved movements. As the unpredictable attacks continued, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader swung the broken saber to defend, but he could feel all my attacks flowing past him.
Kiki—
‘This guy also has monstrous skills… He can elegantly wield that heavy, clunky saber with such finesse.’
I marveled internally. Even for a capable fighter, redirecting my spear thrust infused with internal energy would be a challenge. However, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader precisely grasped the flow of my attacks and effortlessly deflected each one like a willow. This meant he was an exceptional master who could not be undermined solely by the superiority of internal energy.
A moment later, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader launched a counterattack. He swung his saber widely to deflect my thrust and used the rebound to retreat. Then he adopted a crawling stance with his saber resting on his shoulder and began spinning rapidly.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…
The sound of rotation filled the arena, and the air pressure was drawn towards the Azure Dragon Sect Leader. His body became enveloped by the spinning motion, rendering him nearly invisible, and suddenly, he shot off to the side with tremendous speed. I was cautious enough to anticipate his movement, allowing me to block his attack, but I was startled as six fiery slashes of the saber flew toward me in rapid succession.
“Urgh…!!”
Even as I hurriedly deflected the fiery slashes, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s spinning force persisted. He kept his balance, pivoting around his left foot and transitioning continuously as if dancing around the arena. I felt a sense of pressure, as though I were trapped by dozens of opponents, and gripped my spear tightly. This time, I decided to try using the Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike in response to the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s offensive.
Bang!
However, the result wasn’t favorable. While I initially dodged the first strike with the Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike, I ultimately had no way to deal with the slashes that followed in the wake of his rotation. In fact, it was worse than patiently waiting to counterattack, so I touched the wounds on my arm and waist, feeling tense.
‘Is this what they refer to as the Rotating Blade Technique?’
The spinning moves supposedly known only from the martial arts of the Grand Hall were now unfolding before me with the Azure Dragon Sect Leader. Although I knew the characteristics of the Azure Dragon Gate’s martial arts, experiencing it firsthand was far more overwhelming. The Rotating Blade Technique, which flows from a special internal energy system, automatically launches continuous attacks against the opponent, making it a deadly martial art that ordinary martial artists could not withstand.
Don’t panic.
If you panic, it’s certain defeat.
I took a deep breath and thought.
‘Empty Foundation. Solid Foundation. Strong Foundation to Weak Bone.’
Huatao Five Animals Play wasn’t simply about channeling vital energy; it had the ability to perfectly control the Hand Shaoyin Heart Protecting Meridian (手厥陰心包經). It began in the chest, belonged to the heart protection, passed through the diaphragm, and descended into the triple burner. While average martial artists used it just to channel their vital energy, Huatao Five Animals Play could go further, granting the caster special abilities related to each of the eight meridians.
‘The thumb corresponds to the lungs. The index finger to the large intestine. The middle finger to the heart protecting. The ring finger to the triple burner. The pinky to the heart meridian…’
As I recited the core principles of Huatao Five Animals Play internally, my insides felt like they were burning. My concentration was melting away like wax from a lit candle.
‘The spirit resides in the liver, and the essence remains in the lungs. The spirit is the pupil, while the essence clings to where we gaze.’
Boom!
Here it comes.
I felt the hidden technique of Huatao Five Animals Play activating properly. At the same time, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s rotating technique surged forth, and I nimbly adjusted the spear’s tip to counter. I once again employed the Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike to meet his assault.
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader sent a mocking tone.
[Foolish!]
True to his words, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s rotating blade technique overwhelmed my defense with a continuous overlap of saber energies. Moreover, he trained in saber flames, allowing him to strike with even greater ease. If I continued to respond as I was now, I would be reduced to a mere pile of shredded flesh.
But then, an astonishing event occurred.
Boom!
“Cough!”
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader screamed as he was flung away, crashing through the wall of the wooden building and colliding with the outer wall. The sound of crumbling stone echoed, akin to the roar of cannon fire, causing some Azure Dragon disciples to tumble down here and there.
Swoosh—
I walked slowly outside, indifferent to being drenched in the rain. Leaning against the crumbled wall was the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, blood spilling from his entire body. His saber was reduced to just the hilt remaining, beyond even having broken in half.
Indeed.
In that final moment, the spear I wielded had utterly shattered the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s saber technique.
Up until then, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader had easily let my formidable energy flow out, but he had been caught off guard by my sudden strike, unable to evade and took the counter hit. While it seemed he was not seriously injured, it was evident he had sustained significant wounds.
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader, sitting down while wiping the blood from his face, said,
“Hahaha… this is quite the sight. I was completely toyed with, caught between false and true.”
I wiped the rainwater from my cheek and replied flatly.
“If you had exchanged your weapon for a new one, that might not have been the case.”
“Not at all. I never imagined you could condense that internal energy into a single point…”
With a bitter smile, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader rose from the rubble.
“What was that final technique? Is it a secret of your sect?”
“That’s correct.”
“To hide your last move while feigning a false weakness to draw me in… you must have a great deal of combat experience.”
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader spoke as if in awe.
“This is my defeat. If it were a real battle, I’d be dead already.”
“Not at all. You still have another move hidden, don’t you?”
“Hoho, how modest. You could have easily expanded the condensed power to crush my upper body had you wished…”
“……”
“That wasn’t just polite modesty. You’ve likely endured a chaotic battlefield.”
I understood that defeating an exceptional master with ordinary martial exchanges was nearly impossible. Without using my transcendent skill, I would inevitably be at a disadvantage. Thus, I deliberately drew him in closely and repelled him using the technique of Huatao Five Animals Play.
With Huatao Five Animals Play, I could control my body’s meridians and exert unique effects. The condensation of my internal energy was analogous to this. I originally lacked the ability to control my internal energy properly, and concentrating or dispersing it was difficult. However, using Huatao Five Animals Play’s principles, I could rapidly concentrate my internal energy into a single point, amplifying it. In other words, those who would typically handle my internal energy could only be helpless against it.
“Well then, I shall take my leave.”
“Hahaha… I thought you were just bragging about facing the Twelve Righteous, but you clearly have a fighting chance. However, do not hold too high of expectations.”
“Hmm?”
“In my view, your limit is a maximum of five victories. Beyond that, you will die.”
“……”
The Azure Dragon Sect Leader said with bitterness,
“I suspect that the gap in martial prowess among the Twelve Righteous is quite significant. Particularly the Three Strong—the Leader of the Twelve Righteous, the Four Soul Fathers, and the Early Clothes Immortal—are on a different level. Do not overreach.”
When he mentioned “overreaching,” it seemed to imply that I could provoke them to the extent of angering them and possibly be killed. Understanding the subtext, I asked,
“Are you trying to scare me?”
“Would I have any reason to frighten you? I just hope that, at your young age, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the challenges ahead…”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Take care.”
I exited the Azure Dragon Gate, reflecting:
‘If I devise a strategy without using Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike, I can defeat exceptional masters.’
And I had gained much. Not only had I applied the vision of Huatao Five Animals Play in actual combat, but I had also come to understand what the Rotating Blade Technique truly was. If I were to compete against all of the Twelve Righteous, I was sure to achieve great results.
After all, I never intended to achieve complete victory from the very beginning. The goal itself was to do my utmost in sparring and develop my martial arts.
The next place I headed was the National Defense Alliance.
Yeom Myeong, the leader of the National Defense Alliance, was dressed unlike the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, in attire befitting a noble from Goryeo. Furthermore, he resided not in a mere martial arts sect building but in the Grand Hall, a place reserved only for Goryeo royalty. Sitting in the jade-green palace, Yeom Myeong permitted our meeting and spoke.
“Baek Woong. As you know, our National Defense Alliance serves as the guardians of Goryeo in the shadows. I too am a noble and royal of Goryeo. Therefore, although I received your sparring manual, it would be against national law for me to confront you directly.”
Members of the royal lineage were not permitted to expose themselves to duels or sparring matches. The royal blood was rare and noble, as dictated by the law. Although Yeom Myeong’s martial arts seemed extraordinary, it appeared to be unrelated to matters of his true cultivation.
“What do you intend to do?”
“I will send a representative in my stead. Coincidentally, that child has been eager for a rematch with you.”
Swish.
From behind Yeom Myeong, a man emerged. He was someone I had seen before. I let out a silent exhale and spoke.
“Ja Ryun.”
“It’s been a while, Baek Woong. Since that day eight years ago, I’ve been looking forward to sparring with you again.”
He was Ja Ryun, the later rising star of the National Defense Alliance who had faced me the first time I arrived in Goryeo. We hadn’t spoken much, but we had also joined forces to suppress the Nine-Tailed Fox in Seogyeong. It had been quite some time since then, and Ja Ryun now appeared to be in his thirties.
I looked at him and asked,
“Do you hold a grudge against me?”
“Not at all. While I felt anger when I was defeated by the young you, that was solely due to my own inadequacies. Afterward, I diligently practiced the secrets of the National Defense Alliance, so you will surely find me satisfactory this time.”
Yeom Myeong added,
“Ja Ryun’s skill currently surpasses mine. He can be regarded as the best master of the National Defense Alliance.”
“That seems likely.”
I nodded in agreement.
Ja Ryun had originally been a prodigy who had reached the pinnacle of mastery at such a young age, holding abilities on par with elders from major sects. If he had been training diligently for nearly a decade seeking retribution, it was not surprising that he could break through to the level of unmatched expertise. Looking back, I regretted not having trained as earnestly during that time.
And the duel commenced.
I fought against Ja Ryun for about seven hundred exchanges before ultimately being defeated. His skill appeared to be a notch above that of the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, freely wielding Sword Flame and reaching a level comparable to an illusionary sword mastery. Although I hadn’t used Thunder Shadow Heaven-raising Strike, the maximum application of Huatao Five Animals Play still led to my loss, leaving no room for excuses.
After winning the duel, Ja Ryun lowered his sword and said,
“I feel relieved after an eternity of resentment.”
“Are you satisfied now?”
“Haha… hardly.”
Ja Ryun turned his head, and his expression revealed his frustration despite winning.
“I’ve heard news of you as well. I was told you had only focused on medicine while neglecting martial arts, yet to think you’ve reached this level… Your internal energy is truly astonishing.”
“Hmm.”
“But be cautious. When we meet again in ten years, I will overwhelmingly defeat you at that time.”
Upon hearing this, I thought to myself,
‘Ten years?’
Had it really come to where I could talk about such long periods?
I felt a deep sense of having lived a long life. Was this not what true life felt like?
“……”
The final duel with the Twelve Righteous approached.
For the past six months, I traveled through the territories of the Twelve Righteous, consecutively engaging in sparring matches, and now only the leader of the Twelve Righteous remained for me to face. Currently, I was en route to meet the Leader of the Twelve Righteous in the Changbai Mountain area.
Sitting on a quiet mountain path, I sighed and whispered to myself,
“The Azure Dragon Sect Leader truly has an eye for talent. I have exactly five victories.”
The victorious sects were Azure Dragon Sect, Georyeon Department, Pungwon Stream, Heogwun Stream, and Flowing Water Gate.
The defeated sects were Haedong Milcheon, National Defense Alliance, Four Soul Fathers, Early Clothes Immortal, Flame of Buddhism, and North Sea Sect.
The five I defeated from the Azure Dragon Sect Leader to Flowing Water Gate had similar levels of skill. They were barely on the edge of transcendent mastery, and with my overwhelming internal energy, tactics, and application of Huatao Five Animals Play, I had managed to win. My defeat to Ja Ryun of the National Defense Alliance was purely because I was outclassed in skill.
The leaders of Haedong Milcheon and Flame of Buddhism possessed distinct strengths. When they cast their high-level techniques and pressed with their martial arts, I found myself unable to counter them effectively. They were individuals beyond my reach unless I acquired additional magical techniques.
However, the heads of the Four Soul Fathers, Early Clothes Immortal, and North Sea Sect were currently beyond my capabilities. Merely returning alive from facing them was fortunate, as they were both members of the Twelve Righteous and existed at a level of domination in Liaodong. The fact that the North Sea Sect was also known as the North Sea Ice Palace spoke volumes about their influence.
I reflected on what I had gained from this sparring journey.
‘I became capable of using Huatao Five Animals Play perfectly in practical situations, and on top of that, condensing and expanding my internal energy has become much easier.’
I had grasped the level of the greatest masters of the Twelve Righteous and tested my skills against them. This experience would surely prove valuable as I aimed for the next level of transcendent mastery. Now, competing with the Leader of the Twelve Righteous, who was regarded as the strongest of the Twelve Righteous, would likely conclude this sparring journey.
Upon reaching Changbai Mountain and traversing the treacherous mountain ranges to locate the area believed to be the home of the Leader of the Twelve Righteous, I arrived at a large village situated at the foot of Changbai Mountain. This must be the Divine Altar referred to as the headquarters of the Twelve Righteous.
Upon entering the Divine Altar, a man wearing a dog mask approached me with brisk steps and said,
“Hey there, nice to see you, Baek Woong. It must have been tough getting here?”
“And you are?”
“I am the Leader of the Twelve Righteous.”
“……”
From his introduction while wearing a dog mask and a full-body dog costume, I realized that the ending of this sparring journey would not be smooth.
