Chapter 125

Chapter 125

One month ago.

[Jeokgong]

[Cheonggong]

[Yeokgigong]

I glanced at the books placed before Seonwoo Gang, Seohwa, and Wangpal respectively, then casually spoke.

“These are the martial arts you’ll be learning from now on.”

“They’re all different?”

“Of course. The paths you must walk are all different.”

“May I read them?”

“Of course. I didn’t write them for them not to be read.”

Having finished speaking, I chuckled softly watching the disciples eyeing the secret manuals greedily. This was because the fruits of this past month’s labor were compiled within.

Since I decided to walk the path of Daseung Muryu, I must create martial studies tailored to each individual’s characteristics.

This past month, that was my focus. Creating martial arts that are foundational yet can most deeply utilize individual strengths. Choosing a direction that can fully draw out a person’s talents.

In Seohwa and Seonwoo Gang’s cases, it honestly wasn’t that big of a problem. In Seohwa’s case, due to her Extreme Yin Body, her speed of adapting to yin energy was very fast, and Seonwoo Gang had also been handling blood energy—which is no different from a variant of yang energy—for a long time, so he was learning operational methods suited to Jeokgong.

However, Wangpal was the problem. Wangpal’s energy sense wasn’t outstanding enough to handle attribute-based energy. Neither Cheonggong nor Jeokgong—neither was suitable martial arts for Wangpal.

So I created a new martial style. I also extensively modified existing martial styles. It was cutting it close, but I barely managed.

[Grade 10 Recovery is being applied.]

[Grade 10 Growth Acceleration is being applied.]

[Grade 9 Spirit Energy Concentration is being applied.]

[Grade 8 Artifact Manifestation is being applied.]

[Mugak is activated.]

[Jangseogak is activated.]

It was only possible because I used this entire month.

“Jeokgong, Cheonggong, and Yeokgigong.”

“I laid the foundation, but extending the branches is your task. My martial style is fundamentally different from yours, and there will be considerable difficulty in learning it, so I cannot fully transmit it. Even if I could, I would not do so.”

“Is it different?”

“Yes. It’s not among these three. To be precise, you could say it’s all three.”

Not to brag, but what my personal martial art handles is the most difficult and hegemonic energy under heaven. An art possible only if you maximize proficiency in both the original foundational arts—Cheonggong and Jeokgong—and don’t lose even a speck of bodily control.

Among these, Seonwoo Gang could at least try to imitate it somewhat. But showing proper achievement would be difficult. That’s why I created new foundational arts.

“One month.”

“For one month, you will learn these martial arts and compete against each other. Since they’re new martial arts, adaptation won’t be easy and there will be many difficulties.”

Even so, the peak and growth trajectory will be clear. The martial arts most suited to these three under heaven would be the martial arts placed before their eyes.

“I’ll prepare the foundation. Try building the tower as you wish.”

“As we wish…”

The disciples, echoing my words, quietly picked up the secret manuals in their hands. Paper bundles slowly turning, with ink not yet dried.

I smiled gladly watching the children’s light of ambition gradually intensifying.

They’ll probably show great achievement before long. Devouring what I’ve put out won’t be a difficult task for these children.

Take me as your nourishment, as your inspiration.

I hoped that fellow disciples—different in temperament but sharing the same banner—would walk together. Even if paths diverge, it would be good to have at least one core thread running through the martial styles remaining.

And so.

Kaaaang!

It led to now.

Shwiiiiik!

The sword strike shot out with terrifying momentum transformed into a point, striking Seonwoo Gang’s upper body three times. A clean and precise swift sword that looked almost like an illusory sword at first glance.

Tzzztzzk. A tearing sound came from the tautly pulled muscles. However, Wangpal’s bones and muscles weren’t weak enough to fail to handle the recoil.

At the rapid strike as swift as shooting an arrow, Seonwoo Gang gritted his teeth and swung his sword to sweep it away. Yang energy explosively increasing.

Jeokgong Gibon Isik

Iryang

As if wrapped in a red robe.

The sword swung in all directions from the front left red afterimages and thick heat in the air. A technique that pierces from the side to break through a thrust. The smoothly rippling red silk, based on internal energy superiority, envelops Wangpal’s thrust. Responding to point-based martial arts with linear martial arts.

Yeokgigong Gibon Samsik

Yeokdo

From point to line.

The technique that changed in an instant lodged into the sword blade as if sliding. It forces retreat. Transition and transition seamlessly tight. Wangpal’s sword clings to Seonwoo Gang’s sword as if stuck, not separating.

Extremely faithful to basics. And extremely non-sensory.

If lacking in sensation, the stubbornness to force the opponent’s actions stands out. Calculating all the opponent’s responses in advance and steadily reducing those options—surprisingly delicate and emotionless hand movements.

Even the same Yeokdo is used differently. I wouldn’t have used it that way, but that doesn’t mean it’s a wrong path. All martial arts follow one’s temperament and talent, after all.

Kurrrrrrr—!!!

True energy that rose like wildfire blazed like sunlight.

The flow of true energy converted from orthodox path to reverse path flowed along the sword body, bearing auspicious golden energy. A sword strike emitting such radiance it seemed ominous at first glance.

Gradually, Seonwoo Gang’s eyes filled with competitive spirit. As if saying it starts now, his warmed-up body exhaled deep and dignified breaths. Like a fierce tiger crouching after finishing preliminary reconnaissance, Seonwoo Gang’s eyes deepened, beginning to pierce through Wangpal’s movements.

Jeokgong Bon Samsik

Wondan

Yeokgigong Bon Ilsik

Pokyeol

The moment colorless and golden swords—tearing through the air with terrifying momentum—charged toward each other.

“That’s enough.”

Thwak—!

I intervened between them and caught both swords with bare-hand blade catching technique.

“It seems your handling isn’t yet free up to that point. You could get hurt.”

“I apologize.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m pleased with the achievement you’ve made in just one month, but don’t carelessly draw unfamiliar swords in friendly matches with your peers. It could lead to a serious accident.”

“Understood!”

At my question, Seonwoo Gang, who had been sweating but grinned widely, bowed his head toward Wangpal.

“Thank you for the match, Wangpal Sahyeong. Honestly speaking, after receiving Jeokgong from Munju-nim, I thought I’d be the most outstanding, but Yeokgigong also seems quite extraordinary.”

“No. If Sajae hadn’t adjusted his internal energy level, I would have lost long ago.”

“Hey. It didn’t feel like I was being pushed back to that extent… Hehe. Still, next time I’ll be above you. I’ve started to grasp the clues.”

“Do you think I’m any different? Next time I’ll narrow the gap a bit more.”

“Munju-nim—! The Sangdanju-nim has arrived!”

Watching Wangpal and Seonwoo Gang discussing casually with each other, I chuckled softly and turned my gaze. Seowoo running down quickly from far away and Iryang with a quite surprised expression.

“I expected it to some extent, but to achieve this level in just a couple of months… It’s absurd. Do you really have some secret to teaching?”

“I knew you were here, but since you didn’t enter, you were reading the energy waves from outside. You should have spoken first.”

“Though I know Munju-nim’s character well, I thought it might be discourteous to witness another sect’s martial arts training without permission.”

I smiled wryly looking at the approaching Iryang making pleasantries. Because Iryang’s cautious behavior was visible.

“If you came at this time, it must be about the request.”

“Precisely, it’s two matters. There are two things regarding the previous request and a proposal.”

“Two things?”

“There’s much to say, but.”

Iryang, who had briefly looked around, lowered his voice. And his following statement.

“First, let’s go inside and talk.”

They say Sapa’s Seven Gates Two Families correspond to the Nine Sects and One Gang, but Haomun’s martial power isn’t actually that outstanding. It’s because Haomun is fundamentally a sect created by people of lowly stations gathering together.

Ruffians, entertainment districts, pickpockets, shop boys, wanderers—none of the cornerstones composing Haomun are particularly outstanding as martial artists. Haomun is named among the Seven Gates Two Families because its usefulness is excellent, not because its martial power is outstanding.

However, Haomun is also a sect with a long history, and it’s not without things to boast about. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of disciples have passed through Haomun’s history and are still active, so their lives and techniques would naturally accumulate.

The ‘way of seeing’ that Iryang learned from his master is also one of those secret techniques. And Iryang, who observed Uicheonmun’s disciples with that way of seeing, couldn’t help but admire.

Because their achievement was indescribably outstanding.

“The tea leaf is standing.”

At the sight of Baek Riyun casually speaking while looking at the floating tea leaf, Iryang gave his attention to the tea. One tea leaf floating gently on the red-green tea water.

“Does it have some meaning?”

“It’s not Central Plains custom, but I’ve heard stories from distant places that when a tea leaf stands, it’s a good omen. I believe it was a custom from across the sea.”

“Superstition.”

“It is superstition. However, I believe in good superstitions. It makes me feel good.”

Baek Riyun, bearing a faint smile, moistened his lips with the tea and set it down.

“Since you’ve observed them, you must have some impression. How is the children’s achievement?”

“Beyond expectations. They’ve far exceeded the baseline.”

“Meaning you didn’t expect much.”

“Yes. Though it’s unfortunate to say this, they say great achievements aren’t accomplished in a day or two.”

He hadn’t thought they’d become immediate assets. At best they’d be late-stage practitioners, and Seonwoo Gang, who could be combat-ready, had voluntarily suppressed his original martial arts.

They’re unfamiliar martial arts and techniques. He thought two months would be far from sufficient for adaptation. But as always, the Baek Riyun before his eyes simply exceeded expectations again this time.

“I feel ashamed to reveal my insufficient discernment.”

“Anyone would have thought so, not just Sangdanju. It’s simply that the children’s foundation was that well-laid.”

“Is that so?”

Iryang, bearing a refreshing smile at Baek Riyun covering for his shortcomings, drank the tea. The warm sensation flowing down his esophagus.

“We’re both busy with official and private affairs, so let’s gradually enter the main topic. I mentioned two things earlier.”

“That’s right. One was a request, and you haven’t mentioned the other yet. Is it related to the request?”

“Yes.”

Iryang, who had nodded lightly, pulled out a document from his bosom and presented it forward.

“It’s a request that came in from Gaecheongyoryongpa in Anhwahyeon. They’re asking us to block Hyeoleungsanjang.”

“Both are black path. Hyeoleungsanjang, is it a famous rogue sect?”

“No. The scale is quite large but… there aren’t many proper experts. If they’d been in this vicinity, they’d be a Sapa sect that couldn’t even breathe under Baekgeommun’s pressure.”

“Mm.”

Baek Riyun, who had examined the document carefully, hummed contemplatively and tapped his hand on the table.

“I’d like to hear more about the context.”

“Though Gaecheongyoryongpa is black path, its tendencies are actually closer to between orthodox and evil. When I looked into it, their local reputation isn’t too bad. They seem to be half-performing the role of Anhwahyeon’s vigilante group.”

“After all, remote and worthless places tend to have such tendencies. What about Hyeoleungsanjang?”

“Typical black path. Due to the sect’s short history, they’re committing evil deeds. Even if we left them alone, the Sado Alliance would probably bring down the hammer before long, but…”

“Before the Sado Alliance acts, Gaecheongyoryongpa would be swept away, so they want a solution.”

“That’s Gaecheongyoryongpa’s request. For now.”

“For now?”

“We’re thinking of presenting a different option.”

[Bunpa.]

Having finished speaking, Iryang slightly moistened his finger with tea and wrote characters on the table. Baek Riyun narrowed his eyes watching this.

“Branch sect…?”

“As you know.”

Iryang, who had paused briefly, continued.

“Uicheonmun currently has absolutely no fixed income sources. Not insufficient—none at all. However, Uicheonmun is a martial family, and places that need money will keep increasing. Food, clothing, and even weapons and elixirs.”

“That would be so. So you’re saying to make Gaecheongyoryongpa a branch sect?”

“Yes. Even saying branch sect, I don’t mean to make them an affiliated family. Simply subordinating them under Uicheonmun… I think it would be easier to think of it that way.”

Lending the name.

It’s fine to understand it that way. Anyway, having Uicheonmun’s name attached means being connected to Uicheonmun, and it means Uicheonmun can step forward when someone touches Uicheonmun’s branch sect.

“Uicheonmun is small in number. The limitations are great.”

“Directly managing business sites, protecting regions—such things aren’t easy for Uicheonmun. No matter how earth-shaking each individual’s power, you can’t help what happens in places you’re not present, can you?”

It’s too late after it happens. Small elite forces may excel at revenge but are weak at prevention. You need to ponder deeply to fill such gaps.

“Sects made into branch sects will be of great help in expanding Uicheonmun’s influence. If there are those with decent character among them, you could even make them affiliated families.”

“I believe without doubt that this path is the path Uicheonmun must take.”

Having finished all he had to say, Iryang stood from his seat as if not expecting an answer.

“You don’t need to decide about making them a branch sect right now. You can go directly, assess their character, then think about it. However, please think seriously about it. What kind of path Uicheonmun should walk forward.”

“It’s difficult to give an answer right away. When your thoughts are organized, please come find me. I’ll be at the merchant company.”

Iryang, who had turned around, crossed the threshold without looking back. Having left the documents, he felt he’d fulfilled his duty.

For that reason, Iryang didn’t see.

The serious expression of Baek Riyun, whose back he was turning to.

The blood-red crimson energy reflected in Baek Riyun’s pupils.

And the brilliantly shining golden energy.