전생검신 91권 09화

I couldn’t help but look at the Black Society Leader with a curious face.

‘Oh yeah, I remember this guy…’

Really, I had only run into him once during the ninth round, after which I barely had a chance to see his face again. Still, I felt a hint of nostalgia as I vaguely remembered his face, so I stared at the Black Society Leader. He scrunched his face in discomfort.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“No, just…”

I trailed off, trying to recall the tournament from back then. However, my memory was a bit hazy, so I asked him, “So, what do you win if you win the tournament?”

“Secret Techniques (秘給), Spiritual Pills (靈藥), and Treasures (寶物)!”

“Hmm.”

“That’s why even the Martial World’s enemies risk their lives to participate. Pretty enticing, huh?”

It sounded familiar. I vaguely felt the inevitability that conversations repeat themselves unless something crucial changes in history, like in my previous run with Bangil. Still, the details eluded me, so I casually asked, “So, what kind of Secret Techniques, Spiritual Pills, and Treasures do you get?”

“Hehehe. You really think you can just hear about them for free? If you toss me a gold bar, I’ll not only spill the rewards but even give you the participants’ backgrounds!”

“……”

Ah, right… I did have a recollection of him being annoying about wanting gold back then…

I rummaged through my pocket while recollecting the memory and fished out a gold bar, tossing it to the Black Society Leader.

“Here, take the gold.”

“Cough! Thank you… GAAAH!”

KABOOM!

When the Black Society Leader tried to catch the gold bar I threw, he must’ve felt its immense weight as he screamed and quickly withdrew his hands, causing the gold bar to make a thunderous sound as it crashed down, collapsing the deserted house’s floor.

THUD!

I had infused my internal power into the gold bar for a little prank, and now I chuckled at the startled Black Society Leader.

“What kind of place can’t handle one little gold bar? Come on!”

“……!!”

“Let’s see, should I toss in another gold bar…”

As I fished out another gold bar, the Black Society Leader went pale, instantly kneeling and bowing his head deeply.

KABOOM!

“C-Young Hero! I’ve committed a grave sin. Please spare my life!”

Realizing that I was someone he couldn’t even touch, he seemed to be begging for mercy like the bug he was. If he could feel the internal power in the gold bar, I could understand why.

Thinking this creepy bug was quick-witted, I asked the Black Society Leader, “What about a book with information on the participants?”

“I have it right here.”

The Black Society Leader hurriedly pulled out a book from his sleeve and handed it to me with both hands. I flipped through it and read aloud, “What’s the grand prize for this tournament?”

“The Yang Family Spear Technique (楊家槍法), Kunlun Elixir (崑崙仙藥), and the Seven Treasure Blood Sword (七寶血劍)!”

“Ah… right… I think I remember those…”

I closed my eyes to recall. Since I had never participated in that tournament, I didn’t know much about it, but hearing those names sparked some recognition. I was familiar with the Yang Family Spear Technique, so I asked about the others.

“What about the Kunlun Elixir and the Seven Treasure Blood Sword?”

“The Kunlun Elixir is comparable to the Great Spiritual Pills from the Shaolin Temple. The Seven Treasure Blood Sword is a legendary divine sword worth a whole castle!”

“Hmm, sounds exciting.”

But honestly, it didn’t pique my interest at all, so I asked the Black Society Leader, “So I just have to show up for the tournament in two days? Where do we meet?”

“…In two days, at the hour of the Rooster (酉時), just come back here just before sunset.”

The Black Society Leader said that with shaking hands.

“W-What kind of power are you holding… It’s light years ahead of those beggar fools I was with earlier—talk about a massive gap!”

He looked totally petrified, realizing that he was already overwhelmed by my mere aura without me even using a specific technique. I hadn’t exerted any heart technique or murderous intent, yet he was feeling extreme fear just from my residual energy.

“Hmm, with this level, even in this era, I’d be among the top ten in the martial world.”

I muttered to the Black Society Leader, “What was it again… The organizer of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament was that demon of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, Tuma? He’s the one in charge, right?”

“Yeah, you heard right…”

“I just wanted to confirm. So, is Tuma actually coming to watch the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament in person?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

“Perfect!”

Maybe I should just take him down!

I thought casually and waved my hands at the Black Society Leader.

“If you’ve told me everything you know, I’ll be on my way.”

“Ah, understood.”

The Black Society Leader hurriedly led his subordinates away. I remained seated in the now-empty house for a while, deep in thought.

‘What the heck? No matter how I think about it, I didn’t make any significant decisions back then…?’

All I did was back out from participating in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament upon Han Baek-ryeong’s advice.

But why did the Outer God send me back to this moment?

‘To change history? But nothing seems to point that way…?’

It seemed like the time to change things hadn’t come yet.

Still puzzled, I finally decided to take action.

‘Right, I think next I went over to the Han Clan…’

TADA!

I approached the vicinity of the Han Clan when suddenly, a man dressed in black who appeared to be one of the Black Society members blocked my way.

“Hold it right there.”

He had a stocky build and sharp features. I again racked my brain to figure out who he was.

“Who are you…?”

“I’m the youngest of the Heonwon Sect, the Four Iron Blades!”

Ah, the Heonwon Sect!

The gatekeepers of the Han Clan!

‘I’ve never heard of such a nickname for the youngest!”

Realizing his identity, I smiled cheerfully.

“Oh really! Four Iron Blades, what do you want with me?”

“You seem to have gotten mixed up with those beggars and the Black Society, and I’m just wondering what you’re thinking. If you hadn’t shown up, our Heonwon Sect would’ve been sent to find you.”

Sssshhh

The rest of the Heonwon Sect members appeared, looking quite guarded. The first one spoke, “We don’t see you participating in the tournament alongside Ki Ryong Shingun, so it’s none of our business. We have no interest in such events. But creating a ruckus and dragging the Han Clan into it is unacceptable.”

“Ah, I see… You’re here to give me a rude awakening?”

“You’re right about that. Go ahead!”

With the thunderous shout from the eldest of the Heonwon Sect, four of them charged toward me simultaneously.

‘Hmm, pretty slow… Isn’t this just a bit too easy?’

Have I become so used to watching battles fought at light speed by those in the Absolute Realm or Divine Realm? Watching these guys’ moves was so pathetic it left me speechless. Honestly, I was getting so bored I yawned, feeling that responding seriously would be foolish.

‘A snooze fest.’

With a light flick of my fingers, I infused a little power and struck each one, hitting their acupoints and causing them to faint instantly. They collapsed awkwardly onto the ground, having lost their grip on their weapons mid-attack.

Clang!

As their weapons fell along with their bodies, I couldn’t help but click my tongue.

“Tsk tsk… To think I once felt pressed by these underlings during that time, it’s hard to believe.”

I was just messing around without actually harming the Heonwon Sect guys, checking to see if they were injured as I lazily walked toward the Han Clan.

“…You, how did you suddenly become such an impressive martial artist?”

Huh?

I froze in surprise as a clear but familiar voice rang out. Walking out from the Han Clan building was a beautiful woman with dark hair, bringing a smile to my face.

“Han Baek-ryeong!!”

It was indeed Han Baek-ryeong, the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect who had undergone the Heavenly Flower Thunder Dragon Divine Arts transformation!

She wielded twin swords in both hands and was enhancing her internal power significantly. I could feel her powerful spirit as a peak martial artist.

It was clear that she was very wary of me.

“Your participation in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is already a significant issue… How could you have acquired that level of peerless martial arts in such a short time? Were you always deceiving me about your martial skills?”

She must have sensed my current level by watching me take down the Heonwon Sect members in one go. I thought highly of Han Baek-ryeong, realizing she was formidable among the humans.

‘Well, considering how many times we’ve been intertwined throughout my past lives, it’s a relief to see her again.’

‘But still… explaining my plot and all these details sounds too tiresome.’

After pondering briefly, I declared to her, “You caught me! I’m actually the direct disciple of the Heavenly Flower Thunder Dragon Divine Arts master, Ki Ryong Shingun!”

Let’s see if this lie would fly!

“…?!”

“I learned the Heavenly Flower Thunder Dragon Divine Arts from Cho Mu-rin and came to survey the world in place of my master!”

“Ki Ryong…?! You mean the one who was Lee Cheong-un’s master!?”

Han Baek-ryeong exclaimed in surprise as I nodded.

“He instructed me to take down the Wind Spirit Sect! Since Tuma is one of their subordinates, I intend to deal a deadly blow to the Wind Spirit Sect through him in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament.”

“Are you serious…? You expect me to believe such absurdity?”

“Just see! This is the Thunder Spirit I inherited from my master!”

“What?!”

Bam…!!

Using Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, I created an illusion of the Thunder Spirit, generating a bolt of lightning that astonished Han Baek-ryeong. Her expression turned pale like she saw a ghost—a reaction I had never witnessed throughout my past lives. After zipping around like a bolt of lightning, I returned to my original form and said,

“My master instructed that once you learn of Lee Cheong-un’s death, you were to seek me out for assistance! But it seems the game is up; I was caught red-handed!”

“…”

Phew, with this much, I should be able to wing it.

Just as I thought, Han Baek-ryeong remarked, “The Grand Master of the Thunder God Lineage is seeking to bring down the Wind Spirit Sect by requesting assistance from the Guardian of the Heavenly Flower? Is he trying to avenge Lee Cheong-un?”

Oh? Is that how it sounds?

It wasn’t illogical either, so I nonchalantly replied, “That’s right. Seems he wants to take down the White Lotus Sect’s leader.”

“…Are you saying that Ki Ryong is stronger than you?”

“My master alone could take down an ancient dragon.”

I wasn’t wrong. If Ki Ryong learned the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, he could definitely pull it off.

In this world, Ki Ryong was already dead due to the evil god’s curse.

Han Baek-ryeong pondered deeply, then replied, “Fine… I’ll assist you.”

“Thank you.”

“If there’s anything you need help with, just ask.”

Help?

At her words, I suddenly thought of Han Jin-seong and said, “I’d like to have a word with Han Jin-seong…”

Han Jin-seong, the Young Master of the Han Clan and a Qilin child.

He might be the key player here.

“Sure thing.”

After Han Baek-ryeong tactfully stepped back, I relaxed for a moment at the Han Clan before the guards escorted me to where Han Jin-seong was. Upon seeing me, he looked quite surprised and politely greeted, “I received word from the Sect Master. I can’t believe you are the disciple of the Thunder God Lineage…”

“Well… that’s not really what matters, is it? I’ve come to discuss an important matter with you.”

“It’s hard to imagine what significant matter you wish to discuss with someone as weak as I am.”

I gazed at Han Jin-seong earnestly and replied, “Han Jin-seong… I need you to do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Please teach me how to play Go!!”

“…?”

Han Jin-seong looked utterly perplexed.

Shortly after, the guards brought in a Go board and pieces, and without a word, I dove in, eagerly placing the black and white pieces in turn.

Once I had placed all the pieces, I looked at Han Jin-seong with pleading eyes and said, “…You see? I’m stuck in a last-ditch situation!”

“Ah, indeed.”

“I need to know how to make a comeback here!”

Yes.

What I just set out on the board was the match I had against Al Karda.

Having been caught in Al Karda’s last-ditch tactics, I was at the brink of a major loss, so I sought Han Jin-seong’s guidance, who was undoubtedly more skilled than I.

Han Jin-seong studied the board closely and remarked, “Hmm… You haven’t lost badly, yet the outcome is not decided.”

“What’s the problem?”

The next words hit me like a ton of bricks.

“If the one caught in the last-ditch situation is you, Baek Woong, then you must’ve really struggled with your Go skills.”

“…”

“Although it’s still early on, you’re too far behind in talent compared to your opponent.”

Ugh!

Feeling a jolt within me, I was embarrassed at being pointed out about my glaring insecurity.

I mumbled back defensively, “I can’t help it; I’ve only learned at a superficial level for culture’s sake, never took it seriously.”

“I see.”

“Regardless, you need to show me a clever maneuver. I absolutely cannot afford to lose this game.”

“Hmm? You mean losing this way?”

“That’s right. If I lose this match of Go, I might lose everything.”

My request was filled with urgency. Even if I could rely on sheer will against Al Karda’s intentions, I had no way to avoid a pure defeat in Go. For now, I had no choice but to turn to Han Jin-seong, who was better than me.

“I think you should do it this way…”

Tap… tap…

After thinking carefully, Han Jin-seong made a couple of moves. Seeing that life-and-death situation left me jumping for joy.

“Oh!! So making that move will help me escape the last-ditch situation, right?”

“Pay close attention. While I have only eased the immediate problem, the left side is still at risk of being entirely controlled by your opponent, and you have yet to secure any territory for your pieces, leaving you in a very vulnerable position.”

“Then what should I do?”

“The real problem here is your lack of skill. If you had enough talent, you wouldn’t even find yourself in such a situation.”

After keenly staring at me, Han Jin-seong advised, “Baek Woong, until the tournament, would you like to learn Go from the best player in the entire realm?”

I was taken aback by those words.

“The best player in the realm? Is there really such a person?”

This was genuinely the first I’d heard of it!

“Yes. I also learned from him, and though I play far better than the average, I’m still quite a bit lacking compared to him.”

“Impressive. If I can learn from him, I will. But is it really possible to improve a lot in just a day or two?”

“That will depend on how well you apply yourself.”

“Alright, let’s go find this person. Who is he and where can I find him?”

At my question, Han Jin-seong made an uneasy expression.

“Um… Don’t think I’m being weird or insane right now. Just… listen carefully.”

“After all, if I tell you about my life experiences, I bet you’ll lose your mind.”

“Regardless, don’t be shocked, just follow me, please.”

“Sure.”

After a short while, I set off with Han Jin-seong. He sped off with remarkable lightness like he was soaring, boasting martial skills that were among the highest even within the Heonwon Sect.

‘We’re going far.’

In no time, we traveled a long distance away from the heart of Luoyang, and I found myself in a truant spot, passing through more rural paths until we reached an area devoid of any human presence in the thick of the mountains. I couldn’t grasp why we’d come to such an isolated place, but for now, I just followed Han Jin-seong.

‘Better remember the route.’

Eventually, we reached an unnamed hillside where Han Jin-seong found a massive stone roughly three meters tall. Gently, he placed his hand on it and began chanting some kind of incantation.

Rumble…!!

“Huh?”

Moments later, the colossal stone began to slide, opening up a door, startling me. Did Han Jin-seong actually know a place like this? Without a word, he stepped inside the stone cave, which was meticulously built like manmade ruins, encased in neat marble walls, and the steps were immaculate as if newly crafted.

Upon reaching what seemed like a majestic door inside the cave, Han Jin-seong slowly swung it open.

Creeeak

Inside was an elaborate altar brimming with Daoist vibes, with a large golden incense burner at its center. Han Jin-seong moved closer to the burner, placing three large sticks of incense beside it before stating,

“Once a year, I’ll use my right to meet the honored one today.”

Whoooosh

As the incense smoke thickened, a mystical spirit energy began to swirl around the great hall, and soon after, a divine presence spoke.

[Welcome… Han Jin-seong… The one beside you is new to me…]

In response, Han Jin-seong introduced me, “This is Baek Woong. I hope you can teach him the art of Go.”

[……]

“Baek Woong, don’t be alarmed. He passed long ago, but…”

Whoooosh

Moments later, a spiritual body appeared in the hall, taking the form of a handsome middle-aged man dressed in Daoist robes. I described him as handsome because he was conventionally a striking man, and it simply wouldn’t do to describe him otherwise. Most certainly, he must have once been renowned for his extraordinary looks.

However, he was no longer alive.

While I stood there dumbfounded, the Daoist-dressed man stared at me intently before letting out a quiet chuckle.

[Han Jin-seong… The odds of you and I becoming Go friends by chance are remarkable… But pray tell, what kind of bizarre companion did you bring?]

“Hmm…”

The middle-aged man seemed to frown deeply.

[The energy of the Heavenly Flower Thunder Dragon Divine Arts… the Eight Wilds Shock of Heaven is palpable… Yet, I detect the Thunder Spirit’s energy… I heard that the Soul of the Four Gods had all but vanished in this era, what’s going on?]

What?!

I couldn’t help but be astonished at how intimately he knew about the Thunder Spirit and the Divine Arts. I focused on him and asked, “Who are you? How do you know the Thunder God Lineage’s first leader, Cho Mu-rin? And how are you aware of the Soul of the Four Gods?”

[… Huh… Are you the successor of Cho Mu-rin?]

“No, not exactly. I learned a few techniques from Cho Mu-rin in the Celestial Realm, but I’m no disciple. As for the Soul of the Four Gods… I learned from the King of the Diamond Fist, Shim Su-ryeok.”

[…?!]

Surprisingly, the middle-aged man appeared to be utterly shocked, his pupils widening.

‘Hmm. Could it be…?’

Seeing his reaction showed I was deducing something correctly, so I stared intently at him and declared, “Shim Su-ryeok claimed there were the three most powerful martial artists reigning in Ho-wol’s era, recognized as the Three Heavenly Masters… but they were all defeated by Ho-wol.”

[Huuu!!]

Finally unable to contain his surprise, the spiritual being trembled visibly. After a moment, he finally let out an exaggerated shout.

[You want me to believe that Shim Su-ryeok is alive?]

“Do you happen to want to know what his evaluation of the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Arts was?”

[…That guy… Hmm, no way, just no way… Shim Su-ryeok daring to critique someone else’s martial arts?! Could he even think to do something like that…?]

Seeing the spiritual figure react in such offense confirmed what I guessed.

‘It’s reasonable for anyone to feel insulted when their martial arts are evaluated by a lesser one.’

In his active days, this middle-aged man had been a legendary figure too, but he’d held a prestigious status as one of the Three Heavenly Masters as well.

I chuckled, casting a casual air. “My name is Yoon-kyun, the master of the Water Spirit Lineage, or rather, the Celestial Dragon Master (天龍秀師) Yu Geon of the White Lotus Sect’s compound. So, what brings you to a place like this instead of staying close to the Water Spirit Lineage?”

With raised brows, the middle-aged man fell into silence before letting out a long sigh.

[Ah, it was due to Ayuta’s prophecy!]

“……”

[But this is unbelievable… Never did I think I’d see the rise of a disciple from the legacy of our era… the nonsense Ayuta said doesn’t seem so hollow anymore?]

The Celestial Dragon Master Yu Geon!

He was one of the Eight Legendary Masters, who, millennia ago, had pledged allegiance to the White Lotus Sect’s Ho-wol and was indeed one of the most formidable among the three heavenly masters. He was the ruler of the Celestial Dragon Palace, mastering the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Arts—an ability to attack and defend all at once.

Moreover, Yu Geon had also created the foundational techniques of the Water Spirit Lineage. Hence, the current master of the White Lotus Sect couldn’t dismiss his presence before her.

I asked him curiously, “Ayuta? What did she prophesy?”

[Having absorbed all the Celestial Dragon Palace’s forces into the White Lotus Sect, I wished to be buried with my clan. But Ayuta appeared to me in a dream, instructing me to sever all ties and create a shrine in isolation to await my descendant. This was to assist the future leader of the White Lotus Sect.]

“……”

[Thus, I built the shrine and waited for a thousand years until Han Jin-seong, that young boy over there, could stumble upon this place. Was it all fate…? Now we’ve been playing Go together for several years.]

So that was the backstory.

When I glanced at Han Jin-seong, his face had gone pale.

“W-W-What the heck… How did you find out about their legacy? He’s never shared it with me until now…”

“I once received teachings from a powerful warrior of his time…”

“……”

“Anyway, you were truly only Go friends? You could’ve taught him the ultimate martial arts from the Water Spirit Lineage or techniques of the Celestial Dragon Palace.”

Upon my inquiry, Master Yu Geon smiled bitterly.

[I’ve secretly imparted the energy of the Soul of the Water God into his spirit while playing Go. I’ve believed he’s the descendant that Ayuta had prophesied.]

At those words, Han Jin-seong was quite startled.

“Wha?!”

“……”

Feeling I was beginning to understand an underlying truth, I told Master Yu Geon, “So, if only the power level were to be compared, the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art is indeed superior, so why not tell him?”

[I was aware that Han Jin-seong was a warrior of the Fire Spirit Lineage. Hence, if I casually revealed the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art, he could face questioning due to practicing external martial arts. However, the Soul of the Water God, while being a technique, isn’t widely recognized as one, so I wasn’t concerned.]

“I see.”

Finally, with the issues mostly cleared up, I sighed.

“So this was why…”

Though I had sensed it while traversing my past lives, Han Jin-seong possessed an unusually high resistance to curses. While everyone else succumbed to curses rapidly, Han Jin-seong merely suffered minor discomfort without any life-threatening consequences. He also didn’t have particularly high martial skills; thus, I found it odd… until now.

The Water Spirit’s first Master had stealthily imbued Han Jin-seong with the essence of the Water Spirit!

‘So the technique manifesting within his mind served to repel all energies of curses…’

If it was the power of the Water Spirit, it could very well have the ability to break the curses.

But how was I able to realize all of this?

At that moment, Master Yu Geon continued, [You seem to have a profound legacy. Very well… if you pass my trial, I will hand over the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art alongside the Soul of the Water God!]

“Thanks, but I only need to learn Go.”

KABLAM!

TA-DA!

[……]

Without waiting for him to finish, I swiftly pulled out the Go board and stones, preparing to play a match, leaving both Yu Geon and Han Jin-seong dumbstruck. Master Yu Geon, seemingly flustered, struggled to find his words.

[Uh… no. According to Ayuta’s prophecy, if you are indeed the disciple of the White Lotus Sect, then why… ]

I shrugged nonchalantly. “You see, I’ve already learned over five martial arts techniques that might surpass even the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art, and the Soul of the Water God is already in my possession!”

[What?!]

“With a probability exceeding that of you, of course. Care to see?”

Using the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, I activated the Soul of the Four Gods.

Kagugugugu…!!

The energy of the Soul of the Four Gods began to swirl within me. I realized that completing this cycle would yield immense power, and as I finished one circular turnover, my eyes glowed with excitement.

The Soul of the Water God

Fire Transformation (炎魂化)

Fiery Water Spiral (火水?環線)!

My body transformed into water while fire energy surged and entwined, releasing the water-fire combination in a flicklike gesture.

BANG!

I checked to see if the explosive impact of the Fiery Water Spiral would demolish this ruin, so I hastily withdrew the power I had unleashed. As I reverted the Soul of the Water God back to its original form, I sported a satisfied grin.

“As I thought, you probably can’t perform something like that with your Soul of the Water God, right?”

[……!!]

“By the way, Shim Su-ryeok possesses a far superior level of the Soul of the Water God than I do.”

[Huh… Huhh… could it be true? That Shim Su-ryeok has been alive for a thousand years and become an absolute master…?]

Master Yu Geon looked as if he had lost all strength. It made sense since the variant of the Soul of the Four Gods I had trained was the result of blending with the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, refined by Shim Su-ryeok over centuries—it was entirely different from the standard abilities Master Yu Geon was aware of.

I manipulated the Go stones and remarked, “That’s correct. And even Shim Su-ryeok still couldn’t defeat the legendary Ho-wol in his prime… and while Ho-wol himself could not vanquish either Fuxi or the Emperor, I’m in the midst of playing Go against the Outer God who can’t even match their prowess.”

[……]

“Please assist me. I must sharpen my Go skills within the next two days…!!”

That was genuine!

Seeing me plead with conviction, Master Yu Geon, who had been left speechless, then regained focus and stated,

[…was Ayuta’s prophecy meant to lead to this…?]

“……”

[Fine. So the strings of fate bring us together.]

Master Yu Geon sat down steadily, determined to impart his skill as he declared, [I was known as the best Go player in my era. On top of that, having spent a thousand years with nothing to do, I’ve played Go nonstop… Hence, I shall pass on my Go expertise to you!]

“Thank you!!”

Tap!

Clapping

Tap

Thus, I spent the next five times sat there learning from Master Yu Geon, my understanding of Go expanding exponentially. After half a day had passed, I grew curious and inquired, “You’ve been quiet for a while now, what’s on your mind?”

[……]

“Is there a problem with my Go skills improving?”

[Baek Woong… ]

Moments later, Master Yu Geon looked at me with serious eyes and replied, “How about you try your luck with another game instead of Go…?”

“……”

[No, I mean… What I am saying is that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses with these things…]

I was feigning hope, but I soon realized the bitter truth.

‘Crap!’

I had no talent for Go.

I had been aware of my lack of aptitude for strategic thinking, but…

However, lacking talent made it impossible to push through just by pure effort with such tight deadlines. Hesitantly, I said to Master Yu Geon, “Please, be honest with me. Is it truly impossible to increase my skills in this regard…?”

[It’s impossible. A talented individual at their prime might develop mastery in just a few days, but you truly lack the talent. You’re not grasping the fundamentals at all…]

“……”

[Yet this sudden turn of events seems odd. You ought to tell me a bit about yourself first.]

“What sort of story?”

[How did you end up playing Go with the Outer God… If you could summarize it for me…]

I tilted my head at Master Yu Geon’s request.

“It’s nothing complex; it would be easy… but will it help my Go skills?”

[I think I might have an idea, but I’m not sure how well it’ll fit you…]

“Well then…”

I summarized the journey of my life, including my experiences in previous lives. Then, after attentively listening, Master Yu Geon let out a sigh.

[…Had it been revealed earlier that your loss condition was forced resignation, I would’ve… sigh!]

“What? Is that the key point?”

[It’s a distinction I cannot overlook. Losing and forced resignation are not the same. In the latter scenario, if you want, I can tell you two methods.]

“……!! Tell me the methods!”

[Simply put, you just need to avoid being forced to resign, right? If you don’t possess the skills to aspire for victory, you can easily evade losing without being forced out…]

He mentioned something that sounded fishy, and I pursed my eyebrows.

[But first, your skill level must improve. For now, take this.]

WHOOSH!

The Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art (乾坤無極神功)

The Supreme Art of the Heavenly Palm (太乙神掌)

Suddenly, as Master Yu Geon had been speaking, he sent a forceful aura surging my way.

“Huh?!”

I attempted to evade his attack, but using a powerful technique—considered to be among the best during his active days—felt rather strenuous.

Master Yu Geon continued chaining attacks, and in response, I had to evade five consecutive strikes.

Tap!

As I felt overwhelmed, I said, “Master Yu Geon, what’s this all about? Why the sudden assault?”

[To have dodged all five moves from the Boundless Heaven and Earth Divine Art without a bruise? Impressive! You remind me of Ho-wol six years ago…!!]

He praised my evasion while asking, “What’s that mobility technique you just pulled?”

“Three Treasure Technique (三寶絕技).”

[That technique emphasizes creating your own ‘space’. However, could you have thought about relating your moves to Go?]

“…What do you mean by that?”

What in the world did he mean?

My confusion deepened as I pondered his further remarks.

[You know the saying in Go: “Only after I am born should I think of killing him”?]

“Of course I know that saying.”

Responding so, I glanced over at Han Jin-seong. He seemed puzzled by my gaze, though it was a phrase I had previously heard from him, hence never forgetting it. Coincidentally, it was quite amusing that it was being said again by Han Jin-seong’s Go companion.

[This principle applies universally, not just to Go. You could say your Three Treasure Technique echoes this sentiment. Creating your own space solidifies the corridor of survival before executing your strikes—attack, defend, evade, whatever you intend! It’s essentially a martial art in line with this principle.]

“Well, that’s reasonable.”

[You have a very shallow comprehension of Go. Why do you think homes are built? Or, why do stones need to live? The lack of realization about these principles implies you’ve marginalized the understanding of applying the wisdom of the world into your play.]

“Hmm…”

After pondering momentarily, Master Yu Geon was filled with conviction as he said, “Baek Woong, I’ve finally discovered a way for you to quickly enhance your Go skills. I believe you just might succeed!”

“What is it?”

[For now, stop trying to think through your moves. No need to analyze strategies in your thoughts.]

“……?!”

W-What kind of absurd suggestion is that?!

The ensuing statements struck me as unworldly, leaving me flabbergasted.

[Go itself, in essence, is a martial art. You must now read the ‘flow’ of martial arts while playing Go.]

“`

 

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