1275——————==

Soul of the Evil God

From the next day, I started teaching Bangil directly. Lee Kwang was completely exhausted and in a precarious state, but thanks to me pumping a massive amount of Qi into him, he was only recovering from fatigue and should regain his senses in three days. I decided to tease him when he woke up, so until then, I focused on teaching Bangil.

“Show me what you’ve learned so far.”

“Yes.”

I took a quick look at Bangil’s martial arts level and thought it was decent.

‘Dokgo Seong really trained him well. He tightened up the weak foundation and added balance to Bangil’s swordplay. He must’ve had some solid results after years of training.’

However, even though he improved, it wasn’t enough to say he reached a higher realm or a significant skill increase. He was just clearing away the obstacles to growth and preparing for a leap. I then asked Bangil.

“Bangil. You said your dream is to become an expert, but how strong do you want to be?”

After hesitating, Bangil replied.

“…Honestly, I haven’t thought about it specifically. I just hoped to become renowned in Jianghu.”

“Well, that’s typical….”

Having been in Bangil’s shoes before, I understood exactly how he felt. When you have basic skills, you can’t grasp what a high realm feels like, leaving you with vague and abstract hopes.

‘But that shouldn’t be the case. The lower you are, the more specific your goals must be to grow. If you’re a genius, you might grow without a goal, but the rest of us definitely can’t….’

This was a fact I learned from experience. So, I thought for a moment and proposed a standard.

“How about aiming to be strong enough to defeat the Leader of the Nine Great Sects in a fair fight?”

“……!!”

Bangil gasped.

“Is… is that even possible?!”

“At least it’s possible for Lee Kwang right now. Some sects like the Wudang Sect or Shaolin might be out of reach, but Lee Kwang’s skill is exactly at the level I mentioned.”

“Whoa….”

“In other words, aim to reach the current level of Lee Kwang in the future. How does that sound?”

“…….”

After considerable thought, Bangil said.

“I’ll give it a try.”

“Great! Let’s do it!”

I couldn’t help but smile inside. This was the path I once walked, and now Bangil was stepping onto it too. At the same time, a new vow formed in my heart.

‘Until Bangil gets stronger, I will protect this life with all I’ve got.’

The first training I assigned to Bangil was practicing spear techniques like Ranna, Chul, and Thrust. Since Bangil had mainly trained in swordplay until now, he seemed a bit shocked by my training method.

“I want to become an expert in swordplay; I’m not really interested in spear techniques…”

“…….”

Bangil! You’re currently just an ordinary martial artist who doesn’t even reach first-class status! Have you forgotten your level? You should do what you’re asked!

“Hey! Do you even know how amazing the effects of practicing Ranna, Chul are…?”

I was about to explode with frustration but suddenly paused.

‘…This situation feels oddly familiar.’

Moments later, I had a realization.

‘This is exactly like when Lee Kwang was teaching me back then!’

I hadn’t been aware of it, but somehow, it was almost the same situation. The only difference was that I was in Lee Kwang’s place, and Bangil was in mine.

“…….”

No.

I’m different from Lee Kwang.

I’m absolutely not him!!

‘Don’t lose your temper…!!’

Feeling flustered, I rubbed my temple and spoke slowly.

“Listen well…. A spear fundamentally has a longer reach which provides an advantage in combat unless you can manipulate your Qi or intent precisely below a certain level. In other words, it’s the most popular and versatile weapon, and Ranna, Chul is the foundation of that weapon technique. Since you’ve trained at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School for a long time, you should have practiced Ranna, Chul at least once.”

“Yes. I must’ve done it at least a hundred times as a trainee.”

“A hundred times isn’t enough. Tsk.”

I clicked my tongue, grabbed a wooden spear nearby, got into position, and slowly began to move the spear.

“You know Ranna, Chul is made up of very simple movements. However, the basic techniques of all spearplay are merely variations or applications of Ranna, Chul. As you can see, like this….”

Whoosh!

“Swing, turn, block, parry, dodge, thrust….”

Thud!

“Again, parry, slide, thrust…. It’s all about repeating and transforming these simple movements!”

Whoosh

“All basics of spearplay start from this foundation when applied in real combat.”

I showcased a fluid application as if fighting a virtual opponent, and Bangil stood there with a blank expression, captivated by the graceful movement. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Once you grasp spear techniques, swordplay becomes relatively easier. It’s a sad truth for any swordsman to admit, but it’s the case. Once you master the solid fundamentals within the long reach of spearplay, you’ll understand how structured your movements need to be in the shorter range of swordplay. You’ll also profoundly feel what fundamentals you lack in a limited range.”

In fact, after my prior spear training, I felt like my swordplay improved rapidly. Since this came from experience, it seemed like Bangil understood it easily.

“I-I see.”

“Right. Within swordplay, it’s nearly impossible to objectively grasp the true essence of sword techniques. Only after training spearplay do you see its real nature. Perhaps that’s why….”

I paused, something hovering on the edge of my tongue.

‘That’s why Lee Kwang taught me Ranna, Chul back then….’

…No, that can’t be.

Back then, Lee Kwang didn’t think much of my swordplay training, just intent on making a big splash with spearplay. It was pretty much coincidence that it helped my swordplay progress.

I shook my head and said.

“Anyway, practice Ranna, Chul as it is. Don’t just mindlessly repeat it; understanding the meaning behind the movements is essential. I’ll be watching and guiding you from the side.”

“Understood.”

I spent the entire day teaching Bangil, but as expected, he didn’t improve much. This wasn’t surprising; Bangil’s talent didn’t seem much different from mine. It felt nothing like teaching geniuses; it felt more like teaching a slug.

‘Hmm… So this is what it feels like to teach a lesser talent….’

I found the experience strange, but for the day, I let Bangil rest.

The next day and the day after, I continued vigorously teaching Bangil, and by the third day, Lee Kwang finished his recovery and returned to the training area looking a bit gloomy.

‘Hehe… Do you think you can do 100,000 repetitions? I’ll tease you until you pull it off, Lee Kwang.’

I chuckled to myself, but then an unexpected twist occurred.

“Grand Master.”

Suddenly, Jin So-cheong approached me and bowed.

“Please allow me to challenge the 100,000 repetitions of Ranna, Chul as well!”

“…….”

Oh boy, I can see you’d do it!

Not just anyone, but Jin So-cheong!

“I mean, why the sudden urge….”

Naturally, I was embarrassed and wanted to say no, but at that moment, I realized something and smirked.

“…No, go ahead and try!”

Mangnyang said there was no need to hold Jin So-cheong back, and another plan fell into place!

“Yes!”

Boom Boom

That day, Jin So-cheong’s challenge for 100,000 Ranna, Chul repetitions began. Honestly, I hadn’t thought much about whether he’d succeed or not; considering he had consumed the Black and White Lotus, his internal power had improved, so it wasn’t completely impossible. However, achieving 100,000 repetitions required superhuman stamina and energy, which meant he was still lacking in that area.

‘Hmm… But unlike Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong has been practicing the basics of Ranna, Chul more diligently than anyone else.’

When it came to consistent basic training, Jin So-cheong had been more committed than anyone in the Thunder God Lineage. So, I couldn’t hastily speculate on outcomes, and I watched Jin So-cheong’s Ranna, Chul challenge with a different mindset than with Lee Kwang.

Boom – !!

‘…Am I imagining things?’

When Jin So-cheong reached 25,000 repetitions, I felt like his spear tip had become sharper. Moreover, the sound of piercing that emanated from his spear felt like intent latching onto my ears. I wanted to deny it was just an illusion, but it felt like something significant was happening.

Boom

Boom

As the repetitions steadily piled up, he soon surpassed 50,000. To my astonishment, I realized that Jin So-cheong’s breathing and internal power hadn’t faltered; unlike Lee Kwang, he didn’t even collapse to one knee. While beads of sweat poured from his body due to the excessive exercise, Jin So-cheong still seemed relaxed.

“Hmm?!”

I was puzzled.

‘…Why is that? Jin So-cheong’s internal power is definitely less than Lee Kwang’s. Lee Kwang had practiced for dozens of years more, so even if they both consumed the Black and White Lotus, Jin So-cheong’s internal power shouldn’t be significantly higher. So how is he still not wearing down?!’

While the Black and White Lotus is a remarkable spiritual pill, it is hardly comparable to the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng that breaks through limitations. It helps with decades’ worth of power but wouldn’t raise internal power enough to bridge the gap significantly.

Something beyond my understanding was happening. I fervently examined Jin So-cheong’s every action, and once he crossed 60,000 repetitions, I finally caught a glimpse of what was going on.

‘…Intent.’

Oh my!

Jin So-cheong wasn’t merely enduring to 60,000 repetitions; he was utilizing intent within his natural body to do so? While theoretically possible, it was absurd!

Intent usually gets explosively depleted and is frequently used in one-off techniques that defy reality. That’s because the amount of intent itself isn’t large.

Using intent to endure in a natural body like Jin So-cheong does, would surely deplete the intent and lead to rapid exhaustion of stamina and energy, which is why Lee Kwang didn’t dare take such reckless measures. If he were using intent to minimize stamina and energy depletion like Jin So-cheong is, then he would need an almost infinite amount of will.

Could Jin So-cheong already be at the Absolute Realm?

No, he couldn’t be. If he were in the Absolute Realm, the Intent Heavenly Pillar would have been sensed. Jin So-cheong was undoubtedly still in the Peak Expert stage. Even if he was in the Absolute Realm, he wouldn’t be able to endure like this. So then, what on earth…?

Boom!

Boom!!

Crossing 80,000 repetitions, the sounds grew increasingly intense. And I realized Jin So-cheong’s movements became livelier, almost like a carp leaping through the water.

He showed no signs of fatigue!

Sweat poured from his body like a rainstorm, but a peculiar fever danced around Jin So-cheong’s face, indicating he was experiencing one thing.

He was feeling [fun].

“……!!”

Fun? Fun?

Are you seriously saying this repetitive torture that’s not even an actual training method could be fun?

Thinking back to that moment when I faced death and shed tears of blood in my own breakthrough, I felt dizzy.

I couldn’t understand the moving Jin So-cheong right in front of me.

Is he really a human like me?

Lost in thought, I suddenly realized something.

‘…Of course…. This is what Asura was talking about, isn’t it?’

It was during the 28th life when I learned the Dark Night Slash from Asura. He had once said such things when teaching me how to execute the technique using the Immortal Sword.

[Qi is still and yet moves within stillness, a well-known saying in the Martial World.]

[Then why would they say it moves while being still? You should observe the nature of Qi itself clearly.]

Even still, it moves within tranquility.

Why does something remain still yet seems to move?

At that time, I had no idea what Asura’s riddle meant and resorted to half-baked methods to execute the Immortal Sword. But now, witnessing that vivid embodiment, I felt like I grasped a bit of the essence of truth.

The reason it can still move while staying put is….

‘Qi materializes and resonates with intent…. The Qi itself does not move, but once the intent moves, the embedded Qi automatically… This is….’

It’s like the relationship between the Soul Exchange Technique and the soul….

I felt like I was grasping at the edges of understanding, yet it was too difficult to articulate. I was absolutely sure I had caught a glimpse into the enlightenment, and I desperately attempted to shove it into my mind.

Boom!!

Whoosh

As I sat there dazedly pondering, Jin So-cheong had already surpassed 90,000 repetitions, and by the time he went beyond 95,000, the members of the Thunder God Lineage watching couldn’t help but gasp.

“Oh… Oh my….”

“It’s getting faster.”

Unbelievably, Jin So-cheong’s Ranna, Chul was speeding up. I had no idea why it was accelerating, but undoubtedly the acceleration stemmed from his body moving like a whirlwind, completely independent of his will. Jin So-cheong had long reached a state of no thought, and his spear felt almost like a living demon beast.

Kiiiing –

As the soft yet intense Qi gathered at the tip of Jin So-cheong’s spear and faded, I realized this was the manifestation of the Shape-less Violent Qi. It was originally a peak state that could only be manifested with understanding but also one of the ultimate stages aimed for in the Shadowless Gate—a fleeting moment that unfolded at Jin So-cheong’s spear tip was simply unimaginable.

Whoosh

Jin So-cheong’s dance of the spear intensified, his movements radiating outward, while the winds of internal and external conflict surged between Ranna and Chul, echoing like a piercing scream through the air. I couldn’t help but find that it resembled art in its own right.

Beautiful….

Each thrust was tailored to perfection, creating an immaculate straight line that an ordinary martial artist would struggle to attain in a lifetime. Those unfamiliar might wonder what was so beautiful about it, but for those long immersed in the martial path, there was something distinctly felt. This was, without a doubt, the essence of true beauty – unavoidably acknowledged by a martial artist.

Bang!!!

“Thunder God Lineage disciple Jin So-cheong.”

At his resounding voice, I was jolted back to reality.

“I have completed 100,000 repetitions of Ranna, Chul.”

“…….”

I was at a loss for words.

I knew Jin So-cheong was a genius, but who would’ve thought he’d demonstrate the pinnacle of martial arts and give me enlightenment at a level below mine? In that moment, I finally understood why Lee Kwang had acted on impulse and unleashed the Thunder Cloud Palm when I completed my own 100,000 repetitions.

If there weren’t others around, I too would have likely gone for Infinite Slash to face off with Jin So-cheong without even realizing it.

With a trembling voice, I spoke.

“U-uh… alright…. As promised, I will pass on the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique to you…”

“Thank you.”

Originally, my intent aimed at triggering a sense of defeat within Lee Kwang. If his disciple Jin So-cheong succeeded in completing 100,000 repetitions before him, Lee Kwang would surely feel inferior and lash out at it.

Everything went just as I planned, but instead of feeling triumphant, I was enveloped in a strange combination of dumbfoundedness and shock, struggling to close my gaping mouth. Even Lee Kwang standing there in a daze didn’t bother me in the slightest.

Without thinking, I asked Jin So-cheong.

“Jin… So-cheong… I have a question…”

“Yes, Grand Master.”

“Could it be you… recognized the ‘Ring’?”

If what Jin So-cheong had just demonstrated was the level I thought it was, it was possible he had momentarily reached the level of the Dark Night Slash as Asura described.

“……?”

Jin So-cheong tilted his head in confusion as if he didn’t understand and calmly began to speak.

“I contained the intent within my natural body and rotated it. I meditated and realized that when the energy was concentrated in the center through the rotation, stamina depletion would be minimized, so I tried that, Grand Master.”

“What? Rotation? What do you mean by that?”

“Hmm… From an outside perspective, I observed myself in a state of contemplation and used intent to control the power flow, realizing it naturally formed a circle that I could rotate.”

“…….”

T-this… this is wrong…. I can’t imagine the principle behind it…

How did he do that…?

‘Damn it!’

I have a higher level of understanding but this is happening?

But due to pride, I couldn’t honestly state my confusion, so I simply spoke.

“Got it! You did well…. Haha… ha…”

At that moment, Dokgo Seong suddenly barged in angrily.

“Hey, you! I get the gist of how you did it, but that wouldn’t work in real combat, would it? Can we say you passed by using a loophole? Ultimately, that’s an intention management like a sandcastle that crumbles with one attack from the outside!”

What?! Dokgo Seong figured out the principle just from one hearing?! Could it be he had been grasping it while watching?!

As I was internally shocked, Jin So-cheong shyly spoke.

“I’m sorry, Grand Master…. My greed to learn the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique got the best of me.”

“Ugh!! Grand Master, do you acknowledge this kind of passing?”

“Uh, well, that’s….”

I stammered before nodding after a moment.

“…Whatever, you did it! Jin So-cheong passes!”

“Ughhh…!!”

“Dokgo Seong, you can do it like Jin So-cheong too.”

“Hmph! You think I can’t do that just because I know the reason?”

“…….”

Huh? I don’t understand…

“The priest should respect the older brother a bit more!”

Dokgo Seong furiously retorted and stormed off to his training area. One by one, people began heading off to their own practices. I told Jin So-cheong I’d teach him the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique starting tomorrow and let him go.

“Hm….”

I remained in the empty training hall, contemplating. Judging by Dokgo Seong’s words, Lee Kwang was unlikely to mimic Jin So-cheong’s approach, so I didn’t need to worry about him. But could it really unfold this way?

‘This can’t go on…. I need to somehow finalize the thread of enlightenment I just gained from Jin So-cheong in this life!’

Resting is one thing, but martial arts training and insights are another matter. If I missed the enlightenment I obtained this time and let it fade, there’s no telling how long it would take to unravel it again with my talent, even after 1,000 years. I felt a tremendous sense of urgency and clenched my fists.

“I have no choice.”

At this point, I needed to find a martial artist even more enlightened than me and bring them to Soeul Village.

That way, my stay in this village would have much more meaning.

A new goal had been set.