전생검신 Volume 80, Chapter 8

Before diving into spear skills, I decided to look back on how far I had come in my training.

‘I know everything about the Thunder God Lineage spear techniques, including the elementary forms.’

I not only mastered the forms but also possessed a certain level of enlightenment. I’ve practiced Ranna Chul millions of times, so I know the basics better than anyone else. Plus, I’m able to express my intention in the appropriate places while wielding the spear, so I could confidently call myself a renowned spear master.

But the self-awareness of my spear knowledge also made me aware of my gaps.

“I haven’t refined my skills to the extreme.”

How should I put it? If we say that reaching mastery is a 100, then my spear skill level is nearly 90. At this level, the surface martial power isn’t much different from that of a fully mastered spear master. Moreover, I can compensate for the weaknesses that come from not fully mastering my skills with my strong internal power and intention gained from other world-class martial arts, so I hadn’t felt much regret in my spear techniques until now.

However, that 10% difference is certainly significant. As my clone mentioned, if we disregard all other conditions and just compare skills, there exists an insurmountable wall. It’s an intangible wall that only practitioners of the same martial arts can feel. It may seem insignificant, but a few sheets of paper can make a massive difference in one-on-one combat.

‘And those ten or so spear masters throughout the continent who are better than me with a spear… they’ve all reached the level of 100.’

The problem is that closing that 10% gap requires ten times the effort compared to building that previous 90%. To put it bluntly, if we’re just talking about ‘efficiency,’ there’s no real reason for me to push for mastery in spear skills. Given how busy I am trying to get stronger, I simply didn’t have the time to reach full mastery in spear techniques. From the perspective of just wanting to become stronger, it’s entirely inefficient effort.

But still, I do it.

That inefficiency is what allows me to catch the clues of the Six Heaven Unity Spear!

Ssssss

I didn’t perform Ranna Chul or Thrusting Techniques. That’s because I thought I’d already gained everything I could from repetitive practice, so I chose to focus solely on the foundation for now. Instead, I pondered carefully about which areas I was lacking in the application techniques of the Thunder God Lineage.

‘The application technique of the Thunder God Lineage is naturally the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms.’

If I were to develop further from the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, I would learn the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, but that’s only meaningful if one has a certain level of internal power backing it up. Each technique of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear consumes considerable internal power. When we look at it strictly from the perspective of practical application, the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms indeed form the basis of the Thunder God lineage’s spear techniques. In fact, I often used the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear when I needed to utilize a strong technique in an emergency, while I frequently used the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms in regular battles.

Papat

I quickly practiced the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms from beginning to end. Having performed it hundreds of times, I could execute it as smoothly as threading pearls. Normally, I would wonder what else to add here, but at that moment, I realized what was lacking.

‘… Ah!! Ranna Chul’s principles aren’t completely merging with the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms!’

Why did it take me this long to realize this?

To explain, the basic principles of spear techniques haven’t fully infused the genuine feelings into the amalgamation of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. The Thunder Spirit Eight Forms exists solely as elementary forms, and each flow doesn’t progress without waste. It’s perfect for form practice, but I can’t say I’ve fully drawn out the potential that resides within the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms.

‘Alright, then let’s train until the forms and intentions entirely unify…’

Pause

However, the moment I was about to orient myself to train, I hesitated. As I attempted to extend the first basic technique of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, it felt as if a massive cloud was swelling inside my head.

“…!!”

There are too many variations of changes!

From the first basic technique of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, the number of changes I could attach here was overwhelming, and I lacked the confidence to control the flow afterward!

The boundless variations flooded my mind all at once, causing a frenzy within me.

“… Gah!!”

I bit my lip and tried to unify the forms and intentions according to whatever flow came to mind. It’s hard to explain since it’s an intangible concept, but the ‘sense’ definitely existed. However, the moment I rode that flow and linked the forms, an almost imperceptible mistake radiated from my fingertips.

Piying!

With a brief piercing sound, I thrust the spear, only to pull it back, and I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Haah! What’s this…?”

The forms didn’t flow as I wanted.

Despite having practiced the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms thousands of times, why was I making such a rookie mistake?

I couldn’t understand why I made that mistake, so I began again to ride the flow. But after over twenty attempts, I found myself repeating mistakes half the time, stopping the flow. The recurring mistakes left me feeling perplexed.

‘Even with my eyes closed… no, I should be able to perform it unconsciously in a state of overstimulation. Why am I making mistakes?’

Papat

Not understanding anything, I spent the entire day practicing the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. The mistakes kept piling up, and when the night faded into dawn, I was finally able to grasp the reason.

“There’s a precise sharpness that spear techniques demand separately!!”

A sharpness that is entirely different from swordplay!

Instead of just the practical techniques that the various martial arts teach, spear techniques demand an inherent sharpness that only spears can evoke!

To fully utilize the spear’s unique advantages, it’s essential to imbue the forms with practical efficacy while perfectly embodying the principles of Ranna Chul. This requires a genuinely innate sense.

‘That sense can certainly be honed through strenuous effort, but…’

Compared to talented individuals, it puts me at a disadvantage in realizing the enhancement that spear techniques offer. I thought that coming to this realization was thanks to my training with Lee Cheong-un in the past. I recalled his advice when he trained me.

“Feel the accurate timing and concentrate all your spirit there! It’s about achieving a degree of obliteration with the precision of threading a needle!”

What I developed further from that was the Reverse of Subtle Beauty. In fact, the Reverse of Subtle Beauty was almost a training method created to align with what the Thunder God Lineage spear techniques demand.

In that moment, I felt it deeply.

“The essence of the Thunder God lineage is [precise timing].”

And it’s precision without a single error!

That’s what forms the strength of the Thunder God lineage’s martial arts.

On the surface, it may seem like the strength of the Thunder God lineage martial arts revolves around overwhelming force, but that’s not the core. Be it swordplay or spear techniques, it’s all about being thoroughly practical, with movements that are waste-free, and the application of forms that geniuses have passed down through generations – they are difficult, yet they arm the user with absolute power in real combat, honing in on the enemy’s weaknesses to gain overwhelming superiority.

Of course, this is also a pursuit for other martial arts outside the Thunder God lineage. What makes the Thunder God lineage unique is the sheer ‘operational difficulty’ itself. To gain an upper hand compared to other martial arts, one must wield techniques that are extremely difficult and require a genius-level sense. As one exceeds that difficulty and matches the precise timing, they can ultimately overwhelm the opponent. This is also where the Thunder God lineage’s spear techniques become selective of talent.

So, how difficult is it to match that precise timing? I could only manage a bitter smile.

‘With my sense, I’d be dead before I could hit consecutive precise timings! I’ve reached mastery in swordplay enough to grasp the essence of the Thousand Victories, but… spear techniques are several times harder than that. Right now, I have no choice but to keep practicing infinitely until I get the hang of it and lower my error rate.’

The difficulty of matching that precise timing is exceedingly high. The range of possibilities in spear techniques dwarfs that of swordplay, leading to an unimaginable array of variations. Every time I adjust the range of spear techniques, the timing shifts continuously. It’s like day and night compared to swordplay, where one can easily achieve a union of offense and defense over a relatively narrow range for self-preservation. Swordplay has a narrower practical range making it easy to combine with recommended techniques anytime.

‘That’s right… I realized it before when I thought swordplay didn’t suit me and jumped into spear techniques.’

The pure difficulty of spear techniques is incredibly high.

All this time, I’d avoided confronting that pure difficulty by relying on my internal power and intention.

Papat

I spent day and night for three days utterly devoted to practicing what I learned. The precise timing was so challenging that I tried every way imaginable just to memorize it, but it didn’t prove very effective. Since the moment a single change occurred in the forms, a new timing emerged with each shift in flow. To meet that condition effortlessly, a genius-level sense was necessary.

I took a deep breath and thought.

“Phew!!”

Having experienced a wave of extremes in swordplay, I had the ability to quickly recognize what I was lacking in spear techniques with my somewhat inferior talent, and my vision even extended to seeing the ‘Great Path’. However, when it comes to walking that path, it felt perilous, like I was lacking in stamina. I could see the target point, but jumping over the intermediate target felt unattainable due to my inferior talent.

‘There’s no answer…’

My eyes lit up.

‘I have no choice but to memorize everything!!’

The number of variations in the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms is almost infinite, and the timing changes with each iteration. However, as I perform it repeatedly, certain trends in timing will eventually emerge. What I can do as a dullard is to repeat the forms over and over, observing all the trends in timing, and memorize them all regardless of success or failure!

It’s an incredibly long and arduous road. But I gritted my teeth and continued waving the spear until my muscles groaned in despair.

“Haah!!”

I have to do it!

Isn’t it better than being completely lost without knowing the path?

Even if I have to walk a million miles on a vast road, as long as I can see the destination, I will eventually make it!!

Pababat

I found the training to match that precise timing uniquely slow and arduous. It required constant focus and mental effort, unlike the times when I mindlessly performed swordplay. The result was that unlike before when time could slip by unnoticed for decades, in this year, numerous thoughts flashed through my mind as I digested the hardships of each day.

“Damn…”

Sigh, practicing the Soul of the Four Gods seems easier.

In fact, it is. I can just resolve myself to die and repeat practice without thinking.

However, spear techniques are different. Trying to match that precise timing demands a bone-crushing effort and concentrated spirit. Even then, the failure rate remains high, and I find myself losing strength.

Do I really have to push myself to such extremes with spear techniques?

It’s been two years since I began practicing spear techniques, and I often found myself plagued by such thoughts. At times, I became mentally exhausted, staring blankly into space.

“Damn it… I’m not cut out for this…”

It’s different from when I practiced swordplay. It looks simple, yet it’s a vast area with achievements that don’t accumulate easily. I felt the bitter truth that progressing through spear techniques would be far too challenging. Here I am at level 90, and yet I’m punishing myself simply to reach level 100; the thought of it feels like a foolish endeavor.

Yet, I shook my head again and rose from my seat.

‘Swordplay wasn’t that easy either. The Thunder God swordplay was not a walk in the park. I just endured because the reasons for getting stronger were clear… it was hellish, and so I grinned and bore it. It’s the same situation with spear techniques, just more torturous!!’

I lack talent, so what I can do is endless repetition and effort; that’s all.

But I’m content with that.

Isn’t it better than sitting idle doing nothing?

Remembering that feeling of helplessness in my first life reignited my willpower.

Gazing at the remnants of a dream that was already over, I recalled the desolate state I was in, plunging myself into futile efforts without hope.

In the end, it’s better than dying from practicing closed-room training that led to my demise from a cold!

I bit my lip tightly and swung my spear again.

‘I’ve already seen the bottom. So I can’t look back down anymore!’

That’s the only edge I have now!

……

Four years have passed. Finally, I could memorize several correct timings within the vast variations of spear techniques, and I felt like my failure rate was decreasing amidst the irregular flow of spear skills.

Furthermore, something felt different when I utilized the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear. Should I call it a small success? Each of the basic techniques now seemed to carry a more pronounced momentum.

‘Still far from mastery…’

But separate from the achievements, I felt mentally drained to the point of collapse.

Every moment, it’s insane to memorize such rapidly changing timings with utmost concentration.

I still get the feeling that my training progress hasn’t crossed even that last 10%, and compared to the starting point four years ago, I began to doubt if I had made significant advancements.

“Shit…”

When it’s tough, curses come without thinking.

I have no other way to endure the anguish.

At that moment, Shim Su-ryeok approached and said.

“You’re at it again, training hard without sleeping. I have something to say.”

“If you’ve come to speak, then I assume it’s important. What is it?”

“I found something interesting. If you keep training every day, you’re going to wear out. How about you come with me for a bit?”

“?”

“I have something to show you.”

What in the world does he want to show me?

As my curiosity spiked, I followed Shim Su-ryeok for what felt like a long time using light body techniques until we reached a point beyond the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. I trailed behind him, speaking up.

“Are we heading south? It’s quite far.”

“Unlike you, I haven’t just stuck to training for the past four years. I’ve ventured around the Central Plains, and it’s fascinating stuff.”

“What’s this fascinating thing? If you just say the name, I can teleport there with my power.”

“Just wait. Discovering such things is more fun in person.”

What in the world could he possibly want to show me?

Just when I was deep in thought, we finally arrived somewhere after quite a journey. Shim Su-ryeok then declared.

“This is it.”

“!!”

What Shim Su-ryeok arrived at was a ruins. I flinched at the sight of it, and Shim Su-ryeok smirked, saying.

“If you go inside, you’ll find something monstrous—a colossal giant.”

“…… We’ve arrived at the Hall of the Heavenly Demon.”

“Eh? Have you been here before?”

Seeing Shimano’s bewildered expression, I sighed.

“Just once… but I agree that this is a unique ruin.”

What Shim Su-ryeok brought me to was the ruin of a Giant once guarded by the Zhuyong Tribe!

He’d accidentally discovered that peculiar ruin located in the southern region of the continent, and fact is, I’d been there before too.

Shim Su-ryeok, feeling somewhat deflated, muttered.

“Cheh… I was trying to surprise you, but I guess the Reborn Person has seen it all. Let’s head back then.”

“No. Let’s take another look.”

“Eh? You said you’ve seen it, and now you want to see it again?”

I shook my head at his comment.

“I wish to confirm something.”

We stepped quietly into the depths of the ruins, reaching the Hall of Resurrection. Like before, it was filled with Giant Warriors. I carefully examined those elusive Giant Warriors and ventured deeper until I finally reached the Hall of Sealing and arrived at the Hall of the Heavenly Demon.

“……”

A vast land flowing with a greyish-white energy.

And on the opposite side of that land stood a ‘Strange Existence’… that colossal giant, bound by tens of thousands of iron chains, looked exceedingly ominous.

Shim Su-ryeok looked over at the creature and remarked.

“I wanted to show you that, but it seems you’ve already seen it once.”

“I have.”

“Do you know what it truly is?”

“Shennong told me that’s Chi You.”

“Chi You?!”

Shim Su-ryeok flinched in shock. His reaction indicated he hadn’t expected that.

“Is that the legendary mythological beast… astonishing. Then now that its identity is clear, I guess we should head back.”

“No.”

“Eh?”

I gazed at the Chi You ahead of us and said.

“I know that’s a remnant of Chi You, but honestly, what I heard could just be hearsay. I need to verify what it truly is.”

“Are you saying Shennong lied?”

“Shennong claimed it was Chi You’s spirit. If that’s the case, then it signifies that it’s a spiritual entity.”

Taking a step closer to that giant, I continued.

“Regardless, after my training is completed, I’ll be heading to the Takrok War Era, where I’ll need to find Chi You. I can’t let this chance to discover what Chi You truly is slip by.”

There’s no doubt that it holds some immensely important implications.

‘What could be the reason for preserving only the spirit of Chi You?’

And does that giant truly resemble the form Chi You took when he became his true self?

What kind of power does that creature possess?

To finally meet Chi You in the age of the Takrok War, it may be beneficial to uncover the secret while the lineage of prophets doesn’t intervene.