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“What kind of martial art is the Soul Removal Technique?”

Kamizumi Nobutsuna replied, “To master the Soul Removal Technique, one must possess a talent known as ‘Wandering Spirit’.”

“Wandering Spirit? What’s that?”

It was a concept I had never heard before. I tilted my head, and he continued.

“It’s more of an innate disposition rather than simply a talent… it’s the essence of someone who enjoys wandering and embraces freedom. It would be better to describe it as a kind of ‘quirk’.”

“……?!”

I was baffled. How could being a wanderer be a condition for mastering a martial technique? I considered examples of others like Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong who had failed to learn it, while also comparing them to characters like Extreme Tiger and Yagyu Munenori. I couldn’t see any difference.

“That’s odd. I too enjoy wandering and pursuing freedom. And those who failed to learn the technique were not particularly bound by anything. So how does the Wandering Spirit make a difference?”

“That’s quite a complex issue. It’s a realm separate from martial intent,” he explained.

As if on cue, Kamizumi Nobutsuna settled into a seated posture. The other sword heroes also seemed to lean in, eager to hear his words. I, too, sat down as the atmosphere around us thickened. He continued slowly, “Let me ask you something. Are you free, Lord Baek Woong?”

“… Well, that’s…”

His sudden question caught me off guard. I pondered for a moment and, after carefully considering my situation, replied, “I don’t think so.”

“With your skills, you could roam the world as you please, yet you feel constrained. Whether it’s due to a ‘mission,’ ‘duty,’ or external pressures, you feel that way. Think about it, detachment from freedom is often balanced by a longing for it, and many people find themselves comfortable even within their constraints. Asking what true freedom is and striving to overcome those limitations is often impossible for an ordinary human.”

“Hmm…”

Freedom within constraints.

Even under forced limitations, one can sometimes embrace their societal bindings.

I found Kamizumi Nobutsuna’s insights profound and pondered over his words. Just then, he continued, “We, sword heroes, are experts. With our martial prowess, we could traverse the world at will, yet we do not. That reflects the inherent conservative nature of our mindset—our instinct to protect what we possess, both tangible and intangible. This instinct includes ‘greed’ and even the self-restraint that comes from enduring hardship.”

“That does seem to be the case,” I acknowledged.

“However, those who possess the Wandering Spirit seem to accept and overlook their realities but can easily shrug everything off and run away. They live seeking ultimate freedom without concern for the consequences of their actions. Unless there’s a colossal reason, they will lead a life of wandering.” I pondered his words but couldn’t help but interject.

“But that sounds paradoxical. Among those I know who failed at mastering the Soul Removal Technique, one is an exceptional Peerless Master. Even I doubt I could withstand his full might for one hundred breaths.”

“Ohh… there’s such a remarkable figure?”

Thinking of Lee Kwang, I nodded.

“Someone like him must possess astonishing talent, perseverance, and discipline to withstand their own greed. They might even have the ability to effortlessly shake off all desires and run away. It seems you can’t solely explain those contradictions with the concept of the Wandering Spirit.” He laughed heartily.

“Haha… you’ve misunderstood. The Wandering Spirit is not about patience or self-control. The self-discipline and detachment of high-level masters differ entirely from the Wandering Spirit.”

“How so?”

“The Wandering Spirit is a disposition that carries a sense of destruction within it. When masters cast aside their desires and troubles, and reach a pure state, it’s their hunger for a higher martial art that drives them. It’s also the peak of control achieved through rigorous training. However, those with a Wandering Spirit can abandon everything and become a drifter without a second thought. Their state is not one cultivated through training.”

“……!!” I finally grasped his meaning. I glanced over at Yagyu Munenori, who had just displayed the Soul Removal Technique, and noticed him shyly averting his gaze from me. Kamizumi Nobutsuna elaborated, “To long for an ultimate freedom, even if it’s reckless, is what we call the heart of the Wandering Spirit.”

“So over there, Yagyu Munenori…”

“He is skilled in politics and preserving his power. Quite conservative, indeed. Yet, there is no doubt that he possesses the heart of the Wandering Spirit. Perhaps Yagyu Jubei, his son, has even more of it.”

At this, Yagyu Munenori’s face turned red, and he protested, “That may be true, but that guy isn’t my child…!”

“……”

So, even those born with the Wandering Spirit can end up becoming stubborn and conservative middle-aged men. This was a true testament to the nature of their innate temperament, suggesting they could, at any moment, abandon everything and drift about the world freely. I was intrigued, so I asked Yagyu Munenori, “You were born with such a temperament, yet you grew up to be a sword hero responsible for your sect?”

“Of course, there were plenty of times I wanted to give it all up while dealing with worldly affairs. It’s just part of my nature,” he replied somberly.

“But my master, the great one, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, has guided me back to my place time and time again. I’ve resolved to take responsibility for my family and sect while overcoming myself. No matter how much of a wandering spirit one possesses, you can’t let it dictate your whole life.”

Yagyu Munenori’s master was Yagyu Sekishu, also a disciple of Kamizumi Nobutsuna. In terms of lineage, he was effectively the hands-on disciple of the Sword Saint.

“Hmmm…” I mused as I listened to Munenori’s words, thinking of Extreme Tiger.

When the Bancheon Alliance and Thunder God Lineage were holding Mangnyang hostage, I remembered the look in Extreme Tiger’s eyes. ‘Extreme Tiger was also deeply obsessed with revenge against the Thunder God Lineage.’ Originally a drifter wielding Thunder God techniques, he had been unable to forget the grudge against the Wind Spirit Sect for his master’s murder. He was sharpening his blade of revenge in Guanzhong, waiting for the Thunder God Lineage to rise again. The Wandering Spirit, though an innate quality, seemed to lack the strength to guide someone’s life entirely.

Curiosity piqued again, I asked, “So, the Wandering Spirit is just a trait, right? How does that relate to mastering the Soul Removal Technique?”

Yagyu Munenori answered, “When you read the incantations for the Soul Removal Technique, you’ll find a few cryptic phrases that don’t quite add up.”

“True enough.”

“It seems those phrases serve as spells rather than straightforward instructions. Merely reciting them while attempting the technique felt like I was moving my body as if something compelled me without my consent.”

“What…?!”

“Giving oneself up to that flow might be hard for an ordinary person.” I found it hard to believe what he described. Hearing him, Kamizumi Nobutsuna chimed in.

“It’s akin to a state of possession.”

“You too?”

“Though I lack the Wandering Spirit, there was something I could sense. I recited the incantation and attempted to submerge myself in the technique. However, the feeling of something taking hold of my body was so repulsive that I stopped. It was a closer instinctual revulsion.”

Intrigued, I gathered the sword heroes around me and tried reciting the incantation again.

Wooooo…

“Huh…”

As they said, at a certain moment, something tried to take hold of my body, urging it in entirely unexpected directions. Feeling like I would lose my sanity and go berserk, I abruptly ceased the incantation.

I wasn’t alone in this; the other sword heroes paused, equally astonished. One of them voiced, “You can really unleash this in your right mind? I can’t! This isn’t something you can train yourself for!”

Indeed.

It wasn’t merely a matter of letting go. The horrifying sensation of transforming into an alien presence while feeling a stark disconnect from oneself! It was nearly impossible for sword heroes, who had honed their spirits and bodies, to endure that feeling. Physical pain would be easier to bear, but how could one endure the discomfort of being consumed by themselves?

Finally, I understood why the mastery of Soul Removal demanded the Wandering Spirit.

A reckless and free disposition that could casually cast one’s self aside like trash… without such madness, mastering the Soul Removal Technique was impossible.

It was the very essence of “Soul Removal.”

No, perhaps it could be acquired later on. But one would have to be quite mad and immerse themselves willingly in that insanity. Trying to wield mystical techniques while coexisting with reason was nearly contradictory, and only a person with the innate Wandering Spirit could genuinely traverse the true path of that technique.

I stood there pondering.

How precious is my ‘self’ to me?

How easily could I cast aside myself like something worthless?

This was distinct from dying while striving towards martial extremes; the question was whether I could bear to go mad as an Other while letting go of my ‘self.’ I became conscious of how strong my sense of self truly was, realizing how dear I held it.

With a deep sigh, I concluded, “As I am now, it’s impossible.”

My current mindset fixated on the goal of toppling the Demon Subduing Hall, and I was scrambling to gather all kinds of information throughout my life. I even went to the extent of rejecting the call of an [Old Ruler] out of fear of my soul being intruded upon. With such a strong self, fulfilling the requirements of Soul Removal seemed arduous.

Realizing the experiment had concluded, I spoke to the heroes. “Everyone besides Kamizumi Nobutsuna and Yagyu Munenori may return to your homelands tomorrow.”

“Can we still pass on the Thunder Shadow Step?”

“Of course.”

Having obtained the rights to the Thunder God techniques, I’d learned all the secret techniques as well. Teaching the Thunder God Lineage to anyone would cause no problems. I narrowed my gaze at each of them and added, “But know this: The technique I am sharing is from the Thunder God Lineage, the strongest in the Central Plains. Don’t keep it hidden, and make sure to teach it clearly to the next generation.”

“U-Understood.”

The sword heroes seemed unsettled, as if they had intended to pass on their sect’s secrets.

Once the sword heroes left, Kamizumi Nobutsuna remarked, “You have quite the pride. Well, considering the White Lotus Sect’s Four Great Families rank amongst the finest, it’s not an exaggeration to say you’re the best in the Central Plains…”

“You knew of the Thunder God Lineage?”

“Haha, when I visited the White Lotus Sect in my youth, the Thunder God Lineage boasted the greatest prestige among the Dharma Protectors. How could I not know…”

“……!!” I gasped, taken aback.

“No, just how old are you?”

“Though I may look this way, I’m just over 120…”

“……”

He looked like he was in his mid-fifties, which was astonishing. With a faint smile, he added, “Once you pass your mid-fifties in the peak stage, your body naturally undergoes slower aging and you begin to enjoy longevity. There’s nothing surprising about it.”

“Hmm…”

After all, the middle-aged sword hero, Yagyu Munenori, was worthy of being called a master. At that age, it wasn’t unusual. I looked at him and said, “If it’s not too much trouble, could you share what you know about the Thunder God Lineage?”

I chose to use respectful terms. Although he was a foreigner from a small country on the borders, the wisdom and martial training of such a figure were commendable. Upon my question, he said, “Hmm… As far as I know, the Thunder God Lineage is truly a deserving name as the strongest among the Four Great Dharma Protectors. The Dharma Guardians were all like demi-gods, possessing martial arts that transcended humanity.”

Indeed, the Thunder God Lineage also produced Dharma Protectors. As I listened to him speak, Kamizumi Nobutsuna added, “Even the Master of the White Lotus Sect had a Thunder God line protector sitting right beside him instead of a priest. I had the opportunity to witness the interactions among the disciples of the Four Great Dharma Protectors, where the Thunder God Lineage seemed to have no discernible weaknesses. While the Fire Spirit Techniques are strong offensively but lack sustainability, the Wind Spirit Sect is agile but weak in power, and the Su Shin Sect can’t exert its strength unless under specific conditions… the Thunder God Lineage had no such downsides.”

“Really…”

“Overall, they were a level above the other three sects.” I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Judging by the way he spoke, it was clear that Kamizumi Nobutsuna was a formidable master in his youth when he visited the White Lotus Sect. Certainly, the Thunder God Lineage could proficiently excel at sword, fist, and spear, flaunting a near-perfect might due to their outstanding talents.

“It seems the Thunder God Lineage’s reputation is still alive and well… producing a young Peak Expert like Lord Baek Woong means they’re the best in the world.”

“The best in the world would be the Water God Lineage, which is the sect of the Master of the White Lotus.”

“Haha… true enough. Those who master the Water God techniques may become the strongest, but they won’t reach the peak.”

“……?”

What was he talking about? Staring blankly at him, Kamizumi Nobutsuna added, “Their martial arts can only be learned through the bloodline of the Master of the White Lotus. They can’t be considered part of any martial gate. Moreover, the Water God line is extremely closed-off.”

“Hmm.”

He didn’t seem to know much about it, either. I’d already asked Lee Kwang about it, but he too seemed to know little about the secrets of the Water God lineage since he was expelled from the White Lotus Sect at a young age. I internally contemplated.

‘Hmm… Perhaps I should find an old Thunder God Expert or visit the White Lotus sect directly to find out.’

I addressed Kamizumi Nobutsuna, “While mastering the Soul Removal Technique seems difficult, I’d like to continue researching it together with your guidance. Also, I’d like to discuss the arts of the sword.”

“Of course. My blood still runs hot in my old age…”

Afterward, I closely observed Yagyu Munenori practicing the Soul Removal Technique and its transformations, and I dedicated the spare time of each day to discussing various sword insights with Kamizumi Nobutsuna.

Then, I learned a unique technique.

“Lord Baek Woong. First, you should know the basics of the Blade-less Technique.”

He grinned.

“In a world filled with masters, this is something I pride myself on.”

Kamizumi Nobutsuna seemed to take a liking to me, offering to teach me the Blade-less Technique, a progression that suppresses weapon techniques without using a blade.

However, my talents weren’t sufficient to learn the technique in a short period, so I only received the fundamental forms and training methods.

After three months of research, I concluded that mastering the Soul Removal Technique was beyond me. Sighing, I sent the two sword heroes back to their homeland. At that moment, Miho, who had been loafing around the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, asked, “Is it over now?”

“Yeah… I think it will take several decades to truly master the Soul Removal Technique.”

This wasn’t an exaggeration or a joke. I couldn’t even imagine the levels of endurance and training required to willingly plunge into madness. While it might be possible to momentarily assume that state, using it effectively in real combat was another matter entirely. Maintaining consciousness was paramount for applying the Soul Removal Technique in battle.

Then, Miho suggested, “If you’ve researched that much, why not go visit that Extreme Tiger yourself?”

“Extreme Tiger?”

“While it may have been hopeless without any context, if you inform him about the conditions and true power of the Soul Removal Technique, he just might have an answer that can only come from an heir.”

“You’re right…!!”

I felt Miho’s suggestion made perfect sense.

“Then let’s head back to Central Plains.”

Having spent a long time in Dongyoung, it was time to return to the Central Plains. Now, I would pursue the Tao King and Dongbang Mu-gyeol while uncovering the secrets of the Soul Removal Technique from Extreme Tiger!

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