전생검신 96권 17화

I was startled by Pangu’s words and began to reflect on the experiences I had accumulated over my past lives.

‘Gong Sun Da-rang, one of the members of the Martial God Council, also said… those who reach the Divine Realm will grasp the heart of the world.’

I had thought that meant reaching the ultimate peak. And indeed, the Divine Skill demonstrated such power.

Yet, at the same time, in this thirty-first life, I had come across several additional insights about the Divine Skill. I realized its close connection with the Law of Cause and Effect, transcending physical laws and manipulating the mind of martial arts, linking it to the realm of consciousness.

‘Everything in this world is made of the [mind]. Moreover, the mind is emptiness, so everything in this world can be emptiness. However, emptiness alone cannot explain it all, which left me in contemplation…’

In that moment, Gong Sun Da-rang’s words resurfaced in my mind.

[Those who reach the Divine Domain will attain the [mind] of the world, and the standard must transcend the human realm. Nature ultimately acknowledges that the universe’s causality is unwavering.]

Gong Sun Da-rang had unfolded the realm of the Natural Sword to the level of Divine Skill, and her words felt like the most solid foundation in relation to the Divine Skill.

But.

‘When I possessed Yeodong-bin to face the Great Dragon… that… black sword…’

Why did that black sword feel like I sensed the [next realm] of the Divine Realm?

And the contemplation about whether the Thunder Soul could contain a heart was my insight about martial arts until recently. I wasn’t sure how to awaken the heart of the Thunder Soul, but I thought that by diligently practicing the Thunder Soul, I would eventually grasp the method naturally, and I actively trained, experiencing the uncontrolled outburst of the Thunder Soul in the process.

As I was lost in contemplation, Pangu’s calm voice seeped into my ear.

“Though it hasn’t been directly revealed, you must have some inkling that there exists a realm beyond the Divine Realm… right?”

“……”

“You must have come to learn through the Eight Consciousnesses that the [mind] isn’t the end.”

“…the Eight Consciousnesses….”

That’s right. During my training under the Wheel King, I had somewhat realized that the concept of consciousness was closely related to martial arts in the Divine Realm. But it was so intricate and profound that I hadn’t truly grasped it, just observing from afar.

I kept mulling over the awareness swirling in my head. Then I asked Pangu.

“If the end of the Divine Realm isn’t the [mind]… why hasn’t that fact been conveyed to the world?”

“Is it perhaps because you’ve grasped the realm of enlightenment? That’s quite a sharp question.”

Pangu slowly replied to my words.

“It’s a simple reason. The realms after that haven’t been established through martial arts.”

“…?!”

Not established?

The ultimate levels…?

I couldn’t help but be shocked by such an unexpected reason.

Pangu, uninterested in my surprise, steadily unfolded his boxing techniques as we squared off. He deliberately made his actions slow enough that even a child could handle them.

“Now then. If I attack like this, how will you respond?”

That was an obvious question, even without being asked. I calmly observed his fists for any ill intent until the very end, then I dodged his punch with a swift motion, saying,

“It’d be best to deflect it for now.”

“You can also redirect it.”

Once again, Pangu’s boxing methods rotated, this time aimed to strike my head with a whirling force. They were slightly faster than before.

Boom!

“I could block it.”

Boom…!

In the next moment, our hands clashed, producing a resounding sound. It was a collision between Pangu’s unknown boxing technique and my Thunder Spirit Seal defense technique. Pangu’s attack possessed incredible force, and though I didn’t wish to block it, based on the recent flow, dodging was simply the best option.

Swish!

This attack was an overwhelmingly rapid strike. His spiraling punch felt like it aimed to pierce my heart, so I channeled my own rotational energy, ultimately stepping back and dodging Pangu’s attack.

Bam!

“I could evade…”

As soon as I dodged, Pangu’s kick extended like a supple whip, his foot sweeping towards me with the agility of a snake. The exposed weakness seemed to dare me to try; thus, I decided to strike at that very vulnerability.

Boom!

In a fleeting moment, our kicks met in the air. As both our high kicks collided, Pangu pulled back first and said.

“You can counterattack too.”

“……”

“In this way, the martial arts established by countless practitioners over eons through confrontations are obvious. There’s no one who doesn’t realize that actions such as deflecting and countering are fundamental to martial arts. If examined closely, even the Divine Skills of the Divine Realm don’t stray far from the essence of the actions we just performed.”

“Well… I suppose that makes sense.”

Just as Pangu said, no matter how profound the Natural Sword or Intent Heavenly Pillar or Divine Skill, they all aimed to repel enemies and protect oneself as martial arts, so it’s normal that they wouldn’t deviate from those motions.

Then Pangu quietly said,

“However, in the realms beyond the Divine Realm, it isn’t so. You might find that even if you extend, you can neither deflect, block, dodge, nor counterattack.”

“…?!”

Wha… what?!

What kind of nonsense is that?!

“There exists a realm, yet it cannot be governed as martial arts, nor can it be established as law or technique. That’s why it hasn’t been transmitted to future generations nor is subject to specific training, remaining oral traditions.”

I found myself in stunned silence at Pangu’s words and finally regained my senses to respond.

“What the heck… no… what kind of martial arts is that?!”

Surely martial arts exist to battle and defeat enemies! But to think that its highest peak might render one completely helpless? I thought Pangu was playing a trick on me.

Then Pangu suddenly sat down and nonchalantly caressed his chin.

“What do you think?”

“Eh? What do you mean by that….”

“This motion, is it martial arts?”

“……?”

Scratching his chin?

I shook my head in disbelief.

“No, that’s not it.”

“Why is it not martial arts?”

“Well, because you can’t use that motion against an enemy.”

“Perhaps. Because this motion lacks the spirit or intent of martial arts.”

Pangu continued.

“However, if you were in a situation where this motion greatly upset you, and it contained an element of provocation that could turn a confrontation to your advantage…?”

“…”

“Then could this motion be considered martial arts?”

I pondered Pangu’s words carefully and nodded.

“Then… it might be considered martial arts.”

Pangu casually replied.

“You’re quite narrow-minded.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m saying your standards are rather arbitrary and limited. Even if you present a plausible premise, it could be martial arts for some and not for others, depending on one’s perspective. In fact, the deeper you go, the harder it becomes to discern the matter.”

“…”

That… may be true…

I felt I understood what Pangu was saying, but I couldn’t fully accept it, creating a retort to his assertion.

“Is it really necessary to delve so deeply into the definition of martial arts? Most practitioners wouldn’t think twice about the significance of each action if it could help elevate them to greater heights to defeat an enemy.”

“That’s possible. However, I can’t help but counter.”

Pangu’s next words sent a shiver through me.

“If the meaning of martial arts merely lies in defeating an opponent, does it matter if it’s martial arts or some kind of power?”

“…!”

“Am I wrong?”

At that moment, I was momentarily speechless. Pangu’s words seemed to pierce the very essence of the numerous struggles I faced in my past lives as a martial artist.

Yes. If analyzed solely from the perspective of [power], martial arts and powers might not differ as much. Therefore, if pursuing a purpose, is there really a need to practice martial arts?

If power is simply stronger than martial arts, then that’s all it is.

But if I can’t provide an answer to this, then all the time I’ve spent training would be meaningless. Calmly, I considered it and replied to Pangu.

“It does matter. After all, to contend against the divine beings associated with chaos, one would need the power of the Primordial Void. It’s through martial arts that you can draw out the power of the Primordial Void. Other powers can’t achieve that, can they?”

“Is that so.”

“Yes.”

That should settle it, right?

But Pangu, with a mocking inference, perplexed me once more.

“So, if there exists a power that could utilize the Primordial Void, does that mean martial arts wouldn’t be needed?”

“……”

“Answer me.”

This… this is…

I found it exceedingly tricky to respond.

It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say. Rather, a part of me instinctively understood what Pangu was getting at, making me hesitant to voice my thoughts. The moment I did, I’d be trapped in a web of contradictions and turmoil.

As I struggled to find my words, Pangu interjected.

“From the perspective of merely defeating an adversary, it would be entirely reasonable to say martial arts are unnecessary. If you could manipulate the Primordial Void, the means wouldn’t matter.”

“That’s…”

“However, one who has ascended to the Divine Realm must provide a different answer to my question. Only then can one progress to the [next] stage.”

“What does that answer entail?”

“That is a task for you to ponder. Think for yourself.”

“….”

A task…

As I delved into the mysterious energy soaking up Pangu’s words, he seemed to gaze into the distant void.

“Defining martial arts may seem entirely futile. However, should you fail to transcend this realm, you might become a prisoner of your own limits.”

“What happens if one becomes imprisoned by limits?”

“Someone has probably tasted that outcome firsthand.”

“…?”

“The step you’re currently taking may be the product of repeated failures by others.”

His words were perplexing. While I was mulling over the meaning of his words, Pangu continued.

“What do you think the [mind] is?”

At that moment, I began to grasp the reason behind Pangu’s lengthy discourse. Instead of simply explaining the [next] realm to me, he seemed to guide me slowly toward understanding. Recognizing this dialogue as a form of insight, I responded calmly.

“……Isn’t it what allows me to exist in a dream… I think?”

“……”

Pangu did not respond or react to my words, still concentrating on a point in the void; it felt as if his features, nonexistent as they were, imparted a peculiar intuition.

Pangu spoke.

“Countless schemes from outer beings have unexpectedly resulted in effects within you. Have you perceived the essence of the world through experiencing so many layers of dreams?”

“Do you know what those outer beings are plotting?”

“Mostly trivial matters. In fact, they merely confirm their status as incomplete beings, inferior to the all-knowing.”

“Isn’t Pangu also an outer being with a plan?”

“Only that to meet you was my plan.”

“……!”

Pangu’s words seemed to echo thoughts I had previously only suspected.

“Of course…!”

To solidify this hunch, I asked him directly.

“Previously, I witnessed you supporting the world. What did you mean when you said, ‘You are not the one’?”

“It meant that you were not the being I desired at that time.”

Pangu smoothly continued.

“Likewise, I, as you see me now, am not the same being I was back then.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“What sustains the world is my true essence. I am a soul, independent of the sealed essence, perhaps what could be considered my spirit and form.”

“……?!”

I was taken aback; I hadn’t anticipated this revelation.

“Are you saying you’re in a soul and form state right now?”

An outer god’s soul!

I never could’ve imagined such a concept could apply to an outer being, leaving me astounded. Yet, Pangu himself stated it calmly as though it were no big deal.

“[Coming Chaos] also places Nyarlathotep in a position to uncontrollably steer reality. Why would I not do the same?”

“Nyarlathotep is the most powerful avatar, isn’t he?”

“He is an avatar and a mask. Yet fundamentally, he is different from what the world perceives. That is something rather unique.”

“How is it unique?”

“If he were truly an avatar, he would have no reason to experience something like amnesia. Have you thought about why he would face amnesia?”

“…….”

Somehow, it seemed Pangu knew Nyarlathotep suffered from memory loss. After some contemplation, I replied.

“People experience memory loss when they undergo a great shock, don’t they? I thought that might be it, and I considered looking into it later…”

“A great shock… could be viewed that way.”

“Do you know something?”

“Don’t hold on to fixed notions regarding him. Everything you have thought about Nyarlathotep up until now may simply be baseless nonsense.”

Pangu spoke as if confronting some distasteful joke.

“That’s all I can offer you.”

“……?”

What does that mean? Are you implying Nyarlathotep has been lying to me about something?

However, there must be a reason Pangu couldn’t directly mention it. I had seen many outer beings bound by restrictions, so perhaps the words Pangu shared were also a way to skirt around his constraints. It would be solely my responsibility to solve this mystery.

So, I decided to change the subject.

“Is the definition of the [mind] I mentioned wrong?”

“There isn’t a right or wrong. If there are eternal beings, there are eternal definitions.”

Pangu continued speaking.

“Nevertheless, you are getting closer to understanding the mind of emptiness (無色).”

Emptiness!

I speculated that might be the [next] realm of the Divine Realm, and spoke with a hopeful tone.

“Then, can I achieve emptiness as well?”

“…….”

After a moment of silence, Pangu spoke.

“Receive this attack.”

Woosh!

In the next instant, from where Pangu sat, a single blade shot forth. A sword manifested from nowhere at an astonishing speed using the technique of channeling energy through the sword, striking like a hurricane’s gust. Yet, this speed was the standard among those who reached the peak of expertise, allowing me to easily counter it with my own sword to divert Pangu’s attack.

Clank!

As I diverted the attack, Pangu said.

“That was the highest speed achievable before reaching the Absolute Realm. Now, watch the speed of the Absolute Realm.”

Flash!

Pangu unleashed the same sword technique, but this time it flew with much greater speed and ferocity—infused with the intent of the Intent Heavenly Pillar. To compare, it was akin to the sword techniques of Miyamoto Musashi; I had to focus far more to block this one.

Clank!

“The speed you exhibited earlier with the Divine Skill, the Thunder God Sword Name, was even faster. Though I am not the Thunder God Sword Name, I will demonstrate a similar speed to you.”

Boom…!

“……!”

At that moment, without choice, I had to use the Thunder God Sword Name to block. Rather than blocking, I simply matched Pangu’s attacks, which followed the same technique he had demonstrated previously, and managed to withstand it by channeling my Heart Thunder. Had he attacked unexpectedly, I would have undoubtedly been caught off guard.

This is no exaggeration. Pangu could indeed employ a technique of the Divine Realm rivalling the Thunder God Sword Name. I was drenched in cold sweat as I came to realize how truly terrifying it was to face the Divine Skill in battle.

“The reason the speed of the Divine Skill surpasses the Absolute Realm is that it aligns with the speed of the [mind]. It synergizes the self with martial arts through a realm that exceeds biological reaction times, thereby rendering most physical distances almost negligible.”

“Th-That’s right.”

“But do you think your mind encompasses the Great Universe?”

“……?”

The Great Universe…?

That was such an abrupt yet vast metaphor that I momentarily failed to grasp Pangu’s words. I deliberated for a while before answering.

“Perhaps not quite to the extent of the Great Universe…”

“That’s correct. A person who has attained the Divine Realm is undoubtedly a great martial artist who will leave a mark across generations, yet regardless of that greatness, their mind cannot reach beyond the universe. They lack understanding of what the universe is.”

“That’s… obviously true.”

Even after traversing multiple lifetimes and dimensions and gathering an array of rare experiences, I still had no comprehension of the limits of the universe. The more I explored, the more I realized it was only vast and boundless. The term Three Thousand Great Worlds seemed woefully inadequate, as the universe itself is eternity and infinity. It sounded so apparent that I felt a bit drained when Pangu spoke again.

“However, truly great beings have some understanding of the universe. Those who can sever the ties of causality and step beyond the world are able to grasp that outline, thus the power of the Divine Realm struggles to reach them.”

“……!”

I froze as I deciphered the weight of Pangu’s words.

Outer Gods!

I said to Pangu.

“Are you implying… the powers they wield exist beyond the domain of the [mind] handled by the Divine Realm?”

“Indeed.”

In his next words, I felt a slight chill.

“Even among outer gods, there are those who are resistant to the powers of the Primordial Void; there exist some beings to whom they have no effect. For those who have transcended this realm, while the Primordial Void may seem impressive, it is merely an attribute constituting the universe, and limits undoubtedly apply. Additionally, for me, Pangu, the Primordial Void has been a source of great power.”

“…….”

“That’s the truth. No matter how strong and exquisite the [mind] may be, it cannot match the universe… there exists an innate limitation in that power. Of course, it might completely overwhelm enemies that are lesser beings than outer gods, but when considering those who have genuinely surpassed the world, that becomes the case.”

Listening to Pangu’s remarks, I replied.

“Then, do I need to transform what transcends the [mind] into martial arts to defeat outer gods?”

“What do you consider that to be?”

“Umm….”

Something that transcends the [mind]?

What could it be?

I spent a while in contemplation but couldn’t quite understand. So, I cautiously hypothesized based on the nuances of his words.

“Could that… be emptiness?”

“Emptiness is merely a label for a state of being.”

“…….”

“The issue lies with language. The moment you attempt to articulate it, you risk falling into the traps of those words.”

Sighing, Pangu then calmly stated.

“I will behead you. Try to evade or block it.”

In that moment, I felt a strange intuition.

Once again, I sensed ‘it’ was about to come.

……

Swish…

There was no prior warning, no signs at all. Yet, I soon realized my head had been precisely severed and was sliding down the ground. I hadn’t even had the chance to react; Pangu had cleanly beheaded me in one stroke.

Thud.

As my severed body slumped down, Pangu said,

“Though you are a master capable of employing Divine Skills, do you understand why you couldn’t respond to emptiness?”

Rustle…

I gradually felt my severed neck reconnect and my body regain its form. I unconsciously reached for my meticulously severed neck.

“I don’t understand at all. Are you really saying that’s not the power of outer gods?”

“You’re a persistent one. Do you not want to accept that there exists a realm you are unaware of within your heart?”

“……”

“You do not fully comprehend the nature of the Divine Realm. A true understanding would keep you from falling victim to a single strike like you did.”

“Th-Then could you please explain what aspects I fail to comprehend?”

“Given the number of clues I’ve provided, are you truly unable to achieve your own insight? It seems there’s no other option but to exert myself to teach you…”

As Pangu muttered that, he conjured a flame sword in the void. I sensed the energy emanating from the sword emblazoned with the notion of the [mind] and was taken aback.

“……No?!”

“Receive it.”

In the next instant, I clashed head-on with the sword that Pangu had summoned.

Boom!

A thunderous explosion! Simultaneously, the bolts of lightning we both unleashed danced in the void. I felt excruciating pain, as if my entire circulatory system and intestines were shredding apart, but I forced myself to endure and cried out.

“This is… the techniques of the Fire Spirit…!”

That’s right.

What Pangu just cast was the culmination of the Fire Spirit techniques I used!

No doubt, this was the realm of the Divine Realm!

How could Pangu use the techniques of the Four Great Families at the level of the Divine Realm?!

“I extracted one potential from the Fire Spirit techniques you had practiced. Had you developed the Fire Spirit sword techniques instead of the Thunder God lineage across your lives, this would likely be the outcome.”

If I had to name it, I could consider it the “Roar of the Fire Spirit.” I recognized Pangu’s statements were accurate, yet it felt so unnatural, I could only stand aghast.

“Are… are you telling me that it’s possible to use a non-existent, fictional martial skill in reality at the level of the Divine Realm?!”

“This is merely a privilege belonging to the outer gods. By reading your established causality, I could weave the [mind] permeated in the martial skills you have cultivated. Of course, what I utilized was my own martial arts.”

“……!”

Can… can that really be done?!

A thrill shot through me at that moment. The feats Pangu displayed thus far had been extraordinary, but now I felt the undeniable truth of his status as an outer god.

“To impart knowledge unto you, I’ve sacrificed my causality. Did you not feel anything in this clash?”

I suppressed pain as Pangu spoke, contemplating.

Finally, I murmured weakly.

“It was… easier to block.”

“Indeed. Why was it so much easier to block compared to the strike of emptiness? Surely, the Roar of the Fire Spirit should be dozens of times more powerful.”

“That’s… because the [flow]… the flow of the mind was discernible…”

“…….”

“……Ah…?”

In that instant, I realized what Pangu was trying to illuminate.

‘Ah… No… but… that’s…’

I couldn’t believe it.

Could it be that this was the weakness and contradiction I had been grappling with all along?

Yet, I had to accept it.

The ability to read the [flow] of the Divine Realm.

Pangu was indicating that the very technique I had mastered and used continuously was itself a trap.