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“I feel like I’m finally getting it…”

After a few more months of intense meditation and training under the Sword Demon, something seemed to change.

“Is that the thread of intent?”

“Yep! But it’s not Qi, you already know that, right?”

“Yes.”

As the Sword Demon sat in the sparring arena explaining, I realized that this thread wrapped around me wasn’t just any thread but my Defense Instinct!

“So, are you saying it’s like my instincts are wrapped tighter around my vital points?”

Thinking back, I indeed felt that my head and heart were more tightly wrapped compared to my limbs.

“Exactly! The tighter the wrap, the more you seem to worry about them in battle, right?”

After understanding this connection, I asked, “So, the thread of intent reflects what I consciously protect?”

“Yes, but that’s not all.” He continued, “Every first-class martial artist unconsciously develops these defenses. It’s all about figuring out what to protect and what to expose.”

“Aha!”

“The thread of intent you feel visualizes it more clearly. Once you level up, you’ll even see the intent of others.”

“Hmm…”

“But realizing and using intent isn’t the end of the game. Now that you’re aware, it’s time to level up!”

I was curious about what this next level meant, so I focused on his words.

“You need to move that thread of intent. When you can do that, you can fully claim you’ve mastered it!”

“Got it.”

I plopped right back into meditation. With heightened concentration, I could see the thread again. But trying to move it? Yeah, that wasn’t happening.

“Why won’t you move?”

Even when I focused different parts of my body, the thread remained stubbornly still. After a long while of trying, I collapsed onto my seat, exhausted.

“Not moving, huh?” the Sword Demon chuckled.

“Right.”

“Simple will and intent aren’t the same! Mastery is about enforcing your will on the world with a mind honed to the extreme! It’s totally different from just moving your body!”

“…”

Had this been the early days of my training, I would’ve dismissed him as talking nonsense. But after months of meditation, I started to get it. There was a boundary just beyond my reach, and crossing it was key to mastering my intent.

Letting out a sigh, I lamented, “Ugh… Is that what the peak experts in Jianghu realize by themselves?”

“Those with talent pick it up naturally, but even the rest learn slowly under masters. There are rare cases of those idiots figuring it out through real combat in chaotic situations, but that’s super rare. That’s why the teachings of renowned families are invaluable.”

With a curious look, the Sword Demon regarded me, “Why didn’t your master impart this to you… Such a remarkable expert.”

“…”

“Everyone has their reasons, I suppose. Regardless, if you keep at it, you’ll stabilize your grasp on intent.”

“When can I expect to achieve this?”

“That depends on you.”

My gut feeling told me it would be a while. When I first trained with the Sword Demon, he had suggested three years for mastery, and factoring in my current life, it was clear I’d need at least two more years of dedicated training.

“Two years should be manageable…”

Having rolled through the martial world for decades, I wasn’t about to quit even if meditation felt dull. I needed to focus on mastering this as quickly as I could.

Four months went by, and I had grown used to sitting in meditation like a plant. I found myself increasingly able to move the thread of intent, and I even sensed a response between my intent and internal energy!

The Sword Demon was surprised when I informed him of my achievements. “It’s quicker than I expected!”

“Really?”

“I thought it would take you a year. But seeing you doing it already suggests you’ve unconsciously used intent a good few times.”

“…”

I’d faced countless battles, and although I hadn’t been conscious of it, I must have tapped into that intent before.

”So, that experience is speeding up my progress in meditation. Got it.”

The Sword Demon chuckled, “Splendid! Soon you’ll have a fantastic sparring partner!”

What in the world?!

I knew precisely how that would pan out! I’d seen firsthand the disaster of sparring with the Sword Demon when he lost it. His demeanor may be calm usually, but once the battle starts, he transforms into a total Asura!

Quickly changing the subject, I blurted, “Speaking of which, the Eight Demons’ gathering is coming up!”

“Hmm, I was just about to bring that up,” he replied, his gaze steady. “This time, it’s set to happen in the capital, Luoyang.”

Shocked at hearing a familiar place, I exclaimed, “Luoyang? That’s where Tuma and the Shura Sect are based!”

“Exactly. Tuma has been pushing for it.”

So the gathering of the Eight Demons would be in Luoyang! This meant the head of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path would be in the capital! Moreover, Luoyang was home to powerful factions like the Golden Eagle Guard and Duke of Guanzhong, not to mention the Twin Gate Sect, a major faction in the area. With my background from my past life, I was stunned.

“There are stronger factions than the Shura Sect in Luoyang! The Golden Eagle Guard and Duke of Guanzhong both have significant power there! You’re saying they could clash in such a secret gathering?!”

Even with the best cover, a little slip can turn into a full-blown chaos!

The Sword Demon smirked, “Hah! You’re right, it’s a foolish choice. But due to Tuma’s bait, everyone feels compelled to gather.”

“What bait?”

“…”

The Sword Demon paused before continuing, “The White Lotus Sect.”

“……!!”

The moment I heard that name, my mind felt dizzy. It was a name that cursed my past and echoed like a ghost in my life. But the Sword Demon seemed oblivious to my reaction, continuing indifferently.

“The Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect has expressed a desire to join forces. It’s an offer we cannot dismiss, so we must listen.”

In that instant, I clenched my fist tightly. If the Dharma Guardian was none other than the Wind Spirit Sect’s monster, Cheon Woo-jin, I’d be facing a fierce opponent head-on in Luoyang! A huge pressure loomed over me no matter which side I looked at.

Yet, I also felt something strange.

“Wait, I haven’t even made much of an impact on Jianghu in this life. I’ve saved prisoners in Great Thunder Valley and Pirate Island, but those were normal routines. But if this path continues, doesn’t that mean the Sword Demon has attended this Eight Demons’ gathering in every previous life?”

That didn’t add up. So far, the Sword Demon hadn’t shown any signs of it.

Curious, I asked, “Your Honor, couldn’t you refuse this gathering? Participating in such a dangerous meeting…”

He stroked his chin, pondering. “Hmm. Normally, I would have refused, suggesting another location or just ignoring it entirely. I wasn’t particularly interested in climbing into a tiger’s den. But this time, I decided to take a risk.”

“Huh?”

“You saved my daughter and became a tremendous asset, didn’t you?”

“Um…”

As I floundered, the Sword Demon grinned, “With you alongside me, I’m at ease. I’ll gain considerable intel from this gathering.”

So he was counting on me for the gathering! Suddenly, I understood the situation’s gravity.

Originally, the Sword Demon would have brushed off the gathering and just awaited his chance to deal with Tuma. But now that I was the Dharma Protector of the Shadowless Gate, he had confidence that we could uncover the truth behind the White Lotus Sect as a team.

Somehow, I was unwittingly getting involved in something major! Of course, the information could be invaluable, but I really didn’t want to do this!

“I just want to focus on my training this lifetime. Plus, I can’t bear to see the Sword Demon in danger due to the White Lotus Sect.”

The more I got caught in schemes, the less time I had to train. Information is useless without power, and I felt I had learned enough about the White Lotus Sect already, so it was time to refuse this gathering.

What to do? How could I stop the Sword Demon from heading to the gathering?

“Wait, I got it!” After pondering, I approached the Sword Demon and said, “Your Honor, I’ve picked up a mysterious sword technique that I’d love you to check out!”

“Huh? You have something like that?”

“Yes! I found it in some ruins left by a great talent, but I haven’t grasped its mysterious essence yet.”

Right after that, I began showcasing the Wudang Sect’s techniques from Jang Sam-bong.

Wow! In no time, I unfolded all the techniques except for the Peerless Technique.

The Sword Demon gasped in shock as he watched my performance. “That’s…!!”

I feigned innocence, “Do you think studying this will help me reach the realm of intent?”

“Of course! Where did you learn those?”

“Oh, um…” I dodged the question. The Sword Demon looked pensive, “Hmm… I guess we can’t afford not to explore this now.”

“Is it alright?”

“In exchange, let’s research your sword techniques together.”

The Sword Demon was a genuine martial genius! He wouldn’t let this opportunity slip. To him, honing martial arts was a bit more pressing than the potential threat of the White Lotus Sect.

“Alright.”

So, my plan had worked! I had not only canceled the Sword Demon’s trip to Luoyang but also secured a proper chance to study the Wudang techniques alongside him.

 

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