---

“What do you mean, you’re going to teach me your mystical skills?”

I began teaching Jin So-cheong the insights and martial arts I knew. First up, I introduced him to the White Woong Formation and the Split Heart Technique. The White Woong Formation boosted Jin’s speed dramatically, giving him the effects of Thunder and Wind Interaction, while the Split Heart Technique was crucial to mastering the Soul Removal Technique. Jin So-cheong quickly grasped both techniques with just a little practice and had made them his own by the next day.

I didn’t stop there; I also gave him the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng and the Black and White Lotus. Jin’s eyes widened with surprise.

“Is it really okay for you to give this to me?”

“Why do you ask? Taking this would hardly improve my power at this stage. But for you, it could be a great help.”

“Hmm, well then, I’ll gratefully accept it.”

Whoosh!!

Jin So-cheong took the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng and began his Qi Regulation Technique, boosting his internal power. Typically, it’s tough to balance the polar energies of the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, so it’s best taken with the Black and White Lotus. However, given Jin’s strong foundational internal power, he could handle it alone without issue. Soon after finishing his Qi Regulation Technique, the size of his energy had distinctly changed, now imbued with tremendous strength.

To be frank, one could say Jin had already achieved ten years’ worth of progress in a single day. At this rate, it seemed highly likely that he could reach the level of the Ten Great Masters in the future. But I couldn’t forget that our enemies were even stronger than mere humans, so naturally, I wondered to myself,

‘Just how strong can Jin So-cheong get?’

This was pure curiosity. I wanted to elevate him to a realm I could never reach with my own talents. So, while contemplating what I could pass on, I said to Jin So-cheong, “Now, I will teach you the techniques of Jang Sam-bong.”

“Before you do, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

Jin So-cheong asked as he casually held his spear.

“What do you believe the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage is?”

“Hmm…”

That was a tough question.

The Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage, the Martial Soul!

It might’ve been a secret that the Dharma Guardian Lee Cheong-un fiercely protected, and at the same time, it was the World-Class Martial Skill that the Master of the White Lotus Sect was desperately searching for. Theoretically, one would have to master the sword, fist, and spear techniques completely, obtain the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and have the three great figures of the Thunder God Lineage help with the final completion, only after which the Ultimate Technique would reveal itself to those who forgot everything and started anew.

But seriously, what absurd conditions! I could write off the Heavenly Spirit Pill, but how could one master all those difficult martial arts to that final stage?

What’s even more ridiculous is that no one even knows the name of the Ultimate Technique or what techniques it will encompass. Isn’t it nonsensical to complete a technique that you don’t even know the form of? Perhaps Jin So-cheong had remembered something about the Ultimate Technique, which prompted his question.

I shook my head. “The final technique of the Thunder God swordplay is the Thunder God Sword Dance. That’s all I know. As for the final techniques of spear and fist, I’m not certain.”

After a moment of thought, Jin replied, “The reason I even brought this up is that I feel like I have a clue about the Ultimate Technique.”

“What?!”

I was taken aback.

To be honest, while I had kept the Ultimate Technique in mind, I had treated it like some fairy tale and hadn’t thought much of it. But now here was Jin So-cheong claiming to have a lead! He looked at me with calm eyes and continued, “If the Thunder God Sword Dance is the ultimate sword technique, there must be a corresponding ultimate technique for spear techniques too.”

“Is it the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear?”

“I thought so too at first, but while training deeply in the Ranna Chul, I realized it wasn’t.”

Jin So-cheong held his spear calmly.

Bang!

Then, in an instant, he unleashed a lightning-fast thrust, and his body appeared three paces away with a booming sound. It looked like a simple jab, but I instinctively felt that a profound meaning was encapsulated within it.

“What was that? That wasn’t just a simple thrust.”

It wasn’t even the combined techniques of the Ranna Chul. It was qualitatively different in essence from spear techniques. I felt like I was witnessing a martial skill I had never seen before.

Jin So-cheong nodded. “I didn’t use this during our fight the other day because it wasn’t perfected then. But I believe this is the next level of Thunder God Spear Techniques.”

“Next level?”

“When I consulted with my master, he said this was the stage of merging the six harmonies of spear techniques into one.”

I thought deeply and asked, “The six harmonies of spear techniques refer to the six forms, right? The first thrust, second advance, third application of methods, fourth entanglement, fifth spear grasping, and sixth straight thrust?”

“Exactly, you were once a master who studied spear techniques deeply.”

I felt a bit sheepish. I remembered those years spent in hell training, honing my spear skills since I believed them superior to swordplay.

“Hmm, that’s just theory, not a martial technique or secret move…”

Unlike the absurd concepts of the Taoist sects, the six harmonies in spear techniques were clear and straightforward truths. It meant to thrust first, then advance, apply different methods, entangle the opponent’s moves, and finally stab at the heart—this was the perfect combat flow. For a spearman, there wasn’t a more intuitive or easily comprehended theory than this.

Jin So-cheong quietly said, “It’s still incomplete, but would you like to try it?”

“Well, let’s see what you’ve got.”

I got into a combat stance. Watching from the side earlier, I didn’t feel at all threatened, so I readied my Cave-Collapsing Sword, preparing for whatever attacks might come. The Cave-Collapsing Sword could deflect any attack depending on how it was used.

Jin So-cheong focused before launching a thrust.

“Merge!”

Kaboom!

In the next moment, our weapons clashed spectacularly in mid-air.

“……!!”

Unbelievably, neither of us could withstand the pressure and both dropped our weapons! Just moments ago, I thought I had perfectly countered Jin So-cheong’s thrust using my Cave-Collapsing Sword, but it was all an illusion.

His thrust twisted the momentum and seemed alive, forcing me to strain and maneuver my sword to protect myself. And in the second impact, the unexpected recoil from our collision caused us both to lose our grip on our weapons. Of course, Jin’s earlier consumption of the spiritual pill played a part as well.

“What… what was that?!”

I stood there gaping. This kind of technique was truly unprecedented! Jin So-cheong, tending to his torn hand, said, “I can’t explain it well, but it’s like taking the journey from the first thrust to the sixth straight thrust and encapsulating it in one move. My master called this the peak of thrusting techniques.”

“……”

“This might be something I will research for the rest of my life.”

I felt a mixture of astonishment and realization.

‘While swordplay has a distinction in its ascent leading to the Thunder God Sword Dance, it wouldn’t make sense for spear techniques to lag behind.’

It suddenly struck me that Jin So-cheong’s earlier thrust was most likely the Mind Control Technique, and that the definitive spear technique, unlike swordplay, could only be passed down by someone who had reached the stage of intent. Swordplay, having evolved for ritualistic purposes, focuses on passing down forms, while the Thunder God spear techniques, developed for real combat, necessitate an awareness of the peak of one’s intent.

Despite these elevated stages, the fact that both Jin So-cheong and Lee Kwang hadn’t made significant advancements made perfect sense. Their martial arts were so high-level that they continued to study without certainty regarding their next stages. I felt Jin So-cheong had used his heightened internal power when he executed his techniques; it didn’t fully feel like it was his own yet.

‘If he were to fully transcend that into enlightenment, then I wouldn’t stand a chance against him…’

Jin So-cheong continued, “Then it’s possible someone knows the final technique of the Thunder God lineage’s fist techniques too. The Dharma Guardian of the Thunderbolt Three Saints, the Red Moon, would be the most likely candidate.”

“Indeed. It seems the Ultimate Techniques of the Thunder God Lineage aren’t merely a delusion.”

“When I considered this, I suddenly felt an instinct…”

After a brief hesitation, Jin said, “The Ultimate Techniques must undeniably exist. And I believe they will take a much more concrete form than we think.”

I tilted my head, baffled.

“Why would you think this? While it’s conceivable to master the Thunder God lineage’s three great martial arts to their ultimate levels, experiencing a reset is unrealistic…”

“I don’t know the reasons, but the situation says otherwise.”

Jin So-cheong said decisively, “Both my great master Lee Cheong-un and the current Master of the White Lotus Sect must have clashed because they were aware that the Ultimate Techniques certainly existed. There’s no way my master would be so desperately searching for the Ultimate Techniques otherwise.”

“What? Lee Kwang is desperately searching…?”

His expression turned bitter. “My master kept muttering about needing to resurrect the techniques whenever he had the chance. He lamented often…”

“……!!”

“To resurrect means to bring something that once existed back to life. The Ultimate Techniques must have a clear form. It’s likely that Lee Cheong-un has partially completed the foundation of the Ultimate Techniques and my master has heard some of it.”

This was a perspective I had never entertained before. At the same time, it set a much higher goal clearly before me. But I soon realized there was a contradiction.

“Then the leader’s actions seem odd. If the Ultimate Technique truly existed, then he shouldn’t have purged the Thunder God lineage. He should have waited for them to complete it and seized it instead, right?”

“The Ultimate Techniques of the Thunder God lineage might be stronger than his own martial arts. If completed, it could be beyond his control.”

“……”

That made sense. While he may have felt the threat of the Thunder God lineage’s Ultimate Techniques and purged them, he might still have harbored a desire for their power. As I mulled over the conspiracy theories in my mind, Jin So-cheong continued.

“Baek Woong, I’m aware that you have some ill feelings toward my master. I also know that our Thunder God lineage has held back your past life. But please, don’t hate us as a group; rather, I hope you can assist us.”

I felt a bit awkward, as it was clear that my mixed emotions toward the Thunder God lineage had been manifesting, leading Jin So-cheong to say this.

“Understood. I will do my best.”

With that, I began imparting the techniques of Jang Sam-bong. I started with the Cave-Collapsing Sword, the Heavenly Contraction Sword, the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, the Seven Stars Shadow, the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, and the essence of the Peerless Technique. Just the transfer of essence alone took about three days. The transfer of basic techniques required another roughly seven nights of teaching.

But when the foundational teachings were complete, Jin So-cheong’s growth rate astonished me.

Boom…

The sword energies emitted by Jin So-cheong’s Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword twisted like spirals in the air, and the next moment, he smashed a rock into smithereens. Of course, considering his abilities, breaking a rock wasn’t impressive, but what mattered was that he had already refined the use of the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword to a practical level.

No matter how exceptional his martial arts and natural talent were, to achieve mastery in less than a month of training was astonishing!

Reflecting on my own experience, where it took me over ten years to properly utilize the Cave-Collapsing Sword, Jin So-cheong’s speed of growth was unbelievable. Moreover, it felt like he was already preparing to apply those techniques into his own Thunder God lineage martial arts for further advancements.

I cautiously decided to teach him the Soul Removal Technique, the Magnetism Ghost Blade, and even the Hell King’s Hand. Jin So-cheong made time to diligently learn from me, showing no signs of struggle at all. It was as if every one lesson led to a comprehension of ten, perhaps more.

“……”

A creeping fear came over me. While I had been amazed by the skills of the Sword Demon when I taught him Wudang techniques, this was a different realm entirely.

I realized, ‘Jin So-cheong’s talents are… at least ten times greater than the Sword Demon’s.’

Considering that the Sword Demon was among the ten martial prodigies of the Central Plains, it was not only astonishing but almost unfathomable. While I could understand the growth rate of the Sword Demon seeing it firsthand, Jin So-cheong’s alarming pace now was entirely out of my league. One moment he would grasp a lesson, and the next, he’d already outpaced it, disappearing from my view.

About two months and twelve days passed before I finally realized, “I’ve taught almost everything…”

Jin So-cheong was taken aback. “Huh? Really?”

“Yes.”

He was genuinely shocked.

In terms of sword techniques, Jin had already mastered it all. He had absorbed all the basic forms from Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, Thunder Dragon Sword, and Thunder God Sword Dance before turning twenty, leaving no more lessons to share.

The discussions stemming from gathering anything related to the Thunder God lineage had all been completed in about seven nights, and he’d absorbed the essence of nearly all martial techniques I had studied alongside the Sword Demon over the years. While specific details would still need refining, it was evident that Jin So-cheong had secured himself in a position of absolute superiority.

Even the Blade-less Technique I learned from Nobutsuna had been easily comprehended by him.

If there was anything more to teach, it would likely be the Shadowless Sword Technique or Soul-Removing Sword Technique, along with miscellaneous techniques. However, it hardly seemed worth teaching those; they wouldn’t significantly aid him, and he had no current need for them. With such foundational skills all but secured, Jin So-cheong could well practice on his own from here onwards.

Little did I expect that I would deplete my store of martial wisdom in under three months! I was left stunned.

Is this what humans are capable of?

Is it really possible to acquire decades of experience in such a short span?

‘This… Lee Kwang. You were something else.’

The thought of teaching such a prodigy for over ten years made me wonder just how that was even feasible.

As I contemplated feelings of doubt, frustration, and inferiority, Jin So-cheong suddenly said, “I’m worried we haven’t heard from Mangnyang. We should go look for him.”

His words snapped me back to reality. “You’re right.”

I’d been so focused on teaching Jin So-cheong that I had neglected the fact that Mangnyang had been unusually silent for this long. Considering Mangnyang had mastered the Instantaneous Movement technique, moving as fast as peak experts, it was odd that he would be gone for more than two months while searching around the Heavenly Altar of the Five Great Mountains. The fact that not a single word had come through was concerning!

As we went to consult Cheon Woo-jin, he said, “Then I’ll come with you.”

“But who will protect Jinrang Valley?”

“If Mangnyang is unavailable, then guarding Jinrang Valley becomes pointless. If it’s an emergency, I should lend my aid as well.”

With that, Cheon Woo-jin suddenly handed me a scroll. When I opened it, I saw an illustration of Zhuge Sa depicted with a stern expression, lying in a hut.

“… This can’t be…”

“Use it as needed.”

Indeed, this scroll wasn’t just a painting of Zhuge Sa.

Cheon Woo-jin had sealed Zhuge Sa within the scroll using his techniques. Who knew such a method even existed!

“……”

“If he acts up, you’ll know immediately, so there’s no need to worry.”

I couldn’t help but feel pity for Zhuge Sa. No matter how crazy he may be, getting ensnared by Cheon Woo-jin was quite the fate. It seemed in this lifetime he had truly met his match, and I felt a little sorry for him.

Jin So-cheong said, “Let’s head to Mount Tai first. That’s the most suspicious place.”

 

---