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“So, that so-called Heavenly Secret Technique is just the Spirit Invocation Technique, huh?”

Mangnyang told me that the technique he was referring to was indeed the Spirit Invocation Technique. Coming from someone already familiar with powerful summoning techniques like mine, it felt a bit pointless. After all, if I could just summon Yeodong-bin, didn’t I essentially already have what I needed?

“But you can’t always rely on Yeodong-bin’s strength,” he added. “After all, he is still a person from the Celestial Realm.”

“Hmmm, true that.”

“Plus, the uses of the Heavenly Secret Technique are limitless. Once you master it, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.”

I learned the training methods and the unfolding techniques of the Heavenly Secret here on the spot. Normally, you’d need months to practice, but thanks to Mangnyang’s supernatural insight, I grasped it relatively quickly. After about four time moments of alternating rest and training, I went back to the inn with Mangnyang.

“Hmm. We could keep watching the situation, but… Let’s head to the Shadowless Gate first.”

“Good idea.”

So we made our way to the Shadowless Gate. I thought that instead of loitering around the inn, it was better for me to practice. In the meantime, I taught the Sword Demon the intricacies of Jang Sam-bong’s insights and learned techniques from Mangnyang.

“Get comfortable with the Heavenly Secret Technique and lay the groundwork for other techniques. You have the knowledge of Ji-seon Mang-nyang, but it’s a shame you can’t use it properly.”

Mangnyang’s teachings went down smoothly. Training felt easier and more enjoyable than before. I also remembered to share the Black and White Lotus with Mangnyang and the Sword Demon to boost their internal power.

With just a few days left to a month, I returned to the inn, keeping a lookout on Zhao Family Estate while waiting for Namgung Hwan to make his move.

‘Ah, there’s Namgung Hwan.’

It seemed they were starting to ride out. We pushed ahead, syncing our movements with dusk as we headed near Hangu Pass. Usually, this was around the time Jin So-cheong would show up to rescue Namgung Hwan.

Crash!

“Grrr, bring out the Heavenly Yin Body!!”

“Back off!”

Jin So-cheong swung her spear horizontally, scattering silver sparks, sending a few first-class experts flipping through the air. A lot of high-level exchanges were happening within a short time.

As expected, Jin So-cheong was in the thick of battling numerous martial artists. I hid about thirty paces away, watching her fight in awe.

“No wasted moves.”

Right now, in a direct confrontation, I’d definitely have the upper hand over Jin So-cheong. However, her martial arts were incredibly precise, with no unnecessary openings. Although I lacked the internal power and enlightenment to fully display my strength, it was clear that she was a significant talent. I could tell exactly how much she was holding back her power.

If she started unleashing her strength, I had no doubt that the twenty or so martial artists surrounding her would quickly become a bloody mess. None among the gathered crowd could withstand Jin So-cheong.

Mangnyang urged, “You should head out. This is the chance.”

“Got it.”

I stepped forward. The situation was still without casualties, with the experts encircling Jin So-cheong and Namgung Hwan. As I slowly advanced through the pitch-black shadows, one of the martial artists yelled,

“Who’s this rookie? Get lost…”

Bang!

He was knocked out cold by my punch before he could finish his line. Instantly, all attention turned to me, and as if on cue, two or three first-class experts attacked me.

The one I just knocked out was a well-known figure in the Jianghu, so it must’ve given the others a fright.

‘Tch.

I caught the whip coming at me with my fingers, channeling power into it. The one wielding the whip felt his shoulder dislocate in recoil and grimaced in pain. Not stopping there, I swung my sword and blades towards the rest, striking them with the Thunder Shadow Palm’s Na Hanjak.

Smack!

They couldn’t even scream before sinking to the ground. Normally, I’d have blasted their heads but held back, ending with just a concussion and fainting. Gazing around chillingly, the other experts dared not approach me and hesitated.

Though short-lived, the disparity in our levels was already vividly imprinted in the scene.

“Who, who are you?”

I replied bluntly, “Can’t you tell? I’m an expert.”

“……”

“Quit babbling nonsense and shut up.”

Thud!

“Ugh.”

Unable to endure the humiliation, he lunged at me, but with a flick of my finger, he collapsed backwards like a frog, knocked out. Clearly, he couldn’t even grasp the fundamentals of Fingertip Technique, yet he was here begging for death. Perhaps sensing something was off, a pale-faced figure among the experts stepped forward.

“Are you a Half-Transition Master? From which sect does such a renowned figure hail?”

I glanced at him. Instantly recognizing his identity.

‘The strongest among those gathered must be that Color Demon, the one who maintains youth through the Youth Preserving Technique.’

I recalled that the gang trying to ambush Mo Yong-yeon was riding on the confidence of the Color Demon’s martial prowess. Even now, it was evident that the Color Demon’s skill was far superior to Namgung Hwan’s peak.

I wasn’t about to let myself be fooled by his attempts to hide his claws.

I said to the Color Demon, “What good is knowing? Your reckless actions stirred up this chaos in the inn.”

The Color Demon cautiously replied, “Could it be… are you the Bright Dragon from the Wudang Sect?”

Bright Dragon? The martial artists swarming seemed confused at the mention. But I knew him well, and it was clear the Color Demon was quite knowledgeable about the hidden talents within the Jianghu.

‘Must’ve guessed based on my young age, swordsmanship, and internal power.’

The flow of the Wudang Sect mixed into my martial arts likely also contributed to his guess. I didn’t feel the need for explanations and casually replied,

“Why don’t you just scram? I could start a killing spree today.”

“Hahaha… luck just ran out.”

Swish!

The Color Demon muttered, then bolted without a second look. The bravado was gone from the highest-ranking of their bunch. Now all that was left was that little scoundrel, free to roam the Jianghu for so long.

‘Should I just go kill him?’

I considered chasing down the Color Demon and smashing his head in but quickly abandoned the thought. Right now, he wasn’t the priority. Instead, I turned to the panicking martial artists and unleashed the Lion’s Roar.

[If anyone doesn’t disappear within the count of three, I’ll personally end you!]

“Geez…!!”

[One! Two!]

The reactions split sharply before I could finish counting. Some clung desperately to their weapons while others fled without a backward glance. Twelve first-class experts chose to face me.

[Three!]

Crash!

“Get lost!”

It happened in a flash. As I leapt, among those charging at me, five heads rolled simultaneously. It was just a thinly compressed slash of sword energy, but none could catch the speed or trajectory. In the chaos left behind, I swiftly jumped in and struck them again.

With every swing of my blade, bodies were torn apart, blood flowed, and the surroundings were a gruesome sight. My strikes did not cease; twelve soon dwindled to two, who stood frozen in fear.

“Ugh…”

“P-please, spare me…”

Crash!

As I prepared to send the last two to the underworld, Jin So-cheong intervened, blocking my attack with her spear. Drawing on her internal power, she redirected my blow, but the difference in strength showed, and she grimaced.

Jin So-cheong said, “That’s enough already. Stop the killing!”

“…Fine.”

I withdrew my hand, feeling a bit uneasy.

‘Jin So-cheong. These guys tried to assault women and even kill you. Do we really need to save these scum?’

I wanted to voice that thought. But at this moment, Jin So-cheong knew nothing. It would have no meaning for him to hear it. I took a deep breath and turned to Jin So-cheong.

“Jin So-cheong, I was searching for experts. If you’re okay with it, how about we have a match?”

With a tense expression, Jin So-cheong raised her spear.

“Alright!”

After agreeing, she tilted her head and continued, “But your martial arts come from the Thunder God Lineage, huh? Are you a successor?”

I didn’t answer that question, focusing only on what I had to say. “If you win, you’ll ensure the safety of Namgung Hwan and Mo Yong-yeon. But if I win…”

“If you win?”

“You’ll have to grant me one request.”

“…Alright.”

Jin So-cheong took her stance. Although I felt superior, I couldn’t afford to take her lightly. I got into position too, ready for a serious bout.

As we clashed our intentions, we vied for initiative.

Whoosh –

I thought I had her at a disadvantage, but subduing her proved challenging. The more defensively she fought, the more I realized Jin So-cheong was no pushover. I clenched my teeth, deliberately going all out with Jang Sam-bong’s ultimate technique.

Bang!

My Bowing Sky Slash shattered the space as it flew. Jin So-cheong, caught off guard, was forced back, and I seized the moment to press my assault. With the gap in our internal powers and understanding, I easily gained the upper hand in fifty seconds.

But whenever I tried to push for a definitive win, she expertly blocked my most lethal attacks. It seemed like she had been fighting desperately to not fall, but in reality, her defense was highly effective. Even after a hundred or two hundred seconds, I couldn’t secure a clear victory and was left throwing attack after attack.

Impatience crept in.

Clearly, our levels were different—why was it so hard to overpower her?

Catch!

After four hundred and twenty seconds, Jin So-cheong’s endurance finally gave way, and she got kicked away. Definitely a stark reversal, but she collapsed and then sprang up, panting heavily.

“…Why are you going easy on me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t pretend. That kick could’ve killed me.”

That was the truth. I had spotted a critical opening just before the kick; my internal power was such that if I had really focused it, her upper body would have exploded.

I crossed my arms and replied, “It’s just us betting on things. I gained myself a win.”

“Grr…”

Jin So-cheong’s frustration was evident. After enduring for four hundred and twenty seconds, employing her Thunderclap, she had still lost to me. But ironically, I was the one who was sweating here. I brought out a large piece of obsidian.

“Here, take this.”

“…Is this what you’re asking for?”

“Yep.”

“I can’t accept this! How can I take something so dubious?”

My gaze turned cold.

“Are you saying you won’t keep your promise?”

Jin So-cheong got lost in thought after my retort. Then he answered, “Alright, I was mistaken. I’ll take the black stone.”

“Not just any stone. It’s an obsidian.”

“You’re quite the odd one to fixate on such things.”

As Jin So-cheong reluctantly accepted the obsidian, a sudden chill overcame him.

“Ack…”

His expression twisted grotesquely. It was no surprise; the large obsidian contained the essence of my past lives and everything I learned from Jang Sam-bong and the Thunder God’s swordplay. All that info hit him at once, and it was bound to leave him stunned.

A moment later, he spoke, his demeanor completely changed, indicating he had fully inherited the memories of past lives.

“…Baek Woong. Your approach signifies you’ve severed ties with your master?”

At his words, Namgung Hwan and Mo Yong-yeon behind him looked bewildered. Just as I was about to respond, Mangnyang, who had been watching from behind a tree, stepped forward and exclaimed loudly,

“Jin So-cheong, think carefully! Just by not killing Lee Kwang, Baek Woong is showing considerable restraint!”

“……!!”

Jin So-cheong gritted his teeth, quickly recognizing the gravity of the changed circumstances. He turned to Mangnyang and said, “So, you’re saying you won’t harm my master?”

“Of course. We won’t give him anything that benefits him nor do him any harm. Lee Kwang can go on as he has until now.”

Mangnyang continued with a chilling gaze, “What we need is you. Only with you can Baek Woong move forward.”

“I see… So this is why today has happened.”

“Please understand.”

Jin So-cheong lamented, “Is it truly impossible for everyone to understand one another?”

“……”

I had no words for Jin So-cheong.

His position was understandable. He surely felt a great deal of affection for his master and would want to help him as much as possible. But with Lee Kwang’s petty nature, that had turned difficult. His past actions had led to a heavy consequence.

“Then please take care from here on out, Baek Woong.”

“Same to you.”

With the formalities concluded, suddenly, Jin So-cheong pressed the spear tip against Namgung Hwan’s neck.

“W-what are you doing, friend!”

Namgung Hwan panicked as Jin So-cheong coldly replied, “Friend? That’s hardly the truth.”

“What…?”

“The past ‘me’ acted bright and cheerful while knowing exactly what you were. I held back for your sake, because if I acted recklessly, not only I but my master and the Thunder God Lineage would be dragged into your affairs. But now that I’m working with Baek Woong, I’ll act according to my thoughts.”

With that, Namgung Hwan’s face hardened.

“You’ve demolished the Middle and Small Sects, capturing their beautiful women to imprison in Namgung Clan’s basement. Rumors in the dark circles are plenty.”

Sudden bombshell information dropped.

“……!!”

Mangnyang, who was listening nearby, remarked, “So you heard this from the Divine Maiden Sect.”

“Indeed.”

“You saved Namgung Hwan despite knowing such allegations?”

Jin So-cheong sighed at Mangnyang’s interjection.

“I thought they were just baseless rumors. Namgung Hwan was, after all, an honorable figure from the righteous sect, so I dismissed the potential slander from jealous enemies. Still, I couldn’t shake off my unease, and after this affair, I was planning a personal investigation into the Namgung Clan.”

So that was it. Jin So-cheong sometimes went out casually, perhaps regarding that matter.

“That’s just an excuse.”

“…It was an excuse. Up until now, I had no interest in interfering with others’ affairs. I couldn’t bring the weight of significant problems to my master. That is the limit of Jin So-cheong as a person.”

He looked melancholic.

It wasn’t the noble righteousness that was apparent but the sorrow of the human, Jin So-cheong.

I couldn’t help but speak up, “Enough! Let’s move on. Focus on what comes next.”

“Baek Woong, will you forgive me?”

“Forgiveness, or whatever, you won’t mess up again, so no worries.”

I said firmly, glaring at Namgung Hwan. “Let’s confirm this matter first and talk.”

The moments were exciting. It felt like the day had finally come to properly unleash the Six Harmonies Total Kill and Eight Trigram Seal.

 

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