---

I retreated from the White Lotus Sect with Musashi and returned to Jangryeong Valley. Then I told everyone about what I experienced.

“Hmm… I never thought it would turn out like that.”

Mangnyang sighed, “If that’s the case, it’s as good as the White Lotus Sect being destroyed. Although the Avatar is mimicking a human personality, in the end, it’s just the [Old Ruler]. If the Master has died, there’s nothing to hope for from them anymore.”

“Damn… is there a chance that bastard will come this way?”

“There’s a good possibility. He probably got enough info from the White Lotus Sect Master and has fully prepared to intervene in the mortal world. We might soon face that entity again.”

“…….”

“It really is like a labyrinth.”

He chuckled bitterly before asking, “Baek Woong, can you freely use the Apostle’s Power that rewinds time?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Until now, it was such a powerful ability that it was sealed due to the Law of Cause and Effect, so it will surely help in the future. However, if you think about it, it explains a lot regarding time manipulation.”

Cheon Woo-jin, who listened nearby, chimed in, “The lethal injuries you’ve sustained while fighting masters of the martial arts world were healed by rewinding time, right? And the reason you survived right after the Sea God extermination was because you rewound to the ‘body before the Great Destruction’. And the unrestricted teleportation can move to places in the ‘past’ that you’ve been to?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s the power of an Apostle. Such abilities shouldn’t be allowed to mortals.”

Cheon Woo-jin expressed his genuine awe.

Until now, I had subconsciously triggered Jeon Wook’s powers only when in crisis without realizing it. The Divine Power was so strong that it was restricted by the Law of Cause and Effect. However, through my battle with the Sea God, Jeon Wook felt the need to strengthen my power, and I trained for five years in the Five Demon Gate, allowing me to use it properly.

I said to Mangnyang, “But I can only rewind time to the past two more times.”

“Why’s that?”

“Three times a year. That’s the restriction.”

“Is that also a restriction from the Law of Cause and Effect?”

“That’s what the heat told me.”

Those who heard my words fell deep in thought. After a long silence, Miho said, “Baek Woong, why not go to Jeon Wook and ask him to lift the restrictions?”

“Would that work?”

“Right now, avatars of Chi You are actively moving in this world, the Demon King is rampaging, the Heavenly Sovereign is about to descend, and the avatar of the [Old Ruler] has been resurrected in the White Lotus Sect. It wouldn’t be strange if the world came to an end tomorrow or the day after. Don’t you think now’s the perfect time to lift the restrictions of the Law of Cause and Effect?”

At that moment, Mangnyang interjected, “No, Miho. That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Rewinding time wouldn’t change the fact that we can’t defeat divine beings. It could only be used to delay death, and that only buys us time against a surprise attack. What’s truly important now is to strengthen our own powers.”

“What’s the plan?”

In response to Miho’s question, Mangnyang calmly stated, “First, we need to use Yi Yi Zhi Yi (以夷制夷), and the second plan is to liberate the Seven Luminaries.”

Miho quickly grasped it, perhaps due to her quick wits. “You mean to liberate Xuyou?”

“Exactly. Baek Woong’s current power has severely weakened since fighting the Sea God, so we need to liberate one more Luminary to use their power. “

Mangnyang clenched his fist. “Under normal circumstances, the Three Sovereigns wouldn’t allow more than four Seven Luminaries to be liberated. However, given our current crisis, this might turn out to be an opportunity.”

The Sword Demon praised, “You’re absolutely right! Other than liberating the Seven Luminaries, there’s no way forward.”

“We need to prepare offerings for the Offering Ceremony and act quickly. We don’t know when the [Old Ruler] resurrected in the White Lotus Sect will come.”

At that moment, Jin So-cheong suddenly spoke up, “There’s something bothering me.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s about Master Mangnyang.”

Jin So-cheong continued quietly, “Even in these circumstances, he hasn’t shown any direct action. With the risk of Demon Lord Beokji destroying the duel ground in Luoyang, he’s still inactive. Doesn’t this mean that this situation isn’t a big crisis for him?”

“…..”

Mangnyang pondered deeply before responding, “My master simply doesn’t have the capacity to act right now.”

“Is that true? From my perspective, it seems he’s observing…”

“Even if you’re right, what can we do? We can’t force our master to act.”

I found it odd that Jin So-cheong was suspicious of Master Mangnyang. I naturally thought she would ask questions about martial discussions or the essence of overlay techniques, but she seemed to be focused on something else. However, I couldn’t brush it off; Jin So-cheong’s instincts were sharp, so I decided to heed her words.

‘What is that cat up to, anyway?’

It seemed like it was doing nothing to help while occasionally hinting at critical clues or directions. All those thoughts and actions felt beyond human comprehension. I increasingly felt that I could not grasp what a god truly was.

Mangnyang stated, “To carry out the Yi Yi Zhi Yi strategy, we first need the support of the Master of the Twelve Joules. Baek Woong, you should go with Musashi and say this to him.”

Mangnyang’s strategy sounded plausible. Indeed, this could help resolve the issues at hand. However, I felt a pang of anxiety as I replied, “What if he overpowers me and takes the Luminaries away?”

“Musashi.” Mangnyang glanced at Musashi. When Musashi met his gaze, he said, “You pledged to obey Baek Woong for ten years. If the Twelve Joules command you to overpower Baek Woong, what will you do?”

Musashi replied bluntly, “I won’t comply.”

“So you’re saying if the Twelve Joules and Baek Woong clash, you’ll side with Baek Woong?”

“That’s right. He was my original target. The day of battle has simply come closer.”

“That’s good, Baek Woong. If Musashi goes with you, you won’t have to worry.”

Hearing Musashi’s answer, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The Musashi I knew was not the type to lie. Moreover, for Musashi, the Master of the Twelve Joules was more of a mountain to conquer rather than an ally, hence no real reason to side with him.

‘I definitely made the right choice bringing Musashi along.’

He truly is the most dependable military force we have right now. Mangnyang, as if struck by a sudden thought, said, “Oh, by the way, we need to sort out the Twin Sword Technique.”

“I can handle that,” I said as I took Musashi to the training ground where the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong were training. When I explained the purpose of my visit, the Sword Demon glanced at Musashi and replied, “You want to get a grip on his Reverse Sword Technique too?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Then I will have a spar with Musashi. That way I can discern the characteristics of his swordsmanship.”

Swish

Musashi and the Sword Demon faced each other. Knowing how strong Musashi was, I emphasized to both of them from the start that this spar would be a non-lethal match. Perhaps because of this, they stood ready with wooden swords instead of true swords from nearby.

‘Even those two could kill a person using just a reed, but let’s hope they hold back…’

What was peculiar was that the Sword Demon, originally a single-sword user, was approaching the match with twin swords. It appeared that he was testing the achievement of the Twin Sword Technique.

Musashi looked at the Sword Demon with calm eyes and said, “You’re using an unusual martial art.”

“Can you tell just from looking?”

“Let’s see how you measure up.”

Clang!

In an instant, the two masters clashed in the air for a full second. And the result astonishingly showed them evenly matched. Musashi unleashed a radiant slash, but the Sword Demon narrowly blocked it with his twin swords. Still, it seemed he was unable to avoid leaning back a bit due to the basic gap in skills.

“……!!”

But I was taken aback as I watched.

Musashi is a master of the Absolute Realm, yet he’s being blocked straight on?!

Musashi’s eyes glinted, and he launched a succession of attacks. This time it was not the same radiant slash as before but a methodical, heavy thrust filled with various alterations. The Sword Demon, in turn, wielded his twin swords to block and parry repeatedly.

Crack

‘This is slow.’

Strangely, compared to the first clash that took place in a second, this bout felt slow enough for me to gauge adequately. Likely, the two masters had assessed each other’s capabilities, adapting their power for a showy, non-lethal spar.

After about twenty seconds, Musashi withdrew his sword. And with the characteristic politeness of the Dongyoung Martial Artist, he spoke.

“Sword Demon, you have excellent martial arts. At this rate, you may become my rival someday.”

Not yet, that was the implication. He indirectly expressed his level of skill, yet no one here dared to challenge Musashi’s arrogance. With a mastery of the Absolute Realm, he had the right to say such things. On the contrary, the Sword Demon answered Musashi with a bittersweet smile.

“I too have come to understand the ferocity of your Reverse Sword Technique. Thank you.”

Once the spar concluded, I asked the Sword Demon, “What just happened?”

“Musashi blocked my moves by applying the principles of the Kiwan-rules and the Boundless Light of the Intent.”

“What?! That’s the Eight Immortals Divine Art…”

I was surprised, and the Sword Demon chuckled lightly.

“No matter how fundamental the Avatar techniques are, mastering the Twin Sword Technique this quickly is no small feat. The reason is that I learned their Twin Sword techniques while also training the Eight Immortals Divine Art, which is no ordinary martial arts but a form of Insight that can be practiced through meditation.”

“I see…”

“Last time, I complained, but my skill has surely progressed during this period. That’s why although Musashi spared my life today, I was able to stand against him.”

Then the Sword Demon began to explain to me.

“As you know, the Kiwan-rules can only be delved into by understanding both Hardness and Softness. Moreover, it’s profound enough to derive multiple variations through a deep understanding of weaponry techniques. It can transform ordinary swordplay into first-rate swordsmanship in the blink of an eye.”

“Right.”

“But the characteristic of the Kiwan-rules is that even if you derive many moves, it won’t fill a single rule (理). I kept pondering the reason while learning the Twin Sword techniques of the Avatar descendants until I accidentally found the answer. That answer is the same Eight Immortals Divine Art called the Boundless Light of the Intent.”

“……!!”

“The Boundless Light of the Intent is a form of Heart Technique (心功) that lets you reflect the opponent’s mind like a mirror. While performing the Kiwan-rules, I employed the Boundless Light of the Intent simultaneously. Therefore, I was able to grasp the flow of your attack as if it were my own.”

“The flow of my mind…?”

When I tilted my head in confusion, the Sword Demon laughed heartily.

“Seeing is believing. Now, let’s spar, shall we?”

“Sounds good.”

I began to spar with the Sword Demon. Without hesitation, I unleashed the Bowing Sky Slash against him.

Swish

‘Oh?!’

At that moment, when my technique clashed with the Sword Demon’s, I felt my energy being pulled into him. Immediately after, he quickly shifted his energy like flowing water and swept away the space distortions infused in my Bowing Sky Slash, counterattacking exactly at the same moment.

Thud!

I hurriedly raised my wooden sword to block his thrust, but I was sent flying backward. The latent power contained within was overwhelming, and even with the full weight of my body, I couldn’t withstand it. As I steadied myself and attacked again, every time I did, his twin swords would elegantly flow to either deflect my attacks or counterattack.

The Sword Demon said while suspending his sword, “Didn’t you feel anything from my counter?”

“It was incredibly intense.”

“That wasn’t my strength. It was your power returning back to you.”

“……!!”

“While applying the Boundless Light of the Intent, I reflected your mind as if it were my own. That’s how I could fully read the flow of your attack and redirect it perfectly. Moreover, since the Twin Sword Technique excels in defense, you likely felt a much greater pressure.”

“I can’t believe that’s even possible…”

I had never thought of it. I assumed that the Kiwan-rules only acted as a support martial art that enhanced either transformation or illusion but combined with the Boundless Light of the Intent, it turned into the ultimate counter-technique! I was so shocked I decided to summon Jang Sam-bong to question him.

[ Grand Master Jang, did you consider this possibility of the Eight Immortals Divine Art too?]

[ I thought it might be possible, but left the research to my successors.]

Jang Sam-bong stroked his beard, looking a bit satisfied.

[ The Sword Demon is indeed an exceptional martial artist. If he had been a disciple of Wudang… ]

[ Would you like to spar with the Sword Demon now?]

[ Ho ho! Sure.]

In that instant, Jang Sam-bong readily accepted my request and shifted his body.

[ Uh… ]

What’s going on?! He accepted that way too easily! I had never felt my essence retreat that quickly, not even with Yeodong-bin, and I was taken aback. Jang Sam-bong cheerfully seized his wooden sword and declared.

[ Let’s face off.]

The Sword Demon couldn’t hide his joy. “To spar against the legendary Grand Master Jang Sam-bong…!! I’m ecstatic.”

Crash!

Jang Sam-bong clashed with the Sword Demon a few times, then as the sound of thunder erupted, he seemed to discover something.

[ Excellent, how about this?]

“Ugh.”

Crack-clash!

Then, using a technique I’d never seen before, he began rapidly exchanging blows with the Sword Demon, who started to falter in receiving it. It looked like clouds were fluffing up, and hundreds of flickering lights of the sword began to explode, making it incredibly terrifying.

[ Haha! You’re wonderful, wonderful!]

As Jang Sam-bong laughed joyfully while sparring, Jin So-cheong stealthily drew a spear.

“Grand Master Jang! I’d like to ask for a turn too.”

[ Come forth!]

Crash!

Jin So-cheong unleashed the Thunderclap technique, charging at Jang Sam-bong. In response, Jang Sam-bong clasped his hands together and slowly took the first stance of Tai Chi.

Two Intent Divine Art!

The Sword Demon attacked Jang Sam-bong from the left with Maximum Slash while Jin So-cheong struck from the right, but Jang Sam-bong’s body seemed to split into two halves as he executed different moves simultaneously with both hands. Even the Mind Control Technique was released at two to three instances at a time, while both the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong appeared to be overwhelmed despite their joint efforts. Perhaps exhilarated, Jang Sam-bong happily declared.

[ Unlike the Eight Immortals Divine Art you’ve devised, I too had concepts for combinations when creating the Seven Great Techniques. Here, give this a try. ]

As his words fell, Jang Sam-bong’s body split into three.

Each one, hampered by real power, resembled an avatar filled with supreme manifestations of the Mind Control Technique.

Seven Great Techniques!

Combination Techniques!

Three Refined Masters!

Seven Great Techniques!

Combination Techniques!

Dark Heaven Nine Dragon Wave!

Seven Great Techniques!

Combined Understanding!

Nine Palace Heavenly Net Tenth Segment!

Bang!

“Kraaaak.”

“Ugh.”

As Jin So-cheong propelled upwards by the power of the Three Refined Masters, he used the Thunderclap to dodge. Yet, in that fleeting moment, the reverse celestial wheel sailing towards him made him scream. Meanwhile, although the Sword Demon managed to give the Dark Heaven Nine Dragon Wave his all using the Kiwan-rules, his exhausted state was glaringly obvious. Finally, the infamous greatest technique from the Wudang Sect, the Combined Understanding released by Jang Sam-bong, transformed into the Nine Palace Heavenly Net Tenth Segment and came hurtling toward them. Both were thrown backward in disbelief.

Crash!

Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon lay sprawled on the ground, writhing.

The Sword Demon struggled to stand, mumbling, “This… this is the Grand Master of the martial arts world and an entity beyond heaven. This is a significant lesson.”

“…….”

I was astonished to see Jang Sam-bong wreaking havoc on the martial arts world. No matter how much I respect traditions, the two people right in front of me are among the top martial masters in the current Jianghu, yet they seemed to be playing around with them.

While I was busy watching it all unfold, Musashi stepped in, seemingly motivated by pride, and approached with his sword drawn.

“This is fantastic. Teach me a technique too.”

[ Haha! Sounds good.]

Oh no, don’t!

I’m going to die!

Bang!

Crack!

Consequently, I was forced to watch all day long as Jang Sam-bong faced off against the three masters. Of course, it was an immense lesson, but as Jang Sam-bong’s divine spirit was released, I felt like my muscles were being torn apart from the intensity. The moment the divine spirit settled, a scream escaped me like that of a butcher killing a pig.

“Kreeeak.”

It felt like I had exhausted every bit of latent power in me, and the pain was unbearable. While I crawled around in agony in the training arena, Jang Sam-bong, looking apologetic, spoke.

[ Uh… I apologize, Dharma Protector. I got carried away…]

[ … I didn’t know that Grand Master Jang would enjoy fighting… Such a legacy was unheard of.]

Jang Sam-bong retorted as if confused by what I said. [ I enjoyed sparring and duels even in my era. I defeated many villains from the Great Empire and the Demon Path.]

[ What?! You preferred to avoid conflict and promote peace…]

[ I was bored as none could match me at the Absolute Realm…]

[ ……]

I didn’t want to learn the truth of the martial arts world’s history like this…

I had no choice but to spend the day recuperating and set off towards the Master of the Twelve Joules the next day.

 

---