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0093 ———————————————-

Dark Heaven Village

After about a month, I received a response to the sparring manual I sent through Jeong Cheol-wook to the Twelve Joules. It said that all the leaders of the Twelve Joules accepted my sparring application and that I could come visit anytime I wished. While I was reading that manual delivered by a messenger from the Jeong Clan, Hwa Seong-myeong asked,

“Baek Woong, are you really considering clashing with the Twelve Joules?”

“It’s not a clash. It’s just a chance to pit our skills against each other and improve,” I explained.

“Don’t feed me that polished talk. I led the Medical Society in Hebei; do you think I don’t understand the ways of the Jianghu? Right now, they can’t act too recklessly because of Jeong Cheol-wook’s influence, but the protection from the Jeong Clan has its limits. If Jeong Cheol-wook were to fall from power, the Twelve Joules would definitely not look kindly on you.”

I replied calmly, “But that’s still many years away.”

“Of course, what I said is a low probability. The Twelve Joules isn’t just a bunch of small fries. But do you really want to risk that for the sake of improving your martial arts?”

Hwa Seong-myeong’s eyes were filled with concern. I was practically his son, having received his medical teachings as the direct disciple of the Hua Clan, and if I messed up, it would also bring great harm to them. I closed the ancient medical book I was reading and responded,

“I still have a long way to go. Too many problems can’t be solved without advancing my martial arts. And without strength, you can’t protect anything. I’m doing my best, and I believe there’s a good outcome waiting at the end of this path.”

“Hmm. If you think that way, I won’t say anything more.”

After Hwa Seong-myeong pondered for a bit, he continued,

“How well do you understand the concepts of Empty Foundation, Solid Foundation, Strong Foundation, and Weak Bone?”

“I’ve been training in Huatuo’s Five Animals Play for seven years, so I think I have a decent grasp of it.”

Hwa Seong-myeong clenched his fist tightly.

“Alright… then I’ll teach you its applications.”

“Applications?”

I tilted my head in confusion.

Over the past years, I learned the Hua’s 108 Needles and Huatuo’s Five Animals Play under him. While the Hua’s 108 Needles was indeed powerful enough to be classified as martial arts, Huatuo’s Five Animals Play was more like a health exercise, lacking the martial prowess expected of a proper martial art and more at the level taught by local martial masters. Nevertheless, I diligently practiced Huatuo’s Five Animals Play daily because Hwa Seong-myeong urged me to.

Hwa Seong-myeong spoke,

“I was planning to tell you this once your Hua’s 108 Needles level improved, but I can’t wait any longer. In fact, there’s a hidden secret technique within Huatuo’s Five Animals Play.”

“A secret technique?”

He picked up the cup of tea beside him, pouring it carefully while a warm steam rose. Holding the steaming cup with both hands, Hwa Seong-myeong said,

“What do you think a healer is in the martial world?”

“Well, they’re the ones who treat the injured and sick, right?”

“That’s just the first level. In reality, a healer exists at the eye of the storm in the whirlpool of hidden grudges.”

After taking a sip of tea, Hwa Seong-myeong continued,

“Let’s say a person named A collides with B and gets seriously injured, then seeks out a healer to save their life. If the healer succeeds in saving A, what happens?”

“Then they would return to fight B.”

“And if A successfully avenges themselves on B, who will B blame?”

“……”

“That’s right. For B, the healer might be more detestable than A. B was just trying to protect their own life, yet by saving A’s life, the healer endangered their own and their family’s as well. It’s a twisted grudge.”

I was left speechless as Hwa Seong-myeong added,

“That’s why most healers try to stay out of martial affairs. But martial artists desperately search for healers because their lives are at stake. If a healer is even slightly renowned, they’ll inevitably be dragged into the martial world. If you knew how dirty martial artists could get just to receive proper treatment, you’d be shocked.”

“Hmm…”

“This results in many capable healers being unfairly killed by martial artists’ blind blades. Hence, healers today have developed survival techniques.”

“What are those?”

“The first is developing self-defense techniques, the second is finding a powerful faction for protection, and the third is developing methods to feign death.”

“……!!”

“Huatuo’s Five Animals Play includes both self-defense techniques and ways to feign death. The Hwa Clan has managed to survive in Hebei as a renowned medical family and avoid major disasters thanks to the wonders of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play. I want to teach you that.”

Not quite understanding, I asked,

“Feign death? You mean pretending to be dead?”

“Precisely. The Taoist methods and longevity techniques are far behind the doctors’. If you can effectively use your breathing to control all your involuntary muscles and internal structures, you can withstand enemy attacks while minimizing damage and convincingly play dead.”

Hwa Seong-myeong smiled broadly as he spoke.

“Doesn’t it sound ridiculous? Yet, within the Hwa Clan’s history spanning hundreds or even thousands of years, many have saved their lives using Huatuo’s Five Animals Play. It’s the ultimate survival technique.”

“If it’s that good, you could’ve told me sooner…”

“Accessing the secret techniques of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play requires your Hua’s 108 Needles to reach a certain level. You need to understand the flow of the mysterious energy and blood vessels used in Hua’s 108 Needles to use it. Thus, I’ve been watching quietly, hoping your understanding of medicine would deepen.”

“I see.”

“I don’t know what results you’ll gain in your sparring with the Twelve Joules. However, if you master the secret techniques of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play, you will certainly return safely without serious injuries.”

And so, over the course of about half a year, I was taught the secret techniques of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play by Hwa Seong-myeong. As he said, without a good understanding of Hua’s 108 Needles, I could never have potentially grasped the secret techniques. Only after that was I able to officially challenge the Twelve Joules to a duel.

The first opponent was the Azure Dragon Sect.

Swoosh –

On a rainy day, I stood in front of the large wooden door of the Azure Dragon Sect. Moments after the gatekeeper standing under the eaves of Azure Dragon accepted my sparring manual, I was allowed entry to the internal sparring arena.

Pitter-patter

Outside, the cold dampness and the sound of rain danced through the windows. Occasionally, the chirps of insects filled the air. However, the inside was incredibly quiet, with about ten Azure Dragon disciples seated in a circle around the sparring arena.

In front of me stood the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, a robust-looking middle-aged man with a large knife strapped to his waist. Here stood the master of the Azure Dragon Sect, who handled the giant sword within the Twelve Joules.

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader spoke,

“I was wondering when you’d arrive; I’m truly honored you’ve chosen me as the first target in your sparring with the Twelve Joules, Baek Woong.”

“I heard the Azure Dragon Blade Technique is unparalleled, and I wanted to witness it for myself.”

“Ha ha ha, who said that? It’s embarrassing to get flattery like that.”

“Lord Jeong said so.”

At my response, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader squinted slightly, a mixture of joy and suspicion passing through his eyes.

“Is that true? How delightful…”

“There’s no way I would lie to shy away from you here.”

“Ho ho ho, you’re quite clever for your age.”

“I believe sparring with you will be a great fortune for me.”

Not revealing any openings, I faced the Azure Dragon Sect Leader as he smirked.

“Alright then. Let’s see the skills of the genius of the Central Plains which left the Flowing Water Sect leader in awe.”

Cling –

Both our weapons, the Azure Dragon’s giant sword and my spear, were drawn simultaneously, emanating an unusual sound. Truth be told, the sound of drawing wasn’t loud, but the clash of our energies created that effect. As shockwaves filled the air, one of the nearby Azure Dragon disciples coughed up blood, sustaining internal injuries.

“Cough.”

“Oh no! Gather your energy!”

“My apologies.”

As the Azure Dragon Sect Leader frowned, disciples rushed to support the injured one and moved further away. They began watching from the eaves, almost getting drenched in the rain outside. The Azure Dragon Sect Leader placed the sword on his shoulder and said,

“Have you reached the level of Return to Simplicity? I’ve heard rumors of your immense internal power, but it seems to be coiled tightly within you.”

“Return to Simplicity is by no means an easily achieved level. I’m merely sealing my techniques for convenience.”

“Straightforward, aren’t you? Let’s have some fun!”

Boom!

The clash began. I sensed that the Azure Dragon Sect Leader was also a Peak Expert, so I figured a probing battle would be pointless. He was definitely above me in skill, so I had no choice but to put forth all my strength from the start to secure the advantage. My spear swiftly sang through the air, releasing a powerful thrust.

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader easily attempted to deflect the attack but widened his eyes in surprise.

Clang!

“……!!”

His giant sword broke in two, sending his body flying backward! While the hit didn’t seem to cause much damage, he looked completely shocked. He firmly landed on the ground after regaining his balance using light body techniques. The Azure Dragon Sect Leader stared in disbelief at his broken weapon and exclaimed,

“This was made from refined Qing Steel! What’s your internal power…?!”

“Don’t play coy. You know to deflect if you can’t stop it.”

“Well, that’s true… So, shall we continue?”

Was he really going to fight me with a broken sword?

I raised my eyebrows and charged in again. Using Thunder Shadow Step’s Heavenly Gathering Kill, I made rapid multiple thrusts from various angles. As the unpredictable assault continued, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader swung his broken sword in defense, managing to deflect all my attacks effortlessly.

Creaking

‘This guy has monstrous skills… To wield that heavy, clumsy sword so fluidly.’

I admired him inwardly. Most skilled fighters would struggle to deflect my spear thrusts infused with my internal power. Yet the Azure Dragon Sect Leader was elegantly flowing with my strikes like a willow in the wind. He was a Peak Expert who couldn’t be defeated merely through an advantage in internal power.

Moments later, he initiated a counterattack. With a powerful swing, he parried my thrust and used the recoil to withdraw, then assumed a crouching sword stance before spinning faster and faster.

Whoosh…

A howling sound echoed in the arena as a gust of wind spiraled into the vicinity of the Azure Dragon Sect Leader. His body was enveloped in a cyclone, spinning so rapidly that it was difficult to see. Suddenly, he burst forth like a projectile. I had sensed his movements intently and could block the blow, but when six consecutive sword flames shot toward me, I was left astonished.

“Ugh…!!”

While frantically deflecting the sword flames, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s rotational strength didn’t slow. He balanced himself on his left foot and kept spinning, as if he was dancing in circles in the sparring arena. As I gripped my spear tightly, I felt the pressure of being surrounded by dozens of enemies. This time, I opted to use Thunder Shadow Step’s Heavenly Gathering Kill against his attack.

Boom!

But the results weren’t favorable. Though I easily dodged the initial attack using Heavenly Gathering Kill, I found no way to combat the sword flames following the rotation. Just standing still would’ve been better than this, and as I tended to the wounds on my arms and waist, I felt tension creeping in.

‘So this is the Rotating Blade Technique I’ve heard so much about?’

The spinning sword technique I only thought existed in grandmasters’ martial arts was displayed before my eyes by the Azure Dragon Sect Leader. I had come in knowing of the Azure Dragon Sect’s martial features, but it was far more powerful than I had anticipated. The Rotating Blade Technique, requiring specialized internal power, automatically unleashed consecutive attacks on anyone who couldn’t handle it. It was a deadly technique that ordinary martial artists couldn’t compete against.

Stay calm.

If I panic, I’m sure to lose.

I took a deep breath and thought,

‘Empty Foundation, Solid Foundation, Strong Foundation, and Weak Bone.’

Huatuo’s Five Animals Play wasn’t just basic Qi manipulation; it granted the user perfect control over the Hand Shaoyin Heart Covering Meridian, part of the Twelve Meridians, starting from the chest, passing through the diaphragm, and down to the Triple Burner. While regular martial arts practitioners usually only utilized the path for energy flow, Huatuo’s Five Animals Play took it further, enabling the user to endow specific abilities tied to the unique blood vessels.

‘The thumb corresponds to the lungs. The index finger corresponds to the large intestine. The middle finger corresponds to the heart covering, the ring finger to the Triple Burner, and the pinky to the heart…’

While I mentally recited the main essence of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play, I felt my focus slipping away like burning candle wax.

‘The soul dwells in the liver, while the white essence resides in the lungs. The soul is the eye, while the white essence clings to the glare.’

Boom!

It came.

I felt the secret technique of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play activating correctly. At the same moment, as the Azure Dragon Sect Leader charged with his spinning attack, I moved my spear swiftly in response. Once again, I unleashed Heavenly Gathering Kill against his offensive.

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader smirked, sending me a secret transmission,

[ Fool! ]

True to his words, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader’s rotating technique was a relentless assault, layering the sword energies over my defenses. Moreover, as he was proficient in sword flames, he could easily bypass my defenses. If I simply responded as I was, I would end up as a pulverized chunk of meat.

But the next moment, something amazing happened.

Boom!!

“Cough, cough!!”

With a scream, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader shot backward, crashing through the wooden structure and smashing into the outer wall of the building. The sound of collapsing walls echoed like cannon fire, causing several Azure Dragon disciples to collapse.

Swoosh…

Ignoring the rain, I slowly walked outside. The Azure Dragon Sect Leader was slumped against the rubble, bleeding from all over. His giant sword was reduced to just the hilt.

Indeed.

The spear I swung in the final exchange had shattered his sword technique.

Until then, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader had been effortlessly deflecting my overwhelming internal power, only to be caught off-guard in a sudden reversal. While his injuries didn’t seem life-threatening, it was clear he had sustained serious damage.

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader, sitting on the ground, wiped the blood from his face and chuckled,

“Haha… this is quite a mess. I was completely toyed with by the dynamics of reality.”

I wiped the rain off my cheek and answered blankly,

“If you had exchanged your weapon for a new one, things might have been different.”

“Not necessarily. I never expected such concentrated internal power… not a chance.”

With a bitter smile, the Azure Dragon Sect Leader rose from the rubble.

“What was that last technique? Is it the vision of your sect?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Concealing your final strike and luring me in with a false weakness… you must have extensive combat experience.”

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader, seemingly awestruck, continued,

“This is my defeat. In a real battle, I’d be dead by now.”

“Not at all. Aren’t you hiding one more move?”

“Ha ha, how humble. If you had chosen to, you could have concentrated that power even more to crush my upper body.”

“……”

“That was no mere courtesy; you must have undergone your share of chaos in the past.”

I knew full well that winning against a Peak Expert with standard techniques was nearly impossible. Unless I unleashed Thunderclap, I would be at a disadvantage. That’s why I deliberately baited him to close range and then repelled him with the techniques of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play.

Utilizing Huatuo’s Five Animals Play allowed me to control the meridians of my entire body for its unique effects. This time, my internal power condensation was applied similarly. Originally, my ability to control this power was lacking, making concentrating and dispersing difficult. However, with the essence of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play, I could rapidly condense my internal power into one point, amplifying it. In other words, even those who could ordinarily withstand my output were powerless against it.

“Well, I’ll take my leave.”

“Ha ha ha… I thought you were bluffing when you said you’d fight the Twelve Joules leader. But indeed, it seems you had a plan. Still, don’t get your hopes up too high.”

“Why not?”

“In my eyes, your limit is about 5 victories. If you push beyond that, you will die.”

“……”

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader spoke sardonically,

“I suspect you realize, but there are significant differences in martial arts skills among the leaders of the Twelve Joules. Especially the three whom they call the Triumvirate: the Twelve Joules Leader, Saul the Father, and Zhu Yi Si. They are not on the same level. Don’t overextend yourself.”

It seemed that the warning referred to the possibility of me recklessly trying to achieve a victory and getting killed for it. Understanding the underlying message, I replied,

“Are you trying to scare me?”

“I have no reason to frighten you. I just don’t want you to feel too disheartened when you encounter great walls at a young age…”

“Thank you for your advice.”

“Take care.”

I stepped out of the Azure Dragon Gate and reflected,

‘If you strategize well, you can defeat a Peak Expert without using Thunderclap.’

Moreover, I took away much from this experience. Not only had I applied the vision of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play in a real battle, but I also understood what the Rotating Blade Technique entailed. If I were to face the entire Twelve Joules like this, I would undoubtedly achieve significant results.

I never intended to sweep all victories from the start—my goal was merely to develop my martial arts while competing to the best of my abilities.

Next, I headed to the National Defense Alliance.

The leader of the National Defense Alliance, Yeom Myeong, unlike the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, was dressed in the attire of Goryeo’s nobility. Additionally, the building he stayed in was not an ordinary martial sect structure; it was the Grand Hall, a place only royal family members of Goryeo could reside in. Sitting in ornate robes, Yeom Myeong allowed me to meet him and said,

“Baek Woong, as you know, our National Defense Alliance serves as the guardian of Goryeo in the shadows. I, too, am a nobleman and royal blood of Goryeo. Thus, while I received your sparring manual, it is against the law for me to fight directly.”

Royal family members could not carelessly expose themselves to sparring or duel. Their bloodline was rare and noble, and it was mandated by law. Although it seemed Yeom Myeong’s martial arts skills had also reached peak levels, that didn’t change the situation.

“What do you plan to do?”

“I’ll send a representative instead. Coincidentally, that kid has been eager to spar with you again.”

Suddenly, a man walked out from behind Yeom Myeong, someone I had seen before. I murmured to myself,

“Ja Ryun.”

“It’s been a while, Baek Woong. Since that day eight years ago, I’ve eagerly awaited the chance to duel you again.”

He was Ja Ryun, the late bloomer of the National Defense Alliance who had previously faced me in my earlier days in Goryeo. While we hardly spoke back then, we shared a connection from participating together in the subjugation of the Nine-Tailed Fox in the Western Capital. Time had clearly passed; Ja Ryun now appeared to be in his thirties.

I looked at him and inquired,

“Do you hold a grudge against me?”

“Of course not. When I first lost to you, I was frustrated as a young boy, but that was entirely my ineptitude. I’ve faithfully trained my martial arts after mastering the secrets of the National Defense Alliance, so you will be satisfied this time.”

Yeom Myeong chimed in beside him,

“Ja Ryun’s skills currently surpass even mine. You could consider him the strongest in the National Defense Alliance.”

“I suppose so.”

I nodded in agreement.

He was a prodigy who reached the peak level of martial arts in his twenties, akin to an elder of a great sect. If Ja Ryun had spent nearly a decade honing his skills seeking vengeance, it wouldn’t be surprising if he pierced the peak level now. I felt a twinge of regret that I could have been training harder during that time.

And then the duel began.

I fought Ja Ryun for around seven hundred seconds, but ultimately fell defeated. It seemed his abilities surpassed even the Azure Dragon Sect Leader, and he wielded the sword flame with great finesse, reaching a level with his Illusionary Sword that was comparable to a grandmaster. I had no excuses as I lost, even using Huatuo’s Five Animals Play to its maximum potential.

After Ja Ryun claimed victory, he hung his sword low and remarked,

“I feel as if a long-held grudge has been lifted.”

“Are you feeling refreshed now?”

“Ha ha… not at all.”

Ja Ryun turned his head away, and on his victorious face lingered a clear hint of discontent.

“I’ve heard of your deeds. I was told you focused solely on healing, neglecting your martial arts training, yet here you are…”

“Hmm.”

“But beware. In ten years when we meet again, I’ll defeat you decisively.”

Hearing that made me inwardly ponder,

‘Ten years?’

Had it really come to a time when I could speak of years so easily? I suddenly felt a sense of how long I had truly lived. This felt like real life.

“……”

The final duel with the Twelve Joules awaited.

After half a year of visiting various Twelve Joules factions, I was now set to face the leader known as the Supreme in the Twelve Joules. Right now, I was heading toward the region of Mount Changbai.

Sitting on a quiet mountain path, I let out a sigh, muttering to myself,

“The Azure Dragon Sect Leader really had keen insight. I’ve precisely achieved five victories.”

The victorious sects were the Azure Dragon Sect, the Flowing Water Gate, the Wind and Rain Sect, the Sword and Shield Sect, and the Flowing Water Gate.

The defeated sects were Haedong Milcheon, the National Defense Alliance, Saul the Father, Zhu Yi Si, the Virulent Sect, and the North Sea Sect.

My victories, from the Azure Dragon Sect Leader to the leader of the Flowing Water Gate, were against those with similar skills. They were all at the cusp of entering the Peak Expert stage, which I managed to overcome through my overwhelming internal power, strategy, and the application of Huatuo’s Five Animals Play. Suffering defeat against Ja Ryun from the National Defense Alliance was entirely due to a gap in skills.

The leaders of Haedong Milcheon and the Virulent Sect possessed strengths unlike the others. As they unleashed high-level techniques against me, I found myself utterly unable to retaliate. They were figures I could not contend with unless I delved deeper into my craft.

However, my encounters with Saul the Father, Zhu Yi Si, and the leaders of the North Sea Sect had taught me so much. Just returning alive from them was fortunate; they were members of the Twelve Joules and also the overlords of Liaodong. The presence of the North Sea Sect, also known as the North Sea Ice Palace, underscored their power.

I began to reflect on the gains I had made during this sparring journey.

‘I’ve perfectly learned to use Huatuo’s Five Animals Play in actual combat, and it has made condensing and dissipating my internal power much easier.’

I grasped the levels of the top fighters among the Twelve Joules and knew well the challenges I faced. This experience would undoubtedly become immensely beneficial when I reached the Peak Expert level. Now, as I was about to face the top figure of the Twelve Joules, the Supreme, this journey would soon come to an end.

Having arrived at Mount Changbai and traversed the harsh mountain ranges, I spotted the location where I deduced the Supreme would be. I approached a large village at the foot of Mount Changbai. This village was likely the shrine known as the stronghold of the Twelve Joules.

Upon entering the shrine, a man wearing a puppy costume approached me briskly, saying,

“Hey, glad to see you, Baek Woong. Bet it wasn’t easy to get here?”

“And you are?”

“I’m the leader of the Twelve Joules.”

“…….”

With a man wearing a puppy mask—a ridiculous figure introducing himself as a leader in such a manner—I realized my upcoming sparring would likely be anything but smooth sailing.

 

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