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0322 ———————————————-

Celestial Realm

With the morning sun at her back, Jin So-cheong calmly held her spear in a standard stance. That pose was a prelude to unleashing Ranna, allowing for a staggering sixteen different transformations. The hallmark of Thunder God Spear Techniques was the fluidity with which one could transition into the next move from any stance; thus, only she knew what her next motion would be.

Jin So-cheong spoke.

“Baek Woong, before I share my insights, I would like to explain a bit about martial discussions.”

I nodded in response.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Why do you think a spear is stronger than a sword?”

At her question, I let out a low hum. This inquiry cut straight to the essence of martial arts, something I’d pondered for quite a long while. Therefore, I could answer candidly and without hesitation.

“Because of its length.”

Jin So-cheong nodded.

“Exactly. No matter how much one tries to compensate with sword strength or the Invincible Sword, there remains a critical distance difference. Even attempting to close that gap with different techniques will result in internal power losses. Consequently, a spear-wielding expert always stands at least a step ahead of a swordsman. If we’re at the same level, you probably realize how difficult it is to defeat a spear with a sword.”

I sighed.

“I’ve felt that way for a long time.”

When I once practiced spear techniques instead of swordplay, I was captivated by the immense convenience and power. With proper spear usage, nobody was a challenging opponent, sword or saber alike. In fact, the reason I had struggled to surpass Lee Kwang all this time was precisely because he was a master of spear techniques. Just the ability to handle a spear as an extension of one’s self provides an overwhelming advantage.

“I knew this early on, which is why I believed mastering the basics of spear techniques would lead to rapid strength gains. The reason I focused on mastering the fundamental techniques of Ranna, Na, and Chal was precisely that principle. I dove deep into it for a month.”

What was he driving at?

When I looked at him, Jin So-cheong continued speaking.

“I pondered what ‘Jin So-cheong’ of the past, who studied Jang Sam-bong’s ultimate techniques, might have thought. I then connected my thoughts to the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, deducing their relationship with Sky Island. Initially, I couldn’t grasp it, but gradually I reached a singular conclusion.”

“What conclusion?”

“Three Steps.”

Three Steps?

I was a bit befuddled by Jin So-cheong’s remark. Seeing my confusion, she maintained her stance and said, “Baek Woong. Come closer. It will be quicker for you to feel what I mean.”

“Sure!”

I eagerly grabbed my sword and, using the Soul Removal Technique, quickly charged at Jin So-cheong. My martial arts mastery allowed me to proficiently wield both the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, plus utilize the Thunder God Sword Dance and other clever swordplay maneuvers. Given who she originally was, she would probably have been too busy blocking my attacks due to the gap in our powers.

Kaang!

However, the five devastating cuts I swung with confidence were effortlessly deflected by Jin So-cheong’s defense. A booming metal sound echoed, but beyond that, a dull pain radiated through my jaw. I was stunned by the unfamiliar pain.

‘What?!’

My jaw hurt. That meant my internal power was overwhelmed by Jin So-cheong’s counterattack! Delving deeper, it meant her intent-laden counter had surpassed my defense and Protection Energy Technique! This exchange made it painfully clear just how much more formidable Jin So-cheong had become.

“Come in closer.”

“Hah!”

Ka-gak-kang! Ka-gak!

Kaga-kang!

I relentlessly attacked Jin So-cheong for over thirty seconds, even employing the Bowing Sky Slash. Yet she stood her ground like a mountain, effortlessly deflecting or parrying my strikes with minimal movement. I attempted a large Thousand Kills Slash with my internal power, but perhaps she fully knew the critical points of the move as she easily thwarted it.

As I fell back, Jin So-cheong calmly stated, “Didn’t you feel something strange?”

“…?”

“I didn’t move a single step against you.”

“Gasp!”

It dawned on me then. Despite my relentless barrage of attacks, Jin So-cheong hadn’t budged from her position, not even a single step. It felt as though an invisible barrier prevented her from stepping out of those three paces.

While it seemed plausible, it was utterly absurd. My current skill level was slightly beyond that of Lee Kwang at the beginning of my previous life. To find someone capable of defending like Jin So-cheong was almost non-existent in the Jianghu Martial World.

I gazed at her in astonishment, and she spoke seriously. “I suppressed you with my intent over just those three steps. No matter what you do, you cannot break through the boundaries of those three steps, hence no attack you make will connect. This is the fundamental principle of Three Steps, which is the basis of Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island.”

I felt my temper flare. “That’s nonsense! What’s so special about three steps?”

“Try it again.”

“Alright!”

Kwahk!

This time, I pulled all my internal power, unleashing my full tension and using the Soul Removal Technique as I attacked Jin So-cheong. My thinking was that once I shook her with my overwhelming strength, no matter how skilled she was, she shouldn’t be able to escape unscathed.

But I found myself stumbling backward within fifty seconds, unable to press on.

My jaw felt like it had been ripped apart.

It was clear that the elasticity embedded in her techniques had damaged my muscles.

Additionally, despite pouring forth such fierce attacks, I utterly failed to force Jin So-cheong to step more than three steps!

“……”

I could do nothing but stand there, clutching my throbbing jaw in confusion, feeling as if I were in a haze. Everything I unleashed was renowned world-class martial skills, with my prowess at a peak level—but to be toyed with like this!

Jin So-cheong spoke with calm eyes. “Sky Island pierced the secrets of the Wind Spirit Sect, while Reverse Scale Island split the sky. The driving force behind it wasn’t merely the spear tip that unleashed extraordinary moves, but solidifying one’s martial domain to practice invincibility within those three steps.”

It clicked then.

Jin So-cheong had already surpassed me by a wide margin! Through nearly a month of training, where he scarcely ate and pursued his practice like a madman, he had transcended standard levels. I felt admiration rising instead of jealousy and asked in a quaking voice, “What significance do those three steps hold?”

“Baek Woong. Watch carefully. And feel it.”

Swish.

Jin So-cheong’s first move was Ranna.

“The first step is Heaven, charting the world’s directions and clearing the path for my existence.”

The next move was Na.

“The second step is Earth. It recognizes the opponent’s space and blocks their path.”

Boom!

“The final step is Man. With freedom in both attack and defense, all that’s left is to enjoy that freedom.”

The last move was, as expected, Chal. I couldn’t help but stand there, stunned at the final thrust.

‘Don’t tell me…’

I voiced my conjecture. “Jin So-cheong, are you saying Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island were derived from Ranna Chal?”

“That’s precisely right.”

“Unbelievable.”

I could hardly believe it.

What was Ranna Chal?!

It was literally one of the three foundational spear techniques—just a skill practiced until calluses formed on the hands! Of course, when reaching the level of a master, each one becomes an ultimate technique, but at its core, these actions were incredibly simple. The fact that such basic techniques could construct the principle of Three Steps and give rise to such magnificent moves as Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island was simply astounding.

Jin So-cheong continued explaining. “Your past self must have caught onto the fact that Jang Sam-bong’s ultimate techniques could manipulate [space] freely. They probably delved into both the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, thinking that just distorting space per the essence wasn’t particularly exciting.”

“Not exciting?”

“Precisely. Even if the Cave-Collapsing Sword is an exceptional technique, there are limits to simply tacking that onto swordplay and spearplay. The degree of completeness of techniques or ultimate formations would inherently drop significantly.”

“I see what you mean…”

Now it made sense why during that Thunder God Lineage training, Jin So-cheong and Lee Kwang were more about research than adhering strictly to essence. As spear masters, they couldn’t just accept sword techniques as they were. As I engraved Jin So-cheong’s explanation into my mind, he continued his thoughts.

“And they found the clue within Seven Stars Shadow.”

“Seven Stars Shadow…”

“The cleverness of Seven Stars Shadow lies in the move ‘Duo Turning Star Shifting’.”

Whabam!

In an instant, Jin So-cheong unleashed the Seven Stars Shadow, transforming the spear form to create a hazy illusion. Suddenly, his figure vanished from my sight, only to reappear in an unexpected location. In mere moments, he had dissected my vision and perception capabilities completely.

“Gah.”

“When stars align, the Big Dipper’s position flips. This move complements the principle of bending space and compressing the heavens. It’s a skill that connects the stars. By studying the cleverness of Seven Stars Shadow’s Duo Turning Star Shifting and piecing it together, they secured an unparalleled three steps of space!”

Swish!

“By employing the Celestial Realm’s three steps, the user is free to unleash Ranna Chal with no obstructions. Since it’s the simplest technique, it’s also the most potent one. With three distinct principles of intent converging, one can attain invincibility within those three steps.”

“…!!”

I began to grasp Jin So-cheong’s words. Essentially, the principle of Three Steps he demonstrated was invincible because it incorporated the three great elements of the Cave-Collapsing Sword, Heavenly Contraction Sword, and Seven Stars Shadow. Yet, I couldn’t wrap my head around it completely and asked,

“What about Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island then?”

“I’ll demonstrate Sky Island now.”

Swoosh.

Jin So-cheong seemingly swung his spear horizontally with ease. His movements felt as though they folded space itself; his form overlayed, releasing immense pressure as it surged forward.

Lightning shattered the space, and an overwhelming surge of Thunder Energy resonated. Amongst the Thunder God Spear Techniques, the Thunder Wolf Demon flowed forth, tracing a solitary line across. Simultaneously, Jin So-cheong tossed out Thunder Shadow like picking flowers.

Boom! Bang!

When he finally took that last step forward, the might of it was akin to the overwhelming power of the Thunder God making his presence felt. I felt the movements of Sky Island that had once defeated the Dharma Guardian Cheon Woo-jin within my memories resonating perfectly, and I trembled in awe.

“Is it real?!”

Jin So-cheong restored Sky Island!

Does this mean he accomplished it in just a month?!

As I gaped in astonishment, Jin So-cheong added, “Think well. I moved just now centered around the Celestial Realm’s Three Steps. Also, the Thunder Wolf Demon wasn’t strictly necessary; any technique from Ranna Chal could have substituted it. Isn’t that right?”

“Now that you mention it…”

“Once the three steps of intent secure [space], any technique wielded will have its might amplified. When you attacked before, I utilized only defense. But once I switched to offense within the influence of those three steps, this is the resulting power.”

Jin So-cheong snickered.

“Do you have a hunch why Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island merely have flashy names? In reality, it’s just techniques drawn from the Three Steps flawlessly executed. So it’s hardly appropriate to call them techniques or ultimate slashes.”

“……”

Thinking back, Lee Kwang had almost mumbled incoherently when questioned about technique names. Though the titles Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island sparkled with grandeur, in actuality, they were merely derived acts of the Three Steps.

“So that means you can use Reverse Scale Island too.”

“Reverse Scale Island is simply executing Chal at an immensely rapid speed. The master likely used the Three Step techniques while piercing through Wind Bullet’s center to pop them all. The speed would make it appear as if he were cutting through the sky.”

“Mhm…”

“If all the Wind Bullets explode, it’d be as easy as pie to deal with the likes of Cheon Woo-jin, alongside handling other matters.”

Astounding.

Could it be that there wasn’t a real distinction between Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island and rather they were expressions of Sword Techniques?

Finally, the decades’ worth of confusion began to clear up. While ordinarily, a martial artist would be ecstatic about revelations like this, I struggled to find pure joy.

Despite inheriting memories, Jin So-cheong had conjectured the past from near nothingness, discerned the intricacies of martial arts, and successfully reconstructed the ultimate techniques. Such feats couldn’t merely be labeled as genius; they almost seemed monstrous in nature.

Jin So-cheong said, “To master Sky Island and Reverse Scale Island, you first need to grasp deep levels of Seven Stars Shadow. Would you like me to teach it starting now?”

“Hot!”

It was then that I finally came to my senses. I hurriedly shook my head. “No. You’ve kept your word. Let’s head to rescue the women abducted by the Namgung Clan.”

“Thank you…”

Thud.

“What?! Snap out of it!!”

Unexpectedly, as Jin So-cheong chuckled and collapsed forward, I was startled. Upon checking his pupils while practicing pulse diagnosis, I realized he was severely fatigued and weakened from hunger. I was stunned by this revelation.

‘Did he push himself to the brink even after taking the Black and White Lotus and Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng’s powerful benefits?!’

He must have wrung out every ounce of energy he had, over training day and night.

“……”

This was beyond mere jealousy of genius. Jin So-cheong had put his masculine willpower into this endeavor, exhausting every bit of strength to follow through on his intentions. In a daze, I channeled energy into his body and produced another Black and White Lotus.

“I should make some lotus soup for him.”

Once Jin So-cheong came to, I felt I should do everything in my power to fulfill his intentions. I was determined to rescue the women from the Namgung Clan, no matter what it took.

 

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