Chapter 382
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00382 Heavenly Realm ( 천계 ) ————————————————————————
From the following day, I was continuously taught the Three Treasure Technique by the Sect Leader. After about a month of quietly instructing me, the Sect Leader finally spoke.
[ Baek Woong, you have an impressive memory.]
I glanced at the Sect Leader at those words. According to the Sect Leader, since I always utilized the Thunder Spirit Classic while memorizing, my memory was quite remarkable, and because I had memorized it for decades, I possessed a superior ability to recall compared to an ordinary person. That’s how I could dig up and comprehend each detail of the things from my past life that occurred decades ago.
The Sect Leader continued speaking.
[ However, your ability to comprehend is quite weak. This is only in comparison to geniuses, but I realize I get exhausted teaching you.]
“……”
[ Still, it’s entertaining. Watching you work hard without any tricks is enjoyable.]
Is this a compliment?
As I pondered, the Sect Leader stood up.
[ It may take you a long time to fully grasp the Three Treasure Technique, but today I’ll share additional insights I’ve gained about Jang Sam-bong’s Seven Great Techniques.]
I responded with enthusiasm.
“Yes!”
[ The reason the Three Treasure Technique offers excellent thoughts is that it harmoniously combines the three great arts of the Cave-Collapsing Sword, Heavenly Contraction Sword, and Seven Stars Shadow to achieve perfect evasion. Moreover, its nuances can be blended into both offense and defense. Theoretically, once you master the Three Treasure Technique, it is an unparalleled world-class martial skill in the Jianghu.]
The Sect Leader continued, riding on the high of inspiration.
[ It’s the same with the other Seven Great Techniques. While I don’t yet understand the Peerless Technique, I’ve discovered that combinations are possible with the other Seven Great Techniques.]
“……!!”
Are there other combinations?!
Surprised, I looked at the Sect Leader, who slowly extended his hand forward.
[ Look here. This is what happens when extreme internal power is infused into the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions.]
Boom!
Light collected at the fingertips of the Sect Leader and was flung forward. A finger shot out at an astonishing speed and created a hole in the stone wall outside the room. The absence of an explosive sound suggested that he had deftly controlled the strength of his attack. After performing the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, the Sect Leader spoke to me.
[ Now, watch what happens when the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions are mixed with the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword.]
Swish!
Once again, the Sect Leader concentrated his strength into his fingertips and scattered it forward. To my astonishment, hundreds of thread-like strands of energy overlapped and surged forward in all directions, making a huge Go board on the stone wall.
“……!!”
The basic technique completely transformed!
In that moment, I understood the incredibly powerful change embedded in that basic technique, and my body trembled in fear.
‘If that had flown at me, would I have been able to dodge it…?’
It wasn’t simply moving in straight lines. Among the crossing flashes of light, another change writhed unpredictably, making it impossible to predict the trajectory it would take in real combat. Moreover, the Sect Leader had just shot the basic technique in a straight line; in reality, it could be manipulated in a myriad of transforming ways. Swallowing hard, I listened as the Sect Leader continued.
[ As you can see, it itself becomes an unparalleled martial skill. Although I haven’t named it, with further study, it could transcend the Three Treasure Technique to reach the level of absolute techniques.]
“Is that… really true?”
[ That’s precisely why Jang Sam-bong is a great being.]
The Sect Leader seemed genuinely amazed as he looked up at the sky.
[ The Seven Great Techniques each possess their unique characteristics, and combining those characteristics to create new results is done without a hitch. This is something that cannot be permitted in the realm of martial arts principles, indicating it is a treasure refined through immense enlightenment. Once your understanding of the Seven Great Techniques is complete, you could conquer the world with ease.]
“……”
[ Although I’ve never met Jang Sam-bong, he was truly an extraordinary martial artist. He’s a figure that only appears once in thousands of years in the history of the martial arts world.]
I’d never heard the Sect Leader speak so highly of anyone before. While he had given Zhuge Si an equitable evaluation, it seemed he regarded him as weaker than himself in a subtle way. But now, the way the White Lotus Sect Leader spoke of Jang Sam-bong was filled with pure reverence and respect. It felt like I was catching a glimpse of an unexpected side of the Sect Leader.
[ However, the Peerless Technique… this one I just cannot comprehend.]
“Is the Peerless Technique beyond interpretation?”
[ Yes. It’s too ambiguous to be used for attack, defense, or evasion. Everything about it is unclear. It doesn’t even mix with the other six techniques. I’ve spent time trying to figure out what purpose it serves in martial arts, but it remains a mystery.]
The Sect Leader’s words triggered my memory of the past.
The sort of martial skill that could almost be described as legendary, crafted by Jang Sam-bong.
That was the feeling I had when I had first mastered the basic technique, which might have seemed like a mere shell to the Sect Leader. Along with that, I recalled what the Bright Dragon had said.
[ Even for someone who has spent their life mastering the Wudang Sect’s martial arts, I might only get my hands on the Peerless Technique at the very end of my life. For any of the three of us, acquiring that skill would be an arduous task. It’s staggeringly difficult.]
[ Achieve the Sword of Heaven. Only when you reach that level will you qualify to study the Peerless Technique.]
[ Moreover, I somehow have a feeling that to enter the realm of the Peerless Technique—including the Seven Stars Shadow—I will need to harmonize the other six great techniques.]
“……”
According to the clues I had gained about the Peerless Technique so far, I currently possess at least the minimum qualifications to study it. This is because I have reached the level of the Sword of Heaven that embodies the Mind Control Technique.
However, according to Jin So-cheong, I was still lacking. She surmised, upon obtaining the Three Treasure Technique, that harmonizing the other six great techniques was the qualification.
‘ I thought it was meaningless since I had already mastered the basics of the Seven Great Techniques. But…’
If Jin So-cheong’s “harmonizing the practice of the six great techniques” implies reaching an absolute martial arts level capable of mastering all derivative arts of the other six great techniques…?
I shuddered!
As I envisioned that terrifying martial arts level, goosebumps ran down my spine. At the same time, I felt a slight sense of the essence of the Peerless Technique. This intuition likely arose from having grasped the Seven Great Techniques for much longer than the Sect Leader.
The Sect Leader continued speaking.
[ Baek Woong. I haven’t mentioned this to you before, but recently I’ve also tasked Dokgo Jun with the research on the Seven Great Techniques.]
“What?!”
[ Dokgo Jun is also a martial arts prodigy. This will expedite the research on the Seven Great Techniques.]
I struggled to hold back my frown. Of course, I understood the necessity of passing the Seven Great Techniques to him, but the thought of it spreading to others made me feel a bit queasy. It even seemed cruel to bring it up when I had no means to change it. Regardless, the Sect Leader continued.
[ Also, Dokgo Jun suggested that it would be faster to share it with other Dharma Guardians. He said he could not keep up with the depth of the Seven Great Techniques through his own research.]
“Are you implying that…?”
[ Yes. I aim to pass it on to Han Baek-ryeong as well.]
Is he trying to play tricks on me?
I could no longer hide my bitter expression and said.
“Please act according to your wishes, Sect Leader. How could I interfere with your decisions?”
[ I didn’t mention it to tease you. Han Baek-ryeong is also considered one of the greatest martial geniuses in the history of the Fire Spirit Techniques, so this means more efficient research can be achieved. Nonetheless, I still sense something lacking.]
I caught on to something from the Sect Leader’s words and quickly asked.
“What should I do?”
[ You need to bring me someone.]
As expected.
Since we are diving into rigorous research now, they need someone with even greater talent, and he’s ordered me to fetch that person. I gazed at the Sect Leader intensely, and he said.
[ The person to bring is Dokgo Seong, a former Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, and a member of our Su Shin Sect. He is currently residing in the Dragon King’s Valley in Sichuan, so take the Four Great Spirits and go bring him back.]
“……”
Dokgo Seong!
His name unexpectedly dropped from the Sect Leader’s mouth, and I felt a surge of confusion. Why exactly is Dokgo Seong being mentioned now? At that moment, Zhuge Sa chuckled inwardly.
[ It’s understandable. He joined the Thunder God Lineage at a late age and has since risen to be one of the top powers in that lineage. He’s a prodigy who has mastered two schools of martial arts simultaneously. He may be the most outstanding talent the Sect Leader can find right now.]
[ What should we do?]
[ If we accept right away, he’ll be suspicious. So, let’s play it cool.]
Following Zhuge Sa’s advice, I openly wore a displeased expression while protesting.
“Sect Leader. Didn’t you promise me on one condition when you took me as your subordinate? You said you wouldn’t use me for gathering the Thunder God Lineage.”
[ Ah, that’s right.]
“I don’t want to be involved with the Thunder God Lineage. If someone else can handle it, please let it be so.”
[ Hehe…]
At that, it seemed like the Sect Leader laughed softly from behind his mask. He replied.
[ I’m not bringing him here for the business of the Thunder God Lineage. Dokgo Seong is a child with the most remarkable martial talent in our clan, and he is also my nephew. This is purely a family matter of the Su Shin Sect, hence you have an obligation to carry it out.]
“Ugh…”
[ His current martial skill should be on par with yours. If we must fight, then so be it, but let’s first try to bring him in through conversation.]
The Sect Leader’s evaluation said that Dokgo Seong and I were at a similar level. Since I felt the same, I didn’t have any objections to that assessment. I shrugged and nodded.
“Sect Leader, why is he a talent of the Dokgo clan, yet involved with the Thunder God Lineage…?”
[ That boy found it burdensome to grow stronger in my way. Every person has their differences. However, had he followed my teachings obediently, the current Dharma Guardian of the Su Shin Sect would likely not be you, but Dokgo Seong.]
“……!!”
Is it to that extent?
‘ During the heyday of the Thunder God Lineage, there were indeed prodigies and geniuses gathering there.’
As I contemplated deeply, the Sect Leader said.
[ There’s one more task to undertake, so listen carefully.]
“Yes.”
[ Whether you succeed or fail in persuading him, after that, go to the Imperial Palace and deliver this letter to Lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, Zhuge Bu.]
From the conversation, it seemed the Sect Leader had no intention of forcing Dokgo Seong to come back by strength. In other words, he respected him to some extent and implied that the research on the Peerless Technique was not as urgent as I initially thought.
Swoosh!
The Sect Leader threw what seemed like a red letter to me using Void Object Manipulation. The letter was sealed with parchment and held an ominous energy. My curiosity piqued, I asked.
“Am I just supposed to deliver this? What’s in it…?”
[ No need to know.]
His tone was far too decisive. I scratched my head and asked.
“Yes… In that case, is it necessary to get a reply from Zhuge Bu…?”
[ Not at all. Just deliver it and come back.]
“… Yes.”
[ That concludes today’s discussion. I’ll give you a grace period of three days; so execute all tasks by then.]
Whoosh!
Once the conversation ended, the Sect Leader vanished from the spot. I stood there blankly holding the letter until Zhuge Sa snapped me back to reality.
[ What are you doing? Get moving, already.]
[ Ah right, I need to go find Dokgo Seong…]
[ Are you an idiot? The Sect Leader granted you a grace period; why follow orders blindly? Let’s seize the opportunity and visit the Prophet of Astana first. It won’t take long anyway.]
That makes sense.
Bang!
Following Zhuge Sa’s advice, I rode the Four Great Spirits and headed to Astana. Upon entering the large building and getting off, the Prophet, just like before, revealed himself before me.
[ A human…?]
“Prophet! I’ve come here to make a deal with you!”
[ A deal…?]
I nodded and said.
“Do you know about the Grimoire of Su Shin? I have discovered its location and wish to transact this info with you!!”
[ Hmmm…?]
The Prophet seemed intrigued by my proposition. After a moment of silence in the darkness, he responded.
[ If the information is true, I am willing to make a deal.]
“Great! Then I have a question regarding the contract made with the Grimoire of Su Shin.”
[ I don’t know who you are, but do I have to answer all your questions just because you asked…? A corresponding exchange will be necessary. Just the location won’t suffice…]
I confidently responded with a grin.
“A corresponding exchange? That’s good. I will also share a secret regarding the Primordial Void Ruler with you.”
[ Primordial Void Ruler…? What for…?]
“I presented it. Weigh the value and choose.”
The Prophet seemed to deliberate. Then, after a while, he answered.
[ … Fine. I’ll agree to the sharing of that information, even if it leaves me at a loss.]
Awesome!
I then proceeded to share every detail I had gathered over my past life regarding the Primordial Void Ruler and the contract with the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Thanks to the information I had obtained in my previous life, this was possible. Upon hearing the details, the Prophet appeared shocked, his tentacles trembling as he glared at me.
[ You… the Reborn Person…!]
“Why does it matter? I’ve already given you the information you wanted.”
[ Well… in that sense, the level is acceptable… ]
I waved my hand dismissively.
“I’ve given you the information. Now you have to give me information in return.”
[ Alright. Tell me about this contract… I’ll provide consultation.]
I then opened up to the Prophet about the White Lotus Sect leader and the Heavenly Spirit Pill, as well as the skepticism shrouding their contract. The Prophet listened calmly and responded.
[ That White Lotus Sect leader is… insane… Could that be a choice made by a being that receives the interest of the ‘Father’… a creature beyond human limits…?]
“What’s the relation between the Heavenly Spirit Pill and Su Shin?”
[ It’s a slave contract.]
The Prophet’s response was resolute.
[ I don’t need to see the full details of the contract to know. I also possess knowledge of Su Shin’s and the Demon Path’s contracts. It’s clear that the contract implies the water spirit acts as an intermediary to lead the soul to the Throne of Chaos, with half the soul going to the throne while the other half remains with the entity itself. Typically, such contracts would be used to obtain precious treasures by offering sacrifices, but it appears this one has been modified to exchange for infinite internal power…]
In other words, it meant that half the soul would head to the Throne of Chaos while the other half would belong to the water spirit. I pondered over that and tilted my head in confusion.
“So, it just means he sold his soul to a god. Isn’t that something all sorcerers do?”
[ That is not the case…]
The Prophet’s subsequent words shocked me.
[ The soul consumed by the water spirit only ends in a moment’s pain, but… the existence absorbed by the Great Being… the ‘Father’s’ throne… they must live until the end of universe in soul-crushing despair that even the Old Ruler would pity… It is a foolish and absurd contract that no sorcerer would dare to conclude.]
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