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“I can feel the potential of my sword style growing every day!”

Yeodong-bin had dubbed his evolving sword style as the “Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram,” even though it was rather vague since it had no defined form. The challenge was determining how to assess its completeness, and this only hinted at the arduous journey ahead for him to truly master it.

Upon Yeodong-bin’s request, the Eight Immortals promptly sprang into action.

Lee Cheol-goei and Nam Chae-hwa focused on exterminating monsters to save humans, while Cao Guozhou and Jang Gwa-ro, along with Ha Xiangu, set up a battle ground near a big city to support their efforts. Although battling monsters was nothing new, having five of the Eight Immortals work together so seamlessly was a first. They felt intense energy costs and mental fatigue but pushed through anyway.

Meanwhile, Yeodong-bin entered closed room training. To ensure he wasn’t ambushed by esoteric monsters or demons, Zhongli Quan and Han Sang-ja stood guard as protectors.

On the first day of his retreat, Zhongli Quan solemnly spoke to Yeodong-bin.

“Dong-bin, you know there are many powerful great immortals in the celestial realm, yet our Eight Immortals must take the lead against the demons and the otherworldly beings. Do you understand why?”

Zhongli Quan served as another mentor to Yeodong-bin, who met his gaze and replied, “It’s because of the Law of Cause and Effect.”

“Exactly. The otherworldly beings and demon sorcerers always factor that in, making it difficult for them to meddle in the celestial realm. So, it falls upon us, the apprentices on the verge of enlightenment.”

Zhongli Quan’s expression was bittersweet as he continued, “In a way, despite chaos reigning in the world and the otherworldly beings running rampant, the Dae-Dang Empire has maintained its lineage because of this. Had the otherworldly beings caused an even bigger ruckus, the casualties would have been significant, but powerful great immortals would have descended to aid us…”

“……”

“Dong-bin, every member of our Eight Immortals has been evaluated by the Dao vein as someone capable of becoming a great immortal. However, you stand out as the exception, having focused solely on martial skills to arrive here. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that among us, you are the strongest.”

Zhongli Quan gazed at him with a proud light in his eyes.

“You’ve created miracles in battles against the otherworldly beings.”

“That’s too much praise.”

Zhongli Quan shook his head, “Sometimes, I think your pursuit of swordsmanship showcases what true human potential really is…”

Han Sang-ja, who was nearby, grumbled, “But Master, you hardly taught me any sword techniques!”

Han Sang-ja was a disciple Yeodong-bin acquired during a demon extermination, and she had only started learning martial arts a few years ago. Still, her natural talent was extraordinary, and she quickly reached par with the other Eight Immortals in their demon-fighting efforts.

Yeodong-bin replied bluntly, “Everyone has their own strengths. I only intended to take you on as a disciple of someone else because it seemed martial arts suited you more, but you stubbornly insisted on being mine!”

“Master, you’re my benefactor! You saved my life!”

“Well…”

Just as Yeodong-bin was about to respond, Zhongli Quan burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Han Sang-ja, he’s just embarrassed that he can’t teach you any techniques because all he knows is martial arts!”

“……”

“Let’s put the banter aside. Han Sang-ja and I will now provide you with protection using martial arts. We’ll have one year to accomplish this! During this time, no one will be able to attack or ambush you.”

As they began to activate their protective formations, a tranquility spread around them, and Yeodong-bin understood that the protective barrier was in place.

‘Until now, I haven’t had time to properly reflect on my swordsmanship due to the ongoing attacks from monstrous beings.’

As an expert like Yeodong-bin could handle most ambushes, he realized that a powerful higher being hidden in the shadows could pose a different threat. Given the fame of the Eight Immortals in the Central Plains, the likelihood of assassination attempts was quite real, preventing him from practicing outside real combat until now.

As he began to delve into his sword insights, he pondered:

What is a sword?

What is nature?

Yeodong-bin gradually realized he had been wielding his sword to master the concept of ‘flow.’ He sensed the relentless flow of countless unseen streams of energy constituting the world.

A perfect conglomerate that suppresses [flow]!

The realm sculpted from millions of etched resolve of ‘ultimate technique’!

If he could attain this realm, wouldn’t the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram be within his grasp?

However, on the third day of training, he came to terms with the fact that this path wasn’t meant for him and chose to give up. He lowered his sword and muttered, “That was yet another absolute realm…”

Yeodong-bin reflected on how he had only grazed the surface of another extreme state and accepted that the absolute realm of the Heavenly Unrestrained Technique wasn’t his to claim. The required training was absurd, and time was running out for him to push through.

Of course, with hundreds of years of hard work, Yeodong-bin could achieve the Heavenly Unrestrained Technique, but it felt pointless. After all, he was already on the path of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram, and forcing himself to reach another state would only dampen his potential without making him significantly stronger.

The absolute realm wasn’t something like a consumable that could just be tacked on; it was the embodiment of a martial artist’s whole life and existence. Thus, trying to master more than one was futile.

After that, Yeodong-bin relentlessly practiced his sword every day, not just swinging it without purpose, but integrating insights gained from countless real combat experiences into his training process.

During this time, Yeodong-bin came to realize something.

The absolute realm isn’t just one or two!

Every individual has their own unique absolute realm!

That is the truth!

Currently, Yeodong-bin was aware that he was familiar with three or four forms of absolute realms, but another martial master might introduce completely unexpected styles. After all, the pinnacle moves they craft from their own life experiences would inherently differ from one another.

They could chase after another’s path to achieve the same absolute realm, but even then, the nuances of martial arts and their directional styles would widely vary. Moreover, the traits of usable techniques would differ too.

In contemplating this ever-changing path of martial arts, Yeodong-bin was filled with exhilaration.

‘Then… what in the world is the ultimate martial arts?’

If someone were to dig into their own path and reach a realm beyond the absolute, what would they see? The very thought left him bewildered, especially since there were no definitions for realms higher than the absolute realm in the martial arts world.

Those who were considered known absolute masters often realized their achievements as such only after conquering the martial world and becoming the top of hierarchy. It was an extraordinary state that was difficult to find even one in an era; typically, these individuals wouldn’t have peers to measure their accomplishments against.

Usually, they would live peacefully, enjoying their prestigious status in the martial arts world, eventually becoming troubled by the thought of higher realms.

But what if there was a ‘higher’ absolute realm?

What would that even be called?

“Ultra Absolute Realm…”

As Yeodong-bin murmured, Fire Dragon Incarnate chimed in.

[That name is downright childish.]

“Master.”

Yeodong-bin felt his face get hot as Fire Dragon Incarnate chuckled.

[Hahaha! Just kidding. But honestly, you are incredible. I don’t think anyone else has even thought about what lies beyond the absolute realm until now.]

“Perhaps those who reached the height of ‘absolute status’ in martial arts history must have pondered it at least once.”

[But then they would have understood the futility of it and ascended to the celestial realm.]

“That’s true…”

[Even within the absolute realm, gaps exist. However, no matter how wide the gap may be, if they are on the same level of absolute, a mere paper-thin divide can lead to reversals. If there is no unchanging gap, then while there may be a difference in capability, it cannot be called a difference in realm.]

What Fire Dragon Incarnate said was absolutely correct. As a master of the sword himself, he could provide insight into Yeodong-bin’s concerns.

[The absolute realm is a state with the power to alter the laws of the world through one’s intent, becoming capable of extraordinary feats impossible for typical martial arts practitioners. Can you imagine a realm beyond even that? I too have given up on finding the answers.]

“However, I must transcend the absolute realm.”

Determination shone in Yeodong-bin’s eyes as he clenched his fist.

“That mysterious woman… Sang Gwanwna, and the newly emerging Dragon of the Apocalypse are closely related. If I want to face the Dragon, I need strength beyond that of a great immortal, and I don’t have that yet.”

[So you wish to complete the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram? Do you think achieving that will allow you to defeat the Dragon of the Apocalypse?]

“… I can’t say for sure. I can only try.”

[……]

After observing Yeodong-bin for a brief moment, Fire Dragon Incarnate added, [Let’s focus on training for now. If you don’t make progress, we’ll have to seek other methods.]

Thus, Yeodong-bin poured his entire being into refining and training with the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram for a whole year. But the more effort he put in, the weaker the form became. What started as a pure intent-based technique started regressing with forced, artificial practice. He lamented he couldn’t achieve the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram through simple dedication.

“How can I realize the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram…!!”

As the deadline neared, Zhongli Quan and Han Sang-ja released the barrier and approached Yeodong-bin to inquire about his progress. Ultimately, he failed to obtain the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram, only raising the quality of minor techniques in the process. Zhongli Quan remarked, “Dong-bin, during the past year, the number of otherworldly beings spreading through the Dae-Dang Empire has significantly decreased, and now a consensus in the celestial realm predicts the situation might be coming to an end, thanks to the tireless efforts of the other Eight Immortals.

“Master.”

“I don’t think you need to obsess over training any longer. If we three begin our demon-hunting, we can bring peace to the world.”

“……”

“As for that Dragon, why not deal with the demon sorcerer organization first and then think about it?”

Yeodong-bin was engulfed in doubt.

Is it really right to conclude closed training like this? Is it truly okay?

But given that peace in the world he desired was within reach, he had no choice but to agree. Just as he was about to nod, something interrupted.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Fire Dragon Incarnate projected an apparition and reprimanded them.

[Zhongli Quan! Leave Yeodong-bin alone.]

“Immortal!”

[If you’re satisfied with the apparent tranquility, you wouldn’t have bothered starting training in the first place. The Dragon of the Apocalypse will definitely come! Don’t rush Yeodong-bin just because you’re eager to ascend to the celestial realm.]

This caused Zhongli Quan to falter.

“N-no! It’s not like I want to rush it or anything…”

Fire Dragon Incarnate shot him a scrutinizing look as he was muttering unconvincingly.

[I will take Yeodong-bin to the greatest being I know. Direct him to report to the celestial realm.]

“Huh? Who is that?”

[Master Mangnyang.]

“……!!”

At those words, Zhongli Quan turned pale, his legs shaking. He broke into a cold sweat, exclaiming, “W-what! Master Mangnyang?! How could you…?”

[If anyone can assist Yeodong-bin, it would be him.]

“That’s impossible! Contacting him would put all of us, including the Eight Immortals, at risk. Encountering Master Mangnyang is a celestial taboo!”

[Don’t worry.]

Zhongli Quan pleaded with panic, but Fire Dragon Incarnate continued, [A lack of interest in humans can imply two things. In Master Mangnyang’s case, it’s a positive sign, so you need not worry.]

With that, Yeodong-bin accompanied Fire Dragon Incarnate towards the village where Master Mangnyang resided.

Upon arriving, Yeodong-bin made his way to the village shrine, prepared to greet the being everyone in the celestial realm feared and revered – Master Mangnyang, who had once obliterated a great immortal with a single strike, erasing an entire corner of the celestial realm. A being so absolutely divine that even the Jade Emperor treated him as an equal.

[Yeodong-bin.]

Feeling immensely tense, Yeodong-bin replied, “Speak, Master Mangnyang!”

[There is a two-thousand-year-old Imugi behind this village. Capture it, and only then will I hear your words.]

 

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