NOVEL NEXT Chapter 492
00492 암천향(暗天鄕) ————————————————————————=
Having learned the teachings of the Seven Great Techniques based on the Six Harmonies from Jang Sam-bong, I felt a different sensation compared to learning from Lee Cheong-un or the Sect Leader.
‘It feels like this is how it’s meant to be.’
In fact, the content of the teachings hadn’t changed much; it merely referenced the operation of the Six Harmonies. However, that alone allowed me to escape the feeling of walking in a dark cave relying on faint light and instead feel as though I was strolling along a brightly lit path in broad daylight. Until now, I had relied on genius and intuition for the connections within the Seven Great Techniques, but now, I could organize them according to a systematic flow.
Thanks to that, though I had only spent a single day on it, my understanding of the interconnectedness of the Seven Great Techniques had significantly deepened. At this point, I felt as if I could grasp the Eight Great Possibilities within the Seven Great Techniques.
However, Jang Sam-bong expressed discomfort while mentioning the Eight Great Possibilities.
[The Eight Great Possibilities are the Seven Great Techniques, but they are not the Seven Great Techniques.]
“What do you mean by that?”
[That is a separate possibility forged from the results of decades of research combined with the principles of the Thunder God Lineage. I never thought such a combination would be possible while mastering the formless… In other words, Jin So-cheong and Lee Cheong-un created something that didn’t exist in this world.]
I was taken aback and retorted.
“Lee Cheong-un and the Sect Leader said that all possibilities are open! So I thought Grand Master Jang had arranged for everything…”
[Of course, it was I who opened that possibility by studying Tai Chi and the Six Harmonies. But those who can ‘open’ it are themselves remarkable talents throughout the ages. If you’ve trained, you would know that it doesn’t just emerge from mixing anything.]
“That is true, but…”
At first glance, mixing any secret technique from the Six Great Techniques seemed to create Divine Arts Technique, but each technique held profound and subtle secrets. Even the simplest combination, the Rule of the Land King, could not be innovated without a deep understanding of the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword.
[The martial arts referred to as the Eight Great Possibilities are already separate Divine Arts Techniques that can maintain independence from the original methods I created. In fact, I hoped that the seniors of the Wudang Sect would develop them…]
Jang Sam-bong sighed and continued.
[… This is why I cannot confidently lead you to the peak of this mastery by teaching you the Eight Great Possibilities.]
“Still, I don’t mind. I’m just grateful to be learning.”
[Hmm…]
“Please bestow your teachings upon me.”
For me to properly train the Eight Great Possibilities, I needed my Master’s help. The issue was that only the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Lee Cheong-un, or the artificially risen Jin So-cheong would have the ability to teach me correctly. With problems in contacting all three, I had no choice but to rely solely on Grand Master Jang’s teachings.
I received instruction on the Eight Great Possibilities from Grand Master Jang throughout the dawn.
‘He really knows everything.’
Though Jang Sam-bong initially claimed that teaching through words would be difficult, in reality, he was relaying knowledge to me with ease and comfort. It’s only when an educator fully understands a piece of knowledge that they can impart it easily to others. Jang Sam-bong had mastered the Eight Great Possibilities and penetrated into the depths of its meaning.
To master the Eight Great Possibilities in a single night!
This is the true genius, Jang Sam-bong!
Watching the dawn sun, Grand Master Jang said,
[However, calling it the Eight Great Possibilities doesn’t have a pleasant ring to it. These splendid martial arts…]
“Would you consider giving it another name?”
[That would be good.]
“Grand Master, you have every right to name it.”
If the creator and the master don’t have the authority, who else would? I respectfully asked Grand Master Jang for a name, and he pondered for a moment before saying,
[How about the Eight Immortal Divine Art?]
I looked at him in surprise at those words.
“Are you thinking of the Eight Immortals?”
[Indeed.]
It seemed Jang Sam-bong spoke with a hint of bashfulness.
[Since I’ve admired them since childhood, I became devoted to Daoism and so I wish to attach their names.]
Come to think of it, Jang Sam-bong was from a much later period than Yeodong-bin. He was hundreds of years old but not as ancient as the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, it could be said that Jang Sam-bong was a junior compared to Yeodong-bin, but in the realm of immortals, it didn’t seem like there was a strict hierarchy.
“I understand.”
From now on, let’s refer to the Eight Great Possibilities as the Eight Immortal Divine Art as per Grand Master’s decision.
While I was deep in thought about this, Jang Sam-bong spoke up.
[But can you focus on martial arts training?]
“Ah… well…”
[Your mind is elsewhere.]
Indeed, the senses of an immortal cannot be deceived. I scratched my head and replied,
[Hmm… You can’t achieve great success overnight, after all. I hope you handle what you need to do first before continuing your training.]
“Yes.”
Then, I spent the remaining time meditating to refine my mental and physical state to its peak, and when the day of the appointment arrived, I set out early towards Jangryeong Valley. With a significant matter ahead, it was far better to refine my condition than to engage in training.
Pa-at!
Instead of using the Golden Lamp technique, I arrived at the Han Clan using the Apostle’s power. While the Golden Lamp technique would have been easier, it was indispensable to become accustomed to the power quickly for future conveniences.
When I arrived at the garden of the Han Clan, there was Han Baek-ryeong waiting on the wooden bridge. Despite my early departure, she was already fully dressed, indicating that she had remembered the appointment clearly.
Upon seeing me, Han Baek-ryeong spoke,
“Surely you can’t be the Dragon’s Avatar?”
“That is correct.”
“That’s absurd. You transformed from a boy to a young man overnight?”
Han Baek-ryeong looked at me with suspicion-filled eyes. Indeed, it was hardly plausible that someone could appear different overnight. If Mangnyang found it hard to believe, it was no wonder Han Baek-ryeong would too.
“Whether you believe it or not, I have come to keep my promise with you. I am here to share the answer you requested regarding the assassination of the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”
Upon hearing the details, Han Baek-ryeong flinched slightly and said,
“That’s preposterous… is it not a bit too brazen for a doppelganger?”
“I am who I am.”
Swish…
I drew my Flame Elemental Sword and summoned its power. An intense heat radiated, swirling around me, causing Han Baek-ryeong to frown at the illusory flames. Projecting the strength of the Flame Elemental Sword, I spoke bluntly.
“Whether you choose to believe it is entirely up to you. If you do not, I shall take my leave.”
“Wait a moment.”
Han Baek-ryeong raised her hand, stopping me. After deep consideration, she said,
“Even if you are a doppelganger, I shall believe that speaking with the Dragon’s Avatar will not be the same as with anyone else.”
It seemed she judged that regardless of whether I was genuine or fake, interacting with my powers held equivalent value. A thoroughly self-serving decision.
“Do as you please.”
“Why have you become like this?”
I casually replied,
“I have had many dealings with divine beings. This form is a result of aging rapidly over a short time.”
“… And you expect me to believe that.”
“Whether you believe it or not is up to you. If it’s true and you are in my position, how would you explain this predicament to others?”
“I have no choice.”
Han Baek-ryeong looked at me with a dubious expression before stating,
“Anyway, please tell me your answer now.”
Han Baek-ryeong had sought my help in eliminating the Master of the White Lotus Sect and promised to provide all necessary weaknesses and information for the task. I had already discussed this question with my advisors, so I answered without hesitation.
“There’s a condition.”
“What condition?”
“Persuade the Wind Spirit Sect to become our allies.”
“…….”
“And the scholars must also become our allies.”
Upon presenting Zhuge Sa’s strategy, Han Baek-ryeong reacted with a dismayed expression, just as I had expected. This proposal was undoubtedly troublesome for her. She replied to my words.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to involve them in this matter…”
“That’s not true. If we leave out the Wind Spirit Sect and they side with the Sect Leader later, what will we do? Moreover, if we don’t solidify our alliance with the scholars, our influence in Luoyang will diminish greatly.”
“That has little to do with taking down the Sect Leader. It’s a trivial matter.”
“Hmm.”
Han Baek-ryeong’s words held validity. My responses were, after all, bordering on excuses. I remained calm and continued,
“But I have no intention of teaming up with someone unable to handle even the trivial.”
“……!!”
“Just as you consider that trivial, eliminating the Master of the White Lotus Sect is not essential for me either. The risks of crossing that bridge far outweigh the gains for me. Thus, I’m asking for the fundamental procedures to pay this debt, is that too difficult?”
“A demonstration of your ability, you mean.”
“I leave the interpretation up to you.”
Han Baek-ryeong appeared to contemplate for a moment and then nodded.
“I will do my best.”
“Good.”
I arranged that I would receive news through Sangwan Hyuk once Han Baek-ryeong’s tasks were successful. I then asked Han Baek-ryeong,
“How’s the Sword Demon’s Twin Sword Technique coming along?”
“He hasn’t been training for long.”
“Ah… I see…”
“But he has already mastered all the fundamentals.”
When I looked at Han Baek-ryeong in surprise, she said,
“He was originally a master on the brink of the peak in one particular field, so it’s not surprising.”
I went to the training ground of the Sword Demon to find him meditating at dawn. Upon my arrival, he wore a grim expression.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Baek Woong.”
The Sword Demon’s expression grew increasingly sour.
“Baek Woong is a boy.”
“I have aged.”
“Khaha!!”
The Sword Demon gave me a look of incredulity and sharply turned his head away, as if I wasn’t worth speaking to. I couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt, yet if anyone heard the claim of aging over 20 years in an instant, they would be deemed insane. The Sword Demon’s and Han Baek-ryeong’s reactions were perfectly justifiable.
I had no choice but to approach the Sword Demon and present the obsidian.
“This is proof that I am indeed me.”
“I cannot believe it. How can I be sure it’s not a trap meant to brainwash or deceive me?”
The Sword Demon was extremely wary. Just then, Han Baek-ryeong, who was watching from a distance, interjected.
“Sword Demon! This is no time to waste. Are you going to expel a noble person or engage in conversation?”
“Han Baek-ryeong.”
“Stop the squabbling and choose.”
It appeared Han Baek-ryeong disliked the notion of an outsider lingering in her sect’s inner sanctum, regardless of whether I was genuine or not. Pressured by Han Baek-ryeong, the Sword Demon thought for a long moment before reluctantly nodding.
“Let’s hear you out.”
Pa-at!
“Gah!”
Upon reading the situation, the Sword Demon was astonished. He relaxed his posture slightly and sent me a secret transmission.
[Forgive me for my doubts.]
[It’s quite understandable.]
Then, he began to converse outwardly for Han Baek-ryeong’s benefit.
“I hear your recent achievements have been remarkable.”
“I’m still only at the stage of taking my first steps.”
While I feigned chatting with him, our true conversation happened through secret transmission.
The Sword Demon stated,
[There must have been many happenings. I think I will have to leave this training ground soon. The world is about to change drastically.]
[When would be suitable for you?]
[Originally, I expected it to be two years, but I’ll advance that timeline.]
[If Han Baek-ryeong acknowledges you as a master, I will be able to teach you the Twin Sword Technique.]
[I’ll be waiting.]
Had the Sword Demon spent this time digging into the Seven Great Techniques instead of solely the Twin Sword Technique, he would have gained far greater achievements. Yet, whenever the need arose for me to use the Twin Sword Technique, he was willing to sacrifice his time for me. A debt of the heart I knew, and I resolved to repay that debt to the Sword Demon in due time.
[As for advice, go seek the Prophet.]
[The Prophet?]
[It seems the advisors have been too busy to consider, but the person most knowledgeable about the information and movements of the Otherworldly Race is the Prophet. Prepare tributes to earn information from him.]
[Oh!]
[In preparation for the great disaster, information on the Otherworldly Race could be the most crucial. Then, do your best.]
I left the Han Clan and headed towards Jinrang Valley.
‘I’m worried about Mangnyang, who might be fighting the Divine Fever.’
I made my way towards the estate where Mangnyang resided. As I scrutinized Mangnyang sprawled on a rock, he remained motionless as if fainted, even after my arrival. There was no heat in his body, and his complexion was so pale he looked like a corpse. He clearly had lost consciousness.
“Mangnyang!”
I panicked and grasped his wrist, and in that moment, a scalding heat surged from his wrist into my body. That powerful spirit energy writhed as if it would sever my life, but at that moment, Jang Sam-bong raised his divine energy to protect me from it.
Jang Sam-bong said,
[Protector, this person’s body is filled with an immense amount of divine energy swirling within. If left like this, he will die.]