NOVEL NEXT Chapter 687
Chapter 7: Dark Heaven Village
In a tacit agreement, they busily moved about, making ‘preparations.’ It was uncertain when the Eight Parts of the Divine would attack, but thanks to the Sacred Altar Tree in the Divine City, a barrier was set up that bought them precious time no matter the situation. The Master of the White Lotus Sect began performing some magical ritual, gathering the divine beings he had brought along outside the Divine City, while the Master of the Twelve Joules vanished somewhere, proclaiming he would liberate the Seven Luminaries.
Meanwhile, the group led by the Zhuge Clan was now receiving martial arts instruction from Miyamoto Musashi. It turned out there was an exchange condition related to the Half Yellow Pearl. As he scanned the gathering of martial artists, Miyamoto Musashi said:
“You there.”
His gaze landed on Jin So-cheong. With a piercing look, Miyamoto Musashi stated, “I don’t want to teach you much. Get out.”
“Why?”
Miyamoto Musashi said nothing, merely glowering at Jin So-cheong. However, the Extreme Tiger observed this and could infer the reasoning behind it.
‘So Jin So-cheong is more of a rival to him. He doesn’t want to show his true cards to someone who could potentially be his greatest adversary in the future.’
In other words, it implied that even at her current level, Jin So-cheong could engage in a duel of wits with Miyamoto Musashi, revealing her as an ultimate expert traversing the world. With that thought, Extreme Tiger sighed inwardly.
Currently, Extreme Tiger’s skill exceeded that of the Leader of the Nine Great Sects, and his martial arts had advanced far beyond the early days of Baek Woong’s rebirth. To be frank, even Extreme Tiger himself had no clue he would reach this level; confidence surged within him. The inheritance of memories from Baek Woong, including the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art, had been incredibly fortuitous.
Yet, that meant even for Extreme Tiger or the Sword Demon, they paled in comparison to the current strongest swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. Despite a slight bruise to his pride, Extreme Tiger felt a sudden thought arise and glanced sideways at the Sword Demon.
‘Extreme Tiger aside, wouldn’t the Sword Demon, touted as the leader of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, feel greatly humiliated?’
‘There’s no sign of emotional disturbance whatsoever…’
Extreme Tiger let out a breath of silent admiration. There wasn’t a hint of turmoil on the Sword Demon’s face; rather, an intense fervor radiated from him. The pride and self-esteem that Extreme Tiger assumed would be present in martial artists seemed irrelevant to the current Sword Demon. He thought to himself that the Sword Demon undoubtedly had a different caliber.
The Sword Demon spoke, “Jin So-cheong, train autonomously. The rest of us wish to inherit your esteemed martial arts.”
“Do that.”
“Sigh, it can’t be helped.”
Upon receiving the signal to leave the training ground, Jin So-cheong turned away. It seemed she was eager to witness Miyamoto Musashi’s absolute realm, but there was nothing she could do about it.
Moments later, Miyamoto Musashi remarked, “Martial artists must cross blades to truly understand each other.”
“Are you suggesting a duel?”
“Feel free to attack with the intent to kill.”
“Fine.”
In an instant, the martial artists of Baek Woong surrounded Miyamoto Musashi. The group consisted of the Sword Demon, Extreme Tiger, Cheongwol, and Bright Dragon, who positioned themselves around Musashi as he slowly placed his hand on his waist.
Drip.
The Elder of the Thunder God Lineage, Cheongwol, sweated profusely from his forehead. Just being in the presence of the Great Swordsman caused his internal power to feel stifled. Merely matching mental strength proved that his opponent was an unrivaled expert in the absolute realm.
‘He’s at least as formidable as the Master of the Thunder God Lineage…’
He recalled having witnessed the Master of the White Lotus Sect intervening when the Thunder God Lineage was annihilated. At that time, several powerful figures in the Thunder God Lineage had retaliated against the Su Shin Sect, causing considerable casualties, and the Master had stepped in personally. The experts of the Thunder God Lineage had resisted but ultimately fell to the hands of the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Doko Uncheon. Cheongwol, having observed the event from start to finish, knew just how nightmarishly high the Master’s skill had been.
However – the Miyamoto Musashi before him evoked memories of that Master. He had joined Baek Woong’s group and enhanced his martial arts through techniques like the Seven Great Techniques, but still, he couldn’t shake the tension.
‘Ah…’
A white dot shot through the air.
‘What kind of basic technique is this…?’
No, it wasn’t just a basic technique.
It wasn’t even possible to categorize it as a basic technique; it was incredibly swift.
Whoosh!
In that split second, Cheongwol felt his shoulder punctured, followed by three spots piercing through his head, chest, and abdomen. He struggled to brace himself but quickly realized it was futile and knelt to the ground.
Thud!
“……”
He lowered his head. The previous sensation of being pierced was merely a manifestation of his mind, and the subsequent wounds in his head, chest, and abdomen were also not real. However – Miyamoto Musashi was a master of the absolute realm, capable of materializing any illusion into reality. Due to the nature of the duel, he had refrained from killing Cheongwol.
‘Is this… human swordplay…?’
He believed he was an ultimate master and possessed powerful Thunder God Lineage internal arts, thinking he could resist Musashi in some way. However, he felt that such thoughts were mere illusions. What use was it against an ultimate strike that could cut everything down in one blow? If he hadn’t reached the same absolute realm, neither offense nor defense was feasible.
Musashi casually muttered, “One down. Get out.”
Feeling humiliated, Cheongwol quickly exited the training ground. And the moment he left, the light in Miyamoto Musashi’s eyes flickered as he focused on Bright Dragon next.
Crash!
*“Guhk!!”*
Bright Dragon hurriedly swung his sword to deflect Musashi’s attack. The force of the sword erupted, radiating immense light, and his body was sent flying backward; nevertheless, he had managed to defend. Unlike Cheongwol, who had succumbed in one fell swoop, he had attained advancements in martial arts through the Seven Great Techniques, allowing him to put up a fight.
Noticing Bright Dragon performing the Bowing Sky Slash, Musashi revealed a hint of a smile.
“Impressive. What technique is that?”
“Bowing Sky Slash from the Wudang Sect’s Seven Great Techniques!”
Miyamoto Musashi rarely praised anyone. “Interesting… Good technique.”
It was a compliment he could not avoid giving, for he instantly recognized that this technique was indeed a martial art reaching an absolute realm on par with his own. The creator of this technique must have been exceptionally formidable.
But he was not my match.
Musashi thought to himself. After all, he possessed swordplay powerful enough to cut through even the distortion created by the Bowing Sky Slash. Of course, should it have been wielded by another practitioner of the absolute realm, it would have been truly threatening, but currently, Bright Dragon stood no chance against Musashi.
Musashi addressed the Extreme Tiger and the Sword Demon behind him, saying, “What’s the hold-up? I showed openings twice, yet none of you attacked.”
“Don’t worry, he’s not that foolish,” Extreme Tiger curtly replied.
Just moments earlier, Miyamoto Musashi had attacked Cheongwol and Bright Dragon once each; however, the openings created were not true weaknesses. Extreme Tiger could sense that instinctively. They appeared to be openings but were instead concealed truths within a deception. The real issue was the impossibility of discerning those deceptions; they needed to first comprehend Musashi’s sword techniques to exploit those perceived openings.
Crash!
In the next moment, Musashi swept past Extreme Tiger and the Sword Demon with a strike. His sword strokes resonated like a gentle breeze, yet they were imbued with the power to slice through mountains. However, Extreme Tiger and the Sword Demon nonchalantly defended against the attack before circling around to launch a counteroffensive against Musashi.
Crash!
Once again, the sound of clashing swords echoed as the Sword Demon and Miyamoto Musashi met blades. Musashi donned a peculiar smile and took a step back, while the Sword Demon straightened up, his expression slightly tense. As Extreme Tiger surged forward again after being knocked back by Musashi’s kick, Musashi waved his hand.
“I think that’s enough. I’ve gauged your skills.”
“Really? In such a short time…”
“Bring in the one who left.”
As soon as Cheongwol returned to the hall, Musashi stated, “As one from a distinct lineage, I cannot teach you particular techniques or martial arts in a short span. Moreover, my style lacks any specific foundational techniques, making it even harder. However, based on the recent duel, you all show potential.”
“What potential do you speak of?”
“The potential to reach the absolute realm!”
With tranquil eyes, Musashi surveyed the crowd before continuing, “With the talents you originally possessed, it would have been difficult, but the Seven Great Techniques are the ultimate martial arts created by someone who has reached the superhuman level. As you all have exceptional potential, honing those skills alone will eventually lead you to that realm.”
“Of course, we know that. But didn’t we invite you as an instructor hoping to grasp the essence of the absolute realm in a short period?”
Extreme Tiger replied, sounding exasperated. To which Musashi retorted, “Throughout history, many geniuses and masters have walked the martial world, but only an extremely rare few have reached this level. Why do you think that is?”
“What is it?”
“An unwavering obsession bordering on madness. All masters possess their own beliefs, but only those who can single-mindedly cast everything aside for a belief greater than their own… who can slay a deity upon encountering one… those are the ones who can elevate their status.”
As he gazed up to the heavens, he added, “Since childhood, I have thought that I would cut down even deities up in the sky someday. My life is no treasure, so I will surely make my strike count.”
“……”
Extreme Tiger found himself at a loss for words, falling silent.
‘That makes sense…’
Normally, he would have scoffed and thought to mock him, but it wasn’t like that. The Miyamoto Musashi before him was a person who aligned his words and actions. Indeed, Miyamoto Musashi had, in Baek Woong’s past experiences, disregarded divine status altogether and simply rushed into battle. Though the results had not been favorable, Musashi’s willingness to fight against the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors was undeniably incredible.
The Sword Demon commented, “While I understand your words, we, too, have our own convictions. As martial artists, how could we not want to grow stronger?”
“You cannot overcome obstacles like me or that Jin So-cheong with overwhelming talent. Thus, you must break through with philosophy.”
“Do you have a training methodology in mind?”
Miyamoto Musashi nodded. “A million sword strikes training.”
Soon enough, they began the training instructed by Miyamoto Musashi, aiming for the absolute realm. Outside, as Jin So-cheong met with Zhuge Sa, he asked, “Seems you were kicked out, so what will you do now?”
“I think it’s fortunate. Even if I reached the absolute realm, I wasn’t at a level to teach others, but if Musashi were to instruct the others…”
Interrupting Jin So-cheong, Zhuge Sa snapped, “Are you stupid? That’s not the point I’m making. How will you raise your martial arts to a level equal to his when he already outstrips you?”
“……”
“That guy is a potential enemy. Understand this: You may have to take down Musashi when the time comes; make it easier for me to devise a strategy.”
“I don’t quite understand.”
“What?”
Jin So-cheong replied with unwavering confidence, “I believe Musashi is… a pure individual. He’s not completely on the side of the lawful order.”
Zhuge Sa looked utterly bewildered. “What nonsense are you spewing? I asked if you could beat him.”
“I feel some sort of conflict he possesses as a martial artist. If I could resolve that, perhaps I wouldn’t need to fight him.”
“Hmmm.”
Zhuge Sa’s gaze changed. ‘Is there something shared exclusively among masters?’
He didn’t have the slightest clue what it was, yet it appeared that Jin So-cheong didn’t see Musashi as an enemy. Naturally, Zhuge Sa could not dismiss Jin So-cheong’s views regarding martial arts, and thus he pondered for a while.
Zhuge Sa declared, “Fine. You handle that aspect. I need to go meet Cheon Woo-jin.”
“By the way, what happened to Mangnyang? Why didn’t he come with you?”
“He has other matters to attend to. But it’s a low-probability endeavor, so there’s no need for you to worry about it.”
Zhuge Sa waved his hand dismissively. “Handle your own issues.”
He then walked away from Jin So-cheong towards Cheon Woo-jin. When he reached the cliff where Cheon Woo-jin was meditating, he bluntly asked, “What did Mangnyang say?”
Cheon Woo-jin sighed. “He said it won’t work.”
“Damn it.”
“It’s impossible, isn’t it? What you think is charity is, after all, a transaction.”
“I know that much. I just wanted to see how Mangnyang would react to the Eight Parts of the Divine disrupting the Law of Cause and Effect.”
Zhuge Sa remarked, “Unless we can receive the blessing of Great Creation, we’ll proceed as originally planned, I guess.”
“Zhuge Sa, are you truly going to do it?”
“I plan to.”
“It’s a suicidal act. No matter how entangled we are in the cycle of reincarnation, this life is still ours, and you’re willing to toss everything aside without hesitation?”
Cheon Woo-jin expressed doubt. For good reason; waiting for Baek Woong’s return yielded no hope. It was evident that Baek Woong was about to meet a grim fate, and there was no guarantee of defeating the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Living this despairing life was a task only achievable by extraordinary mental resilience.
Zhuge Sa chuckled. “What’s the point of living a long life? You might be Mangnyang’s disciple, so you might figure something out to avoid doom on the day of judgment, but the rest won’t have any such luxury. Can’t you see that if the end result is the same?”
“……”
“Finally, it’s been summoned.”
Kugugugu…
From the direction Zhuge Sa was looking, immense magical energy surged forth. The western sky of the Divine City darkened, revealing ‘something’ resembling a dragon-like entity made of darkness slowly descending. It was evident that the Master of the White Lotus Sect had conducted a ritual of human sacrifice to summon the manifestation of the Old Ruler.
Cheon Woo-jin bit his lips. “Those damn fools. If they can win, they’ll stop at nothing. Innocent lives have already been lost…”
Zhuge Sa glanced over and replied, “Don’t talk about others. We have to do the same.”
“What are you saying?”
“Cheon Woo-jin, when the Eight Parts of the Divine invade, do this.”
As Zhuge Sa’s strategy flowed, Cheon Woo-jin turned pale.
“… Must we go that far?”
“If you’re reluctant, then don’t. I will do it.”
“No, I will.”
Cheon Woo-jin felt complex emotions simmering within him but steeled his heart. After all, from Zhuge Sa’s perspective, the destructive path was the only option.
Three months passed since then—
At last, the Eight Parts of the Divine descended.