NOVEL NEXT Chapter 801
Chapter 801: The Arrival of Ji-seon
Ji-seon Mang-nyang has become a true immortal!
I decided to genuinely congratulate him on his achievement.
“Congratulations! So now you are a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens?”
It was originally our plan for Mang-nyang to pass through the Entrance Test, become an immortal in the Celestial Realm, and then become a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to learn the Corpse Dissolution Technique. Just thinking about that plan coming to fruition made me unexplainably happy.
“Yes, but right now I’ve been ordered to come down to Earth to oversee the Central Plains.”
“Corpse Dissolution Technique…?”
“I can use it.”
“Oh!”
The Corpse Dissolution Technique!
From my experience in Chapter 24, it was a versatile and powerful technique that could accomplish anything with ease. I had also learned that it was not just a technique but the power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. So, while it seemed impossible to master, Mang-nyang had prior experience in his past life, which gave me hope.
Having a companion who could use the Corpse Dissolution Technique would be a great support!
Feeling good about how things were shaping up, Mang-nyang said, “I’d like to know the current situation. I don’t have much time.”
“What do you mean you don’t have time?”
Mang-nyang sighed.
“Being assigned to oversee the Central Plains means the mission of the Earth Immortal has officially begun. As a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, I can be flexible and delay my duties for about 49 days, but after that, I will have no choice but to manage all the mountain spirits and lower immortals in the Central Plains for 50 years or even 100 years. By that time, it will be very hard for us to contact or help each other like this.”
I didn’t understand and replied, “But… the Ji-seon Mang-nyang from before could freely enter and exit the Imperial Palace, right? What’s different now?”
“At that time, Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s mission was to monitor and eliminate threats to the Imperial Palace. The difference lies in the nature of the mission; in my case, I’ve been appointed to a management role in the rear, so to speak… Anyway, once I’m given my jurisdiction as an Earth Immortal, I won’t be able to move freely.”
“Ugh, that’s troublesome….”
While it was good that Mang-nyang had become a strong ally, if he became a middle manager in the Celestial Realm, it would be moot. It would result in no achievements at all. At that point, Mang-nyang smiled.
“Don’t worry. If need be, I can accomplish everything in 49 days. And if things still go south, I can just escape the Celestial Realm.”
“Alright. Let me inform you of the current situation.”
*Pa-at!*
I transmitted my memories so far to Mang-nyang using obsidian. After savoring the memories for a moment, he said, “I see. Then let’s go together to meet my uncle.”
Following Mang-nyang’s lead, I used the Golden Lamp technique to go to Jangryeong Valley, the location of the Zhuge Clan. When we arrived, Zhuge Sa greeted us with a smirk.
“Is Hyun back after passing the Imperial Exam?”
“I didn’t exactly dream of passing the Imperial Exam, Uncle.”
“That makes sense. You could have passed, but if you stood out too much as a member of the Astrologer Clan, you’d risk being targeted in the Imperial Palace, so you settled for the third rank of Tanhwa, right? Anyway, congratulations.”
Zhuge Sa said, “I suppose you’ve heard the situation from Baek Woong. Why have you come?”
After explaining what he experienced in the Celestial Realm, Mang-nyang got to the point.
“I came to see if there’s anything I can assist with.”
“Anything to assist… isn’t quite non-existent.”
Zhuge Sa said with an air of reluctance, “No, I can’t do that. It sounds like you want to recruit even a cat’s paw, but you’re not suitable.”
“Why not?”
“You’ve already become a relatively high-ranking official in the Celestial Realm with a jurisdiction assigned to you. As a favored disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, even the Great Immortal can’t treat you recklessly. If you use your power to intervene, the Celestial Realm will have to pay attention. The risks outweigh the benefits, so you should just teach Baek Woong some techniques and be on your way.”
“I understand.”
While listening on the side, I spoke to Zhuge Sa. “Uncle Zhuge, so your situation is quite dire if you’re wishing for even a cat’s paw?”
“A bit. Stopping the Imperial Palace’s demonization while keeping our identities hidden isn’t a simple task. Surprisingly, the Sword Demon has been resilient, but to be honest, it has been overwhelming from the start. Besides, these days, the Imperial Palace and the Wind Spirit Sect have begun openly employing dragon men…”
Zhuge Sa continued, “But you needn’t concern yourself with that. We promised a ten-year timeline, so just focus on training until then.”
“…Got it.”
Zhuge Sa was worried that if I were to jump in to alleviate a temporary problem, it would tilt the balance and lead to uncontrollable catastrophe. Of course, even if it happened, I would gain something just like before, but the purpose of this life was different. I could only tell my companions to endure even while knowing they were struggling.
I returned to the manor in Sichuan with Mang-nyang. And then Mang-nyang said, “Baek Woong, it seems you’re having difficulties with the Five Elements Transformation, so allow me to help.”
“How can you help?”
“The Five Elements Transformation can also be interpreted using the Eight Trigrams. The reason you’re making it unnecessarily complicated with your intent is that you don’t fully grasp the principle of balancing the Five Elements. Instead of relying on instinct, it would be easier to learn the theory from me.”
I received his teachings to easily master the Five Elements Transformation. It felt like advanced theories in the philosophical studies I had learned previously, but contrary to my fear of it being difficult, it convincingly clicked in my mind. In just seven days after beginning my studies with Mang-nyang, I was able to grasp the Five Elements Transformation.
‘No way…!!’
I hadn’t even fully understood it after three years of study and had planned to dedicate another year to it, but now, thanks to Mang-nyang, I learned it in just seven days!
I felt a shiver from Mang-nyang’s abilities. Triggering the Five Elements Transformation with my intent and doing so through technique were fundamentally different acts, yet he had completely parsed out a different system and summarized the key points to teach me in an instant. As I was lost in thought, Grand Master Jang expressed his satisfaction.
[They say you are the disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, and indeed you are exceptional. You may reach the level of the Great Immortal within a hundred years.]
“I am receiving excessive praise from Master Jang.”
[If possible, could you assist Baek Woong with his next training as well?]
“Of course.”
I had now entered the next stage of training with the two immortals. With my understanding of the Five Elements Transformation prepared to counter the Sect Leader’s techniques, it was time for me to train against the techniques like the Principle of Absolute Realm wielded by the Sect Leader. Grand Master Jang began to summon illusions and explain them to me.
[Baek Woong, what do you think the Principle of Absolute Realm looks like?]
“Umm….”
I recalled the circumstances when the Sect Leader used the Principle of Absolute Realm and said, “It seemed like a technique that slows down time…”
[Describe it a bit more accurately.]
“It dominates space, compressing all surrounding space into a moment and accelerating only oneself to gain relative speed.”
[Indeed. You have grasped the essence of that technique. Then how should one fight against the Principle of Absolute Realm?]
“……”
I became tongue-tied. I knew what the Sect Leader’s Principle of Absolute Realm was, but how to deal with it eluded me. How could a mere martial artist contend with an unimaginable technique that governs space and grants transcendence over the perception of time? In front of that, any basic technique would become mere futile sword dances. Even the Apostle Dalgi could only end up taking a beating against the Principle of Absolute Realm. Even if I were to use the Soul Removal Technique, I wouldn’t be able to escape its grasp.
Grand Master Jang said, [In the realm of ordinary techniques, one cannot contend with it. Thus, confronting the Principle of Absolute Realm requires the premise of reaching the Absolute Realm.]
“Wait? The Absolute Realm?”
[Yes. Ultimately, the Principle of Absolute Realm enhances the properties of space domination derived from the Heavenly Pillar gained in the Absolute Realm. Therefore, if one’s Heavenly Pillar is solid and you can counterwill with your own will, a fair fight can occur. It may be slowed down slightly, but it will not be disadvantageous. Evidence for this is that despite how invincible the Principle of Absolute Realm seems, it’s rarely utilized against a master of the Absolute Realm. While effective against monsters unaware of martial arts, it falters against them.]
“Oh….”
Now that I think of it, that made sense. Grand Master Jang added, [Of course, if one makes a mistake and falls into the Principle of Absolute Realm, even a master of the Absolute Realm could face instant death. However, just knowing it can be unleashed allows for a brilliant counterattack in suitable circumstances. The Sect Leader is well aware of this characteristic, thus he operates it strategically rather than frivolously. Naturally, if the opponent is weaker than the Sect Leader, it’s despair incarnate….]
“Uh.”
[For example, that Dongyoung, a master of the Absolute Realm. His specialization was the Fast Sword, and he surpassed the Sect Leader in both speed and saber energy. Should he unleash the Principle of Absolute Realm against such a foe and fail, the Sect Leader would find himself beheaded in a mere second. That fella could slice through the gripping power of space with an extreme Spirit Sword! But the Sect Leader can afford to only use the Principle of Absolute Realm under favorable circumstances; thus, it cannot simply be seen as a weakness….]
I couldn’t help but show a troubled expression at Grand Master Jang’s words.
“But… I’m not in the Absolute Realm, so I can’t respond that way.”
[Indeed. But that doesn’t mean there’s no way. I shall impart that method to you now.]
Grand Master Jang slowly extended his hands. His palms drew the symbols of Tai Chi, and his arms spread wide as he held the foundational postures of Tai Chi. Grand Master Jang announced, [This is… Tai Chi!]
“……”
[Baek Woong, from today onwards, you will practice Tai Chi diligently for four years. Each day, you must enact the form of Tai Chi 1,000 times.]
“Four years, every day… you’re serious?”
[Indeed! You will likely have no time to sleep.]
“…No, that…!”
I was baffled.
“Why?! Why must it be like this? Tai Chi is the most basic of martial arts.”
Can this even be called martial arts? It’s simply a form of exercise for health promotion.
Perhaps Tai Chi was the most well-known basic martial art in the Central Plains. Most passersby, scholars, ladies, or even children would generally practice it. There exists a basic form known as the 24 Forms, but it contains no profundity of martial arts; it merely loosens joints and improves body flexibility, blended with exercises for breathing. Becoming a master through this training is impossible, and I could easily deem it as worthlessness compared to the high-level martial arts I’m practicing. While physically challenging, it’s akin to not training in martial arts at all, isn’t it?
Grand Master Jang said in a serious tone, [Whether you believe it or not, this is the only way for you to engage with the Principle of Absolute Realm as you are not in the Absolute Realm!]
“I want to know the reason!”
[Even if I tell you the reason, if you get caught up in thoughts about it, it would be better not to train at all! If you cannot comprehend it, then the training ends here.]
“Ughh…!!”
[Think this is a waste of time? It doesn’t matter if you think that!]
This is absurd.
Me practicing Tai Chi at this point?
It felt no different from retraining the Three Talents Sword Technique!
Having honed my basics and learned that the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art contain countless derived techniques, I found it utterly incomprehensible why I was being asked to practice Tai Chi a thousand times each day! Doing that for four years isn’t an ordinary task. Saying “four years” is easy; witnessing the change of seasons four times while training day and night without sleep will drive anyone insane.
I was furious, ready to throw it all away.
“Forget it! I won’t do….”
That’s when it happened.
Mang-nyang’s hand suddenly gripped my shoulder. When I turned around, Mang-nyang smiled brightly.
“Don’t do that. Just try doing it with me.”
“Mang-nyang, you….”
“I will practice with you until I leave for the Central Plains.”
“T-That’s unnecessary.”
He lowered his hand from my shoulder and said, “I know you feel burdened by fate. You’re anxious about carrying the destinies of others while managing your own. It’s not easy to focus on just yourself and also worry about the lives and fates of your companions. However, even if I’m a martial god, I wouldn’t want to show the ultimate techniques of martial arts to someone distressed.”
“……”
“When I practiced in the immortal realm, I often thought about my companions. A powerful obsessive drive pushed me to quickly fulfill my responsibilities. But the more anxious I became, the more my future came into view while the present became obscured. And once I let go of that obsession, my skill began to grow rapidly.”
Mang-nyang’s eyes glimmered.
“Baek Woong, no matter how grand the future may be, what matters is the present we live in. If you live today fully, tomorrow will be better. Just like dust accumulating to finally form a forest, your future begins today.”
“……!!”
“Now trust in Master Jang’s words and follow them. If you fail, you can resent me then.”
I realized how narrow my perspective had been and felt my face flush. I vigorously nodded.
“Alright, I will give it a try!!”
This is where it all begins.
I will practice Tai Chi a thousand times each day for four years without rest!!