Soul Summoning Sword

Chapter 66: Slow Breath, Careful Steps (1)

– Take a breath and proceed slowly.

The spear tip aimed for Guun’s chest.

That sharp steel point, seeping with a red mist, burrowed into his flesh.

The cold taste of metal grazed his lungs.

Blood surged forth. A crimson spray scattered into the air and poured down to the ground.

Guun’s pupils trembled violently.

A depth that could rip the heart apart.

Yet, though the pain flashed vividly, the darkness of death did not approach.

The moment the spear blade pierced in, something strange occurred.

That spear was not merely forged steel. A presence like the soul of an ancient master swirled at its tip, a red mist coiling.

When that presence aimed for Guun’s chest, a burst of blue light exploded.

The dormant force deep in Guun’s heart—cold and clear—erupted instinctively.

A shield formed, pushing the spearhead away.

Paaang!

A sound like air being torn echoed. The spear bounced back, and Ma Ungyeol’s hand tingled sharply.

Guun staggered.

His feet scraped the ground, and both hands clutched at the bleeding wound on his chest. Yet, he did not die. Though he’d taken the spear directly, he remained relatively intact. Why?

Had the spear been imbued with Ma Ungyeol’s true inner force, Guun would’ve surely died. But at that moment, the spirit energy of the Spirit Union Martial Artist pushed aside the inner force and took its place. That force had dangerously stimulated the Spirit Flow Core within Guun.

The Spirit Flow Core reacted explosively, repelling the spear’s spirit energy.

That fleeting shift had saved Guun’s life.

Of course, the shock from being pierced was intense enough to blur his consciousness.

The wound through his chest was clear. Though he survived, blood was pouring down. The rebound from the Spirit Flow Core had only shielded the vital organs—heart, liver, lungs.

Just then, the Spirit Union physician, Namgung Hoyoung, rushed forward.

Tatata-tak! Tatatak!

His fingers flashed.

Fine needles glinted as they targeted Guun’s chest. Stabbed again and again... the vibrations stimulated his acupoints.

It didn’t matter whether Guun was standing or trying to evade.

Normally, a patient lies down calmly while the physician applies the needles with a steady hand... but Namgung Hoyoung chased the rampaging Guun around while applying acupuncture.

Where and how was he even inserting the needles? The pain spread in sharp waves.

And yet... the wound began to throb and mend. The bleeding slowed, and the flesh seemed to seal itself back together. A sensation of healing washed over his body like a cold wave.

Paat!

Guun’s eyes flashed. Reflexively, he moved his hand.

The spear tore through the air and flew at Ma Ungyeol. The sound of the spearhead ripping through the air echoed.

Whiiing!

The spear tip targeted Ma Ungyeol’s head.

Ma Ungyeol’s own spear met it in return. A red trail was drawn in the air. Sparks burst as the two spears clashed.

Chaaang!

The metallic clash rang in their ears.

Guun’s body lurched forward as if collapsing. He swung the spear low, aiming for Ma Ungyeol’s legs.

Papapapat!

The spear skimmed the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Ma Ungyeol twisted his body. Setting his spear vertically, he pushed Guun’s spear aside.

Jang!

More sparks flew.

“Hoo!”

Guun exhaled roughly. His breathing had grown ragged and heavy.

His inner force was being overpowered. Un Serim’s Cloud Flow Spear was pushing faster, stronger. Guun’s body couldn’t keep up. Nor could his inner force support it.

To let Un Serim fight fully, a complete Spirit Contact was needed.

Ma Ungyeol hadn’t achieved full Spirit Contact either. While the Red Blood Spear Technique was sharp, it lacked the power and force of the Red Blood Spear King’s version.

The Red Blood Spear King was a warlord on par with General Madal.

Shweeek!

Guun retracted his spear and lunged forward.

He planted Cloud Flow Spirit Heart into his left palm. A gust arose from his hand. A small vortex... it struck forward, aiming at Ma Ungyeol’s chest.

Ma Ungyeol blocked it with his spear.

Palm and spear tip brushed.

A sensation like his skin was tearing.

This wasn’t an unintentional move. Sealing Cloud Flow Spirit Heart in his palm hadn’t been for attack, but to protect his hand.

As the Red Blood Spear shredded through his palm, his right hand moved rapidly.

From above to below, the spear struck down, aiming for the head.

Ma Ungyeol stepped back, spinning his spear. In a circular motion, he deflected Guun’s spear.

Whiririk!

The spear spun, slicing through the wind.

The battle intensified. Guun’s movements grew smoother. The once-awkward spear paths began to flow like water.

Each time Ma Ungyeol extended his spear, a new danger emerged. Guun barely twisted his body to dodge, always on the verge of being pierced. His skin was repeatedly torn.

Yet... his counterattacks became fiercer.

Guun’s spear grazed Ma Ungyeol’s arm. A minor scratch that shaved off a bit of flesh.

Ma Ungyeol’s brow twitched, but his expression didn’t change. Injuries like this were commonplace.

Guun remained composed, not flustered or regretful even when a promising technique missed. What was past was past... he followed up with another attack. He swung his spear wide, aiming for Ma Ungyeol’s shoulder.

The air compressed.

Thuck!

The spear tip scraped by, tearing skin.

Ma Ungyeol’s shoulder grew faintly soaked with blood. The blood didn’t gush like a fountain, but numerous small wounds formed.

Ma Ungyeol murmured,

“You’re adapting.”

“I’ve got a question. There’s several Spirit Union Martial Artists, right? Why are you only using the Red Blood Spear King’s martial arts?”

“Huhu! Do you ask that to your enemy?”

“Ah! Is this one of those ‘secrets,’ too?”

Ssshh!

Guun raised his spear. At that moment, Ma Ungyeol calmly spoke.

“Withdraw.”

At that single word, the surroundings fell quiet.

Even Sasaha, who had been fighting fiercely, and Ma Ungyeol’s subordinates... all simultaneously withdrew their weapons and began to step back.

“Huuup!”

Guun steadied his breathing.

His body felt heavy. Blood had run down his legs, soaking into the ground.

Whooosh!

A wind blew by, scattering dust into the air.

Guun’s chest still throbbed.

The wound inflicted by Ma Ungyeol had been severe enough to be considered fatal.

Yeon Sohye and Jang Unhyeok rushed over.

“Are you okay?”

Yeon Sohye first examined the chest that had been pierced by the spear.

Paseuseuseut!

A pale mist rose from her hand. It was a precaution against any possible ambush.

She hurriedly supported Guun and hid him within the mist.

The enemy’s line of sight was blocked. A still silence… only the sound of their breathing could be heard.

A warm heat radiated from Yeon Sohye’s hand holding his arm.

‘Ugh!’

Guun couldn’t even groan loudly for fear of worrying Yeon Sohye. But his chest burned intensely.

The Spirit Flow Core, overwhelmed by the blue light.

A searing pain, like flames, pierced his lungs. His heart pounded as if it might burst, and each vein tingled as if electrified.

Guun clenched his teeth.

The bitter taste of blood filled his mouth.

Fwoooosh!

Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit slowly emerged.

A faint shadow guided Guun’s hand. Like a puppet suspended on strings, Guun moved his fingers. Following Namgung Hoyoung’s control… yet the movements were precise and swift.

A transparent needle glowed as it dug into the wound.

Tatatak! Tatatak!

The first needle pierced the Danjung Acupoint.

Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit energy lingered at the tip of the needle. A cold energy seeped along the meridian.

The second needle targeted the Guigweol Acupoint.

The moment it struck, a subtle vibration began at that point, like the epicenter of an earthquake. Tok tok tok. A tremor, like the tap of a small hammer, spread through his veins.

The third needle struck the Shinjang Acupoint.

The vibration intensified. Tremors simultaneously radiated from the three points where the needles had been inserted. The ripple, like concentric waves, stimulated his entire nervous system. The vibrations that began at his chest spread to his shoulders, arms, and legs.

The fourth needle pierced the Cheondol Acupoint.

Woom woom woom.

This time, the entire body vibrated. A deep tremor, like a resonating bell, reached his very marrow. Each nerve felt as if jolted by electricity, awakening with a tingling spark.

The fifth needle penetrated the Jeonjung Acupoint.

The vibration reached its peak. Waves erupted from the five inserted points, awakening a protective barrier deep within. The dormant life force in his blood vessels stirred.

Tatatatak! Tatatak!

Namgung Hoyoung’s fingers moved like lightning. The needles were inserted one after another, sending vibrations through his entire body. The tremors flowing along his meridians seeped deep into the wound.

Stabbed again and again...

Each time a needle was inserted, a new vibration began.

Dozens of needles were planted around the wound in his chest. The vibrations from each needle overlapped and amplified one another, creating a massive wave. The waves grew so strong, they seemed almost peaceful.

The pain turned to a warm sensation.

In rhythm with the vibrations, the body began to heal itself.

The blood vessels contracted and expanded, regulating the blood flow. The nerves activated, directing life force to the wounded area. The cells responded to the vibration, accelerating regeneration.

Woom woom woom.

The deep tremor from within became a healing rhythm. Like the beat of a giant heart, it enveloped his body. From each needle point, warmth surged.

The wound throbbed and began to mend.

As the vibrations stimulated the torn flesh, the shredded skin began to rejoin. Blood vessels reconnected, nerves aligned, and the skin healed.

Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit energy, along with the vibration, seeped deep into the wound and accelerated healing.

The bleeding gradually stopped.

The vibration constricted the blood vessels and halted the bleeding.

The coagulating blood formed scabs, and beneath them, new flesh sprouted. The ripple effect of the needles transformed the entire body into a vast healing mechanism.

A snap—the sound of flesh reattaching.

As the vibration reached its climax, every cell responded in unison. The flesh at the wound site pulled together like magnets, sealing perfectly. As if there had never been a wound, the area healed cleanly.

Guun’s hand reached for Yeon Sohye’s shoulder.

Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit energy pulsed at his fingertips. A fine silver needle flashed as it found Yeon Sohye’s shoulder. Around the hole pierced by the poison dart, black venom lingered.

The needle danced like it was alive, caressing her wound.

Fwoop!

An invisible needle struck the Gyeonjeong Acupoint.

As a subtle vibration began, the venom trembled. The second needle pierced the Gyeollyo Acupoint, spreading the vibration. The black venom slowly began to retreat.

Tatatak! Tatatak!

More needles were inserted, sending vibrations throughout her shoulder. The hole made by the poison dart writhed as it began to mend. Torn muscles wove together like threads and reattached.

Yeon Sohye let out a faint moan.

“Ugh…”

It was a sigh of relief as the pain subsided.

The pallor faded from her face, and color returned. The tremble in her shoulder ceased.

Guun’s hand moved to Jang Unhyeok’s arm.

Blood had crusted over a slash from a sword. It was a long, deep wound—so deep that bone was visible where the flesh had split.

Guun’s hand moved along the edge of the wound.

The needle followed the veins, sealing the wound.

The first needle entered the Gokji Acupoint. The vibration started at the elbow and spread toward the wound. The second needle pierced the Susamni Acupoint, amplifying the vibration’s strength.

The severed veins twitched and reconnected. The flesh throbbed as it began to mend.

As if time flowed in reverse, the wound gradually shrank.

A look of awe crossed Jang Unhyeok’s face.

“This… such incredible acupuncture...?”

Amazement tinged his voice. As sensation returned to his arm, he clenched and unclenched his fingers repeatedly.

The pain slowly faded.

The burning heat in Guun’s chest began to settle. The blue energy flowed gently, restoring calm. Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit energy completed the final phase of healing and sank away.

The three of their breaths blended evenly within the mist.

All wounds had healed. But the fatigue lingering in their bodies remained.

Guun’s hand trembled slightly.

Aftereffect of the excessive use of the Spirit Flow Core.

Yeon Sohye rotated her shoulder and murmured,

“Perfect. I can move with ease.”

Jang Unhyeok also swung his arm to test it.

“Healed completely. This really is miraculous acupuncture.”

Guun silently nodded. Namgung Hoyoung’s spirit grew faint as it returned to the Realm of the Threshold.