First Forum Shenanigans (2)
The scariest thing about public opinion is that you never know when or how it might flip.
OP: CowMangerFairy
The great overlord who vowed to rule the world, and all you do is threaten to kill an orphan in the gallery? Pathetic... From now on, I'll ignore whatever you say.
'Now's the time.'
Suddenly, public opinion had swung in my favor.
But I couldn't optimistically assume it'd last forever. That's the nature of public opinion—it could flip hostile again over some random trigger.
Especially here in the gallery.
One stray post could blow the wind in a totally different direction.
Right now, while it was friendly to me, I had to milk it for all it was worth. Even exploit the parts they were mistaken about.
OP: Yeah pls
The gallery boiled over once more.
Pinned) 《Captured all posts threatening the "orphan"》
Along with that, tips from murim experts started flooding my question post.
OP: Geom Hu
Breathe → Gather qi → Store in dantian to make your own inner energy.
That's the extreme TL;DR of inner arts. In reality, each has specific qi types, small heavenly cycle, large heavenly cycle routes, etc.—way more complex.
Sorry if it came off threatening. Wasn't my intent.
'Oh.'
Geom Hu's advice was the easiest to grasp.
'Dantian.'
I had a hunch where that was.
The spot where the woman's finger had probed in my heart image world. Just like they said, a bit above my navel.
The breathing method clicked too.
I mimicked the breathing from when that woman danced—exhaling, inhaling.
"Hoo... Suuup..."
Suddenly, I sensed formless energy in the air.
'This natural true qi?'
Suck it in bit by bit, store it in my dantian.
But I felt energy inside me too—not just outside. What was that?
Didn't know? No need to overthink.
OP: Yeah
What's the stuff inside me then?
What? Why the suspicious hooks.
From: Geom Hu
'Huh...?'
What was this? Another scolding?
But the body text was totally different.
'...Scouting me?'
From: Unknown
Hey, if you're nearby, come to Suraksan. Got some nice spirit herbs lately—yours if you show.
Offering spirit herbs just like that? Those precious things?
(All similar offers from sects/families/groups: "You seem talented—come join us, we'll hook you up.")
"Whoa."
Didn't expect this many.
All tempting me with goodies to join their org.
'Nationwide murim groups are all desperate for talent, huh.'
As I checked messages, a weird noise hit my ears.
Drag...
I snapped my head up—the inner stone room wall slid open like a door.
And across it, a human silhouette.
"!!"
Nam Yeon? What do I do? How'll she react to 'me' now?
But it wasn't Nam Yeon.
A humanoid monster.
Smooth like a mannequin—no eyes or mouth, just a slight nose bump. Feminine curves at chest and hips.
Clothes like faded, torn daoist robes—hard to make out.
And in one hand, a sword.
Almost identical to the one I'd found and lost to Nam Yeon. Like a matching pair.
Gulp...
Humanoids in gates? Nine times out of ten, the boss. Gotta kill it to clear.
The monster's head turned my way.
No eyes, but I felt it recognizing me.
Next instant—
Its form blurred, reappearing right in front of me.
"!!"
I jerked back.
Slash!! Sword sliced where my torso was. Burning pain in my forearm. Blood sprayed.
'Fast!'
Dodging was a miracle.
Now confirmed.
That was the gate boss. The one I had to beat for safe return.
But problem.
'Too strong!!'
I ducked. Blade grazed my neck's spot. Pink strands and threads flew—my severed hair.
'Can't even catch it—gonna get diced!'
Tight space, no escape angles.
No way to fight back either.
Why? Only inner art learned! And couldn't wield it properly!!
'Need a way to fight!'
Martial arts—specifically outer arts. Sword forms, fist techniques, spear methods!
But I knew none, and no second manual popping up.
One way to get arts now.
'Gallery!'
OP: Yeah need arts hurry pls
Only way to get arts in a void: Beg True Murim Gallery experts to share theirs!!
Normally, I'd never try.
Sect arts are for disciples only. Super secretive—even cripple ex-disciples.
But desperate times. Grab any straw—die otherwise!!
'Anything, just quick!!!'
Dodging, rolling, replying frantically.
— — Yeah (OP): Hurry!
— — Yeah (OP): Hurry!
— — Yeah (OP): Hurry!
— — Yeah (OP): Yeah hurry!!!!!
From: Geom Hu
'Geom Hu!!'
Murim Alliance leader after all! Here to save me!!
"You stuck-up bitch—argh!!"
Shwick!! Boss's blade carved out my left eye.
Hot sensation spread over my face. One eye gone.
Boss's kick sent me tumbling. Lungs emptied.
"Kuhk...!!"
From: Heukcheonje
Heukam Myeolgeop Jang (Black Darkness Apocalypse Palm)
Strong palm strike taught to few elite disciples. Here's the formula you begged for:
Heukam Gwangran Mangyeop Jung (Black darkness threatens the world...) [long formula]
...Jinmyeol Heomu Gwijeong Gong (All perishes into void's purity).
But don't try lightly. Qi deviation's the best case. Interested? Come to the cult.
Good advice not to practice alone.
But no time for qi deviation worries.
Screen pinned in vision, I recited the first line of the dozens-long formula.
"Heukam Gwangran Mangyeop Jung—!"
Cheon Do-yeon's eyes trembled. Body slumped.
Simsang Dokja (Heart Image Reader)
Heukam Myeolgeop Jang
Outside: an instant.
But in her heart image fused with the art: far longer.
Boss swung down to finish the fallen Cheon Do-yeon.
But.
First time—the sword was blocked.
By her bare hand.
"You, bitch...!"
Bare, but no longer powerless.
Black demonic qi gathered on her jade hands, cloaking like black gloves.
Unfamiliar mighty power pulsed through her body. Unknown meridians and vessels mapped out.
Hand that only knew fists naturally formed palm strike pose.
Purple eyes gleamed bloodthirsty red.
Boss flinched back.
"Raaaaaaaah!!!!"