Inspector (5)
The question of where the Muhonjibyeok was hidden in the Shaolin Temple was indeed a big problem.
It wasn't just anywhere—it was the Shaolin Temple, the North Star of the righteous factions in the martial world. Wandering around freely wasn't easy.
That's why I'd cheered inwardly when the chance to become an inspector arose. Perfect!
The calculation was that Shaolin, always setting an example for others, couldn't complain if I roamed under the pretext of inspector duties.
Of course, it wasn't without risks.
Shaolin was crawling with Super Peak masters. The difference from the Divine Cult was just the lack of covert operations mode— the moment they sensed even a hint of demonic energy from me, "Open the gates of slaughter" would be the inevitable response.
Moreover, I had no clue where it even was.
Hwasan Sect had that suspiciously shady spot, so it made sense, but how was I supposed to know where the Muhonjibyeok was in this vast Shaolin Temple?
And yet, it was right there under the floor of the Arhat Hall.
Under my feet, no less.
I was dumbfounded.
How the hell were we supposed to find it if they left it there?
"The First Heavenly Demon must have had some intention."
If the intent was to screw over future generations, it worked perfectly.
Of all places, under the floor of the Arhat Hall.
How did someone with demonic energy even get into Shaolin Temple to embed it there in the first place?
"Maybe that wasn't the intention. Perhaps it's a test: overcome even the Arhat Formation to inherit my will."
"...The qualifications are ridiculously high. I'd get cut at the entrance."
"Anyway, the important thing is we need to excavate it."
"So I should step up and dig it out myself?"
"Exactly. If we leave it, they'll pave over it without knowing what it is. Flip the whole place upside down and leave traces."
From Shaolin's perspective, it was just a Yunseong Iron floor anyway—no issue if it got exposed.
"And come at night to check it quickly."
"Won't the Arhats be guarding it?"
"That's why we exhaust them more now. They're human; they'll rest at least tonight."
"Then couldn't we just say so...? Right, that's not the way of a warrior."
This was the Arhat Formation, after all.
Experiencing it firsthand versus not would make a world of difference.
Especially with the Heavenly Demon Divine Art still sealed.
A chance to withstand a Super Peak master's pressure even with my true power restricted.
And since it wasn't a life-or-death duel, there was less mortal risk.
It was the perfect mock exam opportunity.
Still, I wanted to say something before challenging them.
The Arhat Formation wasn't open to just anyone.
Dao King.
Only warriors powerful and renowned enough to earn a "King" title could challenge it.
Sure, I'd gained the epithet "Eastern Sword Dragon" and was hailed as a rising master, but it lacked the weight of Dao King.
Simply put, our ranks didn't match.
If they didn't enforce standards, every tom, dick, and harry would line up shouting, "I challenge the Arhat Formation!" causing chaos at the gates. Shaolin had no choice.
My fame alone fell a bit short. I needed a boost from someone.
And right then.
"Young hero."
Je Gal Sung approached me.
"Why don't you try challenging the Arhat Formation yourself?"
Uncle Je Gal Sung, helping me out like this again.
Of course, I could read his intentions plainly.
He'd promised the inspector title, but hadn't followed up since.
A Murim Alliance strategist wouldn't drag his feet.
He's testing me.
Martial prowess was key for an inspector. Just look at Un Yeop Ja and Jang Yeong-o.
Enduring formations was one thing; raw power another.
Bonus: probing the origins of my martial arts.
Un Yeop Ja and Jang Yeong-o hailed from prestigious righteous sects with well-documented styles.
Not me.
So Je Gal Sung wanted to scrutinize mine.
Didn't matter to me.
What I did was closer to a single motion than a full technique.
Impossible to discern origins from one move, and the energy I used was righteous—no grounds for complaint.
Just a golden opportunity for me.
"Would it be right for me to get such a chance?"
"Of course, if Senior Brother Gong-gak permits it."
With my fame plus Je Gal Sung's endorsement.
"Looks like I can sleep soundly tonight."
Permission granted.
"But the training ground's a bit wrecked. Is that okay?"
"The environment matters little in a true clash of martial arts, doesn't it?"
"You're right, young hero. Then we'll start with the Eighteen Arhats Formation."
But before Gong-gak finished, a voice like a steam locomotive engine boomed in.
"Starting that punk with the Eighteen Arhats?"
It was Paeng Yu-gun.
He spoke with blood smeared on his tiger-like wild beard.
"He needs the Seventy-Two."
"However—"
"Brother Gong-gak. The Sword Dragon's a Super Peak master. I vouch for it."
Paeng Yu-gun flicked his arm.
"Heck, the last move I showed was inspired by that punk's technique. Still think he's unqualified?"
Not just the Arhats were stunned by Paeng Yu-gun's words. Je Gal Sung looked shocked too.
"Senior, what do you mean? You advanced another realm?"
"Desk jockeys wouldn't get it."
"Come on, playing dirty like this?"
"You're the dirty one, stirring trouble to probe his arts. Think I don't see?"
Je Gal Sung coughed awkwardly, looking away with a sheepish face.
"Er, Song Mountain's scenery really is something."
"Who you talking to?"
"Talking to myself. Just mumbling."
"Getting old and craftier. Tsk."
Paeng Yu-gun was an incredibly reliable ally once on your side.
Too reliable, even.
As I walked to the center of the ruined training ground, I thought.
The Seventy-Two Arhats Formation is Super Peak level. Can I endure without Heavenly Demon Divine Art?
The art's effects went beyond mere boldness or arrogance.
It fortified the body against immense power and shielded the soul.
Charging in without it was like walking naked into a storm.
But I've shed my mortal shell. Should manage somehow.
"There's another constraint."
What?
"No matter how great their Panya Divine Body Protection is, I can slice it."
Panya Divine Body Protection was mighty, but Pa Cheon Sword's cutting power could sever even Gang Qi.
Slicing just the protection was fine; harming the monks beyond would be a disaster.
"So, kid. Fists only."
"...What?"
"Trust me?"
What nonsense.
"Then do as I say."
Mystifying words, but I stepped forward as the Arhats' representative, offering a fist salute to Gong-gak.
"Please grant me one exchange."
"Amitabha."
First, as Pa Cheon instructed—
I raised my fists.
"...You're not drawing your sword?"
The expected reaction.
With my "Sword" Dragon epithet and sword always at my waist, raising fists instead probably felt insulting.
The monks didn't show it openly, but their displeasure was clear.
"Save the sweet talk for later. Improvise."
...Hopeless guy.
I sighed inwardly and spoke.
"Just now, witnessing Dao King's clash with the Arhats, I gained a small insight. For that, I raise fists over sword—please don't be offended."
Their expressions softened slightly, but the murderous aura lingered.
"Horse stance."
Horse stance was basic even for sword stances, natural enough.
"Left palm open, extended forward. Right fist clenched at your waist."
I assumed the pose.
Recognizing it as a formal stance, Gong-gak, who'd been waiting, spoke.
"Form up."
In that instant.
————!
The lotus bloomed again.
Drained from clashing with Paeng Yu-gun, it wasn't as radiant, but still extraordinary.
Soon, that pressure would pour onto me.
"Endure. Horse stance makes it easier."
I deep-breathed, awaiting the onslaught. Golden energy pressed down like a mountain.
But.
Huh.
Easier than expected.
I could hold.
"Hmm."
Je Gal Sung veiled his face with his fan, eyes peeking out.
His sharp gaze scanned Dong Yun head to toe.
Height about six feet three inches. Long limbs in perfect proportion—ideal for martial arts.
But arms exactly equal length. Sword arms usually elongate the dominant one. Likely shed his mortal shell.
Or.
Not a swordsman.
Je Gal Sung recalled Dong Yun's info.
Yaoxian's successor. Yaoxian didn't use swords.
So was Eastern Sword Dragon truly a swordsman?
Then Panya Divine Body Protection activated, lotus blooming.
Yet Dong Yun's face remained serene.
Twenty-six? Twenty-seven?
Je Gal Sung's eyes sharpened at Dong Yun's demeanor.
"There goes that bad habit again. Tsk."
Paeng Yu-gun, beside him, chided.
"What habit?"
"Judging kids by numbers."
"How else to gauge their power?"
"So, what's your read?"
"Hmm. Holding up decently, but..."
Dong Yun still looked comfortable.
"Hard to judge from this. Super Peaks can look calm clashing."
"You're pegging him at twenty-five or twenty-six exchanges."
"...Does age come with mind-reading?"
"Your metric's always that. How many bouts against the Alliance Leader. That showing means exactly that."
Je Gal Sung's warrior evaluation was as Paeng Yu-gun said.
Murim Alliance Leader.
Sword Sage Maeng Wi-hak.
How many exchanges against his sword?
Even assuming Dong Yun as Super Peak.
"Je Gal boy."
"Yes, Senior."
"Numbers make it tidy, sure."
Paeng Yu-gun nodded toward Dong Yun.
Suddenly, crimson lightning wrapped and swirled around his body.
Like donning a dragon of thunder.
It gradually converged on his right arm.
Pzzzzzt!
Compression. More compression.
The energy coiling his body densely focused into his right arm.
"A guy growing that fast is unknowable."
"Impressive, yeah. But the Alliance has plenty like that. Geniuses too."
Paeng Yu-gun shook his head.
"That punk learned Thunder Shadow Saber from me just a fortnight ago."
"Heard Yaoxian used crimson lightning before."
"Just the energy passed down, not the applications. And that energy control—hmm?"
Paeng Yu-gun squinted.
Something like heat haze had flickered above Dong Yun's head.
Just lightning sparking, probably.
"Control how?"
"Thunder Shadow Saber method. Teach him one thing, absorbs it like dry cotton in water."
"Eastern Sword Dragon really grew on you."
"Unlike you young'uns, he's got real fire."
As Paeng Yu-gun smiled fondly.
Dong Yun slowly extended his fist. Yawn-inducingly slow, but his trembling arm hinted at immense power.
What’s he planning?
And the next moment.
Paeng Yu-gun's smile shattered.
A crimson lightning beam shot from Dong Yun's fist toward the Arhats.
Everyone present recognized it instantly.
Shaolin's Seventy-Two Absolute Arts.
Hundred Steps Divine Fist.
Emerging from Dong Yun's fist.
"...Unknowable."
Je Gal Sung forgot his fan, mouth agape in shock, murmuring.