Chapter 69: Bigeokdan
After the training session ended, Jeong Gwang returned to his room and sat cross-legged.
Let's see here.
With that thought, his true qi stirred.
The internal energy accumulated in his dantian spread throughout his body's qi and blood.
In that state, he observed his internals.
There were no blockages on the path he wished to take—no obstructions, so it was ready to advance to a new one.
A satisfied smile formed on his lips.
It's all set.
The Kunlun secret art, Supreme Pure Unsurpassed Divine Art, was an excellent internal cultivation method.
Though the speed of accumulating true qi was much slower compared to demonic arts, its purity and stability were even praiseworthy in his eyes.
He had brought it nearly to the tenth star, preparing for the next step forward.
Shall I move on?
Jeong Gwang pondered briefly.
Should he thicken what was familiar, or advance to something new?
His absolute internal energy quantity was still lacking either way, so neither choice was bad.
Still, better to learn something new. It's the path I have to take anyway.
Spiritual herbs would make it easier.
No need for peerless ones. To melt his existing energy into a new heart method and solidify the foundation, several moderate spiritual herbs might be better.
Just spend the money.
It was a thought only possible because Jeong Gwang was wealthy.
But spiritual herbs weren't easy to obtain just because one had money.
It would likely take quite some time.
Better prepare in advance.
Should he ask the Beggars' Sect with their wide network, or the Sichuan Tang Clan, who held immense power in poison and herb distribution?
Talk to both.
Having sorted his thoughts, Jeong Gwang withdrew the internal energy circulating through his meridians.
He had planned to continue a bit more, but he sensed Heo Cheong's presence outside the door.
"May I come in?"
"Yes, Master."
Heo Cheong entered with a somewhat weary face.
Sitting down, he stared at Jeong Gwang for a moment before asking.
"Your eyes have deepened even more."
"Have they?"
"Yes. Did something good happen?"
"A little."
Heo Cheong's previously dour face lit up brightly.
Jeong Gwang's "a little" was never just a little for ordinary people.
"Immeasurable Buddha. The Primeval Lord has blessed you. Congratulations."
Patting Jeong Gwang's shoulder several times, he let out a short sigh.
"You look tired, Master. Is something wrong?"
"Namgung Hwa-in has stirred things up."
"Ah."
"You're not surprised. Well, from his position, he had to move before it got any later."
Heo Cheong explained what had happened at the Murim Alliance meeting.
"Originally, there was more time until the alliance leader election, but he pushed to finish it in seven days and nights."
As time passed, more people would join the training sessions—it was obvious.
Not just ordinary warriors, but disciples from prestigious sects were increasingly participating, so he wanted to cut it off here.
"Didn't Pang Su-gwan object?"
"Of course he did. But Namgung Hwa-in brought up Huashan and Zhongnan, heightening the other sects' alertness."
The situations in Huashan Sect and Zhongnan Sect were quite dire.
Following Jeong Gwang's advice, Sima Lian's disciple, the Jade Qilin, had allied with officials to seize Huashan and Zhongnan's interests.
They kept quiet for face's sake but eventually raised their hands.
It was Shaanxi Province, their home turf. Losing legitimate interests legally—how infuriating must that be?
They couldn't just sit by anymore. Must sting.
It was something he'd heard while eating with ordinary warriors before. Since he'd expected this flow, Jeong Gwang nodded calmly.
In contrast, Heo Cheong's face was gravely serious.
"Huashan and Zhongnan have fire on their feet. The other sects see it as their problem too—who knows when Sima Lian's demonic claws will reach their own turf."
"They might already have."
"True. Come to think of it, we're the only ones not worrying. Haha."
It was a peace Kunlun enjoyed, having no worldly interests.
"In the end, they settled on electing the leader after seven days. Nerves will be on edge until then, so I'm saying this: you get the meaning, right?"
"Don't cause trouble."
"Yes. I ask you."
"Got it."
Despite Jeong Gwang's immediate agreement,
Heo Cheong's eyes narrowed slightly, trembling.
Haha. Master doesn't trust his disciple.
Given Jeong Gwang's usual behavior, it was unavoidable.
Still, what choice was there but to trust?
"...I'll trust you."
Jeong Gwang grinned in response.
"Don't worry."
"...Your smile makes me more anxious."
"Hahaha."
Jeong Gwang laughed for a different reason.
Namgung Hwa-in advancing the election date was a good move. Even Jeong Gwang would have done the same.
How will he play it now?
In his previous life, Jeong Gwang would have...
Struck with full force under cover of night.
All opposing or neutral factions.
Wuigunja wouldn't do that.
Regardless of Namgung Hwa-in's nature, it was impossible in the righteous faction.
Guess I'll find out.
Jeong Gwang's eyes gleamed.
Naturally, Heo Cheong's heart sank.
After Heo Cheong left, Jeong Gwang resumed his interrupted qi circulation.
Passing through the Small Heavenly Circulation and into the Great Heavenly Circulation, his true qi's flow accelerated ceaselessly.
Good. Up to the tenth star.
Time passed that way.
In the end, Jeong Gwang fully opened not only the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the Twelve Primary Meridians, and the Twelve Divergent Meridians, but every fine meridian throughout his body.
Ugh. Stinks.
The waste expelled from his meridians reeked.
Baek Seung-mu, lying corpse-like beside him after extreme training, even twitched his nose.
Need a wash.
Jeong Gwang stepped out, opening the door.
The moon hung high in the pitch-black sky, as if mirroring his figure.
Absorbed in the mood, Jeong Gwang drew his sword.
The moon in the night sky clung to the cold blade as it swung.
The Supreme Pure Unsurpassed Swordsmanship, which he'd only kept in his mind without practicing.
It was sword forms unfolded according to the mysteries of Kunlun's secret swordsmanship.
Nice!
The more he moved, the more he wielded the sword, the more true qi surged through his body.
That true qi burned away the waste on his skin, lightening even his mind as if it would fly.
In the end, the Three Pure Ones. Jade Pure, Supreme Pure, Great Pure—all one, returning to nothingness.
Jeong Gwang disliked and avoided the Daoist scriptures, but he had to know them to learn Kunlun's arts.
Thus, he had his own realization of the Dao.
Jeong Gwang-style Dao, perhaps.
Having interpreted it to fit his nature rather than Daoism, it differed greatly from the founder's.
Naturally, he couldn't draw its full power.
But so what?
I can supplement it my way.
That was Jeong Gwang's path.
He wasn't a man to walk paths drawn by others.
Whatever lay on the path he drew didn't matter.
If I like it, I keep walking. If not, I make a new one.
The sword dance he was performing now was like that.
Follow where the mind leads; if lost, a new path opens.
If not, he opens one himself and steps forward again.
Jeong Gwang's sword dance grew fierce, then subsided, repeating.
And finally stopped completely.
Jeong Gwang wore a satisfied smile.
All emptied.
Not only the waste on his body, but even the unnecessary sword basics clinging to the Supreme Pure Unsurpassed Swordsmanship—all shed.
As much as he'd emptied, hunger struck.
Wonder if there's anything decent to eat.
Jeong Gwang looked toward the dining hall.
The food prepared for ordinary guards on duty was predictable, but he figured he'd eat that at least.
Thus, employing stealth technique toward the dining hall, Jeong Gwang...
Hm?
Encountered people moving stealthily.
Four warriors, their lightness skills exceptionally refined—not ordinary level.
The ordinary warriors on guard hadn't even noticed them pass.
Well, well? What are these guys up to?
Observing silently from the darkness, Jeong Gwang nodded.
Namgung folks.
Their distinctive lofty, sharp aura was palpable.
The leader is the one next to Wuigunja. Namgung Singeon, probably.
Jeong Gwang shook his head inwardly.
No masks, and with the bright moon, their faces were fully visible.
Overconfident in their stealth? With that level of skill?
Anyway, sneaking around at night meant there was reason enough.
Jeong Gwang followed behind them.
Qingseong Sect elder Cheong Hae spread his arms dramatically.
"Heavens. For the Qingfeng Sword Hero of Namgung Clan to grace us—such an honor. But what brings you at this hour?"
Namgung Singeon clasped his hands politely.
"Apologies for the late hour. I have urgent matters, hence my visit."
"Hm. Urgent words, eh? Well, let's hear it."
Unbefitting a righteous elder, Cheong Hae cut straight to the point.
Visiting at this hour meant secrecy. No need to waste time on fluff.
His guess was spot on.
"This alliance leader election. Qingseong's support would be appreciated."
"...The alliance leader election..."
Cheong Hae trailed off, stroking his beard.
Honestly, he wasn't pleased.
Stayed quiet till now, and comes crawling? Desperate, huh.
Namgung Hwa-in had more faction support than Pang Su-gwan from the start.
But the training sessions changed much.
Not only outmatched in grand principles, but even neutrals leaned toward Pang Clan.
Qingseong claimed neutrality too, but internally leaned toward supporting Namgung Clan.
As the sect's representative in place of the leader, Cheong Hae had authority to shift that.
His sect leader's words surfaced.
'We've gathered to support Namgung Clan, but act according to circumstances. For the sect's benefit.'
This applied to other neutral sect heads too.
Let's hear him out first.
After a silence, he slowly spoke.
"How many sects have you approached?"
"Naturally, the first."
Hard to believe, but the sincerity in flattering his mood was felt.
But business wasn't done on moods.
Cheong Hae sent a transmission.
-As a Daoist, it's unbecoming, but what benefits do you offer the sect?
Namgung Singeon was sharp.
Though bullied by brother Namgung Hwa-in, he read situations and hearts well.
He had patience to swallow rising curses too.
'Then shut up like a Daoist and weigh the gains?'
Veiling his expression expertly, Namgung Singeon replied.
"Bring it in."
"Yes."
The door opened; a Namgung warrior entered.
Setting down the jar on his shoulder, he left and closed the door.
As Cheong Hae eyed it curiously, Namgung Singeon transmitted.
-Nothing fitting to gift Daoists, so we prepared Bigeokdan.
-...Bigeokdan?
-Indeed. Excellent quality—will aid your cultivation.
Cheong Hae was dumbfounded.
'Is this bastard joking?'
What request with mere Bigeokdan?
Originally, Bigeokdan were pills Daoists avoiding grains ate to nourish the body.
Made from grain powder, pine nut powder, jujubes, chestnuts, bound with honey—but warriors improved them over time.
Now, sects made unique versions, used as emergency rations for closed-door training or wandering the jianghu.
In short, nothing special.
Cheong Hae's words wouldn't be kind.
-Too late for jokes, no?
-No joke.
-...?
-This is a spe-cial Bigeokdan.
Emphasizing each character, Cheong Hae's eyes flickered.
Meeting his gaze, Namgung Singeon added.
-Some boost martial arts, others aid sect finances. Try one—you'll understand.
-...!
Even a fool would get it now.
Greed lit Cheong Hae's eyes.
'Spiritual herbs and riches hidden in the Bigeokdan?'
His mind raced.
'We were backing Namgung anyway. No need to change.'
Pang Su-gwan touted principles, but Namgung had them too.
Or could make some.
But confirm first.
-Unsure how potent. Seems plenty, but...
-Guaranteed effects. Ample quantity—no worries.
-Is that so? Hm. But before taking to main sect, I should test a few...
-Of course. Who'd know or complain how many you eat first?
Cheong Hae's eyes shone.
The answer he wanted.
'Grab the good stuff first.'
Cheong Hae smiled thinly.
"This poor Daoist has always admired the Namgung Clan head, revered as the Cangtian Yijian. Will that suffice?"
Namgung Singeon smiled inwardly cursing.
"Of course. Thank you, Daoist. I'll take my leave."
"Haha. Allow me to see you to the door."
Cheong Hae escorted Namgung Singeon to the lodging door.
Pointless, as Namgung Singeon would stealth away.
Back in his room, Cheong Hae shut the door and seized the Bigeokdan jar.
Opening the lid revealed fragrant Bigeokdan.
He eyed them greedily, as if piercing to the treasures within.
Let's see.
His hand plunged in, rummaging for real gifts...
Huh?
His face twisted.
'Nothing!'
He upended the jar, spilling Bigeokdan.
Only fingernail-sized pills poured out; shaking yielded nothing.
Cheong Hae inwardly roared with killing intent.
'That bastard Namgung Singeon!'
On the roof of a hall slightly away from Qingseong Sect's lodging.
Jeong Gwang chuckled, eyeing the items in his hands.
Man, quite the haul.