Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 58: Making a Windfall (4)

I watched Jeok Yeong as he practiced his energy guiding technique.

A misty, white vapor drifted from his nostrils, coiling into a circle before shimmering like a heat haze.

‘So that’s the Nose Manifestation I’ve only heard stories about.’

When a first-rate master meditates, the energy escaping their nose takes a physical form; this is called the Nose Manifestation. It is a "bloom" said to appear only when one’s internal energy has reached a full jiazi. Even among first-rate masters, one isn't truly recognized as such unless they can produce this manifestation.

I looked at Jeok Yeong’s palms as he sat in the lotus position. They were covered in thick, heavy calluses. I wondered just how many times he had to swing a sword for his hands to become that rugged.

Then, I looked down at my own hands. They were clean and smooth, without a single callus, looking more like the hands of a scholar. Well, it made sense, considering I had never trained in martial arts until my life depended on it. To anyone else, these didn't look like the hands of a martial artist at all.

In fact, most would probably assume I had reached the realm of Loss of Substance—a state where one’s martial mastery is so profound that all physical traces of training vanish.

Generally, in the Murim, a second-rate warrior is someone with thirty years of internal power. A first-rate master has one jiazi, a super-peak master has one and a half, and a peak master possesses around two jiazi. But reaching the level of a full jiazi is no easy feat. Seeing this young kid at that level made my stomach churn with a hint of envy.

However, looking at his palms, I had nothing to say. If he had trained that desperately, he deserved to be a first-rate master.

The realm beyond peak is called transcendence. This hierarchy is common knowledge, known even by tavern workers, let alone martial artists. Recently, however, the Murim Alliance noticed that every sect had different theories regarding the stages beyond transcendence, so they standardized the terminology and announced it to the world.

They organized the martial stages as follows: after surpassing transcendence, one reaches the Extreme Intent Realm, having attained the pinnacle of martial arts. From there, one enters the Transcendence Realm, finally breaking past human limitations. Beyond that lies the Formless Realm, where even intent and form vanish. Finally, one reaches the Immortal Ascension Realm, becoming a half-immortal and ascending to the heavens.

For a long time, people used various terms like the "Realm of Transformation" or the "Realm of Mystery," and the overlapping definitions caused a lot of confusion. That was why the Murim Alliance stepped in to unify the terms.

Personally, though, I think defining martial realms with words is ridiculous. Anyone who has fought with their life on the line knows the truth: a higher martial realm doesn't guarantee victory in a fight.

Just look at me. If the Red Robed White-Eyed Demon and I fought, he obviously should have won. How do you explain him dying at the hands of a low-life like me? Real combat involves too many variables, and those aren't things you can overcome just by having a higher "realm."

That’s why I’ve reached my own conclusion.

‘The real realm belongs to the guy who wins the fight.’

I can summarize all martial stages into a single phrase. I call it the Victor's Realm—meaning the one who wins is the master.

Why bother coming up with all those useless words? In the world ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of trade, the one who makes the most money is king. In gambling, the one who takes the pot is king. And in fighting, the one who wins is king. That’s just how the world works.

"Brother, what are you thinking about so deeply?"

Jeok Yeong had finished his energy circulation and was looking at me.

"Ah, just some idle thoughts. So, how are your internal injuries?"

"After taking the miraculous medicine you gave me and performing a Major Heavenly Cycle, most of the damage has been healed," Jeok Yeong replied.

Since the impact hadn't been too severe, it was a relief. And it better be a relief—he needed to be in top shape to fight for me from now on.

"Now that you've finished your meditation, let's go grab some dinner."

Looking out the window, I saw darkness falling along with the moonlight. It was late, but I figured we should get some food in our bellies.

"No, thank you. I’m not hungry. If it’s alright, I’d ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠like to meditate a bit more. I want to finish healing my injuries completely."

‘Seeing how he prefers energy circulation over eating, he really is a born martial artist.’

My tailbone was starting to ache from sitting too long, so I stood up.

"You keep resting, then. I’m going to head out for a walk."

"Yes, brother."

With that, Jeok Yeong went back into his meditation.

The monks who had fled the battle had returned and were busy repairing Yubulsa Temple. Clearing away the corpses and scrubbing the blood was all their responsibility now. I didn't see any members of the Demon Subjugation Group; they were likely all eating. Seeing the monks cleaning up after a fight we had started made me feel a bit guilty.

Perhaps because they were fellow Buddhists, the Emei Sect masters were also helping repair the prayer halls and meditation rooms that had been damaged during the skirmish. As I walked away from the bustle toward a quieter spot, Pung-hyeon followed me.

"Is something the matter, Monk Pung-hyeon?" I asked.

Pung-hyeon gave a mischievous grin. In moments like this, he seemed less like a monk and more like a spirited young boy.

"People have been debating a lot lately about who would win if the Sichuan Four Dragons fought the New Dragon of Sichuan. I thought I’d provide them with an answer."

Gasp! Is he seriously asking for a duel right now?

What a lunatic! Instead of contemplating the suffering of sentient beings after joining the Buddha, he’s out here looking for a fight. Listen here, kid. Do you really think I’m a match for you?

Despite my internal panic, I replied with an air of solemnity.

"How could the New Dragon of Sichuan possibly be compared to the Sichuan Four Dragons? That’s just idle gossip from people who like to talk. Don't pay it any mind. Besides, I don't feel right about dueling at a time like this."

Despite my polite refusal, Pung-hyeon showed no sign of backing down.

"I saw the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi you killed before you fell off the cliff, Young Hero Eo. Every single one of them died because their blood vessels burst. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what kind of martial art could rupture the meridians of a Jiangshi, which has already surpassed human physical limits. I couldn't grasp the technique you used to kill four of them in a single move. I doubt you used a Heart Sword, but one never knows. That is why I wish to experience your martial arts for myself. Please, do not take offense."

It seemed this guy’s competitive spirit had been ignited after seeing the Jiangshi I killed with the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet. I suppose it was easy to mistake it for a Heart Sword. If I wasn't careful, rumors would start spreading that I had reached the legendary realm of "Injuring with Intent," where one can kill with mere spirit and will.

"I think you’ve misunderstood, Monk Pung-hyeon. Haha, a Heart Sword? That’s preposterous. I can't explain it in detail, but I simply used my blade to strike their dead blood points, causing them to suffer Qi Deviation. It wasn't some grand technique."

"Haha, how is that not a grand technique? I certainly cannot strike a Jiangshi’s dead points to induce Qi Deviation. I must see this method for myself. Are you refusing because you think my Way is unworthy of facing your sword?"

He was even using a provocation strategy now. His pride as a martial genius must have been wounded. He couldn't figure out how I killed those Jiangshi, and it was eating at him. No matter how much Buddhist devotion and mental discipline he practiced at the Emei Sect, the moment he picked up a sword, he was a warrior.

Listen, kid. If I actually had the skill, I wouldn't be standing here making pathetic excuses; I would have crossed blades with you already. But I’m not qualified to talk about swordplay with you.

There was only one thing I could compete with him in. My tongue.

"Monk Pung-hyeon. I will introduce you to someone stronger than me. If you can defeat that person, I will duel you."

Pung-hyeon’s interest was piqued. "I have to defeat them first to duel you? Who is it?"

He took the bait. Good grief, for someone who serves the Buddha, why does he love fighting so much?

"That is correct. Only then should you come to me, Monk Pung-hyeon."

"Who on earth is it?" Pung-hyeon pressed, clearly getting impatient.

I raised my hand and pointed directly at him.

"The fight against oneself is the most difficult battle of all. To win against oneself is the most surprising and greatest victory. Why do you neglect the battle within while obsessing over fighting others? I believe one should only fight others after they have conquered themselves. Let me ask you: Monk Pung-hyeon, have you won the battle against yourself?"

Pung-hyeon couldn't answer; he just stood there, stammering. He probably couldn't answer. How could a monk easily claim to have conquered himself? Even monks who are called Great Masters or Zen Masters wouldn't dare say they have won that battle.

During my years as a tavern worker, I met all sorts of people. The words I just spat at Pung-hyeon were actually something I had heard from Ddaengcho. Anyone with a shred of discipline wouldn't be crazy enough to claim they had conquered themselves.

Oh, look at this guy!

Instead of arguing, Pung-hyeon closed his eyes and seemed to fall into a deep meditation.

"Excellent, excellent. Amitabha."

Suddenly, Hye-sim and Doyeon appeared from the shadows.

"I followed Junior Brother Pung-hyeon because I was worried when I saw him leave with his weapon, but to think I would witness such a moment of grace."

What? Did this guy just find enlightenment because of what I said?

Dammit, give some of that enlightenment to me! Why am I always the one toiling away to realize things while everyone else gets enlightened by my nonsense?

"Young Hero Eo is famous even at Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress for sharing his martial insights with other warriors. That is why so many follow him. Even the Demon Subjugation Group is composed of people who gained realizations from him, which is why they follow his lead so well."

"I see. It is as I thought."

Hye-sim nodded, looking at me with a grateful expression.

"The World-Honored One taught that one should rely only on oneself, for the self is the most difficult pillar to find. Junior Brother Pung-hyeon is currently realizing ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠that truth. Thank you, Young Hero Eo. Amitabha."

Hye-sim pressed her palms together in a respectful bow. I quickly returned the gesture with a cupped-fist salute.

"It is all thanks to Monk Pung-hyeon’s own virtue. They say a Zen Master can find enlightenment in a blowing wind or a falling leaf. In Buddhism, it is said that all things have a voice. Since the monk’s devotion is so high, he found realization in my trivial words. It isn't because my words were profound."

Hye-sim gave a gentle smile and looked at me with warm eyes. That smile, perhaps because it was filled with genuine favor toward me, felt incredibly comforting. Even if she wasn't a beauty like Doyeon, the benevolent smile of a nun was truly worthy of being called the World’s Greatest Smile.

"No. This is a fortuitous encounter Junior Brother Pung-hyeon achieved by meeting you. It is a realization he would not have reached otherwise. Amitabha."

As expected of someone with her age and spiritual depth, Hye-sim understood the logic. Exactly. Pung-hyeon owes me one.

Doyeon was watching me with a satisfied face.

Heh, I told you not to look at me like that. To me, beauties are just like paintings on a wall.

A moment later, Pung-hyeon woke from his meditative state. A brilliant light shimmered in his eyes, which now looked deeper and clearer than before.

"Thank you, Young Hero Eo. How can I ever repay this debt?"

"I’m sure there will be a day to repay it."

Pung-hyeon had said it as a polite gesture, but I wasn't about to let it slide. I had to collect on that debt eventually. At my response, Hye-sim and Doyeon covered their mouths and let out small laughs.

"Hohoho, that is so like you, Young Hero Eo. To help someone and then act as if it were nothing—your magnanimity is truly the spirit of a Great Hero."

Doyeon chimed in with her praise. Pung-hyeon spoke to me once more.

"You have given me an insight I could not have gained even through thousands of duels. The debt is not small."

"Whenever you feel like repaying it, please feel free to do so."

I threw it out ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠there as a joke, but I made sure to leave him with a sense of obligation. Once Hye-sim and Pung-hyeon had left, I let out a long sigh of relief. It would have been a disaster if I had actually ended up dueling him.

"Dammit, since I’m so good at giving people enlightenment, maybe I should become a private martial arts instructor for some rich family. I hear that’s the trend these days."

I muttered to myself, feeling a twinge of regret.