Chapter 67: Sichuan Tang Family (3)
Chapter 67: Sichuan Tang Family (3)
It has been seventeen years since I was dropped into this world. As I’ve constantly reflected during that long time, this damn medieval China is ridiculously lacking in entertainment.
There are no smartphones, no YouTube.
Forget EDM; there isn't even any classical music.
It will be another three hundred years before the classical music modern people love is even established. Beethoven was an eighteenth-century man, after all.
This means that when one suffers from the chronic ailments of a modern person—frustration, anger, or a lack of exercise—there are no proper outlets to relieve them. Just like me right now.
In this cursed era, there is no better way to handle such feelings than a glass of strong liquor and working up a sweat.
"Whew... Haa..."
I lifted my blade and sliced through the air. I didn't imbue it with the power of Thunderbolt, focusing only on the form.
The Hunyuan Thunderbolt Blade is less a conventional blade technique and more a system of martial arts within the realm of enlightenment. There are no fixed forms that must be strictly followed.
The Heart-Protecting Fist was created to defend against an opponent's martial arts.
The Mountain King Steps were created to break through an opponent's offensive.
The Hunyuan Blade was created to snipe an opponent's weaknesses.
The Hunyuan Cultivation Method was established by integrating all of these into one.
The true essence of the Hunyuan Cultivation Method always required an 'opponent.' Since it had to account for every adversary a warrior of the Peng family might encounter, the martial art has no set forms.
There are only 'rules' for footwork and defensive moves. This means there is no fixed routine.
It is a martial study of the methodology of shedding, dodging, and parrying when an attack comes in. It is a martial art unique to the Peng family, one that ordinary martial artists cannot even begin to learn.
—Boom!
It is an instinct one gains only by being born with the thick blood of the Peng family.
It requires the physical strength to exert sufficient power even while holding a blade in one hand and performing fist techniques with the other. It demands the mindset of 'flesh for bone'—striking while putting one's life on the line, focused solely on taking the enemy's head.
All of that combined is the Hunyuan Blade.
Despite being an introductory martial art, it is a fastidious study that discriminates based on lineage, aptitude, and talent.
And after that...
—Whoosh!—
The Continuous Ring Blade and the Iron Plumb Method.
They completely reverse the roles that the gauntlet on the left hand and the blade in the right hand have played until now.
Now, the blade in the right hand defends against the offensive.
The heavy blade, which had been resting idly near the shoulder, becomes a shield in itself, protecting the neck and upper body. It is a martial art that advances doggedly, blocking the opponent's relentless attacks with the right shoulder.
Thus, it is called the Continuous Ring Blade. This is because the movement of the blade follows a continuous semi-circle centered around the shoulder.
It pushes forward without stopping for a single moment until it reaches the opponent, no matter what attack is thrown.
The final condition for completing the defense of both the left and right-hand techniques is the Iron Plumb Method.
It is a movement technique designed to maintain body balance under any circumstances. It is a martial art of the senses that coordinates the body's center of gravity so that it always aligns with the midline of the body.
From the sole of the foot to the foot itself, the ankle, the muscle fibers of the calf, the knee, the thigh, and the hip. It is a martial art that 'appropriately' utilizes every acupoint, muscle, and joint, connecting from the Yin-Yang Qiaomai Meridian to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Despite the introductory difficulty being extremely high, the only thing required is an individual's sense of intuition.
From the reflexes and sense of balance needed to avoid falling, to the management of internal energy required to always put weight into a step and follow through with the next offensive.
All of that must be projected into taking a single step for it to be complete.
If you can achieve this much, then congratulations. You would be evaluated as having mastered the two introductory arts of the Peng family.
"Whew... Haa...!!"
Sweat poured down like rain.
It was because I moved my body while suppressing the use of internal energy as much as possible and without letting the intoxication fade.
The imaginary opponent before me had already been scattered into dozens of pieces.
Moonlight scattered along the blade.
As I spent a long time warming up in the dark training ground, I heard the sound of someone approaching.
I hadn't yet finished gathering my enlightenment regarding the Thunderbolt Blade. However, unlike the Hunyuan Cultivation Method or the Continuous Ring Blade, the Hunyuan Thunderbolt Blade is a martial art that possesses ultimate techniques, so it cannot be shown to others.
I spoke without withdrawing my extended blade.
"This is not the martial art of your sect."
"Is not the Peng family's Hunyuan Blade a martial art that cannot be imitated or countered just by watching?"
"That is true."
Responding to the opponent's movements and operating solely by intuition.
Due to the nature of such a martial art, there are no specific forms, and because there are no forms, no counter-forms can be developed. It doesn't mean it has no weaknesses or is an invincible martial art; it's closer to the meaning that because of its nature—being ridiculously focused on intuition—there can be no standardized counter-moves.
In any case, it wasn't a martial art that would cause problems even if shown to someone. In fact, the Peng family's Hunyuan Blade was so famous that few in the martial world didn't know of it.
"However, your forms are heavy with stray thoughts."
"I apologize for showing you such a disorganized display."
"Disorganized? Well, I wouldn't say it looked that way."
The voice from behind drew closer.
Chief of the General Bureau Baek Seo-ui. The third disciple of the Hao Clan Leader.
It was no surprise, as the place where I was swinging my blade was the small training ground in the back garden of Maehyang Pavilion. Only direct disciples of the Hao Clan Leader were allowed entry here.
Baek Seo-ui approached and looked at my blade as he spoke.
"I would describe it as ferocious rather than disorganized. And that is the appearance that best suits the Peng family's blade techniques. Hiding cunning within ferocity. Like a tiger hiding its claws..."
He spoke as he stood facing me. A thin rapier was held in his hand.
"It seems Eldest Sister's outing will take some time, so I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to personally oversee our youngest brother's training."
"I should be the one to be deeply grateful."
"What did you learn from Eldest Sister?"
"I was taught rhythm, etiquette, and footwork."
"She must have intended for you to learn the Peng family's ways for martial arts. Which footwork did you learn?"
"The Seven Shadow Immortal Step."
"She taught you a footwork specialized for survival and escape. She certainly intended to fill the gaps in the Peng family's martial arts. That is good, then."
Baek Seo-ui raised his blade into a starting stance and said, "In that case, I can teach you the eye techniques of the Hao Clan."
"Eye techniques?"
"The three ultimate techniques of the Hao Clan lie in seeing, hearing, and speaking. It's not as if our sect would be proficient in handling things like swords, blades, spears, or axes."
The Hao Clan was created by the hands of the lowly, and its survival is maintained by hearing and harboring the information of the martial world faster than anyone else.
Therefore, the essence of the Hao Clan's true martial arts is seeing, hearing, and speaking. That is, eye techniques, listening techniques, and sound arts.
In the martial world, these are considered lowly studies referred to as 'miscellaneous skills.' However, it is precisely because of this that they are martial arts perfectly suited for the Hao Clan.
And the one who reached the level of the Fifteen Lords of the World by refining these lowly skills to their peak is the current Hao Clan Leader.
Even the most common and low-grade studies, when piled high enough, can become martial arts that reach the heavens. The Hao Clan's eye techniques, listening techniques, and sound arts can be considered to be in the realm of divine arts.
After finishing his explanation, Baek Seo-ui thrust his sword toward me.
Slowly at first.
"Look not at the tip of the blade, but at the wrist. Look not at the wrist, but at the shoulder. And look not at the shoulder, but at the movement of the body, the direction of the gaze, and the flow of the momentum itself. Slowly, in that order."
Then, gradually faster.
—Clang!
"You already know the essence of eye techniques. Excellent. Those who train in fist techniques usually focus on eye techniques, and the Peng family's eyes are called 'Tiger Eyes' among them."
In truth, this wasn't something that could be described as the essence of eye techniques. It was a calculation performed in the realm of instinct, something close to the instinct of the Peng bloodline flowing through this body.
It wasn't about being mesmerized by the approach itself, but about surveying the opponent's posture and overall momentum to prepare the next defensive move. Especially in a situation where I had to shed every offensive with only my left hand wearing a single gauntlet.
It was often said that mastering the Hunyuan Cultivation Method would brighten one's eyes, and it was expressed to that degree.
"Now, it would be better to learn how to identify feints and illusions and how to respond to hidden moves."
Gradually faster, yet lightly, as if giving me time to adapt. The rapier flew toward me as if to pierce my entire body.
Baek Seo-ui smiled and nodded.
"Good. They say the Heart-Protecting Fist is one of the best defensive techniques in Hebei, and it truly lives up to its reputation. Do you know the acupoints connecting from the Duyou to the Fengchi, and from the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian?"
"Fortunately, I do."
Clang, clang! As the blade struck the gauntlet and was parried away, Baek Seo-ui spoke without his breathing faltering even while moving so quickly.
"From Jingming and Canshu to Chengqi, Sibai, and finally through Tongziliao back to Duyou. Try flowing three parts of your internal energy along those acupoints."
Memorizing acupoints was something I finished at the introductory level. I was already a warrior who had spent seventeen years rolling around and eating the bread of the blade in this world. It wasn't difficult to understand just by hearing the names of the acupoints.
I operated my internal energy according to Baek Seo-ui's guidance.
Along with a strange, tingling sensation, my temples throbbed, but soon it became as refreshing as a cool breeze blowing through.
Soon, my vision opened up.
"...!!"
"You did it on the first try? And during a spar, no less?"
Baek Seo-ui's words didn't register well. It felt as if all my senses were concentrated in my eyes.
With a sensation like sparks flying under my eyes, Baek Seo-ui's sword began to appear slower and slower...!
"This is...? What on earth is this?"
"It is a 'Tenth' (分)."
Baek Seo-ui laughed cheerfully, unable to hide his surprise, and thrust his sword.
Clang! It wasn't difficult to track it with my eyes, even at a speed I wouldn't have dared to parry just moments ago.
After my gauntlet had already struck the flat of Baek Seo-ui's blade, I was able to dig one step deeper into his range.
"One breath. That is the strike an ordinary warrior who hasn't opened their Middle Dantian can normally throw. If one devotes themselves further to 'Quickness' (快), the breath is divided into 'Tenths' (分), and further still, the maximum speed the Lower Dantian can emit is called a 'Hair' (毛)."
Taking the reflexes of an ordinary martial artist—that is, a 'trained' human—as the standard, one strike per breath.
Dividing that further makes the faster speed a 'Tenth' (分).
If one refines it even more, pursuing only rapid speed to reach the limit, it is called a 'Hair' (毛).
Literally, a duration as thin as a fine hair.
This is the maximum speed perceivable based on the Lower Dantian.
To explain it more easily, you could think of it as the shortest reaction time a human nerve can detect in modern medicine.
Martial artists are like a type of elite athlete. Except for the fact that they spend their lives shouting "Victory or death!" and studying only efficient methodologies for killing people, it's a roughly similar approach.
As such, martial artists are close to being experts on the human body. Although they don't have precise diagnostic systems, the intelligence of modern and ancient people isn't that different.
Even without tools, in this world where internal energy is developed, even such minute figures are systematized and preserved if they are related to 'killing techniques.'
And in the realms beyond that...
"If you reach the Peak Realm and open your Middle Dantian, the perception of time between commoners and martial artists changes drastically. Faster, stronger, more skillful. Martial arts polished with only those goals in mind—"
—VREEEEEEE!
With a bone-chilling sound of rending air, the blade momentarily vanished before appearing before my eyes.
And in that split second, having read the faint trajectory of the blade, I was already bringing my gauntlet in front of it.
I reacted...!
"Good. You're a fast learner. Haha. Yes, dividing a 'Hair' (毛) gives a 'Thread' (絲). Faster than that is 'Vapor' (忽), then 'Minute' (微). And... 'Flash' (纖)."
He spoke, pausing at each division while swinging his sword, and I could feel the sword techniques flowing faster and faster.
It was no longer at a level where I could see and dodge. If the tip of the sword seemed to tremble, the technique was already complete and reaching my throat.
Each strike of the sword techniques gradually became thinner, even losing its sound. A minute flash where not even the sound of tearing the atmosphere could be heard.
In the training ground filled only with the brilliance of the blade scattering the moonlight.
The moment Baek Seo-ui uttered 'Flash' (纖).
—BOOOOOOOM!!—
"Whew...!"
As soon as the blade appeared, an explosive sound followed.
A few strands of my hair were caught in between and severed, and on the blade that appeared before my eyes—tsss—a red energy flared and then seeped in with a sizzling sound.
Baek Seo-ui, who had moved that far, exhaled roughly and laughed, his face now beaded with sweat, unlike before.
"As expected, it's still a bit taxing. Well, did you see it clearly?"
"I don't understand."
"That's possible. It's a normal reaction. Just keep in mind that in the time perception of a Peak Realm master who has opened their Middle Dantian, a strike of this level can be unleashed."
"No, it's not that."
An explosive sound erupting from such extreme speed.
That's a sonic boom...
What on earth are these people doing with blades? Why is a sword breaking the supersonic barrier?
"No, it's nothing. So... Brother, what lesson are you trying to impart to your unworthy younger brother?"
"How much did you see?"
"Pardon? Uh... I followed up to 'Thread' (絲) with my eyes, and at 'Vapor' (忽), I only read the trajectory."
"Truly a magnificent achievement."
Baek Seo-ui laughed with satisfaction and smoothly spun his blade before sheathing it.
"That is enough. If you practice diligently, you will at least be able to simulate the Peak Realm in the area of eye techniques. In other words, it means you will have no trouble dodging and running away."
"Ah."
I realized something at Baek Seo-ui's words.
Yes. Being able to track Peak Realm martial arts with one's eyes meant that one wouldn't be helplessly cut down even in the face of that speed.
Adding to that, the connection with the Seven Shadow Immortal Step given to me by the Hao Clan Leader was clear.
The Hao Clan Leader and Brother Baek Seo-ui were teaching me 'how to survive.'
The Seven Shadow Immortal Step for running away.
Music and etiquette for disguising myself.
And the Hao Clan's eye techniques for surviving.
"What is the name of this eye technique?"
"The Five-Step Constant Scrutiny Method (低五定審法). It belongs to Eldest Sister's secret martial arts. Since it's a study every direct disciple must learn, do not neglect it."
"Thank you for the great teaching."
When I bowed deeply, Baek Seo-ui chuckled and shook his head.
"Has the intoxication faded a bit?"
"Pardon?"
"Your intoxication and indignation were so vivid that ferocity took precedence in your sword forms. You might be able to fight powerfully, but it's not a good mindset for survival. Whatever thoughts you harbor, and whatever teachings you received from your family, just remember this."
Baek Seo-ui handed me a neatly folded note and said, "Fame only exists after life. Dying for honor is merely a beautiful excuse, and there is no value in death."
"I've been too meddlesome," he added.
Baek Seo-ui said that and then vanished, brushing himself off.
I watched his retreating back and ended up laughing.
Good grief.
To think I would receive such concern here, something I never got from my own blood brothers.
Perhaps worried that I was swinging my blade while consumed by indignation alone, Baek Seo-ui had appeared in the midst of his busy schedule to guide my martial arts before leaving.
Teaching me the eye technique, which could be considered essential in a situation where I might have to fight the Sichuan Tang Family, was likely just a bonus.
Feeling sheepish, I put away my blade and unfolded the note Brother Baek had handed me.
I read the note a couple more times before tucking it into my robe and standing up.
With this, I knew everything I needed to know.
My mood had improved significantly, so now all that remained was to handle things quickly.