Chapter 149
Chapter 149
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 149
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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I began teaching the Eastern Shadow Sword Masters the Vanishing Soul Step starting the next day.
Even though it was called the Vanishing Soul Step, it fundamentally required mastery of the Thunder Shadow Step, which was a footwork technique from the Thunder God Style. So, I first asked them if they understood the basic concepts of footwork.
To my surprise, all the Eastern Shadow Sword Masters answered in unison.
"Of course we do."
"Footwork is the foundation of all martial arts."
"Hmm."
To confirm, I called them one by one and had them demonstrate their footwork and swordsmanship in one-on-one spars.
I could see that they had all mastered footwork to a certain level and had internal energy stored within them. I felt a sense of wonder inside.
'They don't seem to have learned any specific internal energy cultivation method, so how did they acquire internal energy?'
As I pondered this, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, revered as the Sword Saint among the Eastern Shadow Sword Masters, spoke to me.
"Lord Baek Woong, if it's not too rude, may I have a word?"
I followed him to a private space for a one-on-one talk.
He appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, a seasoned elder, and among the Eastern Shadow Sword Masters, his aura seemed the most restrained and profound. Moreover, his refined presence was exceptionally sharp, marking him as no ordinary expert. He was undoubtedly the strongest swordsman in this land of the East.
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna said.
"I know your skills surpass anyone here, Lord Baek Woong. Even I have no confidence in defeating you. However, you seem unfamiliar with the martial arts of the East, so this old man might be able to offer some insight."
"Hmm, that's true. You don't seem to follow any specific internal energy heart method, yet how do you build your martial prowess?"
He chuckled softly and replied.
"When I was young, like you, Lord Baek Woong, I grew curious about martial arts from other lands and embarked on a journey of sword pilgrimage to Goryeo and Ming. From that experience, I can explain some of the differences."
"Differences, you say."
"The martial arts of this land lack the concept of the Immortal Path."
I stared at him intently, and he began his explanation.
"Refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, refining spirit into void, refining void into the Dao. No intention, no thought. No affairs, no mind. The solitary radiance of nature and spirit, transcending to myriad divinities. As you know, these are the core foundations of martial cultivation in the Daoist and Buddhist sects of the Central Plains and Goryeo. But Eastern swordsmanship focuses solely on the simple processes of uniting qi and unleashing it, so the direction of training differs."
"Hmm... fascinating."
I instantly grasped what Kamiizumi Nobutsuna meant. It was thanks to nearly a century of martial experience and my transcendent realm.
"So your swordsmanship grows only through actual combat and breathing techniques? Internal energy is acquired naturally in that process, entrusting everything to the heart, qi, blood, and essence rather than a heart method."
"Exactly."
"That's incredibly risky. And it will become increasingly simplistic at the pinnacle."
When I pointed out the flaw in Eastern swordsmanship, he replied bitterly.
"I think so too. The swift swords of the East are fast enough to challenge even Peak Experts of the Central Plains, but reaching absolute realms like qi reinforcement or sword intent is exceedingly difficult. That's why Eastern martial artists hesitate to clash recklessly with the Twelve Laws."
"I see..."
"Including myself, prestigious martial families pass down systematized heart methods, but many do not. Some are honed purely through combat, so please keep that in mind when teaching us."
"Understood."
I could tell Kamiizumi Nobutsuna was the strongest and most exceptional swordsman among those gathered. His words were calm, yet they pierced to the essence of martial arts. He had likely reached a transcendent realm in the singular domain of the sword, earning him the title of Sword Saint.
His advice proved immensely helpful, so as I taught them the Thunder Shadow Step, I started from the fundamental concepts of natural qi.
These were men whose minds were filled only with simple combat sword forms of slashing with the sword; without explanation, they wouldn't grasp the wondrous nature of the Thunder Shadow Step. My judgment was spot on, as the Sword Masters listened intently to my martial explanations.
On the third day after two days of instruction, I began teaching them the forms of the Thunder Shadow Step in earnest. I was still debating whether to teach them up to the Heavenly Slaughter Strike, but for now, the focus was on imparting the footwork itself.
'As expected of Sword Masters. They learn incredibly fast.'
By the eighth day of teaching, more than half had mastered the forms and reached the stage of application. It was only natural; they were innately gifted in martial talent, honed over years of real combat and effort. There was no way they couldn't master a single footwork technique.
Some Sword Masters approached me in wonder.
"Do experts from Ming always fight using such footwork?"
"Not necessarily. My school's footwork is quite unique. But many sects possess transcendent heart methods."
"Ooh..."
As expected, they were accustomed to life-or-death duels using swift swords at close range and unfamiliar with the flashy exchanges of peak-level qi arts. After another ten days, I judged that they had all basically mastered the Thunder Shadow Step and announced.
"From today, I will assess your skills through one-on-one duels. That's the only way to know if you qualify for the secret techniques."
The Sword Masters' eyes sharpened. Having received instruction, they indirectly knew my prowess. It was natural for battle-hardened Sword Masters to feel their competitive spirits ignite against me.
At that moment, Sword Saint Kamiizumi Nobutsuna interjected.
"Lord Baek Woong, I have a proposal."
"What is it?"
"High-level spars risk severe injury or death. What if we use these weapons for practice?"
He held out a bamboo sword. It seemed made by splitting a bamboo stalk lengthwise into four pieces up to the middle, then halving the split sections again, and further splitting those, all encased in a cowhide pouch covering the whole. As everyone stared at the odd contraption, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna grinned and said.
"I personally call it the fukuro-shinai."
"Bamboo swords, then."
This would certainly reduce fatalities and injuries. I nodded, but one nearby Sword Master irritably shouted.
"We should duel with real swords! What cheap trick is this? A disgrace to the name of Sword Saint!"
"Right! What kind of joke is this?"
Unexpectedly, most Sword Masters viewed the bamboo swords critically. Kamiizumi Nobutsuna chuckled and addressed the first complainer.
"If you're so eager, why not charge at me with your proud real sword?"
"You think I won't?!"
Whoosh!
In an instant, one Sword Master shot forward like lightning and drew his sword. His speed rivaled a Central Plains Peak Expert, proving the swift swordsmen of this land were formidable. Even I couldn't easily deflect a strike at that speed; I'd have to dodge or block.
But Kamiizumi Nobutsuna flowed like he was swimming through frozen time, smoothly exploiting the Sword Master's opening. In a flash, he disarmed the sword from the man's hand and pressed a finger to his vital point.
"......!!"
A divine technique!
As the Sword Master's face paled, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna said.
"Good thing it was just a demonstration. A real sword could've been disastrous, no?"
"Ugh..."
He hastily retrieved his real sword from Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and let out a deep sigh.
"So this is Shinkage-ryu's disarming technique... I have no words, even in defeat."
"I wasn't trying to show off."
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna scanned the room with deep-set eyes and continued.
"But the age of war is over, and you Sword Masters gathered here are precious talents to carry on swordsmanship. This is a rare opportunity arranged by Lord Baek Woong, a transcendent expert from Ming, to impart his arts. Shall we risk tragedy? It would tarnish the face of the shogun who recommended us."
"You're right... We've learned our lesson."
Soon, the Sword Masters swallowed their pride and began picking up the prepared bamboo swords one by one. Watching the scene, I realized one fact.
'The Sword Saint Kamiizumi Nobutsuna's realm surpasses mine. To think such a sword master exists in the backwater East...!!'
I might have underestimated the East, but it was the truth. Martial theory absent, relying solely on real combat to hone speed and unified techniques—it was primitive martial arts. Eastern swift swordsmanship might dominate up to first-class or early peak levels, but beyond that, their experts would shatter pitifully. Their qi manipulation was too crude.
Yet Kamiizumi Nobutsuna had reached an entirely different dimension from the other Sword Masters. Especially the disarming technique I'd just witnessed—it was simultaneous offense and defense, elevated by intent.
Thud thud thud.
"Urk!"
"Ugh."
I dueled over a dozen Sword Masters in sequence, defeating them all within fifty exchanges. It was fortunate we used bamboo swords; with real ones, I lacked confidence in avoiding injuries. After nine victories in nine bouts, I finally faced Kamiizumi Nobutsuna across the training ground, bamboo sword in hand.
"......"
After a long standoff, I spoke.
"This won't do. I can't find an opening."
"Ha ha... You still have much potential left."
"It's not a technique to use lightly, and I have no assurance of piercing your disarming art."
Using Thunder Acclaim or White Bear Union could give me a chance at victory. But revealing Thunder Acclaim to a sword virtuoso like Kamiizumi Nobutsuna would let him derive variations or weaknesses. Besides, there was no need to exert that much in a practice duel to gauge skill. The essence was determining qualification for Thunder Shadow Step and Vanishing Soul Step.
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna chuckled.
"You must be quite disappointed in Eastern martial arts, Lord Baek Woong."
"Not at all. With experts like you, no."
"Ha ha ha... Of course, Eastern martial arts may fall short of the mainland traditions. Yet this land has three martial schools not to be underestimated lightly."
"Three?"
Curiosity piqued, I listened closely.
"First... my Shinkage-ryu."
"I acknowledge it."
"Second is Miyamoto Musashi's Niten Ichi-ryu."
"I've heard that name from the Twelve Laws leader."
From what I knew, he was a prodigy of dual-wielding, the current strongest in the East. If stronger than the Sword Saint before me, it made sense.
He gave a wry smile at my response.
"He's a heaven-defying genius. The Twelve Laws leader might know of him."
"And the last?"
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna's face grew solemn as he continued.
"The Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method."
"Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method...?"
"The ultimate swift blade art, said to be masterable only by the blind. I don't know the successor, but legend holds that when its true practitioner appears, the world drowns in blood."
I smirked.
"Such legends abound in the Central Plains too. And old tales always fall to the new— they've all been shattered pitifully."
That had always been the case.
Occasionally, holders of ancient supreme arts or hidden secrets would emerge in the jianghu. People tensed each time, but in truth, martial arts depended more on the practitioner's prowess than the art itself. They either seized dominance, founded a prestigious sect, and lived prosperously—or got arrogant and were slain by true experts.
Only one art had ever truly shaken the martial world due to its sheer uniqueness: the White Lotus Cult Leader's martial arts.
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna shook his head.
"The Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method is a swift blade art even the White Lotus Cult Leader called 'dangerous'! It's not to be taken lightly."
"......!!"
The White Lotus Cult Leader had evaluated it that highly?
Amazed, I stared at him. He sighed and said.
"When I visited Ming, I sought the White Lotus Cult Leader, who had reached the limit of martial arts, and went to the White Lotus Cult. I had a private audience and a profound discussion on the martial way. Then, the Cult Leader told me this:
[If you wish to grow strong as an Eastern warrior, master the Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method. It is the most dangerous art in the world.]
...Of course, I didn't accept it and returned to the East to refine my disarming art. I believed victory without drawing the sword was the pinnacle of swordsmanship. I still hold that view, but regardless, the Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method is undoubtedly a vicious swift blade art."
"......"
My jaw dropped.
To think this man had met the White Lotus Cult Leader during his sword pilgrimage to Ming! Setting aside the Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method, that fact gripped me. I hurriedly asked.
"Y-You've met the White Lotus Cult Leader? What did he look like?"
"I didn't see his face or appearance. He spoke from behind a screen. The peculiar thing was, he conveyed his thoughts solely through telepathic transmission, without voicing them."
"Hmm..."
Conveying intent only through telepathy, without a voice.
That implied the White Lotus Cult Leader had some reason or circumstance preventing him from speaking directly.
I committed the information to memory and said.
"Thank you. So, who in this land practices the Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method?"
"No one knows. I've searched for decades without a trace. No one besides me even knows it exists. It's truly a phantom art."
"Hmm..."
The White Lotus Cult Leader wouldn't have lied to toy with an Eastern warrior. He had the pride of the world's greatest. It meant a phantom art existed, unknown to all in the East except the Cult Leader.
'I need to ask other Central Plains experts about the Full Moon Heavenly Slaughter Method.'
One more task added to my agenda.
I reached a conclusion and addressed the Sword Masters.
"Excluding Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, none of you seem to grasp the subtleties of the divine steps yet. I'll guide you further before imparting more."
"Ugh..."
The Sword Masters appeared humiliated. Understandably so—they had all been utterly defeated by me, a mere teenage youth in appearance, with only the Sword Saint saving face. But to me, who had surpassed the Thunder God Style's licensed transmission into the transcendent realm, they seemed like children. I smiled bitterly inside.
'If Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong were here, you'd all be dead in three exchanges...'
For another month or so, I explained the functions of the Thunder Shadow Step and how to integrate it with swordsmanship. Occasionally, I sparred with Kamiizumi Nobutsuna using bamboo swords. As expected of a great expert, without invoking Thunder Acclaim, I couldn't breach his absolute defense.
A month later, I confirmed they could now endure a hundred exchanges against me. Only then did I say with satisfaction.
"Then, I shall teach you the Vanishing Soul Step."
My goal was to impart the Vanishing Soul Step within a year. And once I learned its transmission conditions from them, I'd acquire those conditions myself! My steps to enhance my martial arts were steadily accumulating.
'Urgh... Speaking of which, what about Dao Wang and Dongbang Mu-gyeol?'
Pondering, I used Return to visit Chengdu in Sichuan again. I stopped by the Beggar Clan to check on their progress.
"We still haven't found Dao Wang, and Dongbang Mu-gyeol seems to have vanished beyond the Southern Barbarians."
"Beyond the Southern Barbarians?"
"No further tracking possible. He's gone to the borderlands."
With that, the Grand Division Elder returned my one hundred taels of silver. Likely due to the partial failure. I handed back the one hundred taels and said.
"It's not over. I'll visit again later, so keep tracking Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Dao Wang."
"What..."
"If your information lets me achieve my goals, I'll pay an additional one hundred taels then."
"Understood."
I returned to the East. Miho was lounging, eating grapes, and giggled.
"You look so busy without a break!"
"Won't you help a little?"
Miho bounced around playfully.
"Fight on, fight~ Fight on, fight~ With all the strength from your nursing days~"
"......"
You're doing the same cheer as Monk Mangnyang too.
It took about eight months to fully teach them the Thunder Shadow Step. With their collective exceptional talent, they smoothly reached its profound depths. Finally able to transmit the Vanishing Soul Step, I enthusiastically shared its key principles with them.
"Research it individually."
Unlike other times, I didn't demonstrate. It would undoubtedly look ridiculous.
The Sword Masters, feeling their skills improve daily, now followed my orders without complaint. I grew curious how they would interpret the Vanishing Soul Step and waited pleasantly.
Results emerged about a month later.
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna was the first to approach me, saying upon entry.
"This is truly an absurd footwork."
"You've mastered it?"
"Hmm... I've formed a hypothesis, but I should hear from the others first."
Soon, the Sword Masters began arriving one by one.
They held a discussion, sharing their impressions and intuitions about the Vanishing Soul Step. Most claimed it was impossible to learn, that no such ridiculous art existed. But one among them said.
"...This seems like an art related to the disposition of the heart."
"As I thought."
"Kamiizumi, have you realized something...?"
He sighed briefly and said to that man.
"Yagyu Munenori. Demonstrate the Vanishing Soul Step once."
Swish swish swish.
Flash!
"......!!"
I was stunned.
The Sword Master called Yagyu Munenori had successfully executed the Vanishing Soul Step! It was something even I couldn't achieve despite desperate efforts. The other Sword Masters stared in shock as Kamiizumi Nobutsuna said.
"As I suspected. So that's what it was."
"What do you mean?"
"Munenori, your son Yagyu Jubei could perform it even better."
Munenori smiled bitterly.
"Probably so."
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna looked at me and declared.
"It's settled, Lord Baek Woong. We've figured out what the Vanishing Soul Step is."
============================ Author's Note ============================
Slight content revisions made