Chapter 177

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Translator: Ace

Chapter: 177

Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

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I considered heading straight to Jangryeong Valley but decided against it. With the Thunder God Style trio and even Mangnyang there, it didn't seem like any major trouble would arise. In the entire world, there were scarcely any who could harm them by force, save perhaps the White Lotus Cult Leader. Besides, I'd already told Mangnyang there was no need for him to seek me out specifically, so I simply sat back and rested.

'What exactly is Sword Gang?'

For several days, while occasionally playing with Miho, that single thought consumed me.

Sword Gang!

It was the term for the supreme realm of swordsmanship, alongside Flying Sword Control. Beyond merely condensing and emitting qi, it created a transcendent aura likened to a starry cluster—hence the name. It was said to possess power on an entirely different level from sword qi or sword flames.

Yet no master I'd encountered could wield Gang Qi as naturally as breathing. Even guardian warriors or experts on Lee Gwang's level occasionally used it within ultimate techniques, but even that was possible only by concentrating momentum sublimated to the extreme within those forms. Forcing Gang Qi by brute-forcing internal ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠energy, as I did, was fundamentally impossible.

Moreover, neither the method of deploying Gang Qi nor its true nature could be casually explained by Lee Gwang. Though he'd restrained my insights until now, his demeanor regarding Gang Qi felt different. Even the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong, when asked, couldn't explain it properly. Gang Qi ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠was undoubtedly a study transcending conventional martial scholarship.

Thus, while sitting by the valley with Miho and chatting, I brought up Sword Gang.

'Sword Gang? Gang Qi? Spoken like a true martial artist...'

Miho giggled. Perched on a rock, she dangled her snow-white feet in the stream and said,

'You obtained Jang Sambong's insights, didn't you? No mention there?'

'That's what's odd.'

'How so?'

'No specific internal arts or forms for manifesting Gang Qi—just page after page of metaphysical explanations.'

Even in the Jang Sambong insights etched in my mind, Gang Qi wasn't clearly defined, which was the problem. One might expect something like "Use this form, and Gang Qi emerges," but nothing of the sort.

Instead, it brimmed with esoteric, Daoist-flavored metaphysics even I, versed in divination arrays and sorcery, struggled to grasp. Likely, it encapsulated Jang Sambong's unique enlightenment in a cryptic, encoded form.

Pondering my words, Miho said,

'Hmm... Then there's one method.'

'What?'

'Objectively compare yourself—unable to use Gang Qi—with those who can. Through that, you'll discern what's needed yourself, no?'

'I see.'

Her words sparked something in me. I sprang up and said,

'Miho, I'll be gone for about a day. If Mangnyang or the Thunder God Style folks return, tell them I'm off training.'

'Where to?'

'The Shadowless Sect in Henan.'

'Hmm... Got it. Go without worry.'

Flash!

I soon utilized Instant Step to head for the Shadowless Sect. Appearing nearby via Instant Step, I walked toward it. Sure enough, the Shadowless Sect's guard warriors spotted me and eyed me sharply.

'Who are you?'

'I'm Baek Woong, here to see the Shadowless Sect Leader.'

'Hmm... Baek Woong, is it.'

The guard captain murmured. Recognizing my face from my prior visit, he entered to report, then said,

'The Sect Leader awaits you.'

I followed them inside. The familiar inner layout unfolded as before, leading to the reception hall where the Shadowless Sect Leader—and one of the Eight Demonic Lords, the Sword Demon Ximen Daolong—waited calmly.

'What brings you?'

'This humble martial wanderer Baek Woong pays respects to the Shadowless Sect Leader.'

I bowed formally. Last time, I'd come as Ximen Hui's benefactor, but not now. The Sword Demon waved dismissively with a chuckle.

'Wanderer? Too modest. News of your sect has spread across the jianghu.'

'Pardon?'

'When Thunder God Style annihilated Yellow Mountain Sect, every power in the jianghu entered a standoff. Can your sect's hidden strength truly wage total war against the Nine Great Righteous Sects and win... or not? The gossips are abuzz.'

'......'

Evidently, while I'd been unconscious, Thunder God Style's actions had shaken the jianghu. The Sword Demon placed a hand on the table and said,

'I suspected you were destined for great things, but a Thunder God Style disciple... So, you come bearing their message?'

He assumed I was here as their envoy—reasonable given the circumstances. Of course not, so I hastily clasped my fists and said,

'No, that's not it. Today, I come as a mere swordsman seeking guidance from a senior.'

'Ho... Intriguing. I thought you sought alliance with our Shadowless Sect.'

'Perhaps someday, but I lack such standing today.'

'Haha. Very well. Speak.'

The Sword Demon laughed heartily. I stared at him steadily, then said,

'What do you believe Sword Gang to be?'

'...Straight to a profound koan.'

He looked mildly bemused. With a sigh, I replied,

'I should consult Thunder God Style on my issues, but as a master of the sword, I sought your counsel.'

'Your swordsmanship is no trifle. You could claim the title Sword Hero. There must be reason for such thoughts.'

'It defies me that Gang Qi is a starry cluster, inexplicable by conventional means. I've pondered endlessly, yet found no answer. Even masters shy from direct explanation...'

'Hmm...'

Arms crossed, he pondered. Then,

'Very well. Come this way.'

I followed him to the Shadowless Sect's training ground. Facing me at three zhang, he gripped his real sword and said,

'Can you perform Void Grasping?'

'Within one zhang radius, yes.'

'Show me.'

I tossed my iron sword into the ground, then used Void Grasping to retrieve it. Watching, he asked again,

'And Flying Sword Control?'

'No.'

'Why not? You can exert force on objects within three zhang.'

'That's different. Moving objects with qi is one thing, but merely flinging a sword is no different from Flying Swordplay.'

'That's why true Flying Sword Control is so elusive.'

The Sword Demon smiled wryly.

'Sword Control is swordsmanship's pinnacle, its essence freeing the sword from the flesh. You know this much?'

'Yes.'

'It divides into three stages: Hand-Controlled Sword, Eye-Controlled Sword, Mind-Controlled Sword. The difference is how far one transcends bodily limits. Does the hand move the sword freely? The eyes? Each advances utility.'

Swoosh.

He slowly extended his hand. His sword drifted from his grip, halting midair like fixed in place.

'This is Hand-Controlled Sword.'

'Yes...'

'Fools confuse Flying Swordplay with Sword Control because most masters stall here, never advancing. And yes, before mastery, it's inferior to basic forms.'

He lowered his hand, closed his eyes, as if severing his senses.

Ping!

Yet his sword hurtled toward my face at inconceivable speed—beyond my dynamic vision.

'......!!'

How is it so fast?!

Like light itself!

Chills ran through me. Though I hadn't activated Thunderclap or Baek Woong Knot, his Sword Control could slay me in an instant if he willed. As I froze, he opened his eyes and recalled his sword.

'This is Eye-Controlled Sword—my current peak.'

'Eye-Controlled? You closed your eyes.'

'Not those eyes. I used intent and thought as my sight.'

'......?'

I couldn't fathom it. Eyes closed, yet Eye-Controlled Sword. Using intent as vision. It shattered my martial theories. The Sword Demon said,

'You seem lost, so I'll clarify. Your Void Grasping uses qi; my Sword Control uses intent. Qi is secondary; intent primary. Likewise, Gang Qi isn't unleashed via qi.'

'Th-that...'

Still incomprehensible. Groaning, I earned his smirk.

'Do you know the principles of Mind-Qi-Blood-Essence?'

'Willpower affects internal energy accumulation speed and meridian/qi-blood operation.'

'Ever found Mind-Qi-Blood-Essence strange? The strongest-willed should amass energy unprecedentedly fast—yet limits exist.'

'Due to meridian limits in the human body.'

'Precisely. No matter the mental fortitude, effects have bounds. But.'

Flash!

In that instant, he appeared behind me. I whirled, but he was back in place. Even maxing Annihilation Step, I doubted matching that speed. He continued,

'In supreme martial realms, it's different. Another dimension.'

'How?'

He shrugged.

'I didn't move. You sensed my intent and mistook its location.'

'......'

'Intent differs utterly from mere mentality or willpower. Closer to Buddhism's Eight Consciousnesses.'

He sighed.

'Hmm... You seem unfamiliar, so I'll stop here.'

'Forgive my dullness.'

'No matter. It takes decades of cultivation for insight.'

Bitterly, he summarized the crux.

'Gang Qi and Sword Control are ultimately imposing your will from the mind's field onto the world. Masters can't explain because it's beyond words. You must reach it through personal enlightenment.'

The most concrete explanation on Gang Qi and intent yet. I pondered.

'Could this be the secret to Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong's strength?'

I'd agonized endlessly over failing to catch them despite decades—centuries—of training. Per the Sword Demon, mere energy and forms couldn't bridge that martial boundary. Feeling his advice as priceless, I expressed deep gratitude.

'Thank you.'

'It's late—stay for a meal?'

'Yes.'

I accepted, planning to eat, rest, and spar tomorrow. Refusing seemed rude anyway. Soon, a simple vegetarian spread arrived.

'Different from last time.'

Last visit boasted lavish fare; today, strictly cultivator's diet. Yet refined, it was delicious. Oddly, Ximen Hui sat beside me, beaming.

'Eat well, benefactor!'

'......'

'Try this too.'

'Mm...'

She fed me side dish with chopsticks; I had no choice. The Sword Demon watched intently from across. Under that gaze, refusal was impossible.

'Disappointed by the modest meal?'

'No.'

'I eat thus always. Excess meat dulls the body, builds inner heat.'

Head of an Eight Demonic Sect, yet cultivating like a Daoist. Shadowless Sect seemed neutral, aligned evil only nominally. Midway through, curiosity prompted,

'You seem uninterested in expansion—why?'

'Ruling the jianghu isn't praiseworthy. Entanglements grow burdensome. I disdain bullying with power.'

Clack.

Chewing pickled vegetables, he continued,

'Frankly, I view Thunder God Style's public enemy status dimly. "Public enemy" is mere label; Nine Great Righteous Sects manipulate opinion, designating at will. Thus, I held back Eight Demonic Sects this time.'

'Hmm...'

'As Shadowless Sect's supreme, I lead not for dominance. It's to shelter the jianghu's weak from the Nine Great Righteous Sects' name.'

'Yet classified as evil path—unfair?'

'Inevitable. That black-white dichotomy benefits certain parties most.'

'Benefits whom?'

'Unaware?'

Setting down his chopsticks, the Sword Demon said,

'What becomes of Nine Great Righteous Sects and Righteous Heaven Alliance without Eight Demonic Sects as foe?'

'They'd wield unchecked power.'

'No—they crave no such thing. "Justice's" Righteous Heaven Alliance exists to combat our evil, securing latent jianghu support. And the Nine Great Righteous Sects tacitly trade with our leaders often.'

'......!!'

'Hand over "disposable" demon heads, filthy dealings.'

I was stunned.

I'd thought Nine Great Righteous Sects and Righteous Heaven Alliance desperate to eradicate Eight Demonic Sects—yet they colluded covertly for coexistence? Jaw dropped, Ximen Hui beside me said calmly,

'Father, isn't this too deep...'

'No, Hui. Listen well. This is jianghu's eternal verity.'

'Yes.'

'I know over a dozen minor sects unjustly labeled public enemies and exterminated. Rarely true villains—mostly rivals irking Nine Great Righteous Sects. Today's jianghu's great evil tumor is none other than them.'

'Hmm...'

Listening silently, I replied,

'But Eight Demonic Sects aren't wholly righteous either.'

'No denying that. Many villains among us.'

The Sword Demon smirked.

'But mark this: Eight Demonic Sects don't represent all worldly evil. Even if eradicated, new evil sects arise. Shouldn't we first purge those artificially dividing black and white?'

Utterly unexpected.

Eight Demonic Sects-Righteous Heaven Alliance honeymoon! The Sword Demon Ximen Daolong's philosophy. Much to mull; I paused eating, deep in thought. Collecting myself, I met his gaze.

'May I take this as your view on our Thunder God Style?'

'Not wrong.'

His deep eyes fixed on me as he said,

'I intend alliance with Thunder God Style. If desired, I can mobilize Eight Demonic Sects.'

'Alliance...!!'

Murmuring, I said,

'I can't decide alone.'

'Fair. Consider it dinner banter.'

'......'

Cunning fox—drops bombs, then brushes off. Such weighty talk soured the meal.

'Anyway, must discuss with Mangnyang.'

After eating, I retired.

Yet Ximen Hui followed to my chamber. Staring, I said,

'This isn't your room...'

'I can't sleep alone.'

She sidled close, sat by the bed, took my hand.

'If it's alright, benefactor, share your tales?'

Dangerous.

This wouldn't end with talk. Her eyes held resolve. Coughing hastily,

'Ahem! I'm exhausted—must sleep.'

'Yes.'

As I lay, she nestled beside me.

'......'

'......'

So naturally, protest felt awkward. Lying there, she said,

'Good night.'

'W-wait, why together?'

'My room's under repair. No choice.'

'Then ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠another room...'

She beamed.

'All others under repair ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠too.'

'......'

Ejecting her grew awkward. Fidgeting, I sat her up firmly.

'I know you fancy me greatly. But I dislike this—leave me be.'

'Am I so loathsome?'

'No, but.'

She clutched my robe, face sad.

'Even if another woman claims you, benefactor, I'm fine. I just want you.'

'No reason to cling. You deserve better.'

'Why refuse so?'

'Because...'

Miho and Mangnyang flashed in mind, deaths parading like a lantern show. Suddenly amused, I chuckled dryly. Normally, one battles lust here—yet I recalled my deaths.

'...I have duties.'

Yes.

To die no more in futility.

To forge the best future with them—straying won't do.

My firm answer brought tears.

'Benefactor, if so, take me to Thunder God Style with you.'

'What?'

'Please, I beg. I can't live without you.'

'Nonsense...'

Then, she drew a dagger, aiming at her chest. Shocked, I snatched it. Peak expert Ximen Hui's full force—no acting that.

'What madness?!'

'No reason to live.'

'Th-this...'

Her expression earnest. After long deliberation, I sighed.

'...I'll ask the Sword Demon tomorrow.'

I sent her to another room.

Next day, after morning spar with Sword Demon, I explained. He smiled warmly.

'Good. Initiate her in Thunder God Style or whatever—take her.'

'If she or our sect objects, we can return her.'

'As you will. Inevitable.'

Thus, I unwittingly brought Ximen Hui back to Thunder God Style.