Chapter 108: A New Internal Energy Heart Method (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 108: A New Internal Energy Heart Method (1)
“How did you get so powerful?”
“That martial art... you have to teach it to me!”
“I’ll be visiting you often from now on, Senior!”
The moment the duel ended, Seok Myeong was swarmed.
First Generation Disciples and Second Generation Disciples he had never even met before crowded around, all trying to strike up a conversation. After brushing them off with vague excuses, Seok Myeong made his way toward his quarters. He couldn't help but smile when he spotted two familiar faces waiting for him.
It was Seok Jin and Yeon-hui.
“Eldest Disciple. About earlier...”
Yeon-hui still looked troubled. She was likely blaming herself for the fact that Seok Myeong had been the first to collapse during their struggle.
“It’s alright,” Seok Myeong comforted her. “I was actually grateful. It’s thanks to you that the duel could even take place.”
“Thank you...”
Despite his words, Yeon-hui’s expression didn't brighten. His kindness only seemed to make her feel more apologetic.
“Eldest Disciple! From now on, I’ll be the first to serve you,” Seok Jin chimed in, buzzing with excitement. He refused to leave Seok Myeong’s side. Having followed him since they were children, he seemed even more thrilled by the victory than Seok Myeong himself. “If you have any troubles or need an errand run, just call me anytime!”
“I need to rest first, so let’s talk more later.”
Seok Myeong parted ways with them after a polite excuse and returned to his quarters—the same wooden house he had stayed in before descending the mountain. He took a brief moment to admire the scenery before pushing the door open.
However, someone he hadn't expected was already sitting inside.
“Oh, Elder...”
“You’ve arrived.”
It was Song Gwan, the elder in charge of Chaoyang Cave.
“What brings you here, Elder?”
“I came to congratulate you, of course. Sit down.”
Seok Myeong took a seat, his posture instinctively stiffening.
“You’ve worked hard, Seok Myeong.”
“Thank you, Elder.”
Seeing Song Gwan’s gratified smile, Seok Myeong felt his own expression brighten.
“By the way, are the rumors circulating in the Jianghu true? Did you really fight Cheol Gun to a standstill and strike down the Unorthodox Faction?”
“It just happened to turn out that way.”
“Your master would have been very pleased. She sacrificed so much while staying by your side, didn't she?”
At the mention of his master, Seok Myeong’s eyes grew misty. True Person Song Hye had done everything in her power to pass on even a single extra technique from the Azure Cloud Taoist’s legacy to him. All of his current achievements were built upon her efforts.
“But, you see...” Song Gwan’s tone shifted.
“Yes, Elder.” Seok Myeong waited calmly for what would come next.
“That energy you used at the very end. What was it?”
“Pardon?”
“That ink-black energy that neutralized Seok Jun’s Sword Aura with a bare blade. Can you explain to me what it was?”
“Ah, yes. That... that is...”
Caught off guard, Seok Myeong struggled to find the words. The energy he had used to annihilate Seok Jun’s Sword Extreme Bullet was something he had unleashed in a moment of pure desperation. Had the elders, watching from a distance, truly noticed something that happened in such a brief instant?
While Seok Myeong hesitated, Song Gwan spoke again, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
“Seeing you hesitate like that... it isn't an Orthodox martial art, is it?”
Since things had come to this, Seok Myeong had no choice but to reveal a portion of the truth.
“That is correct. However, Elder, this is—”
“I know. It must be the result of Azure Cloud Taoist’s research,” Song Gwan interrupted. “I have watched you all this time; how could I not know what kind of person you are?”
“Ah...”
“But Seok Myeong, while I see it that way, the other elders might not. In fact, those who dislike you might use it as a pretext to move against you.”
“Did the other elders see it as well?”
“If I noticed, they surely did too. Some might let it slide for now because they aren't certain. It won't be a major problem immediately. But later—or perhaps even soon—they will come and ask you directly. What will you do if you cannot give them an answer then?”
Seok Myeong’s face hardened.
He felt no shame regarding the Azure Cloud Taoist’s martial arts. However, as his master had warned, he couldn't reveal them to the world until he had fully mastered and refined them.
Demonic Qi was simply that dangerous.
“If your intentions are misunderstood, it won't be a simple matter. It won't just be your problem; the entire future of the Qingcheng Sect is at stake. If your martial arts are deemed useful, they would eventually be taught to everyone, from the First Generation Disciples down to the young children. If there is a flaw or a corruption that is only discovered ten or twenty years later, what will happen then?”
Seok Myeong’s complexion turned grave. This was no simple matter of personal reputation. If things went as the elder described, it could lead to a catastrophe for the entire sect.
“I won't let that happen. If you give me a little time, I will find an answer that can convince everyone before the year is out.”
“Then staying at Azure Pearl Peak for a while would be best.”
“Azure Pearl Peak...?”
“If any of the elders harbor doubts and ask about you, we can just say you are there. There’s a plausible excuse for it, too.”
Azure Pearl Peak. It was one of the highest peaks in the Qingcheng range and the location of the Heaven Pillar Prison, where the jailers resided.
“I understand. I will find the answer there.”
Seok Myeong grit his teeth. He had been too complacent. It wasn't enough to simply use the Azure Cloud Taoist’s martial arts; he had to resolve the fundamental issue of their nature. Perhaps this was the true purpose behind the legacy his predecessor had left behind.
“However, I am worried,” Seok Myeong added.
“About what?”
“What if someone gets hurt because of this? Not just the disciples I’ve associated with, but you as well, Elder...”
“That won't happen,” Song Gwan spoke firmly.
Seok Myeong looked at him with a puzzled gaze, wondering how he could be so certain.
Song Gwan continued in a gentle tone, “Because the Sect Leader’s expectations for you are very high.”
*
Azure Pearl Peak.
As the highest peak of Mount Qingcheng, it was a place rarely visited even by members of the sect. The terrain was treacherous and infested with predators, but there was an even greater reason for its isolation: the Heaven Pillar Prison.
The prison was originally built to house the most heinous murderers from the surrounding regions. It was a place of brutal punishment and dark history. Although it was no longer in active use, it remained an ominous, shunned location. Unless there was a specific reason, no one dared venture near it.
“It’s over there.”
After trekking through the mountains under Song Gwan’s guidance, a massive rock formation came into view.
“You must be quiet here.”
“I know.”
This was where the hidden masters of Qingcheng, the members of the Azure Sky Pavilion, resided. These were martial artists who were almost never seen within the sect, living in a place that even the bravest disciples were reluctant to approach.
Sure enough, as they passed a cave, Seok Myeong saw middle-aged men sitting in deep meditation, their eyes covered by cloth.
So these are the people of the Azure Sky Pavilion.
As Seok Myeong observed them, Song Gwan spoke in a low voice.
“From here on is Azure Pearl Peak. You can choose a suitable cave and focus on your cultivation.”
“Thank you, Elder.”
Seok Myeong bowed in respect. Song Gwan patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave.
*
Around the time Seok Myeong entered the Heaven Pillar Prison, urgent messages were being delivered to every major sect and family in the Central Plains.
—The Samu Alliance will withdraw from the North. Do not interfere in the internal conflicts between the Unorthodox sects.
The message wasn't sent to all of the Nine Great Sects. It was only delivered to the Five Great Families and the Six Great Sects—the core members currently making up the Martial Alliance.
While some sects raised objections, most consented. Fighting among Unorthodox sects was a common occurrence; if the Alliance simply turned a blind eye, those sects would eventually exhaust themselves or move further North. From the perspective of the Orthodox Faction, there was nothing to lose.
The sects located in the North were so relieved they practically welcomed the news with open arms. Once Shaolin and Wudang agreed to follow the Martial Alliance’s decision, the other sects naturally followed suit.
Although he had intentionally bypassed a few specific sects, the Martial Alliance Leader, Go Ju-gang, proceeded with the plan with lightning speed.
Meanwhile, another power was watching these movements closely: the other pillar of the Unorthodox world, the Golden Martial Association.
“Welcome back.”
When Cheol So-yeon opened the door, Cheol Jung greeted her from inside the room. He had already received word of his daughter’s return.
“I have returned, Father.”
Cheol So-yeon entered with cautious steps. Her father, Cheol Jung, famously disliked the sound of loud footsteps. As always, he sat with a dignified, imposing posture. His gaze was cold, like a man devoid of human emotion.
“Yes, I have heard the rumors.” Cheol Jung paused and reached for his teacup. After taking a slow sip, he set it down and continued. “I heard you were quite active out there.”
“Ah, that is...”
“It is fine. I have deemed the issue with the Black Snake Union to be unavoidable.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Cheol So-yeon felt a sense of awkwardness even as she answered. It had been a long time since they had spoken face-to-face.
“By the way, where is Grandfather?”
“He went out before you arrived.”
“Why?”
“He said he was going to meet someone.”
Cheol So-yeon nodded slightly.
“So,” Cheol Jung asked, his eyes narrowing. “Did you learn anything?”
“Pardon?”
“About the man named Seok Myeong.”
Cheol So-yeon hesitated.
“I felt many things while traveling with him,” she said carefully. “He is a man of strong mental fortitude who uses extraordinary martial arts.”
“Hmm.”
“He played a major role when we fought the Black Snake Union and when the Giant Demon suddenly appeared. He suppressed the enemy with superior skill.”
Cheol So-yeon spoke quickly, her words full of praise for Seok Myeong.
“Looking at your face...”
“Yes?”
“It seems you have taken a liking to him, just as your grandfather said.”
“N-No! Who would ever like a blockhead like him!”
“Well, the Qingcheng Sect isn't a bad match. Though the fact that he is from the Orthodox Faction is a bit bothersome.”
“Father!” Cheol So-yeon scolded, her face turning bright red.
Seeing this, Cheol Jung gave a faint, rare smile and changed the subject. “So, what were his martial arts like? Were they truly the techniques of Qingcheng?”
At those words, Cheol So-yeon realized what her father was truly after. He, too, was interested in the strange energy Seok Myeong had displayed. She debated whether to tell the truth or hide it.
Then, the answer slipped out of her mouth almost unconsciously.
“According to my investigation... yes.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I saw it clearly with my own eyes. There was no sign of him using martial arts of a different nature.”
“Hmm.”
Cheol Jung didn't press the matter further.
Cheol So-yeon, however, was flustered. Why was she defending him? To hide her expression, she quickly lowered her head.
Cheol Jung thought for a moment and then nodded. “I heard there is a lineage called the Azure Cloud Taoist in Qingcheng that practices unique martial arts. Perhaps it is because he is from that line.”
Concluding his thoughts, Cheol Jung looked at his daughter. “You must be tired. Go and rest.”
“Yes, Father.”
Cheol So-yeon bowed and stood up. She left the room with a racing heart, terrified that her lie might be discovered.