Chapter 12: Closed-Door Cultivation (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 12: Closed-Door Cultivation (1)
“What brings you here at such an hour?”
Song Gwan greeted Seok Myeong warmly as he arrived at Chaoyang Cave in the dead of night. However, a hint of curiosity colored his voice; Seok Myeong had never sought him out this late before.
“I have a request, Elder.”
“Very well, speak.”
“Is there a cavern here that cannot be entered unless the door is opened from the inside?”
“A cavern? Why the sudden interest in such a place?”
“I intend to enter closed-door cultivation.”
“Closed-door cultivation?” Song Gwan’s gaze turned questioning.
Training grounds were scattered all across the mountain, so he wondered why the boy specifically sought a cave—and one that could be completely sealed from the outside, at that. Was he planning to ensure that absolutely no one could disturb him?
“That is my wish. Nothing more,” Seok Myeong replied simply, offering no further explanation.
“Follow me. The tunnels within Chaoyang Cave are vast and winding; it would be a disaster if you were to get lost.”
Song Gwan agreed readily. Whether the boy practiced inside or out, Song Gwan wanted to help in any way he could. He could see that Seok Myeong had reached a stage where he required absolute focus and isolation.
Song Gwan turned and led the way. As the overseer of Chaoyang Cave, his steps were certain and unhesitating. They traveled deep into the earth for quite some time until they reached a large cavern where the path branched into six different directions. Song Gwan pointed to the leftmost tunnel.
“It is here. This door can be locked from the inside, making it impossible to open from the outside. The elders used to use this chamber for their own cultivation in the past.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“Do you plan on entering immediately?”
“No. I have a few things to organize first.”
“Understood. When you are ready to begin, give me word in advance. I will prepare Bigu Pills and water for you.”
“Thank you, Elder.”
“Don't mention it. How could I not provide at least this much help?” Song Gwan continued, his voice swelling with pride and encouragement. “Do not give up. Never forget that the Azure Cloud lineage was once the pride of the entire Qingcheng Sect.”
Seok Myeong left Chaoyang Cave without confirming or denying the sentiment.
*
Returning to his quarters, Seok Myeong spread out a cloth bundle. He intended to bring his manuals with him. He didn't pack everything; instead, he carefully selected the martial arts suitable for his current level of cultivation.
“A single manual with the 'Azure Wind' attribute, like the Azure Wind Rain Heart Method, is enough. What matters is the direction of the heart method…”
Even if the application differed, if the energy circulation followed the same path or utilized the same type of qi, there was no need to bring it. He only needed the essentials.
“And the core sword techniques and footwork…”
After packing a few heart methods, Seok Myeong began selecting manuals for swordplay and movement. He was confident he had already memorized almost everything within the Azure Cloud lineage’s archives, but one could never be too sure. Reviewing the texts might spark a new realization.
“I’ll take these as well.”
He reached for the Heaven and Earth Sword, the Azure Cloud Red Mist Sword, the Vortex Fist, the Flying Stream Step, and the Illusory Lost Track Step. These were arts he knew so well he could recite them in his sleep, but they were the foundation of his path.
“Ah, I should bring this too.”
The Dual Flow Exchange Technique.
It was a martial art he had examined a few days ago—a unique heart method that circulated two distinct types of energy around a single imaginary point.
“This should be enough for now.”
Seok Myeong had just finished tying about a dozen books into the bundle when he heard a commotion outside. The voices were deep and clear, suggesting they were right outside his door.
“Shouldn't we check here as well?”
“It looks suspicious. It seems like someone might actually be living here.”
The voices belonged to young men. When Seok Myeong opened the door, he found exactly who he expected.
“What are you all doing here?” Seok Myeong asked.
It was Seok Jun, Seok Hu, and Seok Gyeong.
“Eldest Sahyung? What are you doing here?” Seok Jun looked genuinely surprised. Beside him, Seok Hu and Seok Gyeong seemed equally flustered. They hadn't expected to find Seok Myeong in such a place and quickly offered their greetings.
“I’m here because I have business to attend to.”
“What kind of business?”
“Cultivation. I thought I’d try changing my environment.”
“Haha, is that so?” Seok Hu gave a genial smile. Seok Gyeong nodded along, though his expression was skeptical.
“You weren't kicked out, were you?” Seok Jun interjected suddenly.
“Surely not. The sect actively supports the Azure Cloud lineage; why would they send the Eldest Disciple to a place like this?” Seok Hu waved his hand dismissively.
“He probably just came here to rest for a while. Isn't that right, Eldest Sahyung?” Seok Gyeong added, sounding as if he couldn't believe Seok Jun's blunt suggestion.
Seok Myeong, however, didn't seem embarrassed at all. “It’s a humble place, but please, come inside.”
*
Once inside, Seok Hu and Seok Gyeong looked around and frowned. The room was so cramped they could barely find a place to sit. Most of the floor was occupied by piles of old books. The walls were stained with green and black mold, and there wasn't a single chair in sight.
Though Seok Hu and Seok Gyeong were not yet official Qingcheng Swordsmen, they were elite rising stars who resided in comfortable Taoist halls. Seok Jun, whose father was the Master of the True Martial Hall, lived in even greater luxury. Seeing a shack that looked ready to collapse was a shock to their systems.
“What is all this?” Seok Hu asked, his face twisting in a grimace.
“My books,” Seok Myeong replied, unbothered.
“I can see they're books… but why are they here?”
“I moved them.”
“From the Azure Moon Storehouse?”
“Yes. It was getting tedious to climb up there every time I wanted to read.”
Seok Myeong spoke with calm confidence, but Seok Hu and Seok Gyeong didn't buy it. Seok Myeong hadn't left the Azure Moon Storehouse for over a decade. They assumed there had to be a scandalous reason for him to suddenly move into a dilapidated hovel.
“He must have had an enlightenment. Is he not our Eldest Sahyung, who always does the extraordinary?” Seok Jun praised him, but the sarcasm dripping from his words was unmistakable.
“Well, I suppose it could look that way depending on who's watching,” Seok Myeong brushed the comment off. “But what brings the three of you to a place like this?”
Seok Hu, the youngest of the group, stepped forward. “Eldest Sahyung, the Qingcheng Sect is in an uproar lately.”
“An uproar?”
“Yes. Rumors are spreading that ancient relics of our ancestors are hidden somewhere on Mount Qingcheng. Because of that, everyone from the first-generation disciples down is busy scouring the mountain.”
“Ancient relics?”
“Yes. The elders say they are incredible treasures that even we don't fully understand.”
“Ho.” Seok Myeong showed a flicker of interest. “And? Have you found anything?”
“Found anything? How could we find something like that so easily on this vast mountain? We're searching different sectors every day. We were planning to look around this area today. If you're willing, perhaps you could join us…”
Seok Gyeong, who had been listening quietly, hurriedly cut in. “Eldest Sahyung, if you happen to see anything unusual, please inform the main sect. Even if it doesn't seem particularly important.”
“I see. I will.”
“Then, we shall take our leave.” Seok Gyeong signaled to Seok Hu and stood up. To Seok Myeong, it looked as if he was terrified of saying the wrong thing.
“We'll be going now.” Seok Gyeong left first, and Seok Hu followed after a quick bow.
“I'll be going as well.” Seok Jun, left alone, gave a slight nod. However, his gaze was strange. His expression was subtle and hard to read—it was impossible to tell if he was mocking Seok Myeong or if he was genuinely troubled.
As Seok Jun turned to leave, Seok Myeong spoke, stopping him in his tracks. “Next time you come, it would be better if you came alone.”
Seok Jun immediately countered, “What do you mean by that?”
“Just a thought.”
“I… I have no idea what your intention is in saying such a thing, Sahyung.”
Seok Myeong didn't give a direct answer. The faint smile he’d worn earlier vanished. “Rumors will circulate regardless. Even if you do nothing, it won't be long before everyone knows that the last successor of the Azure Cloud lineage was kicked out of the Azure Moon Storehouse and is living in a place like this.”
“…” Seok Jun did not argue. He simply stood there, frozen. A heavy silence hung between them.
And then, Seok Myeong spoke again, his eyes boring into Seok Jun. “You are not strong.”
The younger man's face hardened instantly. “What did you say?”
“Do you think you've conquered the world just because you became a Qingcheng Swordsman? It's true you're outstanding among our peers, but in the vast Jianghu, you wouldn't even be able to make a name for yourself.”
“By what right… do you think you can lecture me!” Seok Jun’s face turned beet red. Humiliated, he dropped the formal honorifics entirely.
“I may be a pathetic Sahyung to you, but I am still your senior. And in my eyes, you are young and weak.”
Seok Jun’s lips quivered, but the words wouldn't come. No matter how much he looked down on him, Seok Myeong was still his senior in rank. Moreover, he was rattled by the sheer weight of Seok Myeong’s gaze.
“Shouldn't you be more worried about your own future, Sahyung?” Seok Jun finally spat back. “You want to become a Qingcheng Swordsman? I hate to break it to you, but that title isn't handed out to just anyone.”
“There's no need for you to worry about me.”
“When did I say I was worried? Whether you succeed or fail has nothing to do with me!”
Feeling that further conversation was pointless, Seok Jun threw open the door and stormed out.
“Foolish boy. When will you finally open the door of your heart to yourself…?” Seok Myeong sighed as he watched the door swing shut.
Seok Jun was a boy with immense talent but far too many distractions. If he focused on his martial arts, he could become greater than anyone, but he was always preoccupied with status and perception. And for some reason, he was constantly wary of Seok Myeong.
“It must be my fault for not being a better example to my junior.”
Just as Seok Myeong was about to dismiss the encounter, a thought flashed through his mind.
“Wait… did they say relics?”
If the main sect was conducting a massive search, it had to be something significant—a spirit medicine, a legendary blade, or perhaps a peerless secret manual. Seok Myeong immediately thought of the Demonic Energy Absorption Art his master had left behind. There was a high probability the rumors were referring to that.
“It must be related to Master… I have to hurry.”
With a newfound sense of urgency, Seok Myeong slung the bundle over his shoulder. That manual was his master's legacy. He could not let it fall into the hands of the main sect.