Chapter 164: Taiji Empty Heart (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 164: Taiji Empty Heart (2)
“If you thrust with your palm facing the ground, you only use the strength of your arm. But if you thrust with your palm facing the sky, you draw upon the strength of your entire body. The power of the lower body circulates and unfolds through the wrist—that is Taiji. To utilize all of one's strength, and further, to use the opponent's strength against them—that is the essence of Taiji.”
“If you can one day reach a realm where you are no longer bound by the concepts of softness and hardness, you will see a world far wider than the one you see now.”
These were the words Hong Jun-gyeong had spoken during their travels through the Jianghu.
That was what he had said.
To use all of one's strength. That was Taiji.
To say that one is mixing three types of energy is, in other words, to say that one is using all three strengths.
However, in the Dual Flow Exchange Technique, Taiji held the center. The Azure Wind Qi of Qingcheng and the Demonic Qi tangled together, producing a swirling Black Ink Energy.
Could this center, barely held together, truly melt into one and become something entirely new?
“Ah!”
As his thoughts reached that point, Seok Myeong felt a massive jolt of realization.
That’s it. I just need to change the axis!
Ordinary martial artists rely on the Sea of Qi—the Lower Dantian.
However, based on the location of the body's meridians, the Jade Hall Acupoint is used as the axis when dividing and determining the body's centerline and center of gravity. This is the Middle Dantian.
Strictly speaking, for Taiji to truly blend, one must use the power of the Middle Dantian.
And that relied more on enlightenment than on the mere concept of internal energy measured in years of cultivation. It was about harmony—becoming perfectly natural through countless repetitions.
Clack.
Seok Myeong hurriedly drew his sword.
He closed his eyes and took a moment to perform the Qi Guidance Art. He intended to practice by operating the energy he had previously drawn from his Lower Dantian, now using the Middle Dantian as the axis.
“Let’s try it. Just once.”
Zzzzzzt.
Then, even without him forcing the energy, the Black Ink Energy reacted intensely at the tip of his blade. It was as if it had been waiting for this very moment.
*
Two days later.
The area in front of the Qingcheng Sect’s central courtyard was bustling.
A general mobilization order had brought together not only the disciples of the First and Second Gates but even the personnel from the Azure Sky Pavilion, which managed the Azure Peak Pavilion.
“I heard people came not just from the Martial Alliance, but from Shaolin, Wudang, and Mount Hua as well.”
“Did you hear? Two of the Five Dragons are here. They say it’s because of the incident at the Martial Demonstration Gathering.”
“Three elders came from the Diancang Sect. Is something big about to happen?”
Yeon-hui, overhearing the whispers of the first-generation disciples, could hardly believe her ears. She knew of the rumors circulating within Qingcheng, but she hadn't expected the Alliance to visit so suddenly.
It was the same for Seok Jun and Seok Jin. They never imagined that the Alliance and various other sects would visit so urgently before Qingcheng had even finished its own internal investigation.
Step. Step. Step.
Before long, a massive crowd gathered around the central courtyard.
First-generation disciples. Pavilion Masters and Temple Masters. Even the number of elders gathered was close to thirty.
It was no exaggeration to say that more people were present than during the Qingcheng Sword Disciple examinations—nearly everyone currently at the Qingcheng Sect had turned out.
“We are ready.”
Sect Leader Song Jeong, who had been in his office, stood up upon hearing the words of the First Elder, Song Ji. He began to walk slowly.
“It’s the Sect Leader!”
“The Sect Leader is here!”
As Song Jeong walked into the courtyard followed by the elders, the commotion died down as if by magic. Since the Sect Leader was only seen three or four times a year, the disciples’ eyes sparkled as they tried to burn the image of Song Jeong into their memories.
Song Jeong did not climb onto the platform but stood in the middle of the courtyard.
“Is everyone waiting?”
“Yes.”
When the First Elder bowed his head, Song Jeong nodded.
“Then, bring all the guests here.”
Finally, it was time for the confrontation between the Martial Alliance and the Qingcheng Sect.
*
“Make way.”
A powerful voice pierced through the crowd and echoed in the courtyard. Soon, old men and young youths began to enter through the main gate.
The man at the very front was the right-hand man of the Alliance Leader. It was Ji Jung.
Qingcheng... You won't get off easy today.
On the night he had practically fled the sect, he thought it was for the best when the Sect Leader notified him that the Grand Purity Hall meeting would be skipped. At that time, he couldn't say everything he wanted to, suppressed by the pressure of the Qingcheng elders.
But the situation was different now.
The elders of Shaolin, Mount Hua, and Wudang.
This time, three elders from Diancang—the sect at the center of the incident—were present, along with elders from the three most powerful sects among the Nine Great Sects.
Furthermore, the Deputy Inspector was behind him. It was Dan Mok-jung, the man who had overseen the duels during the Martial Demonstration Gathering.
Step. Step. Step.
With the figures from the Martial Alliance, the high-ranking members of each sect, and their retinues, the procession was incredibly long.
Ji Jung, who had been puffing out his chest like a victorious general, saw the Sect Leader of Qingcheng standing in the middle of the courtyard.
“Deputy Inspector.”
He called for Dan Mok-jung.
As Ji Jung stepped back, Dan Mok-jung stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.
“Mm. Are you Taoist Song Jeong, the Sect Leader of Qingcheng? I am Dan Mok-jung, Deputy Inspector of the Martial Alliance.”
“You have traveled a long way. Thank you for coming.”
As Song Jeong accepted the greeting, Abbot Hye Seon of Shaolin raised a single hand in a Buddhist salute.
“This old monk is called Hye Seon of Shaolin.”
“I am Unyang of Wudang.”
“Gu Jong-myeong of Mount Hua.”
“Nok Gwi-bo of Diancang.”
“Gwi Cheon-neung of Diancang.”
Once the elders of each sect finished their introductions, Song Jeong returned the courtesy.
“I am Song Jeong, the Sect Leader. It is an honor for Qingcheng to have such distinguished guests visit our humble abode. However...”
At the end of his sentence, his gaze naturally drifted behind the elders. Even at a glance, he noticed young men with brilliant, clear spirits.
Snap.
As soon as Song Jeong showed interest, a young man with sharp eyes and a hero’s headband bowed.
“I am Jin-cheon of Wudang. It is an honor to be in your presence.”
“I am Yu Yeok-gil of Mount Hua. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit Qingcheng.”
“Are you two not members of the Five Dragons? Indeed. Your dignified auras suggest a bright future for Wudang and Mount Hua.”
Song Jeong replied with a gentle compliment.
Though not as important as the elders, these two were very significant. They were people who had personally witnessed Seok Myeong’s martial prowess. In other words, they were qualified to serve as witnesses for the verification of the Qingcheng Heart Method.
That is likely why they were practically forced to come.
While Song Jeong wore a subtle smile, the first-generation disciples and novice disciples watching from the outskirts of the courtyard whispered among themselves.
“Are those the Five Dragons?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of them. Jin-cheon, who makes the Taiji of the heavens vibrate. Yu Yeok-gil, who displays the essence of the Plum Blossom Sword.”
“My god. They don't look much older than us.”
Buzz, buzz.
The young disciples’ eyes shone with admiration and curiosity. The Five Dragons—the greatest rising stars representing the Jianghu. Since it was their first time seeing two of them in person, it was a natural reaction for the disciples of Qingcheng, a sect that didn't have much external interaction.
“Eldest Disciple?”
“It’s the Azure Cloud Pavilion Master!”
Rumble!
Seok Myeong arrived a beat late. The disciples who had been staring at the Five Dragons began to flock around Seok Myeong one by one.
Because of that, Jin-cheon and Yu Yeok-gil, who were slightly away from the crowd, turned their heads.
Seok Myeong?
It was indeed a familiar face. Seok Myeong of Qingcheng. The man who had effectively turned the Five Dragons into the Six Dragons. And, in many ways, the most talked-about individual among the rising stars had appeared.
Swish.
Following the reactions of Jin-cheon and Yu Yeok-gil, the elders' gazes also shifted.
...What profound eyes.
Abbot Hye Seon, facing Seok Myeong directly, saw a strange light in his eyes. He remembered the words of Beopgye. Hadn't he said the internal energy was pure?
Sharpening his vision, Seok Myeong’s eyes seemed devoid of even the common turbid energy. At this level, his internal energy was comparable to an elder who had spent decades in wall-facing meditation at Shaolin.
Is that the boy Jin-cheon was so conscious of?
Unyang of Wudang was also surprised. Just as Hye Seon had examined the internal energy, he carefully observed Seok Myeong’s movements. And he marveled quietly.
He is so... natural.
Every gesture, every step. His demeanor as he greeted those around him and walked calmly was extremely stable. Furthermore, the typical aura of a martial artist was almost invisible. It was the ultimate softness.
If they had met without knowing his identity, Unyang might have thought he was a master from Wudang rather than the famously sharp Qingcheng Sect—such was his harmony.
Given his age, he shouldn't have reached the Absolute Realm where one can fully conceal their aura. Could it be Metamorphosis? No, that’s impossible...
Gu Jong-myeong of Mount Hua was doubting his own eyes.
Seok Myeong’s build seemed slight at first glance. He wasn't particularly large, nor were his temples bulging or his eyes piercing like those who had mastered internal energy to the extreme.
That actually made it more chilling.
His gaze, his impression, his energy, and his aura. Taking all these into account, the opponent was already at a level that could not be considered that of a first-generation disciple.
Glancing at the reactions of the Shaolin and Wudang elders, their slight nods suggested they were thinking the same thing.
“Ahem.”
Since everyone was only looking at Seok Myeong, Deputy Inspector Dan Mok-jung cleared his throat. After drawing everyone's attention, he continued.
“Some of you may not know, but the Martial Alliance previously sent Taoist Ji Jung, the Alliance Leader’s aide, to deliver a message here. Therefore, everyone in Qingcheng should know why we are here.”
“Hmm.”
“The reason we have come today is to hear what judgment Qingcheng has made since then. We are here to hear your answer. Furthermore, we have invited elders from other sects as third parties to serve as witnesses.”
A slight frown crossed Song Jeong’s face. He hadn't expected them to expose everything so openly in front of so many people.
“Then, I will first read the official document from the Alliance.”
Snap!
They really intended to make a grand spectacle of it. Their goal was to brand Qingcheng with the stigma of demonic arts. And the one charging forward tenaciously to ensure that happened was...
“This is a decree sent by the Martial Alliance Leader! Let the Qingcheng Sect listen!”
Ji Jung, his mouth stretched in a wide grin and his shoulders stiff with self-importance, stepped forward. He was a man of the Diancang Sect, Qingcheng’s long-standing rival.
“As a member of the Nine Great Sects, your sect has a responsibility to protect the justice of the Jianghu and serve as an example to your fellow orthodox comrades! Despite this, you are suspected of practicing and researching the Demonic Energy Absorption Art—a heterodox martial art!”
“This has caused great chaos in the current Martial World! Furthermore, you have committed the atrocity of murdering a rising star of the Diancang Sect, a fellow member of the Nine Great Sects who protested against this, thereby severing the bonds of brotherhood yourself!”
“Therefore, the Martial Alliance Leader strongly advises the Qingcheng Sect to voluntarily cooperate with the investigation into these suspicious demonic arts! Furthermore, we strongly advise you to offer a sufficient apology and compensation to the Diancang Sect, which has suffered innocent losses!”
“If these conditions are not met, we inform you that your sect will be removed from its position among the Nine Great Sects! In the name of this Alliance, we decree the severance of all ties with your secular branches in Sichuan! We further order the indefinite exclusion of all nearby merchant guilds and escort bureaus from any exchange or cooperation with you!”
Snap!
The sound of Ji Jung rolling up the scroll echoed like thunder. The crowd was as deathly silent as if they had just been struck by lightning.
“This is the personal letter of the current Martial Alliance Leader, the Great Hero ‘Gentleman Sword’ Go Ju-gang. Sect Leader of Qingcheng.”
Ji Jung announced with a satisfied smile.
Expulsion from the Nine Great Sects and One Gang. It was the maximum punishment that could be levied against Qingcheng.