Chapter 188: Taoist Sects (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 188: Taoist Sects (1)
Two months had passed.
In the heart of a freezing winter, amidst biting winds, a figure descended the Kunlun Mountains. His steps were practiced and agile as he moved through the darkness.
Tap, tap, tap.
A deep hood obscured his face, giving him the appearance of an ordinary middle-aged traveler. He came to a halt atop an unnamed hermitage.
Though the cold, damp weather had seeped into his bones, the man’s expression was far from grim.
“An unexpected harvest,” he murmured.
It was Go Ju-gang, the Leader of the Martial Alliance. A thin smile played across his lips, refusing to fade.
“To think the Kunlun and Kongtong Sects would act this way… Well, they are martial artists, after all. There was no way they could refuse.”
Two months ago.
The Diancang Sect, which had been cooperative at first, began to grow tight-lipped. After a few days of this behavior, they eventually went as far as blatantly excluding Go Ju-gang from their training grounds.
They must have finally obtained what they were after.
Go Ju-gang wasn't offended. In fact, this was all part of his design.
They had been sharing the same bed but dreaming different dreams from the start. Now that results were showing, it was only natural for the Diancang Sect to be wary of him, given his origins in the Mount Hua Sect.
Thus, he had simply left a letter stating he had business to attend to and descended the mountain. His next destination was Kunlun.
When he presented them with the Demonic Energy Absorption Art...
“What is the meaning of this?!”
“This is preposterous!”
As expected, their resistance was stubborn.
Furthermore, unlike Diancang, the elders of Kunlun looked ready to draw their swords against him at any moment. However, Go Ju-gang silenced the furious crowd with just a few choice words.
“Hmph. It seems Kunlun is unaware of how the world is turning. Qingcheng is soaring like a dragon. By refining this martial art, one of their first-generation disciples defeated three from the Diancang Sect, and they even received confirmation from a sacred relic of Shaolin that the energy is pure.”
“...!”
“Diancang has moved swiftly as well. They are enduring the disgrace of their defeated elders and training while putting the lives of dozens of their own disciples on the line.”
There was no need for elaborate schemes or psychological manipulation. He only needed to tell them the plain truth.
“What nonsense! Sect Leader! Do not listen to him! This is an obvious lie!”
“He is right! If such a scandalous thing had happened, rumors would have spread throughout the Jianghu long ago!”
“Haha. Do you really think rumors would spread?” Go Ju-gang chuckled.
There was significant pushback, but such extreme resistance only served to bolster Go Ju-gang’s persuasion.
“Training that gambles with the lives of disciples... it is an act that defies humanity. Since it would be a disaster if word got out, wouldn't it be natural for them to control all outsiders?”
“....”
“If you find it so hard to believe the words of this Alliance Leader, go and investigate for yourselves. I doubt... you will even be able to set foot inside the Diancang Sect.”
Three days after he planted that seed of doubt, the Sect Leader and the elders were shaken. They had likely sent spies to Diancang and confirmed that they were being strictly turned away. This only gave Go Ju-gang’s words more credibility.
“...Alliance Leader.”
The elders and the Sect Leader of Kunlun sought him out again. They tried their best to hide it, but anxiety was written all over their faces.
The anxiety of seeing a rival sect pull ahead. The anxiety of being left behind.
This anxiety led to a thirst for power, which in turn led to a craving for the new martial art.
“The offer you made last time. Is it still valid?”
“Of course.”
It took less than four days for them to make a decision. Go Ju-gang had poked at their insecurities and dangled the bait. After that, they were the ones clinging to him.
The process was much the same with the Kongtong Sect.
In Kunlun, twenty-one disciples volunteered and began learning the Demonic Energy Absorption Art. Go Ju-gang watched their progress from the sidelines and witnessed a remarkable sight.
During the first week:
Though the number of volunteers was small, not a single first-generation disciple of Kunlun died, unlike what had happened at Diancang. This was partly because the formulas he brought were different from the ones he first gave Diancang, but it was also the result of the efforts he had invested in the meantime.
During the second week:
From Go Ju-gang’s perspective, the survival rate was more than double what it had been during the trials at the Diancang Sect. Out of the twenty-one, only three showed symptoms of severe vomiting. The numerous experiments and brainstorming sessions Go Ju-gang had conducted with the Diancang elders had borne fruit.
During the third week:
“Ahem, Alliance Leader. Our sect has a major event coming up, so...”
They politely asked him to leave.
“Well, I understand. I have matters of my own to attend to anyway.”
Go Ju-gang left as if it were only natural. His next destination was the Kongtong Sect.
A similar situation unfolded there. The only difference was that, unlike the other sects, they didn't immediately begin practicing the Demonic Energy Absorption Art. They categorized it as a more dangerous technique and selected only a few individuals who had prepared specific countermeasures to learn it.
In the process, Go Ju-gang witnessed something new.
The Kongtong Sect didn't try to modify the heart method like the others; instead, they implemented a method of learning the Absorption Art by utilizing the human body—specifically, the Dantian.
Since it was a completely different approach, they struggled at first, which allowed Go Ju-gang to observe their training methods. When he shared the progress of the Diancang and Kunlun sects at the right moment, the Kongtong Sect surprisingly developed a way for even beginners to accept the Absorption Art without side effects.
The Empty Dantian (Gongdan).
The Kongtong Sect’s idea was to contain the Demonic Qi within the body but create a separate, empty space for it so it wouldn't clash with their existing internal energy.
Those with little internal energy emptied their Dantian entirely, while those with deep cultivation used a method of circulating the energy only through specific parts of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
By doing this, the orthodox internal energy and the Demonic Qi did not collide. Because the two types of energy constantly moved to avoid each other, growth was somewhat slower, but the power could be utilized immediately.
Kongtong was relieved, and Go Ju-gang was delighted.
Following Diancang and Kunlun, the new method had been refined even further by the time it reached Kongtong.
“Alliance Leader, if you would excuse us...”
“I understand.”
And so, another welcome request for his departure followed.
*
“Whew.”
Reaching the top of an unnamed hill, Go Ju-gang looked around for a place to rest. He spotted a large tent in the distance. It was a small, nameless inn that lacked even a sign—the kind of place that merely provided shelter from the wind for travelers on the mountain paths.
“Perfect.”
It looked as though it might snow. The clouds were exceptionally thick today, and with no sunlight, his aging body felt even more fatigued.
Buzz, buzz.
Go Ju-gang, intending to order some warm wine, took a seat in a corner of the rustic inn.
“Dumplings over here!”
“Give me some noodles!”
Judging by their ragged clothes and sun-baked skin, the patrons seemed to be woodcutters from a nearby logging camp. Go Ju-gang slipped into a corner and ordered food and wine along with them.
The food was terrible. The place was noisy and crowded with travelers.
“Hehe. Sir, would you mind sharing a table...?”
“I prefer to be alone.”
Ting.
He flicked a small silver coin to the waiter who suggested sharing a table and began to fill his empty stomach.
“I heard Diancang isn't staying quiet?”
“That’s what they say. Apparently, they’re furious. I heard they’re preparing for a real fight this time.”
“...?”
He was about halfway through his meal when he heard the loud chatter from the next table.
“What? Are they going to draw swords against Qingcheng, a fellow member of the Nine Great Sects, like in the old days?”
“Hey, they’re a prestigious orthodox sect; they wouldn't do something like that. But is there only one way to handle things in this world?”
“What other way?”
“They’ll do exactly what the 'Gentleman of Renown' did. Didn't Qingcheng just make a name for themselves through a martial journey?”
“...!”
Clack.
Go Ju-gang’s hand stopped. He narrowed his eyes and focused all his attention on the surrounding noise. While he had been moving in secret to avoid public scrutiny, things had taken an interesting turn.
“...If they march in like that, Qingcheng’s pride won't let them refuse, even if they’re annoyed.”
“Surely the Sect Leader wouldn't get involved?”
“Tsk... of course not. If adults get involved in a children's fight, it becomes a mess. They’ll probably hold an impromptu martial arts tournament or something.”
“True. The elders won't be able to participate. To maintain their justification, they’ll probably settle it at the level of first-generation disciples.”
Slurp. Gulp.
After listening to the story, Go Ju-gang finished his meager meal in one go and stood up immediately.
A martial arts tournament happening without the Alliance’s supervision.
His lips twitched. Go Ju-gang was amused.
This was why it was so entertaining—shaking up these simple-minded martial artists and watching the chaos they created.
He exited the inn, carefully avoiding the crowd.
Whoosh!
In an instant, his figure vanished as if he had been erased from existence.
*
The Diancang Sect had been busy since early morning.
Today was the day those who had mastered the Absorption Art gathered to prove their achievements.
A month ago, when it was discovered that practicing the secret Six Meridians Heart Method alongside the Absorption Art eliminated any further side effects, Sect Leader Won Hyo-ja made a decision. He selected eight Rising Stars who would carry the future of the Diancang Sect and had them learn the Absorption Art.
All eight of them accepted the martial art without any rejection.
“Ohhh!”
Seeing this, Won Hyo-ja was filled with joy. At one point, it had seemed as though the Absorption Art was impossible to control. But in the end, the great legacy of Diancang had subjugated this monster.
Of course, they couldn't afford to be careless. Following the Sect Leader, the elders conducted a meticulous inspection.
First, they absorbed the Demonic Qi and harmonized it with Diancang’s energy. Instead of the Black Ink Energy seen in Seok Myeong of Qingcheng, they emitted Sword Aura that radiated light, just like Diancang’s usual energy.
“It’s a success!”
This meant their existing internal energy was not being swayed by the Demonic Qi, and they were utilizing that power entirely as their own.
“Sect Leader!”
“You have all worked hard. Gather all the disciples.”
Even the grief for the first-generation disciples who had died during the process was forgotten in this moment. Won Hyo-ja issued a Sect Leader’s Order to gather every disciple of Diancang.
Whirrrr.
The martial arts training ground was surrounded by massive walls on three sides. While the terrain was lower on the sides, the front boasted a modest height, looking as though a giant mountain had been carved away. The reason Diancang used this place as a training ground was that it allowed them to clearly see the marks left behind, even when using high-level martial arts.
“Show us your achievements.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
At Won Hyo-ja’s command, everyone gave a fist-and-palm salute, their eyes burning with intensity. They took their positions and began to step forward one by one.
Hummmm.
As one young man raised his sword, Sword Aura formed in an instant. He didn't seem to be particularly focused or exerting much effort, yet he generated the energy with incredible ease.
“Oho, marvelous.”
“As expected, this is no ordinary martial art...”
The Diancang elders whispered among themselves as they watched. The disciple currently demonstrating was one who originally possessed excellent senses and technique. However, because he had joined the sect late, he had struggled greatly to generate Sword Aura. His internal strength simply hadn't been sufficient to support it.
Flash!
But the moment that same young man lunged with his sword, a flash like a lightning strike erupted, and the Sword Aura shot out instantly. The energy passing through the blade struck the massive outer wall ahead, erupting in a brilliant light once more.
KABOOM!
A massive explosion struck their eardrums. It was such a violent blast that every elder’s gaze was drawn toward it. The elders standing nearby looked down at the ground. They couldn't hide their shock when they saw fine cracks spreading everywhere.
The power of the Sword Aura far exceeded their expectations. At this level, it was a high-tier Sword Aura, comparable in power to a Sword Extreme Bullet.
This is... the Absorption Art!
It was a dramatic improvement for a disciple who had always struggled to even form Sword Aura due to a lack of internal strength. To achieve such results in just one month—it was hard to believe even after seeing it with their own eyes.
“Next!”
The next young man was similar. He unleashed his Sword Aura, but this time it rose into the air accompanied by a storm. He had used the Whirling Nine Currents Sword, which simultaneously loaded Sword Wind and Sword Aura.
Flash! Flash!
It wasn't just the storm; the visual destructive power was so immense that they unconsciously took a step back. Not only the elders but also the Sect Leader had a flushed face.
After several young men had unleashed their immense power, it was finally the turn of Lee Gon, the pride of Diancang. Even before learning the Absorption Art, he had achieved higher levels than any other first-generation disciple. Now that destructive internal energy had been added to his repertoire, everyone naturally expected his skills to have reached a new peak.
“I shall begin.”
At his words, Won Hyo-ja nodded reflexively.
Thud.
Lee Gon took his stance. His back foot wasn't too far behind his center of gravity, and his front foot was turned toward the left side of his body. His sword was slightly below horizontal, and his gaze was a bit lower than normal.
Is that the Sun Shooting Sword Technique?
It was a technique from Diancang’s representative Sun Shooting Sword. Specifically, it was an initial form used when firing power beyond that of Sword Aura. It was a finishing move where one gathered the energy of the entire body into the Dantian, then explosively pushed it in the moment the sword moved, firing all internal strength the instant the blade struck the opponent.
That was the martial art Lee Gon intended to perform.
Strange. Why is he doing that?
There was no reaction from Lee Gon, whom they expected to generate Sword Aura. Even as the tip of his sword slowly began to move upward, there was no change.
Just as their confusion began to deepen...
Sssssss.
Lee Gon’s sword began to move, and in a split second, an immense beam of light stretched out and blanketed the training ground.
“Sw-Sword Force!”
The moment the beam of light shot out, Gwi Cheon-neung couldn't contain his shock and cried out. But his voice was immediately drowned out by the roar of the explosion.
BOOM!
Massive explosions erupted from all directions, and simultaneously, a portion of the enormous cliff began to slowly crumble.
“Get back!”
The elders nearby moved quickly. Nok Gwi-bo, who was closest, was the first to retreat, followed by Gwi Cheon-neung toward the entrance.
Rumble, rumble!
The massive roar showed no signs of stopping. Boulders fell incessantly, and thick trees that had been growing atop the cliff tumbled down amidst crushed gravel.
Whoosh! Shaaa!
The wind rushed into the three-sided enclosure and then escaped through the gaps, making an eerie sound. Fortunately, thanks to the elders' quick reactions, there were no casualties. However, most of them had shocked expressions, their eyes darting around restlessly.
“My god...”
Lee Gon stood his ground. At the moment of the explosion, numerous rocks had rained down on him, but he hadn't moved an inch. No one watching could find their voice—not the Diancang elders, nor Sect Leader Won Hyo-ja, who stood at the very top.
“Ma... marvelous.”
“Truly... well done! Gon!”
First, one of the elders, and then Sect Leader Won Hyo-ja, shouted with faces overwhelmed by emotion.
“WAAAAAAH!”
All the disciples of Diancang erupted in a triumphant cheer. Amidst the roar, Lee Gon gave a faint smile and clasped his hands.
“It is a meager skill. It is all thanks to the Sect Leader’s grace.”
“Haha. Hahahaha!”
“Indeed! It is the Sect Leader’s great fortune! A true blessing for Diancang!”
“Now the time has come to return the humiliation we received from Qingcheng!”
As everyone cheered and laughed, there was only one person whose face remained frozen.
I... must have seen it wrong.
First Elder Won Jeong had an uneasy expression. For a fleeting moment, as Lee Gon gave his salute, he thought he saw Lee Gon’s eyes...
I definitely saw it wrong. Surely.
He thought he had seen them split vertically, like those of a reptile.