Chapter 27: The Last Lesson (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 27: The Last Lesson (1)
Waking up early, Seok Myeong found a secluded spot in the forest and opened the manual.
What kind of technique could Baek Yang-cheon have given him? What could possibly allow a man with such limited mobility to engage in a duel?
"The Heaven-Salvation Blood Method... Does the name imply a martial art so profound it can save the heavens themselves?"
Intrigued by the title, Seok Myeong began to read aloud slowly.
"The primordial force resides within the human body; by drawing it out, one can exert power far beyond their normal limits. Furthermore, humans are capable of manifesting specific strengths by tapping into their latent potential. For instance, strike the point where the shoulder blade and the bones of both arms meet, then across the hollow at the back of the neck and the upper arm... What?"
Seok Myeong’s eyes widened.
He had barely read a few lines before he began muttering to himself, his expression darkening significantly.
The point where the shoulder blade and the arm bones met was the Great Bone Acupoint.
The acupoint at the back of the neck? That was the Heaven Pillar Acupoint.
The spot between the shoulder and the upper arm? That was the Arm Scholar Acupoint.
They were all Demon Acupoints.
A Demon Acupoint.
Not a paralysis point, a fainting point, or even a death point—it was a Demon Acupoint.
These were points that, when pressed or pierced, caused the body to stiffen like a board. However, Seok Myeong knew the characteristics of these Demon Acupoints better than anyone. He had read a book left by the Azure Cloud Taoist that described exactly what happened when force was applied to several Demon Acupoints in succession, and he had studied that text countless times.
He could easily guess what would happen if he followed the instructions of the Heaven-Salvation Blood Method.
The moment those Demon Acupoints were struck in sequence, the subject would experience a temporary rejuvenation, gaining internal energy comparable to their prime.
And then, they would die.
There was no way to survive it.
The Heaven-Salvation Blood Method was a technique that temporarily amplified power by burning one's Innate Energy; the moment that energy was exhausted, death was inevitable.
"So, this was his plan after all..."
Seok Myeong’s expression hardened into a mask of grim realization.
This was the preparation for the duel the old man had devised. To fight him, the old man had already chosen to throw away his life.
"Are you here?"
"...?"
Seok Myeong turned his head to see a young man standing before him with a bright smile.
It was Hyeok-jin. He seemed to have spotted Seok Myeong from afar and made his way over.
"Is something wrong? You look troubled."
His demeanor was the definition of respect. Ever since learning that Seok Myeong was a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, he had been more cautious than anyone.
"Something like that."
Seok Myeong stood up. Just as he was about to turn away, Hyeok-jin spoke up.
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble..."
"...?"
"Could you teach me some martial arts?"
Seok Myeong looked at Hyeok-jin.
His gaze questioned what the young man was thinking to make such a request. But there was no trace of servility on Hyeok-jin’s face. Instead, he looked confident. He met Seok Myeong’s piercing gaze with calm, steady eyes.
"You were right, Disciple of Qingcheng. You said there was something wrong with everything. There was something wrong with my martial arts, and there was something wrong with me."
"..."
"So, I want to start over. It’s fine if you curse me or think I’m strange. I want to experience it. I want to seriously experience a real martial art."
Seok Myeong felt his sincerity. In fact, his newfound confidence made him look brighter than before. He could feel a strong passion for learning radiating from the youth.
However, he could not teach him. Especially not now, after realizing Baek Yang-cheon’s true intentions.
"Then experience it."
"Pardon?"
Hyeok-jin asked what he meant, but Seok Myeong didn't elaborate. He simply turned away, his expression remaining dark.
*
"Why did you give this to me?"
"..."
"Why on earth did you give me this trash?"
Seok Myeong was furious.
How could he take it lightly when he had read the manual and realized the old man intended to have himself killed? Seok Myeong rebuked him with genuine heat.
Baek Yang-cheon, who had been staring into empty space, only spoke after Seok Myeong had finished his long scolding.
"To be honest, I didn't have this intention when I first saw you. I called you over more out of curiosity than anything else, wondering what kind of person a disciple of the Nine Great Sects wandering the Jianghu might be."
"..."
"But after seeing you, I made up my mind. I believe you are capable of showing my disciple the side of me that has been lacking."
"And for that, you choose death? You're willing to die just to show something to your disciple?"
"It is a worthy endeavor. Especially for that child, who does not yet realize that the path he is on is the right one."
"But, Elder..."
"And I don't have long to live anyway. My internal organs are already failing. My body will continue to stiffen, and my internal injuries will worsen rapidly. I would have met death within a few months regardless."
"Does it have to be this way? Aren't there other methods?"
"Yes, I'm sure there are other ways if one looks for them. But for now, this is the most certain method. Therefore, I must try it."
Baek Yang-cheon was resolute. He made it clear that he would listen to no persuasion. Only when Seok Myeong finally gave up trying to convince him did the old man speak again.
"You said you were on a martial journey?"
"Yes."
"And you said you wanted to build your reputation?"
"Yes, Elder."
"Then you must also know what it means to build a reputation."
"Pardon?"
When Seok Myeong expressed confusion at the sudden question, Baek Yang-cheon spoke as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Listen well. In the Jianghu, to raise your own reputation, you must tear down the reputation of others. In the end, you are trampling on someone else's name for the sake of your own. This isn't just true for the Jianghu. It is the way of the world."
"..."
"Think deeply on this. How do you think those you defeat will feel? Do you think they will simply fold their hands and accept defeat? You might be able to do that. But the world is vast, and there are all kinds of people. While some may accept it gracefully, others will stake their lives on becoming your lifelong enemy. Furthermore, if they have power, their subordinates will attack you; if they are the leader of an Orthodox sect, they will use 'justice' as a pretext to try and eliminate you."
Seok Myeong understood the meaning behind Baek Yang-cheon’s words. It wasn't a difficult concept to grasp when he thought about it.
Qingcheng was a perfect example. Was it not a place so prideful that if their disciples lost to someone outside the Nine Great Sects, they would stake their lives on demanding a rematch?
"I admit it. I failed to consider everyone involved."
"No, that's not why I'm saying this."
Baek Yang-cheon shook his head and spoke again.
"Do you know what I first felt when I saw you?"
"I do not."
"Your eyes looked too kind. It seemed as though you wouldn't be able to ignore the plight of others."
"..."
"You cannot live like that. If you do, you will fall into truly dangerous situations. Both you and everyone around you."
Baek Yang-cheon continued in a serious tone.
"You need to be ruthless. You must step over others to survive. At least, that is how it is in this Jianghu."
Baek Yang-cheon’s gaze moved to Seok Myeong’s eyes.
"That is why I am asking you to let me be your first step. What do you say? Can you do it?"
Seok Myeong was silent. He finally realized the intent behind everything the old man had been saying. A wave of sorrow washed over him.
An old man wishing for death for the sake of his disciple—Seok Myeong couldn't find his bearings or decide what choice to make.
"Please give me time to think."
Seok Myeong could no longer stay in the room and rushed outside.
*
When evening came, Hyeok-jin entered the room. As always, he gave a brief greeting and hung his sword on the wall.
It was Baek Yang-cheon’s sword.
"You've come."
Baek Yang-cheon spoke with his usual gentle expression. Then, noticing the dust on the scabbard, he continued.
"A sword can save your life or protect it. Even if it's a chore, never treat your sword carelessly."
Hyeok-jin bowed his head.
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises."
"Why is that?"
"Because my martial arts skills are lacking."
There was a barb in his words. However, Baek Yang-cheon simply nodded. He knew the anger dwelling in Hyeok-jin’s heart. He also knew that it was his own fault.
Just as Hyeok-jin spat out those words and turned to leave, Baek Yang-cheon spoke again.
"I heard you've been going to the Stone Martial Hall."
"..."
"I hear you've been training with the wandering mercenaries there?"
Hyeok-jin flinched and turned back around.
"Are you investigating me now?"
"It's not an investigation. I simply heard what people are saying."
When Baek Yang-cheon made his excuse, Hyeok-jin spoke sharply.
"That's right. Yes, I went. I went there and learned their martial arts."
Baek Yang-cheon paused, waiting for Hyeok-jin to continue.
"The instructor there, a man named Jeong, told me that my posture and breathing were perfect, unlike any other youth these days. He said he'd never seen such precise form."
"..."
"He was certainly different from you, Master. You only ever scolded me and never let me rest for a moment, did you? You deceived me, keeping me in a back room for the last twenty years, making me do nothing but useless training!"
Despite his harsh words, Hyeok-jin’s voice was trembling. It was a voice filled more with sorrow than anger.
"Didn't you tell me, Master? That you would definitely make me a master? That you would give me the strength to take revenge, so I could kill the ones who murdered my mother with my own hands! But look at this! What on earth have you been teaching me all this time!"
His shout echoed loudly through the room. Hyeok-jin looked at his master with resentful eyes.
Baek Yang-cheon, who had been listening silently, lowered his gaze to the floor. He couldn't bring himself to meet his disciple's eyes. Every word the boy said was true.
Only after taking a moment to steady his breath did Baek Yang-cheon manage to speak.
"I know my methods weren't right. You aren't wrong when you say that achievement is important. But Hyeok-jin, foundations are more important than that. It's not just about learning; it's about how and by what method you learned. That is what will eventually lead you to a height others can't even imagine."
Hyeok-jin countered immediately.
"Enlightenment, enlightenment, enlightenment! Please, stop with that nonsense. Martial arts are something you learn with your body before you gain enlightenment. The basics must come first. How can you emphasize maintaining perfect posture when you haven't even taught me a single proper sword form!"
"..."
Baek Yang-cheon said nothing. Rather, he couldn't. At least, not to Hyeok-jin.
When Baek Yang-cheon remained silent, Hyeok-jin’s face turned cold.
"Well, I suppose none of that matters now. I won't be here in four days anyway."
"W-what do you mean by that?" Baek Yang-cheon asked, startled.
"I received a recommendation from Instructor Jeong."
"...!"
"He said he would hire me as a demonstration instructor for the Stone Martial Hall."
At those words, Baek Yang-cheon glared at Hyeok-jin. His face showed more shock than expected.
"Hyeok-jin, why would you go to be a demonstration instructor at a mere local hall like that? What could a boy of your talent possibly be lacking?"
"Master, please face reality. I am not outstanding. Among the talented Rising Stars of my age, there are those who can produce Sword Wind. Some can even use Sword Shadow. But I can do nothing. Forget Sword Wind or Sword Shadow—I can barely even channel internal energy into the tip of my blade."
"Sword Wind? Sword Shadow? Why do those trifles matter? The moment you break through the wall, you will be able to use Sword Aura freely, not just Sword Wind or Sword Shadow!"
"Sword Aura? Hahaha, did you just say Sword Aura? I don't know what stories you've been listening to, but I don't believe a word of it anymore. Do you think I'll be fooled again? I can never become a master with the Heavenly White Divine Art!"
Sword Wind, Sword Shadow, Sword Aura.
When one reaches a certain realm, they can manifest their internal strength through their sword; that condensed power is Sword Aura. It is commonly said that one can use Sword Wind upon reaching the First-Class Realm. Sword Shadow is used between the First-Class and the Absolute Realm, while Sword Aura is the martial art used by masters of the Absolute Realm.
Unfortunately, Hyeok-jin could use none of them. He knew how to put energy into his sword, but he couldn't transform it into those forms. Thus, he believed that his current level was the extent of his potential.
Baek Yang-cheon was about to say something but stopped. He had locked eyes with Seok Myeong, who had arrived late and was standing by the door.
"Anyway, just know that."
Standing up with awkward movements, Hyeok-jin ran out of the room and disappeared into the distance.