The Shaolin martial arts were imbued with a profound strength that seemed to carry even the power of souls.
At first glance, they appeared simple, but that was far from the truth.
The intricacies of the strikes were deep and complex.
However, Jeong Yeon-shin had seen enough of the techniques of Gakjeong.
He did not wait for a response.
He pivoted on his heels, feeling the flow from his waist to his right arm.
It was free and powerful.
Whoosh! Though it seemed simple, a small movement unleashed great force.
He had invoked the principle of "four ounces deflecting a thousand pounds."
This was the essence of martial arts, where a small amount of strength could withstand a heavy blow.
But now, it was different.
With a short advance, he unleashed a powerful strike.
Thud! Gakjeong's body staggered as it was struck on the side.
His eyes widened in shock.
Even Jeong Yeon-shin could feel the weight of the punch.
It would have been strange for Gakjeong not to sense the energy.
The battle began.
Complex trajectories and the afterimages of hands and feet intertwined.
As they exchanged blows, Jeong Yeon-shin found himself at a disadvantage.
From the start, their experiences and depths of martial arts were not comparable.
Yet, he felt joy.
The techniques supporting his movements were fresh and invigorating.
In the midst of it all, the impact of his opponent's punches and kicks did not penetrate deeply.
There was no pain, only the thrill of striking.
His physical body had already surpassed even that of the novice monk.
Flap- Thud! Jeong Yeon-shin delivered a blow with the wide sleeve of his left arm.
At the same time, his right hand struck Gakjeong's shoulder, crumpling the fabric.
The rough texture of the garment felt deeply embedded.
With each of Jeong Yeon-shin's quick strikes, Gakjeong staggered.
From a distance, an old voice could be heard. “Did he take the form and style of the Five Shaolin Techniques? No, that’s not it. The principles are similar, but they are even more advanced. The application range of the martial arts has expanded. How could this be? It’s as if he is creating a new martial art…”
Heon Won-chang glanced at the muttering Wonjong monk beside him.
Not every master of Shaolin was renowned.
Besides the martial monks, there were many others, such as those studying martial arts and those devoted to Buddhism.
Wonjong was different from the novice monk Gakjeong.
It was a name he had never heard before. “It seems that when one focuses on a particular field in the mountains, one can achieve such results. Isn’t that right?”
“Hmm? Hmm…” Heon Won-chang leaned closer to Ji-hyeon, whispering.
Ji-hyeon, who had been avoiding his gaze, could not hide her displeasure, but he paid no mind.
“Those who know Jeong So-hyeop are aware of his strength. Even in our Ma Gwang-ik, he is considered a formidable force. There was once a time when Jeong So-hyeop was bathing. The maidens who managed the pavilion were fetching water, and they secretly returned to peek. They were quite brave, being from Iphwangseong. And what happened then… Hmm? Why do you ask?”
“Not particularly curious.”
“Ah, others find it very interesting.”
While they were talking, the outcome was decided.
Gakjeong and Jeong Yeon-shin retreated simultaneously, as if reflecting each other.
“If we continue, we might truly have to use the Mingjeongdan. Either side.”
“I have learned a move. Let us listen to the monk’s teachings.”
Gakjeong laughed heartily at Jeong Yeon-shin’s calm words. “Your character is truly refreshing. How wonderful it would be if I had a disciple like you under me. In reality, everyone is so arrogant that even when scolded with martial arts or Buddhist teachings, it has no effect. In any case, I too could not defeat you. To be honest…”
Gakjeong’s smile, reminiscent of the heavenly guardian Weitachian, became strangely rigid.
He slowly continued, “I was also afraid. I thought that my techniques would soon be countered one by one. This is also my defeat, so if you could share your teachings, I too would be willing to heed one of your requests.”
“Very well.” Jeong Yeon-shin nodded readily.
Today, he had gained three things.
All were significant.
Experiencing the techniques of Shaolin martial arts would greatly benefit his own martial arts.
The famous elixir, Mingjeongdan, could save his life once.
The right to ask the novice monk for help in the affairs of the martial world was also a great asset.
‘The Shin-yah Baek-mu sect.
Fate connects us like this.’ Feeling the wonders of the martial world, he walked alongside Gakjeong.
The moon was rising white beyond the faint glow of the sunset.
It seemed inappropriate to return to the guesthouse today.
He gestured to the black-clad subordinates who were watching them with astonished eyes.
They decided to listen to the teachings in the neatly arranged pavilion.
Ji-hyeon, from the Shin-yah Baek-mu sect, fled in deep thought.
The wealth he had received from the sect seemed considerable.
Jeong Yeon-shin hoped that Ma Jin would play his part well.
“The first patriarch of the Central Plains Zen sect, the great master Bodhidharma, said…” With Gakjeong’s Buddhist teachings, the day faded.
The story of how Bodhidharma told Huike that anxious thoughts have no substance echoed in Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.
At a young age, the many bloody battles had sharpened his spirit like a blade.
Conversely, his heart, dulled to the lives of others, blossomed in the face of a life of limited time.
The Zen sect of Buddhism was said to pass down the teachings orally.
With each teaching, Jeong Yeon-shin’s anxiety did not immediately dissipate.
However, he could grasp the essence that penetrated the martial arts of Buddhism.
It was a new world.
In an instant, a sky-blue light flickered in Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Wonjong, who had been observing him from a corner of the bed, looked at him strangely.
At dawn, when the light was still dim, everyone rose.
They had breakfast together while watching the verbal sparring between Wonjong and Gakjeong.
Jeong Yeon-shin and Heon Won-chang moved their utensils, silently listening to the two monks’ debate.
It seemed like a usual occurrence, but the overseer looked pale, as if he could not breathe.
“The phrase ‘to see the true nature’ is not merely an abstract part of the teachings. It is a real power! The power to extinguish the strength built by wicked sects like the Blood Flame Sect! The arts of sorcery and martial arts were originally one. The extraordinary skills of the sages were merely called two!”
“You are creating martial arts to kill the leader of the Blood Flame Sect. A person who has taken refuge in Buddhism.” Gakjeong leaned forward, whispering to Jeong Yeon-shin as if to make him listen.
Jeong Yeon-shin himself did not know when they had become so close.
‘It doesn’t seem like it’s to the extent of exposing the sect’s weaknesses.’ The behavior of the two, who seemed like descendants, was quite childish.
The vague feelings about Shaolin were shattered.
“How could that be wrong? It is something that must be done for the sake of all living beings!”
“Very well. If the opportunity arises, we must surely open the path of slaughter! Yet, are you not pouring your life into killing people, Master? This life is one without hell. How can you not consider the hearts of the four hundred and forty thousand?”
“My afflictions cannot be resolved with mere words. I have realized through years of facing the wall. The leader of the Blood Flame Sect must die for me to live.”
Jeong Yeon-shin was lightly startled.
Facing the wall was a well-known practice method.
It was said to be a form of meditation where one gazes only at the wall.
The story originated from Bodhidharma sitting in front of a wall for nine years before attaining enlightenment.
‘Did the Blood Flame Sect massacre his family? Like me.’ However, Gakjeong appeared unfazed.
As if he had heard the same words dozens of times, he opened his mouth.
“From the beginning, our sect’s great wisdom and supreme power can sufficiently counter the Blood Energy. Shaolin martial arts have always been strong against Blood Energy. There is no greater opposing relationship than this.”
“If that were enough, the leader of the Blood Flame Sect would not still be alive!”
“What you desire is to create an entirely new system. Even a hundred years would not be enough.”
“The power of the teachings and martial arts was originally one of Shaolin’s martial arts. Have I not said this many times? The practical Guanyin Blue Steel Hand can surely crush the skulls of the Blood Sect’s demons!”
“Master, your words and actions… And how could you use a martial art that has been burned to ashes…”
“No, no.” Gakjeong shook his head, and the meal came to an end.
In the awkward atmosphere, the five of them stood up.
Only Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression was peculiar.
‘Guanyin Blue Steel Hand.’ Just hearing the name seemed to suggest it would exhibit extreme power in a confrontation with the Blood Flame Sect.
A martial art infused with the power of the Buddha.
His interest was piqued.
He also learned that there was a fundamental difference in nature between martial arts that countered each other.
‘A martial art specialized on one side.
How intriguing.’ There were many strong individuals, including those in blue and black.
For Jeong Yeon-shin, whose martial arts level was still low, it was a new lead.
Just knowing that such a thing existed felt like it could lead to something.
The principles and forms contained in Shaolin martial arts.
The meaning that penetrated the thoughts of Shaolin Zen.
He understood the essence of the forms and the intentions that filled them.
To Jeong Yeon-shin, it was as if everything had been handed to him.
At that moment,
“What were you doing that you didn’t return until morning? You wouldn’t fall to mere black-clad thugs.”
Ma Jin approached with surprising speed.
Behind him, the masters of Ma Gwang-ik had crossed the gates of the Shin-yah Baek-mu sect.
After scanning Wonjong, Gakjeong, and the overseer, Ma Jin spoke again.
“There were Shaolin monks present. Since we are surrounded, we have no time to greet you.”
“Surrounded?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked.
“The Blood Flame Sect. The news leaked. It seems that the Hao Moon has definitely betrayed us, but for now, we must survive.”
His tone was not relaxed.
There was tension in the air.
It was hard to believe that it was spoken by someone from the black-clad faction of Iphwangseong.
Jeong Yeon-shin glanced around.
He finally felt the reality of facing the true strength of the Blood Flame Sect.
At some point, the sounds of birds in the surrounding forest had ceased.
“…” Suddenly, a soft wind blew.
It felt like something was crawling into his cheeks.
The sound brushing against his ears was eerie.
The encirclement of the martial world was said to be extensive.
There was even a saying about the Heavenly Net.
It was a metaphor for a net spread across heaven and earth.
“We will break through the front gate.” Ma Jin said, now holding a large sword in his hand.
The warriors of Ma Gwang-ik drew their weapons.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt it.
The masters, who had not even made a sound when drawing their swords, were tense.
Cheongmyeong and Baek Mi-ryeo moved closer to him.
Heon Won-chang was with them as well.
“If you happen to stray from the ranks, we will meet at the Yicheon Sword House. It is a martial family located on Pyeongjeong Mountain. It also serves as the southern branch of Iphwangseong, so if you survive, you will receive a warm welcome.”
“Are you joking?” Before the people could even chuckle at Cheongmyeong’s casual remark, a loud crash echoed as the wall was shattered.
There was a presence walking towards them with clear footsteps, as if whatever had blocked their path had become a door.
Thud.
She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman.
With black hair and red eyes, she had an appearance unlike anything they had seen before.
“Hello.” Her words were light and casual.
Her hair danced in the breeze, as dark as night.
It was not just dark; it felt denser than the night sky, like the black robe she wore.
In contrast, her lips were always stained with blood, a stark contrast to her white skin.
The aura surrounding her was unsettling.
Even the fluttering hem of her robe felt sinister.
‘That’s her.’ Jeong Yeon-shin recognized her the moment he saw her.
It was said that as the martial arts of the Blood Flame Sect increased, the red hair would turn black.
Her hair was indeed pitch black.
The Apostle of the Blood Flame Sect.
If she were a woman, she would be the seventh Apostle.
Her powerful martial arts and wicked nature were already famous.
“The Seventh Apostle.” Ma Jin’s voice sounded like a growl from deep within his abdomen.
“How foolish. Not even aware of the ambush.”
Her voice was melodious.
The Seventh Apostle of the Blood Flame Sect walked forward with a bright red smile.
Her light steps carried an alluring grace and a terrifying aura.
There was an atmosphere reminiscent of a swamp.
It was different from the Blood Flame Sect’s martial arts.
“You are Seomye. The future of Iphwangseong.” Her gaze, which stopped ten steps away, was directed at Jeong Yeon-shin.
Her eyes were like smooth jade stained with blood.
They seemed to hold a curious glimmer in their intensely red pupils.
She smiled. “Your neck is quite beautiful.”
“Look at me, Seventh Apostle.” As Ma Jin took a step forward, the Seventh Apostle casually turned her gaze away.
With a flick of her long fingers, Blood Flame Sect members appeared from all directions.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt his vision turn red.
There seemed to be at least a hundred red-haired figures, and he could see twenty or so with Blood Flame Sect swords.
“Here.” The Seventh Apostle’s lips moved. “I will kill the future and present of Ma Gwang-ik.”
“…” At the same time, her hands blurred.
While Ma Gwang-ik and the Shaolin masters were assessing the enemy’s strength, a wicked energy surged like a blood-red lightning bolt.
A crimson dagger flashed, aiming straight for Jeong Yeon-shin’s forehead.
Bang! Jeong Yeon-shin instinctively grabbed it and twisted his body.
Before he could fully comprehend, his body seemed to react to the wicked force.
The impact was overwhelmingly strong, and he took a step back, but the energy in his grasp felt unfamiliar.
It relieved the essence of the blood energy contained in the dagger.
The teachings he had heard from Gakjeong echoed in his ears.
- May the three poisons be forever eliminated, and may the six senses always be pure.
The meaning of the Buddhist scriptures and the essence of Shaolin martial arts were merging in some way.
Had the great master Bodhidharma created this? In this moment, an unfinished martial art was born.
The masters of Ma Gwang-ik, who turned their heads in surprise, flinched.
The sky-blue light that occasionally shone in Seomye’s eyes had strangely turned blue.
“The Apostle also uses the martial arts of the Blood Flame Sect.” Jeong Yeon-shin said.
The Seventh Apostle was laughing as if she found it amusing.
Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been silently observing her, slowly opened his mouth again. “Your martial arts are easy to handle.”
He spoke with a glint of blue light in his eyes.