Twisted Fate
After clearing the rear, Jegal Jin-hee’s party, along with Mu-gung, Cheongsu Dojang, and Dao Yuetian, managed to eliminate the remaining enemies in no time.
Due to the narrow path, they couldn’t all fight at once. Instead, they took turns, swapping out whenever their internal energy depleted, gradually wearing down their foes.
Immediately after the battle, Jegal Jin-hee gazed at Mu-jin’s group with a complex expression.
‘Everyone’s skills have improved absurdly.’
While it was expected that Mu-jin, who won the Yongbongji Conference, had improved, the others were also incomparable to their previous selves.
‘This must be the difference made by real combat experience…’
Jegal Jin-hee was aware that they had caused havoc in Guangxi Province, fighting numerous unorthodox martial artists.
As a martial artist before a woman, her emotions were understandably mixed.
‘But who is that man?’
In the midst of this, her gaze shifted to Dao Yuetian.
Although Dao Yuetian had participated in the Yongbongji Conference, Jegal Jin-hee did not remember him. fгeewebnovёl.com
It wasn’t that her memory was poor.
He simply wasn’t worth her attention because he was defeated by Namgung Jin-cheon in a single move.
‘Ah, could he be the one Mu-jin mentioned would uncover the trap in the martial arts manual?’
Jegal Jin-hee thought, but she was mistaken.
“Mu-gyeong, have you read the manual?”
At Mu-jin’s question, all eyes turned to Mu-gyeong.
Last night, Mu-jin had sent the “Moonlight Immortal Dance” manual along with a letter to Ling-ling.
“Sigh. Do you think deciphering a martial arts manual is that easy?”
Mu-gyeong, who had spent the entire night examining the manual, let out a deep sigh.
Naturally, Jegal Gung and Jegal Jin-hee, who had high expectations for Mu-gyeong, thought, ‘As expected.’
“So, you couldn’t find the problem?”
“…I’m not certain, but I found some potentially problematic sections.”
As Mu-jin and Mu-gyeong continued their discussion, Jegal Gung and Jegal Jin-hee’s eyes widened.
They had also read the manual.
To find something they couldn’t in just one night…
“What is the issue?”
At Jegal Gung’s urgent question, Mu-gyeong scratched his head awkwardly.
“It’s not certain, but based on Mu-jin’s letter, which mentioned a hidden trap that could lead to Qi Deviation, I found some mnemonics that might pose such a risk.”
“What parts exactly?”
When Jegal Jin-hee asked again, Mu-gyeong opened the manual and spoke.
“Here, this part, and also here. Some of the internal energy mnemonics guide the energy to pass through the Baihui point to amplify the flow. Theoretically, it makes perfect sense, but the human body doesn’t always function perfectly according to theory.”
“So, does using this technique damage the Baihui point?”
“At first, it’s not an issue. However, in the later stages, using advanced techniques while the internal energy is amplified could cause micro-damage to the Baihui point. As this damage accumulates, it could lead to Qi Deviation.”
“Ah…”
Jegal Gung and Jegal Jin-hee both sighed deeply.
The phrase, ‘Theoretically, it makes perfect sense,’ seemed to sharply point out the reality of the Jegal family.
When they read the manual, it made perfect sense to them, so they didn’t find it strange.
“So, was this martial art created to intentionally cause Qi Deviation?”
Jegal Jin-hee asked, but Mu-gyeong shook his head.
“I don’t think so. If it were intentionally altered, it would be noticeable. It seems more like a contradiction caused by the absence of a complementary internal energy method.”
“What do you mean?”
“The name ‘Moonlight Immortal Dance’ implies that it is based on Yin energy. If one utilizes Yin energy while practicing this technique, the cold energy might cool the Baihui point, preventing Qi Deviation even with high internal energy.”
After his long explanation, Mu-gyeong, feeling embarrassed by their stares, added, “But I could be wrong.”
“…”
“…”
Those around him could only gape at him, looking at him as if he were a monster.
Of course, Mu-jin, already aware of Mu-gyeong’s incredible talent, didn’t pay it much mind.
“Now that this problem is resolved, we should move quickly to the Jegal family.”
Although they had successfully defeated the encircling formation, they didn’t have much time.
The Jegal family might become suspicious of the lack of communication, or someone left behind might still be hiding.
“Do you plan to seek help from Shaolin?”
Jegal Gung asked, but Mu-jin shook his head.
“Shaolin is too far from here. It’s not easy to hold out here until they arrive, and by the time Shaolin responds, the Jegal family would be informed. Besides, the Jegal family is currently aligned against Shaolin, which could lead to a large-scale war.”
“Then, where do you have in mind?”
“Wudang.”
A sect close to the Jegal family. Moreover, a sect Mu-jin had previously shown favor to.
He had extended a favor to prevent future conflicts with the Jegal family, and now it was time to collect that favor.
However, Jegal Gung tilted his head at Mu-jin’s words.
“But Wudang is also allied with Shaolin, so wouldn’t it still lead to a large-scale war?”
“That’s why a swift resolution is necessary. While Shaolin or the Sichuan Tang Clan would take time to mobilize and potentially cause a war, Wudang could act swiftly and finish the matter before the information spreads. Then, once you seize control of the Jegal family, you can declare their stance.”
“In any case, speed is of the essence.”
“Exactly. Also, since Wudang is close to the Jegal family, we must be careful not to alert them of our approach.”
“How about this? You, Shaolin Dragon, head to Wudang separately while we move towards the Jegal family from a different direction.”
“Are you suggesting a diversion tactic?”
“Yes. The enemies’ attention will naturally be on us, reducing the risk of you getting caught while recruiting Wudang.”
Even in urgent situations, Jegal Gung, as the heir of the Jegal family, devised a plan.
“It might be better if I go alone, but it would be more effective if Cheongsu Dojang accompanies me.”
“Indeed, Wudang values Master Cheongpung of Cheongsu Dojang greatly, so it would aid in persuasion.”
Having set the distribution of personnel and the overall strategy, they quickly agreed on the details such as when and where to regroup before getting up.
* * *
Following the plan, Mu-jin parted ways with the group and headed towards Mount Wudang with Cheongsu Dojang.
While he was persuading the Wudang Sect, if Jegal Gung’s side were to fall to the enemies, everything would be meaningless.
No, it would be worse than meaningless because his comrades were with them.
“Ha!”
Therefore, Mu-jin and Cheongsu Dojang had to use their qinggong continuously.
In just one day, they covered the distance from the Eunshi Grand Canyon to Mount Wudang.
Cheongsu Dojang, who moved with Mu-jin, looked up at the very familiar mountain with a complex expression.
“Are you ready?”
But that lasted only for a moment. At Mu-jin’s question, Cheongsu Dojang nodded resolutely.
“Yes, Mu-jin.”
The two quickly started climbing Mount Wudang with their qinggong and soon reached Haegeomji, the entrance to Wudang.
However, the disciples guarding Haegeomji did not ask them to surrender their weapons.
Instead, the two disciples guarding the entrance shouted in surprise.
“Cheongsu!”
“You finally returned!”
They welcomed Cheongsu Dojang back after half a year. Meanwhile, they occasionally glared at Mu-jin.
‘Clearing his throat…’
Mu-jin knew why they were reacting that way and could only cough awkwardly.
After all, their havoc in Guangxi Province was well known throughout the martial world.
From Wudang’s perspective, hearing that their well-nurtured disciple risked his life in the unorthodox territories would be infuriating.
There were some unfair points from Mu-jin’s perspective. Cheongsu Dojang wasn’t dragged in by him; he had followed on his own accord.
Even so, Mu-jin had to endure their fierce glares because:
‘Hopefully, they won’t notice that he’s gone berserk…’
Cheongsu Dojang had become a murderous sword demon who smiled while killing, after taking Mu-jin’s advice.
Of course, he only went berserk against villains, but…
‘Wudang wouldn’t accept that explanation.’
Therefore, they had to lead them quickly to help the Jegal family before Cheongsu’s change was noticed.
“Let’s go inside first.”
“Shaolin Dragon, you should come in as well.”
“I will.”
Ignoring the sharp gazes from Wudang’s disciples, Mu-jin passed through Haegeomji with them.
‘Hmm?’
As he walked through Wudang, Mu-jin noticed something strange.
‘There are significantly fewer disciples.’
In the past, Mu-jin had visited Wudang to teach their Taoists wrist exercises under the name of martial exchange with Shaolin.
But there were far fewer disciples now compared to then.
As Mu-jin pondered over this,
“Cheongsu!”
Wudang’s Taoists, who had received the news, came rushing towards them.
Among them, the most noticeable was Yunheo Zhenren, who moved as if stepping on clouds, fitting his name.
‘Wow… he’s like a real Taoist.’
Despite moving from the farthest place, Yunheo Zhenren descended before all the disciples by walking through the air.
“Cheongsu.”
“Wudang’s third disciple, Cheongsu. I greet you, Taesajo-nim.”
“So, how was your half-year journey?”
“As you advised, I broadened my horizons and learned about the world.”
At Cheongsu Dojang’s answer, Yunheo Zhenren suddenly drew his Songmun Antique Sword.
“Cheongsu.”
“Yes, Taesajo-nim.”
“Then, can you show me the world you saw during the past half-year?”
“I will.”
Do they communicate through swords?
At Yunheo Zhenren’s words, Cheongsu Dojang drew his sword from his side and saluted.
“Boundless Blessings.”
After saluting, Cheongsu Dojang took a stance, and Yunheo Zhenren naturally lowered his sword.
Watching this, Mu-jin thought,
‘Even standing leisurely, there’s no opening.’
In the past, when he watched Yunheo Zhenren and Hyeon-gwang spar, Mu-jin’s impression was simple.
A monstrous battle.
It felt like a fight between beings that were not human.
However, now that his skills had improved, his feelings were a bit different from the vague ones he had back then.
Instead, the enormous gap between him and Yunheo Zhenren felt more tangible.
As Cheongsu Dojang’s sword began to draw a circle towards Yunheo Zhenren,
Yunheo Zhenren also responded by drawing a similar circle with his sword.
As the two masters danced in a sword battle for a brief moment,
“What’s this? There’s no difference compared to before you left Wudang.”
Yunheo Zhenren softly deflected Cheongsu Dojang’s sword and questioned him as if scolding.
“Did you perhaps lose interest in wielding the sword after seeing the world?”
His question stemmed from Cheongsu Dojang’s expression.
Cheongsu Dojang, who always seemed overjoyed to clash swords with strong opponents, was now wielding his sword with a serious face.
At this question, while dancing in a sword battle with Yunheo Zhenren, Cheongsu Dojang glanced at Mu-jin.
‘Wielding a sword willingly for the right cause, for the weak.’
Isn’t that what being a chivalrous hero is about?
And more than anything,
‘To achieve this, I must either abandon the sect or change it with my own hands.’
How could he convince and change the elders of the sect while hiding what he felt and realized?
“Forgive me, Taesajo-nim. From now on, I will show you the world I saw. Boundless Blessings.”
As he said this, Cheongsu Dojang began to draw another circle in the air.
It seemed no different from before, but
Ting.
When Cheongsu Dojang’s sword and Yunheo Zhenren’s Songmun Antique Sword clashed, a tiny sound occurred.
Swoosh!
Cheongsu Dojang’s sword, drawing a circle, suddenly twisted at a strange angle, and a sharp killing blow aimed at Yunheo Zhenren’s vital point.
‘No! That’s not it, Cheongsu!’
Mu-jin, who came to persuade Wudang, instinctively realized.
He had failed.
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