Episode 458

The date and location of the martial arts competition involving the three sects were officially announced.
From that day, related information began to appear on street corners, major inns, and public notices within the city.
People cheered at the news of the large event that had been rumored to take place.
Debates were held daily about which sect and which individual were stronger.
Interest and enthusiasm for the competition grew more intense.

“I heard the Kunlun Sect is sharpening their swords this time?”
“They say the warrior from the Kongtong Sect is the strongest candidate?”
“Among the three sects, Qingcheng Sect is considered the highest. Of course, Qingcheng Sect will win.”

Those who value the prestige of a sect above all else.
Those who focus on individual evaluations.
And those who base their opinions on recent trends; everyone had different views.
As time passed day by day, the fateful day finally approached.

Mumble.

The martial arts competition of the three sects was held behind the Guesthouse building.
Originally, this place had an auditorium and plaza for opera performances, but the roof and walls were removed, and stones were laid on the floor to create a martial arts arena.
Moreover, it was transformed into a space that could accommodate over three thousand people, with seating arranged in steps.
This was similar in scale to the Murim Alliance training ground and was an example of how heated the atmosphere here was.

“Oh! It’s the Kunlun Sect.”
“Huh? They’re wearing red clothes.”
“The people are all extraordinary.”

Early morning.
Groups lined up from the entrance of the competition venue.
Those carrying a flag with Kunlun written on it were entering the arena.
What caught people’s attention was their attire.
The uniforms, accented with black and deep red, naturally drew the eye.

“It’s the Kongtong Sect.”
“What are those characters?”

Before long, a group with distinct features arrived.
A mix of very tall or very short people was scattered everywhere, naturally drawing attention.
Moreover, their attire adorned with spells gave off a strong impression of being experts in sorcery at a glance.
However, contrary to public opinion, the sect was known for its considerable expertise not only in sorcery but also in swordsmanship.
Furthermore, it was known for having a very difficult temperament, causing many to avoid crossing swords with this sect if possible.

“Red clothes, huh, they mean business.”

Meanwhile, at a vantage point overlooking the venue, Hyuk Jin and Cheong Heo, who had arrived early, were having a conversation.

“Why? Is there a reason for wearing red clothes?”

And between the two was the Training Hall Leader, not Seol-Hwi.
The Training Hall Leader looked at Hyuk Jin, puzzled, and asked.

“Usually, the Kunlun Sect wears such attire to boost their fighting spirit. It means they are taking this martial arts competition very seriously.”
“I see. That’s interesting.”

The Training Hall Leader showed a reaction of surprise.
In fact, he had attended the martial arts gathering of the Nine Sects several times, but he wasn’t aware of the information Hyuk Jin was talking about.
To be precise, it would be more accurate to say he wasn’t interested enough to know.

“This is going to be quite a challenge.”

At the Training Hall Leader’s rueful laugh, Hyuk Jin smiled.
However, Cheong Heo, still with a stern face, maintained a calm expression.

“Is there something bothering you, Taoist Cheong Heo?”

The Training Hall Leader observed his complexion and asked.

“It’s just that I’m not used to such outdoor activities…”
“Don’t worry about it. Isn’t today a festival where everyone gathers? Just enjoy yourself and leave at your leisure.”
“Ha ha. That’s correct.”

The Training Hall Leader had heard enough through Seol-Hwi about Taoist Cheong Heo, who had reached the State of Enlightenment with his qi ignited.
In reality, the Training Hall Leader could feel two different qis from Taoist Cheong Heo: one of reaching a great state and the other of gradually losing vitality.

“But, where is your fellow disciple, Training Hall Leader?”

At Hyuk Jin’s question, the Training Hall Leader replied.

“He has left for a distant place.”
“May I ask when he will return?”
“Hyuk Jin.”

At that moment, Cheong Heo consoled Hyuk Jin and then showed courtesy to the Training Hall Leader.

“I apologize. My disciple has been disrespectful to you.”
“It’s alright. Isn’t this the age of great curiosity?”

The Training Hall Leader turned his gaze slightly and continued.

“Let’s go then.”

At his urging, Hyuk Jin and Cheong Heo followed him to the Competition Hall.

‘The day of destiny will soon come.’

Meanwhile, the Training Hall Leader recalled what Seol-Hwi had said before leaving.

- When I return, I will be with people of your caliber. It will not exceed a month, so do not neglect your training.

Suddenly, strength entered his hands.
Not only those who are at a similar level as himself, but also the mysterious man with endless strength.
He wondered what kind of entity the Creator, who could make such a person tense, could possibly be.

At that time, Seol-Hwi was on his way to the secret branch of the Mount Hua Sect.
As the destined time approached, he felt the need to assess the skills of those he would fight with.
Furthermore, he felt the necessity to properly plan the grand scheme.

‘By the way… the Justice Sect’s Profound State is truly wonderful.’

It was a thought that crossed Seol-Hwi’s mind whenever he saw the Training Hall Leader.
The martial arts and realms of the Demon Cult were fundamentally based on set standards.
Even upon reaching the state of Profound Demon, it was divided into Beginning, Qi God, Peak God, and Demon God levels.
However, the martial arts of the Justice Sect, specifically the Profound Realm beyond the Supreme Realm, had no such standards.
Of course, if one insisted on defining them, distinctions could be made, but whether that method was correct was uncertain.

“Not about high or low, but just a flowing path—that’s the martial arts of the Justice Sect. Truly mysterious.”

This was evident in the enlightenment of the seeker, as mentioned by the Bhikkhuni.
If there were high achievements and realms, the Bhikkhuni should have ascended to the Supreme State and the Profound State before reaching Nirvana or Ascension.
But she entered Nirvana without passing through the Profound State.
As seen here, the Supreme and Profound State were not about high or low forms.
Furthermore, his master also proved this.
Simply by understanding the two sides of the wind, he could manifest the thunder qi and wind that could be wielded in the Profound State.
He demonstrated it even in the Supreme State.
In this regard, martial arts were indeed mysterious.

“I wonder if Goo Jong-myung has achieved it.”

The rise in realm through Purple Cloud Divine Arts.
To be precise, it was pure enlightenment, not physical elements or internal qi.
With that alone, he would have knocked on the doors of the Profound State.
And by seeing the annotations he left, Goo Jong-myung would have found it easier to settle into the Profound State.

“If Goo Jong-myung and End Demon have both ascended to the Profound State or Profound Demon realm, I must hurry.”

He couldn’t confidently say he had grasped everything about the system.
If many ascended to the Profound State and Profound Demon realms, one must consider the possibility that the system might activate on its own and call upon the Creator.
Seol-Hwi moved from less than a year ago because of this concern.
And if Goo Jong-myung had consistently trained, he would have surely reached the Profound State level by now.

These days, Goo Jong-myung dedicated most of his working hours to meditation to cultivate.
In fact, it had not even been a month since he stopped practicing martial arts.
After awakening to new phenomena, a new world appeared before him.

The unique qis that warriors possess did not apply solely to people.
They extended to animals, insects, and even plants.
He could even vaguely infer the fundamental energy of life.
As much as he had reached the Transcendent State, he needed time to adapt to this new world.

“Desire, huh…”

Before him lay a book titled ‘Zen of Sword.’
With the appearance of a new world, another phenomenon emerged: martial arts.
By observing the techniques of the Mount Hua Sect’s martial arts, he could understand how they were created and improved.
Among them, the one that contained the most of his ancestors’ aspirations was this Zen of Sword, which lacked defensive techniques.
Achieving objectives solely through attacks, it was evident how much painstaking effort and trial and error were involved. Just looking at it brought tears to his eyes.
And only after understanding this Zen of Sword technique did he truly feel as if he had gained the world.

‘Huh? What is this?’

While he was immersed in meditation, resonating with the techniques of Zen of Sword technique and traversing the world, something foreign entered a corner of his consciousness.
It was such a faint wave that it was regrettable to stop his thoughts midway.
Yet, it was an intriguing presence that piqued his curiosity too much to simply ignore.
So he halted his thoughts.
And until he opened his eyes, he was just hoping for the flutter of a small bird’s wings.

“It’s been a while, Goo Jong-myung.”
“Y-You are!”

He stood up in shock.
The existence known as Seol-Hwi. It wasn’t the surprise of an unexpected encounter with him.
It seemed he was shocked by the fact that Seol-Hwi had bypassed him without breaking the purity of his perception, which now overlooked the world after reaching a higher state.

“Judging by your reaction… it seems your training has borne fruit.”

Moreover, Seol-Hwi assessed his condition as well.
Goo Jong-myung immediately knelt without a moment’s hesitation.

“Though belated, I express my deepest gratitude for your teachings. Truly, this gratitude is beyond words.”

Goo Jong-myung—Any feelings he previously had towards Seol-Hwi were completely erased.
Rather, he simply acknowledged him as the benefactor who led him here.

“That’s fortunate. It seems your negative emotions have disappeared.”
“That’s not all. I’m ready to listen to anything you have to say.”
“…Good.”

Seol-Hwi was satisfied.
Then he spoke as he looked at the book Goo Jong-myung had examined.

“The Zen of Sword technique, like Purple Cloud Divine Arts, is a martial art that can open your eyes to a new world.”
“If that were the case, it couldn’t have been achieved in a short time, and it would have been much more painful.”
“It seems you have indeed reached a higher state.”

Zen of Sword—Seol-Hwi saw this martial art, like Purple Cloud Divine Arts, as a martial art of the Mount Hua Sect that could make one reach a higher state.
However, unlike Purple Cloud Divine Arts, which is based on enlightenment, Zen of Sword was a martial art created through trial and error based on overwhelming experience, so he chose not to pursue it.

“There is something to be done.”
“The common enemy you mentioned in the past. Is it about that?”
“Yes.”
“I will follow you anytime.”

At his words, Seol-Hwi nodded.

“Before that, move all the Mount Hua Sect members to the main base.”
“……?”
“I am considering the battlefield from here to the south of Sichuan, or even Hubei. The Mount Hua Sect members could be swept into the fight and be put in danger.”
“……Ah, understood.”

Goo Jong-myung accepted it as it was.
In fact, he intended to follow whatever was said.
Having seen a new world, he could understand better than anyone what kind of existence Seol-Hwi was.

“And there’s someone else we need to meet before we fight.”
“Who is that person?”
“The Demonic Cult Leader.”
“……!”
“He will also have changed a lot. By now, he might be at the same level as you.”
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s exciting to think about meeting him after such a long time.”

A glint briefly appeared in Goo Jong-myung’s eyes and then vanished.
It seemed like there was some unknown story.

“Then come out when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting outside.”

As Seol-Hwi disappeared, Goo Jong-myung immediately prostrated himself.
It was the moment when another master of the Transcendent Realm was being recruited for the Creator.