Chapter 443: The Spar (1)
Seol-Hwi was living in a small rural town called Jingsahan in Hubei Province.
The house was inexpensive, but more importantly, the area was quiet, allowing for a peaceful lifestyle.
Additionally, it was only a short walk to Hubei’s capital.
The place was full of famous inns, perfect for spreading rumors or information to the outside world.
There was also the geographical advantage of not being too far from the Wudang Sect.
Scratch, scratch, scratch.
Seol-Hwi was sitting at a table, diligently writing something.
It was a spar invitation to be sent to the Wudang Sect. This was the fourth one.
The first invitation sent to the Wudang Sect had been politely declined.
The reason was that they could not fight an unknown warrior.
So, after Seol-Hwi had built up enough reputation, he sent a second invitation, but it was rejected again.
The main reason given in the lengthy explanation was ‘position of the warrior’. In other words, the ranks did not match.
And the third reason for rejection was the justification of righteousness.
It was rejected because he preferred to fight someone who had gained ‘cooperation’ rather than simply a strong opponent.
‘This time, there will be no reason to refuse.’
Seol-Hwi added two different aspects to the fourth murim spar challenge.
The first was to proceed in secret, and the second was to disregard the outcome.
This was to consider the possibility that if the opponent lost, the reputation of Wudang would be diminished.
In fact, Seol-Hwi also knew that such sparring challenges were somewhat unreasonable and rude.
Thus, his strategy was to initially demand excessively and later accept the opponent’s conditions to appropriately adjust.
Tap.
After completing the martial challenge, Seol-Hwi put down the brush and walked to the window.
As soon as he entered Kangho, a certain person kept bothering his mind.
‘I wonder if Master is holding up well…….’
The truth is, the reason Seol-Hwi decided to become famous in the Kangho wasn’t just because of the Wudang Sect.
It was mainly because he wanted to use the title of the ‘Greatest Under Heaven’ to visit Qingcheng Sect and meet his master in the future.
Unlike his past life, now he was not his master’s disciple.
This was one of the methods to elevate his status.
‘I heard the treatment is poor…….’
A few months ago, he was able to obtain reliable information about Qingcheng through a contact from the Beggars’ Union.
Currently, Cheong Hoe was struggling to secure a proper position even within Qingcheng Sect.
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Despite possessing outstanding martial strength he was not receiving proper treatment in there.
It was because he lacked a plausible disciple.
In the original sects, producing outstanding disciples was crucial for expanding one’s influence.
Given such circumstances, even for the position of Master Cheong Heo…
One had to meet after building a reputation akin to the best in the world.
About a month later.
Seon Geol, the first-class disciple of the Beggars’ Union, who would bring any news nationwide for money, came to visit.
He was always in a shabby appearance. Moreover, his stench made one instinctively cover their nose.
“This time, it’s good news.”
From his reaction, Seol-Hwi realized that Wudang had agreed to the duel this time.
“When is it supposed to happen?”
“They say it’s fine to visit immediately. And there’s no need for secrecy, nor to disregard the outcome.”
“Truly befitting the head of the Training Hall, Jin Mu.”
Seol-Hwi remembered the past gaze of the Training Hall Leader.
Eyes filled with determination and pride.
However, the fact that it originated from a Third Ability was a bit concerning.
“Are you leaving now?”
In response to Seon Geol’s question, Seol-Hwi nodded.
“You’re giving me this house, right?”
At his repeated question, Seol-Hwi nodded again.
The next place after leaving here would be Qingcheng Sect.
“Use it well.”
In fact, the biggest reason for buying this house was for this purpose.
It was a gift for the one who diligently brought in information.
Seol-Hwi selected three people to fight against the Creator.
They were End Demon, Goo Jong-myung, and Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, whom he was meeting now.
End Demon and Goo Jong-myung were core resources designed into the system.
End Demon for the successor competition, and Goo Jong-myung as someone who communicates with him.
Then why did Seol-Hwi choose Jin Mu over others?
The reason was simple.
He was the person closest to reaching the Profound State.
Just the fact that the Creator’s side introduced a Third Ability to hinder his enlightenment shows that.
The master closest to the Profound State.
Moreover, unlike End Demon and Goo Jong-myung, leader Jin Mu did not need time.
If only he was given a single enlightenment, he had the conditions to reach the Profound State in a day.
Anyway, once they reach the Profound State with End Demon and others, there is something they must prioritize.
To leap over that wall again and advance to another realm.
The final stage of Profound Demon is the Demon God, which refers to the state where one can unite all human dantians and communicate with the universe.
Profound State for Justice Faction is somewhat ambiguous.
Because no one has yet been seen to reach the proper path beyond.
Thus, Seol-Hwi speculated that if such a realm exists, it would be at the level of Life and Death Realm or Universal Harmony.
Usually, when one reaches this level, they experience ascension, like becoming a bodhisattva as in the case of the two sages.
Seol-Hwi intended to help the three ahead reach such a state quickly.
Whether it was Profound Demon or Profound State, they were already prepared to form a microcosm in their upper dantian.
Just ensuring smooth flow of qi would lead to ascension.
No, he thought they could at least reach the level just below it.
Aside from that, Seol-Hwi pondered where his own level might be.
He considered himself to have surpassed at least the Realm of Ascension.
Having reached and overcome the insurmountable state of Profound Demon and Profound State, he inadvertently surpassed the level of Ascension.
Moreover, strictly speaking, he felt as though he was one step beyond even the Demon God or the Life and Death Realm.
Even if the opponent wielded the power of the primordial, somehow it felt like he wouldn’t be easily defeated.
If one were to insist, would it be the Cosmic Realm?
What was certain was that he was different from a demon and different from the Life and Death Realm.
He believed that with this level of power, he could kill the Creator, but the problem was that it didn’t end there.
It wasn’t his own power; he had to fight using only the existence of the three mentioned earlier to make himself equal to the opponent.
Only then did he judge that the Creator would manipulate or redesign the world.
“Wait.”
As he climbed Mount Wudang, a familiar face came out to greet him at the mountain gate.
It was Master Myeong Cheol, who had taught him in the past.
“Are you the one named Seol who sent the martial arts spar letter?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Ahem. Follow me.”
Seol-Hwi followed his guidance and entered the Wudang Sect.
Although discomfort was evident, befitting a prestigious sect, they did not show overt disrespect.
The place he was led to was indeed the Training Hall.
Many members of Wudang were already gathered there.
Of course, the sect leader was present as well.
‘This feels like they won’t let it go even if I win.’
Seol-Hwi, sensing the solemn atmosphere, followed the wise man who had guided him and stepped onto the training ground.
“I have brought him.”
As the man bowed and stepped back, Seol-Hwi was met by the opponent he would face today.
“……I am the master of the Training Hall.”
Seeing him after a long time, Seol-Hwi felt a sense of familiarity.
Hadn’t they once reached the realm of Profound State together?
‘He was the one True Sword……’
Seol-Hwi paid his respects.
“I am Seol.”
“You have consistently sent invitations to martial arts sparring… but I declined for a while because there were issues the main sect needed to resolve.”
“I understand. Also, I am grateful that we are able to establish a connection today…”
A light exchange of pleasantries.
The Training Hall Leader spoke again.
“Originally, I wanted to talk about the rumors in the murim world over a meal or a simple tea… but there are many who are curious about your martial skills. How about we have a friendly duel first and then chat?”
“I am fine with that. However, would it be alright if I ask a few questions before the spar?”
“Of course. Please go ahead.”
The conversation flowed naturally. Some dialogue was necessary to ease the tension before the spar.
Seol-Hwi asked.
“You mentioned there were issues the main sect needed to resolve… Have you managed to solve the problems you were concerned about?”
A question about martial arts, but not about the Wudang Sect, but rather a question concerning an individual.
Moreover, Seol-Hwi’s question, which he said was his own problem, left the Training Hall Leader very perplexed.
However, he concealed his feelings and answered.
“I have not resolved it yet.”
“Ah. Is that so.”
Seol-Hwi nodded as he spoke.
“I will ask a second question. What is the world you see, Training Hall Leader?”
A question completely different in meaning from the first.
However, those with experience here immediately understood Seol-Hwi’s question.
Here, the world refers to one’s goal.
It speaks to the level on which one currently stands.
In other words, it implies an intention to gauge the opponent’s level.
The Training Hall Leader did not avoid the question this time either.
“Though Mount Tai is high, it is still beneath the sky.”
Seol-Hwi briefly glanced at the sect leader at those words.
Then, he nodded right away.
“It’s truly surprising that someone of your rank, a Training Hall Leader, is still wandering.”
“…What are you saying?”
“I’m advising you to settle down quickly. In the end, isn’t it all about the Taiji?”
Seol-Hwi’s advice was indeed an affront to them.
To discuss Taiji in front of those who have carried it in their hearts.
Perhaps that’s why the anger of the onlooking the Myung disciples burst forth before the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.
“What?!”
“What?!”
“Such an insolent remark!”
They were aware of Seol-Hwi’s outstanding martial arts and chivalrous deeds.
However, for a warrior not from Wudang to impart teachings to a Wudang Taoist was beyond reckless, it was quite an insult.
If it weren’t for Seol-Hwi’s current reputation, they would have stormed out immediately.
“What is your intention?”
The Training Hall Leader was also quite angry this time. However, he thought there must be a reason for someone of this caliber to provoke, so he asked politely.
“Aren’t you suspicious? A mountain under the sky.”
“……”
“You are not?”
At that moment, the sect leaders’ eyes widened.
Unlike the others, it was unclear what motivated Seol-Hwi’s intent.
At least, it seemed like he knew what Seol-Hwi was trying to say.
The Training Hall Leader knew that the Mountain mentioned wasn’t referring to Shaolin.
“Then let me ask this time.”
Perhaps it was because of the title of the Great Sword Master of the Era.
Fortunately, the Training Hall Leader tried to quell his anger through questioning.
“Please, go ahead.”
“In the murim world, there is Shaolin and there is Mount Hua. Yet, there is only honor attached to Wudang. Why is that?”
At those words, Seol-Hwi did not hesitate.
It was a question that required no hesitation.
“In the end, it is because of the Taiji.”
“…….”
“No matter how much the light of Mount Hua shines like the sun, or the North Star shines on Great Mount, it all circles back to Taiji.”
Seol-Hwi opened his eyes thoughtfully and asked again.
“Am I wrong, Wudang’s Training Hall Leader Jin Mu?”
In response, there was no one inside the True Martial Hall who dared to defy.
Circling back to Taiji.
He was admonishing them in the way they trusted the most.