Chapter 444: The Spar (2)
“In the end… it’s the Taiji.”
“That’s right. Even if the steadfast Mount Hua and the North Star Shaolin stand strong, ultimately it’s the Taiji.”
“I’m embarrassed. It’s such an obvious statement, yet why does it make my heart race so…”
Various voices flowed around the training arena.
Each had its own meaning, but the most prominent was the self-deprecating tone filled with self-blame.
Outwardly, the Taiji symbolizes the harmony of yin and yang, but in Wudang, the Taiji emphasizes internal cultivation.
This is because it aims to cut off desire and delusion in the pursuit of Tao.
So, whatever meaning Seol-Hwi emphasized with the Taiji, it became an act of awakening the value of pursuing Tao for them.
“There is no need to limit it to Taiji and seek it solely in the harmony of nature.”
However, intriguingly, the one explaining in rebuttal to Seol-Hwi’s story was…
Surprisingly, it was the Training Hall Leader.
“When we train, we face numerous walls for enlightenment, which can lead to a low level of self-esteem. At this time, it is necessary to find a method to elevate one’s mind, which remains at a low level, to a higher form through spiritual or mental sublimation.”
The Training Hall Leader’s statement highlighted the importance of training, but from the perspective of the Wudang Sect, it was indeed a startling remark.
Finding the mental issues faced during training not in Taiji, but in one’s clear mind?
For warriors facing high walls, it was a recurring problem, yet the solution was often sought in the martial arts they learned or the sects they belonged to.
To overcome on one’s own is, in a way, the thought of those who are not affiliated with any sect and study martial arts independently.
‘Already leaning, I see.’
Seol-Hwi felt that the Training Hall Leader’s response already showed assimilation with a third force.
The fortunate thing was that it wasn’t completely biased.
Because, even in the conversation, there was a strong will to solve it on their own.
Seol-Hwi spoke.
“In the end, many things will become clear through this duel. Perspectives on the world, understandings of the immediate realities, and such.”
“Of course. However, before the duel, I have something to ask as well.”
“Please, go ahead.”
The Training Hall Leader looked at Seol-Hwi and continued with a serious expression.
“The great hero has walked many paths of martial arts, yet there is no well-known martial arts attributed to him in the world. Rumor has it that it is as powerful as a storm, as rough as a tidal wave, and as fast as lightning.”
“Ah, is that how the rumors go?”
Seol-Hwi nodded, repeating with a smile.
“Having no particular allegiance and learning with nature as my companion, I suppose that’s what they’ve heard.”
“Nature, indeed a reasonable statement. But even so, to create form, mere contemplation alone wouldn’t suffice, would it?”
“Correct. For those who seek enlightenment through martial arts, the martial skills that become stepping stones are necessary. If I had to choose… it would be Qingcheng.”
“Qingcheng?”
“Hmm?”
“Did you just say Qingcheng?”
Seol-Hwi’s words caused a small stir among the figures of the Wudang Sect.
The martial art displayed by a man called the Best Sword Master of Era.
The place influenced is not Shaolin, Wudang, or Mount Hua, but Qingcheng, a minor sect of the Nine Great Sects.
Perhaps that’s why some couldn’t fully trust Seol-Hwi’s words.
Training Hall Leader Jin Mu was one of them.
“I apologize for my rudeness. There could be martial arts learned from the marketplace, or through numerous encounters… May I ask why Qingcheng?”
Even if Qingcheng’s martial arts were the main focus, when combined with life-and-death battles and experiences, the perspective changes.
Like the natural phenomena of erosion or weathering.
Among those he fought, there must have been Shaolin and other Five Great Families.
Why specifically Qingcheng was a curiosity that couldn’t be ignored by him.
In response to Training Hall Leader’s question, Seol-Hwi answered readily.
“Because Qingcheng’s martial arts are created from the sky.”
“……?”
“The martial arts of Qingcheng are about looking down from the highest place.”
“Then, could it be that you are…”
Training Hall Leader Jin Mu momentarily looked bewildered.
Seol-Hwi nodded.
“You’ll understand by watching. You’ll see how far my aspirations have reached.”
The disciples of Wudang murmured at those words.
Even they could not understand what it meant for his aspirations to have reached somewhere.
“So, I was wondering… may I propose a method for this martial contest?”
At that moment, Training Hall Leader and the Wudang people’s expressions hardened at Seol-Hwi’s suggestion.
This was because the method of the contest had not been agreed upon beforehand.
“It’s not difficult and it’s simple. I will first show three moves to the Training Hall Leader. If you can withstand all my attacks, I will consider myself defeated in this contest. How about it?”
“What do you mean by that? And why should I do it?”
“The martial arts of Wudang are specialized in post-action response, reacting to the opponent’s moves. My martial arts specialize in pre-emptive strikes, taking the initiative. So, wouldn’t it be better to decide the outcome with what we do best?”
Seol-Hwi’s proposal was quite refreshing and reasonable to listen to lightly.
However, it was also uncertain what hidden motives might be within it.
In this duel, Seol-Hwi prioritized two things.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.
First, to elevate the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu to the Profound level, and second, to take him to the Qingcheng Sect.
He believed that Training Hall Leader’s existence would become a significant justification for his master’s position.
Of course, to do so, he must first gain the recognition of Wudang.
However, a duel is a battle where victory and defeat are decided by exchanging swords, in a way, it’s a contest of pride.
Above all, the pride of the sect was at stake here.
In the end, it wouldn’t just end as a simple duel.
Even if he won, they wouldn’t acknowledge their defeat, and furthermore, the Master of True Martial Arts wouldn’t follow him on a journey through the martial world.
But if Seol-Hwi attacks first, and he defends, then it’s possible.
The most important thing in this process was realization.
Moreover, even if Seol-Hwi were to lose, he could still maintain his honor. Most importantly, he could draw the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu to his side.
The three preliminary selections.
It was a calculated move Seol-Hwi had planned.
“Alright. I accept.”
Surprisingly, the opponent’s acceptance was swift.
However, the surprising part was that the answer came from the sect leader, not the Training Hall Leader.
“Huh. Sect Leader.”
“Perhaps you should reconsider…”
“There might be a trap.”
Could it be that he read Seol-Hwi’s intentions?
Despite the elders’ concerns, the sect leader was unwavering.
“I accept. Training Hall Leader.”
“Sect Leader, if I…”
“That won’t happen. Aren’t you the one representing Wudang?”
“…Yes. Understood.”
With the sect leader’s permission, the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu did not refuse either.
A battle that would be won if he blocked just three attacks.
Especially since defending was the most confident method for the Training Hall Leader.
“Assuming you have accepted, then I shall proceed.”
Seol-Hwi widened the distance between him and Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.
Three times.
Within those chances, a match burdened with the great task of imparting reprimand and enlightenment upon him was beginning.
Srrrng.
As Seol-Hwi drew the sword hidden at his waist, the eyes of Wudang’s disciples turned toward it.
At a glance, it was a truly dazzling sword that made one doubt their eyes.
The martial arts Seol-Hwi was about to perform could not be endured with an ordinary sword, so he had prepared it in advance.
Swish. Whirrr.
As Seol-Hwi raised the sword, wind gathered around it.
Those watching soon realized that the qi was not just ordinary sword qi.
Rumble, rumble.
The qi swirling around the sword grew larger, eventually transforming into a massive vortex.
“Ah!”
“This can’t be!”
Most of the Wudang Sect members witnessing this scene were dumbfounded.
A tangible airflow that could only be manifested by reaching the Final Realm, surpassing even the Supreme and Enlightened stages.
Crackle. Boom!
A circumference large enough for ten people to hold hands and form a circle.
Such a vortex pierced through the ceiling, shooting up into the sky.
“Everyone, fall back. Don’t even approach Training Hall Leader Jin Mu!”
The urgent shout from the sect leader was proof of how dangerous it was.
Clearly beyond human level martial arts.
Seol-Hwi, observing the Taoists of Wudang reaching a safe point like water splitting, spoke.
“I’ll simply swing downward, try to block it.”
When Seol-Hwi announced his intent to attack, the Training Hall Leader’s expression hardened.
He expected the opponent to be a master who reached the Supreme State, but did not anticipate such immense internal qi.
The whirlwind Seol-Hwi summoned required at least 300 years’ worth of internal qi to manifest.
Anything less and it wouldn’t even form a waterspout.
“Haah.”
Seol-Hwi swung his sword down towards Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.
At that moment, the vortex poured onto the Training Hall Leader.
Splat!
Training Hall Leader Jin Mu’s sword quickly countered.
“Supreme Clear Wind and Thunder Sword.”
With his shout, a blue qi formed. Rising as if blooming from below, it clashed directly with the tornado.
“Wow!”
“This can’t be!”
The disciples were in awe at the sight of the blue qi rising up.
The ultimate qi drawn from Great Clear True Qi, known as the essence of martial arts.
Everyone witnessed the phenomenon of that energy splitting the massive tornado in half.
Crash!
In the end, even though the vortex hit Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, it couldn’t push him back.
Split in half, it passed through Training Hall Leader Jin Mu and shattered the wall behind Training Hall Leader Jin Mu before disappearing.
Perhaps that’s why the building, despite being half-destroyed, did not collapse.
If it hadn’t been split by the Supreme Clear Wind and Thunder Sword, the damage would have been much greater.
“Indeed, it’s Training Hall Leader!”
“The spirit of Wudang!”
“Amazing!”
Cheers of relief and admiration erupted from all around.
It was the thrill of witnessing with their own eyes the unparalleled master who suppressed extraordinary power with the force of Wudang.
But there was one person.
The sect leader did not appear excited at all.
It was because he had already grasped the existence of the man named Seol-Hwi, and the state of Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.
“Hoo… Hoo… Hoo…”
Training Hall Leader Jin Mu was steadying his breath.
He wanted to open his mouth and breathe freely, but he couldn’t because of the man in front of him.
‘This is the first move…’
Training Hall Leader feigned indifference, but in truth, his complexion was hard to conceal.
With the recent strike, he had exhausted all the internal qi equivalent to three decades.
Just standing in place was a struggle for him.
“I will go again.”
Even so, the opponent showed no mercy.
Once again, Seol-Hwi raised his sword in the same manner.
‘No way… the same size wind again…’
The qi caught the eyes of Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, who thought it couldn’t be possible.
Gugugugugung.
It was a vortex.
Moreover, it had expanded slightly in range compared to before… but that was not the issue.
What the vortex was holding made Training Hall Leader Jin Mu’s eyes widen.
“Thunder, it’s thunder!”
“The wind is holding thunder!”
Chichichichik.
Wind with thunder.
It was unnecessary to question how much internal energy was required for this.
They instinctively knew that it was the greatest power nature could produce, surpassing Enhanced Qi.
It couldn’t be countered with something like the Supreme Clear Wind and Thunder Sword that the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu had just unleashed.
“Here it comes.”
In front of the unprepared Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, Seol-Hwi did not stop his attack.
The second strike.
It was a wind sword imbued with thunder.