Chapter 56
Following Baek San-Kyung, the rest of Baek Mu-Gun’s followers also faced So Yeon-Hwa one by one. There wasn’t much difference in the outcome. However, the remaining five members were less skilled than San-Kyung. It wasn’t because they put in less effort. They were weaker than him in the first place. The gap between them still stood as they received the same guidance and put in a similar amount of effort. What was important was that they all exceeded Mu-Gun’s expectations.
It was proof that they didn’t neglect their training while Mu-Gun was on a journey. Mu-Gun was determined to raise these six as his close aides, which was why he decided to teach them intensively. However, he didn’t intend to blindly spoon-feed them. It was understandable if they lacked talent, but it was absolutely unacceptable for them to be lacking in effort.
To receive preferential treatment as his close aides, they had to put in as much effort as they received. If they showed even a slight hint of laziness, Mu-Gun would mercilessly throw them away. He asked Yeon-Hwa to spar with them as a kind of test to check if they were qualified. Fortunately, they all worked hard enough to get a passing score.
“Everyone seems to have trained hard while I was away. I should give you a reward proportional to that.”
“You’ve already given us a lot.” Nak Il-Bang responded.
“Should I not give you all a reward, then?”
“If you do give us one, we’d be grateful.”
At Il-Bang’s remarks, Mu-Gun smiled and said, “The reward you’ll all receive is an internal energy cultivation method called the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method.”
Mu-Gun taught his six followers the Iron Blood Self-Defense Art, an external martial art, as well as the Soaring Luna Sword Art, a sword technique, but he had yet to pass any teachings on an internal cultivation method, which acted as the foundation of martial arts.
He could have taught them an internal energy cultivation method when he handed down the Iron Blood Self-Defense Art and the Soaring Luna Sword Art to them, but he purposely didn’t do so. As previously mentioned, he would only teach them the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method if he deemed them qualified after observing their dedication to martial arts.
“The Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method?”
“The Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method incorporates all of the Baek Sword Sect’s internal energy cultivation methods. Hone it, and you’ll able to advance into the Peak Realm without much difficulty. Depending on your efforts, you could even advance to a level higher than the Lower Peak Realm.”
“Are you really going to pass down such an amazing internal energy cultivation method to us?” Neung Jo-Eun asked with his eyes wide open.
“I will consider you all as my close aides and raise you. Teaching you the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method is also part of that. However, keep in mind that if you show any laziness, I will give up on you without hesitation. I can understand if you lack talent, but I absolutely do not condone any lack of effort.”
“We won’t let you down, Young Patriarch.”
“We will give it our all to not disappoint you.”
They vowed to do their best in their martial arts training with a determined expression.
“Great. I’ll trust your determination. Then, from now on, I will teach you the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method,” Mu-Gun responded to their resolution and looked at Yeon-Hwa.
“I think you’ve done your part. You can go back.”
Yeon-Hwa left the training hall on her own accord before Mu-Gun could continue any further. Upon confirming that Yeon-Hwa had left, Mu-Gun proceeded to teach the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method to his six aides. The Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method was based on the Clear Moon Cultivation Method, which the six of them cultivated, but its level of profoundness and the number of its internal energy scriptures was incomparable since it was a cultivation method on the ascension realm.
If they had only seen the internal energy scriptures of the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method, they would have never understood it. However, Mu-Gun was there for them. He explained the difficult and profound Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method to them as easily as possible so they could understand it. Nevertheless, they couldn’t properly comprehend it.
There was a reason why masters in murim considered comprehension ability when looking for their disciples. However, Mu-Gun didn’t care much even if theirs were on the weaker side. It would have been great if they had excellent comprehension ability and could understand everything with an explanation, but even if that wasn’t the case, all he had to do was explain it until they did. Hence, Mu-Gun explained it several times. Thanks to his efforts, his subordinates finally comprehended the internal energy scriptures.
As soon as they did, they recognized how excellent of an internal energy cultivation method the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method was. It was on a whole other level than the Clear Moon Cultivation Method, which they had previously used.
They were moved by Mu-Gun’s grace. He generously gave them such an amazing internal energy cultivation method even though they weren’t anyone special. That appreciation naturally led to them becoming even more loyal to Mu-Gun.
* * *
After passing down the Sky-Gazing Full Moon Cultivation Method to his six close aides all morning, Mu-Gun moved to the White Sword Pavilion to meet Baek Cheon-Sang after having lunch.
“Have you had lunch?”
“Yes, I just finished. What about you, Father?”
“I’ve also just had lunch. I’m drinking some tea now. Would you like to join me?”
“I’d love to.”
Cheon-Sang called a servant in and asked him to serve tea. After a while, the servant served a cup of Yandang White Cloud Tea.
“Why did you come here for?” Cheon-Sang took a sip of tea.
“I have a suggestion for you, Father.”
“Tell me.”
“I would like to begin conducting an inspection on the Baek Sword Corps’ capabilities.”
“Isn’t it too early? If we frequently inspect their capabilities, the Baek Sword Corps’ members are bound to complain.”
“I don’t know what you’re so worried about, Father, but there is a more important reason behind my suggestion than simply filtering out those who are lazy. I want to properly reward those who put in the effort and ensure that they feel validated and have a sense of accomplishment, thereby inducing them to put in more effort. If we ensure that the Baek Sword Corps know and understand this, they won’t have much to complain about.”
“Then, as you said, we should first let the Baek Sword Corps’ members fully understand the justification behind this inspection before actually conducting it.”
“Understood. I’m also thinking if we should pass down a new internal energy cultivation method and a sword formation to them based on the inspection’s results.”
“What new internal energy cultivation method and sword formation are in your mind?”
“For the internal energy cultivation method, I’m thinking of the Luna Cultivation Method, which pairs with the Soaring Luna Sword Art. For the sword formations, I suggest the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation and the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation.”
Mu-Gun obtained the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation and the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation in his sixth reincarnation as Ha Wun-Bi, the Undern Supreme Monarch. He was putting in great efforts to improve the insufficient martial arts skills of the Heavenly Martial Hall, a combat team of the Undern Sect, at the time.
By chance, he got his hands on a martial arts formation scripture, which recorded various common array formations and those two sword formations, both of which harbored considerable power. The Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation allowed three Peak Realm masters to overpower an Upper Peak Realm master, while the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation enabled six Peak Realm masters to overpower an Absolute Realm master.
The Heavenly Martial Hall’s martial artists mastered the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation and the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation. As a result, they were able to display domineering power. Mu-Gun intended to make up for the Baek Sword Corps’ lack of power through those two swordsmanship formations as well.
“I can roughly guess where you learned the Luna Cultivation Method, but how did you manage to obtain the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation and the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation?”
“I got it through the Heavenly Secret Hall, which I told you about yesterday,” Mu-Gun lied as he had thought beforehand.
“You mean the Heavenly Secret Hall gave it to you?”
“Yes.”
“Well, let’s just say that’s the case, how powerful are those swordsmanship formations?”
“The Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation would allow three Peak Realm masters to fight against an Upper Peak Realm master. With the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation, six Peak Realm masters can stand on equal grounds against an Absolute Realm master.”
“Are you serious? The power of those sword formations is that outstanding?” Cheon-Sang asked in astonishment.
It would generally take at least six Upper Peak Realm masters to deal with one Absolute Realm master. Hence, it was only natural for him to be surprised when he heard that Six Peak Realm masters could fight an Absolute Realm master on equal grounds.
“That will only be possible if the swordsmanship formation is perfectly executed. However, we can clearly use them to take the Baek Sword Corps’ capabilities to the next level.”
“If so, then we should certainly incorporate it into the Baek Sword Corps. Are you going to teach the sword formation to every member?”
“No, I plan to only teach the Six Dimension Destroyers Formation to members in the advanced rank, and the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation will be taught to those in the intermediate rank.”
“Is there a reason why you don’t plan to teach it to the lower-ranking members?”
“Those sword formations are as difficult to execute as their domineering power is impressive. To properly execute the formations, they have to at least be in the intermediate-rank. It would be no different than poison to those in lower ranks.”
“I understand what you mean. I’ll entrust this matter to you, so you take good charge of it.”
“Understood. I want to teach my uncles the Three Absolute Soul Crushers Formation too.”
“Alright, I’ll tell your uncles.”
“Thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you. You did what I couldn’t due to my lack of ability.”
“You’re mistaken. I’m only here because of you, Father. Everything I accomplish is your credit.”
“You don’t have to sugarcoat your words. Well, let’s leave it at that. I heard that you brought a beautiful woman with you back home yesterday, and you even went to the Shanhai Tavern together. Are you not going to tell me who she is?”
“She’s the young matriarch of the Putuo Sword Sect.”
“How did you get to know her?”
“She was on a journey across murim, and I sparred with her. However, she decided to travel with me for some reason and even came to the sect with me.”
“Do you perhaps have any other feelings for her?”
“I like her,” Mu-Gun admitted.
“Does she feel the same way?”
“Yes.”
“How far have you thought about your relationship? Do you have marriage in mind?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet. However, if our feelings for each other remain unchanged and deepen further, we might get married.”
“I see. I will support you no matter whom you choose, so do as your heart pleases.”
“I thought you’d want a political marriage, but...” Mu-Gun commented in surprise.
“You have already done your part for the family by reaching the Absolute Realm. If I ask for a political marriage, I would be without a conscience.”
“I’ll put my mind at ease and choose a marriage partner of my choice, then.”
“Do as you wish.”
Having unexpectedly gained the freedom to decide on his own marriage partner, Mu-Gun left the White Sword Pavilion in a good mood.
* * *
Upon leaving the White Sword Pavilion, Mu-Gun left the Baek Sword Sect instead of returning to his residence. He then went to downtown Wenzhou and visited the red-light district adjacent to Wenzhou Port.
The red-light district illuminated the night, but it was still quiet since the sun hadn’t set yet. He was looking for the Flower Honor Manor, the largest brothel there. Mu-Gun frequented it before he awakened his reincarnation. However, his visit today had a completely different purpose.
As Mu-Gun previously mentioned, the Heavenly Secret Hall left a letter at Shanhai Tavern, which stated that they had made the Flower Honor Manor their new headquarters after moving to Wenzhou. Mu-Gun checked the letter yesterday, then paid them a visit today.
“Welcome.”
As soon as he entered the Flower Honor Manor, Dan Seol-Young came out and personally greeted Mu-Gun. Seol-Young was still beautiful even though he hadn’t seen her in a while. She had a different charm as compared to Yeon-Hwa. If Yeon-Hwa had an unquestionable innocence and a cheerful charm, Seol-Young was elegant and had a provocative charm. Mu-Gun couldn’t help but stare at Seol-Young due to that.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been well. Thank you for taking revenge on our archenemy on behalf of our hall.”
“You’ve heard about the Sima Family incident, then?”
“As soon as we moved our base here, we reorganized our information network immediately and were able to find out without much difficulty.”
“As expected of the Heavenly Secret Hall. Is Hall Leader Cheon inside?”
“Yes. Please follow me.”
Mu-Gun entered Cheon Yu-Hwa’s room with Seol-Young in the lead.
“Welcome. I heard about what you’ve done in Yangzhou. Thank you for taking revenge on our behalf,” Yu-Hwa greeted upon seeing Mu-Gun.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“To some extent.”
Yu-Hwa was delighted and pleased that the Asura Cult’s forces that had infiltrated the Great Sima Family were annihilated, but it was still heartbreaking to think of the members of the Heavenly Secret Hall who lost their lives to them. Mu-Gun was able to guess what she was feeling, so he changed the subject.
“I heard that the information network of the Heavenly Secret Hall is functioning properly now.”
“Yes. It’s being operated without any problems.”
“As the Thunder God’s successor, I would like for the Heavenly Secret Hall to provide information to the Baek Sword Sect.”
“As I said before, the Heavenly Secret Hall will adhere to the Thunder God’s covenant. We’ll naturally provide information to the Baek Sword Sect as you wish for it, Young Master Baek.”
“I truly respect your loyalty. I will pay 100,000 silver nyang per year in exchange for the information that the Heavenly Secret Hall provides.”
“No, we’ll be providing the intel according to the Thunder God’s covenant, so there’s no need to pay any fee.”
“Even if so, how could I take the hard-earned information from the Heavenly Secret Hall for free? Compared to the value of the Heavenly Secret Hall’s information, 100,000 silver nyang is a small price to pay.”
The information fee that Mu-Gun decided to pay the Heavenly Secret Hall was equivalent to the Baek Sword Sect’s annual budget. Considering their sect’s current finances, it was unaffordable.
Mu-Gun was well aware of that. Nevertheless, he said that he would pay 100,000 silver nyang in information fees because of the prior arrangements he had made in his previous life.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m