Chapter 39 – A Monk’s Debt of Gratitude (3)


    The Shaolin martial arts style had a grandeur and discipline that seemed to even contain the power of spirits.


    At first nce, it seemed simple, but that was not the case. The intricacies involved in its striking techniques were profound andplex.


    However, Yeon-shin had seen enough of Gak Jeong’s hand and leg techniques.


    Yeon-shin didn’t wait for an answer. He twisted from his heel.


    Simultaneously, he felt a flow from his waist to his right arm. It was free and powerful.


    Whoosh!


    Though it appeared simple, it generated immense force with minimal movement. He instinctively demonstrated the profound principle of moving a thousand pounds with just four ounces.


    Originally, this principle was about countering a powerful blow with minimal force. However, now it was different. With a short step forward, heunched a powerful right punch.


    Thud!


    Gak Jeong’s body wavered as Yeon-shin’s punch struck his side. His eyes widened in shock.


    Even Yeon-shin, who delivered the punch, felt its considerable weight.


    For Gak Jeong, it would have been strange not to feel the force.


    The brawlmenced. Complex trajectories and afterimages of hands and feet entangled.


    During the exchange, Yeon-shin took more hits. From the start, his experience and martial arts depth couldn’tpare.


    Yet it was enjoyable. The techniques executed without the aid of the Demon’s Light felt utterly fresh.


    Meanwhile, the impact of his opponent’s fists and feet didn’t prate deeply. There was no pain, only the pleasure of hitting.


    His body had already surpassed even that of a Little Divine Monk.


    Swish—Thud!


    Yeon-shin feigned a move with the broad left sleeve of his robe. Simultaneously, his right fist crushed the fabric of Gak Jeong’s shoulder.


    The rough texture of the monk’s robe was deeply felt. Each time Yeon-shin’s single strikended, Gak Jeong staggered.


    A distant elderly voice was heard.


    “Did he take the forms and styles of the Five Shaolin Fists? No, that’s not it. The principle is the same, but it’s even higher. The range of application in martial arts and force has increased. How is that possible? It’s like he’s creating a new martial art…”


    Won-chang nced at the constantly muttering Monk Won Jong beside him.


    Not all the high-ranking monks of Shaolin were renowned. Besides the martial monks, there were many other monks.


    These included the Mu Do monks, who studied martial theory, and the Hak monks, who devoted themselves to Buddhist practice.


    Monk Won Jong was different from Little Divine Monk Gak Jeong. It was a Dharma name he had never heard before.


    “When you dedicate yourself to a field in the mountains, I suppose you can end up like that. Don’t you think?”


    “Hm? Hm…”


    Won-chang sidled up to Ji Hyeon, trying to be friendly.


    Ji Hyeon, from Xinye County, shook his head and couldn’t hide his awkward expression, but Hyeon Won-chang didn’t mind.


    “Those who know, know about Master Jeong’s body. Even in Demon Wings, he’s considered a supernatural strength. Once, when Master Jeong was bathing, the maidens who tended to the pavilion fetched water and then snuck back to watch him. Anyway, they were quite bold, being people from Deste Fortress. And then what happened… Hm? Why do you ask?”


    “I’m not really curious.”


    “Huh, others listen with great interest.”


    While they conversed, a decision was reached.


    Gak Jeong and Yeon-shin stepped back simultaneously, as if they were reflections of each other.


    “If we continue, we’ll end up using the Bright Pure Pill. Either one of us.”


    “I have learned a great deal. I shall listen to the monk’s teachings.”


    Yeon-shin’s calm words made Gak Jeongugh heartily.


    “You have a truly pure nature. If only I had a disciple like you under me. But in reality, they’re all so arrogant, they don’t heed either martial arts or Buddhism. Anyway, I couldn’t defeat you. To be honest…”


    Gak Jeong, who was like a guardian god of Indian Buddhism, had a strangely stiff smile.


    He continued to speak slowly.


    “I was afraid. Your techniques were gradually taking effect, and it seemed like they’d soon be destroyed one by one. This is my defeat as well, but if you’ll listen to my teachings, I, too, will someday fulfill your request.”


    “Sounds good.”


    Yeon-shin nodded readily.


    He gained three things today, all significant.


    Experiencing the hand and leg techniques of Shaolin first hand would greatly enhance his martial arts.


    The famous and peculiar Bright Pure Pill could save his life once.


    Having the right to ask a favor from Little Divine Monk in the martial world was also a great asset.


    ‘Xinye Baekmu Faction. Our connection continues like this.’


    Feeling the mysteries of the martial world, Yeon-shin moved together with Monk Gak Jeong.


    Beyond the twilight’s faint light, the moon rose white. It seemed he wouldn’t return to the guest room tonight.


    He gestured toward the henchmen of the ck Faction, who were looking at them with overwhelmed eyes.


    They decided to listen to the teachings and rest in the quickly tidied pavilion.


    Ji Hyeon from Xinye County fled in shock.


    The wealth he received from Xinye Baekmu Faction seemed considerable. Yeon-shin hoped Ma Jin would handle it appropriately.


    “The first patriarch of Chinese Zen Buddhism, the first patriarch of Da Mo, said…”


    With Gak Jeong’s Buddhist lecture, the day ended.


    It was an anecdote about how Da Mo told Huike that an uneasy mind has no substance.


    At a young age, the harsh battles Yeon-shin had experienced sharpened his mind like a de.


    On the other hand, his dulled heart towards others’ lives,bined with his terminal illness, emitted a murderous aura.


    It was said that Zen Buddhism transmits its teachings orally. Yeon-shin’s anxiety didn’t disappear immediately with a single lecture.


    However, he was able to learn the principles that permeated through the martial arts of Buddhism. It was a new world. For a moment, a sky-blue light flickered in Yeon-shin’s eyes.


    During that time, Monk Won Jong continued to gaze at him from one side of the bed.


    At the time when dawn seemed more like twilight, everyone rose.


    They shared breakfast while watching the verbal sparring between Won Jong and Gak Jeong.


    Yeon-shin and Won-chang silently listened to the argument between the two monks as they moved their spoons.


    It seemed like a regr urrence, but the Chief Steward looked pale as if he couldn’t breathe.


    “The phrase ‘vanquishing evil and preserving the truth’ isn’t just an abstract part of the doctrine. It’s a real force. The ability to eradicate the power umted by vile groups like the Blood me Sect! Sorcery and martial arts were originally one. The unfathomable skills of the sages were divided into two and named so!”


    “You’re creating martial arts to kill the leader of the Blood me Sect. And you’re a person who has taken refuge in the Dharma.”


    Gak Jeong leaned over and whispered to Yeon-shin, as if wanting him to hear. Even Yeon-shin himself didn’t know when they had be so close.


    ‘It doesn’t seem like something you should reveal about the sect.’


    Their behavior, like that of a grandfather and grandson, was rather childish.


    It shattered any vague notions about Shaolin.


    “How is that wrong? It’s something that must be done for all living beings in the world!”


    “Indeed. If there’s an opportunity, you must open the path to life! But your mentor is dedicating his life to killing people! That’s a life without hell. How can you not consider the feelings of the disciples and followers?”


    “My torment cannot be resolved through penance. I realized this after facing the wall for over ten years. The leader of the Blood me Sect must die for me to live.”


    Yeon-shin was slightly surprised. Facing the wall was a renowned form of training.


    It was a practice of meditation by staring at a wall.


    It originated from the tale that Da Mo sat facing a wall for nine years and attained enlightenment.


    ‘Did the Blood me Sect massacre his family? Like mine.’


    But Gak Jeong seemed indifferent. He spoke as if he had heard the same words dozens of times.


    “From the beginning, our sect’s Great Wisdom and Great Power were sufficient to counter blood techniques. Shaolin martial arts have always been strong against blood techniques. There is no more extreme antagonism.”


    “Isn’t the leader of the Blood me Sect still alive because that’s not enough!”


    “What you’re seeking is the creation of an entirely new system. It’s something that would take a hundred years to achieve.”


    “The martial arts and dharma techniques were originally one in Shaolin martial arts. I’ve told you this many times. If we had the lost Avalokitesvara’s Green Steel Hand, we could crush the skulls of those sect demons!”


    “Please mind your words… And how could you rece the burnt-out martial arts with secret techniques… No, never mind.”


    It wasn’t until Gak Jeong shook his head that the meal ended. The five people stood up amidst the awkward atmosphere. Only Yeon-shin’s expression remained peculiar.


    ‘Avalokitesvara’s Green Steel Hand.’


    From what I heard, it seemed to possess tremendous power against the Blood me Sect.


    A martial art imbued with the dharma power of Buddha. It piqued my interest. I also learned that martial arts had pr opposites.


    There existed fundamental differences in nature, distinct from countering techniques.


    ‘A martial art specialized in one aspect. How fascinating.’


    There were many strong individuals, including those in blue and ck uniforms.


    For Yeon-shin, whose martial arts level was stillcking, it was a new clue.


    Just knowing that such a thing existed could help create something.


    The principles contained in the forms and styles of Shaolin martial arts. The ideas that prated the Zen Buddhism of Shaolin.


    Understanding the forms and the intent that infused qi into the techniques was tantamount to giving everything to Yeon-shin.


    At that moment.


    “I wondered why you didn’t return by morning. I knew you wouldn’t fall to the likes of the ck Faction.”


    Ma Jin approached with astonishing agility.


    Behind him, the masters of Demon Wings crossed the front gate of Xinye Baekmu Faction. ncing over Won Jong, Gak Jeong, and the Chief Steward, Ma Jin spoke again.


    “The Shaolin monks are here. We have no time for greetings, as we are surrounded.”


    “Did you say surrounded?”


    Yeon-shin asked.


    “It’s the Blood me Sect. The information leaked. It seems the Hao n has indeed betrayed us, but we must survive first.”


    His tone wasn’t leisurely. There was tension. It was hard to believe this was someone from the ck Faction of Deste Fortress speaking.


    Yeon-shin nced around.


    He realized they were now facing the true force of the Blood me Sect.


    At some point, the sounds of birds in the surrounding forest ceased.


    “……”


    Suddenly, there was a chill in the air. It felt like something was crawling along his cheek. The sound that brushed past his ear was eerie.


    The encirclement of martial factions was said to be extensive in area.


    There was even a saying about the web spread across heaven and earth.


    “We will break through the main gate.”


    Ma Jin said. He was already holding a massive broadsword.


    The warriors of Demon Wings drew their weapons. Yeon-shin felt it.


    Even the masters who didn’t make a sound of drawing their swords were tense.


    Cheong Myeong and Baek Mir-yeo stood close to him. Hyeon Won-chang was with them too.


    “If you get separated from the group, meet at the Deste Ma family. It’s a martial family in Pyeongjeong Mountain. They also serve as the Henan branch of Deste Fortress. If you survive, you’ll receive a warm wee.”


    “Was that a joke?”


    Before people could chuckle at Cheong Myeong’s offhand remark.


    With a crash, a section of the wall shattered.


    A presence walked forward with clear footsteps, as if it were a doorway through anything in its path.


    Step.


    It was an eerily beautiful woman. ck hair and red eyes. It was an unfamiliar appearance.


    “Hello.”


    Her speech was casual and light.


    Her hair fluttered in the breeze, pitch ck. It wasn’t just dark.


    Like the ck cloak she wore, it felt darker than the night sky.


    In contrast, her lips were so red they seemed to be constantly stained with blood. They stood out starkly against her white skin.


    The aura she wore around her entire body was unsettling. Even the fluttering hem of her cloak seemed eerie.


    ‘That’s her.’


    Yeon-shin knew the moment he saw her.


    In the Blood me Sect, as a martial artist’s skills increased, their red hair turned ck.


    Her hair was truly jet ck.


    She was an Apostle of the Blood me Sect. If it was a woman, she would be the seventh Apostle.


    She was already known for her powerful martial prowess and ruthless nature.


    “Seventh Apostle.”


    Ma Jin’s voice was like a growl drawn from deep within his abdomen.


    “How foolish. To not even realize you were ambushed.”


    Her voice was melodious. The Seventh Apostle of the Blood me Sect walked forward with a bright red smile.


    Her light steps carried an alluring grace and a terrifying aura.


    There was an atmosphere reminiscent of a quagmire. It was a world apart from the Blood Masters.


    “You’re Lightning sh, the future of Deste Fortress.”


    She stopped ten paces ahead, her gaze fixed on Yeon-shin.


    Her eyes were like polished jade stained with blood. The deep red pupils seemed to carry interest.


    She smiled.


    “Your neck is quite beautiful.”


    “Look at me, Seventh Apostle.”


    The Seventh Apostle nced indifferently at Ma Jin, who had taken a step forward.


    With a flick of her long fingers, the members of the Blood me Sect appeared from all directions. Yeon-shin felt his vision turn red.


    There were easily a hundred red heads, and he could see twenty Blood Masters.


    “Here.”


    The Seventh Apostle moved her lips.


    “I will kill the future and present of Demon Wings.”


    “…!”


    Simultaneously, her hand blurred. While Demon Wings and Shaolin masters were assessing the enemy’s strength.


    With a sinister aura, she charged like a blood-red lightning bolt.


    A crimson dagger shed as it seemed to pierce through Yeon-shin’s forehead.


    sh!


    Yeon-shin twisted his body, catching it. His body seemed to instinctively react to the sinister force before he even realized it.


    The shockwave from the attack was so immense that he took a step back. The energy lingering in his grip felt unfamiliar.


    It dissipated the qi of blood techniques infused in the dagger. It was as if Gak Jeong’s lecture echoed in his ears all night.


    —May the Three Poisons be eternally vanquished, and the Six Senses always be purified.


    The meaning of the Buddhist scriptures and the forms of Shaolin martial arts were converging into a kind of mantra.


    Could it be that Da Mo also created it this way? At this moment, an iplete martial art sprouted.


    The masters of Demon Wings turned their heads in surprise. asionally shining with blue light, Yeon-shin’s eyes had subtly turned blue.


    “The Apostle uses the martial arts of the Blood me Sect too.”


    Yeon-shin spoke.


    The Seventh Apostleughed as if she found it amusing. Watching her quietly, Yeon-shin slowly opened his mouth again.


    “Your martial arts are easy to handle.”


    He said, his eyes shing with a blue light.