Four months later.
Director Kim Young-hoon smoothly reached the Pinnacle Realm.
Chew, chew, chew...
After consuming the yellow bamboo root I gave him, he sat cross-legged and began circulating his Qi.
Wooosh...
As he did so, the phenomenon of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit occurred above his head, marking his attainment of peak expert status.
"Ha ha, the world looks completely different now."
"...Your talent is truly remarkable, every time I see it."
Originally, it would take Director Kim Young-hoon around six to seven months to reach the peak. However, learning the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, a first-rate martial art from the beginning, seemed to lower the difficulty of reaching the peak. He achieved it two months earlier than I expected.
Moreover, while practicing the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, he even developed a new martial art named Severing Vein Saber Method, modifying all the sword forms of the original method into saber techniques.
Anyone would be astounded by his martial prowess.
"That's right. Even I find myself quite extraordinary."
"...I have something to give to you, Director."
Admiring his incredible talent, I took out a book from my possession and handed it to him.
Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
It was a martial art against cultivators, created by Director Kim Young-hoon in my past life after reaching Five Energies Converging to the Origin, dedicating his remaining life to it. I had reorganized it into book form during these four months he was training to reach the peak.
"I found this martial art book in a bookstore. The owner claimed it was an incredible martial arts manual, but I couldn't understand a single word. Thinking I was scammed, I came to you for advice."
"Hmm, let's see."
I handed him the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
After a while, his eyes widened. I could feel him trembling.
"What is this... What kind of martial art is this?"
"...I don't know."
"Ah, I see. That makes sense."
Director Kim Young-hoon pressed his head hard, explaining to me.
"This is a martial arts manual that can only be understood by those who have reached the peak... No, those who have attained Three Flowers Gather at the Summit beyond the pinnacle. It's terrifying. I never knew such a martial philosophy existed. Anyone who can master this art can surely become the greatest under the heavens. You've brought another incredible stroke of fate!"
"Ha ha, I thought I was scammed because it sounded too fantastical. But about Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, isn't that the same level as the Pinnacle Realm?"
A martial arts manual that only those who have reached beyond the pinnacle can understand?
"Ah, seeing me reach the Pinnacle Realm must have confused you. But even I know I'm an exceptional case. There are stages in the peak: early, middle, and late. Three Flowers Gather at the Summit is a state that only those who have reached the late stage of the Pinnacle Realm can realize."
"I see..."
This was news to me.
Oddly, even though I had risen to the position of chief strategist in the Wulin Alliance in my past life, I never had access to information above first class.
According to martial standards, the levels of martial artists were classified as first, second, and third.
Anyone who begins learning martial arts is considered third-rate.
Those who have learned at least one martial technique or internal energy method and can utilize them in combat are early third-rate.
Those who have learned both martial techniques and internal energy are mid third-rate.
Those who have mastered both and can use them simultaneously are late third-rate.
Using both martial techniques and internal energy simultaneously is incredibly challenging. Mismanaging internal energy can lead to immense pain or mental derangement. There's no room for error.
'I remember it felt like splitting my head in two when I first learned martial arts.'
Those who overcome these difficulties and become skilled in martial arts are considered early second-rate.
Those who can use both martial techniques and internal energy in combat without awkwardness are mid second-rate.
Those who can do so without conscious thought, having these abilities ingrained, are late second-rate.
Over the past few months, I managed to reclaim the mid second-rate prowess I had in my previous life.
'I'm about to reach late second-rate soon...!'
Crossing the threshold of martial arts proficiency and achieving completion marks the first-rate stage.
When martial techniques and internal energy become fully integrated into one's body, achieving freedom within martial arts, that's early first-rate.
Reaching a level where the essence of martial arts is realized, refining Qi usage and being able to project sword energy, is mid first-rate.
When one's martial prowess () and intent () fully merge, achieving the pinnacle of swordsmanship known as the unity of sword and body (), shortening both the time to manifest and prepare sword energy, is referred to as the late first-rate.
Such information, spanning from early third-rate to late first-rate, was all gathered in my past life when I served as a strategist in the Martial Alliance.
'However, information regarding the Pinnacle Realm was tightly guarded.'
Even Young-hoon, a close associate, would awkwardly smile and evade the question when I inquired.
'Is it because it's impossible to comprehend unless experienced?'
Even those who reached the extreme of late first-rate would occasionally hint at it, but no martial artist at the Pinnacle Realm ever disclosed detailed information about the Pinnacle Realm.
"By the way, Director Kim, could you possibly explain what the Pinnacle Realm is like?"
Curious, I asked Kim Young-hoon about the Pinnacle Realm, but he just awkwardly laughed, giving the same response as in my previous life.
"Sorry, but you wouldn't understand even if I told you."
"Im not making fun of you. Having premature knowledge of the peak could lead to dangerous delusions and madness. The world we see is... entirely different from yours."
He apologized and shifted the conversation.
"Now that I've reached the peak, I think I'll go around challenging sects to gauge my skills. Will you join me?"
"Sure, why not?"
A month later, Kim Young-hoon had taken down the signboards of every small and mid-sized martial arts school in Yonghyeol City.
In my previous life, the capital, Seokyung, had seven large factions, the Four Stars Three Demons. However, most cities had one or at most two large factions.
Yonghyeol City had one large faction, Qia River Sect.
Since Kim Young-hoon had already taken down the signboards of all the smaller schools, Qia River Sect was tense even before our challenge.
"It's an honor to meet the famous warrior Young."
Arriving at Qia River Sect, the sect leader personally greeted us.
"Fifty-three small schools, thirty-two mid-sized schools, eleven mid-sized sects, a total of ninety-six signboards taken by a grand master like you, it's an honor."
"I did not intend to challenge so many schools..."
Kim Young-hoon modestly spoke to the sect master.
"If there had been even one worthy opponent, a draw, or a defeat, I would have stopped..."
"Not a single one was a match for you."
Indeed, after reaching the peak with the Severing Vein Saber Method and awakening his latent talent, Kim Young-hoon mastered Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts,
None of the ninety-six sects in Yonghyeol City could withstand even three moves from him.
"I hope the Qia River Sect will be different."
"Haha, surely. Our faction is filled with remarkable masters, fitting for warrior Youngs level."
Following the sect leader, we headed to Qia River Sect's arena.
The challenge was a three-round match.
Three of Qia River Sect's best would face Kim Young-hoon, and if he defeated all three, he'd take Qia River Sect's signboard.
A daunting challenge format for Kim Young-hoon.
"Hahaha, no matter."
Confidence filled Kim Young-hoon's eyes.
"With Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, I'm invincible! Since learning it, I've become an adult, and others mere toddlers. Why should I fear three toddlers coming at me?"
The three-round challenge at Qia River Sect began.
The first challenger was Qia River Sect's sect leader.
"I didn't expect you to come out first..."
Qia River Sect's sect leader, Mun Ye-eik, replied with a wry smile.
"No one among our elders or the best of Yonghyeol City's mid-tier schools can withstand you for three moves. Surely, you're a top master even among those at the peak. Qia River Sect's Elders Council will face you!"
The gong for the start of the match sounded.
Mun Ye-eik, Qia River Sect's sect leader, was a renowned peak master in the city.
'Even the top masters from eleven mid-tier sects who were quickly defeated by Kim Young-hoon, were considered inferior to Mun Ye-eik.'
I watched the duel between the two masters, curious about the outcome.
Swish!
Kim Young-hoon drew his saber.
Mun Ye-eik also unsheathed his flexible sword.
Attack!
Kim Young-hoon charged first, straight at the sect leader. As Mun Ye-eik swung his flexible sword, it seemed to encircle Kim Young-hoon from all sides.
Wham!
But then, Kim Young-hoon's body split into seven shadows, each darting towards the weakest points of Mun Ye-eik's sword barrier.
"Hmm!"
Determined not to let the shadows escape, sect leader Mun Ye-ik chased after the illusions with his soft sword, like a snake pursuing its prey.
Whoosh!
Whoosh, whoosh!
His soft sword split into thousands of strands, seemingly slicing through the illusions.
However, not one of the illusions was the real body, and in the enclosure created by the soft sword, the shadows of Kim Young-hoon vanished completely.
Then it happened.
Whoosh!
From the sky, Director Kim Young-hoon leaped down, rotating in the air and charging towards the sect leader.
Leaving seven illusions below, his real body had leapt up into the air.
Gasp...!
Swoosh!
The blade of his saber touched the throat of Mun Ye-ik.
Ding
It was a victory for Director Kim Young-hoon.
The move he used to win only took 2 seconds.
Will the challenger continue the consecutive battles?
The elder conducting the martial arts contest asked with a stern face.
Director Kim Young-hoon, without even stepping down from the arena, nodded his head.
The next opponent was a bald old man with a white beard.
"I am Ik Cheon-bae, a grand elder of Qia River Sect, currently a member of the Elders' Council," he introduced himself briefly and took his stance.
Ding
The bell rang again, and this time, it was Elder Ik Cheon-bae who charged towards Director Kim Young-hoon.
Chatter!
He too wielded a soft sword as his weapon.
But...
Ding
He too could not last more than ten seconds before having to kneel before Director Kim Young-hoon.
'He lasted over three seconds.'
It was a testament to his immense strength that he managed to withstand Director Kim Young-hoon, who had mastered the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, for over three seconds. Yet, Director Kim Young-hoon looked slightly disappointed.
"Shall we continue the consecutive battles?"
The elder running the contest now had a face resembling sour grapes.
"Let's continue."
The final opponent in the series of three battles was an old man in plain martial clothes, with a long beard and white hair.
"I am Pal Jik-tae, the Supreme Elder of Qia River Sect, and the current Head of the Elders' Council. I see you've made it past the third."
"Hmm..."
Only then did Director Kim Young-hoon's eyes light up with interest at the sight of the old man known as the Supreme Elder of Qia River Sect.
"A master of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, eh? This is the first time I've seen someone of this level in this city."
"It's rare for people to reach the third. The vast majority live their lives only in red and blue. It's been a long time since I've met a master like you."
"Huh, how many other masters of Three Flowers have you met?"
"Mostly one per major faction's Elders' Council. There are one or two in the wilderness too... If you're curious, travel around the cities of Yanguo and visit the major factions. I hear you've been challenging the mid-level factions; keep in mind that those little fish won't help you much at our level."
"I appreciate the advice, senior."
'Third? Red and blue?'
I pondered over the hints dropped by the old man.
'Why is Three Flowers referred to as the third? What are red and blue?'
Looking around, the other disciples and elders of Qia River Sect seemed just as puzzled by the situation, staring blankly at the arena.
But the sect leader and elders who had been defeated by Kim Young-hoon and stepped down from the arena looked on in astonishment.
'It seems impossible to understand unless one is a peak master.'
Then it happened.
Gasping for breath!
Pal Jik-tae suddenly exclaimed, sweating profusely.
"What kind of martial art have you mastered?"
"...This martial art is called Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts."
" Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts... I've never seen such a monstrous martial art in my life... Is it really meant for fighting humans?"
"...?"
What's going on?
There was no clash, was there?
Director Kim Young-hoon smiled wryly and said,
"I will let you take the lead."
"...I am envious. To be able to learn such a terrifying martial art that can overturn Qia River Sect's 300 years of history in one go..."
Finishing his words, Pal Jik-tae adjusted his stance.
Whoosh!
Pal Jik-tae swung his soft sword, launching an attack.
The soft sword whistled through the air, surrounding Director Kim Young-hoon on all sides.
It appeared to be the same technique used by Mun Ye-ik at first.
However, Director Kim Young-hoon didn't create illusions this time.
Instead, he focused on the only open space, the sky above, and leaped into the air with his saber.
Swoosh!
Just then, the tip of Pal Jik-tae's soft sword shot towards the sky like an arrow.
Whoosh!
Clang!
Director Kim Young-hoon twisted his body in mid-air, deflecting the tip of the soft sword and escaping its enclosure.
The next moment, he charged at Pal Jik-tae like a bolt of lightning, swinging his saber.
Boom!
A massive explosion split the ground of the martial arts field.
Their weapons collided in mid-air, sparking flames.
"Ah...!"
For a moment, I lost sight of both of them.
Bang, bang, bang!
With explosive sounds, Director Kim Young-hoon's figure briefly appeared.
It seemed like he was thrusting his saber, but Pal Jik-tae, almost imperceptible to the eye, dodged all the thrusts and exchanged blows with Kim Young-hoon.
Boom!
Pal Jik-tae's soft sword explosion blew up a corner of the martial arts field.
Clang!
Director Kim Young-hoon's flurry of saber energy shattered the bell beside the arena. The elder judging the contest gasped in horror and rolled away to dodge the energy.
Boom!
Director Kim Young-hoon stepped forward three times, charging at Pal Jik-tae.
In those three steps, his stance seemed to change over ten times.
But the transitions were so fast it was hard to follow with the eyes.
It felt more like a video screen stuttering.
'Damn... peak masters are indeed monsters.'
It was the same in my past life.
As a close aide to the Wulin Alliance leader, I had the opportunity to see peak masters fight a few times.
'I couldn't understand a thing back then, either.'
Fortunately, having seen many fights then, I could at least follow with my eyes now.
But other disciples, instructors, and guardians of Qia River Sect who seemed to be at a similar level to me were simply staring blankly at the arena, their eyes glazed.
None of them could follow the movements of the two masters.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
Pal Jik-tae's soft sword cut through the air, undergoing three changes in the sky.
Yet, curiously, with every shift he made, Pal Jik-tae's body sustained slashes, and marks from the saber emerged.
With each of his three changes packed into one technique, Director Kim Young-hoon struck three times.
And finally.
Swoosh, clang!
Director Kim Young-hoon's saber cut through Pal Jik-tae's soft sword.
The soft sword fell outside the arena, severed.
Swoosh
Director Kim Young-hoon's saber touched Pal Jik-tae's neck, who sighed in defeat.
"I accept my defeat. I'll remove the signboard of Qia River Sect. Our faction will close its doors for three years!"
"...I have witnessed that no martial art in Yonghyeol City can match that of Qia River Sect. It was a duel from which I too learned much."
The two martial artists respectfully bowed to each other and stepped down from the arena.
"Let's go back, Seo Eun-Hyun."
"Have you grasped how far your skills extend?"
"...It's not my skill."
Director Kim Young-hoon's expression seemed somewhat gloomy.
"Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial arts. I merely adopted the forms of this martial art as instructed. I haven't fully mastered this martial art, haven't gained freedom within it, nor grasped the intent."
"..."
"This martial art... whoever created it, I don't know. But I haven't surpassed the intentions of its creator. The deeper I delve into and execute this martial art, the more I feel how much of a novice I am compared to its creator."
I was at a loss for words, watching him be self-critical and gloomy about his own martial art.
"Today's battle showed me how insignificant my skills are. As the senior advised, I will travel to various cities and seek out peak masters for duels... Will you join me?"
"...Of course."
I had already decided to dedicate this life solely to the martial path.
"I will follow you, Hyung-nim, in my quest to become a peak master."
"Haha, I look forward to it. But Hyung-nim, you say? I'm a bit embarrassed. There's not much age difference between us. Haha..."
"Isn't it better for people from the same hometown to address each other as brothers?"
In this life, I will surely become a peak master.
***
For Young-hoon Hyung-nim to become the best in the world, it was truly a matter of moments.
'It's even faster than the last life.'
In just 5 years, he traveled all over Yanguo, visiting major factions in each province and city, competing against peak masters, and defeating them all.
In three years, he secured the seat of one of the three great swordsmen of the world, and within two more years, he overcame the remaining two to earn the title of Yanguo's Number One Warrior.
Then, admiring his realm, leaders of the Four Stars Three Demons of Seokyung City who reached the Three Flowers, joined forces to attack him. Fighting against them seven-to-one, he emerged victorious, solidifying his position as the undisputed best in the world.
"...It feels a bit empty."
"You're talking from a place of being full (privilege), Hyung-nim."
I replied while practicing the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship in front of him.
Thanks to Young-hoon Hyung-nim's consistent guidance over the past 5 years when we weren't engaged in martial contests, my martial arts skills had improved from mid second-rate to late second-rate. Now, my techniques were fully embodied, allowing me to use martial techniques and unleash internal energy effortlessly.
"Being full? I'm rather envious of you, Eun-hyun. You're in the late second-stage, with many opponents to test and refine yourself against. But for me, everyone's just weaker... Who am I supposed to face?"
"You'd have the heads of the Four Stars Three Demons bursting if they heard you say that."
"It's a bit of an unfortunate truth. The Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts is just an extraordinarily unconventional martial arts system... It seems no martial artist can overcome it."
He looked up at the sky with a somewhat indifferent expression.
"Even the next stage, Five Energies Converging to the Origin, which follows Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, seems attainable soon enough with this martial record... Once I reach that stage, even the strongest masters of Yanguo, who were somewhat challenging in joint attacks, will be easy to defeat..."
In Young-hoon Hyung-nim's eyes, a sense of listlessness had settled.
"What should I do next?"
I sensed an ominous feeling.
'No! If Young-hoon Hyung-nim's thoughts turn towards the Wulin Alliance...'
This life, too, would be bound to hard labor like a cow, just as in the last life.
Having held a high position in my past life, and with my skills having reached late second-rate this time, I could probably manage better...
'But that also means I'd be exploited even more...!'
I needed to quickly think of something else to divert his thoughts!
"How about traveling?"
"Traveling the martial world? I've done plenty of that traveling around Yanguo for the past 5 years..."
"No, not in Yanguo. What about neighboring countries like Shengzhi or Byeokra? They have their own martial worlds."
"Ah, visiting the martial worlds of neighboring countries..."
"Yes, there you might find masters who match Hyung-nim's tastes."
"Hmm... though it seems unlikely anyone could reach the level of Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts..."
After pondering for a while, he nodded in agreement.
"Alright. A martial world tour of the neighboring countries isn't a bad idea."
So, Young-hoon Hyung-nim and I spent six months learning the languages and scripts of Shengzi and Byeokra, touring their martial worlds.
Two more years passed.
Young-hoon Hyung-nim defeated twelve Three Flowers peak masters in Byeokra, achieving enlightenment and reaching the Five Energies Realm.
Now, he has rejuvenated, becoming even younger than me.
He had earned the title of the best in all three countries - Yanguo, Byeokra and Shengzi.
However, his face didn't seem happy at all.
"Eun-hyun, what should I do now?"
An overwhelming sense of listlessness.
The feeling of listlessness that no martial artist could match him anymore.
With the satisfaction of advancing towards the peak of Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
It seemed he had lost interest in the affairs of the martial world.
"Why don't you establish a martial faction, Hyung-nim?"
I suggested another task to him.
"A martial faction?"
"Yes, gather talents from all over the country, teach them, and turn them into masters capable of facing Hyung-nim."
"Hmm, even if I train talents, when they take one step forward, I will have already moved ten steps ahead?"
"...That's true, unfortunately."
As arrogant as it may sound, his martial arts talent was indeed at a mind-boggling level.
"Still, you need to compare in order to see what is short and what is long (meaning the true nature of things can only be judged when verified yourself). Furthermore, if we have the power and wealth equivalent to a martial faction, we can invite those reclusive masters for you, Hyung-nim."
"Hmm..."
This was indeed true.
Of course, these reclusive masters were not martial artists but rather the cultivators I learned about in my past life, who secretly operated throughout the martial world.
'These cultivators hardly interfere in personal matters...'
Whether the world's number one martial artist is born or whatever, they don't care.
But they always intervened in organizations that could cause disturbances in the martial world.
That's why we never had the chance to encounter any cultivators while traveling across the three countries.
"Well, alright. Then let's create a faction under my fame."
Thus, a faction was established in the name of Young-hoon, the world's number one martial artist.
The faction was named Palace of Martial Extremity, following the name of Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts (Exhausting Martial Arts can also be read as Extreme Martial Arts).
Under the fame of the world's number one martial artist, countless martial artists joined the faction, including seven who had reached the pinnacle of Three Flowers.
Palace of Martial Extremity quickly became the number one faction in Yanguo, and as its vice-leader, I spent three years stabilizing it.
After three years, the Palace of Martial Extremity became a massive faction well-known across Yanguo.
Once the Palace's influence reached a level that could affect the entire martial world, they came.
"Cultivators?"
Young-hoon Hyun-nim asked upon seeing the guests who had suddenly visited us one day.
"What are these cultivators? I can tell they are quite... uniquely spirited."
They all wore robes of different colors, covering their bodies completely, and wore hats and veils that concealed their faces.
The only aspect that could possibly identify them was their voice, but even that seemed to be altered by some strange spell, making their voices sound similar.
One day, as Young-hoon Hyun-nim and I suddenly faced these visitors, he was intrigued.
"So... you want our Palace of Martial Extremity to pledge loyalty to your organization of cultivators?"
Indeed.
His eyes were shining. Looking at them with 'never-before-seen spirit,' his eyes, free from listlessness, were filled with competitive spirit, sparkling brilliantly.
"That is correct. We are originally a clan of cultivators who cultivate the way of immortality. We do not interfere in worldly affairs, but we felt the need for minimal guidance and control over the secular world. Thus, we have been operating in secret across royal families, financial circles, political circles, and the martial world, supporting them, endorsing them, and helping their power continue."
"Heh heh..."
"The return for that is not much. You just have to swear loyalty to our clan for generations and help us when we occasionally intervene in worldly matters."
"Heh heh heh...How fascinating. I had no idea such a world existed."
Young-hoon Hyun-nim chuckled, looking at the three cultivators who had come to us.
"What happens if I refuse?"
At his reply, a faint murderous intent seemed to emanate from the three cultivators.
"We will leave today, but your faction will be shunned by all other factions. No merchant groups or family clans will seek to be your disciples. The government and the royal family will also try to bring you down by any means."
"Hmm, if that's all, it doesn't seem very scary."
Young-hoon Hyun-nim smirked and crossed his arms.
"Not scared to fight against the entire Yanguo...truly outrageous."
"How dare this mortal show such arrogance in front of cultivators..."
The cultivator standing behind the one speaking showed his killing intent and raised his hand.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, starlight seemed to flash, and starlight poured from the cultivator's hand.
At the same time, Young-hoon Hyun-nim's saber flashed like lightning from his waist.
Boom!
The side of the hall where we were talking exploded.
"Stay close to me, Eun-Hyun. You'll be safe behind me."
"I know."
I smiled wryly in the dust cloud, seeing the three cultivators showing their rage.
"It seems they have a slightly different idea..."
"How dare a mortal draw a saber against cultivators!"
"You were the ones who attacked first."
"Quiet! We don't need a barking dog like you... just kill and turn into a puppet!"
"Talking about immortality and such, but your thoughts are no different from those of demons."
The three cultivators mumbled incantations and formed hand seals.
The foremost cultivator began to cast another spell.
Whoosh!
However, before the spell could fully unfold, it was sliced away by Young-hoon Hyun-nim's saber.
"What, what is this!"
Before they could react, Young-hoon Hyun-nim dashed into their blind spot and kicked all three in the stomach.
"Ugh!"
"Agh!"
"Aaaah!"
The three seemed to fall below the hall but slowed their descent with a strange spell midway.
Their clothes were covered in dust, and the areas where Young-hoon Hyun-nim had kicked them were completely torn.
"Listen, cultivators!"
Young-hoon Hyun-nim roared with internal energy in his voice, resonating like a lion's roar.
"I will not pledge loyalty to the likes of you! Make me a public enemy of the martial world or the enemy of Yanguo if you can! I am not afraid of the likes of you coming at me!"
Boom, boom, boom!
Simultaneously, the finger snaps he emitted hit the ground beside the cultivators with a massive sound.
"No one dares to stand above me!"
The three cultivators seethed and then used a strange spell to flee.
I cautiously approached him and asked.
"...Hyung-nim, can you handle the aftermath?"
"Hahaha, aftermath, you say?"
His eyes were filled with an undeniable thrill.
It was almost akin to madness.
"What aftermath! I've realized it, Eun-Hyun!"
"What, what do you mean?"
"The thirst that wasn't quenched no matter how many martial artists I faced with Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts! The satisfaction that never came no matter how much I fought! Yes, that was the thirst I felt because I used a martial art not meant for mortals against mortals!"
His face was filled with excitement as he clenched his fist.
"Cultivators! Yes, surely this martial record is a martial art meant for defeating those cultivator scoundrels! Finally! Finally, I've found the purpose of my martial art! I've discovered the intent of my martial art, and you're talking about the aftermath!"
"...?"
"This martial art is for fighting cultivators! So, to grow further, I need to fight cultivators. Hahaha! Finally, the path to mastering the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts has become clear!"
I thought I had fully grasped his nature after spending a long time with him.
But...
'Humans are indeed creatures that show different aspects every time.'
"Gather the martial enforcers and elders of the faction! From today, excluding you, I will expel all the mediocre ones from the faction! If those cultivator bastards are going to make a fuss, there's no leisure to peacefully teach disciples."
Immediately, he assembled all the disciples of the faction and sent home all those second-rate and below.
He even sent away those in the first rank who had not yet mastered sword energy.
Thus, only about 310 people remained in the Palace of Martial Extremity including five elders who had reached Three Flowers, three hundred and three disciples of the first-rank and above, and me, a vice-leader of the late second-rank.
From that day, Young-hoon Hyun-nim taught the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to the elders who had reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit..
He also taught the first-rank disciples the principles of the martial record, including sword formations and combined tactics, to hold their own against cultivators.
And I...
"You should focus on reaching the first-rank as soon as possible. To advance from the late second--rank to the first-rank, it's crucial to completely embody your martial art into your body."
Every day was a hellish training routine.
Until the martial art called Severing Mountain Swordsmanship was completely fused into my body!
After beating up and driving away the cultivators, our faction's building, which had been authorized by the government, was designated as an illegal construction, and we had to leave.
Furthermore, we received an order from the government to completely dissolve our faction.
But...
"Ignore it."
Hyung-nim simply replied and continued to instruct the elders and disciples, and me in martial arts.
A month passed after defying the government's order.
We discovered wanted posters with Young-hoon Hyun-nim's and my faces on them in the streets.
The government had issued a bounty on us, branding us as traitors.
"We're leaving."
Young-hoon Hyun-nim again answered succinctly, taking five elders and three hundred disciples, wandering the wilderness.
Bounty hunters lured by our bounty attacked us, but they were taken care of by the first-rank disciples before even reaching Hyung-nim.
When the number of bounty hunters we had killed reached about a hundred, the major factions of the entire martial world issued a joint statement declaring us a public enemy of the martial world.
Our Palace of Martial Extremity was called Palace of Demons, and Young-hoon Hyun-nim was given the nickname Extreme Demon.
Our bounty increased even more, and small and medium-sized factions from all over the country joined forces to attack us.
And thus, ten years passed.
Ten years since we became enemies of the entire martial world.
It has been twenty years since my regression.
Young-hoon Hyun-nims title had evolved from Extreme Demon to Extreme Heavenly Demon
In the martial world, we were no longer called Palace of Demons but Palace of Heavenly Demons.
In these ten years, many of the 300 disciples who experienced countless real battles had reached the peak.
This was partly due to their practical experience and continuous practice of the principles of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, including sword formations and united tactics.
Those who hadn't reached the Pinnacle Realm were at the very top of first-rate martial artists, and they were known as the direct forces of the Palace of Heavenly Demons, gaining fame.
Meanwhile, as the Palace of Heavenly Demons remained undefeated for ten years, various unorthodox sects and demonic groups, and occasionally righteous factions admiring the Extreme Heavenly Demon Young-hoon, joined us.
The Palace of Heavenly Demons had grown enormously compared to ten years ago.
Precisely, excluding the 'official 310' members of the Palace, the rest were merely followers attracted by our fame.
From the outside, the Palace now looked like a religious faction, a vast power filled with fanaticism for the Extreme Heavenly Demon.
Everything had changed tremendously compared to ten years ago.
The only things unchanged were...
Young-hoon Hyung-nim and me.
'How are you still barely hanging onto first-rate after 10 years of practical experience, internal energy development, and continuous sword practice?'
'Yes. Hyung-nim must be pleased that you improved the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to the point of evolving it."
I still lacked talent.
And he was still overflowing with it.
I grumbled and continued practicing my swordsmanship.
Ten years.
After ten years of diligent training, I had just managed to gain freedom in my swordsmanship, barely stepping into early first-rate.
But...
'How can the vice-leader of the Palace of Heavenly Demons still not use sword energy, Eun-Hyun? Do you know what your nickname is?'
'What is my nickname?'
'You dont have one! Since you, barely hanging on early first-rate, can't do anything in important battles, no one pays attention to you, and that's why you dont have a nickname!'
'But I'm not a direct combatant, what do you expect me to do!'
That's right.
I hadn't participated in battles for 10 years due to my lack of talent in martial arts. Instead, I learned disguise, infiltration, instigation, mechanical traps, and espionage to assist the Palace.
It wasn't that I didnt want to improve my martial arts.
'No matter how much I train, I just can't advance.'
Those in the late first-class are on the verge of reaching the peak for 10 years.
Those in the mid first-class had been honing their skills to reach the peak for 10 years.
I was the only one who barely managed to hang onto the early first-class from the late second-class.
Of course, being first-rate was equivalent to a large faction elder or a small faction sect leader, which was respectable.
If I had joined a large sect, I could have secured an elder position.
But in the Palace of Heavenly Demons which had seen the principles of Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Marital Arts and received teachings from the best martial artist for 10 years, numerous disciples were on the verge of reaching the peak.
While they were just on the verge, the gap between the peak and first-class was like heaven and earth.
First-class martial artists could never beat those at the peak.
The only way a first-class martial artist could win against a peak martial artist was if more than 50 first-class martial artists used swarm tactics to exhaust the peak masters physical and mental strength.
In the Palace of Heavenly Demons, where many were on the verge of the Pinnacle Realm, I was treated as the weakest link.
However...
'Why are you the only one complaining about me, Hyung-nim? Even the elders who learned directly from you recognize my contributions.'
Knowing my weakness, I strived to be helpful in other areas.
Using my past life experience as the chief strategist of the Wulin Alliance, I gathered intelligence, infiltrated, disguised, and brought crucial information to the Palace.
Hyung-nim, you're the only one whos too harsh on me.'
'Who's being harsh on you, Eun-hyun? I've been guiding you for 10 years, but it's frustrating that youre still barely hanging onto first-rate after all this time!'
'No, is first-rate some family's dog name?! Ordinary people become first-rate at this age!'
Of course, compared to those ordinary people, I was worse.
If I consider all my lifetimes, I'm well over a hundred years old.
Having practiced martial arts for over a century and being only early first-rate, my martial arts talent was truly dreadful.
It's just that my regression advantage had concealed this.
'I've been annoyed with the information you brought and now this...'
He rubbed his head as if it hurt.
That evening, Young-hoon Hyung-nim and the elders gathered at his call.
'Lately, there have been suspicious movements. It seems that the government and the martial world are collaborating to attack us.'
At Young-hoon Hyung-nims words, the elders' faces twitched.
'Those worthless things, just what do they think they are?'
'We have six monsters who have mastered Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts here!'
'It seems like a needless worry for Extreme Heavenly Demon.'
Then, Young-hoon Hyung-nim looked at me and gestured.
I spread out the documents I had gathered through espionage and explained the situation.
'It's not simple. Recently, behind the government and the martial world, the cultivator clan, which has been scheming, is planning to personally intervene as we have remained uncontrolled for over 10 years.'
'Cultivators'
'If the vice-leader brought this information...'
'The vice-leader is excellent in all aspects except martial arts, so it's believable...'
'Was that a compliment or an insult?'
I coughed and explained how I got the information and the situation we were in.
'So, it's likely that the government and martial world will push us toward where the cultivator clan is.'
'What do you plan to do?'
I smiled and explained the strategy.
'Before we fall into the cultivators' hands, let's strike them first.'
'Attack the cultivators?'
'Yes. Though they are cultivators, they are currently scattered across the country, scheming in various places. If we defeat them while they're separated, their plans will be futile.'
An elder asked me a question.
'So, have you pinpointed the locations of these scheming cultivators?'
'I'm confident that I know where over 90% of them are.'
'As expected of the vice-leader. Such reliable intelligence.'
Actually, it was information I had desperately gathered in my past life as the chief strategist of the Wulin Alliance.
It was information that could never be obtained in a situation like now, where we had become enemies of the martial world.
'We are planning to seek out the cultivators and engage in battle, hence everyone needs to improve their skills. Especially the vice-leader. I'll take responsibility and definitely make you stronger than the lowest ranks of the Palace of Heavenly Demons.'
Young-hoon Hyung-nim patted my shoulder while laughing heartily.
'Ha ha. I saw the vice-leader being scolded by the Palace leader during training this morning. You've been continuing your training since then!'
'You're really diligent, ha ha ha!'
'Of course, it wouldnt do for the vice-leader of the Palace of Heavenly Demons to be weaker than the lowest ranks of the force.'
The elders also laughed heartily, teasing me.
And a few days later...
We set out to individually defeat the cultivators scattered throughout Yanguo.
***
The Palace of Heavenly Demons had made a move.
While the entire martial world tensed up again, the Palace of Heavenly Demons merely burned down a small estate in a small city called Hoguk city and disappeared.
People gossiped about the capricious acts of the Extreme Heavenly Demon, but those who knew the truth were solemn.
Extreme Heavenly Demon had slaughtered a cultivator!
The top echelons of the martial world.
The highest ranks of the business and political realms.
And the royal family.
They were the ones who knew about cultivators and understood how terrifying they were.
To them, the news of the Extreme Heavenly Demon slaughtering a cultivator was like the sky turning upside down.
"Yanguo is engulfed in chaos."
On the surface, it seemed calm.
All Extreme Heavenly Demon Young-hoon did was burn down an estate.
But those in the know were visibly shaken.
"Depending on Hyung-nim's movements, the turmoil will likely escalate."
"Well, that level of turmoil doesn't matter."
The one who had actually slain the cultivator was unbothered.
"The bizarre spells they cast are something that any peak master can counter once they get used to them. Slaughtering such beings won't help me further advance my understanding of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts. I need to seek out more stronger ones."
"Don't worry about that...There are still many cultivators left."
I smirked, unfolding a map of Yanguo.
Based on research from my past life, the number of cultivators lurking in Yanguo was more than enough to satisfy Young-hoon.
"I'll guide us to our next target."
Six months later.
Palace of Heavenly Demons rampaged through Yanguo, slaughtering one cultivator after another.
Most of the cultivators matched an ordinary peak master in strength, and it was rare to see any as powerful as those who had reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
Therefore, not even the elders, let alone Hyung-nim, had to join the battles. It was only the peak masters of the Palace of Heavenly Demons who exerted their power.
'But this isn't all.'
As far as I knew, the cultivators we had encountered so far were the bottom rung in the Cultivation hierarchy, merely dealing with menial tasks in the mortal world.
In other words, even the lowest of the low among the cultivators were comparable to peak masters.
'It's about time the high-ranking cultivators start appearing.'
My prediction proved accurate.
Three months later.
Palace of Heavenly Demons encountered a cultivator of a different caliber.
"Word has it that a group of mortals, ignorant of their place, are slaughtering cultivators of the clan. Is that you lot?"
One day.
While heading to slaughter a cultivator residing in Chamgyo city, on a mountain path, a young man in blue robes blocked the way of the Palace of Heavenly Demons, smiling slyly.
However, none of the Palace of Heavenly Demons members underestimated him.
The tingling sensation of his aura and the pressure he exuded were signs of a powerful cultivator.
"According to our intelligence, it is the cultivators who plan to annihilate the Palace of Heavenly Demons in collaboration with the martial world and the government. We're just struggling to survive. If you're a messenger of the cultivator clan, convey this message: If they stop persecuting us, we will cease slaughtering cultivators!"
Young-hoon yelled powerfully at the young man.
And then, the young man's expression changed.
"Ha, haha..."
He suddenly burst into a mad laugh.
"Ahahaha! Hahaha! Haha! Really, really... Ahahaha!"
Thud, thud...
Another young boy in blue robes and a beautiful woman in blue armor walked out.
All of them possessed auras similar to that of the young man.
"Hahaha... It's utterly hilarious. It seems you have a big misunderstanding. Since you made me laugh, I'll tell you one basic fact about the cultivation world."
The young man spread his left hand.
On it appeared the character for "refining qi."
"In the stages of cultivation, the lowest stage is called Qi Refining. The cultivators you've been defeating until now..."
"Are they Qi Refining cultivators?"
"No, no. Listen to the end. The Qi Refining Phase is divided into 14 levels, from 1-star to 14-star. The higher the number, the closer to the next realm. A 14th level Qi Refining cultivator is highly regarded in the cultivator clan, while a 1st level is considered the dregs. And..."
Chuckle...
The young man gave a twisted smile and showed his right hand, on which the number one was inscribed.
"The ones you've been proudly defeating were just 1st level Qi Refining cultivators embarrassingly low, even for cultivator standards. They were assigned to handle the petty affairs of the mortal world."
"..."
I was shocked as if I had been hit on the head.
I never had the chance to learn such information in my past life.
'I knew there were stages like Qi Refining, Qi Building, and Core Formation..'
But to think that the cultivators lurking around, each comparable to a peak master, were actually the very bottom of the Qi Refining Phase!
"By the way, my friends and I have reached the 3rd level of Qi Refining. We are a different class compared to the trash you've been dealing with..."
"So, even among 14 levels, you're just a lowly 3-star."
Young-hoon interrupted him with a smirk.
"The same bottom-dwellers mocking 1st level ones, that's hilariously pathetic. At least the ones I met fought me with the resolve to die. You just blabber away. Is that the extent of your cultivated skills?"
"Eek!"
The young man's face contorted.
"Fine, you impudent fool. If you so desire, I'll show you my power. I'll demonstrate what it means to be a 3rd level Qi Refining cultivator!"
A powerful pressure emanated from the young man and his two companions.
But Young-hoon merely clicked his tongue and turned away.
"It'll be a bit troublesome. Heavenly Demon force! Prepare the formation!"
Simultaneously, the peak masters of Palace of Heavenly Demons, trained in techniques derived from Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, surrounded the three cultivators.
Flash!
The cultivators started casting spells without chanting, their techniques shining like stars.
'Fast!'
They were indeed different from those we had encountered so far.
'No chanting and still such powerful spells!'
Typically, cultivators would always chant mantras before engaging in combat. But these ones didn't, and yet their spells were more powerful than any we'd seen.
'But still...'
Yes, they were strong.
But I didn't feel like we were going to lose.
Because...
"Deploy the formation!"
"Transcending Cultivation formation, open!"
Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial arts was invincible,
And everything derived from it was
"The strongest!"
Palace of Heavenly Demons's tactics, based on the teachings of the martial Record, were unsurpassed.
The battle ended after an hour.
Thanks to the combined techniques of the peak masters, we barely managed to kill the three cultivators.
"Stronger cultivators will come to us in the future. Those we just faced were only weak, at the 3rd level of Qi Refining Phase."
"Still, the elders didn't need to step in. Those who have reached Three Flowers Gather at the Summit can easily handle such opponents."
"But..."
"I've taught the elders the martial Record. Even if stronger monsters appear, it won't be a problem."
Young-hoon brushed off my concerns with absolute confidence.
"The more I see the cultivators fight, the more I'm convinced. The Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts was created to kill these creatures. No matter how strong they are, the martial Record will always find their weakness!"
Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
It's indeed a remarkable martial art.
But I remembered my previous life.
Young-hoon, the creator of the martial Record.
'In my past life, Young-hoon Hyung-nim never intended to defeat cultivators with the record. He only described it as a lifeline to save ones life.'
I felt an ominous premonition about his current overconfidence and could only advise him to stay alert.
Gradually, the cultivators blocking our path grew stronger.
At first, we faced cultivators like the young man in blue, at the 3rd level of Qi Refining Phase.
As we swiftly cut down such foes, a 4th level cultivator came after us.
A single cultivator of Qi Refining 4-star faced the combined techniques of 300 Palace of Heavenly Demon members and was only killed by an elder who had reached Three Flowers.
Next, we encountered a 6-star cultivator.
The 6-star cultivator fought evenly with an elder who had reached Three Flowers, but we barely managed to win thanks to the elder's close combat strategy.
"Without the martial Record, I would have struggled against a cultivator just one level lower."
An elder who had reached Three Flowers testified to the toughness of the Qi Refining cultivators after the battle.
Two months later, we faced a 7-star cultivator.
To defeat the 7-star cultivator, five elders who had reached Three Flowers and learned the martial Record had to join forces.
Although we barely managed to kill the 7-star cultivator, the elders' faces were grim.
"Lord Extreme Heavenly Demon, the 7-star cultivatorsEven those in the mid-range were a challenge for us. If stronger ones appear..."
"Can we really defeat cultivators beyond that level?"
Young-hoon was unflinching in his response.
"Push the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to its limits. It's a martial art designed to kill cultivators. It can find their weak points! Have confidence!"
Time passed.
After killing the 7-star cultivator, no cultivators above the 4th level approached us for a while.
During that time, we established a base in Cheombyeok city and rebuilt the headquarters of the Palace of Heavenly Demons.
We seized control of the area around the city and re-established our sect formally.
Occasionally, cultivators of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels of Qi Refining Phase attacked our headquarters, but that was all.
The majority of the Qi Refining cultivators were caught and killed by the peak masters of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit.
Thus, a quiet period, like the calm before a storm, lasted for several years.
Whoom, whoom!
As I practiced the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, I realized I had finally reached the realm I had been striving for.
Beyond just seeking freedom in swordsmanship, I now had the leisure to try something more.
In that leisure, I honed my internal energy to its extreme.
The sword and my hand felt as one.
Whoom!
Shwick!
The sword sharply cut through the air.
Invisible, sharp energy.
A mist enveloping the sword.
It was sword energy.
"Ha, haha... Hahahaha!"
I swung the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship and tried cutting a rock the size of a person set up for practice.
Shwick!
The rock cleanly split in half, like tofu.
"Finally... Mid-level of First Grade!"
Sword energy isn't just about enhancing the sword with internal energy.
It's about refining one's martial art to its extreme, then releasing that energy.
Thus, strengthening the specific characteristics of that martial art to their utmost.
That's what sword energy is.
The Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, in this case, is a martial art with the strongest characteristic of 'cutting', hence this trait was significantly enhanced. With practice, the many hidden traits of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship could also be enhanced with sword energy and unleashed.
"It took ten years. Ten years to progress from the early stages of the first grade to this point."
It has been 30 years since this life began. My physical age had now reached fifty-nine. I was almost sixty years old before I reached the mid-level of the first grade.
"My lifespan is only about 20 years left."
Can I reach the status of a peak master within that time? I managed to reach the first-grade master with relentless effort and gathering information that was available to the public.
But reaching the status of a peak master is said to be an unreachable realm without extreme talent, even known to the world. The peak masters of Palace of Heavenly Demons were able to reach that level because they originally had tremendous talent.
"Is it possible in this lifetime?"
I looked down at my wrinkled hands and sighed lightly.
Let's not think about whether it's possible. If what I can do is wield a sword, then I will just keep swinging it.
It was when I was about to practice the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship again.
Boom!
One of the Palaces pavilions exploded.
"This level of explosion..."
It's a cultivator!
As I hurriedly looked up into the sky, a cultivator standing on a leaf-shaped magical instrument was looking down at the main branch of the Palace with calm eyes.
"Head of Palace of Heavenly Demons, the Extreme Heavenly demon, come out and face your punishment."
The cultivator's voice resonated throughout the main branch.
Tingling, tingling...
I felt an electric sensation all over my body.
'Dangerous.'
The cultivators I had encountered so far were of a completely different dimension.
"I heard that the Extreme Heavenly Demon, a mortal, has killed the Qi Refining juniors of my clan. As a Qi Building investigator of my clan, I will deal with you."
Young-hoon approached me and whispered.
"First, evacuate outside the Palace. Notify others as well."
"Hyung-nim?"
"A Qi Building investigator... Incomparable to those we've faced before."
"Hyung-nim, are you in danger?"
"Hahaha, that's unlikely."
He chuckled.
"Anyone who has reached the state of Five Energies Converging to the Origin could somewhat match him. And... I have reached Five Energies and continued to practice the martial Record."
Kukukukuku!
A terrifying force emanated from him.
His eyes sparkled with indescribable excitement.
"Don't worry... I will never lose!"
Boom!
He leaped off the ground, stepping through the air towards the Qi Building cultivator floating above.
Zoom!
A bright light burst with a thunderous sound.
Following his orders, I evacuated others and left the Palace.
From above the buildings, countless lights and explosions burst forth, and the figures of the Qi Building cultivator and Young-hoon flickered in the air.
The Qi Building cultivator, riding a magical instrument in the air, was opposing Young-hoon, who was stepping on the air, pressing him with the martial arts of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts..
Boom!
However, when the Qi Building cultivator took out a giant fan the size of a yard and waved it, Young-hoon started to be pushed back.
The cultivator began to use a variety of strange magical instruments, and it seemed Young-hoon was being overpowered.
Soon after, the cultivator's face paled as he tried to retreat.
At that moment.
Young-hoon vanished.
Immediately after, the cultivator's head fell off.
"Are you alright, Hyung-nim!"
The elders and I, who had been watching the battle from nearby, rushed to the site.
"Huff... Huff..."
There stood Young-hoon, panting for the first time after fighting anyone.
"Lord!"
"Extreme Heavenly Demon!"
"Hyung-nim!"
As we hurriedly approached him, he suddenly thrust out his saber.
"Look!"
"What should we look at?"
"The blade, look at the blade!"
"Blade...? Ah...!"
His blade was edgeless.
Until now, he had never used special weapons like treasure swords. He simply bought a saber from the local blacksmith whenever he needed a new one.
With the mindset that a craftsman does not blame his tools, he had always displayed peerless martial arts with ordinary sabers.
Until now, against any martial artist or cultivator, his weapon had never lost its edge.
"Ha, hahaha... Hahahaha!"
Young-hoon burst into hearty laughter.
"All this time, with the thought that a craftsman does not blame his tools, I've been using shabby weapons. Seeing that cultivator recklessly use bizarre magical weapons made me realize, weapons too are part of a martial artist's strength. I almost couldn't cut that monstrous Qi Building cultivator; I was just a little short on power!"
"Hmm... So he was that strong..."
The elders' faces darkened.
However, Young-hoons face was beaming more than ever.
"Yes, he was incredibly strong. Probably anyone who hasn't reached Five Energies Converging to the Origin, even if they practiced Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausating Martial Arts, can't face him. The difference in class was too big! He naturally used defensive magic on top of defensive Qi arts, causing the edge of my saber to fall off... But."
His eyes were shining brightly.
"We can win! If we fully master the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts! Even those monstrous creatures can be killed!!!"
"Ah..."
"Ahah!"
The elders too started to show signs of hope.
"Martial artists too! Can defeat cultivators!!!"
Young-hoon, holding the edgeless saber, shouted loudly.
I too, feeling some kind of hope from him, felt my heart surge.
"We will drive out the cultivators lurking in Yanguo and make the martial world ours!"
Young-hoon boldly declared, raising his sword towards the sky.
Everyone was compelled to agree with his ideology.
He showed them hope.
Two months passed.
Fifty Qi Building cultivators came at us.
Translator notes: I loudly exclaimed "F*ck!" when I first read that. Not 2, not 3, but fking 50 brrrrr
***
"Is this a dream?
Swoosh...
Rain is falling.
The sky is dyed in ink, and beneath it, an old man in blues is riding a cloud-shaped magical artifact, looking down at the ruined main hall of the Palace of Heavenly Demon.
Around him, dozens of Qi Building practitioners in blue robes looked down upon the scene.
Despite the rain, it seemed as if an invisible barrier surrounded them, repelling the raindrops.
In the center of the Palace, Hyung-nim, the members of the Palace of Heavenly Demons, and the elders lay covered in blood.
Coughing up blood, Hyung-nim used a broken saber as a cane and barely stood up.
Monster... Qi Building, late stage...
The old man riding the cloud-shaped artifact looked down at him and said, You can take pride, mortal. I am not just a simple Qi Building 14-star cultivator, but a Qi Building at Great Perfection, a higher realm of cultivation. You have fought unbelievably well against a practitioner almost reaching Core Formation and forty-nine others in the Qi Building.
Fought well, my ass... Handling you alone was overwhelming. The rest... even if I just executed formations...
Hmm, judging by your state, you seem to have reached Five Energies Converging to the Origin among martial artists. Correct?
Coughing blood, Hyung-nim knelt on one knee.
Hyung-nim...
Trapped under the debris of the collapsed building, I could only watch him.
I was pinned down by the debris, unable to move, when the building collapsed with a wave of a Qi Building cultivators hand.
Its not a fatal injury.
My self-diagnosis, based on my past life as a top-tier physician.
With proper treatment, I could be up in two months.
But right now, I couldnt even slightly assist Hyung-nim.
Even if I werent trapped, Id be of no help.
Biting my lip, I realized my own powerlessness.
The old man in the blue robe, who declared himself a Great Perfection Qi Building cultivator, stroked his beard and spoke to my Hyung-nim.
Although its abominable that you killed members of my cultivator clan and deserve death, I admire your talent. I offer you the chance to become a disciple of my clan and learn cultivation methods.
Cultivation... methods? Werent those... for your special, fancy folks... only?
If a martial artist reaches Five Energies, even mortals awaken a similar spiritual quality. Your Five Energies Converging to the Origin probably corresponds to our Five Energies Spiritual Root. If you learn cultivation methods, youll become a valuable asset to our clan.
The other cultivators seemed taken aback by his offer.
Ha... Grandfather. This guy is...
Before a Qi Building cultivator could voice his displeasure, the old man murmured something, likely sending a telepathic message.
Afterwards, the disturbed Qi Building cultivators started smirking.
Ha, indeed, mortal. You have the potential to become a cultivator, so we offer you this chance.
Well even teach you our clans highest cultivation methods. Youve achieved a great feat.
Becoming a cultivator will grant you incomparable power and wisdom.
They were now encouraging Hyung-nim to become a cultivator.
I noticed from their eyes that they were mocking and ridiculing him.
Trap...
It was a trap. They would accept him as a cultivator, but something was left unsaid.
Coughing blood and covered in wounds, Hyung-nim stood up.
Cultivation, right. That sounds good! Indeed, fighting you helped me reach an epiphany. Thanks to you, I was able to complete the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts!
He stomped the ground powerfully.
Ill show you the extreme of the marital Record!
...With that broken saber? Your comrades are all dead, too?
...The dead comrades of the Palace of Heavenly Demons will also wish to strike you down.
Hyung-nim grasped his saber stance.
That look...
For a moment, I saw the overlap of Hyung-nim from my past life.
Suddenly, I felt like I understood the true intention behind the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts..
In my past life, Hyung-nims despairing look told me something.
Whoosh!
He vanished in an instant, reaching the old man's side and swung his sword.
Hmph, futile... huh...!
As the old man tried to cast a spell, my brother's broken saber sliced through the air next to him and cut through empty space.
However, something invisible seemed to have been 'cut.'
The old man was greatly flustered and lost hold of Young-hoon, who slipped past him and escaped through the encirclement of Qi Building cultivators.
Indeed.
This was the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts created by Young-hoon from my past life. A martial art born from despair and sorrow, created by the greatest martial artist upon encountering a cultivator and falling into despair.
This martial art harbored a purpose:
"To my younger brother Seo Eun-hyun, please preserve this martial art for future generations, so they may have at least a lifeline in the face of the natural disaster known as cultivators."
A secret technique to create an escape in the presence of stronger, invincible cultivators. This was the original goal pursued by the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts.
"Catch that audacious mortal!"
Whoosh!
The old man in blue robe rode a cloud-shaped magical artifact and chased after Young-hoon, and the other Qi Building cultivators followed suit, each riding their own flying magical artifacts.
A few remaining Qi Building cultivators looked down at the ruined Palace of Heavenly Demons.
"Seems like there's a survivor down there."
Their gaze on me was palpable.
But one of the cultivators dismissively said,
"Nevermind. If they're not peak cultivators, let's leave the first and second-rate scraps and go after him. The rest can be handed over to the mortal authorities to issue a manhunt."
"Understood."
The Qi Building cultivators left me behind, soaring after Young-hoon.
Indeed, I was of no interest to them, just first-rate scraps.
Worthless, inconsequential, a mere mortal.
"Cough... Ugh...!"
Weak, useless, powerless.
Gritting my teeth, I pushed the debris off me with all my might, summoning all my internal energy.
"Ugh... Aaaah!"
Weak, yet surviving due to my insignificance.
Happy about it?
"Haah...!"
I barely crawled out of the debris and collapsed onto the rain-soaked ground.
"Aah... Aah...!"
Endlessly weak, to the extent of being of no help to anyone.
Despite learning various skills like disguise, medicine, stealth, and espionage to compensate for my weakness, I was helpless against real monsters.
"Ugh... Aah...!"
I wailed in the rain.
Squelch, squelch, squelch...
After some time, I regained some strength and crawled to where Young-hoon had jumped away.
The bodies of the elders and the peak cultivators of the Palace of Heavenly Demons were strewn about.
I searched among them for any possible survivors.
Sadly, all the members of the Palace were dead.
"Damn it."
Then, something caught my eye.
The spot where Young-hoon had jumped.
There was something there.
"This is..."
A sword mark. But it formed a shape.
It was a letter.
I hastily approached the sword mark and read the letters.
"In fifteen days... at Suak Temple..."
Suak Temple was a deserted temple outside Cheombyeok City.
The sword mark was so crudely made that only someone who knew his handwriting could understand it.
"I'll wait fifteen days."
After using my internal energy to recover in the rain, I rescued other survivors trapped under the debris, buried the elders and members of the Palace in a suitable place, and addressed the remaining force.
"Vice-leader, what do we do now?"
"If Master Young-hoon, the Palace Leader, is defeated by the cultivators..."
"We are marked as criminals in the martial world..."
"If the authorities issue a manhunt for us..."
I sighed, facing the desperate faces clinging to me.
All that were left were those who had not reached the peak stage, only up to the late stage of first-rate.
All the peak experts belonging to the Palace had died fighting the cultivators while deploying a battle formation.
'In such a situation, if the superior shows panic, it leads to great chaos.'
Among these people, some might rise in rebellion and capture me to offer my head to the authorities.
"From today on."
Currently, I was nominally the superior.
Unlike my past life, I was a mid-tier first-rate warrior.
In a group where everyone else was only first-rate, my skills were not to be underestimated.
"The Palace of Heavenly Demon changes form."
This wasn't just a state of confusion.
With the disappearance of the Extreme Heavenly Demon, Young-hoon, the focal point of the Palace, the organization's future seemed bleak, and chaos was bound to escalate.
As the last superior, I had to present at least some sort of vision.
"The Palace of Heavenly Demons is currently marked as a public enemy of the martial world, and the authorities have set bounties on most of us. The focal point, Extreme Heavenly Demon, Young-hoon, is also currently in an unknown state of life or death!"
Upon hearing this, the remaining people's eyes started to look menacing.
"If the authorities or martial factions start to pursue us, we'll be annihilated! But there is a way!"
"What is it?"
"Yanguo is vast! Therefore, it takes time and resources for news to spread throughout Yanguo. We will exploit this gap and seize control of the martial world's information in Yanguo!"
"What do you mean by that?"
"There are those among you who have learned espionage, counter-espionage, stealth, disguise, and other miscellaneous skills from me! We'll use those skills to gather information from each faction and understand the trends of the martial world, transforming the direction of the Palace of Heavenly Demons into an organization that handles information!
From now on, information in the martial world will pass through our hands and be manipulated by us! Since we deal with information, even the information that the Palace of Heavenly Demons was our predecessor can be manipulated by us!
We will survive by circulating, supplying, and selling false information to the authorities and martial factions!"
It wasn't mere bravado.
In my past life, when I was the chief strategist of the Wulin Alliance, all information and events of the martial world were in my hands.
I was more than capable of handling information, and I even knew about many future events.
My words seemed to have given some confidence to the remaining people as the threat in their eyes began to fade.
"The sooner the better. Let's establish a new organizational structure and search the Palace building for land deeds and money. Before the night ends, we will be reborn!"
I quickly reorganized the remaining members and left Cheombyeok City with others that night.
Fifteen days passed.
I headed to Suak Temple as mentioned by Young-hoon.
'What's this? It's empty.'
I waited a long time.
Until dawn the next day, I waited for Young-hoon.
But again, the day turned to night.
Night turned to day, and after three days and nights, Young-hoon did not come.
Then, I rummaged through Suak Temple and finally found a trace left by Young-hoon.
"Phew, almost missed it."
I found a sword mark on the main beam of Suak Temple.
"Cultivators are pursuing, so I couldn't meet you and left this letter here."
I jumped up to the beam, cut it down, and dropped it.
The beam had dozens of small sword marks, each forming letters. Despite the poor handwriting, I could make it out.
I slowly read Young-hoon's letter.
"That day, I realized the true purpose of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts. I thought it was a martial art created to kill cultivators, but I was completely wrong.
It was made to escape from cultivators.
"..."
"That day, I deeply felt the despair of the creator of this martial art. Surely, the creator too must have met an overwhelming cultivator, despaired, and ended up creating a martial art not to confront but to escape from them.
I could kill cultivators with this martial art only because their level was too low. I boasted that it was the greatest martial art, but I realized it has nothing to boast about.
"Hyung-nim..."
This letter's tone reminded me of Young-hoon from my past life.
"But I will continue to run away from the cultivators with my last pride. I'll see if martial arts can really not stand against cultivators, if the martial Record is really only about escaping, or if I can reach beyond that.
From now on, I will keep running away from cultivators, evolving the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts to its extreme as long as I can practice martial arts. It seems I won't see you for a while.
Cultivators are approaching. If I survive, I'll come to you someday."
That was the last sentence of the letter.
"I, too, will wait for you in the shadows, Hyung-nim."
I left Suak Temple and returned to Gwiyeonggak, the successor to the Palace of Heavenly Demons, now reorganized as an intelligence organization.
Another ten years passed.
I successfully infiltrated Gwiyeonggak into the shadows of Yanguo, controlling the information market throughout Yanguo.
My decades of experience handling information in the Wulin Alliance and knowledge of the future were immensely helpful.
Other intelligence organizations resisted us a bit, but they eventually lost in secret battles.
We were, after all, successors to the Palace of Heavenly Demons.
A group formed from the remnants of a faction designated as martial worlds greatest criminals, with each remnant being a first-rate master.
They were of the level of large faction elders or small faction sect leaders, and abundant in our ranks.
Even if others initiated secret battles, our sheer power overwhelmed them, and we easily swept away other intelligence organizations.
As for peak masters who could challenge us, they had no reason to get involved in such secret battles, preferring to establish their own factions or join large factions as honorary elders or guests.
Eventually, within five years, Gwiyeonggak completely controlled Yanguo's martial world information market, erasing any information linking us to the Palace of Heavenly Demons.
In the next five years, I stabilized Gwiyeonggak and waited patiently for Young-hoon.
Ten years after the annihilation of the Palace.
Gwiyeonggak had firmly established itself as a leading information faction in Yanguo.
At the same time, we deceived the cultivators into believing that the remnants of the Palace of Heavenly Demons were completely eradicated, successfully separating us from the Palace..
As a result, we even became the privileged class in Yanguo, supported by cultivators.
In ten years, a few of the late-stage first-rate warriors had crossed the threshold into peak masters, ensuring we were not lacking in external strength.
Everything was abundant.
Except for one thing.
'My own skills.'
As I remember, I have about ten years left to live.
Shing! Shing!
The sword strokes of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship sliced through the air.
For ten years, busy with work, I couldn't properly train my martial arts, so my martial arts level was just at the boundary between mid and late first-rate.
'I'm just one step away from reaching the late first-rate.'
But that step wouldn't cross.
I must reach the late first-rate stage within the next ten years and at least grasp the clues to the Pinnacle Realm.
'How long must I remain weak?'
I was nearing seventy, but I still felt considerably weak.
'I aim for at least the Five Energies Converging to the Origin, but I'm still not even late first-rate.'
Why is my talent so meager?
Pondering this while swinging the sword for a while, a familiar voice reached my ears.
"You still have a lot of distractions in your swordplay, Eun-hyun."
"!"
I immediately turned my head.
There he was, sitting there.
"It's been a long time, Hyung-nim."
"Enough with the greetings, just wield your sword again."
Following his instruction, I resumed the stance of the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
"That sword technique fits you like a glove. Used properly, it can even lead you to the peak. Show me."
I displayed the moves of the swordsmanship as he said.
Watching, he pointed out corrections, and I diligently followed, improving my form.
This guidance continued until nightfall, and then he disappeared like a ghost.
Rubbing my eyes, I looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen.
The next day, he reappeared, guiding me in martial arts, and I followed his teachings without question.
Seven days and nights later, a breakthrough occurred.
The sword felt fused with my being.
The Severing Mountain Swordsmanship seemed to blend into my soul, becoming a part of me.
Suddenly, it felt like I could perform the technique with a branch or even bare-handed.
Simultaneously, the sword energy naturally covered the sword, becoming much more stable.
It seemed I could maintain the sword energy much longer than before.
"This is... Sword and Body Unity!"
The realm of Sword and Body Unity, a symbol of the late first-rate.
"You've crossed the barrier. Congratulations."
"Hyung-nim, you are truly remarkable."
I genuinely admired him.
A boundary I couldn't cross for years, he helped me cross in just seven nights.
But he clicked his tongue and said,
"I didn't give it to you. You were almost at the boundary, so I just gave you a little push on the back."
"Still, it wasn't easy to overcome that barrier."
"I've done all I can for you. Now that you've crossed the barrier, you must sort it out yourself."
"Of course."
"And... reaching the pinnacle will not be easy. Beyond it lies a completely different world. You must not think in terms of ordinary martial arts regarding the Pinnacle Realm."
"I have heard that all my life."
"No matter how much you listen, it won't be enough. I may have crossed the pinnacle's barrier as if it was a joke, but for someone with your lack of talent, it will take thousands, tens of thousands of times more effort just to reach that barrier."
"I will keep that in mind."
"Right."
Young-hoon Hyung-nim then took out a book from his robe.
The title of the book was "Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts" ().
"I've supplemented some lacking parts of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, developed a few techniques further, and added a few more."
He said 'a few', but the book was significantly thicker than the one I had received in my previous life.
It seemed almost three times thicker.
"But still, even after gazing at cultivators, beyond ordinary martial arts, it's just a record of no significance. I never managed to surpass cultivators."
"..."
"I managed to somehow evade the early Qi Building cultivators, and finally succeeded in cutting down a late stage Qi Building cultivator. But the Core Formation cultivators... They are like natural disasters. From the Core Formation onwards, they are akin to natural phenomena in human form..."
"..."
"I managed to cut off one wrist of a Core Formation cultivator. But that was it, the wrist grew back as soon as the cultivator chanted a few spells, and I was on the verge of life-and-death several times."
He looked up at the sky with a bitter expression.
I couldn't hide my own bitter feelings.
He rose to the top of the world faster than in my previous life.
Even after mastering the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, his previous cycle's legacy.
It was the same result as I had heard in my past life.
"Probably the creator of the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts felt the same as I did. That this is '[the end]'. That martial artists cannot go beyond this... He must have felt that..."
He brushed his face with a look of devastation.
"I... I was highly regarded by the Core Formation cultivator who subdued me. I was admitted to his cultivation clan. I was the best in the martial world, but in the clan, I would be the junior. Haha... Since entering the cultivation clan means cutting ties with the secular world, I came to see you one last time."
"Then, if that's '[the end]', why did you give this to me?"
I looked at the Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts with a gloomy expression and asked.
"After all, even if you master it, you can't reach cultivators."
"Haha, that's true. But..."
He spoke with a sorrowful expression.
"For the future generation, to at least secure their minimum rights in front of cultivators. This martial art is left for that purpose. I don't even consider it a lifeline. It's just the minimum 'power' for beings like us, mere mortals, to be recognized as entities by cultivators."
He smiled sorrowfully and continued.
"There are many more cruel and brutal cultivators than you think. This martial art provides a brief moment of respite in front of such people... It's that kind of martial art."
Swoosh...
Suddenly, he disappeared completely from my sight.
As if he had become a phantom, I was astonished.
"This is..."
"One of the miscellaneous techniques created while developing Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts. This Record, like the Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts, requires the martial artist to reach the level of Three Flowers Gather at the Summit. Take it to a martial artist who has reached that level, and they will recognize its value. I also left another gift for you, so continue to diligently strive and reach the pinnacle."
Whoosh...
After leaving these words, Young-hoon Hyung-nim never appeared in front of me again.
Young-hoon Hyung-nim left something else for me.
On the wall of my training ground.
There, sword marks were engraved, forming a martial arts technique.
"This is..."
It was the Severing Mountain Swordsmanship.
But... tailored to my level, having reached the late first-rate, it was once again revised.
The original swordsmanship which consisted of 12 moves, had 12 more added, making a total of 24 forms.
Fortunately, the added moves were connected to the original Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, so it wasn't difficult to learn.
Perhaps because I had reached the state of 'Sword and Body Unity,' the proficiency of the swordsmanship seemed to increase very quickly.
"Thank you, Hyung-nim."
As I learned the revised swordsmanship, I quietly thanked Young-hoon Hyung-nim.
My life slowly drained away.
But I wielded my sword relentlessly, even with an aging body.
From the late first-rate, striving to break through to the Pinnacle Realm.
I memorized the techniques of the Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts, transcribed them, and secretly distributed them to major factions around Yanguo.
I hoped that the peak masters who got the record would slightly improve their realm and gain strength to oppose cultivators.
My body was gradually losing vitality.
It no longer obeyed me as before.
But I gritted my teeth and swung my sword.
I can't be weak anymore.
I mustn't be weak.
Repeating life doesn't mean there's no meaning in a repeated life.
That's why I lived this life to the fullest.
And for the life I may live again...
I mustn't feel powerless in that lifetime.
I cannot be weak!
Years flew by quickly.
On the day I died, I was still wielding my sword.
Thus, I concluded my tenacious life with swordsmanship.
That was my third return.
Translator Notes: The words Transcending and Exceeding in 'Record of Transcending Cultivation and Exhausting Martial Arts' and 'Record of Gazing Cultivation and Exceeding Martial Arts' are the same word in Korean,, which is phonetically Wol.
So phonetically, the names of the records are Wol-su-gung-mu-rok and Jo-su-wol-mu-rok respectively.
However, to better show the difference between the two records I used different words that have similar meanings and fit the context, 'Transcending' and 'Exceeding.'
***