1137——————==

Soul of the Evil God

We followed Grand Master Jang Sam-bong through the Daoist hall and walked across a vast meadow. The sunlight was clear, and the wind was warm, bringing the feeling of spring. While walking, I noticed Mangnyang beside me using some mysterious power, and a moment later, he said.

“I’ll try to attach it again.”

Uwooong

With an odd sound, his detached arm was back in place. I gasped in wonder.

“Oh! You restored it using the Corpse Dissolution Technique?”

“I thought about using rapid regeneration, but I wasn’t sure how your divine power would react… So, I used the Corpse Dissolution Technique to connect the dimensions to minimize resistance. Your spirit energy will help with natural recovery going forward, but for now, avoid using that arm too much.”

That’s quite impressive. I had always felt that the Corpse Dissolution Technique was an all-purpose skill. Then, Mangnyang approached Grand Master Jang Sam-bong, offering to reattach his arm, but the Grand Master flatly refused.

“No need.”

With a wry smile, Mangnyang stepped back.

“Well, since you possess an immortal body, you’ll likely recover with the aura of the Celestial Realm soon enough…”

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong didn’t respond to that. His expression was neutral, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Mangnyang. Soon, we reached the center of the expansive field, and Grand Master Jang Sam-bong addressed us.

“Let me make this clear: starting from the 93rd floor, Guardians possessing the ability to manipulate the [Small Cycle] will appear. Regardless of how significant that ability is…”

“……”

As expected.

Nobody was surprised by what Grand Master Jang Sam-bong had just said. Instead, it felt like the anticipated trial had finally arrived, which wasn’t exactly a welcome reality. After all, it was going to be an incredibly tricky challenge.

[Small Cycle]!

That referred to the ability to manipulate the space-time of this world. The [Great Cycle] embodied the unchangeable fate of the entire universe, a power even the gods couldn’t tamper with. However, the [Small Cycle] could very well be handled by powerful divine beings or a [Ruler], indicating that those who control it vastly exceed the dimensions of mere mortals.

The Sword Demon crossed his arms and spoke seriously.

“The Emperor Zhu Hu Chong on the 91st floor is a formidable apostle and a Demon King in his own right. Even he showed no signs of manipulating the [Small Cycle], so we can expect opponents above that level?”

“Exactly.”

“Then from now on, every opponent we face will be at least the level of the Three Strengths among the Eight Parts of the Divine… They struggled to handle the [Small Cycle], so these new foes will undeniably be stronger.”

The Three Strengths of the Eight Parts of the Divine?

Celestial, Asura, Great Dragon.

The might of these three beings was something that needed no further explanation. They were practically paramount among Demon Kings! To even compare to such beings, one would need to be a top-tier existence appointed as an apostle by the [Old Ruler].

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong stated firmly.

“That’s not the only way to look at it. Just because they’re stronger doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to be invincible.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even though this trial was created under the powers of Nüwa, it’s not like she can freely reproduce the ultimate beings within this illusion. If she could, she would have produced [Old Ruler]-level existences and built an invincible army. The Guardians in this tower can only borrow and manipulate her space-time powers.”

The Sword Demon raised an eyebrow.

“Borrow?”

“Yes. Originally, this trial was made by Fuxi for reasons unknown…but recently, Nüwa has involved herself. She has summoned the souls of the Guardians into this world and imbued them with special powers so they could manipulate the [Small Cycle].”

“…then Nüwa is.”

The Sword Demon seemed to pick up on something.

“You mean she wants to see how we can assault divine beings?”

“Precisely. The intention is clear. If your combat strength is overwhelming enough to defeat an [Old Ruler], why call it a trial? It would simply be a show of strength.”

“So, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong is teaching us how to resist the [Small Cycle] since we would be annihilated if we encountered someone who can manipulate it without preparation… Truly impressive.”

Yet, the Sword Demon’s voice trailed off.

“However… can we really do this? As far as we know, achieving that level requires extreme concentration and enlightenment, something that hasn’t been properly established in the history of martial arts for thousands of years.”

At that remark, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“You’re right. Knowing the methods doesn’t mean attaining them will be easy. It’s an extraordinarily challenging path.”

“So you can teach us?”

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have blocked your path. Now, I can teach you sufficiently.”

With that, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong looked deeply at us, his eyes glimmering slightly.

“However, you must meet the required qualifications. This is about consuming the cause and effect prepared for the end…it’s why I tested you. I’ve also confirmed that you have ample qualifications.”

“Hmm…”

“Alright, let’s all sit cross-legged right here.”

As Grand Master Jang Sam-bong instructed, we all promptly took our seats on the vast meadow.

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong began slowly.

“Time is chaos, and space is chaos. The origin of the world was chaos, so the time and space derived from chaos must also be chaotic. Indeed, all souls and bodies, including myself, have emerged from this chaos. Therefore, do you think everything in this world is chaos?”

One among us answered.

“I know that there exists a primordial void opposing chaos. As long as the void exists, one cannot say chaos is ‘everything.'”

“Glad to see you are aware of the void’s existence. This makes it easier to explain.”

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong continued.

“Just as you said, the void exists separately from chaos. But the relationship between chaos and the void should not be understood merely as opposites. They may seem different at first glance, but they are essentially one.”

“…What do you mean? One, you say?”

“When the destruction of the universe occurs, chaos and the void will annihilate each other simultaneously, and no one knows what remains at the end of such magnificent destruction. However, in that annihilation state, one can genuinely say it is an absolute void.”

“……”

“Nothing cannot encompass something… Isn’t that so? Is there a possibility that absolute nothingness can become something after having been destroyed? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

…He asked for our thoughts, but this was far too complex.

It was a conceptual level I couldn’t comprehend at all.

‘What is he talking about…?’

I wondered if I was the only one struggling, but fortunately, all members of the team looked equally lost. The only one seemingly grasping the concept was Mangnyang, who, after hearing Jang Sam-bong’s words, responded.

“If having is the same as not having, then not having can also become having. It’s about defining concepts based on the negation of existence rather than merely identifying emptiness… But I never thought this philosophical issue could relate to martial arts theory.”

“Ha ha… It appears you grasped this concept immediately due to your brilliance. However, as mentioned before, understanding it intellectually doesn’t help. To elevate this concept, we need someone who can actually reach the realm of nothingness—someone who can reach out and touch it. So don’t leap to conclusions just because you think you’ve understood it theoretically.”

Mangnyang nodded.

“I understand. That’s the reason why the leaders of the martial gods exist. If this were only achievable through theory, then there would be no need for your existence.”

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong merely smiled mysteriously at that.

After a while, the Master of Shadowless Sword, who had been listening from the back, couldn’t contain himself any longer.

“Excuse me, Grand Master! Your words are far too complicated for us to grasp! Talking about having and not having is all well and good, but we’ve lived our lives eating by the sword, so complex concepts are beyond us. While I’ve studied literature to understand the theory of martial arts, it’s really not something I can grasp just from your statements!”

“Oh…”

“I can swear on my name that I’ve read fifteen volumes of various secret martial arts manuals and divine arts techniques, but not a single word was as difficult as what you’ve just said!”

I meant that!

Then Grand Master Jang Sam-bong said.

“Master of Shadowless Sword, imagine an infinitely extending straight line.”

“I’m imagining it. What’s the point?”

“Any ‘end’ will eventually approach that line. Regardless of how infinitely long this straight line is, even if it wraps around the universe, there must be an end. So, how would you eliminate that ‘end’?”

“……?”

The Master of Shadowless Sword looked dumbfounded. Then, he suddenly turned to me.

“I don’t know; do you, your majesty?”

“…….”

Why are you asking me!?

I hesitated and then finally said.

“Uh, um. If the person drawing the straight line doesn’t stop, it continues infinitely, doesn’t it? If one keeps wanting to draw, there wouldn’t be an end.”

At my response, Jang Sam-bong burst into laughter.

“Ha ha! That’s true. However, anything existing will eventually wane, and the universe must have an end, making it impossible.”

“Hmm… Why shouldn’t we create an end?”

“This is a metaphor regarding martial arts. If an end exists, it cannot conquer infinity.”

“……?”

Infinity?

I tilted my head, as did the rest of my crew, who had confused expressions. Jang Sam-bong gazed at Mangnyang.

“You must have realized the answer to this riddle long ago; so why not share it?”

In response, Mangnyang smirked slightly.

“No… I don’t plan to. If one doesn’t grasp it for themselves, it’s pointless, isn’t it? Moreover, telling the answer upfront would just obstruct their understanding.”

“You’re quite aware.”

Now I realized that he had warned Mangnyang not to talk unnecessarily. Understanding Jang Sam-bong’s intent, we began to think deeper, and he continued.

“I’ll give you a whole day, so take your time reflecting on this matter here. Then we will move on to the next training.”

“Understood.”

“There’s no need to be fixated on arriving at the answer.”

We pondered over Grand Master Jang Sam-bong’s riddle.

What could be the way to eliminate the end from an infinite line?

I thought for a long while.

‘How do I do it?’

An end exists on an infinite line. Yet it’s made impossible to continue infinitely. What must be done to eliminate that end? I groaned and continued to think.

‘Hmm! Let’s think, think, think…’

Two moments passed.

Five moments passed.

I thought so hard my head started to throb, so I went to rest under a nearby tree, and other martial artists came over to take breaks like I did. Some even lay down in the meadow without any thought. Among them, a few were practicing their sword-fighting skills.

I found it bizarre and approached one of them.

“Kamizumi Nobutsuna! Have any thoughts crossed your mind?”

He was none other than Dongyoung, the Great Swordsman who had been recruited into the Great Bear Empire, Kamizumi Nobutsuna. Tsukahara Bokuden was also part of our team. Nobutsuna appeared to be younger due to achieving Half-Transition Master in his past life, so his appearance was still quite fresh. He smiled faintly as he replied.

“Honestly, not at all. I just figure that moving my body like this is better than doing nothing, so I’m practicing.”

“That’s a good idea. Let’s do this together.”

Buhung Buhung

I trained hard alongside Kamizumi Nobutsuna, going through the upper and intermediate sword techniques. As I swung my sword with no specific intent, I noticed my mind started to calm down and my distractions began to dissolve.

How much time had passed?

Before I knew it, a day had gone by and Grand Master Jang Sam-bong approached us.

“Can I share the answer now?”

Everyone, including me, focused intently on him. Then Grand Master Jang Sam-bong said.

“The answer is this.”

Sssss

Using both arms, he slowly adopted the posture of Tai Chi, and upon seeing that, I instantly understood why he had given us a whole day.

‘His arms have recovered.’

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong, who had previously lost his arms, now had them fully restored, evidently thanks to the power of the Great Immortal. He must’ve waited to demonstrate to us until he could move both arms.

While watching the seamless performance of Grand Master Jang Sam-bong’s martial arts, from the first basic technique to the final one, I noticed something peculiar.

‘Each technique transitions into the next like a thread…’

While this was not exactly Peerless Technique, it certainly seemed to symbolize the realm he had achieved. After the demonstration concluded, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong used one hand to represent Qian (乾) and the other to depict Kun (坤). A significant circular Tai Chi image emerged around him as he promptly stated.

“Now, pay attention from here…”

With those words, he slowly executed the last technique to the first finale without any hint of awkwardness, as if it had been crafted that way from the very beginning. I suddenly felt a revelation hit me strongly in my mind.

“……!!”

Is that so!

I wasn’t the only one who realized it, as the Master of Shadowless Sword exclaimed in surprise.

“You mean connecting the end and the beginning?”

What that demonstration symbolized was exactly that. It meant it didn’t matter whether one moved from the beginning to the end or from the end back to the beginning, essentially indicating that both the end and the beginning were intertwined.

“That’s precisely it.”

“Ha ha… If that’s the case, the end would indeed vanish.”

The Master of Shadowless Sword tilted his head.

“But there was no need to demonstrate it through Tai Chi. You could have just said it yesterday; why…?”

“You still haven’t grasped the deeper meaning.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can you connect the end and the beginning?”

“Hmph! I don’t see it as a difficult task.”

With a sneer, the Master of Shadowless Sword stood up, grabbing his sword. He began to unfold his sword techniques slowly, and I realized what he was trying to show.

‘The Master of Shadowless Sword’s techniques are masterfully woven together, combining the Shadowless Sword Technique and the Emperor Sword Technique from the Namgung Clan in a brilliant way. Each technique retains its original form while modifying the flow as he wishes?’

Is that really possible on the spot? Each technique in the swordplay contains countless connection points and loops, so if even the slightest deviation occurs, the next technique cannot follow. Let alone mixing the techniques of two different Peerless Sword Techniques, which is an exceedingly tricky task. Even a typical swordsman would likely need a year to practice that before succeeding. Just merging the Shadowless Sword Technique and the Soul-Removing Sword Technique presents countless variations, and the Emperor’s technique is also riddled with transformations.

Swoosh swoosh!

‘Incredible.’

Though astonished, I watched as the Master of Shadowless Sword fluidly advanced through twenty techniques, maintaining an elegant flow without a single hitch. To my disbelief, he effortlessly pushed through that complexity, seamlessly linking techniques in reverse, just like Grand Master Jang Sam-bong had done!

‘To achieve that, you must understand the variations of countless techniques one by one.’

I had always known this, but indeed, the Master of Shadowless Sword was a genius in swordplay! A feat so difficult could not be done spontaneously; he accomplished it through nothing short of sheer genius and experience. After perfectly finishing his demonstration, the Master of Shadowless Sword proudly declared.

“What do you think? Is there anything to nitpick about?”

“No. You truly deserve the title of Sword Emperor in the Martial World.”

“Hmph, as long as you understand…”

“However, since the attack and defense do not unite, you merely followed the shell.”

“What?!”

“Now think again, comparing your performance with mine.”

Once more, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong demonstrated the Tai Chi movements. The Master of Shadowless Sword, who initially wore a disgruntled expression and gazed with dissatisfaction, turned pale as Jang Sam-bong executed his strokes from start to finish and then reversed them. Eventually, as the Grand Master finished his performance, he bowed his head deeply.

“…Grand Master, forgive my rudeness.”

“It suffices that you have understood. Now, you must have comprehended what it means for the ‘end’ and the ‘beginning’ to be connected.”

“Is such a realm truly possible for a human being?”

The Master of Shadowless Sword seemed to have an inkling of the level Grand Master Jang Sam-bong had attained, realizing how profound it is.

“I cannot make assurances. However, I will do my utmost to convey this to you through experience.”

Having said that, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong slowly scanned the audience.

“Some among you may have already felt it…”

While speaking, Jang Sam-bong’s gaze landed on the Sword Demon. With that gaze, the Sword Demon exhibited no signs of agitation and maintained his composure, though he looked deep in thought. Eventually, he addressed Grand Master Jang.

“Grand Master, isn’t it too late for us to master this technique? Our goal isn’t solely the trial of the tower.”

What was the Sword Demon implying?

In response, Grand Master Jang Sam-bong closed his eyes and slowly nodded.

“…That is indeed true. Even if you learn this technique, it won’t greatly affect the looming end. Unless the Ancestor was preparing an extraordinary reward atop the tower.”

“Does that mean we’ll have no choice but to stand by helplessly?”

“No one knows yet. And surely, you did not come this far with that belief.”

“……”

“Do not lose heart. That is what chaos revels in most.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Sword Demon answered briefly before glancing at me, stating,

“Baek Woong, did you grasp what Grand Master Jang Sam-bong was saying?”

“…Hmm, well.”

“You didn’t understand.”

“……”

That was actually true. I recognized that they had displayed something amazing not long ago, but I couldn’t comprehend why the Master of Shadowless Sword’s face had turned ashen. Was there something only he could sense?

Then the Sword Demon spoke.

“Grand Master. Before you guide Baek Woong, I need to talk to him first. Let’s go train for a moment.”

“Please do.”

“And Mangnyang, don’t eavesdrop.”

Mangnyang shrugged.

“You’re treating me like a snoop. I swear on my name that I won’t eavesdrop.”

“Very well.”

Pak

With that, I followed the Sword Demon as we left the training ground, arriving several miles away on the endless prairie. After we had moved a good distance away, the Sword Demon said.

“Baek Woong. I’ve received your past life memories and know of my previous self as the Sword Demon, who fought against Musashi, the Demon King. I needed to resist the [Small Cycle] that Berus was manipulating.”

“That did happen.”

“At that time, I had already reached the realm Grand Master Jang Sam-bong is attempting to teach now. I had comprehended the void and learned to resist the [Small Cycle]. It seems that Grand Master Jang Sam-bong is trying to teach that realm as a ‘skill’, but honestly, it feels less like a skill and more like a step into another realm.”

“How do you know that?”

At that statement, I widened my eyes.

“Naturally, I reflected upon that past memory while training to resist the [Small Cycle]. Among the exploration team, only I and the Bright Dragon have pursued that training.”

“……!!”

“While others were busy honing their ultimate martial arts abilities, I resigned myself to the fact that I would lag behind them and kept exerting myself in the Celestial Realm. So, during the earlier stages, I was relatively weaker than the others, but I eventually caught up.”

I was astonished at the Sword Demon.

“Are you saying you already possess the ability to resist the [Small Cycle] by realizing the void?”

The Sword Demon shook his head.

“Not at all. Even with training, it’s not something that can be artificially attained. The previous ‘Sword Demon’ must have arrived at that point purely due to the coincidental confluence of extreme focus and a moment of luck.”

“Uh-huh.”

“As I stated, it’s not a skill but a step into a different realm, akin to the level of a martial god.”

“…Martial god? Are you suggesting it’s a technique of the divine realm?”

“That’s something I can’t answer. I haven’t yet reached the divine realm, so I can’t discuss it. However…”

The Sword Demon continued.

“Through that memory, while training, I was able to access another possibility, which ultimately became my current ultimate martial art, the Spirit Absorbing Sword Spirit. This is why Grand Master Jang Sam-bong mentioned me.”

“Ah….”

Grand Master Jang Sam-bong had indeed looked at the Sword Demon while discussing ‘experience’, indicative of the awareness that the Spirit Absorbing Sword Spirit was linked to the experience of the [Small Cycle]. I turned to the Sword Demon.

“I’ve got a general idea of the situation. But what’s the reason for bringing me all the way out here? Couldn’t we just talk this over where Grand Master Jang Sam-bong is?”

“…….”

The Sword Demon remained silent for a moment before suddenly swinging his sword up high.

Spirit Absorbing Sword Spirit

Ultimate Technique

Spirit Absorbing Destruction

Kiwoong –

As that tremendous swing occurred, a circular sword wave extended outward, etching a solid line in the air. Additionally, it seemed as though the perception of space-time became disjointed. It was clear he had sliced through space to distort his surroundings.

‘You don’t trust Mangnyang or Jang Sam-bong…’

He likely wanted to prevent anyone from overhearing through the Corpse Dissolution Technique or some extraordinary means. The Sword Demon spoke gravely.

“Primarily, my aim is to share secrets that will help you move forward, but there’s something else you must know.”

“Yes?”

“What I’m about to tell you could put me and my daughter in grave danger. So you must not disclose it to anyone else, not even the exploration team or Grand Master Jang Sam-bong… Please promise me that you won’t speak of this to anyone in this lifetime.”

I was taken aback.

“You’re saying that Seo Mun-hye is in danger too? Why is that?”

“Promise me first, and then I will explain.”

“Hmm…”

I nodded solemnly.

“I promise on my name.”

“Good.”

The following words from the Sword Demon were shocking.

“…My Spirit Absorbing Sword Spirit is a manifestation borne from witnessing the peculiarities of the cycle. The more I use the Sword Spirit, the closer I come to the future of slicing my daughter down with my own hands.”