Chapter 87
Deficiency (1)
Even as he walked toward the clearing, Namgung Jun reflected upon the sword arts he had mastered in this life.
I can almost see what lies beyond.
Great Expansion Sword Art.
Lightning Thirteen Sword Thunders.
Cloud-Layering Wall Stance.
Heavenly Wind Sword Art.
Drizzling Rain Sword Art.
These were the sword arts he had gained while pursuing new paths of martial arts and swordsmanship, determined not to remain trapped by the limitations of his previous life, when he had devoted himself solely to the Heavy Sword.
Had it truly been the right choice?
Though the experiences of his past life remained vivid in his mind, he continued to gain new insights.
It felt as though he had escaped a narrow well and finally gazed upon the vast sea.
His horizons and understanding seemed to expand without end.
And that was not all.
He had begun to glimpse something beyond.
Step.
Namgung Jun suddenly halted and looked up at the sky.
He could faintly perceive the possibility of weaving these many branching sword arts into a single sword.
The path remained unimaginably distant, yet a vague conviction lingered within him that it could somehow be achieved.
If I truly create a single sword art, it will become another turning point that completely separates me from the Sword Emperor of my previous life.
After pondering swordsmanship for a moment, Namgung Jun set the matter aside and raised his gaze.
The clearing where the two great masters had fought had been utterly devastated.
Not a single tree remained intact.
The ground itself had been overturned, leaving dozens of craters.
Most striking of all were the deep sword scars carved into the earth.
Lee Seha sat cross-legged upon a neatly severed tree stump and opened her eyes.
"Jun, you took longer than expected."
"I was delayed while organizing an unexpected insight."
Namgung Jun looked at the severed head lying at her feet.
It belonged to Geomsu, leader of the Namman Osu.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"Of course not. I wouldn't allow attacks from opponents of that level to touch me."
"That's my disciple."
Namgung Jun discreetly examined his master's condition.
At a glance, Lee Seha appeared unharmed as well.
Only parts of her clothing had been torn.
Just how far has Master advanced?
Even among great masters who had reached the realm of Three Flowers Gathering at the Summit, there were undeniable differences in strength.
The growth of essence, energy, and spirit.
The stability and completeness of their unification.
The refinement of perception unique to the Three Flowers realm.
The depth of understanding that approached communion with the natural energies of the world.
Depending on these factors, the strength of a great master could continue growing indefinitely, creating enormous gaps between practitioners.
A newly ascended Three Flowers expert and a great master standing on the threshold of Five Qi Returning to Origin.
The difference between the two was so vast that it revealed just how expansive the realm of Three Flowers truly was.
From what he had seen, Lee Seha and Geomsu had both been great masters, but the gap between them had been considerable.
"Are we returning to headquarters now?"
"There's somewhere we need to stop first. Let's go back to Bojeon Temple."
There was something mysterious in Lee Seha's tone.
It did not sound as though she merely intended to spend the night there.
***
When they returned to Bojeon Temple, the abbot was already waiting in front of the hall.
"Please, come inside."
As they entered, the crow that had guided them to the Namman Osu was grooming its feathers.
Lee Seha looked between the abbot and the crow before speaking.
"Remember when I told you there was another secret organization that assists our Society from the shadows?"
"Yes. I remember."
Namgung Jun had never learned its name, but he knew such an organization existed.
He had heard that one naturally learned of it after rising high enough within Changcheon Society.
That was why he had never bothered asking.
Looking at the abbot, he said,
"So it seems you belong to that secret organization."
"You are remarkably perceptive, young benefactor."
The abbot joined his palms together.
"Among Changcheon Society's Three Clouds, only those personally acknowledged by their hall masters are permitted to learn our identity and directly request our assistance."
"What is the name of this organization?"
The abbot answered while maintaining the gesture.
"It is called Haocheon."
Haocheon.
The name was entirely unfamiliar.
Namgung Jun had never heard it in either this life or his previous one.
After repeating the name to himself, he asked,
"What kind of organization is Haocheon?"
"It is a gathering of those who live at the lowest places beneath heaven."
The explanation was brief.
Most members were ordinary commoners with no martial training.
Some practiced martial arts, but they were a tiny minority compared to the organization's overall size.
The majority of Haocheon consisted of inn attendants, courtesans, woodcutters, ferrymen, coachmen, carpenters, blacksmiths, and countless other ordinary people found throughout daily life.
Because of its nature, Haocheon aided Changcheon Society not through military strength, but through other means.
"Most notably in matters of intelligence and finance."
"I understand."
Information and wealth that extended throughout the realm.
Those were Haocheon's true strengths.
"In return, Changcheon Society provides Haocheon with martial protection."
"Exactly. The mission concerning the Namman Osu was requested by this humble monk."
Namgung Jun nodded.
Changcheon Society devoted nearly all of its strength to fighting the Demonic Cult and the forces of the unorthodox path.
Under such circumstances, there were obvious limits to how much the Mukhyang Department alone could support the Society's operations.
"So Changcheon Society and Haocheon exist in a mutually beneficial relationship."
"Correct. Haocheon seeks a peaceful world where the powerless may live in safety. That is why we lend our strength to Changcheon Society in its resistance against the Sun Moon Demonic Cult and the unorthodox factions."
The abbot turned toward Lee Seha.
"It appears the Hall Master of the Heavenly Sword Hall wishes to acknowledge the young hero and connect him with our organization."
Lee Seha smiled.
"Jun already more than qualifies. He may even be promoted to Fourth Cloud before long."
"If the Hall Master speaks so highly of him, then Haocheon can only welcome the prospect."
The abbot looked once more at Namgung Jun.
"From this day forward, young benefactor, you will be able to receive Haocheon's full assistance. I shall teach you our secret signs and methods of contact."
"Are there any places where Haocheon's support is limited? For example, the western regions of the martial world where the Sun Moon Demonic Cult is strongest?"
The abbot smiled gently.
"Haocheon exists everywhere."
He paused.
"Because the powerless exist everywhere beneath heaven."
The abbot then spent considerable time explaining the methods of contacting Haocheon.
Only after listening for half a shichen did the master and disciple finally leave Bojeon Temple.
***
As they descended Mount Jiuhua, the disciple asked his master,
"Master, does that mean most of the Society's Three Clouds know of Haocheon's existence?"
"Most have a vague idea. But to properly receive Haocheon's assistance, you generally need to become an established Three Cloud operative first. Haocheon is extremely cautious, after all."
"Is that so?"
Namgung Jun glanced back toward Bojeon Temple in the distance.
"It seems they'll be of great help."
"The world is vast. There are many places beyond the Society's reach. When that happens, Haocheon's assistance can be invaluable. Once you become a Fourth Cloud, you'll be running across a much broader stage of the martial world. Make sure you remember what you've learned today."
"Thank you, Master."
Master and disciple continued side by side toward Changcheon Society's headquarters.
Their journey from Mount Jiuhua proceeded smoothly.
It was only when they were a single day away from the headquarters that both of them suddenly came to a halt.
"Master."
"Mhm. We have an uninvited guest."
A lone middle-aged man stood squarely in the middle of the road.
The moment he spotted the approaching pair, his lips curled upward into a smile as he slowly walked toward them.
With each step he took, unfamiliar presences began to emerge from all directions like a spreading wildfire.
Every newly appearing aura carried the thick, oppressive presence of demonic energy.
"So this is your first time experiencing something like this?" Lee Seha asked.
"Yes."
"It happens from time to time. They track the movements of the Ten Halls and launch ambushes while we're traveling."
As though it were routine, Lee Seha idly brushed her hand over her sword hilt.
Meanwhile, the distance between the middle-aged man and the pair narrowed to merely ten paces.
Yet the man's attention was fixed not on Lee Seha, but on Namgung Jun.
"The boy with the Nine Yin Severed Meridians. At last, I get to see you."
The unexpected remark caused both master and disciple to narrow their eyes.
Seeing their reaction, the middle-aged man laughed.
"You seem to have underestimated our Cult. Did you really think you could hide it forever?"
At his words, demonic cultists began occupying the surrounding terrain and sealing off every avenue of retreat.
Among them were quite a few Peak Realm experts who appeared to be Myunggyo Guards.
It was a force powerful enough to confront one of Changcheon Society's Ten Halls head-on.
"I've waited a long time for this. For you to travel alone—or nearly alone."
The man's gaze shifted toward Lee Seha.
"It's unfortunate that your companion is Cloud-Wandering Playful Sword, but it changes nothing."
Lee Seha examined him from head to toe before casually drawing her sword.
"Now I recognize you. You're Sword Corpse Demon, aren't you?"
Sword Corpse Demon (Geomsima).
One of the Sun Moon Demonic Cult's great masters.
A contender for the position of Myunggyeongsa, effectively a candidate for the Fourteenth Myunggyeongsa.
He was important enough that even Changcheon Society kept a close eye on him.
"I'm honored that Cloud-Wandering Playful Sword recognizes me."
Shrugging, Geomsima stepped forward.
Everything is proceeding according to plan.
His intention was simple.
He would personally occupy Lee Seha while his subordinates captured Namgung Jun alive.
According to the intelligence reports, Namgung Jun had reached the mature stage of Peak Realm, perhaps even the peak of Peak Realm at most.
But Geomsima had deliberately assumed the boy was even stronger than the reports suggested.
Determined not to fail, he had assembled overwhelming force.
Confidence practically radiated from him.
"No matter how talented you are, you cannot overcome this."
As Geomsima drew his sword, his expression showed complete certainty of success.
Watching him, Lee Seha snorted and lowered her eyelids coldly.
"Yes. I always knew a day like this would come. If anything, it came later than expected."
She began stepping toward Geomsima.
Then—
"Master."
"Hm?"
"I would like to handle him myself."
Lee Seha stopped.
There was no arrogance or recklessness in Namgung Jun's eyes.
Only pure fighting spirit.
Yet she could not help but hesitate.
The pinnacle of Peak Realm.
The realm of Three Flowers Gathering at the Summit.
They seemed close, but the gap between them was substantial.
Of course, higher realms did not guarantee victory.
The martial world was not a place where outcomes were decided solely by cultivation levels.
Countless variables existed.
And even in situations where victory and defeat seemed predetermined, martial artists could transform themselves into living variables through sudden enlightenment and inner change.
That was the nature of those who devoted their lives to martial arts and obsessed over transcendence.
Still, the weaker party inevitably walked closer to death.
Unless Namgung Jun displayed strength beyond his limits or created a decisive variable, victory would be difficult.
Even if he won, he would likely suffer severe injuries.
Lee Seha did not wish to throw her brilliant disciple into such danger.
Life in the martial world would bring enough crises on its own.
Why seek them out?
Even if only for a little longer, she wanted to spare him battles that pushed him to the edge of death.
"It's a chance to temper my swordsmanship," Namgung Jun said calmly. "Opportunities like this are rare."
"Jun."
"Situations like this will come again. I cannot rely on your help forever, Master."
His gaze swept across the Sun Moon Demonic Cult warriors surrounding them.
"Please take care of the rabble. I'll personally bring you that man's head."
"Hmm. Do you really think you can?"
A faint smile appeared on Namgung Jun's face.
"Am I not your disciple?"
At that smile, Lee Seha could only take a step back.
Instead, she turned around and guarded his rear, preparing to deal with the cultists forming an encirclement behind them.
"If things go wrong, I'll interfere. And when that happens, don't complain. Some things simply can't be done."
"That won't be necessary."
Listening to their conversation, Geomsima looked momentarily dumbfounded.
"Are you serious, Cloud-Wandering Playful Sword? Or do you simply think so little of me?"
"Try looking properly."
Lee Seha smirked.
"At my disciple's sword."
Namgung Jun confidently leveled his blade.
Sun Moon Demonic Cult warriors filled the area around him, yet he paid them no attention.
His master was guarding his back.
This feels good. My body feels incredibly light.
Standing before a life-and-death battle, Namgung Jun felt no sense of peril.
Rather, it felt like a perfect opportunity to sharpen his swordsmanship while pursuing another turning point on the martial path he had chosen in this life.
"What was your title again?"
"..."
"Speak."
Namgung Jun slowly drew his sword.
"Otherwise, how am I supposed to properly claim the merit for killing you?"
The Eternal Tranquility Sword settled naturally into his hand.
The blade felt exceptionally smooth and responsive.
Today's sword would be particularly sharp.