Chapter 479 – Ultimate Wickedness (4)

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slightly. The wisdom of the most revered great monk in all the jianghu was indeed profound.

Not limiting Transcendent Martial Art to just Enter the Path and Transcend Together, which might be used once in a single battle. This was something he had been thinking about even before crossing swords with the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader.

He didn’t know how the form of battles would change going forward. He was a warrior of Desolate Fortress, after all.

‘But…’

Jeong Yeon-shin lowered his gaze and saw Divine Monk Beomheo reflected in his eyes. The old monk’s face had become expressionless, with his eyelids half-closed. His demeanor was like a dharma protector guarding Buddhist law.

Though he didn’t emit even a strand of energy wave, he felt as if he contained the weight of the entire world. Grayish-white mist was being pressed downward just around his vicinity.

Seamless Heavenly Robe.

His energy control was perfect.

How ascetically had he devoted himself to cultivation? At this moment, the heat gently emanating from the flood dragon’s scales was subdued because the power of Prajna had completely penetrated into the body of the living natural disaster.

It was the wielding of the Muscle-Tendon Change Classic’s power, which had been called invincible since its creation by Bodhidharma, refined and operated like diamond.

First of the Righteous Path.

He was truly the Mount Tai of the orthodox martial world. An absolute being whom countless righteous martial artists regarded as their spiritual root and followed. There was no reason for him to hint at his own death.

“I don’t understand the Abbot’s intention. Why do you convey such advice specifically now?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked while fingering Remaining Thunder’s sword guard with his fingertips.

Divine Monk Beomheo’s face, which had now completely entered a mirror-like mental state, was like a plaster statue, expressionless due to his complete immersion in Buddhist divine skills.

Only when opening his mouth to answer did his wrinkled lips move.

“Listen well. Third is connection.”

The old monk slowly continued his advice.

“Affairs of the jianghu are ultimately matters between people. Even absolute masters who seek Martial Ultimate are bound by all sorts of connections and memories. This applies equally to extraordinary figures like the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader and non-humans like the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader. Even that Fighting God of the north doesn’t hesitate to dirty his own honor for his clan. That’s why he’s called Fighting God rather than Martial God.”

“…I don’t see what use such things would be here. Aren’t we standing on a flood dragon’s scales right now? Even if we call them extraordinary figures or non-humans, isn’t a world of non-human beings about to arrive…?”

“Don’t think such things. You must live in the jianghu of humans.”

Divine Monk Beomheo quietly interrupted Jeong Yeon-shin’s words.

“Though we mountain sects called the Nine Great Sects and some of Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group are blocking invisible gates, that was originally their given role. Moreover, exceptional Taoists and monks have long been beings who suppress such strange affairs. The monks and Taoists of the Nine Great Sects became shamans who block all sorts of strange events long ago due to agreements with Emperor Taizu. That’s why they rarely intervene in worldly affairs.”

“……”

“You are overwhelmingly young among Desolate Fortress’s leaders.”

The old monk’s words continued quietly.

“It’s right for you to immerse yourself in the secular world and handle affairs between people. When going to stop Dark Heaven Emperor’s Dragon Summoning Ritual today, why do you think the Nine Great Sects didn’t ask for your help? The Nine Great Sects are ritual implements used when the nation performs ceremonies. On the other hand, you are a sword that cuts down people. I assert that from tomorrow onward, this land will not drag you into the midst of spiritual creatures and demons. The Nine Great Sects will be more vigilant.”

Wudang, Emei, Mount Diancang, Kongtong, Mount Heng.

These were great sects whose leaders hadn’t walked to Hangzhou. And because Zhongnan Sword Immortal had passed away after cutting through the ‘gate,’ Zhongnan’s remaining disciples were rebuilding their sect nearby.

Among them was his niece Jeong Hye, and it was said that Cloud Sword Dragon Wei Zhi-myo, who had formed a bond with Jeong Yeon-shin, had taken the seat of Zhongnan’s Sect Leader.

Suddenly Jeong Yeon-shin recalled his maternal grandfather’s letter.

—Yong Fellow and this old man will exterminate non-human things, so you should rule the world.

They said exactly the same thing. It wasn’t just because Divine Monk Beomheo and his maternal grandfather were of the same generation. Their hearts that embraced both the world and Jeong Yeon-shin were the same.

Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly agreed.

But he didn’t understand what Divine Monk Beomheo intended to do about Hangzhou’s immediate affairs. Wasn’t it already beyond human control?

Whoosh—

Suddenly wind blew. It was a gentle breeze that tickled the skin, yet it descended transparently like thread and erected a wall between the old and young. Though they were high in the sky, the wind was calm.

“…I understand your meaning, Master.”

Rustle.

At Jeong Yeon-shin’s words as his purple sleeves fluttered long, Divine Monk Beomheo slowly nodded.

“Yes, it’s enough for you to value worldly connections. The bonds between people are tougher than any power. Whether evil or good connections, remember well that ‘connection’ overcomes natural disasters and even moves calamities.”

Wudang and Shaolin.

Transcendent Martial Art.

Connections.

The Shaolin Abbot conveyed these three things.

[Beomheo.]

The human shadow that had been leaning against the flood dragon’s enormous eye socket separated from its back. A figure with a pure white robe woven from thick fur and bone joints whiter still. It was Dark Heaven Emperor who had once again crafted a spirit projection.

Earlier, Jeong Yeon-shin had fingered Remaining Thunder upon seeing the bone powder gathering, but he had remained still because Divine Monk Beomheo, who must have sensed that presence, didn’t stop talking.

[What are you thinking?]

Dark Heaven Emperor asked leisurely.

Soon the gazes of Divine Monk Beomheo and Dark Heaven Emperor met. The old monk’s lips moved slowly.

“What is your purpose, senior?”

[I’m confirming something.]

“What?”

[Whether true ascension exists in this world.]

For a moment, the fingertips of Jeong Yeon-shin gripping Remaining Thunder twitched slightly, but the two old masters continued their conversation.

“What would you do after learning that?”

[I’ll find my own way to enter the immortal realm. Don’t misunderstand. I have no interest in this messy land.]

“The world after death cannot be confirmed by the living.”

[You say such things while conversing with a skull?]

Dark Heaven Emperor spoke in an ancient manner. His words and actions were refined, befitting the old master known to have the highest seniority in the world.

“You are still a living person, senior. That body is merely a spirit projection. If you have no particular meaning for the secular world, withdraw the flood dragon. Otherwise, you’ll continuously face such challenges.”

[Challenges?]

“There are many strong ones in the world.”

[All such matters I must naturally bear. There’s still much I don’t know. I must immediately investigate where this flood dragon was drawn from. The answer might be there.]

“What will happen when this spiritual creature regains its senses?”

[Wouldn’t that be as far as my life thread goes?]

Dark Heaven Emperor, who had stepped silently, rose into the void. It was extremely natural Void Stepping Technique. Soon, blue-green flames soared from his eye sockets as he looked down at Divine Monk Beomheo and Jeong Yeon-shin.

His gathered energy had no limits.

He seemed to intend continuing the fight indefinitely.

Swish.

Divine Monk Beomheo rose without saying more. Had he sensed there was no room for compromise? Suddenly the air settled heavily with a thump.

Simultaneously, golden arms were crafted again, piercing through both sides of the Shaolin Abbot’s shoulders, then began distorting the surroundings while emitting faint smoke like temple incense.

Though that energy wasn’t dharma power, it was divine. Jeong Yeon-shin gazed at Divine Monk Beomheo and opened his mouth.

“Master.”

“Speak.”

“You told me to greatly value connections.”

“I certainly said so.”

The old monk answered as if entrusting something. Jeong Yeon-shin nodded.

“According to those words, shouldn’t I also value you, Master?”

He spoke in a plain tone, but the expressionless face of Divine Monk Beomheo, who had been like a Buddha statue until then, broke for the first time. The wrinkled lips of the current Shaolin Abbot curved up faintly.

“…Young. Very young.”

That was when it happened.

Rumble! Roooooar—!

With earth-shaking explosive sounds, something crossed the distant sky.

Spreading whitish shockwaves in a broad thump at each moment while rapidly approaching, it felt as if thunder had taken the form of a swordsman.

When Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened slightly.

The human shadow that had raced through the upper sky was instantly embedded in the flood dragon’s body, and from that small impact point, faint waves leaked out in circles before immediately exploding in dozens of layers.

Craaaaaaash!

It was the sound of scales shattering into pieces.

The flood dragon that had been swimming through the sky like a dream felt as if its dignity had instantly been dragged down to earth. In a moment, the human shadow that had completely pierced through the dragon’s body emerged on the opposite side, spreading tremendous roaring sounds.

Along with the flood dragon’s blood pouring down violently like a waterfall.

Immediately a fierce storm swept through.

Whooooooosh—!

It was due to the suction force created by that single strike. Transparent river water was drawn up into the sky in whirlpools for a moment, and part of the dark clouds covering the sky scattered, sending bright sunlight streaming down.

Foam that had sprung up from the water surface began floating around, trapped in air currents of ascending and descending.

Waves created by sword strike emission.

It was truly overwhelming energy waves.

At the center, a human shadow stood treading on floating scale fragments, holding a large sword downward.

“…It works.”

A thick voice as if echoing from a cave, but the pronunciation was somewhat clumsy. It conveyed the feeling that he had deliberately spoken aloud though there was no need.

An tremendously tyrannical strike, with hand movements that didn’t care whether the flood dragon awakened or not. It was truly an unexpected event.

“Amitabha.”

[…Is this also the challenge Beomheo spoke of? The martial arts of this era have filled heaven and earth. The time has come for heaven to draw its sword.]

The reactions of the old masters were secondary. The intruder’s appearance entered the clearly opened eyes of Jeong Yeon-shin.

Unlike before, his yellow robe wasn’t tightly filled. His muscles looked nimble rather than thick.

The body that had once reminded one of iron armor now brought to mind a bow, and this appearance harmonized with the ears that rose gently beside his face.

His nose bridge, erected like a divine sword, was wrapped in an even sharper temperament.

Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.

“……”

As soon as their eyes met, an empty suction force suddenly struck. His colorless eye light conveyed a feeling as if something was completely hollow.

It wasn’t the immovable mind that masters usually possess. At this moment, only two characters suddenly penetrated Jeong Yeon-shin’s upper dantian.

‘Thousand years.’

It was an insight he couldn’t understand himself.

What could be a thousand years? A person’s mind and body couldn’t spend such time.

The one certain fact was that, contrary to Divine Monk Beomheo’s words, it would be impossible to move that non-human by any method. That was how it felt.

“Benefactor Dan.”

Then Divine Monk Beomheo called the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.

“From what I see, you haven’t come to help us, but you’ve unnecessarily provoked the flood dragon’s anger.”

The old monk, who spoke peacefully as usual, began stepping up into the void. It was while the flood dragon, whose body center had been penetrated, was emitting a suppressed roar through its sharp teeth.

Grumble—

A tremendous noise like thunder leaked out, then the surroundings suddenly became dim.

It was a strange omen.

Similar to but different from when the flood dragon first manifested.

Then it had rained with thunder and lightning, but now it felt as if broad daylight was changing clothes to night, the colors of the void changing. It was slow enough to bring to mind the phrase ‘heaven and earth opening.’

[The later jianghu have finally caused trouble! If the flood dragon awakens here…!]

“It can’t be helped. Senior’s flood dragon must empty the world’s martial arts along with this old monk. The juniors must live their own jianghu.”

Divine Monk Beomheo, who had risen to the upper sky, sat cross-legged. Instantly a sound like a heartbeat spread widely, then golden radiance began forming borders along the seated old monk’s body lines.

Immediately Dark Heaven Emperor waved his hand toward him, driving down dozens of strands of blue lightning like spears, but Jeong Yeon-shin struck upward with Remaining Thunder, sending formless slashing attacks that completely offset them all.

Craaaaaaash!

Colorless ripples blooming like a lake. Perhaps thanks to having even his left arm blown away by the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader’s swordsmanship, Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes now completely read the unpredictably changing techniques characteristic of martial sorcery.

He quickly turned his gaze.

‘Where is the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader?’

A glimpse showed the same appearance. He showed no signs of intervening while quietly holding his great sword downward. Was it enough to have thrust one sword at the flood dragon? He was dripping with dragon blood he had liberally received, yet indifference emanated from his deeply sunken eye sockets.

* * *

Meanwhile, Dark Heaven Emperor was exploding with anger. He seemed extremely wary of Beomheo.

Grumble rumble rumble—!

Even as the endlessly long coiled flood dragon was stretching its body while bursting with thunderous sounds at this moment.

[Beomheo! Do you intend to stake your life on something whose success you cannot guarantee?!]

“Would that young Desolate Fortress purple have crossed swords with the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader knowing he would win?”

[Was one who abandons the world so easily the one who acted as a great monk before the common people!]

Below Dark Heaven Emperor, Beomheo laughed.

“If one sits in the Pure Land and only welcomes those who have attained Buddhahood, how can that be called Buddha?”

The life of a practitioner, one who cultivates the Buddhist path, is like that. The deeper their cultivation, the more pitifully they view troubled times. Naturally, they can only step into hell themselves to save sentient beings.

Whooooooosh!

The next moment, Beomheo was grasping Dark Heaven Emperor’s ankle and falling toward the flood dragon’s head.

Though his monk’s robe burned in the net of blue lightning and even his wrinkled skin was scorched, the old monk’s Vajra Immovable Body technique that struck down through space was unstoppable.

Boom!

A resonance like temple bells arose. Simultaneously, the old monk’s intent spread like Six Harmonies Voice. The spirituality arising from his upper dantian had pushed the Shaolin Abbot’s thoughts outside the world.

Transcendent Martial Art.

[Hell Incomplete.]

Countless sentient beings below are pleading for salvation.

Whooooooosh—!

In an instant, the sky was filled with bright red fire lightning.

This was because the flood dragon, which had suddenly snapped its head upward at unbelievable speed, exhaled its breath.

Rage flickered in its vertically erected enormous pupils. The reaction speed of the spiritual creature that had finally regained reason was truly tremendous.

A pillar of fire accompanied by tremendous sounds instantly swallowed Beomheo and Dark Heaven Emperor, distorting even space chaotically. There was no opportunity for Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been keeping the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader in check, to intervene.

Then Beomheo’s intent continued.

[My Body in Nirvana.]

This body quietly scatters…

Those were the two phrases.

[Beomheo—!]

Dark Heaven Emperor burst out a tremendous cry.

Whoosh!

Not only the presence of Beomheo and Dark Heaven Emperor, but even the flood dragon’s enormous body that had been connected to them through the pillar of fire disappeared like a lie.

Along with a sound as if a Buddha who had made them into temple incense had blown his breath.

It was truly a sudden event. Mutual destruction.

Whoooosh—

Zhejiang, which had been filled with the coiled dragon’s body, suddenly revealed a vast horizon. It was as if the flood dragon and Dark Heaven Emperor had been suddenly dragged into another world.

Soon Beomheo’s voice descended to the water surface carried on the winter wind.

—Please look after the human jianghu.

It was a subtle message like temple incense.

* * *

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly stepped on the river water.

Splash.

Most shockingly, the Transcendent Martial Art that Divine Monk Beomheo had just manifested was one that bent space. It was different from the Form Shifting Void of martial sorcery practitioners.

He had occupied the flood dragon’s long body entirely and vanished from the world. His upper dantian intuition conveyed this fact to Jeong Yeon-shin.

Ascension or Nirvana.

He had deployed through martial arts the realm called by Taoism and Buddhism.

The upper dantian pathway of Fan Dragon Flower Treading Technique that had been connected to the dragon was severed. The flood dragon’s disappearance was certain. The Transcendent Martial Art of the First of the Righteous Path was something that even violated all creation.

And.

“……”

The Tyrant Sword Sect Leader stood treading on the water surface in the distance. Still emitting overwhelming energy waves.

Desperate situation. The difference in martial arts was clear.

Jeong Yeon-shin deliberately didn’t look back to see what appearance or expression he wore. Anyway, he was someone who had achieved a realm unshaken by all things.

Truly immovable. Even if Divine Monk Beomheo had taken the flood dragon and Dark Heaven Emperor as companions, he wouldn’t show great emotion. There was a high possibility he was organizing insights from the scene he had just witnessed.

The Tyrant Sword Sect Leader is unshaken by worldly affairs. There was no need to speak to him at this moment.

Anyway, Jeong Yeon-shin had no intention of confronting his family’s enemy here.

If he came swinging his sword, he would have to respond, but there were other urgent matters. Even if he were to die here struck by that man’s sword strike, he had to exchange favors and debts with Divine Monk Beomheo.

Above Zhejiang where the realm of Void Extinction Sutra had subsided.

Whooom—

He rotated the Luminous Wheel in his heart.

Jeong Yeon-shin first recalled three things.

The heart that had gazed blankly at his maternal grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok, who had sought to perish with the Blood Flame Cult Leader in blue flames; Invincible’s Form Shifting Void that had stolen away Baek Mi-ryeo; Shaolin’s Seventy-Two Supreme Arts where all temperaments connected with dharma power.

Keeeeeeeng!

The trajectory of life he had walked stretched out like warp threads, fitting together here and there, then soon transformed into a single sword path in his upper dantian that shone snow-white.

Dharma power vibrated at the fingertip skin gripping Remaining Thunder as if searching for something.

Soon after.

He recalled the sword energy of the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader that he had once taken with his whole body and cut through the void.

Swooooosh!

The atmosphere rippled hazily. A scene that could never be created if attempted again someday. It was enough if it succeeded at this moment.

‘Please.’

With a single thought, Jeong Yeon-shin put his hand through that gap, and as soon as he felt he had grasped someone’s shoulder, he pulled outward.

As the hem of an orange monk’s robe began to emerge in that instant, he unconsciously said quietly:

“Because we are connected, it is called connection.”

It was clearly Divine Monk Beomheo.

Tremendous surprise flowed through his grasp. A mood he had never encountered from the Shaolin Abbot. After respectfully extracting the old monk’s body from the gap, Jeong Yeon-shin muttered like the Heavenly Extreme Sect Leader:

“Lucky.”

Whoosh—

Immediately he spun half a turn in place.

This was because a human shadow was falling from the distant sky, fluttering a pale pink Taoist robe.

Whooooosh!

It was Lady Lu Xian who had intended to keep the flood dragon in check, but it seemed she had been struck by the pillar of fire that had just soared after pushing back that vast body. Not only her flowing hair but even her white face looked very pale.

Though she emitted propulsion energy waves with her sock-covered feet several times as if trying to slow her fall, it was only an instant before she would crash directly into Zhejiang’s surface.

“This way.”

Jeong Yeon-shin swiftly extended his arms, supporting the backs of both her knees and her lower back as he pulled her into his embrace.

Instantly the remaining energy waves dispersed with a whoosh, drawing concentric circles on the river water, and as Jeong Yeon-shin completely dissipated that force, warmth passed between the taut clothing of the two people. It was very warm and hot.

‘No one…’

Had died.

Jeong Yeon-shin stood dazed for a moment. High Sword’s head rolling on the floor of some pavilion flashed through his mind.

Suddenly a thrill rose from his spine and spread finely throughout his body.

Lady Lu Xian, held in his arms, raised the corners of her mouth and gently stroked the back of his head.