Wudang Sacred Scriptures-Chapter 72

It was a grueling experience for Kwak Yeon to relearn the Three Calamities Sword Technique, especially when he was already thoroughly versed in it.

To make matters worse, Hong Suchun, under the guise of sincere instruction, kept nitpicking at Kwak Yeon’s form, making the entire ordeal even more exhausting.

But it wasn’t as if Kwak Yeon could reveal his familiarity with the technique now.

Still, through Hong Suchun’s clumsy execution, Kwak Yeon could clearly identify the flaws in his version of the Three Calamities Sword Technique.

‘With this form, there’s no way to unleash its full power.’

It was apparent that the original form had been distorted over the generations.

Any first-rate martial artist would immediately notice the weaknesses in the technique. And if Hong Suchun continued to teach it in this state, he would only make a fool of himself.

‘But I can’t just go around correcting Wudang’s martial arts techniques as I please.’

Kwak Yeon pondered over the matter for a while, then suddenly noticed a peculiar aspect of Hong Suchun’s technique.

‘There’s still a trace of the original Wudang style left. If I correct his form, it wouldn’t count as teaching him a new technique but rather restoring what was lost.’

Now, the only issue was how to subtly correct his form without giving himself away.

After some thought, Kwak Yeon demonstrated the ‘Moon Piercing Arrow’ technique, a form in the Three Calamities Sword Technique, and said,

“Hong Daehyeop, something feels off about this stance.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying I’m teaching it wrong?”

“No, it’s just that the move is supposed to thrust like an arrow shooting at the moon, but it feels more like you’re firing without fully drawing the bowstring.”

“That’s to increase the speed of the thrust. Watch. You extend the elbow as far back as possible and then thrust forward like this...”

As Hong Suchun performed the technique, Kwak Yeon subtly applied the Demon-Repelling Infinite Form, twisting Hong Suchun’s elbow with a slight nudge. The adjustment was so minor that Hong Suchun didn’t even realize his posture had changed.

— Whoosh!

A gust of wind surged from the sword as Hong Suchun’s thrust sliced through the air.

‘What the...? Why is it so fast this time?’

Kwak Yeon feigned amazement.

“Wow! The power of the Three Calamities Sword Technique is truly remarkable!”

Kwak Yeon then mimicked the stance Hong Suchun had just displayed, replicating the corrected version of the form perfectly.

— Shhh!

A faint wind current stirred around Kwak Yeon’s sword as he performed the move.

Hong Suchun’s eyes widened in shock. A novice like Kwak Yeon had just generated wind pressure with a simple thrust.

Kwak Yeon bowed slightly.

“Thank you for your guidance, Hong Daehyeop. You truly have preserved the essence of Wudang’s swordsmanship.”

“Hem hem. Kwak Daoist, I don’t speak empty words. Well, keep up the good work and practice diligently.”

“But I’m still not quite familiar with the move. Could you demonstrate it again?”

Hong Suchun, feeling a surge of pride, eagerly repeated the move — this time using the stance Kwak Yeon had subtly guided him toward.

— Whoosh!

“Truly impressive, Daehyeop.”

Kwak Yeon’s admiration seemed genuine, and he continued,

“Please, show me the other forms as well.”

That day, Hong Suchun experienced something extraordinary.

With just slight adjustments to his posture, the Three Calamities Sword Technique displayed an effectiveness he had never before witnessed.

Hong Suchun convinced himself that the newfound power was simply a moment of enlightenment that came from teaching.

‘Why haven’t I ever considered taking on a disciple?’

Of course, the reason was obvious — he was too busy scraping by to survive. But the realization still struck him with a pang of regret.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Hong Suchun left the campsite and practiced the Three Calamities Sword Technique under the moonlight.

He feared that the sudden enlightenment might slip away if he didn’t engrave it into his body immediately.

Meanwhile, Kwak Yeon remained by the campfire, keeping watch in his stead.

Staring into the crackling flames, Kwak Yeon fell deep into thought.

‘Was that really the Demon-Repelling Infinite Form I just used?’

He hadn’t imagined that such a fearsome technique could be used in that way.

The very nature of the move had been altered.

The original form of the technique was meant to eradicate malevolent qi, but the way Kwak Yeon had applied it was entirely different.

‘I just did it on a whim, but it actually worked.’

There was no doubt in his mind now — the Art of the Everchanging Origin was taking effect.

Which meant his mastery of it had deepened.

‘But why now?’

On second thought, that question was unnecessary.

Today, Kwak Yeon had undergone a significant emotional shift.

He had started the day with resentment toward Hong Suchun but ended it with understanding and even a desire to help him.

This emotional breakthrough had opened the way for his martial cultivation to progress.

Cause and effect, as the Daoist teachings emphasized — everything was born from causes and conditions.

Kwak Yeon now understood why Grandmaster Jang Sam-bong had said that one must venture out into the world to comprehend the will of Heaven.

No matter how many years one meditated in the mountains, such changes of heart would never occur.

“Martial cultivation is the process of seeking the Dao outwardly to find it within.”

That was why Daoist Unseon had sent him down the mountain with those final words.

— Crackle, crackle.

At some point, the once-blazing fire had burned down to mere embers.

Kwak Yeon added more firewood to stoke the flames, then closed his eyes and entered a state of meditation, circulating the Art of the Everchanging Origin.

****

Several days passed as they continued their journey along the ridgeline, and finally, Hong Suchun led them down a valley.

It was a sign that their journey was nearing its end.

“The hard part is almost over. By tomorrow morning, we’ll reach the main road. By afternoon, we’ll be having dinner at a guesthouse in Sangseon-hyeon.”

That was the extent of Hong Suchun’s contract with the merchants.

But just before dawn, as the merchants slept in the clearing, uninvited guests arrived.

Five men, all armed, burst onto the scene, brandishing their swords as they shouted,

“Hong Suchun, you bastard! We finally found you! You’ve been slipping away like a damn eel, but your luck’s run out today!”

Hong Suchun initially looked bewildered, but he quickly regained his composure. With a calm expression, he folded his hands and addressed them.

“Oh, if it isn’t the gallant heroes of Cheonrang Sochae. You’ve gone through so much trouble, coming all the way here before dawn. I suppose you’re here to collect a toll? I’ll make it worth your while, but how about you sheathe those swords first?”

“Cut the crap, Hong Suchun. We’re not here for a toll. We’re here to slit your damn throat!”

“Oh, my. What could I have possibly done to make you so angry? We’re all part of the same family, aren’t we? People who walk the roads and those who guard them all share the same meal, after all.”

“Same family? Listen to this smooth-talking snake. You talk big for someone who’s been sneaking around to avoid paying his dues. Because of you, word’s gotten around that the toll is negotiable. Now all the other caravans are begging for a discount, and some of the guards are even following your lead, slipping through without paying.

Today, we’re going to make an example out of you to restore the honor of Cheonrang Sochae!”

The leader of the bandits turned to the merchants and Kwak Yeon, his eyes glinting dangerously.

“You lot only followed this Hong Suchun as a guide, so as long as you pay the toll, none of ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) you will get hurt. Now step back and watch how we at Cheonrang Sochae punish those who dare break our rules.”

“Sir, please!”

An elderly merchant, the oldest among them, stepped forward cautiously.

“How about we pay double the toll? I’m sure Hong Suchun has learned his lesson today and won’t try to pull this again.”

“Double?”

The leader of Cheonrang Sochae let out a derisive snort.

“I’ll be taking triple from you lot today. Along with Hong Suchun’s head.”

“Please, Chief, I beg you...”

“Shut up! Say one more word, and I’ll cut off that old head of yours too.”

“......”

“Now, everyone, get back to that corner and stay put. Unless you want to get skewered for no reason.”

The bandit leader turned his attention to Hong Suchun and sneered.

“Hong Suchun, draw your sword. Let’s see if that pathetic Three Calamities Sword Technique you’re so proud of can save your neck today.”

Hong Suchun’s face grew grim.

He had known from the moment they arrived before dawn that they meant serious harm. Now it was clear that no amount of excuses would get him out of this.

Just as Hong Suchun was reaching for his sword —

“Namo Amitabha.”

Kwak Yeon intoned the Buddhist prayer and stepped forward.

“Needless bloodshed only sows greater chaos. Wouldn’t it be better to resolve this peacefully through conversation?”

“Who the hell are you to butt into our business? Didn’t I tell you to stay back or I’d cut your damn head off—”

The bandit leader’s words died in his throat as he caught sight of the Daoist robe Kwak Yeon was wearing.

‘A Wudang Daoist?’

Even in these remote mountains, Wudang’s influence was strong. It was precisely because of that influence that Cheonrang Sochae didn’t dare to set up a proper mountain stronghold.

Instead, they roamed the region as a ragtag band of outlaws, picking off small-time peddlers and solitary travelers. They even called themselves “Sochae,” meaning “small fort,” to avoid drawing too much attention. freeweɓnovel.cøm

Without a fixed base and without committing major atrocities, they had managed to stay under Wudang’s radar — but they still lived in constant fear of retribution.

And now, a Wudang Daoist was standing right in front of them.

‘That’s it!’

Hong Suchun, who had years of experience as a bodyguard, instantly picked up on the change in atmosphere.

“Ah, Chief. I must apologize for not informing you earlier. We have the honor of traveling with a Daoist of Wudang.”

Hong Suchun tried to exploit the Wudang name to defuse the situation, but one of the sharper bandits immediately saw through the ruse.

“Chief, that kid’s just a Reclusive Cave Daoist.”

“A Reclusive Cave Daoist?”

“Yeah, you know, the ones who are technically in Wudang but aren’t really Wudang. They just practice Daoism, nothing else. And that black robe — only Reclusive Cave Daoists wear those.”

The bandit leader’s confidence returned instantly.

A Daoist who only practiced Daoism? Nothing to worry about.

‘But still... he’s from Wudang.’

The leader eyed Kwak Yeon cautiously.

“You. You’re a Daoist who only practices the Way, right?”

“Yes. I am a Reclusive Daoist of Three Spirits Palace.”

Since he was already wearing the robe, there was no point in lying. But he also didn’t want to reveal his name to a bunch of lowly bandits.

“A Reclusive Daoist? So, you’re just a layman who used to be a Daoist?”

“That would be accurate.”

The leader’s eyes gleamed.

Three Spirits Palace. Not even a proper Wudang disciple, just a wandering Daoist. The fact that he wore a Daoist robe meant nothing.

In other words, just a naive, clueless kid.

“Well, since you’re technically from Wudang, I’ll let you off the hook for interfering this time. Now, be a good boy, shut your mouth, and get back over there.”

His tone shifted immediately to condescension.

Kwak Yeon’s expression remained calm, but internally, he felt a pang of bitterness.

Even the bandits looked down on Three Spirits Palace.

If only he were wearing the Pine Sword insignia, they would have bolted in terror.

Kwak Yeon clenched his fists.

This was supposed to be his first real test of martial heroism.

Sure, the opponents were small fry, but that hardly mattered.

Yet, just as he was about to make his move —