Knock knock knock!
Sabok Seol took a glance at the thoroughly wiped pot, shook off the moisture, and subtly scanned the surroundings.
“Haaap!”
“Don’t focus too much on extending your fist. What determines the power of the punch is not the strength of your arms but how you move the weight of your upper body and how you structure its rotation.”
“Yes! Master!”
Whether Ho Cheon-an noticed Sabok Seol’s expression or not, he was solely focused on teaching Nab-in.
Sabok Seol watched as Nab-in diligently extended his fist, sweating profusely, shaking his head slightly. Being the disciple of a Brain Knife Outcast, it was up to the Outcast to handle things, but Nab-in’s training methods, counter to the common sense of the Central Plains, felt strange no matter how many times he observed them.
It had been about a month since they left Podalap Palace, meaning Nab-in had been training the recommended techniques for about a month as well.
In Sabok Seol’s opinion, Nab-in, who had been training for approximately a month, was likely to lose to a child who had received about a week’s worth of proper instruction at a proper sect. The problem wasn’t just now; if he continued training this way, he would likely struggle even after several months, or even years.
‘Ignoring practical application while just focusing on the theory and use of Qi…’
Even if there’s no way to truly integrate theory into practice, it would take at least ten years, or even five at the fastest, and until then, Nab-in would easily lose to those who built their foundations in a genuine sect no matter how much he trained.
Sabok Seol knew the Brain Knife Outcast was drawing a big picture, but it felt uneasy to Sabok Seol, who had lived life choosing victories in the moment rather than planning for the future.
With this discomfort, Sabok Seol reminded himself of his original purpose and subtly grounded himself, diving into his inner thoughts.
To break the seal.
Sabok Seol thought to himself.
It’s all Ho Cheon-an’s fault.
Rather, when there was just a small hole to breathe, he had never even thought of unsealing it. The problem arose when their journey began, and it became necessary for Sabok Seol to start using his lightness skills.
Ho Cheon-an loosened the seal.
While it was good that the usable Qi expanded from one hundredth to nearly twenty percent, the issue was the state of the seal itself.
If the situation were truly tightly bound, Sabok Seol would have willingly given up, but equating the current situation to bondage was like having one hand loose.
Even without the intent to escape, if the binding is loose, isn’t it human nature to want to break free? So Sabok Seol nudged the seal, but despite being able to manipulate twenty percent of his Qi, he hadn’t left a mark on the seal, which struck a blow to Sabok Seol’s pride.
He acknowledged his defeat against Ho Cheon-an, but after all, a Martial Artist of Hyeong-gyeong’s caliber should have some pride—how could he not even unbind such a loose seal…!
“Today, for sure!”
He would even leave a scratch on this damned seal!
With narrowed eyes, Sabok Seol moved his Qi with all his might, but…
“We’re about to depart, so you should call it a day and go back.”
The outcome was, as always, failure.
—
Since leaving Podalap Palace, the journey revolved around Nab-in. They repeated the process of stopping when Nab-in needed to practice his martial arts and moving when he got tired.
“Where on earth did you learn such skills? I’ve never heard of a seal that can render a Hyeong-gyeong Martial Artist completely immobilized.”
Ho Cheon-an gently patted the sleeping Nab-in while responding calmly.
“Well, there are all kinds of seals, aren’t there?”
“Hmm.”
Letting out groans, Sabok Seol changed the subject.
“What are you planning to do next?”
“Hmm.”
Having traveled for a month and now approaching the western edge, Ho Cheon-an stroked his beard at Sabok Seol’s question.
Is it alright to reveal my plans to him?
‘There’s little chance of betrayal at this point…’
Ho Cheon-an recalled the various errands he’d set for Sabok Seol over the past month. Whenever he sent Sabok Seol to the village to buy food and necessities, he surely gathered rumors from the Central Plains.
He likely heard about the Trench Faction’s Daoists causing trouble in Yunnan as well.
He wasn’t the sort to hold onto resentment from his defeats, and he knew his subordinates were building a stage for a comeback, so even if he took flight after the Huang Nation’s policies changed, at least he wouldn’t stab Sabok Seol in the back midway.
‘Even if Nab-in moves with me, it’s not like I can just let the Entities handle things; someone is needed to oversee them as well.’
Though they had befriended many Entities while staying in Podalap Palace, he couldn’t just trust them and leave them alone.
So Ho Cheon-an decided to share at least part of the plan with Sabok Seol.
“How well do you understand the current situation in the Huang Nation?”
“What? I have a rough understanding. While it has lost power, I kept my ears open to the movements in the Huang Nation.”
Sabok Seol spoke effortlessly.
“The current Emperor is no pushover. The fact that he continues to maintain power despite the chaos caused by his policies against the Martial World speaks volumes.”
“Hmm.”
“Failure of policies related to the Martial World, followed by the chaos due to the Blood Sect’s rampage. No matter how you label the Emperor as the ruler of the world, it wouldn’t be surprising if he stepped down given the continuous series of oddities, yet Emperor Yoo Gyeong has steadfastly held onto his position. This implies he has complete control over the current authority of the Huang Nation.”
Ho Cheon-an recalled Yoo Gyeong at Sabok Seol’s words. Although he had shown foolishness when the issue of Hyeok Gi-rin came into play, what about the achievements he had accomplished otherwise? He had toppled powerful nobles and strengthened the imperial authority, making him a capable ruler capable of achieving the Huang Nation’s golden era.
However, due to the death of Hyeok Gi-rin, Yoo Gyeong had changed. He disregarded the decline of the Huang Nation and only rampaged to relieve the loss and anger of losing Hyeok Gi-rin.
“The reason there hasn’t been a rebellion despite the world being in such chaos must also be his capability. Who would dare take action against the Emperor knowing that toppling him wouldn’t calm the turmoil but rather exacerbate it?”
“True.”
Nodding at Sabok Seol’s complaints, Ho Cheon-an added.
“Thus, to achieve peace in the world, we must fully alter the Emperor’s intentions.”
Of course.
This was merely a convincing justification Ho Cheon-an constructed.
[Please take care of my older brother.]
For part of his heart still harbored the last wishes Hyeok Gi-rin had left behind. If the path to deposing the Emperor and installing a new one was beneficial for the world, Ho Cheon-an would likely try to persuade Yoo Gyeong.
“Humph, is it really that easy? The world is filled with those capable of reading the situation. Several rebellions have arisen amid this chaotic world. Yet the Emperor hasn’t batted an eye… It’s questionable if persuasion alone could change his mind.”
Ho Cheon-an fell silent for a moment.
In truth, it was Ho Cheon-an who had thwarted the rebellion incidents Sabok Seol mentioned. Even while holed up in hidden valleys, he would still hear news that could genuinely shake the world. Every time the Huang Nation faced a real crisis, Ho Cheon-an would step out to the world carrying Hyeok Gi-rin’s wishes.
Sabok Seol looked at Ho Cheon-an, who suddenly became quiet with suspicion, then opened his mouth again.
“So what do you intend to do? You’re not suggesting we approach the Emperor with no plan, right?”
Ho Cheon-an had an answer ready on the tip of his tongue.
“I plan to visit Jo Ga-ju.”
“What?”
Sabok Seol’s face contorted in shock.
—
Jo Ga-ju paced through the mansion.
“Attention!”
“Attention!”
What was merely a stroll felt frustrating amid soldiers stationed at intervals, but soon Jo Ga-ju sighed, brushing off that frustration.
‘Just karma.’
Immediately after the Huang Nation unleashed its fury on the Martial Artists in Yunnan, a decree arrived for Jo Ga-ju from the Emperor.
[Render the spear techniques that can effectively suppress the Martial Artists.]
Jo Ga-ju obeyed the Emperor’s decree, combining the spear techniques he learned with the principles of combined formation, creating a battle spear technique named [Twelfth Squad Spear Method]. As a result, he became one of the commanders at the front line suppressing the Martial Artists.
The practicality of the Twelfth Squad Spear Method, which operated in unison with combined formation, was great, allowing even the Imperial Army, lacking martial arts skills compared to Martial Artists, to easily overcome them. Following the Emperor’s orders, Jo Ga-ju imprisoned countless Martial Artists.
As a result, Jo Ga-ju gained fame as the instructor of the Huang Nation’s new spear techniques, earning immense respect from many soldiers, but…
At the same time, he became a target for resentment from numerous Martial Artists.
This chain of events led to Jo Ga-ju’s current predicament, stuck within the heavily fortified mansion due to the ambushes from the resentful Martial Artists.
Jo Ga-ju felt overwhelmingly troubled.
Having become unable to leave his residence, he was passing time idly while the world’s situation was rapidly changing.
‘After the Thunder Name Zhonja wiped out the Blood Sect, the power of the Huang Nation has steadily begun to recover. If this continues…’
A fresh wave of suppression against the Martial World would soon commence. Should that happen, blood would flow once more between the Imperial Army and the Martial Artists, leading to deeper resentment.
Jo Ga-ju looked at the spear-wielding soldiers guarding him. These were skilled companions who trained alongside Jo Ga-ju, gaining proficiency in the Twelfth Squad Spear Method; they would surely be dispatched to suppress the Martial Artists.
Imagining this scene, Jo Ga-ju became agitated, leading him to abandon the walk and grabbed his spear in the training hall.
Swish! Whoosh!
The spear sliced through the air with a sharper sound than ever, yet even so, Jo Ga-ju’s agitation didn’t dissipate. After swinging the spear until he was drenched in sweat, he sighed and poured cold water over his heated body in the bathroom.
‘Was this what I wished for…’
Creating spear techniques that even the Imperial Army can easily learn. That was Jo Ga-ju’s goal in developing spear techniques, and it could certainly be said that he had achieved that goal.
However, what Jo Ga-ju truly desired was not a clash with the Martial World but the safety of the Imperial Army.
“Haa.”
As he put on his clothes, Jo Ga-ju froze.
A shadow.
When he happened to glance down while wearing his clothes, he clearly saw the shadow of a person.
Jo Ga-ju kept calm as he dressed, pondering.
Given Jo Ga-ju’s current level as a Hwa-gyeong Martial Artist, such a high level was rare and certainly not easy to find. Yet even Jo Ga-ju, a Hwa-gyeong master, couldn’t sense the intruder’s presence.
While tidying his clothes, Jo Ga-ju checked for his spear and confirmed it was missing; it had been left at the door before he entered the bathroom.
‘Today, I may struggle to keep my life.’
Although the intruder’s intent was unknown, the mere fact that they had infiltrated was a dire sign.
Jo Ga-ju decided to avoid causing a commotion.
If he shouted, soldiers from the Imperial Army would surely rush in, but even with their help, the chances of stopping the intruder were slim.
Even by simple deduction, the opponent was likely a Hwa-gyeong master, or at least close to one, and making a fuss would only lead to more lost lives.
“Whoever you are, I ask you to be satisfied with my single life. The people outside are merely innocent youths oblivious to the situation.”
“Ha ha. I only have business with you, so don’t worry.”
“Is that so? I thank you for your mercy.”
When Jo Ga-ju took a deep breath and turned around, the person there was the Black Rib Elder, having taken Jo Ga-ju’s spear. Having been reunited with Jo Ga-ju after a long time, Ho Cheon-an could easily recognize Jo Ga-ju, but Jo Ga-ju could not recognize the current Ho Cheon-an.
Not because he was covered in black, but because the many experiences afterward had transformed Ho Cheon-an’s momentum so drastically.
Because of this, Jo Ga-ju swallowed hard upon seeing Ho Cheon-an, despite witnessing a person standing before him, as he could feel nothing from his senses.
The fact that he was holding the weapon he used every day yet felt no hint of its essence shocked Jo Ga-ju greatly.
‘If this person wished to take my life, I would never even know it until it was too late.’
Four characters floated in Jo Ga-ju’s mind.
Thunder Name Zhonja.
It was hard to believe another absolute master beyond Thunder Name Zhonja existed. Having deduced the identity of the person before him, Jo Ga-ju’s already weak resolve to resist completely evaporated.
“You are probably the Thunder Name Zhonja who has been making a name for yourself recently. So, what business do you have with me?”
“Hmm.”
Ho Cheon-an, realizing Jo Ga-ju didn’t recognize him at all, removed his black covering. However, even without the covering, Jo Ga-ju’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.
Ho Cheon-an chuckled and said,
“I once heard from Kang Chumo-ru. You organized a Comrades Association, right? Are you still continuing its activities?”
Jo Ga-ju’s eyes widened.
“What…? You… surely not?”
“Yes. Has the spear technique taken flight yet?”
At Ho Cheon-an’s question, Jo Ga-ju trembled as if struck by lightning.
Unbeknownst to him, the memories of that day vividly resurfaced in Jo Ga-ju’s mind. In the instructor’s office, he remembered the instructor in the red outfit and eight-sided hat, reading an indecipherable book and glancing at him casually as he made his decision. He had certainly expressed such aspirations to that instructor.
[I wish to create spear techniques that anyone seeking wings can learn.]
“Instructor…!”
Jo Ga-ju’s body crumbled. Thick tears streamed down his face.
The questions, confusions, and helplessness that had been accumulating in his heart bursted forth like a dam.
“I… don’t know. I created the spear technique and achieved results, but… is this truly the sky I wished for? Am I actually soaring? I really… I really don’t know…! Instructor!”
“Get up.”
Ho Cheon-an grabbed Jo Ga-ju by the arms, helping him to his feet.
“I can’t fully understand your worries, but I have some idea. With the Huang Nation in such turmoil, how could a soldier of the nation like you remain at peace?”
Jo Ga-ju nodded continuously.
“I want to change the intentions of the current Huang Nation. There’s a reason for the existence of Martial Artists in this world, and they are a significant pillar of it. What benefit comes from forcibly removing Martial Artists?”
“Indeed… that’s very true! Instructor!”
He thought to himself that it was just like the instructor!
Jo Ga-ju felt tears welling up again, realizing that despite stating he didn’t know his concerns, the instructor had seen right through everything!
“However, to change the Huang Nation’s intentions is to change the world, and how could such a task be achieved alone? Thus, I wanted to seek your help, no rather, I wanted to seek ‘your’ help; I had come to find you.”
Jo Ga-ju realized that the “you” Ho Cheon-an mentioned referred to the Twelfth Squad Comrades Association.
“Will you help me?”
Without hesitation, Jo Ga-ju nodded.
“Of course!”
That day, from Jo Ga-ju’s mansion, countless letters flew out toward various parts of the world.
