Chapter 96 to 98

 Chapter 96

‘Ah…’

At the mention of the Ascending Martial Arts, Mu Jang-yak’s expression turned regretful.

That was because he had heard rumors about the Corpse Blood Valley Treasure Vault.

He had heard that it contained copies of numerous secret manuals of the Ascending Martial Arts from the Heaven and Earth Society’s main headquarters, along with various martial arts secret manuals that were partially absent even in the main headquarters.

Any martial artist who didn’t show interest would be the strange one.

‘The Ascending Martial Arts of Corpse Blood Valley…’

This interest was shared by Mok Yu-cheon as well.

In his case, he had always been passionate about martial arts, so he couldn’t help but be curious.

These were the Ascending Martial Arts of the Heaven and Earth Society, which currently dominated a third of the martial arts world.

One couldn’t help but wonder what kind of techniques they possessed.

On the other hand,

‘Is this really considered a special reward?’

Mok Gyeong-un didn’t have any particular feelings about it.

Although his goal was to cultivate martial arts and become stronger for the sake of revenge, he had doubts about whether learning many techniques would truly be helpful.

-The more, the better.

‘The more, the better?’

As if reading his thoughts, Cheong-ryeong said,

-Learning many martial arts doesn’t necessarily make one vastly stronger, but the more martial arts one knows, the broader their perspective becomes, and their range of experience also expands.

‘Hmm.’

Broadening one’s perspective, huh?

In that sense, would it be beneficial to learn as many martial arts as possible?

As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom, who was on the platform, spoke again.

“It’s been quite a while since someone obtained three top score plaques.”

“It seems so. Has it been about 8 years? That guy… no, it’s not that guy anymore. It’s been a long time since then.”

“Indeed. Is this the third time?”

Since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley, Mok Gyeong-un was the third person to obtain three top score plaques.

At this point, Mok Gyeong-un, who was standing in front, asked out of curiosity,

“I’m just asking out of curiosity, but has anyone ever obtained four or more?”

Considering just the trials themselves, there were a total of six trials in Corpse Blood Valley.

However, in reality, there were no top score plaques for the fourth and final trials.

Therefore, if one were to obtain the maximum number of top score plaques, it would be possible to acquire four.

In response to Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi frowned and said in a displeased tone,

“How dare you ask the Valley Master…”

“Gwak-daeju. Right now, he is a unit leader[1].”

Just as Gwak Mun-gi was about to lash out, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom reminded him of this fact.

At this, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi bit his lip.

As a unit leader, Mok Gyeong-un held a higher position than himself, who could be considered a senior warrior, but in his mind, he still didn’t acknowledge this brat.

However, he couldn’t make a mistake in front of the Valley Master, so he adjusted his tone to show a little more respect.

“Unit Leader Mok. The trials are not over yet, so please refrain from casually asking questions to the Valley Master.”

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un silently looked at Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom.

Seeing this, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi was dumbfounded and distorted his expression fiercely, but,

“Since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley, there has been only one person who acquired all the top score plaques.”

‘Valley Master?’

Gwak Mun-gi glanced at Lee Ji-yeom with a slightly perplexed expression.

Normally, he wouldn’t have responded to the cadets in a gentle or soft manner, even if they were about to enter the final stage.

Yet, he was answering such a question.

‘Why is he acting this way?’

Could it be because he considered this fellow to be a spy sent by the Society Leader?

If that were the case, it would be understandable to show him some courtesy, but why would the Society Leader use a hostage brought from the righteous faction to test or monitor the Valley Master?

In any case, the Valley Master’s attitude was quite unexpected.

‘Someone acquired all of them?’

Interest gleamed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

He himself had never experienced a formation before and had never controlled anyone, so he hadn’t received the top score in the sword formation trial.

Yet, there was someone who had obtained all of them…

‘They must be incredible.’

In fact, although Mok Gyeong-un himself wasn’t aware of it, even though he had only properly cultivated martial arts for a short time, obtaining this many top score plaques was truly remarkable.

Perhaps if he had properly cultivated martial arts from the beginning, he might have become the second person to obtain all the top score plaques since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley.

‘It’s too scary to ask.’

Out of pure curiosity, he wanted to ask who had achieved such a feat, but Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi was glaring at him with fiery eyes, making it difficult to inquire further.

Perhaps noticing this, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom said,

“If your doubts have been resolved, I will now announce the reward for those who have obtained three top score plaques.”

“Yes.”

“Those who have obtained three top score plaques…”

The gazes of the cadets concentrated on Lee Ji-yeom’s face.

If this was the level of reward given for obtaining two top score plaques, what kind of benefits would be bestowed upon those who had acquired three?

“Apart from the final trial, they can request guidance from one of the sect’s top masters, namely the Five Kings, Three Chief Masters, or the Four Valley Masters, the Twelve Elders.”

‘!!!!!!!!’

As soon as those words were uttered, everyone’s expressions changed drastically.

Of course, by everyone, it was mainly Mu Jang-yak, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall who directly reacted.

They were under the Heaven and Earth Society and knew better than anyone how incredible this benefit was.

‘To be able to request guidance from one of the Heaven and Earth Society’s top masters?’

‘They provide rewards to this extent?’

‘…Ah.’

Throughout one’s life, how often would one have the opportunity to receive guidance from Peak Realm masters or those supreme masters at the Transcendent Realm?

Moreover, those extraordinary masters were among the most prominent figures in the Heaven and Earth Society.

This was something they couldn’t help but envy.

Even Mok Yu-cheon, who had initially listened without much thought, noticed their envious gazes and suddenly realized it.

‘Ah!’

Among the Heaven and Earth Society’s executives, two of them were part of the Six Heavens and Eight Stars.

The Six Heavens and Eight Stars were regarded as the supreme masters, regardless of faction, and two of the Five Kings were included among those Eight Stars.

A true grandmaster at the Elder level who had surpassed the Transcendent Realm and reached the realm of Transformation.

If the benefit was to receive guidance from one of them…

‘Damn it.’

Having left the righteous faction’s camp, this was somewhat enviable.

It was unclear whether one would become a disciple or learn some of their martial arts, but the opportunity to receive guidance from such peerless experts was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

In fact, it could be considered an incredible fortune.

-There’s no need to think about this, mortal.

No need to think about it?

-There are two experts in the realm of Transformation. Choose one of them and learn from them what you can’t learn from this venerable one. As they have surpassed Transcendent Realm, it will greatly aid your enlightenment.

Even Cheong-ryeong seemed to consider this a considerably good benefit.

If that was the case, it wasn’t bad.

As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom continued,

“If there is someone you desire, it would be wise to consider it in advance. If you enter the main headquarters, the opportunity will be given.”

“Yes.”

“The final trial will be conducted once you arrive at the main headquarters tomorrow. Before that, the holders of the top score plaques will receive their rewards, and the rest will have time to rest.”

With those words, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom was about to step down from the platform.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“May I ask what benefits are given to those who have obtained all the top score plaques?”

‘This brat again!’

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi frowned.

He was asking the Valley Master questions again without restraint.

It was really displeasing…

“They can receive guidance from the Society Leader.”

At that moment, silence fell.

Although he didn’t understand why the Valley Master was showing such leniency to this guy, seeing their reactions was quite amusing.

Gwak Mun-gi could see what those below the platform were thinking.

‘Why is he doing this?’

On the other hand, Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t comprehend their reactions.

Why were they so surprised?

“Since the Valley Master has left, unit leader Mok should also step down from the platform.”

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi said to him in a strained voice.

As Mok Gyeong-un descended, he asked Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall with a puzzled look,

“Is receiving guidance from the Society Leader such a shocking matter?”

‘!?’

At those words, Mo Ha-rang looked at him as if asking if he truly didn’t know.

Why was he acting like this?

As he was wondering, she spoke in a slightly trembling voice,

“The Society Leader is one of the Six Heavens, regarded as the pinnacle of the current martial arts world. Putting everything else aside, to receive guidance from one of the six strongest individuals in the world…”

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

That’s how astonishing the reward was for obtaining all the top score plaques.

Of course, no one in this batch had achieved it, but if they had known about this prerequisite from the beginning, everyone might have faced the trials with the determination to die.

That’s how supreme the reputation of the Six Heavens was.

‘Is it that incredible?’

Judging by their even more intense reactions compared to receiving guidance from the executives, it seemed to be a truly remarkable thing for them.

As they were contemplating, Cheong-ryeong’s voice rang in his ears.

-Six Heavens? Ha…

Her voice was filled with irritation.

In fact, through Mo Ha-rang’s words, she had also learned that the Heaven and Earth Society’s Leader was one of the Six Heavens, regarded as the pinnacle of the current martial arts world.

Upon discovering this, she seemed considerably displeased.

Well, it was quite understandable.

For her, the existence of the Heaven and Earth Society’s Leader, whether in the past or present, was akin to the final destination of her grudge.

‘…The challenges have grown significantly.’

Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

The Heaven and Earth Society’s Leader was someone close to the pinnacle of the martial arts world…

Although he wasn’t particularly bound by it as his grandfather’s revenge took priority, fulfilling her grudge was becoming increasingly difficult.

***

In the forest not far from the main building of Corpse Blood Valley.

Mok Gyeong-un was following Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi.

Gwak Mun-gi found Mok Gyeong-un unpleasant, so he remained silent throughout the journey.

Soon, they reached a steep cliff.

Pointing at the cliff that seemed difficult to climb even with lightness skills, Gwak Mun-gi spoke without looking back,

“Follow closely.”

-Whoosh!

Gwak Mun-gi utilized his lightness skills and ascended the steep cliff.

He quickly found footholds as if he were familiar with it, climbing at a considerable speed.

‘Let’s see if he can properly keep up.’

Come to think of it, he had never properly witnessed the fellow’s lightness skill proficiency.

Could he truly follow along on such a steep cliff?

Just as he was thinking that,

-Tap tap tap!

‘Huh?’

Gwak Mun-gi glanced down.

Mok Gyeong-un had already caught up to him, right beneath him.

‘This bastard…’

It was absurd.

He himself had been wandering around Corpse Blood Valley for a long time, so he could move faster than anyone else anywhere, but this fellow was different.

Moreover, with mere first-rate martial arts, how could he climb the cliff at a speed similar to his own?

Of course, the reason was simple.

‘There, there it is.’

Mok Gyeong-un was following along by memorizing the spots where Gwak Mun-gi had stepped.

Wherever Gwak Mun-gi had passed, there were undoubtedly footholds to step on and climb, so by remembering them and following along, it wasn’t particularly difficult.

Because of this, Gwak Mun-gi was annoyed and kept clicking his tongue.

‘Damn bastard.’

He had intended to teach him a lesson, but it didn’t work, making him even more irritated.

He had planned to reprimand him, saying that a unit leader couldn’t even do this much if he couldn’t keep up properly, but that idea had become meaningless.

-Tap!

Finally, Gwak Mun-gi, who had been climbing the cliff, abruptly entered somewhere that seemed blocked.

It was clearly blocked, but his body naturally passed through.

‘A formation?’

Thanks to diviner Jo Ui-gong, Mok Gyeong-un had experienced formations before, so without any hesitation, he followed Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi and entered through the cliff.

Upon entering,

-Whoosh!

A large cavern with torches lit in various places was revealed.

In the center, a man who appeared to be in his fifties, covered in scars, was sitting on a stone chair with his arms crossed.

In front of him was Gwak Mun-gi, who had entered earlier,

‘Tsk.’

Seeing Mok Gyeong-un pass through the blocked wall and enter in one go, he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

As they were standing there, the scar-covered man stood up and said,

“I wondered what was going on, but it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has.”

“It’s been about eight years since then, right?”

“That’s correct. So, I brought him here for the reward and to let him enter the treasure vault.”

At Gwak Mun-gi’s words, the scar-covered man turned his gaze toward Mok Gyeong-un.

Then, with a puzzled expression, he said,

“He’s a peculiar brat. He appears to be at most a first-rate level, but how did he obtain three top score plaques?”

Based on the man’s qi perception, Mok Gyeong-un’s level was at most barely reaching the first-rate realm.

Yet, to come here, one needed three top score plaques.

It shouldn’t have been possible with mere martial arts of this level.

In response, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“Excuse me, but who are you?”

“Are you referring to me?”

“Yes.”

“Hahahahaha. I am the guardian of the treasure vault here in Corpse Blood Valley.”

“The guardian?”

As Mok Gyeong-un questioned, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi spoke in a warning tone,

“He is Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who is in charge of the treasure vault. If you displease him, you may end up trapped in the mechanical traps of the treasure vault, so show some respect…”

“Ah, ah. That’s enough. Since when have I cared about such things?”

“…”

Their dynamics were quite mismatched.

As they were conversing, the scar-covered man, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, waved his hands and said,

“You may leave now.”

“What?”

“Or are you planning to keep waiting here? You should know that it’s not allowed.”

“…I understand. I will step back and wait below.”

“Good.”

At guardian Yang Mu-won’s order to leave, Gwak Mun-gi passed through the illusory cliff wall created by the formation and went outside.

As he left, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won asked Mok Gyeong-un,

“Shall we finish the conversation we were having earlier? How did you manage to obtain three top score plaques?”

In response to his question, Mok Gyeong-un slightly tilted his head and said,

“Naturally, I obtained them because I performed better than others, right?”

“…”

At these words, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who had been frowning, suddenly laughed heartily.

“Hahahahaha. Right. That’s a valid point. The Valley Master wouldn’t have given the top score plaques to someone worthless.”

“…”

Mok Gyeong-un showed no reaction.

Seeing this, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who had been laughing boisterously, felt awkward and scratched his head.

‘Oh my.’

The person who had come eight years ago at least had some level of communication, but this kid’s reactions were somewhat dull, making it uninteresting.

Well, it was regrettable, but his task wasn’t to engage in conversation.

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won turned his body and gestured.

“Follow me.”

“Yes.”

Mok Gyeong-un followed behind him.

Then, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won pointed his finger towards the depths of the cave and said,

“If you go inside, there is a treasure vault containing secret manuals. As you may have heard, you can only take out one secret manual from the treasure vault. Even then, you must copy it here before leaving with it.”

“Yes.”

“You will be given about one sichen (two hours) to carefully make your selection. If you fail to choose anything within that time, you must leave empty-handed according to the rules. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Ah. And there is a place marked with a red line. It’s best if you don’t enter there.”

“What?”

As Mok Gyeong-un questioned, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won spoke as if trying to scare him.

“In the past, something happened there… No. You don’t need to know that much. Anyway, if you cross the red line, you’ll see something truly terrifying. So, don’t ignore my warning.”

‘Something terrifying?’

He was rambling incoherently, making it difficult to understand what he meant.

As he was puzzling over it, a large iron door came into view.

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won placed his hand on the empty wall beside it and fiddled with something.

-Creeak! Thud!

The iron door opened on its own, revealing the interior.

Inside, there was a cavern much larger than the entrance, and the entire walls on all sides were densely filled with secret manuals.

Pointing inside, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won grinned and said,

“If you haven’t thought about it beforehand, just selecting the desired secret manual will be quite a headache. I’ll let you know when the time is up, so remember, one sichen.”

“Yes.”

“Now, go inside.”

As Mok Gyeong-un was about to step inside,

He suddenly paused and said,

“Ah! May I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“I can only take out one secret manual, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Just skimming through them shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course, you need to skim through the contents to choose a suitable secret manual. We won’t make an issue out of something like that.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un’s lips curled as he said,

“That’s quite fortunate.”Chapter 97

Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t help but be inwardly astonished by the number of bookshelves surrounding the entire cavern and the abundance of secret manuals filling them.

Apart from martial arts, it seemed to be the first time he had seen such a vast quantity of books since his birth.

Moreover, all of these were secret manuals.

Which sword technique, which footwork method, which palm technique, which cultivation method…

The sheer number was so vast that he couldn’t even fathom where to start.

‘One shichen, huh.’

Before seeing this place, he had thought it was quite a generous amount of time.

However, upon witnessing the immense collection of martial arts books, he realized that the time might not be as ample as he had initially thought.

Just then, Cheong-ryeong’s voice rang in his ears.

-They’re all useless.

“What?”

Mok Gyeong-un replied in a whisper.

She then said,

-The ones placed around the perimeter are all secret manuals that would only be coveted by those aiming for third-rate or at most first-rate martial arts.

“Is that so?”

-Can’t you tell at a glance?

“I can’t tell at a glance.”

-…Well, it’s impossible for a mortal like you who has just entered the path to have discerning eyes.

Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue and said.

However, this wasn’t Mok Gyeong-un’s fault.

Thanks to various fortuitous encounters, his transcendent memory, and a body that could manifest it, he was growing at an incomparable speed compared to ordinary geniuses, but considering the short time since his initiation, his insight couldn’t be that broad.

-You should be grateful to this venerable one, mortal.

“Is that so?”

-With your insignificant insight, you wouldn’t be able to discern the martial arts that are somewhat useful, would you?

“Well, that’s true.”

Mok Gyeong-un readily agreed.

At his response, Cheong-ryeong felt deflated.

In fact, from Mok Gyeong-un’s perspective, there was no reason to assert his pride in such matters.

“Will you choose for me?”

-Didn’t I tell you? With your insight, you would only waste time, so this venerable one will select the useful ones for you.

“That’s something to be grateful for.”

-First, go to the upper floor.

“Upper floor?”

Was there an upper floor here?

As he wondered, Cheong-ryeong said,

-Can’t you see that the bookshelves reach the ceiling?

“Ah.”

Upon closer inspection, there were supports placed between the bookshelves at intervals, allowing one to walk up to about two or three floors high.

However, judging from her tone, it seemed as if she was well-acquainted with the structure of this place.

So, as Mok Gyeong-un moved, he asked,

“Have you been here before?”

-Impossible.

“But you seem to know quite a lot. Telling me to go upstairs without properly examining the secret manuals.”

Did she know what was up there and tell him to go up?

At this, Cheong-ryeong chuckled and said,

-Judging from the structure here, they have replicated the treasure vault from the main headquarters.

“The main headquarters?”

-Yes. There is also a treasure vault in the main headquarters. It seems they have brought copies of the secret manuals from there and placed them here.

“Ah, is that so? It seems like a hassle when only a few people would properly see them.”

They could have just brought the good secret manuals.

Then, Cheong-ryeong snorted and said,

-Ha! If you don’t know, just stay quiet.

“What?”

-The fact that they created a treasure vault filled with copies deep in the mountains and cliffs, rather than in the main headquarters, is probably a precautionary measure.

“Precautionary measure?”

-Perhaps in case of an unexpected invasion?

“Invasion? You mean in case the main headquarters is attacked?”

-Yes. Think about it. No matter how powerful a martial arts sect is, as time passes and generations change, it’s common for them to weaken and collapse, like the natural order of things.

“Ah, so they made copies in advance?”

-Probably. If the main headquarters were to be attacked, it would be natural to burn or destroy the treasure vault to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

“While destroying it is easy, moving or protecting it is difficult, so they prepared in advance.”

-Indeed. I don’t know whose idea this was, but it’s a good strategy.

“I agree.”

Mok Gyeong-un nodded in agreement.

Having learned to some extent how much martial artists cherished and coveted martial arts secret manuals, he recognized that they were a significant asset to them.

Considering that it would be impossible to move this vast treasure vault all at once, it was the right choice.

-Creak!

“…It seems they don’t maintain it as much as I thought.”

The wooden frame leading to the upper level creaked and swayed.

Unlike the main headquarters, the treasure vault within Corpse Blood Valley was not frequently used, so perhaps that was the reason.

-What are you going to do?

“What do you think I’ll do?”

-Knowing your personality, you won’t be satisfied with just one or two necessary items.

“Since we’re here, it would be nice to look for useful things all around.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Cheong-ryeong chuckled.

Mok Gyeong-un’s transcendent memory was helpful wherever he went, but in situations like this, it could be considered the best.

‘I was curious, so this is perfect.’

Cheong-ryeong had been wondering about the extent of Mok Gyeong-un’s memory, which could perfectly memorize something after seeing it once.

It seemed like a good opportunity to test how much he could memorize.

As they were contemplating, the guardian Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who was about to light an incense stick and measure time at the entrance of the treasure vault below, gazed at Mok Gyeong-un with a puzzled expression.

‘That kid…’

How did he go up there so quickly?

In fact, the lowest shelves of the treasure vault contained basic techniques and secret manuals suitable for martial artists ranging from third-rate to first-rate.

The real deal started from the second-floor shelves, but as soon as he entered, he barely glanced at the lower section and went straight up.

‘Hmm.’

Anyone who saw him would think he had been here several times, given how natural his movements were.

After a moment of puzzlement, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won decided to ignore it.

In any case, his task was to be the guardian of the treasure vault, and all he had to do was ensure that the child didn’t secretly take out any unauthorized manuals.

Just then,

‘Did he find something useful?’

He noticed Mok Gyeong-un pulling out a secret manual from the bookshelf.

No matter how good one’s inner strength and eyesight were, it was impossible to know exactly what he had taken out from this distance.

However, from the second floor onwards, there were quite a few Ascending Martial Arts.

There were secret manuals aimed at the Peak Realm and above, so whatever he chose would be beneficial to him.

-Rustle rustle rustle!

Mok Gyeong-un was seen flipping through the secret manual as if skimming it.

He was flipping through it quite quickly, but could he properly read the contents written inside like that?

Just then, after going through the entire book, he placed it back on the shelf.

‘Huh?’

Did he even read it properly?

Why was he skimming through it like that?

Even if he only had one shichen, if he had the discernment to go straight to the second floor, he could have carefully selected from there…

-Tap!

Mok Gyeong-un was seen pulling out another secret manual.

Then, just like before, he started flipping through the pages at an incredible speed, rustling the pages.

‘…What is he doing?’

At that speed, he wasn’t skimming but merely turning the pages.

Could he even understand the contents by reading like that?

However, it wasn’t only Unit Leader Yang Mu-won who was thinking this way.

‘This brat?’

Was he really examining it properly?

He was flipping through the book too quickly, almost to the extent of simply opening and immediately turning the page rather than reading.

Cheong-ryeong asked, just in case.

-Mortal. Are you really memorizing it? If you flip through it so quickly…

-Rustle! Rustle! Rustle! Tap!

Mok Gyeong-un closed the last page of the secret manual and whispered,

“Yes. Of course, I’m memorizing it.”

-!?

Memorizing… it?

No matter how good one’s memory was, didn’t they need to read the text to some extent to memorize it?

In Cheong-ryeong’s eyes, Mok Gyeong-un wasn’t even skimming but merely opening the book and immediately turning to the next page.

However,

“If I’m not trying to understand it right away, I can memorize it just by looking at it.”

-What?

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Cheong-ryeong was momentarily at a loss for words.

He was reading the contents so quickly that it was almost like skimming, no, it was closer to just looking at it, yet he claimed to have memorized everything?

For a moment, she was dumbfounded.

Even as a spirit, her memory was different from humans, but it was still difficult to do that.

‘…An absurd memory.’

She had initially thought his memory was already at an unbelievable level, but this surpassed human limits.

Mok Gyeong-un asked her, who was stunned and speechless.

“What’s the next useful secret manual?”

-Next? You really…

“Really what?”

For a moment, she almost asked if he was truly human.

Not only his acceptance of the energy of death but also his memory was beyond extraordinary, surpassing the level of ordinary humans.

It might be strange for a spirit like her to say this, but he really didn’t seem human.

Cheong-ryeong, who had been staring intently at Mok Gyeong-un, finally came to her senses and said,

-The… next one is… Huh? Why is that there?

“What are you looking at?”

-Look at the third shelf from the bottom on the right, where you’re currently looking.

“Profound Mystic Foot Technique[1]?”

Judging from the characters “각법, Foot Technique”, it seemed to be a martial art that utilized the feet.

Cheong-ryeong said to Mok Gyeong-un,

-It’s the foot technique of the Myeongsun School[2]. It was offered by a school that joined the Heaven and Earth Society in its early days. It’s a foot technique that excels in agility and variation, and with a little modification, it can be classified as an Early Ascending Martial Art.

“Early Ascending?”

According to Cheong-ryeong, martial arts that aimed for the Peak Realm or early-stage of Transcendent Realm were classified as Ascending Martial Arts.

And martial arts that had the potential and insight to go beyond the early stage of Transcendent Realm were supposed to be classified as Early Ascending Martial Arts.

In that case,

“Why is this here?”

She had said it should be on the third floor.

At this question, Cheong-ryeong also muttered as if she couldn’t understand.

-Who knows? This venerable one had originally classified the Profound Mystic Foot Technique as an Early Ascending Martial Art and placed it on the third floor.

But if it had been moved down,

‘…Could it be him?’

There was a possibility.

After all, he had denied and overturned everything about himself.

Clicking her tongue as if it was absurd, she said,

-Anyway, it would be good for you to learn the Profound Mystic Foot Technique. This venerable one guarantees that it’s hard to find a foot technique as good as this within the entire Heaven and Earth Society.

That’s how versatile and swift it was, making it the most suitable for attacking and seizing opportunities.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un flipped through the Profound Mystic Foot Technique and memorized it.

She stuck out her tongue as if she couldn’t get used to it no matter how much she looked.

It was truly a crazy memory.

It took about fifteen counts to memorize an entire book.

-Rustle! Tap!

“Next?”

-Fifth from the bottom on the right.

“Yes.”

At this rate, it seemed like he could memorize dozens, no, even hundreds of books before leaving.

Although it was questionable whether there was a need to memorize that many, if he did, it would be an opportunity to greatly expand his insight into martial arts.

Wasn’t it said that in ancient times, an imperial official named Hwangsang became a peerless expert by simply reading thousands of Taoist secret manuals, opening his meridians and attaining enlightenment about qi?

Each secret manual contained its own insights, so if this mortal fellow truly had talent, he would gain something from it.

-Rustle! Rustle! Tap!

“Next.”

It was really hard to get used to.

It was instantaneous.

-The one next to it… Hmm.

“Why? Is there another martial art like the Profound Mystic Foot Technique?”

-No, that’s not it, but the Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm[3] over there is a palm technique of the Wudang Sect.

“Wudang Sect? Is that also a martial arts school?”

-…I’m constantly witnessing the limits of your knowledge.

He really knew nothing about the martial arts world, even to an excessive extent.

So, Cheong-ryeong said,

-The Wudang Sect can be considered the pinnacle of Taoist martial arts, and among the righteous factions, it is called the supreme martial arts school, surpassing even the famous schools.

“It must be an incredible place.”

-Indeed. It’s not one of the Nine Schools and One Sect for nothing.

“What are the Nine Schools and One Sect?”

-I don’t have time to explain every single thing, so to put it simply, there are nine martial arts schools and one sect that are regarded as the best even among the righteous factions. The Wudang Sect is one of them.

“Is that so? Then it would be better to learn this as well.”

-No. Actually, I was going to tell you not to learn it.

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un asked in puzzlement,

“Why? If it’s a martial art from such an incredible place…”

-Of course, it would be useful. However, for you, Taoist martial arts might actually be… Hmm.

“Why?”

-It’s because it could be poisonous to you.

“Poisonous?”

-Most of the energy occupying your body is the energy of death. However, Taoist martial arts are based on the principles of nourishing life. So, if you carelessly learn it, it might clash with the death energy, which is why I was hesitating.

“Ah, is that so?”

It made sense for Cheong-ryeong to be contemplating.

In that case, it might be better not to learn it, but,

“…Still, I’ll memorize it.”

-What? Why…

“No. How do you know if it might come in handy?”

-Come in handy?

“Didn’t you tell me before, Cheong-ryeong?”

-What did I say?

“That just by looking at the wounds or traces left by martial arts, you can identify which school it belongs to and what type it is.”

-I did say that.

“Couldn’t this be used in a similar way if utilized well?”

-You couldn’t possibly…

Mok Gyeong-un smiled.

Seeing this, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue inwardly.

Whenever this fellow learned something, the ways he thought of utilizing it were truly beyond what others could imagine.

He would be a really troublesome individual to have as an enemy.

As Mok Gyeong-un was about to pull out the secret manual of the Wudang Sect’s Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm,

“Uh… Hm?”

Mok Gyeong-un looked puzzled as he examined the book.

That’s because a part of the secret manual was dark red, as if it had been stained with blood.

Moreover, the secret manual seemed quite old.

So, Mok Gyeong-un asked,

“Didn’t you say they only collected copies?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Cheong-ryeong also found it strange.

The book currently grasped in Mok Gyeong-un’s hand was probably,

-…It seems to be the originalChapter 98

“It doesn’t seem to be a copy?”

-Yes. At least not this one.

At Mok Gyeong-un’s query, Cheong-ryeong said as if it was unexpected.

That’s because even if it was a copy, it was natural for a book to become worn out after a long time.

However, since it was newly transcribed and not frequently used, there was no way traces resembling bloodstains would remain.

“That makes sense. Well, there could be various reasons. Either they accidentally placed the original here, or the copy was clean, so they kept it in the main headquarters…”

-The original wouldn’t be mixed up for such reasons.

Cheong-ryeong firmly denied Mok Gyeong-un’s speculations.

“What?”

-You may not know yet, mortal, but the original holds a special meaning.

“Meaning? In what way?”

-Most original secret manuals are written by the creator of that martial art.

“In that case, it would have value as the creator’s original work.”

He seemed to have heard this from his grandfather.

The value of a poem transcribed from Confucius and a poem directly written by Confucius was different.

It seemed to be in that sense.

As they were conversing, Cheong-ryeong continued,

-While the creator’s value and such can be a reason, what’s more important are the engraved characters.

“Characters?”

-The strokes are traces. What did this venerable one tell you when teaching you martial arts, mortal?

“Traces are…”

-The martial art itself.

Would Mok Gyeong-un be able to accurately understand why she said this?

The breadth of understanding varies depending on one’s enlightenment.

Even if one’s cultivation reaches the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm, if their enlightenment is still lacking, they may not understand what she means at all.

However,

“Nothing contains as much as the strokes. Each trace within them may contain the habits of the martial art’s creator. Those habits would also include the trajectory of the techniques.”

‘!?’

Cheong-ryeong couldn’t hide her surprise at Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

She hadn’t had high expectations.

Yet, Mok Gyeong-un had given the exact answer she wanted to hear.

‘This brat…’

He didn’t merely possess a superhuman memory.

His comprehension was also exceptional.

A little brat who had only learned martial arts for a short time was naturally speaking about the principles of Ascending Martial Arts, which would be somewhat understandable for those entering the early Transcendent Realm.

Of course, it wasn’t as if he had truly attained enlightenment, but it was quite astonishing.

‘…I wonder what would have happened if this kid had started cultivating martial arts at a younger age.’

Perhaps he might have displayed the remarkable feat of reaching the early Transcendent Realm before even coming of age.

Mok Gyeong-un’s talent was so fearsome that it felt frightening, regardless of whether she liked him or not.

As she was marveling, Mok Gyeong-un asked,

“Was I wrong?”

“…Well, you somewhat understood.”

She didn’t want to praise him excessively, as it could lead to complacency.

However, at her response, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

After he spoke, it took her a while to answer, so how could it be considered somewhat understanding?

‘I must have been accurate.’

However, he had no intention of boasting about it.

For him, mastering martial arts was merely sharpening a blade for the sake of revenge.

Cheong-ryeong said to Mok Gyeong-un,

–Ahem… Anyway, as you said, the original contains the creator’s true intention in each stroke, so it’s almost like condensed enlightenment. That’s why even high-level experts strive to broaden their insight by reading various original martial arts secret manuals.

“I see. I learned something valuable.”

-In any case, the presence of this secret manual here doesn’t seem to be a mistake.

Since copies didn’t contain the creator’s true intention, she believed it wasn’t a mistake or a replacement due to the book being dirty.

Mok Gyeong-un nodded and said,

“I understand. Since we don’t have much time, I’ll continue memorizing.”

-Go ahead.

-Rustle! Rustle!

Mok Gyeong-un turned the pages.

Just like before, he tried to imprint it with his eyes, as if stamping a seal,

‘Strokes…’

The human consciousness sometimes moves in ways contrary to one’s intentions.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had come to understand the meaning of strokes through Cheong-ryeong, started memorizing not only the characters but also the appearance of the strokes.

‘The thickness of the strokes…’

The movement of the wrist could be seen based on the thickness.

Then, at some point during the process of imprinting, a peculiar phenomenon occurred in Mok Gyeong-un’s mind.

This was something even Cheong-ryeong had not anticipated.

‘Ah!’

In Mok Gyeong-un’s mind, he saw an old Taoist with an unseen face softly tracing the trajectory of palm techniques as if dancing.

They were the techniques of the Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm.

It was an astonishing occurrence.

While reading the text, how could each movement be seen so accurately?

He could even see where strength was applied and released.

It was truly a bizarre event.

Thanks to this, the most primitive techniques intended by the martial art’s creator were directly imprinted in Mok Gyeong-un’s mind.

At that moment, a mnemonic chant flashed through Mok Gyeong-un’s mind.

-Rustle! Rustle!

When he turned the last page, Mok Gyeong-un’s expression was somewhat elated.

‘What is this?’

It was an emotion he had never felt before.

It was as if, for a brief moment, he had become one with the creator of this martial art and tasted the true flow of the Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm’s techniques.

It was a completely different feeling compared to when he thought he would simply imprint and follow with his body.

‘Not bad.’

He wanted to savor this feeling again.

However, unfortunately, apart from this Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm manual, most of the other martial arts secret manuals would be copies.

In that case, he might not be able to experience this feeling.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had a disappointed expression, asked,

“…What would be good to learn next?”

-Not here. Look at the sixth from the bottom on the next bookshelf.

“Sixth…”

This time, it was a sword technique manual called Immeasurable Fifteen Swords[1].

As Mok Gyeong-un opened the secret manual, he naturally thought it was a copy, but due to the habit he had developed earlier, he couldn’t help but meticulously imprint the strokes engraved in the characters.

However,

‘Huh?’

In Mok Gyeong-un’s mind, he saw a middle-aged master displaying sword techniques again.

The middle-aged master’s sword techniques were performed with a heavy sword, and each time he swung the sword, the force carried at the tip of the sword soared abruptly, as if it were immeasurable, just like the name.

For Mok Gyeong-un, who had never learned a heavy sword with weight, this sword technique was a new experience.

-Squirm!

‘…This guy?’

Cheong-ryeong, who had been watching Mok Gyeong-un turn the pages, couldn’t hide her puzzlement.

That’s because Mok Gyeong-un’s speed of turning the pages had slowed down a bit compared to before.

Now, it took about twenty-five to thirty counts to skim through a single secret manual, slightly slower than before.

Of course, even the slower speed was still incomparably faster than ordinary people.

“Ah…”

-Why are you doing that?

“It took a bit more time, right?”

-…Even though it’s slower than before, didn’t it only take you about twenty-five to thirty counts?

“Was it only that much?”

-Yes.

At Cheong-ryeong’s words, Mok Gyeong-un was inwardly surprised.

Just like with the Supreme Ultimate Soft Palm, he had felt as if he had become one with the creator of this Immeasurable Fifteen Swords and experienced the feeling of performing the techniques together, so it seemed like time was passing very slowly.

Yet, it had only been that much?

“It’s peculiar. To think it only flowed that much.”

-…Wait, are you saying you felt as if time was passing slowly?

“Yes.”

-Ha.

She let out a sigh as if dumbfounded.

Mok Gyeong-un asked in puzzlement,

“Why are you reacting like that?”

-It’s a state of selflessness.

The state of selflessness *mu-a ji-gyeong, 무아지경 (無我之境).

As the name suggests, it refers to a stage where one’s mind is immersed in something, forgetting oneself.

Yet, Mok Gyeong-un, who still lacked enlightenment, fell into a state of selflessness while reading mnemonic chants.

Such cases were extremely rare.

‘Should I be happy about this?’

She wasn’t sure what to say to him.

Whether it was an ordinary genius or a martial arts genius, when learning martial arts, the order of learning and direction of enlightenment tended to flow in a somewhat similar manner.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s order was completely jumbled.

Falling into a state of selflessness not during meditation but while memorizing martial arts secret manuals?

Had there ever been such a case?

‘But what did he immerse himself in?’

The process of memorizing secret manuals was even faster than speed reading, so what could he have immersed himself in during that brief moment?

Although she was curious, there wasn’t much time, so,

-Don’t be conscious of falling into a state of selflessness. It means you’re gaining something from it.

“Is that so?”

-Rather than that, let’s hurry and memorize other secret manuals. We need to quickly finish the second floor and move to the third floor.

The second floor could be considered a taste of the Ascending Martial Arts.

On the third floor, there were some Early Ascending Martial Arts that even she acknowledged.

If he memorized all of those, Mok Gyeong-un’s insight into martial arts would become incomparable to before entering this place.

‘What a pity.’

Cheong-ryeong suddenly couldn’t help but feel regret.

If this were the main headquarters’ treasure vault, she knew of a few hidden secret manuals.

However, since this place was a collection of copies, there was no way those hidden ones would have been transcribed here.

In this manner, Mok Gyeong-un memorized 45 martial arts secret manuals on the second floor of the treasure vault during those few moments.

Originally, he would have read a larger quantity, but as he fell into a state of selflessness for a longer duration with each book, it took this much time.

Although it wasn’t a very long time, it felt lengthy to Mok Gyeong-un.

-Now, let’s go to the third floor.

“Yes.”

Having memorized all the useful ones on the second floor, they went up.

Upon going up, unlike the bookshelves on the lower floor, some empty spaces could be seen here and there.

Unlike the secret manuals on the lower floors, most of the ones on the third floor were Ascending Martial Arts, with occasional Early Ascending Martial Arts mixed in, so there was naturally a limit to the quantity.

‘…They really replicated it almost identically.’

Looking at the bookshelves on the third floor, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue inwardly.

That’s because although some parts were different or the number of secret manuals had increased, it was quite close to the arrangement she remembered.

Even though they were copies, they were organized well enough to remind her of the past.

If this memory was correct, in the original library, on the top right end of the third bookshelf from the right, there should be that secret manual she had hidden…

‘!?’

For a moment, Cheong-ryeong doubted her eyes.

Exactly in that position, the secret manual called Yang White Sword Technique, which she had placed on the bookshelf, was there.

‘They made a copy of that too?’

That couldn’t be.

Except for the two torn pages hidden inside, it was a sword technique manual with a composition that would only be helpful for second-rate or first-rate practitioners.

There was no way they would have transcribed it as a copy.

Even if they did, excluding the damaged part, they would have moved it to the first floor, not the third floor.

“…Ryeong.”

-…

“Cheong-ryeong.”

-Ah!

“Which secret manual would be good to look at next?”

At that question, Cheong-ryeong said, just in case,

-Take out the one on the top right end of the third bookshelf from the right.

“Yang White Sword Technique?”

-Yes.

Following her instructions, Mok Gyeong-un went to the third bookshelf and took out the secret manual called Yang White Sword Technique from the top right end.

However, the ink on the outer part of the book was smudged, and the front page was slightly curled up.

-Ha!

Seeing this, she let out a fake cough as if dumbfounded.

Mok Gyeong-un asked in puzzlement,

“Why are you reacting like that?”

-…Why did I realize it only now? This venerable one is quite foolish.

“What are you talking about?”

-They moved it here.

“What do you mean by moved?”

-The secret manuals here are the originals.

“What? Are you saying these are the originals?”

-Yes. I thought something was strange. Now that I’ve seen the secret manual in your hand, I’m certain. Sigh.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

In fact, although he hadn’t mentioned it to her, Mok Gyeong-un had also fallen into a state of selflessness while memorizing the secret manuals she had selected for him.

So, he had inwardly questioned whether the secret manuals here were really copies.

However, judging from her words, it seemed the secret manuals here were indeed the originals.

But Mok Gyeong-un didn’t show it and opened the secret manual.

Then,

“Hm?”

A folded piece of paper was inserted between the pages of the secret manual.

-Ah, ah. It was still here.

“You know about it?”

-How could I not know? This venerable one personally placed it here. To think it remained until now.

“You seem quite delighted.”

-Ahem.

“That’s understandable. But what is this?”

Mok Gyeong-un said as he took out the folded piece of paper.

Then, she spoke in a somewhat meaningful tone,

-It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this is where this venerable one’s completed Sword Techniques of the Moon began.

“Oh-ho.”

Curious, Mok Gyeong-un unfolded the piece of paper.

Upon unfolding it, the front and back of the paper contained mnemonic chants of sword techniques.

On the front, the name of this sword technique and the techniques were written first.

“Moonless Void Sword[2]…”

-Consider it your fortune. These are the only remaining sword techniques of the Moonless Void Sword, one of the Five Great Sword Techniques that once symbolized the Old Martial Arts World.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un visually imprinted the sword techniques.

Then, in his mind, he saw someone with a pale face and a scholar-like appearance holding a sword and displaying the techniques.

-Shudder!

For a moment, goosebumps rose all over Mok Gyeong-un’s body.

The sword techniques were on a different level from the ones he had seen so far, bringing a thrilling sensation..