Reincarnated Swordmaster - Chapter 221

Heavenly Realm

After all, no matter how much I meditated, I couldn’t do it all day. Since I revealed the Wudang Sect’s Ultimate Techniques to the Sword Demon, my routine changed to meditating from dawn until lunchtime and then practicing techniques in the afternoon with him.

However, during our afternoon training sessions, I intentionally switched our location to a Secret Training Ground set up in a nearby hill. Perhaps the Sword Demon sensed that the Wudang Sect’s techniques were indeed remarkable divine arts; he seemed to think it was crucial not to let them slip into the hands of the mainstream sects.

Drawing from my past experiences with the Thunder God Lineage, I shared all the Ultimate Techniques I knew with the Sword Demon. Sure, I wasn’t gaining the same Insight that Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong had back in the day, but I could certainly explain the meanings and transformations each technique involved. And once I shared the intricate details of the Sword Forms, the Sword Demon simply listened without a word.

After the initial training for the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword wrapped up, the Sword Demon let out a hearty exclamation.

“Indeed… so that’s why Minglongza was so boastful!”

“What do you mean?”

“Twenty years ago, I had a contest with the legendary Minglongza of the Wudang Sect. We were evenly matched, but he claimed that if he mastered the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, he could easily defeat me. I was unsure back then, but seeing it now, it makes sense.”

This was something I had heard in my past life. I decided to ask the Sword Demon something I had previously overlooked.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”

“Don’t understand what?”

“I can see that the Arched Sky Sword bends space and the Heavenly Contraction Sword manipulates repulsive forces, but I wonder if they are truly more impressive than other Mind Techniques.”

My questions were valid. Everyone I met, including Lee Kwang, praised the power of the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, but I hadn’t really seen those techniques yield significant benefits in my own use. Sure, there were moments when they came in handy, but compared to the ultimate divine techniques of the White Lotus Sect like Thunder Roar, True Night Moon Shadow, or Extreme Blood Wind Divine Art, they seemed lacking.

Then the Sword Demon replied.

“Your understanding is still narrow; you don’t yet grasp the true power of these techniques. If someone achieves full mastery of both the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, they could easily eliminate me within a hundred seconds.”

“……!!”

“I’m not sure what Mind Techniques you’ve seen, but both the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword possess characteristics that give overwhelming dominance in duels among peak masters. It’s their ability to control space.”

“Don’t other Mind Techniques also manipulate space according to one’s will?”

The Sword Demon responded with an incredulous laugh.

“Hah… it’s strange that you know more than me; truly baffling. Do you genuinely not appreciate the brilliance of the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword?”

“……”

At a loss for words, I fell silent, prompting the Sword Demon to exhale deeply and explain.

“Of course, any master’s ultimate techniques can gain control over space. However, the meaning of ‘manipulating space’ differs significantly. It implies that one could distort techniques that have already been executed.”

“Distort them?”

“After hearing your explanations of the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword, several applications emerged in my mind if one were to fully master them. You could redirect the target points of an opponent’s techniques with the Arched Sky Sword, and then freely manipulate distance with the Heavenly Contraction Sword. If that’s achieved, no master, no matter how skilled, can maintain seamless offense and defense.”

Having explained that, the Sword Demon added,

“The more frightening aspect is that the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword become even more powerful in the non-initiated state of Mind Techniques. This means they can integrate with any martial arts of any sect, allowing you to wield them as you please. If this isn’t considered a supreme technique, then what is?”

“Hmm…!!”

At that moment, a thought flashed through my mind.

‘Heavenly Sky Annihilation!’

The ultimate move Lee Kwang used while battling the Wind Spirit Lineage’s Dharma Protector!

At that time, Jin So-cheong, who was watching alongside, mentioned that Lee Kwang had progressed into a new level thanks to learning the Wudang Sect’s Ultimate Techniques from me. Perhaps Heavenly Sky Annihilation was also a technique that emerged as he achieved this new level.

‘Lee Kwang’s Heavenly Sky Annihilation easily defeated the overwhelming Extreme Blood Wind Divine Art. That means he suppressed the fatal technique unleashed by the Wind Spirit Lineage’s Dharma Protector…’

Yet another ultimate move came to mind.

I recalled the name of the technique.

‘Reverse Scale Annihilation.’

Yongbi Cheon unleashed a torrent of internal energy to fire a Wind Bullet, which he obliterated in an instant with Thunder Roar, ultimately severing the Wind Spirit Lineage’s Dharma Protector‘s arm. Jin So-cheong had once revealed that Reverse Scale Annihilation was a technique he and Lee Kwang developed collaboratively while journeying together. However, I couldn’t gather more details after Jin So-cheong met his untimely demise shortly after.

I quickly pieced things together.

‘Heavenly Sky Annihilation and Reverse Scale Annihilation… both must have integrated the characteristics of controlling space into the Thunder God Lineage’s martial arts, right?’

It must surely be the case. The reason Heavenly Sky Annihilation pierced through the Extreme Blood Wind Divine Art and Reverse Scale Annihilation annihilated Yongbi Cheon’sWind Bullet could be explained all at once. They managed to combine the advantages of the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword into the Thunder God Lineage’s martial arts within just a few years, demonstrating their brilliance as martial geniuses.

As I was lost in thought, the Sword Demon chuckled heartily.

“I feel like I’m rediscovering the pleasure of mastering martial arts. Share more with me!”

“Understood!”

I replied heartily.

I still didn’t think I was quite able to share secrets with him like I would with a Black Obsidian, but the Sword Demon was undoubtedly showing me great favor. He could be considered my highest ally in this lifetime. If the Sword Demon developed strength by training the Wudang Sect’s martial arts, I could also feast on the spoils!

‘Get stronger!’

Without a moment’s hesitation, I spent about two months sharing all the Wudang Sect’s Ultimate Techniques I knew with the Sword Demon. From the Arched Sky Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword to the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, the Mystical Method of the Five Divine Entities, the Tai Chi Willow Sword, and even the Seven Star Escaping Shadow Technique—I taught him all the forms and practices, as well as the fruits of my research.

However, a problem arose.

The Sword Demon tilted his head and said,

“Peerless Technique… what kind of technique is this?”

I scratched my head.

“Uh… I don’t really know.”

That’s right. Among the Ultimate Techniques of the Wudang Sect handed down by Zhang Sanfeng, the Legendary One, the six Supreme Techniques boasted incredible power and had clear meanings, but the elusive Peerless Technique only had vague doctrines without any teachings of application. The Sword Demon reviewed the principles and movements of the Peerless Technique, then remarked,

“It feels like a kung fu technique… or perhaps a dance. And quite a lot of its passages remain shrouded in mystery…”

“That’s why I couldn’t practice Peerless Technique at all.”

“Ah, that makes sense.”

What could the Peerless Technique actually be?

Considering Zhang Sanfeng was a legendary figure, it was unlikely he’d have held back any teachings. Thus, it surely had some significant meaning.

However, not even Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong could unravel its mystery. They merely remarked that the Peerless Technique was filled with secrets. It could easily be touted as the world’s most enigmatic technique.

The Sword Demon proclaimed,

“Regardless, let’s move on. As of today, your training has been entirely set in motion, so let’s commence Special Training.”

“Special Training?”

“Indeed. Hmm… let’s spar.”

Here we go!

I could tell that the Sword Demon was eager to fight me, especially as he’d been holding back. Now that I seemed busy with meditation and training, he’d refrained from pushing me. But the time for our duel had finally arrived.

Remembering my past encounters with him, I felt quite hesitant. But soon enough, I steeled my resolve and said,

“Please take care of me.”

“Let’s go!”

What’s the worst that could happen?

If I die, I’ll just train again.

After all, no one else would suffer misfortune if I were to perish in this lifetime, would they?

With that thought, I found it easy to accept.

Before long, the duel with the Sword Demon began in the Sparring Arena.

Clang!!

The roar of clashing swords echoed loudly. Just like before, the initial exchanges felt like a means to gauge our skills. After about fifteen seconds, the Sword Demon spoke before adjusting his stance,

“[Gather your Intent within your internal energy.]”

Gather my Intent within my internal energy?

Before I could ponder the meaning of that phrase, a terrifying speed of one of the Sword Demon‘s strikes zipped toward me. I recognized the attack as part of the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword, which meant I had to brace myself for the successive strikes.

‘I see it…’

The mental moment of Psychological Control of Time enveloped me as if time had stopped. I realized I was somewhat consciously connecting with this world. With that, I concentrated my Intent to read the Sword Demon‘s swirling intent behind his technique.

‘Here!’

Whoosh!!!

The strike grazed my face, narrowly missing me. It was a far better outcome than my first duel, which filled me with joy.

‘I applied it!’

I had successfully pulled out my Intent consciously, bolstering my internal energy!

The Sword Demon withdrew his technique, smiled, and said,

“Well done! We can now say that the Dharma Protector has entered the world of Intent.”

“What? Just this?!”

“Just this, you say? Just now, you distinctly recognized my technique imbued with Intent and evaded it utilizing your Intent. That alone marks a tremendous leap from the previous stage. You at least understand how your opponent strikes!”

“I see…”

But suddenly, the Sword Demon grinned mischievously.

“There is a bit of a problem, though.”

Swish!

“……!!”

In that instant, I felt a line slice through my waist and shoulder. My clothing fluttered, but oddly enough, not a single hair or skin was harmed.

‘When did he cut me?!’

It wasn’t an immediate cut. It was definitely from the previous exchanges.

But how did I not feel it?

As I was lost in confusion, the Sword Demon spoke,

“I mixed in a bit of the Arched Sky Sword. Quite impressive, if I may say.”

“W-What?!”

“Why are you so surprised? Since you’ve taught me, it’s only natural that I should be able to use it.”

“……”

I was left speechless.

The Sword Demon had only been training the Arched Sky Sword for a mere two months. And even then, he wasn’t exclusively focused on that martial art, as he was investing time in the other five techniques as well. He should practically be in the beginner’s stage with the Arched Sky Sword!

Yet he had already reached the point where he could apply its characteristics to his own techniques!

I finally realized the essence of Seo Mun-ryong, the Sword Demon.

‘This guy is an extraordinary martial genius…!!’

Seo Mun-hye, who peaked in her twenties, didn’t admire her father for no reason. No, I should have noticed the clues given that he was on par with Minglongza, a legendary figure from the Wudang Sect, despite being a few decades older. He was undoubtedly a top-tier master in the Jianghu and a martial genius!

Most individuals would experience despair or feel crushed upon realizing such an immense talent gap. The moment one confronts overwhelming talent, it often shatters their spirits.

However, I didn’t feel a crack in my determination; instead, I refocused my attention on the duel.

“Please let’s have another round.”

“Of course!”

Clang!

Clang!

As promised, I was defeated in a hundred seconds. Though I had improved significantly since my initial entrance into the Shadowless Gate, the Sword Demon had also progressed even further beyond that point. He was likely still advancing at an astonishing speed.

But I was unscathed.

I had faced defeat numerous times before. I was no stranger to feelings of inferiority or failure, which didn’t bother me in the least. In fact, that emotion had now simmered down, allowing me to focus solely on the pursuit of Strength!

I was no more special than anyone else.

Anyone who trained for a hundred years while dying fifteen times would end up like me.

The Sword Demon remarked,

“Alright, from now on, our duels should bear fruit. I think you should reduce your meditation to one Shijin and spend your extra time sparring with me. I believe after about a hundred matches, you’ll become quite accustomed to Intent.”

“I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

I cautiously inquired,

“I’ve only been able to bolster my internal energy and movement with Intent. Why can’t I use it alongside techniques?”

“Hmm… let’s say it’s an issue of imagination.”

“Imagination?”

The Sword Demon nodded,

“Mind Techniques from peak masters emanate extraordinary forms that often transverse human physical abilities. They frequently radiate power that seems straight out of a storybook. This occurs because Mind Techniques are a manifestation of concentrated imagination.”

“……”

“Mind Techniques reflect the strongest form one envisions and embed that into techniques for maximization.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Of course!”

With arms crossed, he continued,

“Peak masters are always experts in their chosen fields. The blood and sweat shed in their pursuit exceed the imagination of the average person. Once a person achieves that level of training, they develop their own philosophy.”

The Sword Demon gazed at the sky with quiet eyes.

“That philosophy becomes their answer to what Strength is. Your Intent assists in realizing that imagination, allowing one to exert superhuman abilities.”

“Ah!”

“Of course, reality is unkind enough to grant you a straightforward representation of that imagination. Therefore, you should apply your Intent to the techniques in which you possess the highest level of mastery.”

I felt that I was almost grasping the combat logic of peak masters today.

Essentially, it involves operating at a high precision exchange of techniques in the world governed by Psychological Control of Time, and exerting your optimal Mind Technique with the highest proficiency to counter your opponent’s own Mind Technique!

That was the combat logic of the top experts in the Jianghu.

‘That’s why Jin So-cheong trained the basic Ranking Technique called Lanna Chul!’

Jin So-cheong could have honed the advanced spear techniques of the Heavenly Thunder No-Extremity Spear, yet because he already understood the combat of peak mastery, he refrained from doing so. As you reach peak proficiency, techniques grow simpler and demand the optimization of Mind Techniques. Hence, it made sense that he trained the simplest foundational techniques to their utmost limit.

The Sword Demon concluded his explanation,

“So, to integrate Intent into your ‘techniques’, you must first determine what sort of Strength you desire. While it’s theoretically possible to pushover your techniques into amplification without that, the impact would suffer dramatically.”

I received a new challenge.

What Mind Technique did I yearn for?

It posed a question about what form I envisioned the strongest martial prowess to take.