Chapter 400: To Sichuan.

The words, ‘I wanted to overcome the limits of humanity.’

Hearing those words, my face became filled with questions. Because it was difficult to properly grasp what he meant.

“As the first step towards that, the vessel had to be repaired first. It’s the process you’re currently going through.”

I had been feeling it anyway. That my body was gradually changing, and that my movements were changing accordingly. As Pajeon-nim said, my vessel was undergoing intense changes accompanied by pain. It was so severe that when I saw it, I described it as an artificial metamorphosis.

“The second step after that is the fusion of the mindscape and the physical body.”

“Mindscape and body…?”

“If you’ve prepared the vessel, shouldn’t you now fill it completely with your inner energy?”

“That’s…”

I recall what Pajeon-nim mentioned last time, about the state called ‘Transcendence’. He certainly called it the state where martial arts and the martial artist become one. If it’s the fusion of mindscape and body, is that different from it?

“If you’re wondering about the difference from Transcendence, it’s not different.”

“…!”

“Rather, it was intentionally created this way, so it couldn’t be helped. However, since it was artificially elevated, its value will be significantly lower.”

Not only metamorphosis, but artificially reaching a higher state?

‘How on earth did they create such martial arts?’

Just hearing about it, I could understand why Pajeon-nim viewed his martial arts as martial arts created to surpass human limits. In other words, it felt like wanting to reach the realm of gods through martial arts.

“In fact, reaching a state of selflessness itself could be considered a double-edged sword in a way.”

That’s true. Selflessness sounds like a state of hyper-focus, but it’s no different from losing control of your body. Moreover, the flow of internal energy becomes erratic, so if you’re hit by an attack, there’s a risk of all your acupoints twisting.

“However, precisely because of that, I believe it’s more correct.”

“You mean….”

“Since all senses are entrusted to instinct, I see it as a state more suitable for using martial arts. Furthermore, if you can fully control the sensations from that state, it would be perfect.”

To perfectly control the state of selflessness entrusted to instinct, it’s unbelievable. It was an absurd notion. While there’s nothing better for gaining enlightenment, why is it called selflessness in the first place? It’s called selflessness because you forget yourself and focus solely on martial arts, yet they’re talking about control.

‘How can you control it in that state?’

My rational mind wanted to immediately refute Pajeon-nim’s words, but conversely, I wondered if it wasn’t something made possible precisely because it was ‘Pajeon-nim’. Besides, if Pajeon-nim’s words were true, the sensations I experienced meant they were the aftereffects of Tuapa Cheonmu. His recent words held credibility.

‘…So that sensation…’

While the entire world felt blurry, the only clear thing within it was my extending movements. The sensation back then, where things flowed in the direction I wanted without intention, was a feeling of considerable ecstasy as a martial artist.

“Your expression has changed.”

“…!”

“I understand what you’re feeling, but as I’ve said repeatedly, don’t be impatient. Whether you want it or not, now that you’re my disciple, you will reach that place.”

“Yes…”

At my reply, Pajeon-nim burst into hearty laughter.

“You said something once, didn’t you? That you weren’t particularly talented in martial arts.”

“…”

“Back then and even now, I don’t really agree with what you say.”

Saying that, Pajeon-nim pointed behind my back with his hand. Following his fingertip, I turned my gaze. I saw the wall I had been madly smashing while in a state of selflessness. No. Where the wall should have been, there was a gaping hole, letting sunlight stream in.

“Don’t call yourself lacking. You are, at the very least, exceptionally talented when it comes to my martial arts.”

Five days. After being holed up in the cave, staying up all night engrossed in training, I finally managed to finish the assignment Pajeon-nim had set for me. Immediately after confirming that, I stumbled and collapsed onto the ground. My already weary body was suddenly overwhelmed with fatigue. Seeing me about to collapse, Pajeon-nim said,

“Congratulations. Now you can finally learn the First Fist (Ilkwon).”

It sounded important, but Pajeon-nim’s congratulations didn’t register at the moment. Perhaps due to exhaustion, I only felt like collapsing and lying down. I quietly closed my eyes. Thinking I should rest just a little, just as I was about to fall asleep, Pajeon-nim spoke to me.

“We should be heading out soon. Is it okay to just collapse like that?”

Hearing that, my eyes snapped open. My exhausted body seemed to forget its state as I hastily pushed myself up.

“…What… what time is it….”

Come to think of it, I couldn’t afford to sleep like this. Five days had passed, and if it was daytime with the sun up now, it meant it was the very day we were leaving for Sichuan. As I urgently asked, Pajeon-nim tilted his head.

“Hmm? Can’t you just run there roughly now?”

“…Ah.”

I had to shut my eyes tightly at Pajeon-nim’s words. Those words meant, that I had to go dressed in this state, soaked in sweat and dirt, a complete mess.

---

After hastily exiting the cave and arriving at the place I was told to go. As expected, everyone else, except for me, was already gathered. Spotting my father from a distance, I paused for a moment and asked Pajeon-nim.

-…Come to think of it, how did your talk with Father go?

-Hm?

-You mentioned you met him last time.

-Ah.

Pajeon-nim, hearing my telepathic message, nodded then.

-I did.

-How did it go?

-What do you mean, ‘how did it go’? We just met.

-…

Is this something to be answered so simply? As I looked at Pajeon-nim with a dumbfounded expression, he pouted and said to me,

-Don’t worry too much, I got your father’s permission.

-Permission?

-Unlike what I expected, he didn’t seem bothered at all.

-…

At those words, I had to question it. Did Father permit me to learn Pajeon-nim’s martial arts?

-If he had refused, it would have gotten a bit troublesome, so it’s fortunate.

-Troublesome how?

-After all, trying to force it would be a bit too much right now.

-…

Hearing that Pajeon-nim would casually resort to force to resolve the issue, my expression crumpled. What kind of ignorant statement is that….

-Anyway, since that’s settled, don’t worry about it, and you just focus on what you need to do.

-…Understood.

Although something felt quite unsettling, since Pajeon-nim himself said it was fine, I decided to let it go for now. As long as there were no issues, I didn’t really mind. What worried me more than that right now was,

‘What am I going to do about this state?’

Due to the rush, I was worried about my appearance, having not taken care of myself properly. Not only had I not washed properly, but I was also drenched in sweat, so my condition was quite bad. I had managed to change my clothes somehow, but traces remained, making for an unfavorable appearance. Honestly, I don’t usually care much about appearances, but given the situation, I had to do what needed to be done.

‘… Damn it.’

What was it about that damn selflessness that caused this mess. I could somehow hide the smell using my internal energy, but I couldn’t hide my pathetic condition. As I approached hesitantly, the eyes of those gathered turned towards me. Among them, I saw a few unfamiliar faces. Both were middle-aged men. Just as I was trying to figure out who each of them was.

“I apologize for being late.”

Pajeon-nim, who was beside me, suddenly bowed his head to someone. It was the unidentified middle-aged man on the left, and the middle-aged man who received Pajeon-nim’s greeting had a wavering gaze.

‘Ah.’

Seeing that, I could tell. That this man was the head of the Bi family. At that ambiguous reaction, Pajeon-nim looked up at the man, who flinched and forced a smile, saying to Pajeon-nim,

“…Well… yes. Be careful next time….”

“Yes, Father.”

If I hadn’t known Bi Uijin’s identity, I would have found that reaction strange, but knowing who he was, the family head seemed rather pitiful.

‘How should I put this?’

The current Pajeon-nim’s position is arguably the highest within the Bi family. Not only did he disguise himself as his son, but he also had to act like this. That gentleman’s feelings probably aren’t great either.

‘Then, the other person….’

If one is the head of the Bi family, then the other middle-aged man must be the head of the Pa family.

‘That’s right. He looks just like Pa Woocheol.’

He was even larger than the already bulky Pa Woocheol, a man with an imposing presence. If he was the head of the Pa family, he was someone I vaguely knew. He was a martial artist who had reached the ranks of the Central Plains’ Top 100 Masters, just like my father. Observing such a man, I too bowed my head to my father.

“…I apologize for being late.”

“Alright.”

To my words, Father responded concisely, ending it there. I thought he might have softened a bit after the previous incident, but it seemed Father’s original personality hadn’t changed. It was just that Father’s eyebrow twitched slightly as he took in my appearance. As expected, even to Father, my condition seemed quite poor. Giving an awkward smile, just as I was about to step back slightly.

“Yangcheon-ah.”

“…Yes?”

Madam Mi, who was beside me, suddenly approached and called me.

“I heard your training was arduous, but this is a meeting with important people, and your demeanor is rather unseemly.”

“S…Sorry.”

At her words, I felt somewhat surprised. It was almost the first time Madam Mi had scolded me like this. Ironically, the scolding didn’t feel entirely unpleasant. The moment I apologized, Madam Mi’s hand brushed through my hair.

“Your hair has become quite damaged.”

“Madam Mi…. My condition is bad right now, so your hands will get dirty.”

I warned her not to touch it, as I was covered in dust, but Madam Mi, unfazed, gently touched my hair here and there. She seemed to be trying to fix my hair a bit, but given how bad my condition was, it wasn’t an easy task. While trying her best to fix my hair, Madam Mi continued speaking to me.

“I’ll send some good medicine through someone, so make sure you take it without fail.”

“…Huh? Yes….”

“I’m sure the head of the Tang family will treat you well, but if any problems arise, find the Baekhwa Merchant Guild in Sichuan. And also….”

“…”

It felt like her words were dragging on. My father, listening beside me, began showing faint signs of fatigue. Madam Mi, seemingly unfazed by this, continued speaking.

“…Lastly….”

Her words were quite lengthy. Was it my imagination, or had I already heard the word ‘lastly’ about four times?

“Don’t get hurt.”

“…”

“It’s okay if you don’t follow the previous instructions, but I hope you’ll follow this one.”

Madam Mi’s words strangely resonated with me.

“Yes….”

As I answered, I let out an involuntary cough, feeling something inexplicable. What kind of feeling is this? I don’t know. After finally escaping Madam Mi’s attention, Pajeon-nim approached me.

“Did the conversation end well?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Haha. That’s truly fortunate.”

Perhaps because there were many people around, Pajeon-nim had reverted to the original speech pattern of Bi Uijin. Truly, his tone and expression were as if he were a completely different person. How could he do that? As I watched Pajeon-nim with admiration. Suddenly, my gaze unintentionally drifted towards the person standing behind Pajeon-nim. The reason my eyes suddenly fell upon the attendant was simple. There were several people who looked like attendants standing there, but among them, there was one person my gaze landed on.

“What is it?”

A man with freckles covering his cheeks, looking quite ordinary. For some reason, as I looked at him, I felt an inexplicable vibration in my right arm. Why? Wondering what kind of person he was that caused this, I observed him closely.

-You’re quite perceptive.

“…!”

A telepathic message pierced my ear. At the voice I heard, I had to force myself to suppress a gasp. The subtle killing intent in the voice, and the strange sensation in my arm. It was a sensation I had felt before. I gulped nervously, looking at that attendant. I couldn’t help it. The identity of the one hiding behind the guise of that ordinary attendant…

-Not bad.

The master of the night, the martial artist called the King of Assassins. Was the Dark King (Amwang).