Chapter v11c19: The New Martial World Chronicle

**The New Martial World Chronicle**

– The One Who Seeks to Change History

“How long do I have to learn this?”

A small, scraped, and bleeding hand was visible.

“Until it becomes effortless!”

The answer came as if it had been prepared in advance.

“How should I swing my sword?”

“As fast as possible!”

The answer was simple and direct.

“How should I kill a person?”

Despite the gravity of the question, the answer came easily.

“As efficiently as possible!”

That was it.

He repeated himself, summarizing his teachings. His tone was still emotionless and cold, carrying a power that instilled fear in the hearts of his listeners. A fear that could reduce a person to dust!

“Simple, fast, and effortless! That’s all you need to remember.”

Closing his eyes for a moment, he was transported back to a fragmented memory. As he lingered in the past, the door to his office burst open, and Chi Sa Han rushed in, eager to report.

He frowned, snapping out of his reverie.

“What is it?”

Judging by Chi Sa Han’s stiff demeanor, it was clear that it wasn’t good news.

“It’s a failure.”

His voice was devoid of emotion. Chi Sa Han couldn’t bring himself to look up.

“I-I’m sorry. I apologize.”

Chi Sa Han bowed deeply.

“What are the casualties among the deer?”

Chi Sa Han reluctantly answered.

“T-There are none.”

For a moment, Chi Sa Han felt an invisible spark in the air. He couldn’t explain the shiver that ran through him.

“Were they that strong? Strong enough to withstand the Green Forest Stronghold’s attack without any casualties?”

A hint of surprise crept into his voice, betraying his composure. Chi Sa Han thought it would have been easier to report if they had been that strong.

“No. They didn’t engage directly. There was an unexpected variable.”

“A variable? Isn’t it the duty of a strategist to identify and eliminate such variables before they arise?”

Chi Sa Han felt as if an icy spear had pierced his heart. The Grand Prince’s aura was overwhelming. Chi Sa Han managed to suppress his trembling heart and reported what he had learned from the message. The Grand Prince, his eyes as calm and dark as a night lake, listened intently. When Chi Sa Han finished, the Grand Prince muttered in surprise.

“The Green Forest King’s son…”

It was a truly unexpected variable. How could such a person be among the Cheonmu Academy group?

“What should we do? We can’t just let him go to Mount Hua unscathed.”

But the Grand Prince remained silent, lost in thought. Chi Sa Han watched him, his mouth shut tight. After what felt like an eternity, the silence was broken.

“I’m not thrilled about it, but we’ll have to resort to the final method.”

It was the expected outcome after the failure of the “Borrowed Knife” strategy.

“The preparations are complete. However, some sacrifices will be unavoidable.”

The Grand Prince nodded in satisfaction.

“It’s a necessary sacrifice. The report mentioned that there were two masters among the travelers, Binggeom and Yeomdo, renowned heroes and masters of the martial world! How can the Twelve Blood Demon Squad withstand them with minimal casualties?”

“You are right. Even though the Twelve Blood Demon Squad is our secret weapon, it will be difficult to penetrate Binggeom and Yeomdo’s defenses and inflict a fatal blow to the target.”

The Grand Prince sensed something in Chi Sa Han’s words.

“You say you’re prepared, knowing full well the situation. That means you’ve already devised a plan?”

“I’ve sought help. From the elders.”

The Grand Prince flinched.

“The elders? You mean you moved them without my permission?”

“I-I apologize. It was my decision. But I thought it was necessary.”

A shiver ran through Chi Sa Han’s body, as if a cold wave had washed over him.

‘This… this pressure…’

Cold sweat trickled down his spine. Chi Sa Han couldn’t even look at the Grand Prince’s piercing gaze.

“Hmm, your decision…”

“I-I apologize. Please forgive me.”

Chi Sa Han begged, sweating profusely. The Grand Prince glanced at him and continued.

“Not all decisions are forgiven just because they are deemed necessary. I dislike it when things happen outside my purview.”

It felt like his heart was being pierced by countless ice picks. The pressure was immense, making it hard for Chi Sa Han to breathe.

“One instance of independent action is enough. But a second time will not be welcome.”

“I understand. I will remember. I will never forget.”

“Yes, you should remember! If you don’t, you’ll be dead.”

The smile on the Grand Prince’s lips was chilling. It was a chilling reminder of death. Chi Sa Han had already experienced the horrors of the underworld, so he could consider himself lucky.

“Strategist, do you know why a stopped wheel doesn’t turn?”

The Grand Prince, after a moment of contemplation, spoke again. Chi Sa Han listened intently, his posture as respectful as possible. Despite the outward show of respect, every word from the Grand Prince carried an immense psychological pressure. Even Chi Sa Han, who was constantly by his side, couldn’t get used to it. He still felt a pang of anxiety every time he listened to the Grand Prince.

‘What is he trying to say?’

He couldn’t fathom his intentions. In such situations, it was best to listen quietly. He didn’t want to pretend to understand and end up losing face.

“I don’t know.”

Chi Sa Han answered, sweating profusely. For someone who was always expected to advise his master, admitting ignorance was a risky move.

“It’s because it’s stopped, of course.”

Chi Sa Han didn’t dare point out that even a three-year-old child knew that. He didn’t want to be silenced without a trace. Besides, he didn’t have any descendants to perform his funeral rites.

“Do you know why a river stops flowing?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because it’s dammed.”

What was he trying to say? Chi Sa Han was still clueless.

“The martial world is like a stopped carriage or a stagnant river. This massive carriage has been rolling for a hundred years, relying on two rusty wheels—the Black Heaven Alliance and the Righteous Alliance, the Heavenly Demon’s Pavilion and Cheonmu Academy. And they haven’t even considered changing the wheels. Furthermore, this river is choked by dams built by old masters with titles like ‘Grandmaster’ and ‘Legendary.’ They’re blocking the flow of new talent.”

This was a radical and subversive idea, contrary to the common belief that the current dualistic system in the martial world brought peace.

“I want to break those dams. Water exists to flow, not to stagnate. Stagnant water becomes foul. We established the Heavenly Demon’s Pavilion and Cheonmu Academy to prevent the Heavenly Tribulation, but we’re just frogs in a well. Theoretical lessons alone won’t make us stronger. People need trials to grow. Otherwise, it’s just boring. I, and the one above me…”

Chi Sa Han flinched at the mention of “the one above him.” His presence alone was enough to make him cower.

“Take this.”

The Grand Prince pulled a book from his sleeve and tossed it to Chi Sa Han. The book, moving slowly, landed gently on Chi Sa Han’s hand. He quickly opened it.

“This is…?”

His eyes widened.

“This… this is an empty book.”

He had expected something profound, but it was just a blank book. Chi Sa Han felt like he was being mocked. But he didn’t show his displeasure.

“What? Are you unhappy with a blank book? Did you expect some legendary secret manual? Something that would make you the greatest martial artist in the world just by reading it? A magical manual, like in those martial arts novels?”

“No, no, how could I have such thoughts? Besides, such things don’t exist. This isn’t a martial arts novel.”

Chi Sa Han plastered his signature obsequious smile on his face.

“You’ll need that book soon.”

The Grand Prince’s voice was filled with conviction.

“My dull mind can’t comprehend its purpose. Please enlighten me.”

Despite Chi Sa Han’s plea, the Grand Prince continued to gaze at the vast blue sky outside the window. The sky seemed to be sucked into his eyes.

His lips moved slowly.

“Have you ever heard the saying, ‘New wine in new wineskins’?”

“Of course.”

Few people wouldn’t know that proverb.

“You understand its meaning?”

“Of course. It means that when starting anew, one should not be bound by the past and begin afresh. It means leaving behind the remnants of the past. It suggests that only by breaking free from the past can one create a new future.”

It was a unique interpretation, slightly different from the conventional understanding. But it wasn’t entirely wrong. Just because a proverb has been passed down for generations doesn’t mean it can only be interpreted in one way. The point is to extract a lesson or wisdom that can be applied to real life.

“Don’t you think the martial world’s blood is stagnant? Yes, there’s too much stagnation in the current martial world. Most of the masters who are making a name for themselves today are still from a hundred years ago. They’re the survivors of the Heavenly Tribulation. Those who should have been masters from the previous generation are still masters, and many of them are still alive and enjoying their fame. Their influence has grown with time, and their presence has become increasingly dominant. They’re blocking the path of the younger generation, making it seem sacrilegious to surpass them. In this world of survival of the fittest, it’s absurd. It’s a huge problem.”

“Yes, the seniors should clear the path for the juniors.”

“Rusty carriages should give way to new ones. Old tigers should yield the title of King of the Mountain to young tigers. Their bones are creaking; how can they hunt properly?”

Chi Sa Han nodded in agreement, echoing the Grand Prince’s words.

“You’re right. Even the heroes of the Heavenly Tribulation are practically useless now!”

“Hmph! They barely escaped with their lives back then, yet they still act superior. It’s absurd. This Mount Hua Sect Conference will be a grand event. It will be the greatest event in history. This grand spectacle will breathe new life into the martial world.”

“Hehehe, destruction for regeneration.”

The Grand Prince nodded at Chi Sa Han’s words.

“It’s time for the old era to pass and a new one to begin. Because this conference will mark the end of all the old masters. You can’t have a future without clearing the past. The fall of the Three Stars of Cheonmu and the Sword Master will inject fresh blood and a new wind into the stagnant martial world. And…”

‘And if we can eliminate the missing Taekuk Shinjun, Hyuk Wol-rin, and the reclusive Pae Cheondo, Gal Jung Hyuk! The order of the martial world will be reorganized around the Heavenly Tribulation.’

He was still unaware of the martial demon’s death.

“It will be a spectacular event. I can’t contain my excitement.”

It was bold of him to openly declare the downfall of the Three Stars of Cheonmu. Anyone else would have been labeled insane, but because it was the Grand Prince, it felt like a possibility.

“We’ll finally see if the old ginger is spicier than the young pepper, or if the newly sprouted ginger is the hottest. This will be the deciding moment. And on that day, a new chapter in martial world history will begin.”

“Oh, I almost forgot to ask. How is your calligraphy, Strategist?”

The Grand Prince asked suddenly.

“I wouldn’t call myself a master, but I think it’s decent enough.”

“Is that so? Then you’ll have the opportunity to show off your skills soon. Your task is simple: fill it with words.”

Chi Sa Han looked at the book he had received from the Grand Prince, confused.

“What should I write in this blank book?”

The Grand Prince looked at the sky, his expression unreadable. It was a faint smile, or maybe a sigh. Chi Sa Han couldn’t decipher his true intentions.

Finally, the Grand Prince opened his lips, speaking each word clearly.

“The New Martial World Chronicle!”