Chapter v16c24

### The Wind God Awakens

– Between Life and Death –

A fiery current swirled within the bowl-shaped valley. A ferocious fire dragon rampaged unchecked. The heated air rose, forming an updraft.

But the valley’s bowl-like shape and the surrounding wall of fire trapped the rising air, compressing it.

Would they suffocate from the smoke or burn to death? It was a choice between two terrible fates. The single, hidden escape route had been blocked by the explosion, and they had no wings to fly.

“Are we all going to die here?”

The wall of fire was closing in. Even the combined might of the Three Saints was insufficient to extinguish it. They could temporarily weaken it, but they couldn’t completely stop it. Ordinary flames would have been extinguished by their sword winds, but this fire was different. It was fueled by a special formation and rare materials.

“Is there really no way out?”

Coughs, choked by smoke, filled the air. Then, a powerful voice boomed from the center of the burning valley, a voice devoid of despair.

“Everyone, gather around me! There’s still a way!”

It was Bi Ryu-yeon, his spirit unbroken even in this desperate situation.

Young Master Bi, injured by Bi Ryu-yeon’s attack, had already escaped with his followers. He knew exactly when the temporary path would open at the valley’s entrance. And he had even destroyed the entrance, ensuring no one else could escape.

There was no other way out. The emergency shelter had been destroyed in the first explosion. Their enemies had known about it. They were thorough.

“Young friend, are you sure there’s a way? Even we, the Three Saints, haven’t found a solution yet.”

The Sword Saint asked.

“Of course, there is. But it requires a lot of internal energy, and I need your help. I can’t do it alone. It’s a rather… taxing technique.”

Elder Hyuk and the Three Saints’ eyes widened.

“Is it really possible? Does such a technique exist?”

“It does. It’s within me.”

“If you’re telling the truth, we’ll do everything we can to help you.”

Elder Hyuk said, and the Three Saints nodded in agreement. The wall of fire was closing in. The Fire Dragon World-Ending Formation was about to enter its final stage. This wasn’t over yet. The flames were approaching slowly now, like a gentle stream, but they would soon become a raging torrent, engulfing them in a fiery explosion. And everything would be consumed.

“But there’s something I need to ask.”

“What is it?”

“If my gamble succeeds…”

“If it succeeds?”

“Who wins the Mount Hua Sword Conference?”

The four masters were speechless. Elder Hyuk finally spoke.

“If you succeed, you’ll be the winner, without a doubt. You’ll receive all the honors, rewards, qualifications, and rights. And your share of the prize money, of course.”

Elder Hyuk had seen Bi Ryu-yeon at the Appraisal Meeting, so he knew about the bet.

“Then I can’t afford to fail. First…”

Bi Ryu-yeon looked at Na Yerin. She understood immediately. They had reached a point where words were unnecessary. He was unbelievable. He was thinking about such things in this desperate situation? Her face, already flushed from the heat, turned even redder.

*’A charm for success, a goddess’s kiss.’*

But in this situation? In front of so many people? And worst of all, in front of her master, the Sword Empress?

*’Do I really have to?’*

She asked with her eyes, and Bi Ryu-yeon nodded silently. It seemed like he wouldn’t move a muscle, even if he burned to death, without her kiss. Of course, he wouldn’t actually do that, but…

“Sigh…”

She sighed and walked towards him. She suddenly felt a sense of calm, as if the danger had passed. She trusted him. And she wanted to live.

“Gasp!”

The Sword Empress, the Sword Saint, the Sword Demon, Elder Hyuk, and everyone else gasped.

He wrapped his left arm around her waist and pulled her close. Their lips met. No one dared to speak.

After a long kiss, Bi Ryu-yeon broke away and smiled.

“This works wonders. I can’t fail now.”

It was a dubious claim.

“Ahem,” the Sword Empress coughed. “You have guts. Making things even hotter in this heat. To think my disciple would be like this… Every day is full of surprises.”

She turned to Bi Ryu-yeon, who was still hesitating.

“What are you waiting for? Get started! Or do you want me to do it again?”

“Be careful, boy! You might die of poisoning if you get kissed by that old hag.”

Do-seong warned him, his voice serious. It was a valid concern.

“Hahaha!”

Laughter erupted from the crowd. It was the laughter of hope.

They were still alive. And as long as they were alive, there was hope.

“Listen carefully. To use the Wind God, you have to understand the laws of nature. Without that understanding, you can’t use it. It’s a technique that transcends technique.

The Wind God and the Thunder God are embodiments of nature within the human body. They harmonize the human body with nature, unleashing its full potential. The power within us is limited. The power of the microcosm is like rolling a snowball. And it’s the power of the macrocosm that makes it grow.

Here’s the basic principle. This world is in a constant cycle of change, symbolized by the circle. But it’s not just a simple circle. Within the circle, the two forces of yin and yang, intertwined in a spiral, drive the wheel of the world. It’s an immense and powerful force.

So you have to harmonize yourself with nature, to realize that your movements are the movements of nature. The One Principle, Many Manifestations. Everything originates from the principle, so there’s nothing that isn’t the principle. The whole is one, and one is the whole. ‘Every phenomenon has its underlying principle. And if you trace that principle back to its source, you’ll reach the principle that governs all things.’ You have to grasp that principle, realize it, and embody it. To move the world, you have to move in the way the world moves.”

He drew a circle… and within that circle, between heaven and earth, two forces spiraled.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

The black rings on his wrists and ankle shattered. Ten Flying Thunder Daggers appeared from his sleeves, but they were already circling him, five on each side. The daggers and the Thunder Soul Threads danced around him in a spiral.

The rotation was slow at first, but it gradually accelerated, engulfing him in a silver whirlwind. A circular wall, three zhang in radius, formed around him.

He stood at the center of the circle, his eyes closed, his body still. He was the unmoving mover, the eye of the storm. A powerful force surged within him. He was the core of the universe, the center of the world.

Flying Thunder Daggers, Ultimate Secret Technique: Wind God Activated

His eyes snapped open.

A powerful force erupted from him, transforming the spiraling Qi into a roaring vortex. Pebbles and dust were sucked into the whirlwind.

*Is… Is this humanly possible?*

Even the Three Saints were stunned. They couldn’t believe such power could emanate from a human body.

The vortex expanded, pushing back the approaching wall of fire. The compressed air, finding an outlet, spiraled around the vortex. The flames, which had been closing in at triple speed, stopped five zhang away.

Flash!

At that moment, the Fire Dragon World-Ending Formation roared one last time, unleashing its full power. A massive shockwave swept through the valley, a flood of fire threatening to consume them.

The vortex weakened, unable to withstand the explosion. Bi Ryu-yeon gritted his teeth. If he retreated now, they would all die. The Three Saints and Elder Hyuk were helping him. He wasn’t out of energy yet.

Flying Thunder Daggers, Ultimate Secret Technique: Chapter of Wind and Thunder, Spiral Blade, Dragon Vortex, Ascending Dragon

A massive storm swept through the valley, shaking it violently. A giant vortex formed around Bi Ryu-yeon, its center calm, like the eye of a typhoon. But his power was still in motion.

The heated air, expanding and seeking an outlet, rose through the pillar of wind he had created, spiraling upwards. It was said that from a distance, it looked like a red dragon ascending to heaven.

The wind and fire raged, shaking heaven and earth. And then, as if exhausted, the flames died down. There was nothing left to burn. Everything was gone. A sudden silence descended, an eerie stillness. The flames were gone.

“We’re alive! We’re alive!”

Cheers erupted from the survivors. They embraced each other, celebrating their survival.

“You’re alive! You’re alive, Ryu-yeon!”

Na Yerin hugged him, her voice filled with joy. It was something she would never normally do. Even she was surprised by her own boldness, but she didn’t care.

“Yes, I am.”

He smiled, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. But his voice lacked its usual energy. He was completely drained. And then, he fainted, collapsing into her arms. It was the most luxurious way to faint, an act that would surely incite the envy of every man in the Jianghu.

“Ryu-yeon! Ryu-yeon!”

The most beautiful woman in the world called out to him, her voice filled with concern, but he didn’t respond. He was exhausted, and sleep was the only cure. He had fainted after worrying everyone.

“He’s so hopeless…”

She smiled softly. She sat down, cradling his head in her lap, watching over him until he woke up.

“You did well, Ryu-yeon.”

She whispered, stroking his hair.

Epilogue

Two figures, one red, one blue, stood side by side amidst the blackened ruins.

But they were both covered in soot and ash, their colors indistinguishable.

They stared at the desolate landscape. They had survived. But for the first time, they felt ashamed of their survival.

“I’m pathetic. So pathetic. I can’t believe I’m this pathetic…”

Yeomdo muttered, disgusted with himself.

“You’re right. You are pathetic.”

Bing-geom said, his gaze cold and sharp. He was still as annoying as ever.

“You bastard, what did you say?!”

Yeomdo flared up, but he quickly calmed down. Bing-geom wasn’t his usual icy self. He was trembling. Blood dripped from his clenched fists, and his lips were bleeding.

“Hey… Ice Block…?”

He had always been so emotionless, so aloof, so unshakeable. He had never seen Bing-geom, his polar opposite, in such pain.

“It’s my fault. I caused those needless deaths. I can’t face those children. It’s all my fault. As the Chief Instructor of the Heavenly Martial Academy, as their escort, as the leader of the Mount Hua Sword Conference delegation, I failed to fulfill my duties. Those children died because of me. You can laugh at me, Yeomdo. I’ll allow it this time. What right do I have to make excuses when I failed to do my duty, when I made such an irreversible mistake? Laugh all you want.”

There had been casualties. Some students, unable to escape the flames, had been caught in the Fire Dragon World-Ending Formation and had died or been seriously injured.

Three dead, thirteen seriously injured, twenty-five lightly injured… The weight of those numbers crushed him. They could have all died. They should be grateful for their survival. But the loss of three lives was still a heavy burden.

Yeomdo was suddenly filled with anger. He couldn’t stand to see Bing-geom like this. And he was also responsible. He was an instructor at the Heavenly Martial Academy too. And he had been one of the escorts.

“You… idiot! How is it your fault alone? Don’t be so arrogant. You weren’t the only escort! I was there too! What happened? Why did it turn out like this? Don’t try to shoulder the blame alone! You’re not that great! I have the right to share the burden! No, I should bear more responsibility than you, since I’m more capable. Right? What’s with that dead frog expression? It doesn’t suit you! Ugh, this is frustrating!”

Yeomdo’s words were like a torrent of rain. Bing-geom stared at him for a moment, then his face softened, and he said something Yeomdo had never heard him say before. Yeomdo was stunned.

“…What? What did you just say? Did I hear you correctly? Th-Thank… what?”

Bing-geom’s expression quickly returned to its usual stoic coldness. He was probably embarrassed.

“I won’t say it again! Forget it. You must have misheard me.”

His voice was cold and dismissive. Yeomdo was relieved.

“R-Right? You would never say something embarrassing like ‘thank you’ to me, would you?”

Of course not… Bing-geom would never say such a thing. Yeomdo was glad. It was just a hallucination, a figment of his exhausted imagination. He was probably sleep-deprived. But it was a creepy hallucination… He wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if he kept hearing such things. He needed to get some sleep. But first, he had to make sure he hadn’t misheard. It had been a long day.

Bing-geom, sensing Yeomdo’s distraction, seized the opportunity to change the subject.

“Anyway, it seems like the time has come! The time Master predicted… The return of the nightmare… I have a feeling it’s necessary.”

Yeomdo’s expression turned serious. This was an important matter.

“You mean that?”

Bing-geom nodded.

“Yes, it’s time for the two halves of the mirror to reunite!”

“The Heaven and Earth Creation Divine Mirror… Master’s final legacy…”

“We have to find a successor.”

Bing-geom’s words made Yeomdo nod solemnly. It was the first time he had shown agreement. The two of them, as different as fire and water, were finally united. The two halves of the mirror, separated for twenty years, were about to be reunited.

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

They had never forgotten their master’s last wish, despite their constant bickering.

“I have two candidates. One is annoying, and the other is reliable.”

“What a coincidence. Me too.”

“But one of them, that damn master, might not even need it. I doubt he’ll even bother to learn it properly. It’s a legendary technique, but…”

It was a legend known only to them. But the one who had created it was already a legend. Hyuk Wol-Rin, the Supreme Sage, the Martial God… His name was known throughout the Jianghu.

“Maybe we should approach the other one? We have the elder’s backing…”

“That’s a good idea. It’s better to have a chance than no chance at all. And that incredible technique ‘that person’ used… it wasn’t human. Maybe he doesn’t even need this.”

They had witnessed it with their own eyes, but they still couldn’t believe it. It was a power beyond human comprehension. Just thinking about it sent shivers down their spines. Yeomdo felt the same.

“Hey, Ice Block… After seeing that… I have a bad feeling…”

“What is it?”

“Do you think we’ll ever be able to escape Master’s shadow? Maybe we’re stuck with him forever…”

Yeomdo’s face was grim.

“D-Don’t say such things. You’ll jinx it.”

Bing-geom replied, his voice trembling.

The old man stared at the charred ruins of the Red Plum Valley, his eyes filled with bitterness and a sorrowful rage. It was his fault. He had been the one in charge. But he had made a mistake. And his enemies had exploited it.

If he and the Three Saints had died in that trap, what would have become of the Jianghu? The last restraint on their enemies would have been gone.

He hadn’t realized they had recovered so much of their strength… He knew their core members were still active, but he hadn’t imagined they had infiltrated Heavenly Martial Peak, the heart of the Jianghu. He should have stopped them sooner. But he had failed. He had been outsmarted. It was his fault, his sin. The thorns of self-reproach lashed at his heart. He had broken his promise to his friend. He was ashamed. What was the point of being a legend, a myth, if he couldn’t even protect his friends? They would rise again. The beacon had been lit, awakening the slumbering evil. They needed a new force to oppose them.

The battles to come would be difficult. But there was still hope. The hope of youth.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

Elder Hyuk said, without turning around. He knew who it was. He had been waiting for this moment.

“Have you made up your mind?”

Elder Hyuk turned around. It was Mo Yong Hwi. His face was set with determination, his eyes burning with resolve. His previous doubts were gone without a trace.

“You look good. You’ve stopped wandering! Is your wandering over?”

“Yes, Elder! I’ve found my path. I won’t waver again.”

The handsome young man replied respectfully. His path was clear now. The sacrifices he had made to reach this point had been great. He needed to train harder, to hone his skills.

“It’s never too late to start. It won’t be easy. It’s a legendary technique.”

“Yes, Elder.”

Mo Yong Hwi’s voice was filled with unwavering determination.

* * *

“Why did you save me?”

Dokgo Ryeong glared at the man, her single eye burning with venom.

“It was a whim.”

Young Master Bi, a man of iron will, replied coldly. But even he couldn’t bring himself to kill her. He had saved her. He had thought he had abandoned all human emotions, but a fragment remained. It was ironic.

“I hate you!”

She spat out the words with venom.

“That’s understandable. You have every right to hate me.”

Bi replied. Dokgo Ryeong was stunned.

“Y-You’re… him…”

Suddenly, her missing eye ached, as if it were being pierced by a red-hot poker. The memory of that night, the pouring rain, and the terrifying voice echoed in her ears.

Young Master Bi remained silent.

“But why? Why did you save me? You took my eye. Why spare me now?”

Dokgo Ryeong cried, her voice filled with despair, on the verge of tears.

“I don’t know. But I can tell you one thing. It wasn’t out of guilt.”

He had finally admitted it. He was the one who had taken her eye.

“You’re cruel…”

Dokgo Ryeong said coldly.

“What are you going to do with me now? Are you going to take my other eye? Fine! Take it! Take it!”

She was sobbing now.

“I won’t. Once was enough. I saved you on a whim. But I can’t let you go yet. I still have things to do.”

“I’ll kill you!”

Dokgo Ryeong’s single eye blazed with hatred.

“You’re welcome to try.”

Young Master Bi, once known as Eun-myeong, replied.

When he had first set foot in the Red Plum Valley, it had been a paradise, filled with red plum blossoms blooming out of season and lush greenery. Crystal clear water cascaded down the surrounding cliffs, and white mist blurred the boundary between the mortal world and the realm of immortals.

Flowers, trees, butterflies, bees, birds… Everything thrived in this blessed land, their fragrance and songs soothing the soul.

He had wondered if he had stumbled into a mythical realm, a paradise lost to time. He had worried that his sword would rust, his skills would fade.

But what had become of this paradise? The red blossoms were blackened, the lush trees turned into firewood. The fire dragon had ravaged the land, leaving behind only ashes and despair.

Who had the right to commit such an atrocity? Humans were a part of nature, inseparable from it. Why would they destroy their own home?

Only humans could destroy nature without a second thought.

“There’s nothing left. Just ashes… like the barren wasteland after a firestorm… Will the Mount Hua Sword Conference ever be held here again, Ryu-yeon?”

Charred beams, unrecognizable doors, shattered roofs, smoke still rising, the bitter scent of ash and sulfur… Death had invaded this once vibrant land.

The Red Plum Valley, once a paradise of red blossoms, was now a gray wasteland. The color of ash. The color of despair. The death throes, the screams of the trees, the flowers, the insects, the animals, nature itself, still echoed in her ears. She felt like crying.

Bi Ryu-yeon silently wrapped his arm around her shoulders, stroking her hair.

“Don’t worry. That bastard Bi said one thing that was right.”

His voice was full of energy again, as if he had been refreshed by a good night’s sleep and a beautiful woman’s lap pillow.

“…?”

Was there still hope amidst this despair?

“The phoenix rises from the ashes!”

Bi Ryu-yeon smiled brightly, his face radiating optimism. His cheerfulness was infectious, and Na Yerin felt a sense of calm returning to her.

“It’s not over yet. It’s just the beginning. We’re still standing. Those who did this will pay. Hope isn’t dead. It’s just taking a short break, preparing for its rebirth. And the harbinger of that rebirth is the human heart. As long as our hearts are strong, hope will never die.”

He clenched his fist.

“We still have a lot of scores to settle. I can’t sleep with unpaid debts.”

“You’re right. We can’t let them get away with this. We’ll make them pay a hundredfold!”

Na Yerin forced a smile.

“No! A thousandfold! With compound interest!”

He laughed.

*An Unfinished Ending… And a New Beginning*

“H-How could this happen…?”

The old man stood before the raging flames, his face etched with disbelief.

The firestorm consumed everything in its path, mercilessly.

The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on his white hair and beard, painting them red.

Thud!

Crash!

Two massive pillars, supporting the main gate, collapsed, engulfed in flames. The signboard above the gate, once a symbol of prosperity, fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. There was no life left beyond that fiery gate. The scene of destruction and carnage was being consumed by flames, turning into ashes.

The old man’s gaze fell on the fallen signboard, as if it symbolized the fate of this place. It had been a beautiful signboard, its calligraphy and decorations reflecting the glory of this establishment. But now, it was charred and blackened, its inscription barely visible through the flames. The flames revealed four characters on the half-burned signboard:

Azure Dragon Silver Bank

The old man stared at it, a crumpled piece of paper clutched in his hand, his eyes filled with despair. This piece of paper, once known as his “guaranteed retirement fund,” was now worthless. His living expenses, his drinking money, were burning along with the bank. It was the only legacy his runaway disciple had left him. What was he going to do now? This piece of paper, its name changed from “guaranteed” to “pre-fire,” wouldn’t help him. He had tried to claim the bank’s remaining assets, invoking his rights as a customer, but those bastards had already looted it. He had arrived to find a burning building and a hundred men cleaning up the mess, stabbing the corpses to make sure they were dead. They didn’t want any witnesses, of course. They had attacked him, and now they were lying dead behind him, never to wake again, punished for interfering with his drinking habits. But that wasn’t important now. He was broke. He wouldn’t be able to enjoy his daily dose of fine wine and delicious food.

“Should I find that brat again…?”

He muttered to himself. He didn’t know where his disciple was, but he could always find him. He had a few clues. He couldn’t just starve to death.

“Maybe it’s time for another trip to the Jianghu…”

The white-haired old man tossed the bank certificate into the flames and turned away from the burning building, heading towards a new destination. It was a small step for him, but it might be a giant leap for the Jianghu.