Chapter v9c12

Is the Shaolin’s priceless treasure just a decoration?

The intense emotion and excitement of that day may never be forgotten for as long as I live.

And afterwards, Yong Cheon Myeong always approached matters with the mindset that he represented the honor of Shaolin and the honor of the young blood of the Nine Schools. Even in harsh training, he never showed a sign of yielding and maintained his composure.

The continuous extreme ascetic practices were like carving away at his flesh and bones, but they couldn’t break his will. The burden laid upon his shoulders was far too heavy for that.

‘But what on earth is this guy talking about?’

A man named Bi Ryu-yeon, who easily surpassed Yong Cheon Myeong’s common sense, pointed at Yong Cheon Myeong’s sword with his finger. It was its somewhat valuable-looking aura that had piqued his interest.

“Is that sword just a decoration? It’s shiny and looks cool. Plus, it seems very expensive!”

Yong Cheon Myeong’s mind reeled for a moment.

Calling the Shaolin’s priceless treasure a decoration? There’s a limit to being insensitive.

“To try and put a price on this object of incalculable value! That itself is already an act of irreverence!”

Yong Cheon Myeong bellowed angrily, as if the honor of Shaolin had been insulted in an instant. Despite Yong Cheon Myeong’s angry shout, Bi Ryu-yeon pretended not to hear.

“Huh? Is it really just a decoration? It’s a strange sword with no scent of blood on it.”

Bi Ryu-yeon’s sharp remark made Yong Cheon Myeong flinch. Indeed, this sword had not tasted blood.

“A Shaolin sword is not drawn carelessly. And a Shaolin sword does not shed blood without good reason.”

It was a belief as solid and unshakeable as Mount Tai.

As Yong Cheon Myeong said, since he had appeared in the martial world, his Jade Buddha Divine Sword had never been drawn. It was because there had never been a need to use the sword.

Moreover, it was impossible to carelessly draw the sacred artifact of Shaolin, and if trouble did arise, the White Dragon Sword, another treasured sword, would be sufficient. To him, the Jade Buddha Divine Sword was nothing more than an object temporarily entrusted from Shaolin.

The Jade Buddha Divine Sword had never shed blood throughout its long history with Shaolin. Naturally, it was almost devoid of the scent of blood.

The Dharma Yeorae 13 Swords!

The strongest martial art of Shaolin, based on the Mahayana Prajna technique, and the unique sword technique executed with the Jade Buddha Divine Sword!

For Shaolin, which prioritizes fists , palms , legs , and staffs , the existence of this sword technique was a very unique and special martial art. There is a theory that it was created by the second ancestor Huike Dashi, who, out of boredom, began toying with a sword.

Although it was said to have been created in play, if a martial and Buddhist genius toyed with it for over 30 years, it had already become a profound martial art in its own right. It had become a systematic and complete sword technique.

Its true power has yet to be fully revealed, but the legend of it being the strongest of Shaolin has been passed down. It is called a legend because no one has yet fully grasped the true essence of it.

To be qualified to receive the Jade Buddha Divine Sword, one must pass certain gates. Unless one masters the Dharma Yeorae 13 Swords to a five-star level or higher, one cannot become the owner of the Jade Buddha Divine Sword. Therefore, the Jade Buddha Divine Sword was entrusted to Master Hye Jeong Dashi until all the gates of Shaolin were passed. This was the gateway from which many legends of Shaolin were born, the Shaolin 18 Gates and the 72 Practice Halls. It was also the source that made the current Shaolin what it is.

Yong Cheon Myeong did not disappoint the expectations around him. He passed through these gates with the youngest record ever, proving his qualifications in front of everyone.

When he passed through the Shaolin 18 Gates and the 72 Practice Halls, the sword that was in the care of his master, Hye Jeong Dashi, returned to him. Yong Cheon Myeong would never forget the glory and joy of that moment.

The Jade Buddha Divine Sword he received at that time was still preciously hanging at his waist. True to the compassionate nature of Shaolin, this sword had almost never seen blood. There had been no such record in the last hundred years since the Heavenly Tribulation Bloodbath.

He who possesses the Jade Buddha Divine Sword,

Must cultivate the power to subdue others without shedding blood.

It seemed as if his master’s words were still echoing in his ears.

‘Master! Can I really conclude this without shedding blood this time?’

Bi Ryu-yeon’s mischievous smile kept irritating Yong Cheon Myeong, and he found it difficult to control himself. Yet, he had to endure until the thread of patience within him snapped.

A person in Yong Cheon Myeong’s position could not simply express anger whenever he wished. Instead, he considers the circumstances around him before expressing his emotions. This was a stark contrast between Maha Ryeong and Yong Cheon Myeong.

“This Jade Buddha Divine Sword is not meant to shed blood! I have no desire to see blood either! However, that doesn’t mean I want to stand by and do nothing about this situation. I cannot back down here, nor can I just watch this commotion unfold. Therefore, as your senior, I order you. Let go of that hand now!”

It was as good as a direct command. Usually, when he spoke this seriously, things would get done without fail. But sometimes there are exceptions.

Yong Cheon Myeong had overlooked one fact, and that was that there were few people who disliked taking orders from others as much as Bi Ryu-yeon did. In such cases, Bi Ryu-yeon would often take a contrary stance.

“A sword is for shedding blood, and one that does not is merely a decoration.”

It was as if he was challenging Yong Cheon Myeong to resolve the issue with the sword. For Yong Cheon Myeong, Bi Ryu-yeon’s attitude was a clear challenge to the entire Gupha.

‘Has this guy lost his fear?’

The people Yong Cheon Myeong knew were all rational, and not one of them had ever shown the disrespectful attitude that Bi Ryu-yeon had. Still, Yong Cheon Myeong exhibited patience once more. He was someone who had the capacity to stand above others.

“Killing is not the ultimate purpose of a sword. It serves as a compass to those who possess it and those who walk the path of martial arts. Of course, there are countless directionless fools who misunderstand the guidance and walk the wrong path. How many of those who wield a sword have actually walked the proper path of the divine sword?”

Yong Cheon Myeong’s statement was incontrovertible.

“Indeed! You seem to believe you haven’t lost your way, senior. That’s quite some confidence. A common trait among those who often lose their way is that they almost all believe the path they have taken is correct and do not harbor any doubts. Not realizing they might be walking into a completely isolated place.”

But no matter how sound the argument, it was no problem for Bi Ryu-yeon to be contrarian.

If there are signs or omens, people do not panic. So how do you panic someone?

Flash!

Without any warning, Yong Cheon Myeong’s White Dragon Sword was drawn, tracing a white trajectory reminiscent of a bright flash.

Swoosh!

The white flash seemed to pass right through Bi Ryu-yeon’s body.

“Ah!”

Na Yerin and Eun Seol-ran both let out short screams of terror. It appeared as if Bi Ryu-yeon had been cut in half by Yong Cheon Myeong’s sword. Some people who saw this couldn’t help but feel elated inside. They were of the opinion that someone like Bi Ryu-yeon, who had stolen the lips of their idol, was better off not existing in this world.

However, to their disappointment, a regrettable event occurred.

“Tsk! I haven’t even received an apology yet.”

Despite appearing to have been split in half by Yong Cheon Myeong’s sword energy, Bi Ryu-yeon was completely unharmed. Instead, he was clicking his tongue and smacking his lips, opening and closing his now-empty right hand. It was the very hand that had been grasping Maha Ryeong until just moments before. In his attempt to dodge Yong Cheon Myeong’s surprise attack, he had unconsciously let go of Maha Ryeong’s hand.

“Is it an afterimage?”

Yong Cheon Myeong asked in surprise, his interest piqued upon witnessing footwork that could even deceive his keen vision.

“Amazing! To perfectly dodge my sword like this, incredible!”

Yong Cheon Myeong was perplexed as he felt no sensation from his cut, but it turned out to be just an illusion. It had been a long time since he had to use a second move after the first had failed. Despite Yong Cheon Myeong’s praise, Bi Ryu-yeon shook his head, not pleased.

“It wasn’t perfect. I failed to protect my precious clothes.”

As Bi Ryu-yeon said, the front of his top was cleanly sliced from top to bottom, exposing his bare chest. Fortunately, there was no blood, but it could have been dangerous if the cut had been slightly deeper.

“You, too, have performed an excellent sword release. To execute such a clean attack without any tell – I almost got caught.”

Bi Ryu-yeon was still smiling, as if it was a waste to be concerned about the earlier surprise attack… However, he was very upset that his clothes were damaged.

“Ha ha ha! That’s high praise. I made a mistake. I said I would be gentle, but I’ve ruined your clothes, so how can I make it up to you——?”

It meant that he was forgiving this time, so don’t be too proud thinking you’ve dodged the attack.

“Both of you are incredible.”

Eun Seol-ran sincerely admired them.

Based on the far-from-fast martial arts of Shaolin, Yong Cheon Myeong had the ability to perform swift sword attacks like the one he had just executed. Bi Ryu-yeon, who had dodged that swift, white flash of a sword attack, leaving an afterimage! Both were truly incredible martial artists.

“It’s really amazing… really.”

This meant that they were both a threatening presence to the Heavenly Demon’s Pavilion.

“What will happen now?”

The question Eun Seol-ran harbored was the same doubt that Na Yerin and Mo Yong-hwi felt at that moment. The shackles that had been binding Maha Ryeong, a woman harboring resentment, had been released. The situation was entering a new phase.

“I’m finally free!”

Inside, Maha Ryeong cheered. She had finally seized the chance to take revenge on the detestable Bi Ryu-yeon. How could she not be overjoyed!

“Prepare yourself!”

Was it said that when a woman harbors resentment, frost falls in the fifth month, bringing about a meteorological anomaly? It was indeed a terrifying grudge.

“Wait!”

Bi Ryu-yeon extended his hand to stop Maha Ryeong’s revenge drama.

“What? It’s no use begging on your knees now.”

Maha Ryeong was in no mood to forgive Bi Ryu-yeon, even if he danced naked around the training ground. The humiliation and shame she had felt demanded to be repaid in full, with interest, or she felt she might die of frustration. For the sake of a good night’s sleep, revenge was necessary.

“If you don’t want to suffer a savage fate, it’s best not to move, right?”

Bi Ryu-yeon remained calm, even as he faced the icy killing intent emanating from Maha Ryeong. He couldn’t be so confident without having a trump card up his sleeve.

“What nonsense are you spouting? You look ridiculous!”

Dismissing Bi Ryu-yeon’s words as mere nonsense, Maha Ryeong made a clear mistake in taking a step forward. Although Bi Ryu-yeon often seemed frivolous, he had never spoken empty words.

“Sara!”

Suddenly, her red silk belt snapped and fell to the ground. Luckily, her clothes stayed on, sparing her the embarrassment of being stripped, but she was shocked nonetheless. Her face turned pale with horror.

“Aaaaaaah!”

A scream burst from the pale-faced woman.

“What… what… what on earth?”

She was too flabbergasted for words. The onlookers, including Yong Cheon Myeong, were equally astonished.

“See? You regret it now. I warned you.”

It was a tone like an adult chiding a disobedient child. It meant it was her own fault for ignoring the warning, and he bore no responsibility, but it could also sound like simple teasing.

Maha Ryeong had underestimated Bi Ryu-yeon too much. When Bi Ryu-yeon had mingled hands with her, he had already woven a Neryeongsas throughout her body. He wasn’t foolish enough to initiate something without a safety measure in place, which is why he was able to let go of Maha Ryeong with peace of mind.

“Be prepared without worries!” It was always a useful lesson.

Although they had separated, Maha Ryeong was still trapped in Bi Ryu-yeon’s web, like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web, or like Sun Wukong in the palm of the Buddha. She was still unable to escape from Bi Ryu-yeon’s control.

Her face flushed deep red with profound humiliation. It felt like she had experienced a lifetime’s worth of shame in just one day.

“Now! How about you just give up? Go ahead and apologize. Please, let me go, and I’m sorry. How about that! It’s easy, right?”

Maha Ryeong felt utterly humiliated, as if she had become a laughing stock. She was at a loss on how to respond since she didn’t understand what trick had been used.

“Is this the price for misbehaving and speaking recklessly?”

Then the price was too high.

But now, even if she regretted it, the situation had spiraled out of control. The moment for manageable control had passed. The situation was like a wild horse that had broken free from its reins, wildly out of control. Any sign of calming down had already been secretly consumed by a passing dog.

“Now! Go ahead and apologize!”

Bi Ryu-yeon demanded an apology from Maha Ryeong once more.

Maha Ryeong trembled with a furious rage but was unable to take any action. The situation was worse than when her arm had been caught before. She was now too afraid of the consequences to even speak properly. She had no desire whatsoever to perform a free nude dance.