WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈
Chapter 39: Old Monk’s Grudge (3)
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Shaolin fist arts possessed a grandeur and discipline that seemed capable of carrying even the power of the soul.
They looked simple at a glance, but they were not. The principles behind each strike were profound and complex.
However, Yeon-shin had seen enough of Gak Jeong’s fist-and-leg arts.
Yeon-shin did not wait for an answer. He pivoted on his heel.
At the same time, he felt a flow running from his waist to his right arm. It was free and powerful.
Whoosh!
Though it looked simple, it produced immense force from the slightest movement. He himself brought forth the principle of deflecting a thousand catties with four taels.
Originally, it was a martial principle for receiving a powerful blow with very little force. This time, however, it was different. With a short True Step, he thrust out a powerful straight punch.
Thud!
Gak Jeong staggered as Yeon-shin’s strike landed on his rear flank while he twisted his body. His eyes widened in shock.
Even Yeon-shin, who had delivered the blow, could feel the considerable weight of the fist.
It must have seemed strange to Gak Jeong that he could not sense an aura.
A fierce exchange began. Complex trajectories and the afterimages of hands and feet tangled together.
Yeon-shin took more blows as they traded moves. There had been no comparing their experience or martial depth from the outset.
Yet it was enjoyable. The fist-and-leg techniques he unleashed with Demon's Light inactive felt entirely new.
Even so, the impacts from his opponent’s fists and feet did not sink deeply into him. There was no pain, only the pleasure of striking.
His body had already surpassed even the Young Divine Monk, Gak Jeong.
Flutter, thud!
Yeon-shin feinted with his broad left sleeve. At the same time, the face of his right fist crushed the cloth over Gak Jeong’s shoulder.
Yeon-shin felt the monk’s robe’s rough texture deep in his fist. Gak Jeong staggered whenever he was struck by one of Yeon-shin’s short blows.
An elderly voice drifted over from afar.
“Did he take the forms and methods of the Five Shaolin Fists? No, that is not it. Only the principles are the same. Rather, it is a level higher. The range of application for Force Projection through fist arts has broadened. How can that be? It is like creating a new martial art...”
Hyeon Won-chang glanced at Venerable Won Jong, who was muttering ceaselessly beside him.
Not every Shaolin martial master was renowned. There were many monks besides martial monks.
There were martial theory monks who studied martial doctrine and scholar monks devoted to the Buddhist path.
Venerable Won Jong was unlike the Young Divine Monk, Gak Jeong. It was a Dharma name Hyeon Won-chang had never heard before.
“Perhaps that is what happens when one devotes oneself to a field in the mountains. Do you not think so?”
“Hm? Hm...”
Hyeon Won-chang sidled up to the county magistrate beside him and whispered as though they were close.
The county magistrate of Xinye County drew away and could not hide an uncomfortable expression, but Hyeon Won-chang paid it no mind.
“Those who know, know about young hero Jeong’s body. Even in Demon Wings, he is counted among those possessing monstrous strength. There was an incident once, when young hero Jeong was bathing. The maids who tended the hall brought in water, then went out and secretly returned to peep at him. They were people of Desolate Fortress, after all, so they were remarkably bold. Then, what happened was... Hm? What is the matter?”
“I am not particularly curious.”
“Huh. Others usually listen with great interest.”
While they spoke, the match came to an end.
Gak Jeong and Yeon-shin withdrew at the same time, as though they were mirrors reflecting one another.
“If we continue, one of us will truly have to use the Myeongjeong Pill.”
“I have learned much. I shall listen to your Dharma lecture.”
Gak Jeong laughed heartily at Yeon-shin’s calm words.
“Your disposition is truly straightforward. If only I had a junior martial brother like young hero Jeong. In truth, they are all unbearably arrogant. Even when I discipline them with martial arts and Buddhist teachings, none of it works. In any event, I could not defeat young hero Jeong either. To be honest...”
Gak Jeong’s smile, like that of Skanda, the war god of Indian Buddhism, was strangely stiff.
He continued slowly.
“I was afraid as well. My fist techniques were gradually ceasing to work, and it seemed they would soon be countered one by one. This is also my defeat. If young hero Jeong listens to my Dharma lecture, then I will grant you one request someday.”
“Very well.”
Yeon-shin readily nodded.
He had gained three things today. Each was significant.
Experiencing Shaolin fist-and-leg techniques firsthand would become great nourishment for his own martial arts.
The Myeongjeong Pill, a famous miraculous medicine, could save his life once.
The right to ask the Young Divine Monk for something concerning the martial world was also a great asset.
‘Xinye Baekmu Faction. So our connection continues like this.’
Feeling the strange workings of the martial world, Yeon-shin walked with Monk Gak Jeong.
Beyond the faint glow of the sunset, a white moon was rising. It seemed unlikely that he would return to his guest room tonight.
With a gesture of his chin, he ordered the underworld lackeys, who were staring at them with intimidated eyes, to get to work.
They decided to listen to the Dharma lecture and stay in the hall once it had been swiftly tidied.
The county magistrate of Xinye County fled with a deathly pale face.
The illicit wealth accepted from the Xinye Baekmu Faction appeared considerable. Yeon-shin hoped Ma Jin would handle the matter properly.
“Bodhidharma, the founding patriarch of Zen Buddhism in the Central Plains, once said...”
The day came to an end amid Gak Jeong’s Buddhist lecture.
It was an anecdote about Bodhidharma telling Huike that an uneasy mind had no substance.
The many harsh blood-soaked battles Yeon-shin had faced at a young age were sharpening his mind like a blade.
Conversely, his heart, dulled to the lives of others, combined with his life on borrowed time and gave rise to killing intent.
Zen Buddhism was said to pass down Buddhist teachings orally. Yeon-shin’s unease did not immediately disappear after a single lecture.
However, he could learn the ideas that ran through Buddhist martial arts. It was a new world. For an instant, a sky-blue glint passed through Yeon-shin’s eyes.
All the while, Venerable Won Jong watched him strangely from one side of the bed.
* * *
Everyone rose when dawn still resembled twilight.
Over breakfast, they watched Won Jong and Gak Jeong quarrel.
Yeon-shin and Hyeon Won-chang ate in silence while listening to the two monks’ argument.
It seemed to be a common occurrence, but the Chief Steward looked pale as though unable to breathe.
“The phrase ‘Destroy Evil, Reveal Righteousness’ is not merely an abstract part of the Dharma. It is a real power. Dharma power that destroys the strength amassed by wicked groups like the Blood Flame Sect! Sorcery arts and martial arts were originally one. The unfathomable arts of the ancients were divided and given separate names!”
“You are creating martial arts to kill the Blood Flame Sect Master, despite being someone who has taken refuge in the Dharma.”
Gak Jeong leaned over and whispered to Yeon-shin, intending for Won Jong to overhear. Yeon-shin himself did not know when they had grown this close.
‘They don’t seem close enough for Gak Jeong to air Shaolin’s dirty laundry.’
The behavior of the two, who looked like grandfather and grandson, was remarkably childish, enough to shatter Yeon-shin’s vague impressions of Shaolin.
“How is that wrong? It is something that must be done for all living beings under heaven!”
“Very well. If the chance comes, you should surely set aside the prohibition against killing! But martial uncle, are you not devoting your life to killing people? Such a life is hell itself. How can you fail to consider Senior Martial Uncle and the martial nephews’ feelings?”
“My inner turmoil cannot be resolved through contemplation. I realized that after more than ten years of facing the wall. The Blood Flame Sect Master must die for me to live.”
Yeon-shin was mildly surprised. Facing the wall was a renowned form of training.
It was said to be a practice of sitting in meditation while staring only at a wall.
It originated from the tale of Bodhidharma sitting before a wall for nine years and attaining enlightenment.
‘Did the Blood Flame Sect massacre his family as well? Like mine.’
However, Gak Jeong appeared untroubled. As though he had heard the same words dozens of times, he spoke.
“From the beginning, our sect’s Prajna Great Power and Supreme Great Power have been sufficient to oppose the Blood Arts. Shaolin martial arts have always been strong against the Blood Arts. There is no greater opposition than this.”
“That is insufficient, which is why the Blood Flame Sect Master is still alive!”
“What martial uncle seeks is the creation of an entirely new system. Even a hundred years would not be enough.”
“Martial arts powered by dharma power were originally one branch of Shaolin martial arts. How many times must I say it? If we had the lost Avalokitesvara Green Steel Hand, we could crush the skulls of those evil cult blood demons!”
“Martial uncle should mind his words... And with even the secret manual burned, how could you possibly restore that martial art... No, never mind.”
Only after Gak Jeong shook his head did the meal end. The five rose amid the awkward atmosphere. Yeon-shin alone wore a peculiar expression.
‘Avalokitesvara Green Steel Hand.’
From what he had heard, it seemed as though it would display tremendous power in a fierce battle against the Blood Flame Sect.
A martial art imbued with the Buddha’s dharma power. It drew his interest. He had also learned anew that martial arts could possess opposing natures.
There were fundamental differences in nature, distinct from merely countering techniques.
‘A martial art specialized for one side. Interesting.’
There were many masters, including Blue Uniforms and Black Uniforms.
For Yeon-shin, whose martial level was still lacking, this was a new clue.
Simply learning that such things existed made it seem possible to create something.
The principles contained in the forms and methods of Shaolin fist arts. The meaning that ran through Shaolin Zen thought.
He had learned the form of techniques and the intent that filled qi. To Yeon-shin, it was little different from having everything handed to him.
It was then.
“I wondered why you had not returned by morning. It was not as though you would fall to mere underworld rabble.”
Ma Jin approached in an instant with an astonishing movement technique.
Behind Ma Jin, Demon Wings masters crossed the main gate of the Xinye Baekmu Faction. Ma Jin surveyed Won Jong, Gak Jeong, and the Chief Steward before speaking again.
“So Shaolin monks are here. We have been surrounded, so there is no time for greetings.”
“Did you say surrounded?”
Yeon-shin asked.
“It is the Blood Flame Sect. The information leaked. The Hao Clan seems to have truly betrayed us, but first we must survive.”
Ma Jin’s tone was not relaxed. There was tension in it as well. It was difficult to believe such words had come from a Black Uniform of Desolate Fortress.
Yeon-shin glanced around.
Only then did it truly strike him that they were facing the Blood Flame Sect’s real strength.
At some point, the calls of mountain birds in the surrounding forest had vanished.
“...”
A chilly breeze suddenly blew. It felt as though it crawled into his cheek. The sound brushing past his ear was sinister.
Martial forces were said to spread their encirclements across broad regions.
There was even the Heavenly Net, an encirclement likened to a net spread across the sky and earth.
“We break through the main gate.”
Ma Jin spoke while already holding a massive saber.
The Demon Wings martial artists drew their respective weapons. Yeon-shin felt it.
Even the masters who had not made a sound of drawing their swords were tense.
Cheong Myeong and Baek Mir-yeo moved close to him. Hyeon Won-chang was with them as well.
“If you become separated from the formation, meet at the Heavenly Sword Sect. It is a martial family on Mount Pingzhong. It also serves as Desolate Fortress’s Henan branch, so if you survive, you will receive a generous welcome.”
“Was that meant as a joke?”
Before anyone could chuckle at Cheong Myeong’s offhand remark, the wall exploded with a crash.
Someone walked forward with clear footsteps, as though anything blocking the way was an open doorway.
Step.
A woman of strange, exceptional beauty appeared. Black hair and red eyes. Yeon-shin had never seen anyone like her before.
“Hello.”
Her manner of speech was casual and light.
Her hair fluttered in the breeze, black as pitch. It was not merely dark.
Like the black long robe she wore, it seemed darker than the night sky.
In contrast, her lips were red as though always stained with blood. They stood in stark contrast against her pale skin.
A sinister aura enveloped her entire body. Even the fluttering hem of the long robe seemed demonic.
‘That is...’
Yeon-shin knew the moment he saw her.
It was said that the red hair of Blood Flame Sect martial artists turned black as their martial arts improved.
Her hair was truly black as lacquer.
She was an Apostle of the Blood Flame Sect. Since she was a woman, she could only be the Seventh Apostle.
Her formidable martial prowess and vicious nature were already well known.
“Seventh Apostle.”
Ma Jin’s voice was like a growl scraped up from the depths of the abdomen.
“How foolish. You didn’t even realize you were being ambushed.”
Her voice was crystalline. The Seventh Apostle of the Blood Flame Sect approached with a blood-red smile.
Her steps were light, yet they carried an alluring dignity and a terrifying aura.
She gave off an air reminiscent of a mire. She was on an entirely different level from the Blood Masters.
“You’re Seom-ye, the future of Desolate Fortress.”
She stopped ten paces away, her gaze turning to Yeon-shin.
Her eyes were like smooth jade fashioned from blood. Interest seemed to swirl within those deeply crimson pupils.
She smiled.
“Your nape is quite beautiful.”
“Look at me, Seventh Apostle.”
The Seventh Apostle glanced indifferently at Ma Jin, who had stepped forward.
When she flicked her long fingers, Blood Flame Sect members emerged from every direction. Yeon-shin felt as though his vision had turned red.
There appeared to be at least a hundred red-haired figures, among whom twenty were Blood Masters.
“Here.”
The Seventh Apostle moved her lips.
“I’ll kill the future and present of Demon Wings.”
“...!”
At the same time, her hand blurred. While the Demon Wings and Shaolin masters assessed the enemy’s strength, the Seventh Apostle surged forward like blood-red lightning with sinister energy.
The scarlet dagger flashed as though it would pierce Yeon-shin’s brow.
Slash!
Yeon-shin snatched it and twisted his body. It was as though his body had reacted to the wicked force before he could even perceive it.
The residual force from the strike was so immense that he took a step back, yet the energy held within his grasp felt unfamiliar.
The unfamiliar energy in his grasp was neutralizing the Blood Arts qi carried in the dagger. It was as though Gak Jeong’s Dharma lecture from the night before echoed beside his ears.
- May the Three Poisons be eradicated forever, and may the Six Senses always remain pure.
The meaning of Buddhist scripture and the forms of Shaolin fist arts were transforming into a mnemonic formula.
Had Bodhidharma created something like this as well? At that moment, an incomplete martial art sprouted within him.
The Demon Wings masters turned their heads in surprise and stiffened. The sky-blue light that had occasionally flashed in Yeon-shin’s eyes had deepened into a strange blue.
“An Apostle uses the Blood Flame Sect’s martial arts as well.”
Yeon-shin spoke.
The Seventh Apostle laughed as though she found it amusing. Yeon-shin watched her quietly, then slowly opened his mouth again.
“Your martial arts are easy to interfere with.”
Blue radiance flashed in his eyes as he spoke.
Footnotes:
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