Moonlit Struggle (4)
The old man and Cheon So-seon sat cross-legged in a line. After completing a round of breathing exercises, the old man placed his palm on Cheon So-seon’s back.
“Grandfather.”
“What is it?”
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
A deep hum resonated as the old man’s innate energy began to flow into Cheon So-seon’s body. This wasn’t just a simple transfer of internal energy; it was the passing of innate energy, permanently increasing Cheon So-seon’s power.
The old man’s energy was vast, equivalent to four full cycles, and he gave it with all his heart. He had never done this for anyone before—not for his father, nor for his son.
Finally, the transfer was complete. Cheon So-seon, now possessing the old man’s energy combined with his own, had reached six cycles of internal power. In terms of sheer energy, he was unmatched.
His signature technique, the Light Killing Wind, would become even faster and more powerful. Although his energy had tripled, the technique couldn’t be used consecutively due to its inherent design. Still, the increased speed would make him nearly invincible. Few could dodge it before, and now, who could possibly evade his attack?
Moreover, the pure energy from the old man healed his previous injuries completely.
In contrast, the old man appeared ten years older, his remaining energy now only a fraction of what it once was.
“Grandfather.”
Tears welled up in Cheon So-seon’s eyes.
“Don’t cry. You will succeed in the grand technique.”
“Yes.”
“Help me up.”
Cheon So-seon assisted him into the chamber known as Cheonran. More materials were needed, specifically the blood of a reincarnated person. The stronger the reincarnated individual, the higher the success rate of the grand technique. This was why they had reincarnated the Heavenly Demon. But without the blood, the success rate was a mere ten percent.
“Why go to such lengths?”
Cheon So-seon had always known his grandfather’s life revolved around this grand technique. The old man was already powerful, so much so that seeking more strength seemed pointless.
“Why is this grand technique so important to you?”
“It was my father’s lifelong wish.”
“What?”
This was news to him.
“My father was a thief, known as the Phantom Thief.”
Astonishingly, the old man was the son of the legendary Phantom Thief, Cheon Bo-myeong.
His name was Cheon Wang-gun. At last, his true identity was revealed.
Cheon Wang-gun had never spoken of his father to Cheon So-seon.
“My father enjoyed stealing from martial artists more than acquiring wealth. This grand technique is from a secret manual he stole.”
Cheon So-seon was taken aback.
“Who did he steal it from?”
Cheon Wang-gun shook his head.
“He said it was from an old man. He realized too late that the book contained celestial secrets unseen in this world, but he never found the old man again.”
“You believed in the book’s contents?”
“It was credible. Everything was accurate. The reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon and the creation of Cheonran were all detailed in it. My father failed, but I will succeed.”
Cheon So-seon couldn’t voice the doubt in his heart.
‘But can you truly create an immortal, perfect being through artificial means?’
Now wasn’t the time to express such thoughts.
“You will succeed, Grandfather.”
“Even if I fail, remember what I’ve told you.”
“You will succeed. You must.”
Slowly, the chamber closed. Cheon So-seon watched his grandfather until the very end.
Once the door shut, Cheon So-seon connected several tubes protruding from Cheonran and manipulated the controls at the back.
A deep hum resonated as Cheonran began to vibrate and operate.
The grand technique had commenced.
In thirty-three days, Cheonran would open, and the success or failure of the grand technique would be determined. If successful, no one would be able to defeat his grandfather, who would be reborn as an immortal being.
Gazing down at Cheonran, Cheon So-seon murmured softly.
“Please endure, Grandfather. I will protect you until then.”
But as things stood, the location was at risk of being discovered. Gal Sa-ryang’s forces were formidable, and the Dark Alliance was also searching for them.
“I need to divert their attention.”
In the dead of night, two figures met in an abandoned mountain house.
They were Ma Ryeong-in and Ju Cheol-ryong.
“Have you made your decision?”
Ju Cheol-ryong hesitated to answer Ma Ryeong-in’s question.
“Before that, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“There’s a problem within the organization.”
“A problem?”
“We’ve lost contact with the higher-ups.”
This was the result of fleeing with Cheon Wang-gun and Cheon So-seon.
Ma Ryeong-in’s lips curled into a smile.
“You don’t believe me. I understand. But I’m telling the truth.”
Ma Ryeong-in studied Ju Cheol-ryong. The excuse seemed too convenient and flimsy, making it feel genuine.
“Very well. I’ll take your word for it. If there’s internal strife, it could be an opportunity.”
“An opportunity?”
“If what you say is true, there might be a power struggle. It would make it easier for you to switch sides.”
Ju Cheol-ryong remained silent.
“Ju Danju, they tried to kill my brother, the leader. Who’s next? You? Iron Flag Leader? Me? How many turns do you think you have left?”
Ma Ryeong-in’s usual nonchalance gave way to a serious tone, lending weight to his persuasion.
“Ju Danju, they’re using us as expendables. If we continue like this, we’ll all die. This is our last chance.”
“Give me more time to think.”
“Fine. But make your decision by our next meeting.”
“Understood.”
Ma Ryeong-in left first.
Ju Cheol-ryong sighed heavily.
“Damn it!”
He kicked a broken piece of wood in frustration, shattering it. If he didn’t heed Ma Ryeong-in’s words, he would face retribution from Ma Cheol-gun and Ma Ryeong-in. With the loss of contact with the higher-ups, there was no guarantee of protection. Yet, betraying them wasn’t an easy choice either.
As he turned to leave, he was startled to find Cheon So-seon standing at the door.
“How dare you consider betraying us.”
Ju Cheol-ryong was taken aback.
“No, never. I wouldn’t.”
Cheon So-seon raised a finger, as if ready to unleash a deadly attack.
“You’re mistaken! Please, spare me!”
“So, you’re conflicted, not betraying?”
“No!”
He answered quickly, but his voice trembled.
Cheon So-seon lowered his hand.
“I have a task for you. Whether you succeed will determine if you can atone for this mistake.”
Cheon So-seon’s gaze was icy.
“Kill Seong Wang-bo as soon as possible.”
“What?”
Ju Cheol-ryong’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected such an order.
Killing Seong Wang-bo would deal a significant blow to the Dark Alliance, hindering their search for him and his grandfather.
Before Ju Cheol-ryong could ask anything, Cheon So-seon vanished like a ghost.
“Damn it.”
The sound of rapid strikes filled the air.
I watched as the Heavenly Demon demonstrated the Celestial Crane Technique.
Even though it was the same technique I practiced, it felt different when he performed it.
[What do you think? This is the true Celestial Crane Technique.]
[You’ve barely learned it, and you’re already boasting?]
[It’s a technique my grandfather created. It feels like I’ve been practicing it for ten years.]
Though he exaggerated, he was indeed mastering it faster than I had.
The foundation of the Celestial Crane Technique seemed to be rooted in demonic and tyrannical arts.
We discussed the technique as I observed.
[Do you really need to strike that hard with that move?]
I demonstrated the same move with a softer touch.
[Isn’t this level of gentleness enough?]
[Not at all.]
The Heavenly Demon repeated the move with much more force.
He was undeniably stronger. We interpreted the same technique differently.
[You orthodox types always say things like ‘gentleness overcomes strength,’ but that’s because you’ve never faced true power.]
[Am I not here?]
[Don’t kid yourself. You didn’t beat me because you were gentle. In martial arts, strength and gentleness are relative. Your incomplete Soul-Searching Swordsmanship is quite tyrannical. It was your genius that tipped the scales in your favor.]
I couldn’t deny it.
I pondered for a moment. My martial philosophy had always centered on harmony and balance. I believed that leaning too far in one direction was worse than lacking.
In contrast, the Heavenly Demon aimed for extreme strength. Stronger, ever stronger.
Perhaps it was worth trying his approach.
I recalled something the Heavenly Demon had said before.
You’re trapped in a mold.
I couldn’t deny it then, and today, I felt that mold again.
The outline of the mold, once vague and unrecognized, was becoming clearer.
“Do you ever feel trapped, like you’re stuck somewhere?”
“Ha! Where exactly am I trapped, you rascal? Are you trying to tease me?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I was asking if you’ve ever felt any limitations.”
Of course, the Heavenly Demon understood the essence of my question.
“Yes, just once.”
“When was that?”
“When I challenged the Demon God Barrier.”
“Challenged?”
“When I tried to break through it.”
Just then, I noticed Galsaryang entering the outer chamber of the Celestial Mind Palace.
“We’ll talk later.”
“Next time, I’ll be even stronger.”
“I look forward to it.”
I withdrew from the Celestial Mind Palace and returned to reality.
“What’s going on?”
Galsaryang spoke quickly. “Jucheolryong is acting alone.”
The key point of the report was that he was moving independently. In the usual affairs of the Martial Alliance, the leader of the Gwangwol Group would never act solo.
“His target?”
“Our financial resources.”
I chuckled at Galsaryang’s meaningful words. “Of all people, he should know better.”
＊ ＊ ＊
Sung Wangbo sat in the carriage, lost in thought.
Both sides had reached out to him, each with their own agenda. The Heavenly King Army urged him to betray, while the Dark Lord advised against it.
Sung Wangbo chose both sides, which ultimately meant he chose himself.
If his only goal was survival, he would have sided with the Dark Lord. He knew well that no matter how powerful or ambitious the Heavenly King Army was, they couldn’t defeat the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord wielded a power that couldn’t be toppled by force alone. And after all, Sung Wangbo was a merchant at heart.
Yet… he yearned to take the Dark Lord’s place. Even if the Dark Lord sensed his ambition, his dream burned brighter than ever. But as long as he remained under the Dark Lord, he could never ascend to that position.
So, a part of him hoped the Heavenly King Army would eliminate the Dark Lord, paving the way for his own rise.
Suddenly, the carriage came to an abrupt halt.
Whoosh!
The sound of wind slicing through the air was followed by chaos outside. The clash of weapons and screams filled the night.
Sung Wangbo banged his head against the carriage seat in frustration.
“Damn it! Damn it all!”
He didn’t know who was attacking, but he could feel death closing in.
His guards were strong, but if someone was determined to kill him, they would have sent even stronger forces.
Was this how he would meet his end, so meaninglessly?
Why hadn’t he hired the most formidable guards money could buy? Surely, with his wealth, he could have secured the best.
But such thoughts were naive, ignorant of the brutal nature of this organization.
Constant surveillance, endless scrutiny. The moment you step out of the line set by the organization, suspicion follows. Suspicion turns to distrust, and distrust becomes the reaper standing before you.
He glanced out the carriage window.
The moon shone brightly, as if mocking him.
“A perfect night to die, isn’t it?”
“Not at all.”
Sung Wangbo desperately wanted to live. He looked at the moon and pleaded silently.
“If someone saves me, I’ll do anything for them.”