Opportunities Fly Like Birds (2)
Upon returning to the Jay An residence, I met with Galsaryang.
I recounted the events that had transpired at the Martial Alliance.
First, I addressed the most pressing issue: the conflict with the Heavenly King Army.
“I believe I can win. But there’s no guarantee of a decisive victory.”
As always, I spoke candidly. This was information that needed to be relayed to the Chief Commander. At the very least, he needed to be clear on this point.
“That’s impressive in itself.”
Next, I shared the details about Cheonsoseon and Macheolgun.
Galsaryang was taken aback by the story.
“So, Cheonsoseon has become a woman, and Macheolgun… My goodness! I thought I’d seen it all with the Lord, but this…”
As surprised as Galsaryang was, I imagined Cheonsoseon must be deeply wounded. Yet, given the path of villainy he—or she—had chosen, that wound presented an opportunity for me.
“If we can exploit their relationship, we might uncover what they’re up to.”
“Yes, there seems to be a way in. I’ll start by gathering more information.”
“Please do.”
Once he left the room, Cheonma spoke to me.
[About that martial arts training you mentioned.]
[Have you found a way?]
[After thinking it over, if the Heavenly Qi Heart Technique can’t withstand it, no other demonic arts will either.]
[As expected.]
It made sense. Cheonma had mastered it because it was the pinnacle among similar demonic arts.
[But I did think of a completely different demonic art. Have you ever heard of the Illusory Demonic Art?]
[Illusory Demonic Art? It sounds vaguely familiar.]
[It was a unique demonic art practiced by Illusion Demon, an elder from my father’s generation. He was fond of me when I was young. He once told me he learned martial arts in his dreams.]
[That’s absurd.]
[But it’s true.]
[What? You mean he really learned martial arts in his dreams?]
[When I was young, I disliked martial arts training. I jokingly told Illusion Demon it would be great to learn while sleeping, and that’s when he mentioned it. It was called Dream Training Technique.]
[Did you learn it?]
[I did. I even tried it out.]
[Do you remember the incantations?]
[Of course. But I haven’t used this art since then.]
[Why not? If you can learn martial arts while sleeping, it sounds perfect.]
[There were serious side effects.]
[What kind of side effects?]
[First, you wake up with a terrible headache and hallucinations. The stronger your mental fortitude, the less severe the side effects, but usually, it feels like your head is splitting.]
[This is a chance to test my mental strength. What other side effects are there?]
[The real issue is that you could fall into a mental trap in your dreams or even be devoured by a dream demon.]
[Still, it doesn’t seem like an extremely dangerous art. Illusion Demon must have taught it to you, the heir of the sect.]
[No, it is very dangerous. Many disciples reportedly died. He taught it to me because I had mastered the Blood Thunder Heart Technique. It was a higher-level technique than the one he practiced, so the side effects of the Dream Training Technique weren’t as threatening.]
[I’ve mastered the Blood Thunder Heart Technique too, haven’t I?]
[That’s why I’m telling you.]
[Training in dreams?]
It seemed worth trying at least once. I was curious about what it entailed.
[Teach me.]
[Are you serious?]
Even though he suggested it, Cheonma hesitated. He wasn’t entirely sure what kind of demonic art it was, having not delved deeply into it himself. His hesitation stemmed from concern for me.
[I’ve mastered the Demonic God Technique. I don’t believe anything labeled as demonic arts can harm me.]
With that, Cheonma made up his mind.
[Alright, let’s give it a try.]
Cheonma began to teach me the incantations for the Dream Training Technique from the Illusory Demonic Art.
Macheolgun summoned Marengin.
Both were confined within the Martial Alliance, their internal energies suppressed. Fortunately, they could move about, but leaving was impossible.
“What brings you to seek out your useless brother?”
Marengin greeted him with a sarcastic remark. He hadn’t changed a bit.
“I need money. Contact the family and arrange for funds.”
“Money? What for?”
Marengin’s eyes sharpened with suspicion.
“It’s to deal with them, so there’s no need to look at me like that.”
Macheolgun walked over to the window, leaning against it. Facing Marengin was uncomfortable. From behind, Marengin’s voice reached him.
“I’m the head of the Heavenly Path Sect. Stop spouting nonsense!”
“I’m not asking for a handout. Consider it a loan.”
“I’ve heard the rumors. The Heavenly King Army is said to be greedy for money. Is that why?”
“Yes. He demanded it. If we refuse, we’re dead.”
Macheolgun kept silent about his relationship with Cheonsoseon. He detested the idea of Marengin meddling in his personal affairs. The man would undoubtedly make a mess of everything.
“So, the Martial Alliance is raided, and now you’re losing the family fortune too? What are you doing? If you’re going to act like an idiot, you might as well die!”
Macheolgun scowled and turned sharply at Marengin’s harsh words.
“You bastard! Do you think words are enough?”
“All this just to show this pathetic side… even after Father…”
Thud!
Macheolgun’s fist struck Marengin’s face mercilessly. Marengin tumbled over a table, crashing to the floor. It was a punch without internal energy.
“Damn it!”
Bang!
Macheolgun punched the wall in frustration. He realized that without internal energy, a scuffle with Marengin would be nothing more than a petty brawl.
Marengin got up, wiping the blood from his split lip with his sleeve.
“Your temper’s really mellowed, huh? You’re hitting the wall instead of me.”
“I’m frustrated too, so just stop.”
Marengin watched Macheolgun’s back for a moment before speaking softly.
“How much?”
“As much as possible.”
“You’re going to give it all away?”
“Once I regain power, I can always get the money back.”
“That’s something only someone who can regain power would say. Fine, do as you please. At this rate, we’ll lose everything anyway, so I might as well be generous.”
“Good decision.”
Before Marengin left, he said, “You asked for my help and suggested we join forces, right? If you’re serious about that… do it properly.”
Marengin slammed the door as he left.
He looked up at the sky. His concern wasn’t power or revenge. It was survival.
“The last one standing is the winner. Let’s see who survives.”
Chirping, chirp chirp.
I heard birdsong in my dreams.
When I opened my eyes, a clear sky greeted me. As I slowly rose, I realized I was in a dream world.
In other words, I was dreaming of waking up from a dream. Still within the dream, I stood in a vast field.
”…Where is this?”
It felt like a place I’d been to before, but I couldn’t be sure. It seemed I couldn’t choose the dream’s setting like with the Heavenly Qi Heart Technique.
Regardless, I knew I was dreaming. This was the first time I’d experienced such a vivid lucid dream.
[This is fascinating.]
[Indeed.]
Cheonma, too, found it intriguing to revisit the Dream Training Technique. Normally, he’d boast about the demonic art, but he was just as captivated by the dream world as I was.
[Since it’s just starting, I don’t see any dream demons.]
Cheonma warned me at my comment.
[Don’t let your guard down. You never know when or how a mental trap might appear.]
[Honestly, aren’t we past the age of falling into mental traps?]
[Who said mental traps care about age?]
If that were the case, I was curious. How would a mental trap manifest for me?
[Want to bet? Whether a mental trap appears or not? I bet it won’t.]
[With you being so cheeky, how could it not? I bet it will.]
[If it’s a bet, we need stakes.]
[Name it.]
Cheonma’s response prompted me to suggest, [How about granting a wish?]
[What?]
Cheonma was taken aback. He hadn’t expected me to propose such a condition.
[Are you a child? Making such a childish bet?]
[It’s fun, isn’t it?]
[What kind of wish do you think I’d make?]
[Are you in or not?]
Cheonma didn’t respond to my urging.
After a moment, he answered.
[No.]
[Come on, it sounds fun.]
[Forget it. You’re so stubborn that even a mental trap wouldn’t come.]
[You’re scared.]
[Think what you want.]
My suggestion was impulsive, yet it carried a deep, unspoken sincerity. After all, what wish could I possibly have? But his wish might be different.
However, he declined. Perhaps his refusal also held his own feelings.
I didn’t press the matter further.
[Alright, let’s start training.]
I soared into the air. Using martial arts felt slightly different from reality. How to describe it? Like being in a mild daze.
I tried to focus. The effectiveness of the training would depend on my concentration.
The first form, Illusory Sword Explosion, was unleashed. As I spun, sword energy flew through the air in rapid succession. The power of the Illusory Sword Explosion, now at the eighth level, boasted incredible speed and force.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground shook.
I flew through the air with Demonic God Flight.
The second form, Thunder Sword Strike, unleashed lightning from all directions, while the third form, One Strike Sword Prison, trapped and precisely sliced a boulder.
The fourth form, True Sword Dance, felled distant trees in rapid succession, and the fifth form, Light Speed Flying Sword, tested the vastness of this dream world.
The sixth form, Demonic Sword Blood Rain, unfolded. The need for a new training space was partly due to this sixth form.
The surroundings darkened as thunder rumbled.
Boom!
A torrent of sword energy rained down, transforming the world into a dark abyss. The power of the demonic sword technique had reached a new level, far beyond what it was when first unleashed.
The entire world seemed to darken, not just the surroundings.
Whoosh!
The fierce downpour of sword energy turned the place into a living hell.
Where else could one possibly hone such martial arts if not here?
Chirp, chirp.
I awoke to the sound of birds singing, the morning sunlight streaming pleasantly through the window. It seemed that the beginning and end of my dreamlike martial arts practice were always marked by this delightful birdsong.
“Phew.”
The night’s training was still vivid in my mind.
[Are you alright? Does your head hurt?]
[It’s a bit heavy, like a mild hangover.]
[Damn. Your mental strength is incredible. I thought you’d be bedridden for ten days after such intense training.]
[Surprisingly, I’m fine.]
[You’re insane!]
[Laughs.]
After a hearty laugh, I expressed my gratitude to Cheonma.
[Thank you.]
[No need to thank me. You helped me with my request, so it’s only fair I assist you with the demonic sword technique.]
Just then, I heard Galsaryang’s voice from outside.
“Did you call for me?”
“Come in.”
Galsaryang entered, looking concerned to see me still in bed at an hour when I would usually be up.
“It’s been a while since you’ve slept in this late. Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, I slept well. Even had a dream for the first time in ages.”
“What kind of dream?”
I gave him a wry smile.
“A very good one.”
Only then did Galsaryang’s expression relax.
“So, what’s the matter?”
“I have a report regarding Cheonsoseon. After examining various circumstances, it seems Cheonsoseon demanded money from Macheolgun, who then turned to Marengin for help.”
Galsaryang explained the reasoning behind his conclusion.
“After their meeting, Macheolgun immediately met with Marengin, and soon after, Cheondomun began moving to secure funds.”
Everything was falling into place as Cheonwanggun sought to gather money.
“Can we block Cheondomun’s funds?”
“Completely blocking them is impossible, but we can delay them through various means.”
“That should suffice.”
The plan was to cut off their funds and strike at Cheonsoseon in the meantime.
“Yes. I’ll discuss it with the chief and implement it immediately.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
I lay back down on the bed.
Galsaryang, about to leave, widened his eyes in surprise. The sight of me in bed was an unusual one.
“Are you planning to sleep again?”
“I’ve suddenly taken a liking to sleeping.”
Galsaryang looked puzzled but soon noticed the peace on my face.
With a smile, he said, “Leave the outside matters to us and rest well.”
“Thank you.”
I closed my eyes and began to meditate according to the principles of the dreamlike martial arts.
[I’m not sleepy.]
[Quiet! Go to sleep.]
I wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by. Whether it was Cheonsoseon’s affairs or martial arts training, I would seize it.
Every time I woke from a dream, I would be stronger. This would accumulate until I reached the ninth level of the demonic sword technique, and eventually, mastery.
Opportunities are like birds in flight. They seem common but are always just out of reach, never landing just anywhere. That’s why you must seize them when they come.
Chirp, chirp.