The King of the Underworld (1)
Standing at the mouth of the cave, I gazed down at the seemingly endless cliff below. Despite the daunting descent, a satisfied smile crept across my face. Once I sealed off the cave below, no one would ever discover this place.
I glanced upward. A rock resembling a crane’s tail dangled down. From now on, this would be the only way in or out.
With a swift leap, I soared upward, grabbing the edge of the rock with ease and propelling myself further. Landing gracefully on the slanted rock, I maintained perfect balance, bolstered by the confidence of my inner strength.
Even if I were to fall from this cliff, I wouldn’t perish. I could slow my descent by scraping my sword against the cliff face, repeating the process until I reached the bottom. My skills and the legendary sword, the Celestial Blade, made it possible.
This was a technique I had honed during my training, though the cliffs back then weren’t nearly as high. The thrill of it had taught me the true meaning of heart-pounding fear, a lesson in focus like no other.
I walked to the center of the rock and retrieved a secret manual from my robe. It was the Crane’s Art, taken from the hidden cave.
As the cool breeze brushed against me, I began to memorize the manual. Having already learned the five basic forms through a puppet, understanding the content was easier.
The Crane’s Art was a martial technique that utilized the entire body to confront opponents. It was a form of body and combat art, with punches and kicks as its core. However, the true power lay not in these strikes but in deceptive moves that misled the opponent, with the real attacks coming from the shoulders, knees, and elbows.
Imagine expecting a punch only to be struck by an elbow, or anticipating a kick only to be hit by a shoulder. The force of such a blow, with weight and inner strength behind it, could shatter bones.
Following the manual, I channeled my energy and executed the forms.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
With each move infused with my inner power, the techniques came alive. After performing the five forms in succession, I realized this was no ordinary martial art. It surpassed the Storm God Fist I had learned from the King of Fists’ manual.
Though it consisted of only five forms, the balance between offense and defense was impeccable, and the more I practiced, the stronger it became. Of course, the effectiveness of martial arts depends on who learns it and how well they master it, but there is an objective level of power.
The Crane’s Art was comparable to the Deadly Sword Technique I had mastered. It was clear that the martial arts master had poured his final insights into these five forms.
Who could have left behind such a profound art?
Curiosity piqued once more.
Previously, I had realized the need to learn martial arts that complemented my swordsmanship, and this art fit perfectly. After memorizing it several times, I burned the manual. Such a precious manual always invites trouble, and if I ever needed to pass it on, I could rewrite it myself.
I must not forget that all these opportunities were possible because of the sacrifices of those who selflessly gave up their desires for future generations.
To the departed master, I may not know your wishes, but I believe my goals are not far from what you desired. Please watch over me.
Descending from the peak, I stood before the small cave I had discovered earlier. Slowly, I drew my sword.
The energy within me surged, nearly reaching its peak.
Wooong.
As I infused my power into the Celestial Blade, it vibrated. When I swung the sword, a gentle breeze accompanied the release of a sword aura.
Shoo!
In an instant, the aura split, like a comet fragmenting in the sky.
Chaaak!
The divided aura split again, rapidly multiplying.
Chaaak! Chaaak!
Two became four, four became eight, and eight became sixteen. In a flash, sixteen strands of aura rained down around the cave entrance like a storm.
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Baekpyo was the most family-oriented person I knew among the martial artists of the Murim Alliance. He genuinely loved his wife and children.
“What would you like to drink and eat?”
“The same as last time, please. Do you remember?”
“Of course.”
After Baekpyo brought the drinks and some simple snacks, he began cooking in earnest.
I watched him for a while before suddenly asking, “Are you happy?”
Baekpyo paused his chopping and looked at me. It wasn’t a question he was used to hearing from customers, so he was probably a bit surprised and flustered.
With a smile, he replied, “Yes, I am happy.”
Whether he truly meant it or was just saying it, I couldn’t tell, but he did seem content.
Just then, someone entered the tavern. It was Jo Byeok, who made no effort to hide his cold demeanor.
Jo Byeok glanced at me. Since I usually kept a low profile, he likely saw me as just another unremarkable customer.
Soon after, another person walked in, and I was taken aback. It was Sima Qian.
I recognized Sima Qian immediately, and so did Baekpyo.
“Chief Commander!”
“You recognize me?”
“Of course. We’ve met a few times before, though you might not remember.”
“Oh, I see.”
“What brings you here… Ah, please, have a seat.”
Sima Qian took a seat.
“I happened to be passing by and heard you opened a tavern here.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Could I have some drinks?”
“Yes, of course.”
Baekpyo hurriedly prepared the drinks and snacks, visibly flustered.
I was more on edge than Baekpyo. Sima Qian just happened to drop by? Checking in on someone who left the Murim Alliance? Ridiculous. He was a man who always looked out for his own interests. He might care for those still within the Alliance, but not for someone who had left.
So, what was his real purpose?
Sima Qian casually asked Baekpyo, “Have you met with Commander Gal?”
“He visited once.”
“Oh, he came here?”
“Yes, he brought a gift for the opening.”
“You two must be close.”
“Yes, we were.”
Baekpyo answered honestly, without deceit.
That’s right, Baekpyo. You’re doing well. Never lie about things that can be easily discovered. Lies should be slipped in between truths, like cartilage between bones.
People only see the flesh and feel the bones, forgetting the existence of cartilage, just as lies should be.
Sima Qian asked various questions—why Baekpyo chose this line of work, how many customers he had each day, whether he planned to return to the Alliance.
They were questions any first-time visitor might ask.
After chatting for a while, Sima Qian stood up to leave.
“I’m busy today, so I must be going.”
“Thank you for visiting. Please take care.”
As Sima Qian was about to leave, he suddenly asked, “By the way, did Commander Gal leave anything with you?”
It was an unexpected question, almost like an ambush.
Baekpyo calmly replied, “He left nothing with me.”
Sima Qian stared at Baekpyo for a moment, then smiled.
“Good luck with your business. The drinks are excellent.”
With that, Sima Qian and Jo Byeok left the tavern.
My heart had grown cold.
I couldn’t tell if Sima Qian had figured anything out, but it didn’t matter. His visit meant Baekpyo was already caught up in something.
I hoped Baekpyo could live happily. Even if I couldn’t bring him into my fold, as long as he was happy, I had no intention of forcing him.
I didn’t want Baekpyo to get entangled in the dirty power struggles of these people.
Whatever Sima Qian was looking for, I needed to handle it and leave for Baekpyo’s sake.
After finishing my last drink, I smiled and said, “The drinks are so good, I’ll have to come back tomorrow.”