Episode 272: The Azure Sect

In the martial world, injuries are a common occurrence. Yet, healers capable of treating internal injuries are exceedingly rare.

Thus, the relationship between healers and martial artists is both intimate and subtly complex.

However, if a healer can provide treatment, martial artists make for excellent patients. After all, they are among the most health-conscious individuals in the world.

“Rest for the next three days.”

“Understood.”

If such a conversation took place between a healer and a farmer or a blacksmith, the latter would never rest for three full days. They might lie down for half a day, but by evening, they’d be itching to get back to work, trusting their health to carry them through. More often than not, they’d return with worsened injuries.

Martial artists, however, are different. Once persuaded to rest, they do so diligently. Their life’s goal is to maintain their body and mind in peak condition, so they heed the healer’s advice.

They also have other small advantages. They understand medical terminology better than the average person and tend to be generous spenders.

‘Though I can’t charge them now, I hope more martial artists visit our clinic in the future,’ thought Dang Mujin as he finished tending to the wounds of external injury patients. Just as he was about to rise, Yu Jingwang plopped down in front of him, blood still streaming down his face.

“Ah, I almost forgot. You’re injured too, aren’t you? Please wait a moment.”

Dang Mujin rummaged through his pack, intending to apply some healing ointment. But Yu Jingwang waved him off.

“It’s fine. A scar or two doesn’t bother me.”

“It’s not about the scars. If the skin on your face festers or rots, it could be fatal. That’s why I insist on treating it.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Yu Jingwang grimaced at Dang Mujin’s words. While a martial artist might die bravely in battle, none wish to succumb to an untreated wound.

Dang Mujin cleaned Yu Jingwang’s wound with fresh water and generously applied the healing ointment. Yu Jingwang gritted his teeth in pain but didn’t utter a sound. That was just the kind of person he was.

“There, all done. Just be careful not to wash off the ointment. Sleep on the side that isn’t treated. I’ll reapply the ointment in three days.”

Despite Dang Mujin’s instructions, Yu Jingwang didn’t get up.

“I didn’t come here for treatment.”

“Ah, right. What brings you here, then?”

“I came to discuss our next steps.”

Yu Jingwang leaned back, supporting himself with his arms, looking relaxed and at ease despite his rugged appearance.

“Hey, Dang Mujin. Do you know how the Great War between the righteous and the demonic sects unfolds?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I thought so. Do you know how it ends?”

“I don’t know that either.”

Dang Mujin had never experienced the Great War firsthand. The last one occurred when he was about five years old. At that time, he wasn’t even aware such a war had taken place. He wasn’t alone in this ignorance; nothing particularly memorable seemed to have happened back then.

Yu Jingwang continued, “In every war, there’s always an attacking side and a defending side. In the case of the Great War, the demonic sects usually took the offensive, while the righteous sects were on the defensive. In other words, we were the ones holding the line.”

“Does that mean we’ll only defend from now on?”

“Not necessarily. There are times when the righteous sects counterattack and push forward.”

“Hmm.”

Dang Mujin nodded, indicating he understood. Such small acknowledgments often encourage the speaker.

Yu Jingwang seemed pleased.

“Anyway, the Great War is about fighting until exhaustion, pushing into the enemy’s territory until the offensive halts. The reasons for each war and the motivations of those involved vary, but those are minor details.”

“So, was the territory of the righteous sects different in the past?”

“Yes. Remember the distant Huanghe River? Long ago, that was part of the righteous sects’ domain.”

“I see.”

Yu Jingwang straightened up, leaning forward. It seemed he was getting to the main point.

“The Great War ends when both sides are too exhausted to invade each other’s territories. Once a new balance is established, the war typically concludes.”

“So it just fizzles out.”

“Exactly. That’s why there’s no clear winner or loser in the Great War. It’s just a war of attrition.”

“I understand.”

As they continued discussing victories and losses, Dang Mujin couldn’t help but wonder if one day, either the righteous or demonic sects would unify the martial world. When that day comes, the division between the two would become a distant historical tale.

Yu Jingwang spoke again, “Our next steps will be one of two things. First, we could stay here and fend off the demonic sects’ attacks. Second, we could boldly advance north and take down those two old men with spears and bald heads.”

It seemed Yu Jingwang didn’t know the nicknames of the Twin Blood Lords and the Demon King. Then again, Yu Jingwang wasn’t one to care about such details.

Dang Mujin could easily guess which option Yu Jingwang preferred.

“You want to head north, don’t you?”

“Yes. Waiting might be less strenuous, but it would be a long, tedious wait with no end in sight. But if we head north and take out those two, we can wrap things up quickly and head home.”

However, Dang Mujin had a lingering doubt about Yu Jingwang’s plan.

Surely, the Twin Blood Lords and the Demon King weren’t the only formidable foes among the demonic sects. Taking them down wouldn’t necessarily end the war.

“Even if we defeat the Twin Blood Lords and the Demon King, the Great War won’t end, will it?”

“Of course not. But that’s all we can do in the northwest. The northeast will be handled by the Shaolin, Beggar Sect, or other sects in that region.”

Yu Jingwang’s attitude was as if it were someone else’s problem.

Dang Mujin asked, somewhat taken aback, “Can we really wrap things up like that?”

“Of course. The martial world is vast. We can’t just run to the east, fight a battle, and come back. The essence of the Great War is defending one’s territory. That’s why sects have strongholds.”

Only then did Dang Mujin understand what the Great War was about.

The Great War wasn’t a unified battle between the righteous and demonic sects. It was more like each sect fighting for survival, forming alliances as needed.

In essence, the righteous sects were more of a coalition than a single community.

Furthermore, the Great War was akin to numerous localized battles, each sect fighting for its fate.

Being part of the righteous sects wasn’t as rigid an identity as Dang Mujin had thought.

Realizing this, he understood why the eastern sects seemed indifferent when discussing the Great War.

To them, it truly was someone else’s problem.

Yu Jingwang spoke again, “Even if I don’t push for it, we’ll end up heading north. The Zhongnan Sect can’t back down after losing their leader, and the Azure Sect won’t want to return empty-handed with Elder Yong He in such a state. The Huashan Sect’s Ilseonja seems to feel the same… Well, the Wudang Sect might be a bit more reserved.”

Despite his apparent disinterest, Yu Jingwang had already assessed the situation of each sect. He was bold, but not foolish.

Yu Jingwang clapped his hands together.

“So, what I want to know is this: what will you do?”

The conclusion was clear from the start.

“Of course, I’ll go with you. I have a family back home. I can’t just idle away my time in a foreign land.”

“Good.”

Yu Jingwang smiled, satisfied.

Though it seemed the plan was to head north after three days of preparation, Elder Yong He requested an additional two days from the leaders of each sect.

The leaders, seeing little difference between three and five days, readily agreed to Elder Yong He’s request.

Some martial artists from the Zhongnan Sect returned with Ilseonja’s body.

However, unlike the Zhongnan Sect, Elder Yong He did not return to Sichuan with the Azure Sect’s martial artists, despite being unable to fight.

During this time, Hong Geolge brought some intriguing news to Dang Mujin.

“Dang Mujin, have you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Elder Yong He asked for two more days to use the Azure Sect’s secret arts.”

“Secret arts?”

The mention of secret arts was enough to pique anyone’s interest.

“What kind of secret arts?”

“I don’t know. But if you ask Elder Yong He, I’m sure he’ll tell you.”

“Secret arts, you say. Would he really share that?”

“He would. Elder Yong He was the one who mentioned the secret arts in the first place.”

Dang Mujin’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. With little else to do besides tending to patients, he decided to investigate.

As Dang Mujin and Hong Geolge made their way to Elder Yong He’s quarters, Hyun Gong and Namgung Myung, having caught wind of the news, discreetly followed.

The four of them entered Elder Yeongheo’s quarters.

Dang Mujin had expected to find Yeongheo in a state of deep melancholy, but to his surprise, the elder greeted them with a bright expression.

Hong Geolge was the first to speak. “Master, you mentioned you would be using a special technique.”

“Indeed, I did.”

“Could you tell us what kind of technique it is?”

Hyeon Gong, sitting awkwardly with his rear pushed back, was ready to flee at the first sign of trouble. But his worries were unfounded, as Yeongheo was more than willing to explain.

“A special technique? It’s called ‘Gyeokche Jeongong.’”

Not knowing what that was, Dang Mujin glanced around. Fortunately, neither Hong Geolge, Namgung Myeong, nor Hyeon Gong seemed to know either.

“What exactly is Gyeokche Jeongong?” Hong Geolge asked again.

“It’s a technique that allows one to transfer their accumulated internal energy to another.”

The revelation was astonishing. Dang Mujin’s eyes widened. “Is that even possible?”

“Of course. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be called a special technique, would it?”

Hyeon Gong, his voice tense yet tinged with anticipation, asked, “Who will receive this energy?”

“Jinhae will. He’s talented and young, so he’ll make good use of it.”

Dang Mujin noticed Namgung Myeong’s eyes darting around. ‘Surely, he’s not thinking of a way to steal the energy, is he?’ The thought was so appalling that Dang Mujin felt a twinge of guilt for even considering it. Even Namgung Myeong wouldn’t stoop that low. That would be inhuman.

Hong Geolge inquired further, “So, will Jinhae become a top-tier master?”

“Not quite. It will only increase his internal energy. And even then, I can only transfer about twenty to thirty percent of what I’ve accumulated.”

Yeongheo spoke as if it were no big deal, but he was no ordinary martial artist. Even a fraction of his energy would be immense, surpassing any rare elixir. Considering that martial artists spend half their training time building internal energy, Jinhae was about to receive an extraordinary opportunity.

“Moreover, Gyeokche Jeongong only increases energy, not understanding. That’s why I asked you to look after Jinhae.”

“Ah!” Namgung Myeong, Hong Geolge, and Hyeon Gong nodded absentmindedly.

But Dang Mujin was filled with unease. Such a powerful technique surely came with a price.

“Are there any downsides to Gyeokche Jeongong?” he asked, with the concern of a physician for his patient.

Yeongheo replied with a sheepish smile, “Of course. There’s a fifty percent chance the practitioner will die after performing it. Given my current health, I’m almost certain I won’t survive.”

Strangely, there was no fear in Yeongheo’s voice as he spoke of his own death. Only a sense of regret that he couldn’t do more for his sect. Yeongheo had dedicated his life to the Cheongseong Sect and was now prepared to sacrifice his life for its future.

Hyeon Gong, tears streaming down his face, grasped Yeongheo’s hand. “Who can truly let go of life without regret? It must have been a difficult decision.”

It was a touching scene, yet Dang Mujin felt something off about Hyeon Gong. Beneath his genuine emotion lay a shadowy desire, though Dang Mujin couldn’t quite pinpoint its nature.

Hyeon Gong continued, “Though I’m not of the Cheongseong Sect, if I could dedicate myself to a cause like this, I would leave without regret. Are there any conditions for performing Gyeokche Jeongong?”

Yeongheo smiled kindly. “I can’t reveal the details, but I can tell you this: if you’ve learned a different internal energy method, you can’t perform Gyeokche Jeongong.”

“Ah, so you need to have learned the same method… I see.”

Dang Mujin noticed Hyeon Gong’s expression turn cold, as if he had regained his composure in an instant. Even the way he wiped his tears seemed somewhat mechanical.

‘Hyeon Gong, what were you plotting?’ Whatever it was, Dang Mujin was relieved it hadn’t come to fruition.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Dang Mujin asked, ever the physician.

“Not yet. But if my condition worsens in the next five days, I’ll call on you.”

“Understood.”

As they were about to leave, a thought struck Dang Mujin. Hadn’t Yeongheo requested to extend their stay from three days to five before they left for the north?

“Does preparing for the technique take a long time?”

Yeongheo shook his head. “No, it doesn’t require much preparation. The extra days are for passing on the sect’s secret techniques and insights to Jinhae.”

“Should I prepare paper and ink for you?”

Yeongheo waved his hand dismissively. “No need. Unlike other manuals, insights can’t be captured in writing. They shouldn’t be recorded.”

“Why not?”

“Because there’s always a risk they could fall into the wrong hands. Some knowledge is better lost than leaked.”

Indeed, some teachings are best kept secret.

With their questions answered, Dang Mujin and the others left Yeongheo’s quarters.

That night, Dang Mujin went outside to check on the patients and found Namgung Myeong deep in thought, pacing alone.

“What are you doing out here so late?” Dang Mujin asked as he approached.

“After hearing Elder Yeongheo’s story, I’ve been thinking a lot. Is that what a true martial artist’s end looks like? A fearless end?”

It was an unexpectedly sentimental response.

“I felt a lump in my throat too. I don’t think I could give up my life to pass on my energy like Elder Yeongheo.”

“But I have a concern.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve talked to Jinhae before, and he seems a bit lacking.”

Gossip is always intriguing, so Dang Mujin probed further. “He seemed capable and diligent. What’s lacking?”

“Yes, Jinhae is skilled and has good instincts, but his comprehension isn’t great. He’s forgotten things I’ve told him before, and he struggles with complex topics.”

“Really?”

It wasn’t much of a revelation, but Namgung Myeong seemed genuinely concerned for the future of the Cheongseong Sect. Why was he so invested in someone else’s affairs?

Yet, a strange intuition gripped Dang Mujin. He felt he’d experienced something similar before. Even Namgung Myeong’s clothing seemed unusually dark, a deep gray. Not as suspicious as black, but stealthy nonetheless.

“I have a strange feeling,” Dang Mujin muttered.

Namgung Myeong, as if not hearing him, continued, “As a martial artist, I’m worried. What if Jinhae forgets Elder Yeongheo’s life lessons?”

“So, what’s your point?”

“I want to prevent any potential tragedy.”

Namgung Myeong looked towards Yeongheo’s quarters, specifically the roof. By now, Jinhae was likely inside, listening to Yeongheo’s teachings.

“Even if Jinhae forgets, it’s okay. I’ll remember and remind him.”

“You crazy fool…”

Dang Mujin tried to grab Namgung Myeong, but his stealthy movements were hard to catch. In no time, Namgung Myeong was on the roof, lying flat and listening intently to the voices inside.