Episode 38: The Art of Heavenly Martial Techniques

“Tricks? I’m not really fond of that idea. Wouldn’t it be better to master a sword technique or footwork instead?”

Dang Mujin suggested cautiously, but the enigmatic figure countered.

“Have you perfected even one of the martial arts I’ve taught you? The Black Tortoise Divine Art, the Self-Heart Sword, the Secret Scroll, or the Purple Cloud Steps?”

Dang Mujin was diligent in his training, focusing his mind to execute techniques and seamlessly connecting them to refine his form. Through endless practice, he began to faintly sense the essence of the techniques.

It was a repetitive cycle, like a hamster on a wheel. Yet, with persistent effort, he noticed subtle changes over time. His energy flow became more efficient, and the power of his techniques grew day by day.

Though he had never experienced a sudden enlightenment, he believed that building up step by step was also a path to ascension.

However, if one were to suddenly demand perfection, he would have nothing to say. Perfection was still a distant goal.

”…Of course not. It’ll take quite a while.”

“Exactly. Instead of dabbling here and there, focus on mastering what I’ve taught you.”

“But are there any useful tricks?”

“There are plenty. In fact, they might suit you and me better.”

“Why? I get why you might think so, but what about me?”

“Our goals are different. The average martial artist seeks to clash with opponents, to win and gain fame as a strong warrior. But you and I are different. Winning isn’t our primary goal.”

The enigmatic figure’s dream wasn’t to reach the pinnacle of martial arts but to gather all the world’s medical knowledge.

In contrast, Dang Mujin’s goals were vague. He wanted to become a better person but wasn’t willing to risk his life to reach the next level.

“That’s why we need at least one way to save our lives, even if it means accepting defeat. Tricks include such martial arts or techniques.”

The enigmatic figure began reading the titles on the covers of martial arts manuals.

“Disorderly Steps. It’s not fast, but it scatters your footprints to evade pursuit. Perfect for escaping a chase. Turtle Breath Technique. It allows you to lower your body temperature and stop your heartbeat, remaining still.”

“What’s the use of just staying still?”

“When there’s no way out, you might as well play dead.”

“I’m not sure how effective that would be.”

“If no one had survived using the Turtle Breath Technique, it wouldn’t be so well-known.”

Namgung Hwan, who had been standing behind them, listened to their conversation with a puzzled expression.

He had expected an outsider entering the Heavenly Martial Library to search for powerful martial arts manuals, but the conversation was entirely different from what he anticipated.

The enigmatic figure continued to examine various miscellaneous books. Techniques for changing one’s appearance and altering one’s physique seemed quite useful.

When he came across a book titled “Art of the Bedroom,” Dang Mujin instinctively reached out but quickly withdrew his hand. He was curious about the content but couldn’t bring himself to check it due to his pride.

Dang Mujin secretly hoped the enigmatic figure would choose the “Art of the Bedroom” for him and spoke up.

“What’s taking so long to find something?”

“Ah, found it. This is it.”

The book the enigmatic figure picked up was titled “Monkey’s Escape Technique.” It was the least impressive name among all the martial arts he had seen so far.

But beyond the lack of flair, Dang Mujin found the name peculiar. If it was a technique inspired by a fleeing monkey, shouldn’t it be called “Monkey Divine Art” or “Monkey Footwork”?

When Dang Mujin asked about the name, the enigmatic figure replied.

“Have you ever seen a monkey in real life?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Monkeys, even after escaping, tend to linger around and throw things. The Monkey’s Escape Technique is based on that behavior.”

Dang Mujin’s expression turned gloomy. What was he supposed to do with such a technique?

“Why learn something like this?”

“The important part is throwing something. Remember when Hong Geolgae subdued the bandits by throwing needles in Jang Sang-chae?”

“Oh, I get it now.”

Unlike other martial artists, Dang Mujin could use poison. It meant he could subdue opponents without clashing swords, just by hitting them with a poisoned weapon.

“Throwing techniques might seem trivial, but few master them. Unless you plan to train as an assassin in the Killing Curtain, this is practically your only way to learn throwing techniques.”

The enigmatic figure handed the Monkey’s Escape Technique to Dang Mujin.

“So memorize it.”

The time it takes to memorize a mnemonic varies from person to person.

For those with poor memory, even a short mnemonic can take all day to learn, but Dang Mujin wasn’t lacking in that department.

Moreover, the mnemonic for the Monkey’s Escape Technique wasn’t particularly long, so by the time Dang Mujin had memorized it, the sun was still high in the sky.

However, there was one problem.

“I’ve memorized the mnemonic, but I don’t understand what it means.”

The mnemonic seemed like a poem or a string of meaningless words. He could recite it fluently, but it didn’t feel like he was learning or getting stronger.

“Of course. Recite it during practice and ponder the hidden meanings between the lines. The mnemonic is just a path to enlightenment. It doesn’t solve everything.”

While Dang Mujin mimed throwing various objects and recited the mnemonic, the enigmatic figure disappeared somewhere and returned with a large bundle and two smaller ones.

“What’s this?”

“These are the spiritual herbs and poisons I requested from Namgung Jincheon yesterday. Now, we need to think carefully.”

When the enigmatic figure opened the bundle, a scene worthy of being called ‘a collection of everything’ unfolded.

The large bundle was filled with valuable medicinal herbs.

There were recognizable items like the flowers of the Golden Immortal Herb, agarwood, and deer antlers, but some herbs were unidentifiable.

“This is genuine rhinoceros horn. It’s more precious than gold of the same weight. And there’s dragon bone over there.”

The enigmatic figure explained, showing various items.

A part of Dang Mujin’s heart felt content. These herbs weren’t something money could easily buy.

Even if he returned to his hometown with just this bundle, Dang Mujin’s brief journey in the martial world would be a great success.

The enigmatic figure opened the next bundle. It contained various small herbs, plant roots, petals, and small pills.

“These are minor spiritual herbs and pills. They won’t significantly enhance your internal energy, and their energy isn’t pure. It’s better to sell them for travel expenses.”

One must fully absorb the effects of one spiritual herb before taking another.

However, the energy of the Black Peony in Dang Mujin’s dantian hadn’t even half-dissolved yet. Since the effects were mediocre, there was no reason to be greedy.

“And the last one is the most important.”

The final bundle contained toxic herbs like Arisaema and Aconite, along with suspicious powders and other small items.

“Are these all poisons?”

“Yes. There’s the wing of a Blood Poison Butterfly, the venom sac of a Seven-Step Snake, and the fangs of a Nine-Segment Black Centipede. Some of these, even I don’t recognize.”

“I’ve been curious since yesterday, why does the Namgung family have these poisons?”

“They were collected from assassins of the dark path. They can’t just leave them lying around to fall into the wrong hands, and they have no use for them, so they accumulate over time.”

“Hmm.”

Dang Mujin could guess why the enigmatic figure had brought these poisons.

When they discovered the Black Peony in Jueul Village, the enigmatic figure had absorbed the poison around the pit of corpses. He likely intended to absorb the poison again this time.

“But how do you use the absorbed poison?”

“Want me to show you?”

The enigmatic figure led Dang Mujin outside and stood in front of a small shrub.

He extended his palm towards the shrub. A black mark appeared where his palm touched, emitting a pungent smell like poorly processed medicinal herbs.

The mere scent was enough to make one’s head spin from the intensity of the poison.

“You form a small poison core above your dantian and gather the poison there. Then you release it when needed. Even if it’s not a recommended method, there are various ways to use it.”

As he spoke, a black droplet formed on the enigmatic figure’s right index finger. When it fell to the ground, the short grass withered and turned yellow in an instant.

It was a fascinating skill to observe, but for anyone who had to face the enigmatic figure in battle, it would be a daunting challenge.

The enigmatic figure demonstrated a light technique from the Secret Scroll and spoke.

“The Secret Scroll. It’s as light as floating cotton and far from the path of brute force. I taught you the Secret Scroll because, for someone who uses poison, great strength isn’t necessary. Just a light touch and a bit of penetration are enough.”

He continued to demonstrate the technique with fluid movements.

“Unless it’s a particularly potent poison, a skilled martial artist can use their internal energy to block the poison’s infiltration. But doing so while fighting is extremely difficult. It’s like drawing with one hand while wielding a sword with the other.”

Dang Mujin watched the enigmatic figure’s movements and imagined. If he were a martial artist facing the enigmatic figure, how would he feel? Knowing that a mere brush of that light touch could decide the outcome.

“Righteous martial artists don’t use poison because it’s so potent and effective in killing. Many martial artists consider it cowardly to fight using methods other than weapons and the body.”

“But you’re a righteous martial artist, and you use poison, don’t you?”

“Who said I’m a righteous martial artist?”

“What?”

Dang Mujin asked, bewildered. Wasn’t the enigmatic figure a righteous martial artist?

Had he unknowingly been following a martial artist of the dark path?

“You’ve entered the Namgung family now, right? I doubt they’d welcome someone from the unorthodox sect.”

“If you must know, I don’t care about the divide between orthodox and unorthodox. Whether it’s a revered monk from Shaolin or a notorious villain, if they’re sick, I’ll treat them.”

The eccentric man drew a sword from his waist. It was one of the two new swords crafted by Tang Mujin, called the Sword of Healing. He swung it through the air with precision.

“The same goes for taking lives. Those who spread disease for profit, like some village doctors, I killed them all. And if someone refused to share a cure, I threatened or killed them to get it.”

“You killed them for not sharing a cure?”

“You must have heard the rumors about me killing doctors.”

“I thought they were just rumors.”

“They’re not. I’ve killed dozens of doctors. There are countless people who’d love to see me dead, but there are also many I’ve healed, which keeps most from acting against me.”

The relationship between Tang Mujin and the eccentric man was hard to define, but if anything, it resembled that of a master and disciple. Yet, the eccentric man never claimed to be a teacher and introduced Tang Mujin to others merely as a companion. Perhaps he wanted to keep Tang Mujin from getting too entangled in his own vendettas.

The eccentric man continued nonchalantly, “Anyway, to make the most of the secret manual, you need to form a core above your dantian. So, how about we start by trying a little poison from Chilbo Temple?”

He held a small, dark poison pouch right under Tang Mujin’s nose. Instinctively, Tang Mujin recoiled.

“Are you crazy?”

“Crazy? It’s called poison, but used right, it’s medicine. Want to see?”

Without warning, the eccentric man reached out and pressed a point on Tang Mujin’s shoulder. A sharp, fragrant scent filled the air, and the tension from working in the forge melted away.

He didn’t stop there, gently massaging Tang Mujin’s shoulder until his whole body felt relaxed and at ease.

“Try this when you go back home to treat patients. Word will spread across Sichuan that Doctor Tang can heal with just a touch. How does ‘Divine Doctor of Sichuan, Tang Mujin’ sound?”

Of all the things the eccentric man had ever suggested, this was the most tempting. Despite his lingering distaste for the poison pouch from Chilbo Temple, Tang Mujin found his hand reaching out to take it.