Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 78

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#078

When Ja-gang-cheon encountered the formation at Yongmyeong Tomb,

he tried to push away the alien sensation as if fighting it.

He gritted his teeth and endured, thinking to somehow break through that sensation while bearing the pain.

The process was fierce and desperate, as if he would die unless he cut his opponent’s throat.

The more strength he exerted, the stronger the formation became, and the pain and shock transmitted to his body grew greater.

Then suddenly, Ja-gang-cheon realized something was wrong.

‘I’m doing the same thing as my parents.’

His parents, who had been researching the formation, looked beyond tired and exhausted—it felt like something was consuming them.

They were falling into the trap the formation had dug and losing themselves.

Recalling this, Ja-gang-cheon changed his approach.

‘Let me try adapting to it.’

Sitting alone in the cavity, Ja-gang-cheon naturally accepted even the flow of the formation.

‘I can see the pattern.’

The formation inevitably had characteristics different from nature.

‘It’s artificial.’

So if he could just distinguish it from nature, it became remarkably clear to see.

‘It’s like Deungmyeong Chejo.’

When his parents created Deungmyeong Chejo for Ja-gang-cheon, they based it on the most fundamental Unggi Tonap.

It was a method of stimulating the energy channels and blood vessels from the dantian to the chest, then to the crown of the head, and finally spreading throughout the body’s blood vessels.

‘This is similar.’

The artificial flow of energy that Ja-gang-cheon was currently feeling was like that.

It seemed to want to express a rough storm in its own way, but to Ja-gang-cheon, he felt something much more fundamental.

‘This is interesting.’

Once he realized it was an internal energy cultivation method, his anger disappeared and curiosity filled its place.

However, with just a feeling like grasping at clouds, he couldn’t advance any further.

Then, what caught Ja-gang-cheon’s eye were the inscriptions left on the walls.

“The wind opens the path first, and shadows follow behind. The chaotically scattered sword paths are for walking only one true path, so abandon everything and leave only one. That is the true sword.”

The content was somewhat comprehensible yet elusive.

Ja-gang-cheon didn’t obsess over it and looked at another inscription.

Instead of reading each one carefully, he moved on to the next inscription without getting caught up in any single phrase.

After a full day passed like this, he was able to understand the order of the scattered phrases.

The flow of energy was organized in its natural sequence.

Ja-gang-cheon didn’t move from that spot until he completely understood it. He repeated it dozens, hundreds of times, advancing step by step.

-Don’t rush. Truth doesn’t move away and is always in its place.

-Son. Do what you know first. Sometimes what you know can teach you what you don’t know. Just because someone succeeded doesn’t mean that’s the only path. Create your own method.

Father spoke of natural order, and Mother spoke of application.

His current training was Ja-gang-cheon’s method created between those two approaches.

On the third day,

Ja-gang-cheon felt the energy of the formation as clearly as if seeing it with his eyes. And he knew that energy was leaking out into a space where the massive stone wall met the ceiling.

“Wow. There was a place like this.”

There was an opening where the stone wall and ceiling connected.

It was a cleverly hidden location where the light of the luminous pearl couldn’t reach and the cave ceiling came down unevenly.

Even Ja-gang-cheon wouldn’t have discovered it if he hadn’t followed the flow of energy.

He stepped on the wall and leaped up to cross through that space.

Then a small, cozy space appeared that was completely opposite to the cavity he had passed through.

Small stalactites hung down from the ceiling like icicles, and below them was a single flat stone perfect for sitting and resting.

“This must be the secret chamber Song Jin-baek left behind.”

On the stone was a book made of woven leather, and on the floor lay a sword engraved with dragon patterns.

“The sword doesn’t seem particularly special though?”

Shing!

The ornately patterned scabbard and well-forged blade were certainly worthy of being called a famous sword.

However, it lacked what was needed to be called a divine weapon.

Ja-gang-cheon quickly lost interest and picked up the secret manual.

The manual was made by weaving thread through leather and carving letters into it, apparently made this way for traveling back and forth across the sea.

“The phrases on the stone wall came from this manual.”

Ja-gang-cheon unconsciously sat in the chair and read the manual.

“Song Jin-baek must have read books like this too, right?”

It was when he had that thought.

“Huh?”

He could see the reason for placing such a space behind the stone wall.

Below the longest hanging stalactite, there was a ceramic vessel shaped like a medicine bottle.

Approaching as if entranced, Ja-gang-cheon saw the white liquid contained in the vessel.

Even Ja-gang-cheon, who was familiar with spiritual medicines, had his thoughts momentarily stop before this mysterious liquid created by nature.

When he belatedly recalled what it was, he unconsciously let out a cry of joy.

“Wow! Gongcheong Seokyu!”

It was a very small amount, not even a mouthful. Despite the long passage of time, it hadn’t dried up and created clear ripples from the slightest vibration.

Ja-gang-cheon naturally examined the stalactite that seemed to have dripped this water.

“This one has dried up.”

It was so dry it looked like it would crumble with just a little force.

“It won’t fill up anymore.”

Putting aside his regret, Ja-gang-cheon picked up the medicine bottle containing the Gongcheong Seokyu.

He smelled it, but there was no particular fragrance. And without any hesitation, he sat in lotus position.

Having thoroughly opened his energy channels through sufficient breathing exercises, he grasped the medicine bottle containing the Gongcheong Seokyu again.

“I will gratefully receive this!”

Ja-gang-cheon unhesitatingly poured the medicine bottle into his mouth.

Having cleanly swallowed every last drop down his throat, he immediately closed his eyes and began his breathing exercises.

He didn’t know how much time had passed.

At first, the unmixed energy of the Gongcheong Seokyu felt like a fiery snake wandering through his body.

‘To think there could be power of this magnitude!’

It was so hot he nearly lost consciousness. Fortunately, Ja-gang-cheon was skilled at soothing such energy.

Like melting ice in lukewarm water, he didn’t rush and let it blend with his body.

Once the alien energy assimilated with his body, it was literally a battle of patience.

‘I can’t let even a bit leak out.’

It was energy too powerful for his body to contain entirely. At times like this, he shouldn’t try to trap it in his dantian but spread it throughout his entire body.

And with each circulation of energy, he brought tiny amounts to transform it into natural energy flowing through his body.

Someday when his dantian became solid enough to contain more internal energy, the energy circulating through his body would settle and gather.

It was easy to say, but executing it required going through very delicate and sensitive processes.

But Ja-gang-cheon actually enjoyed that process.

‘This is fun.’

It was a state of selfless absorption.

The unique state of selfless absorption felt only when absorbing spiritual medicine had the fun of reconstructing his own body.

The flow of internal energy was much clearer than usual, and each blood vessel pulsed like a small heart.

Focusing on that sensation made him forget time.

“Whew.”

The floating feeling like walking on clouds disappeared and reality gradually began to be perceived.

His body felt refreshed and overflowing with strength.

As hot energy poured out with each breath, Ja-gang-cheon felt like he had become a dragon.

“Let’s go back quickly. They’ll be worried.”

With his lightened body, he easily crossed over the stone wall.

As he was about to retrace his steps, he sensed someone’s presence.

‘It’s my cousin.’

Before he could even ask why she had followed him all the way here, she fell into the water along with her bodyguard.

He thought they would get out quickly, but seeing that wasn’t the case, he fell into contemplation.

“Still, she’s family. I can’t just leave her to die.”

In the end, Ja-gang-cheon jumped into the water and rescued both of them.

***

Cheon Seolhwa was overwhelmed with complex emotions.

She couldn’t bring herself to be angry at Ja-gang-cheon, whose eyes sparkled so brightly.

“Thank you.”

It was insufficient gratitude for someone who had saved her life. Perhaps that’s why embarrassment washed over her.

Belatedly, she got up and formally bowed her head.

“Thank you for saving me.”

“Noona. Just talk like you usually do.”

In this moment when countless emotions were tangled together, the strangest thing was Ja-gang-cheon’s way of speaking.

‘Why does it feel so familiar?’

The problem was that it didn’t feel awkward at all. But that wasn’t the end of it.

“Do you want to have this?”

Ja-gang-cheon held out Song Jin-baek’s sword and secret manual.

“You’re really giving me this?”

“Yes. Take it.”

Ja-gang-cheon was handing over Song Jin-baek’s treasures like they were market dumplings.

His kindness was so excessive that she became suspicious.

“You don’t want me in return for this, do you?”

Ja-gang-cheon thought about those words for a moment. He didn’t immediately understand what she meant.

“Want you, noona? Just so you know, I would never see you as a woman.”

“Never?”

“Yes. Never.”

If he had been resolute, she might have been suspicious. There had been quite a few men who said such things.

Thinking she would become more interested if pushed away, quite a lot of men had said that.

‘This guy is different.’

He spoke casually like a close friend saying ‘Don’t talk nonsense,’ then immediately changed the subject.

“We should get out quickly for that man’s sake, shouldn’t we?”

The Bald Man’s breathing had returned, but he still showed signs of poisoning.

Seeing the purple color of his wounds had grown darker, Cheon Seolhwa became anxious.

“Can you help again this time?”

“I will.”

Ja-gang-cheon lifted the Bald Man onto his back. Then he spoke as if he had just remembered something.

“My help isn’t free. Remember that you’ll have to repay me someday.”

“Of course I will. I’m someone who’s clear about debts and grudges.”

When he spoke like this instead, Cheon Seolhwa’s heart felt lighter too.

“Good. Let’s go.”

Only then could Ja-gang-cheon finally retrace his steps.

***

The entrance to Yongmyeong Tomb contained every discomfort that existed in the world.

Those who were captured were uncomfortable because they couldn’t move freely, and those keeping watch were on edge because Geumgang-gae’s martial arts were formidable.

Thud.

Just one small pebble fell from the ceiling, but all six people turned their gazes simultaneously.

It was uncomfortable to speak, and even breathing deeply felt awkward.

The most uncomfortable thing was that they were each waiting for different people.

‘There’s definitely going to be a clash.’

Only one side among them would meet the person they were waiting for.

Whichever side it turned out to be, sword winds would surely blow instead of the suffocating silence.

Since no one thought this situation would end peacefully, everyone was prepared to fight at any moment.

Then, finally, signs of people were felt from beyond the stone gate.

While all six were on high alert, a scene no one had expected appeared.

Ja-gang-cheon appeared carrying the Bald Man on his back.

Everyone’s expressions froze instantly.

How should they react?

At least Pansuk, who was the most honest, raised his voice.

“Jangju hyeongnim!”

Pansuk, who was most honest with his emotions, ran out looking only at Ja-gang-cheon. The Gangsi Bodyguard who had been watching from behind couldn’t grasp the situation and just let him be.

“Hyeong! Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Yes, hyeongnim. No one is hurt yet.”

It also implied that someone would get hurt eventually.

Then, following behind Ja-gang-cheon, another person appeared.

It was Cheon Seolhwa, whom the North Cheon City bodyguards had been waiting for.

“Show proper respect. He saved us.”

The discomfort that had dominated the space melted away like snow.

In an atmosphere where they should shake hands, Cheon-gu came to Ja-gang-cheon’s side.

“What happened?”

“Let’s get out of here first. We need to treat this man.”

Since there was a patient, they had no choice but to postpone their conversation.

“We need to hurry.”

Everyone there followed Ja-gang-cheon’s words.

‘Was this really going to end so peacefully?’

Geumgang-gae, who remained at that place until the very end, tilted his head in puzzlement.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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