The Life of a Wise Cult Leader - Chapter 212

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

100th Floor All Master Chapter 212

48th Floor. War God Hwa-cheon-rang (1)

[Title: I can feel… the wall.]

[Is this what they call the wall of talent? Still, I gained a lot too. Hmm. This floor makes my thoughts complicated.]

[48th Floor Quest.]

[Satisfy the War God.]

Kang Jun-hyeok entered the 48th Floor.

What was there was a vast cavern.

And in its center was a single wooden puppet.

[Loser of the Great War. You have encountered the War God’s puppet.]

[A Player.]

A deep male voice resonates from the wooden puppet. Its head turns smoothly toward Kang Jun-hyeok as if it were a living person.

[Not an ordinary Player. Eldiria. And now one called Manbinggi.]

[It’s been a long time.]

[Good to see you. Hwa-cheon-rang.]

[…Hmm.]

A strange mood emanated from the wooden puppet. It was an attitude as if he found Manbinggi troublesome.

[I didn’t expect to face you again. Then you must be that renowned Player.]

“Nice to meet you. I’m called Kang Jun-hyeok.”

[I am the War God Hwa-cheon-rang. You can understand me as the god of all martial arts.]

Hwa-cheon-rang was a god who governed the concept of martial arts. Weapon handling techniques, talent, martial skills – he governed all of it. Thanks to that role, he was a god who had helped greatly in his previous life too.

[This is not my true form. It’s a puppet. My true form is quite busy at the moment.]

Hwa-cheon-rang was defeated but not broken. He was probably traveling through the universe right now, looking for an opportunity to reclaim it.

[The reason I’ve settled here is simple. To teach you Players weapons and techniques.]

Swords, spears, daggers, staffs, clubs, fists.

Countless weapons and their corresponding techniques existed in this world.

The 48th Floor was a training floor where the War God taught Players weapons and techniques suited to them. Those with exceptional talent could gain more.

[You are no different. I was planning to teach you techniques suited to you. …Originally, that is.]

“What do you mean?”

At the trailing words, Kang Jun-hyeok felt a strange unease from Hwa-cheon-rang’s appearance.

[It seems you’ve learned Manbinggi’s martial arts. To think that arrogant fellow would teach his martial arts to another. Even I didn’t expect this. It must be a great blessing for you. But… hmm.]

After a brief silence, Hwa-cheon-rang continued.

[I am the War God. The god of the concept of martial arts.]

He knew all swordsmanship, spear techniques, staff techniques, martial arts, and martial skills of the universe.

The Wudang Sect’s Taiji Wisdom Sword, the Namgung family’s Emperor Sword Form, the Mount Hua Sect’s Thousand Year Plum Blossom Sword Technique – even the secret manuals of each sect were merely small concepts to him. That’s why it was possible for him to teach them.

Learning the highest level martial arts on the 48th Floor.

That was Kang Jun-hyeok’s goal. Hwa-cheon-rang opened his mouth.

[I know about all martial arts in the world. Except for one. The martial arts of that fellow attached to your side.]

Kang Jun-hyeok’s eyes widened.

“Are you saying that even the War God doesn’t know about Manbinggi’s martial arts?”

[That thing exists outside the concept of martial arts. It’s closer to a divine power. It’s not that my abilities are lacking, but that fellow’s martial arts are excessively special.]

Hwa-cheon-rang spoke quickly as if making excuses.

But ultimately, it meant that Manbinggi’s martial arts were beyond Hwa-cheon-rang’s domain.

Such martial arts – he had never heard of them even in his previous life.

‘Just where does this guy’s martial arts end?’

[Most of the martial arts bound to me are merely inferior versions of that fellow’s martial arts. There are a few that aren’t… but they’re not the kind I can bestow upon you.]

“…What you’re saying is.”

[The martial arts you’ve learned still seem incomplete. I could fill in the gaps, but that’s not the direction I desire. Unfortunately, I have no martial arts to bestow upon you. Since you’ve already learned Manbinggi’s martial arts, you’ve passed the 48th Floor’s conditions by more than enough.]

Kang Jun-hyeok was flustered.

Simply clearing the floor had no value whatsoever for Kang Jun-hyeok. What mattered was what he could gain.

But to gain nothing at all. That couldn’t be. Just as he was about to persuade Hwa-cheon-rang somehow.

[Hwa-cheon-rang. I have a proposal.]

Manbinggi spoke.

Hwa-cheon-rang muttered as if surprised.

[You’re making a proposal to me? Wasn’t your relationship with me not very good?]

[You’re mistaken. I merely walk my own path. You’re the one harboring pointless competitive feelings toward me.]

[I don’t think so. So what’s this proposal?]

Manbinggi seemed to be proposing something to Hwa-cheon-rang. But it seemed to be a special form of conversation that Kang Jun-hyeok couldn’t hear. After a moment, Hwa-cheon-rang let out a strange laugh.

[An interesting proposal. Good. I accept.]

“What were you talking about?”

[Nothing special. It’s beneficial for you too. Wouldn’t it be better to leave a disciple’s matters to his master?]

“What?”

Instead of answering, Hwa-cheon-rang showed through action. The energy contained in the wooden puppet suddenly spread out widely. The great god’s divine power devoured the space.

[I’ll lend you the vessel.]

With those words, a miracle occurred.

The wooden puppet collapsed to the floor as if its strings had been cut. The powerful presence that had been felt within it had vanished without a trace. Kang Jun-hyeok’s eyes widened.

The War God’s energy could no longer be felt.

‘What?’

Had he given up on the floor and left? Just as he was thinking that.

From the Manbinggi that Kang Jun-hyeok was wearing, he felt a sensation as if something was being drawn out.

At the same time, a presence was felt from the wooden puppet again.

But that presence was different from the War God’s.

A powerful and massive, yet familiar energy.

[Hmm.]

A voice resonates from the wooden puppet that rose with creaking sounds. It moved its arms and shook its head as if checking the condition of the possessed object.

[No problems with the range of motion. The power contained is at third-rate level. Not bad.]

[Oho.]

Eldiria made a sound as if finding it interesting.

[Hwa-cheon-rang lent you a vessel.]

[We had a conversation. Our understanding aligned.]

“…Manbinggi.”

Kang Jun-hyeok frowned.

What had possessed the wooden puppet was none other than Manbinggi. The wooden puppet drew the sword hanging at its waist.

[Kang Jun-hyeok. What you must face is not Hwa-cheon-rang. It’s me.]

[48th Floor Quest.]

[Satisfy the War God…]

[48th Floor Quest.]

[Satisfy Manbinggi.]

“…Is this even possible?”

To think the floor’s owner could hand over a Quest to someone else. He had never heard or seen such a thing. Manbinggi gave a brief explanation.

[Normally it would be difficult. But I am currently part of the tower. If Hwa-cheon-rang intervenes, this much is possible. Even so, it would be impossible if the tower’s owner blocked it… but whether from indifference or interest, they’re not intervening.]

The wooden puppet possessed by Manbinggi pointed its sword at Kang Jun-hyeok.

[The conditions are simple. What you can use is your body. And martial arts using internal energy. Use of other stats and skills is forbidden. Under those conditions, you must satisfy me. I claim to be your master. Think of it as a master’s teaching.]

Manbinggi laughed joyfully.

[This body’s strength is at most third-rate warrior level. The internal energy it possesses is less than an ant’s. These aren’t difficult conditions. It’s an opportunity to point your sword at me, who has always only given advice from behind. Isn’t that good?]

“Nonsense.”

Kang Jun-hyeok let out a bitter laugh. There couldn’t possibly be any chance of victory. No matter how third-rate the physical body, the accumulated experience and techniques don’t just disappear.

‘But.’

As Manbinggi said, it was also a good opportunity.

His training in Manbinggi’s divine arts had been stalled anyway. The best method for learning martial arts was sparring with one’s master. Kang Jun-hyeok drew his sword.

“Then.”

[Come. Let me test your achievements.]

Kang Jun-hyeok’s eyes grew cold.

The wooden doll inhabited by Manbinggi was at most third-rate level.

Its power and internal energy were utterly pathetic compared to his.

In contrast, Kang Jun-hyeok’s strength exceeded 100. That power literally could shatter mountains and shake seas. His speed was the same. Moreover, his internal energy stat also exceeded 70.

Looking at simple numbers alone, the difference was close to that between an elephant and an ant.

Using that advantage, he would strike in one blow. Kang Jun-hyeok put strength into his feet. Internal energy circulated rapidly through his body.

Kuuuuung!

And he thrust forward.

The sound of air breaking rang out. It meant his speed had exceeded the speed of sound.

The power contained in that sword was mountain-splitting force.

Against this attack that transcended perception, Manbinggi evaluated lightly.

[Not a bad judgment. But not the correct answer either.]

Manbinggi lightly raised his sword. The tip of Kang Jun-hyeok’s thrust collided with it.

According to the laws of physics, Manbinggi’s body should have shattered and been blown away.

However.

The power contained in Kang Jun-hyeok’s sword was literally erased. His eyes widened.

‘What?’

The power had vanished.

No. It wasn’t just the power in the sword. The strength of his entire body disappeared. His legs gave out and his grip on the sword lost its strength. His body was about to collapse.

Manbinggi muttered.

[The power of heaven was contained, yet it vanished in vain.]

Manbinggi’s third technique.

Void Heaven Power Dissipation.

The sword aimed for Kang Jun-hyeok’s neck. He reflexively drew out his internal energy. He put strength into his legs to endure and twisted his body.

Chwaaaaak!

The blade tip grazed past his cheek.

Manbinggi muttered as if surprised.

[To directly control your body like that. Remarkable. Even those who have reached higher realms than you would find it impossible. No. Is it the power of a control skill? I suppose I must allow that much since passive skills cannot be prohibited.]

Kang Jun-hyeok raised his sword high. If his power would be stolen, then he would build up acceleration to make it unstoppable! He infused internal energy and brought it down. World-splitting might was contained in the sword.

Against such a strike, Manbinggi lightly stepped forward.

At that moment, the momentum was absorbed. The very power contained in the sword became part of Manbinggi. Manbinggi lightly pushed Kang Jun-hyeok’s chest.

Jjeoeoeoeoeng!

“Kugh!”

Kang Jun-hyeok’s body flew back and crashed into the wall.

The power Manbinggi had just wielded was his own power.

He had taken his very power and made it his own, then returned it.

[Accept the opponent’s momentum and change it into your own power, absorb the opponent’s attack and shatter the opponent’s momentum. This is my first principle.]

“…Reverse Momentum Transformation and Attack Absorption Momentum Breaking.”

Void Heaven Power Dissipation. Reverse Momentum Transformation Attack Absorption Momentum Breaking.

These were all techniques that Kang Jun-hyeok also knew how to use.

But what was being displayed in Manbinggi’s hands now far transcended his understanding. Manbinggi spoke leisurely.

[I taught you my martial arts. But you are far too inexperienced and clumsy. You do not grasp their essence. I shall take this opportunity to properly teach you about my martial arts. Be grateful.]

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