The Patriarch of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 68

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Master of the Bukcheon Sword Family – Chapter 68

There was no doubt about it.
The Bukcheon Divine Art was a systematization of the natural inner energy flow that our founder, Pungsin, had used instinctively.
Because of this, I too could naturally comprehend it while wielding the Wind God’s Martial Art.
‘And the flow of inner energy before using Storm Slash was remarkably natural.’
It was similar to yet different from when I used the North Wind Heart Method.
More fundamental, perhaps.
Yet I could not be completely certain.
After all, the Sword Spirit, who actually knew the Bukcheon Divine Art, had not given me a definitive answer.
‘Will you truly not tell me whether this is correct or not?’
-That’s right.
The Sword Spirit was resolute.
-I’m not trying to fool you. Comparing it here with the true Bukcheon Divine Art that Pungsin himself used wouldn’t hold much meaning. To be precise, it’s not important.
‘What do you mean by that?’
-Think about it. What you used just now was drawing out your inner energy in the most natural and efficient way possible by your own standards, wasn’t it?
‘That’s true.’
-Then that’s nothing less than the best choice from your perspective. It would be foolish to abandon this sensation while wondering if something better might exist. Even if you were to discover something new, it would no longer be natural to you.
It certainly sounded reasonable.
When limited to ‘me’, it was far too rational and obvious.
But.
‘I have a responsibility to restore the Bukcheon Divine Art and pass it on to my family members. Shouldn’t I find the proper original version?’
I carried a responsibility bearing the name of my family.
Shouldn’t I seek out the true Bukcheon Divine Art?
Yet even at my words, the Sword Spirit merely clicked his tongue.
-Tsk, tsk. You foolish child. Martial arts naturally evolve with each passing generation. Anything that doesn’t is merely decline.
‘Still….’
-To put it bluntly, even if you presented the original Bukcheon Divine Art as it was first created, could you be certain it would suit your family members? Think about it. Could ordinary people truly master a martial art created by Pungsin, that arrogant fool blessed with innate talent?
‘…!’
-I believe it’s better to consolidate your current enlightenment and pass it down. It’s a higher heart method than the overly simplified North Wind Heart Method, yet infinitely similar to the Bukcheon Divine Art. Moreover, since you understand what an ordinary person without the Wind God’s Martial Art experiences, something far easier to learn than the original Bukcheon Divine Art will emerge.
‘Indeed….’
-Abandon the prejudice that martial arts are only good if they’re difficult and complex. Truth lies in simplicity. Do you understand what I’m saying?
‘Yes.’
In the end, I accepted the Sword Spirit’s opinion.
I began creating a new inner energy heart method by adding my own interpretation to the flow of inner energy I had naturally comprehended through the Wind God’s Martial Art.
That work took less time than expected.
It was as if lightning had struck in my mind—everything came to me in a flash, and I could write it all down.
One might call it a stroke of inspiration.
The formulas of the completed inner energy heart method were not greatly different from the North Wind Heart Method.
It was only natural that it would be so.
After all, this martial art had been created by simplifying the Bukcheon Divine Technique.
Reverse-engineering it to inscribe the visualization was not fundamentally different, save for being somewhat more complex.
However.
‘My qi accumulation speed has become remarkably faster.’
Even with the same training duration, my inner energy was accumulating at roughly thirty percent greater speed.
Since stability had not diminished, the technique had become far more efficient.
Moreover, the nature of my qi had subtly transformed, making it far easier to summon not only the original swift wind, but also violent tempests and raging gales.
‘It feels as though I’ve donned a perfectly fitting garment.’
I yearned to transmit this insight to the family’s disciples.
Yet I did not rush.
First, I would remain at Jinwon Sect under the pretense of nursing my injuries, organizing my realizations and martial techniques.
‘Martial arts demand constant vigilance against the unforeseen perils of demonic cultivation.’
The safer a martial art, the better.
With this conviction, I verified the same qi pathways dozens of times, refining the incantations and annotations. After roughly two weeks, a result worthy of being called the true final version emerged.
-Congratulations. You may now be called a grandmaster of an entire lineage.
‘I could never have attempted this without the Wind God’s legacy.’
-Regardless, the fact that you succeeded is what matters. Your name shall now be etched into the history of Bukcheon Sword Family, never to be erased.
Hearing such praise filled me with joy.
The Senior was akin to a sword spirit protecting our family.
Being acknowledged by such a one made my shoulders swell with pride.
From that moment, I began packing my belongings.
‘It seems I can move forward now.’
I had initially considered remaining here longer to protect Jinwon Sect, but….
That seemed unnecessary.
This incident had made the place far too renowned, transforming it into a focal point of attention throughout the Shanxi Martial World.
Even if remnants of other evil factions or Black Night Fortress sought revenge, the watchful eyes made it difficult for them to act.
‘In fact, if I continued to remain here, Black Night Fortress’s attention would concentrate on me, which would be even worse.’
For that reason.
“Hye-rim. Will you not come with me?”
I made this proposal to So Hye-rim.
I had certainly considered leaving her here, but….
‘No matter how I think about it, I cannot shake this unease.’
I could not predict what those from Black Night Fortress might do to her.
Even with so many watching eyes, there remained the possibility they might forcibly abduct her.
If that happened, all would be lost.
My efforts would come to naught, and So Hye-rim would awaken to the Heavenly Killing Nature once more, becoming a murderous fiend as she had been in her previous life.
‘That cannot be allowed.’
Thus I wished to take her with me under the pretext of making her a retainer of the Bukcheon Sword Family.
“I….”
So Hye-rim appeared deeply troubled.
Understandably so. After all, the Jinwon Sect was where her family, including her father, lived—the nest she had called home her entire life.
Thus, it was not easy for her to leave. Even if it was for her own sake, the weight remained the same.
But then.
“Go with Sa Gong-cheon.”
Unexpectedly, it was So Hye-rim’s father, So Jin-tae, who resolved her inner conflict.
He persuaded his daughter with a gentle voice.
“Your constitution has not yet stabilized. In that case, it would be better for you to continue learning martial arts from Sa Gong-cheon and overcome your condition.”
“Father…!”
“This is for your sake, but also for the Jinwon Sect. You understand the reason without me having to explain it, don’t you?”
“…Yes.”
Though sending his daughter away might appear cold at first glance, his eyes brimmed with concern for her welfare.
So Jin-tae was sending her away temporarily to ensure that one day she would not become a murderer consumed by her nature.
As proof of this, So Jin-tae came to find me in secret the night before their departure and bowed his head.
Though I was young enough to be his son by age, he seemed indifferent to such distinctions.
“Please, I beg you to look after my precious daughter. Sa Gong-cheon.”
“Sect Leader, please raise your head. There is no need for such formality. I will take responsibility for protecting Hye-rim.”
My words meant I would shield her from the grasp of Black Night Fortress, but they also meant I would protect her spirit from the collapse that might come in the future.
In any case, now that I had become her master, I had no intention of watching her transform into the Blood Witch she had been in her previous life.
“And you witnessed it yourself, didn’t you? How my martial arts proved effective for Hye-rim. With this foundation, if she deepens her cultivation further, she will be able to completely escape the karma of the Heavenly Killing Nature.”
“Ah, how can I ever repay such gratitude…?”
“If you truly wish to, then become an ally of the Bukcheon Sword Family. As I explained, we are currently fighting an invisible enemy called Black Night Fortress. Support us, maintain good relations, and help us when needed. That is sufficient.”
“Of course. From this day forward, the Jinwon Sect will always stand with the Bukcheon Sword Family.”
He made his vow to me with unwavering resolve.
Thus, the alliance between the Bukcheon Sword Family and the Jinwon Sect was sealed.
‘Well, it’s not particularly significant in the grand scheme of things, but…’
With the two sects drawing closer, So Hye-rim could now accompany us with peace of mind.
Indeed, she was delighted by the news of our alliance.
We held a small celebration in commemoration of it.
And then, the very next day.
“I’ll contact you often.”
“Yes. I’ll reply promptly.”
“You must stay healthy.”
“And you must take care of yourself. If anything troubles you, speak with Sa Gong-cheon about it.”
“Yes, Father.”
Father and daughter embraced each other, exchanging tender gazes.
I waited for them to complete their farewells.
I was not so tactless as to rush them at such a moment.
“Shall we depart now, Master?”
“Yes.”
We bid farewell to So Jin-tae and departed from Jinwon Sect.
From a distance, I could see him waving his hand. We waved back until So Jin-tae disappeared from view.
Once So Jin-tae was no longer visible, I spoke to So Hye-rim.
“Life at the main family won’t be unpleasant. I’ll do my utmost to accommodate your circumstances. Furthermore, I promise to send you back once you’ve completely mastered control over the Heavenly Killing Nature.”
“Yes. I’ll do my best until then, Master.”
“Good.”
Inside the carriage led by Sa Gong-cheon, I continued my lecture on the Diamond Yaksha Divine Art.
She had already memorized the fundamental incantations, but interpretations related to Buddhist scriptures remained.
-You’re quite diligent. Have you taught anyone before?
‘No. You could say she’s my first disciple.’
In my first life, I was a person without leisure—I could never afford to take disciples.
Moreover, I didn’t possess the skill to teach others.
But now was different.
Excluding any remaining esoteric sects that might still exist, I was the most knowledgeable about the Diamond Yaksha Divine Art.
I had already awakened its ultimate secret—Yaksha Transformation.
So I was confident I had reached a level where I could teach someone.
The same applied to other aspects as well.
‘Once she masters the Diamond Yaksha Divine Art to a certain degree, I should teach her swordsmanship too.’
Of course, teaching the family’s secret sword techniques would be difficult….
But the Bukcheon Sword Family possessed many martial arts that not only direct bloodline members could learn, but also retainers.
With slight modifications, there existed sword techniques that were no inferior to the Wind God Dragon Sword, and she could master those.
‘Given Hye-rim’s talent, whatever I teach her, she’ll achieve extraordinary heights.’
I was contemplating my future plans when it happened.
Whoooosh!
“…!”
In that instant, my eyes snapped wide open.
A wind that suddenly blew from afar had warned me of something.
I immediately thrust my head out the carriage window and shouted toward the driver’s seat.
“Sa Gong! Stop the horses at once!”
The moment I shouted, it happened.
A massive sword flew down and embedded itself in the road ahead of us.
Boom!
The ground trembled as if an earthquake had struck.
Dust spread in all directions so thickly it was hard to breathe.
Yet the wild man who emerged through the swirling dust seemed utterly indifferent to having destroyed the road, grinning wickedly.
“Finally found you. Wind God Dragon.”
He grinned wickedly as he watched me descend from the carriage.
“My name is Wi Ji-hon. You’ve heard of me, haven’t you?”
“…!”
I was taken aback.
Wi Ji-hon, the Asura Blade.
That name belonged to a master whose reputation had set the Central Plains ablaze.

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