Chapter 31: The Tale Of The Martial Heroes (5)

Chapter 31: The Tale Of The Martial Heroes (5)

Wudang Sects Heavenly Palace.

Cheongun, a distinguished third-class disciple of the Wudang Sect, knelt before the sects elders.

Before him lay a secret manual, its cover bereft of any inscription.

Tell us what happened.

The sect leader, seated centrally, addressed Cheongun.

While I was practicing light-body techniques on a cliff

Speak honestly.

Who in their right mind practiced light-body techniques on a cliff? The sect leader interrupted Cheonguns feeble excuse.

I apologize. In truth, I was so captivated by The Tale of Martial Heroes that Ive been scouring the cliffs of the Wudang Sect for the past two weeks.

Cheongun lowered his head as he confessed.

You believed the novels contents might be factual?

At first, I was doubtful. But the novel had too many odd details to ignore, so I felt compelled to investigate.

Hmm.

The sect leader scrutinized Cheongun, noting his fingers and toes, which appeared barely whole after his fortnight of exploration.

I pondered The Tale of Martial Heroes. Where would I hide if I were distraught from a dispute with my master? I sought places so secretive that not even a sudden devils appearance would alert other Wudang disciples. After pinpointing several locations, I stumbled upon it during my search.

You discovered the cave with the 8th generation sect leaders remains and the secret manual?

Yes. It was an elusive place, undetectable unless one knew of the caves existence. Only by concentrating intensely enough to survive a fall from the cliff could one spot it. Thats where I found the 8th generation sect leaders Bihdong (Secret Cave).

Indeed, such a place exists.

The manuals content diverged from The Tale of Martial Heroes; there was no Taiqing Pill or letter. However, the secret manual itself was genuine.

Cheongun, with his head bowed, held up the secret manual. Although nothing was written on the cover, nobody doubted it was the 8th generation Wudang sect leaders secret manual.

How could this be?

So, it wasnt just a miscellaneous book?

Was The Tale of Martial Heroes actually true?

The Wudang Sects leader and elders, gathered in Jasogung, began to stir.

Silence! Third disciple Cheongun, bring the secret manual here.

Yes, I understand.

Carefully, Cheongun handed the manual to the sect leader. The leader cautiously unfolded it and began to read.

One page. Two pages. Three pages.

Suspicion turned into dismay.

Dismay turned into shock.

The sect leaders expression changed with each page he turned.

This He really incorporated the mysteries of the Bagua into the sword technique.

Although the secret manual couldnt be fully understood at once, it clearly incorporated the concept of Bagua into the sword technique.

I too was astonished when I saw it. It was definitely the Bagua Sword Technique mentioned in The Tale of Martial Heroes!

Cheongun, still looking at the ground, trembled with emotion. He was so overwhelmed that he could barely breathe.

Yunhyeon was a real person?

He took the Taiqing Pill and left for the martial world with the letter.

Once again, the Heavenly Palace seemed about to stir. The sect leader raised his hand to calm the room.

Everyone, calm down. From examining my secret manual, its clear that the mysteries of Bagua are included. But, unlike what The Tale of Martial Heroes suggests, the Bagua mysteries are not the majority. The technique is based on the Wudang Taiji Sword Technique with added Bagua mysteries.

Of course, it contains Wudang swordsmanship since it was created by a Wudang sect leader.

What obvious things you are stating, sect leader.

The sect leaders attempt to calm the situation proved futile. If anything, only sneers could be heard.

Cough, in light of Cheonguns news, I urgently reviewed the records of the eighth-generation sect leader. During his time as the Wudang sect leader, he debated whether to actively intervene in worldly affairs. Eventually, he grew disgusted with the situation and stepped down. After that, there are no records. He likely devoted himself to training in the cliff cave of Wudang Mountain.

Yes, there were indeed traces of training in the cave.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Cheongun relayed what he had witnessed.

Yes, so the issue is the book The Tale of Martial Heroes Cheongun, I heard you were the first to bring this book to our attention. Do you know its origin?

I heard it was written by a Korean Taoist from Baekdu Mountain and given to the Wudang Sect.

Did you end up not finding anything?

The Wudang Sects leader asked Cheongun, who stood before him.

Yes. We confirmed its origin from a bookstore in Wuhan, but the trail was lost after passing through too many merchants hands.

Hmm. Where on earth did The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud come from?

The Wudang Sects leader sighed, gazing up at the sky.

The bookstores that purchased The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud had slightly different accounts, but they all mentioned that a Taoist from Baekdu Mountain sold it.

If he was a member of our Wudang Sect, why would he take such an indirect route instead of coming directly to Wudang Mountain?

Third-generation disciple Cheongun of the Wudang Sect. I have a serious request to make of the sect leader.

Cheongun knelt on one knee and looked up at the leader.

What is it?

Please allow me to embark on a journey as a martial hero.

A journey as a martial hero? Do you think youre Yunhyeon or something?

The Bagua Sword Technique was developed by the 8th generation sect leader for people to use in their defense. I believe it should be perfected by venturing into the martial world.

Thats not possible. The path of a martial hero has been strictly prohibited recently. Your personal grievances could come back to harm your brothers and mentors.

I will always consider whether my actions are truly personal or if they serve the greater good () when I wield my sword.

Cheonguns voice was more solemn than ever.

The sect leader scrutinized Cheongun.

Wudang disciples were not forbidden from entering the martial world.

It wasnt that they should ignore injustice. If commoners were under attack by bandits, drawing the sword was acceptable, and saving a woman from an evil man was allowed.

However, setting out solely to become a martial hero was against the rules.

Allowing Cheongun to embark on a journey as a martial hero was out of the question. Yet, The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud stated that to complete the Bagua Sword Technique, one must undertake the journey of a martial hero.

The sect leader had never met Yunhyeon, but perhaps Cheongun could emulate him. He gazed into Cheonguns clear eyes and decided.

Alright. I will allow it.

Thank you!!

But there is a condition.

What condition?

Your ultimate goal should be Baekdu Mountain.

To search for the author of The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud?

The sect leader nodded and addressed Cheonguns query.

We cant be sure if the author is there. But, there may be traces of our Wudang Sect. Investigate this. Officially, I cannot sanction a martial heros journey, but you may enter the martial world to seek The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud and proceed with the journey you described.

Yes. I will prepare immediately and depart for Baekdu Mountain as a martial hero.

Cheongun rose swiftly, ready to leave.

And

The sect leader called out, halting Cheongun.

Yes?

Cough, should you find a subsequent volume of The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud, ensure its return.

Unbeknownst to others, the sect leader was an ardent admirer of Yunhyeon.

I will bear that in mind!

With a smile and a bow to the sect leader, Cheongun set off for Baekdu Mountain, leaving the Heavenly Palace with buoyant steps.

The one to unearth The Secret Records of the Wind and Cloud.

The successor of the Bagua Sword Technique,

Cheongun of the great Wudang Sect,

Cheongun, who held The Tale of Martial Heroes closest to his heart.

Ill be back!

With those words, Cheongun set off from Wudang Mountain to become a martial hero of the future.

Rewinding to the day after The Tale of Martial Heroes was sold to a peddler heading to Muhan,

Eventually, it was a huge failure.

A man with black hair, a frequent visitor to the bookstore, lamented in front of a bookstore in Chilgok County.