Genius Martial Arts Trainer

Blood Successor

Despite the sword attack, known as the most destructive sword strike, vanishing like a mirage, Namgung Muguk neither panicked nor hesitated.

As if it were a rehearsal, he was already assuming his next stance, creating another sword strike.

However, every time Namgung Muguk’s sword strike encountered the golden aura similar to that of Buddha, it vanished into nothingness.

“Hoo…”

From a certain point, deep breaths began to escape from Namgung Muguk’s mouth.

The sword strike, condensed with Gang-gi, was nothing short of a monster that devoured internal energy. Having used it more than ten times, his internal energy was depleted.

This was only possible because Namgung Muguk had reached an elevated state and consumed numerous miraculous elixirs.

Ordinary people couldn’t even reach the state to create a sword strike, and even if they did, they couldn’t produce it multiple times.

“Are you satisfied with this?”

At Hyun-gwang’s question, confirming his opponent’s exhaustion, Namgung Muguk frowned for the first time.

“This is absurd. How is this different from swinging a sword in the air alone?”

It wasn’t just because Hyun-gwang’s technique borrowed the power of nature.

Everything he had created throughout his life couldn’t reach his opponent.

But what frustrated him even more was that despite such a significant gap, his body hadn’t even sustained a scratch.

It felt like a master guiding a novice, engaging just enough not to get injured.

For a swordmaster vying for the title of the best in the world, there could be no more humiliating defeat.

However, Namgung Muguk wasn’t a man who prioritized pride over life.

“Thanks to you, I realized once again that there is always a higher sky.”

Saying so, Namgung Muguk sheathed his sword, his eyes burning with a competitive spirit.

“I will refine what I learned in this duel and return in five years.”

He was not a foolish man who would throw away his life for pride but one who polished himself for revenge.

But he didn’t know that Hyun-gwang didn’t have five years left.

And Hyun-gwang didn’t bother to tell him that fact.

The main reason he accepted this duel was not to prove he was the best in the world.

It was simply to show this duel to Mu-jin.

‘I wonder if Mu-jin has grasped the clue…’

Hiding such thoughts, Hyun-gwang asked Namgung Muguk,

“Why is it that you, Namgung senior, are so obsessed with being the best in the world?”

At Hyun-gwang’s question, the old swordsman, whose hair had already turned white, answered with a face that looked like he had heard a ridiculous question.

“Isn’t it natural for a man to dream of being the best?”

Leaving only that one answer, the old swordsman turned his back without hesitation and descended Mount Song.

* * *

Even after Namgung Muguk left, silence lingered in the area as if a typhoon had just passed.

It was due to the presence of Namgung Muguk and the waves of enlightenment that came from watching a high-level duel.

Mu-jin was also lost in such contemplation.

‘What exactly is Grandfather trying to teach me?’

Hyun-gwang, as Mu-jin knew him, was not one to speak meaningless words.

By telling him to watch the duel carefully, it meant that there was something for him to gain from it.

But the techniques Hyun-gwang displayed were too distant and abstract.

As those who watched the duel were deep in their thoughts,

“Hahaha.”

Hyun-gwang’s soft laughter awakened their minds.

“Grandfather!”

Mu-jin, regaining his senses, ran straight to Hyun-gwang in the center of the open space.

“Hahaha. I was late in greeting you because I was dealing with a persistent old man. Come back quickly.”

“You’re truly amazing! To defeat the Namgung Sword Emperor so easily!”

As Hyun-gwang and Mu-jin were about to share a warm reunion, a voice suddenly interrupted their conversation.

“Hmm, Senior Brother Hyun-gwang. Excuse me for saying this, but before reuniting with Mu-jin, isn’t there something you need to do?”

Knowing what Hyun-cheon was talking about, Hyun-gwang nodded.

“Then let us first move to the Abbot’s chamber, Abbot.”

Led by Hyun-cheon and Hyun-gwang, everyone in the open space returned to the Shaolin Temple.

Some returned to their quarters, while a few, including Hyun-cheon, Hyun-gwang, some Hyun-mun members, and Mu-jin, entered the Abbot’s chamber.

The reason why only a few people gathered here.

“Mu-jin.”

“Yes, Abbot.”

“It’s about time you explain why you left Shaolin.”

It was to interrogate Mu-jin.

Although the Muja Quartet also participated in the escape, everyone in Shaolin knew that Mu-jin led the escape.

Receiving the gazes of the Shaolin elders, Mu-jin confidently opened his mouth.

“In the past, I encountered some clues about certain shadowy forces while dealing with Cheonryu Sangdan.”

Mu-jin started, weaving a story by combining what he had read in novels with his own experiences.

After explaining his seven-month journey,

“Huh…”

“…”

Everyone in the Abbot’s chamber had complicated expressions.

An organization operating in the shadows of Murim. If another disciple had said this, they would have scolded him for talking nonsense. However,

“Considering the current state of Murim, it seems plausible. Abbot.”

“Who would have thought that the reason the Demonic Alliance and the orthodox sects were trying to confront us was because of those shadowy forces.”

Since Mu-jin conveyed the story and it matched the current situation, they couldn’t help but believe it.

Seeing that the Shaolin elders accepted his story, Mu-jin quickly added,

“So now, it seems important to increase our alliances and eliminate the branches of those shadowy forces I mentioned. And in the process of increasing alliances, it’s crucial to be careful not to mix with people related to those shadowy forces.”

“Easier said than done. How can we easily resolve such significant matters?”

“It may not be easy with just our Shaolin’s strength, but we have allies. We must utilize the wealth, power, and intelligence of Cheonryu Sangdan, Wudang Sect, Sichuan Tang Clan, and now the Jegal Family. And importantly, we should employ Baek Ga-ryeong and Baek Ga-hwan, who are currently entrusted with Cheonryu Sangdan. Their wisdom and intelligence are remarkable and will undoubtedly be a great help.”

It was a different kind of story from Mu-jin, who used to take matters into his own hands.

The primary reason Mu-jin had been directly involved was that he had no way to persuade Shaolin.

Convincing the elders of the Shaolin with something seen in a novel was out of the question. However, the numerous incidents that occurred during their trip to Guangxi Province lent credence to Mu-jin’s words.

‘Now, I don’t have to run around blindly by myself anymore!’

Mu-jin’s words seemed convincing, as even Hyun-cheon, the head monk, and several other old monks were nodding in agreement.

“Indeed, Mu-jin. As you said, now is the time to unite to dispel the shadow over the Central Plains.”

“Yes, Bang-jang Sunim!”

“Then, let’s proceed as Mu-jin suggested for now. We should discuss the next matter.”

“The next matter?” Mu-jin looked at Hyun-cheon with a puzzled expression.

Hyun-cheon smiled gently, meeting Mu-jin’s gaze directly.

“Now that we know why you fled in the middle of the night, we must decide your punishment.”

“…Pardon?”

Mu-jin asked in disbelief, but Hyun-cheon didn’t explain further and instead looked at Hyun-gong, the head of the Jurisdiction Department.

“In my opinion, a fifteen-day meditation in the Cave of Repentance would be appropriate. What do you think, Hyun-gong?”

“It might be a light punishment for fleeing at night, but considering the valuable information he brought, that should suffice. Amitabha.”

Mu-jin shot a pleading look at Hyun-gwang, but Hyun-gwang merely laughed heartily.

* * *

Shortly after Mu-jin was taken away by the disciples of the Jurisdiction Department…

“I’m sorry, Hyun-gwang Sunbae.”

Hyun-cheon bowed his head to Hyun-gwang.

“It’s alright, Bang-jang Sunim.”

Hyun-gwang wasn’t concerned. He knew why Hyun-cheon had sent Mu-jin to the Cave of Repentance.

“Mu-jin is still only a third-class disciple. It would be dangerous for him to make more enemies now.”

“I understand, so don’t worry.”

The reason the head monk put Mu-jin in the Cave of Repentance was to prevent him from causing more trouble in the martial world.

Already, the Demonic Alliance was targeting Mu-jin. If he were to provoke the shadowy forces known as Shinchun, even stronger enemies might come after him.

Moreover, it was said that Mu-jin had nearly been killed by a thief comparable to the King of Thieves.

Understanding all this, Hyun-gwang didn’t stop Mu-jin from being confined to the Cave of Repentance.

‘Take this opportunity to rest in the Cave of Repentance and solve the task I gave you, Mu-jin.’

As Hyun-gwang pondered this, Hyun-cheon addressed the monks of the Hyun-mun faction with a solemn face.

“During the fifteen days Mu-jin is in the Cave of Repentance, we need to quickly handle the matters he mentioned.”

“Yes. We will contact the Wudang Sect and Cheonryu Sangdan, as well as the Tang Clan and Jegal Family, with whom we have ties.”

“Send letters urgently, ensuring that only the heads of each family and sect can read them. According to Mu-jin’s information, the spies of the shadowy forces seem to be widespread among various sects.”

“Shaolin will also ensure that the details are kept within the Hyun-mun faction to avoid any leaks.”

The old monks of the Hyun-mun faction quickly left the head monk’s office to attend to their tasks.

Left alone in the office, Hyun-cheon wore a deeply troubled expression, unlike the composed demeanor he had shown earlier.

‘Bloodshed will soon come to the Central Plains…’

To dispel his unease and worry, he chanted a Buddhist prayer.

“Amitabha.”

He hoped fervently that they could safely weather the coming storm.

“Amitabha.”

He wished for the safety of Shaolin, its associates, and the countless people living in the Central Plains.

“Amitabha.”

Lastly, he prayed that Mu-jin, who had amassed such heavy karma despite being just a third-class disciple, could rest peacefully in the Cave of Repentance.

“Amitabha.”

* * *

“Damn it.”

How did he end up here?

Mu-jin had planned to leave everything to the elders and enjoy weightlifting to restore his muscle mass once he joined Shaolin.

“But I can’t even lift weights here!!”

Would he have to be satisfied with just bodyweight exercises?

As Mu-jin, looking aggrieved, pondered this…

“Why am I here too…?”

“Hehe. This place is fascinating, right, Ling-ling?”

“Ook! Ookiki!”

Mu-gung mumbled resentfully, while Mu-yul and Ling-ling seemed to be enjoying their adventure in the Cave of Repentance.

Meanwhile, Mu-gyeong looked around with a peculiar expression.

Sensing something was off, Mu-gung asked,

“What’s wrong, Mu-gyeong Sahyung?”

“Ah… Being in the Cave of Repentance reminds me of stories my master told me.”

“Master Uncle Hye-gwan?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of stories?”

“About the evil and demonic people imprisoned in the Cave of Repentance. My master often talked about the demons he had locked up himself.”

Strictly speaking, Master Uncle Hye-gwan used to scare Mu-gyeong with stories about the horrifying demons imprisoned there, as a warning for him to behave.

As a child, those stories were terrifying, but as he grew up, Mu-gyeong had begun to take them lightly. However, now that he was actually confined here, the stories came back to him.

Finding the story intriguing, Mu-gung asked again.

“Who are the ones imprisoned here?”

“The story that comes to mind is about a man called the Blood Demon.”

“Just by his title, he sounds like a nasty piece of work.”

“Indeed. He used a martial art called the Bloody Rain Divine Demon Technique, which, as the name suggests, involved raining down a torrent of blood-red energy.”

“…Bloody Rain Divine Demon Technique?”

It wasn’t Mu-gung who repeated the name of the technique.

Mu-jin, who had been muttering to himself about his frustration with not being able to lift weights, suddenly joined the conversation.

“Did you say that the Blood Demon used the Bloody Rain Divine Demon Technique?”

Mu-jin’s expression was complicated as he asked.

And with good reason.

‘So, it was in the Cave of Repentance…’

The Bloody Rain Divine Demon Technique.

That martial art was used by the Blood Successor in the first part of the novel.