Chapter 172

The Divine Spirit: A Task Entrusted to the King

It struck him anew that Uisin was present here.

Yisin also disliked both the wheeled chariot battle and the frontal assault. While he himself might survive, many would die in the process. Above all, Yujeonghong, wounded internally, would be the first to perish. The same applied to Gwangsin and Gwonwang. Even if they won that way, what would remain?

This was not the outcome Yi Shin desired.

Amidst this, surprisingly, Kwon Wang volunteered to risk his life first, and Gwangshin entrusted his own fate to Kwon Wang.

This was a turn of events even Uisin hadn’t anticipated.

Eui-sin spoke to Gwang-sin and Dan-woo-seong, who had closed their eyes.

“The two of you will leave the beginning and end of this matter to me.”

When Gwangshin and Danwooseong nodded, Uisin said.

“Begin. Kwonwang, open your dantian and calm your mind. Time is not important.”

As slowly as possible… The same goes for the fanatic. There’s no need for you to rush either. Your junior’s internal energy has already reached the limits of his physical capacity. Raising his level must not be confined to merely transferring internal energy. If you forcefully inject your inner strength in such a short time, his body’s level won’t be able to withstand it. It’s crucial that the three of us don’t push too hard. Those who grow stronger by forcing themselves must walk a different path than ours. Fanatic, for the sake of your junior’s life, transfer your inner strength slowly and persistently, step by step, like walking. I’ll take care of the two of them.”

The fanatic nodded.

‘That’s how it should be.’

It was advice from the man he had trusted his entire life; he couldn’t refuse.

Uisin suddenly looked at Yoo Jeonghong, then grinned to himself with wide, vacant eyes.

It was a mood that wasn’t serious at all.

In worldly matters, there are things one can speak of, and things one cannot. Many things had transpired at Gu Hwasan, yet there was one crucial fact none of them recognized.

The grudge between Gwangshin and Master Gunja.

The confrontation between the King of Power and Master Junzi.

This, too, was important, of course.

However, the events unfolding at Gu Hwasan were also a confrontation between the Gentleman Master and Uisin, one of the Three Gods.

Their confrontation unfolded with such secrecy that it seemed like a contest of inner Dao, so hidden that even their adversary, the Demon-Wielding Gentleman, failed to notice.

Yisin had always anticipated that someone with a disposition opposite his own would exist in the world.

That this person was the Demon-Wielding Gentleman was something he had come to realize clearly upon arriving here.

Though he did not participate in the duel, while observing the Gentleman, Yi Shin meticulously and comprehensively studied his expressions, words, movements, breathing, emotional shifts, gaze, and thoughts.

The conclusion reached after such examination was this:

The Demon Lord is not a god, but a man.

He was a man with emotions.

Had he lacked even that, he would have been a man of such high stature that he could have been called a demon god or a god of chaos.

Only once did I glimpse a flicker of emotion in the Gentleman.

When the fanatic declared he would surpass the Master’s inner strength, the expression and sigh on the Demon Gentleman’s face were visible to Uisin.

Therefore, Uisin intended to view even the Gentleman Master as just another human being. Conversely, the Gentleman Master could never have understood Uisin’s broad perspective.

Then who won in the contest of the Way, which unfolded in a completely different manner from the back-and-forth martial arts?

The spirit of righteousness prevailed.

Of course, it wasn’t a story worth boasting about.

Because there was no way to explain it.

Therefore, there were many things Uisin couldn’t tell Danwooseong.

For example, things like this:

‘You have a high probability of losing.’

But he didn’t think that was the end of it.

Kwangshin, Cheolmyeongho, and Gocheonhwi would have lost their lives the moment they were defeated.

Strangely enough, Gwonwang was less likely to face that fate.

Because Kwonwang was the very last one.

‘The last chance for a gentleman to die.’

Uisin interpreted the unfolding situation this way.

Therefore, with a rare look of determination on his face, Uisin urged Danwooseong to show proper respect.

Therein lay the path to survival Uisin envisioned.

At the very least, the Demon Lord was a man whose words matched his deeds.

‘Death is the most severe problem I cannot solve.’

Others might have heard it and simply let it pass, but Uisin did not. Even if the King of Gwon was defeated, ultimately, he would be the one to solve that problem.

Only Uisin could comprehend the world to such an extent.

If the Magician Gentleman was born human and ascended to a realm akin to a god of chaos, then Yisin possessed such profound insight that he could be said to have been born human and ascended to the realm of an immortal.

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As a single drop of sweat trickled down the forehead of the fanatic who had been channeling his inner energy, Uisin spoke in a calm tone.

“Don’t panic. Just now, the King’s body was likely startled by its instinct to survive. In that case, you might as well help him undergo another bone-marrow cleansing. If you perform it, it will be a bone-marrow cleansing unlike any other.”

Only then did Kwang-shin calm his expression.

‘I shall.’

While Gwangshin’s mind wavered momentarily, Uishin channeled a thread of internal energy into him, helping him regain mental and physical stability.

Kwonwang was also greatly startled.

His body had reacted as if seized by convulsions at some point.

The state where the sea met the sea, creating towering waves whose reverberations spread throughout his body.

Fortunately, Danwoo Seong calmed his mind by listening to Uisin’s words. Still, he couldn’t help but feel strange.

Quite some time had passed since the three had formed a triangular formation to practice qigong.

Yet Gwang-sin’s internal energy remained overwhelmingly potent, brimming and overflowing. The sheer volume was staggering, making him doubt whether he could absorb it all in just one night.

Since Eui-sin possessed the world’s greatest internal energy, it was inevitable to assume he was coordinating things from the center.

At that moment, Kwangshin began performing the Beolmoseseu ritual directly on Danwooseong’s body.

It felt as if every blood vessel in his entire body was being thoroughly purified.

Turbid energy drained from every orifice, and soon a pleasant sensation enveloped his entire body, as if he had gained a new physique.

Though he already possessed a youthful body, it felt as if he were growing even younger.

The Divine Doctor spoke.

“We should rest for a moment now. Continue your breathing through your own qigong practice.”

Yoo Jeong-hong, who had been standing guard, turned to look at the Divine Spirit with a startled expression.

The Divine Physician met Yoo Jeong-hong’s gaze and mouthed silently.

‘Shh.’

Yoo Jeong-hong was startled because dawn had already broken. The process of washing the bees alone had taken quite some time. Therefore, taking a break and then resuming made no sense.

Kwonwang and Gwangshin had been so completely absorbed they must have lost track of time. Yet Uisin looked at Yujeonghong with an expression that said not to worry.

Uisin smiled, holding Kwonwang and Gwangshin’s hands firmly in both of his.

When Kwonwang and Gwangshin opened their eyes moments later, Uisin quickly composed his expression.

Yoo Jeong-hong stared blankly at this scene.

Before long, Uisin was comforting Gwangshin with a serious expression and moist eyes. Uisin patted Gwangshin’s hand and said,

“Don’t say anything for a moment.”

Gwang-shin replied in a flustered tone.

“No, that’s not it. I was just so inadequate.”

“What was?”

“Transmitting my inner energy.”

“That can’t be.”

Uisin stared intently into Danwooseong’s eyes.

“Insufficient?”

Dan Woosung studied Uisin’s expression and gaze before tilting his head and replying.

“No way. My inner strength, the expansion of my dantian, and the physical limits of my body—it’s all reached its peak.”

As Gwang-shin looked at Dan-woo-seong, Ui-shin spoke.

“Is that so?”

Gwang-shin suddenly gazed outside, where it was growing brighter, and said.

“Come to think of it, why is it morning already?”

The sea was brightening in an instant. After gazing outside for a while, Gwang-shin asked Ui-shin.

“Is this really okay? Or did you have something else in mind? I feel like I’ve been supervising too casually.”

Uisin replied.

“You told me to handle the beginning and the end. Do you not trust me? You spent the entire night infusing the junior disciple of the Kwonwang with your inner energy, performing the Beolmoseseu ritual again, and gave your utmost while the three of us synchronized our breathing. The time Master Junzi promised was only until this morning, so you did everything you needed to do without resting for even a moment. Transmitting the inner energy is important, but you must also consider that Master Junzi gave us ample time. Therefore, keeping the time promise is also an important matter.”

Kwang-shin closed his mouth, his expression dazed.

“Hmm.”

It was because he was worried about Kwon Wang.

Knowing Gwangshin’s true intentions, Uisin addressed both Gwangshin and Yoo Jeonghong.

“You two, come sit beside me now. There’s still business to wrap up.”

Wisun tapped the floor with his hand, and Yujeonghong and Gwangsin came over silently and sat down.

Thus, Yoo Jeong-hong, Uisin, and Gwangshin sat side by side, gazing at Danwooseong.

Uisin spoke.

“The disciple…”

Danwooseong replied.

“Yes.”

“Before departing, let us exchange farewells with our masters.”

Dan Woosung stood up and looked at Yoo Jeonghong, Uisin, and Gwangshin in turn. Gwangshin still wore a gloomy expression, Uisin looked impassive, and Yoo Jeonghong’s face was also filled with deep sorrow.

Danwooseong bowed to the three men and said.

“Masters, thank you.”

What more words were needed?

While Dan Woo-sung kept his forehead pressed to the floor, Ui-sin spoke.

“Along with you, I entrust the world to him. You needn’t worry about us. I’m here. We’ll help each other out as always, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

Dan Woo-sung raised his head and nodded toward Uisin.

‘I don’t quite understand what you mean in this situation, but I understand.’

Uisin tapped Gwangshin beside him, and Gwangshin finally opened his mouth.

“Our great disciple, let’s see you survive this.”

“I will.”

It was Yoo Jeong-hong’s turn. Compared to the devout or the fanatical, he was a man whose emotions ran high, unable to speak at length.

“I’m sorry.”

Dan Woo-sung replied.

“Not at all.”

Uisin pointed outside as he spoke.

“Go. I won’t watch the duel. You two won’t be able to settle this with a quick fight. The three of us will pay our respects to Master Gyogak, then head down to the foot of Guwhasan first.”

“Then, disciple… I’ll be going.”

Dan Wooseong bowed and turned to leave.

As Dan Wooseong walked toward the open space with quiet steps, gazing at the morning sun…

Kwang-shin, who had been holding back his temper and curiosity all this time, finally spoke up.

“Uisin, what the hell is going on now? Is this enough?”

With a look of intense excitement, Gwang-shin fired the question. Eui-shin looked him straight in the eye and asked.

“Have you lived diligently until now?”

“You call that a question? Of course I have.”

Uisin looked at Yoo Jeonghong.

“And you?”

Yoo Jeong-hong nodded.

“I have too.”

Uisin said.

“Then it’s settled. Leave the rest to Heaven and the King. Let’s go to Master Gyogak. I’ll explain the situation as we descend. I’m not sure if it will make sense, but these two deserve to hear it.”

Uisin jumped to his feet as if urging them to leave Guwhasan quickly.

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Suddenly, the gentleman who had greeted the morning sun opened his eyes.

Before the Great Temple, the King of Kwon stood alone, looking down at himself in the open space.

The nobleman narrowed his brows.

Because Uisin, Gwangshin, and Yujeonghong were nowhere to be seen.

‘Hmm…’

He felt somewhat peculiar. He thought that either Gwangshin or Uisin must have noticed that he disliked showing others how he fought.

The gentleman spoke to Master Gyeonja, who remained seated in the lotus position.

“Hey, Gyeonja.”

When Master Gyeonja opened his eyes, the gentleman said.

“You’ve endured much hardship. You may descend Guohua Mountain now.”

Suddenly, Jianzi turned his head. On the stone steps, King Kwon was descending alone. The other Baidao masters were nowhere to be seen.

Master Gyeon looked at the gentleman for a moment, as if unsure what to do.

Junzi said.

“Do you wish to interfere with this contest? Surely not.”

“That won’t do.”

“So you intend to ambush me? Let me tell you now—it won’t work. I have no desire to kill you, so leave Guohua Mountain. Go find Yixin, or seek out the monk master who must be somewhere… Do as you please. Master Jian, this is our parting.”

After Gyeonja rose from his seat, he asked Kwonwang, who was walking toward the open space.

“Kwonwang, why come alone? Where is Uisin?”

Danwooseong replied.

“He must have gone down. Master Gyeonja, do not interfere.”

“Disturb?”

Dan Woosung spoke while taking in the vast open space and Guwhasan Mountain.

“It’s going to be hard enough just to watch.”

When they tried to drive out even the King of Quan after the Master of Junzi, Gyeonja could do nothing about it.

Gyeonja suddenly asked the two men, hands behind his back.

“If that is your opinion, I suppose I must accept it. I have just one question. Of course, the victor here will be the greatest under heaven, right?”

Gyeonja extended his hand to Master Junja. Junja nodded.

“Of course.”

Gyeon-ja looked at Kwon-wang as if awaiting his response, but Dan-woo-seong remained silent for a moment.

He only intended to do his best.

What did it matter if he was the greatest under heaven? What did it matter if he was the greatest throughout the ages?

His mind was filled solely with thoughts of martial arts.

Suddenly, Gyeonja waited for Kwonwang’s reply, then descended Guwhasan without another word.

The King of Gwon was already in a state where he could not hear the monk’s words at all.