Chapter 1309
If the other person is you, then I must give in. (3)
“You!”
“You’ve crawled here quite well!”
Those who were encamped along the gorge rushed towards Hye Yeon in an instant.
The atmosphere was noticeably different.
While those outside the gorge were emitting the same hostility, the ones in front of him had a much sharper and refined feeling.
Swaaaack!
Two in front, two above.
Four people were charging towards Hye Yeon simultaneously. In their hands were long spears that looked to be at least a jang long.
Spears are more efficient weapons than anything else in the world. When wielded by inexperienced hands, there is no weapon easier to wield with greater effectiveness.
Of course, the length of the spear presents a fatal problem in deploying close combat techniques.
However, it’s not just here.
In the narrow path where there’s no room to evade and one must charge head-on, the power of those spears is multiplied several times over.
Moreover, Hye Yeon is a martial artist who cannot take an advantage of the spear’s length. If this disadvantages are added, the situation becomes even more serious.
Even if he could freely wield his formidable power, within this gorge, he cannot unleash it.
If by any chance the gorge were to collapse due to a misstep, the disciples of Haenam following behind would be caught in the disaster.
His specialty is rendered useless, and the matchup against the enemy is horrendously unfavorable.
Yet, despite knowing all of these circumstances, not a single doubt crept into Hye Yeon’s mind.
Kuung!
Stepping forward, Hye Yeon surged forward in an instant.
“Amitabha!”
After a brief invocation, he gently waved both hands towards the spears flying in his direction from the front.
Kagaaggang!
Spears that could split steel with their thrust, fueled by all their strength, were deflected without hesitation the moment they touched Hye Yeon’s sleeve.
Even the spears extending like a forest branched out, avoiding Hye Yeon’s body on their own accord.
Hye Yeon’s body moved, leaving behind afterimages, following the gaps created as the spears spread out.
It was the Golden Vajra Immovable Stance [금강부동보(金剛不動步) – geumgang-budongbo], one of the seventy-two techniques of Shaolin.
The martial arts of Shaolin are the essence of Central Plains.
Could one claim the title of Central Plains’ martial arts master solely based on the strength and power of one’s internal energy and muscles?
Fist, Palm, Finger, Foot [권장지각(拳掌指脚) – gwonjangjigag]; Inner and Outer Swift Steps [내외보신(內外步迅) – naeoebosin].
The essence of martial arts, utilizing the body of a person, is contained within Shaolin’s martial arts.
As Hye Yeon moved almost like an illusion, the enemies quickly withdrew their extended spears.
Rather than simply pulling, he grabbed just below the blade of the spear almost as if throwing the spear backwards.
When holding a long spear short, it becomes a short spear.
It’s a simple concept, but for those accustomed to the advantages of the spear, it was a thought they couldn’t easily entertain.
Just by seeing this immediate response, one could tell how accustomed they were to combat.
However, Hye Yeon’s ability far surpassed even their reactions.
The one who grabbed just below the blade was about to thrust forward in an instant.
If Hye Yeon needed to secure the distance for his attack, he must stop at this point.
But in that moment, Hye Yeon delved even deeper towards them, reaching distances where even throwing a punch seemed impossible.
‘What?’
Closing the gap between their shoulders in an instant, Hye Yeon planted his feet on the ground as if anchoring himself.
The force emanating from his toes surged up his legs like a whirlwind, crossing his torso and reaching his shoulders in no time.
Hye Yeon forcefully rammed the chest of the opponent in front of him with his shoulder.
Kuung!
A powerful spiraling force [나선경(螺旋勁) – naseon-gyeong], the formidable close- range technique known as Kao Fa [고법(靠法): A technique of pushing with the shoulder], charged with immense rotational power, shattered the opponent’s stance and the chest into pieces as if it were a slippery dish sliding from one’s hand.
The enemies were sent flying without even a scream.
Just by observing the fierce rotation of his body in the air, one could gauge the tremendous rotational force behind Hye Yeon’s strike.
“Ugh!”
“This bastard!”
Seizing the opportunity as their comrade was knocked back, other warriors swiftly thrust their spears forward.
However, what intercepted them was Hye Yeon’s hand, which appeared strangely twisted.
Kakak!
Another of the seventy-two techniques, Dragon Claw Hand [용조수(龍爪手) – yongjosu], as its name suggested, snatched the spears flying towards him.
Hye Yeon’s hand, which had seized three spears in an instant, unfolded as if it had a life of its own.
From the tip of his fingers, white force [지력(指力) – it’s literally called Finger Force] shot out in a straight line.
Swoosh!
The force extended like a flash, piercing through the bodies of the enemies.
“Aaargh!”
With small holes punctured in their bodies, they writhed in pain, blood pouring out.
It was the renowned technique of Shaolin, Divine Power at One’s Fingertips [탄지신통(彈指神通) – tanji-sintong], showcasing its legendary power through Hye Yeon’s hand.
“You, you damn bastard!”
Someone from behind shouted furiously and thrust a spear forward. But this time, without any preparatory movement, Hye Yeon’s leg swung horizontally in response.
No, it wasn’t swung but rather ‘stopped’ would be the more appropriate term.
The part of the spear that touched his toe was cleanly sliced off as if it had been cut by a sharp sword.
“With the foot…?”
The warrior was too astonished to even consider retrieving the spear he had thrust.
Hye Yeon lowered his posture in front of the severed spearhead.
“Amitabha.”
Hye Yeon’s palm lightly tapped the severed end of the spearhead, as if a child reaching out their hand.
But the result was anything but light.
Thwooooom!
The kinetic force of the Thousand Buddha Bell [천불종(千佛鐘) – cheonbuljong] channeled through Hye Yeon’s hand, resonated through the long spear like a tolling bell.
“Thunk!”
“Ugh, ugh-weh!”
Those who were rushing forward all simultaneously spat out blood.
The moment they felt the resonating vibration, their insides involuntarily collapsed. Even those at the rear, who only felt the shockwave, were affected.
One could easily imagine the fate of those directly struck in the front.
Like a bell struck against a wooden beam, the man who had been convulsing violently collapsed, spewing blood from all possible holes.
“Amitabha.”
As his body slumped forward, Hye Yeon reached out his arm to gently support him.
Then, he gently laid the man down on the ground.
Taking a slight breath, he looked ahead, and the tightly formed ranks of Sapa warriors hesitated, swallowing dryly.
It was inevitable.
From fist techniques to weapon techniques, and from advanced techniques to supplementary techniques and even internal energy cultivation, it seemed as if all martial arts in the world flowed from Hye Yeon’s hands.
Whether in sparring or in matters of life and death, one must anticipate the opponent’s attacks.
However, predicting his movements was simply impossible. All martial arts that could be unleashed without weapons seemed to emanate from his fingertips.
Such was the essence of the martial arts of Shaolin, the home of martial arts in the Central Plains.
Even though he had left Shaolin behind on his own terms, Hye Yeon was the one who seamlessly inherited its essence as much as martial arts.
The purification of the thousand-year-old Shaolin’s martial arts was fully manifested in the tip of his fist.
Faced with the profound essence of his martial arts, those who opposed him felt immensely powerless.
The depth of his martial arts was so profound that it resembled a lake which bottom could never be seen by human eye.
With a firm grip, Hye Yeon clenched his fist silently.
Could he have fought like this in the past?
It would have been impossible.
Knowing something and putting it into practice are two different things.
No matter how much you learn and acquire, making it truly your own is a separate issue.
The same applies to Buddhism.
‘Knowing is not enough.’
Where among those who study Buddhism can you find someone who doesn’t understand the meaning conveyed in the scriptures? Yet, even though everyone knows it, no one truly comprehends its meaning.
Sitting only within the confines of a narrow temple, one can’t know anything.
What the Buddha desired was for individuals to attain enlightenment on their own and thereby save sentient beings.
Without understanding the lives of the beings they seek to save, they cannot realize anything.
Before leaving Shaolin, he merely lingered on the surface of martial arts, not embodying its essence.
What allowed him to embody it was rigorous training and challenging real-life experiences.
No longer content with mere knowledge, he finally embraced the path he sought to walk.
This transformation was fueled by his relentless curiosity and the challenging realities he had to face.
‘Shaolin.’
Hye Yeon wanted to shout, urging it to open its tightly closed doors and venture out into the world.
It needed to cast off its arrogance and return to the life of a true monk.
There is a certain arrogance in believing that Shaolin alone should be responsible for all actions carried out under the guise of saving the world and Gangho.
How could they not know this? Even as they discuss lofty ideals, blood is shed in some corner of the world. Someone, somewhere, dies with an empty stomach.
Their merciful gaze, debating larger meanings, only looks where the sun shines. That’s why he must be here, without a doubt.
Even if Shaolin was not mistaken, it would be the same.
It’s an undeniable fact that there are parts of the world where Shaolin’s light doesn’t reach.
The one who should look into that place is none other than Hye Yeon, who has stepped out there on his own feet.
“I won’t step back,”
he said, closing his eyes with determination.
In his resolute gaze upon opening his eyes again, he uttered.
“If you do, just forgive me.”
With a swift movement, he dashed forward.
Pushing aside the spears thrusting at him and twisting the nonexistent path, he took another step forward.
It was a path no disciple of Shaolin had ever walked before.
As a disciple of Shaolin, yet one who refused to be recognized as such, he walks that path.
It’s lonely, painful, and each step is filled with uncertainty.
However, the reason Hye Yeon can tread this path is simple.
“Where are you going, you bastards!”
Suddenly, a swift sword from behind intercepts a spear aimed at his neck.
Hye Yeon, sensing the situation without even looking up, smiled faintly. Yes, he is still a bit uncomfortable with them.
Furthermore, the path Hye Yeon walks is a thorny one that no one can assist with, a path he must tread alone.
Yet until he reaches his destination, they will always watch his back, ready to support him whenever needed.
They don’t need to push him forward – just walking alongside him brings comfort.
That’s just human nature.
“Stop showing off, Jo Geol Dojang!”
“Huh? Oh, um…?”
Hye Yeon didn’t wait for Jo Geol’s response and briskly moved forward.
Despite Jo Geol shouting something from behind, Hye Yeon just smiled.
‘It’s uncomfortable.’
That’s why it holds greater significance.
Because it’s easy for people who don’t have any inconveniences to move forward together.
Trying to stay together even in the face of all kinds of difficulties.
They lean on each other’s backs even in the face of various difficulties, for that’s what it means to be human.
“Ami-ta-bha! Come forth!”
With Hye Yeon’s resounding roar, his fist struck out.
Though the blade grazed his cheek and blood spurted, Hye Yeon paid it no mind and continued forward.
One step.
Then another.
If not him, then someone else would have to endure the path of suffering silently.
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