A Reversed Fate
Dao Yuetian.
After five years of seclusion, he achieved remarkable martial prowess, but that did not mean he had reached the pinnacle of martial arts when he ended his seclusion.
He grows significantly three times in the novel.
The first is after experiencing the cmity of his n’s annihtion. The second growth urs after he unlocks the secrets of the ck Path.
However, Dao Yuetian, with his average talent, did not immediately be powerful just because he acquired the divine techniques of the ck Path.
After toppling Cheonryu Sangdan, he went into seclusion again for a year before he could resume his quest for revenge.
It was only possible for him to emerge in a year because he had perfected the “Swift Lightning One sh,” the first technique of the Celestial sh Sword Art.
Dao Yuetian, recognizing his own limitations, chose to master only the “Swift Lightning One sh” from the Celestial sh Sword Art written in the ck Path before descending the mountain again.“Even so, since he acquired it four and a half years earlier this time, won’t his skill progress faster?” Mu-jin wondered, yet Dao Yuetian’s expression appeared ratherplicated.
“This sword technique, you say?”
Dao Yuetian, with a troubled look, nced at his father.
The head of the n was Dao Ji-hwan, and he believed that his father should be the one to learn the technique first.
It aligned with the era’s sense of duty.
“If things go that way, Dao Yuetian might never master the sword technique, even after many years.”
At over forty years old, Dao Ji-hwan had not yet perfected even a half-baked imitation of the Celestial sh Sword Art. How long would it take for him to master the real thing?
Luckily, for Mu-jin, Dao Ji-hwan shook his head at his son’s gaze.
“If the words of our ancestors and Master Mu-jin’s story are true, then the martial art written in this ck Path can only be learned by those who have already mastered the original Celestial sh Sword Art. Even if I start learning now, when would I everplete it?”
“Father, the same applies to me. I am still struggling with just the Swift Lightning One sh due to my inadequacies.”
“Master Mu-jin seems to have considered that point and advised you to learn this martial art.”
Indeed, the wisdom of age could not be underestimated. Dao Ji-hwan disyed a keen insight.
“You said Master Mu-jin advised you to focus solely on the Swift Lightning One sh. Given that our Celestial sh Sword Art and the martial art written in this ck Path are connected, it seems Master Mu-jin believes you can at leastplete the first technique written here.”
Mu-jin added a confirming statement to Dao Ji-hwan’s urate deduction.
“If Dao Yuetian undergoes grueling training, he can transcend the first technique and reach a level beyond the sword art itself.”
This certainty came from reading the novel.
Perhaps because Dao Ji-hwan and Mu-jin both showed confident gazes, Dao Yuetian took the ck Path with a resolute face.
“Though I am stillcking, I will undergo grueling training to meet your expectations.”
Seeing the image of Dao Yuetian he had imagined while reading the novel, Mu-jin smiled contentedly.
It was a smile that bore a resemnce to the one his father, Dao Ji-hwan, often wore.
For a moment, the warm atmosphere lingered. Dao Ji-hwan then asked Mu-jin an important question.
“Master Mu-jin, when do you n to leave?”
“I intended to discuss this. If it is agreeable to you all, I propose we go to Shaolin Temple together.”
“Together to Shaolin Temple?”
“Now that the Celestial sh Sword’s true nature has been revealed, many will target Cheon Seom Moon. For your safety, it would be best to go together.”
“Couldn’t we simply transcribe the essential points of the martial art and encase the Celestial sh Sword in iron again?”
“The ones who attacked us will not give up after one failed attempt. They will return with stronger forces.”
“Hmm…”
Dao Ji-hwan fell silent at Mu-jin’s exnation.
For generations, they had lived in Jeongan-hyeon under the name Cheon Seom Moon.
Leaving thend their ancestors had cultivated and fleeing was an understandablyplicated decision.
Fortunately, Dao Ji-hwan’s deliberation did notst long.
“Master Mu-jin, I have one request.”
“Please, tell me.”
“Is it possible for the disciples of our n to apany us in the move to Deungbong-hyeon, where Shaolin Temple is located?”
Originally, Dao Ji-hwan would have refused such a proposal.
However, having witnessed the death of his disciples, he realized the lives of those who trusted and followed him were more important than the n’s location.
Mu-jin had no intention of ignoring his desire to save his disciples.
“Any disciple wishing toe is wee to join.”
“Not knowing when another attack might ur, I will exin the situation to the disciples and prepare to leave immediately.”
“Having fought through thete hours of the night, you must rest first. It will be difficult for them to mount another assault within a day or two.”
“Very well.”
* * *
Mu-jin and hispanions slept in the residence provided by Dao Ji-hwan.
The following morning, Dao Ji-hwan briefly held a funeral for the fallen disciples and exined the situation to the remaining n members.
As a result, about two-thirds of the survivors decided to follow Dao Ji-hwan to Deungbong-hyeon.
“Since we have about a day’s time, those with family in Jeongan-hyeon should take this opportunity to say their goodbyes. We will depart for Deungbong-hyeon this evening.”
Following Dao Ji-hwan’s instructions, the members of Cheon Seom Moon dispersed.
As Cheon Seom Moon emptied, Mu-jin spoke to Dao Yuetian.
“Dao Yuetian, would you be able to demonstrate the Swift Lightning One sh?”
It could be seen as impolite to ask a member of another sect to disy their martial art.
However, Dao Yuetian, without any suspicion of Mu-jin trying to steal or counter his technique, readily agreed.
“It’s time for my training. Let’s go to the training ground.”
Following Dao Yuetian’s guidance, Mu-jin arrived at the private training ground used only by the head and the young master.
In the center of the training ground, Dao Yuetian began his usual training, seemingly unaffected by Mu-jin’s presence.
With deep breaths, he slowly moved his body and de, practicing the Swift Lightning One sh.
Observing his internal energy and muscle movements, he gradually increased the speed of the Swift Lightning One sh in a painfully methodical training regimen.
After hundreds of swings, the sound of Dao Yuetian’s de finally began to outpace the air.
After a few more swings…
“Hoo.”
Afterpleting one session, Dao Yuetian collected his energy with a deep breath.
“Thest technique you demonstrated, was it the fastest Quicker-Than-Light sh that Shiju-nim could execute?”
“Yes, Mu-jin.”
Mu-jin nodded thoughtfully at Dao Yuetian’s response.
“Indeed. It’s fast, but not quite there yet.”
Dao Yuetian’s speed had begun to surpass sound, but this only applied to the speed of his final strikes. For masters beyond his level, they could easily evade or block his moves by anticipating his stance and muscle movements.
Confirming Dao Yuetian’s current level, Mu-jin addressed him.
“Have you examined the true Quicker-Than-Light sh technique described in the Cheon Seom Moon manual?”
“I haven’t read it in detail yet.”
“That’s good. It would be better to master the Quicker-Than-Light sh from the Cheon Seom Moon manual after moving to Deungbong-hyeon.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to start training as soon as possible? Or is it because my current Quicker-Than-Light sh isn’t adequate?”
Dao Yuetian’s question made Mu-jin shake his head.
Mu-jin wasn’t aware of the Quicker-Than-Light sh’s specifics, nor could he ascertain how perfectly Dao Yuetian had mastered it. However, he did know how Dao Yuetian trained and the issues he encountered in the novel.
“The Cheon Seom Moon sword technique is said to be a half-interpretation, but that pertains to the internal energy method. There shouldn’t be significant differences in the forms of each move. As far as I can tell, Dao Yuetian Shiju-nim has reached an advanced level in the form of the Quicker-Than-Light sh.”
“So why should I avoid learning the Quicker-Than-Light sh from the Cheon Seom Moon manual?”
“As I mentioned, the form is the same, but the internal energy method is different. You’re currently well-versed with your version of the Quicker-Than-Light sh. Are you confident you can distinguish and use them urately, especially in a real fight?”
Dao Yuetiancked the exceptional talent of someone like Mu-gyeong, who could replicate an opponent’s technique after a few observations. The Quicker-Than-Light sh required handling the essence of speed. To execute it perfectly, one needed to bypass thought and rely solely on ingrained movements.
Learning a new technique with different internal energy methods but simr stances could slow down his movements or, in severe cases, cause internal energy conflicts leading to serious injuries. In the novel, Dao Yuetian realized this issue and chose to retreat for intense training.
During his year-long seclusion, he focused on forgetting his old internal energy methods and ingraining the new ones. He could only descend the mountain once his body instinctively followed the new internal energy methods whenever he decided to strike.
“While heading to Deungbong-hyeon, there might be unexpected attacks. Until you can fully concentrate on your training environment, forget the Quicker-Than-Light sh from the Cheon Seom Moon manual.”
“I will do as you advise.”
Dao Yuetian epted Mu-jin’s advice willingly, finding it reasonable.
“Then, could you put down your sword and mimic my posture for a moment? There’s something I need to check.”
Mu-jin asked Dao Yuetian to perform various postures: standing at attention, bending to touch the floor, bncing on one leg, and walking ten steps.
Dao Yuetian, who had grown to trust Mu-jin significantly, followed these instructions without question. Observing Dao Yuetian, Mu-jin noted, “As I thought… Your body’s bnce hasn’tpletely deteriorated yet.”
Mu-jin recalled the novel’s description of Dao Yuetian’s body as almost grotesquely twisted from repeated Quicker-Than-Light sh training. His body had be specialized for the technique, losing its natural bnce and appearing abnormal.
To achieve such speed, one had to transform their body into a vessel that executed the Quicker-Than-Light sh as naturally as breathing, with no visible prelude to the strike. This was why even knowing the move wouldn’t help opponents counter it.
For Dao Yuetian to reach this level, he needed to continue his extreme training, warping his body to an inhuman state. This notion deeply conflicted with Mu-jin, who had studied physical health and rehabilitation.
Yet, for the impending battle with Shinchun, Dao Yuetian’s strength was indispensable, especially after confirming that Hyeok Jin-gang wasn’t the main antagonist behind the hidden forces.
Despite his reservations, Mu-jin focused on what he could do.
“Have you felt any difort in your shoulders, waist, or wrists during training?”
“Compared to the grief of losing family and brothers, such pain is insignificant.”
Dao Yuetian’s response, recalling his lost brothers, was heavy with sorrow. Mu-jin sat on the ground, stretching his legs, and said, “Though it can’tpare, you need not endure all the pain. Follow my lead.”
Mu-jin demonstrated various stretching exercises to Dao Yuetian.
“Perform these stretches before and after training to alleviate some pain.”
Mu-jin couldn’t stop Dao Yuetian’s grueling training but hoped to ease his pain during the process.
* * *
Several hourster, as the members of Cheon Seom Moon returned and prepared to depart for Deungbong-hyeon…
Thump! Thump! Thump!
“Is anyone here? We’vee from Cheonryu Sangdan!”
A visitor arrived unexpectedly at Cheon Seom Moon. A disciple near the entrance opened the door to find a middle-aged man hurriedly looking around the hall.
“Is Kang-hyuk here?”
“I am Choi Kang-hyuk. Has something happened to Cheonryu Sangdan?”
Mu-jin sensed the urgency and asked with concern. The response, however, was slightly tangential.
“This is a letter from Miss Jegal Jin-hee, asking for it to be delivered urgently!”
The middle-aged man handed over a letter from Jegal Jin-hee.