At my question, the being who called himself the Great Emperor Zhenwu seemed momentarily taken aback before erupting into rich, booming laughter.
“Alright, what do you want?”
“What can you give me…”
.
.
.
“…”
My eyes snapped open.
I sat up, tilting my head in confusion.
‘What was that just now? A dream? I think I was dreaming.’
I struggled to piece together the fragments, but like all dreams, only wisps of memory lingered.
‘It didn’t feel unpleasant, though…’
During breakfast at one of the guest hall’s restaurants, Master Baek Mun approached our table to inform us that the disciples assigned as our guides would arrive after midday.
‘Perfect. Before they arrive, I can explore the areas open to visitors.’
After finishing my meal, I stepped outside the guest hall with my Escort Guards in tow.
“Just like yesterday, the morning view of the Wudang Sect takes your breath away.”
Palgap’s observation drew a nod from Escort Guard Seo Wu.
“To think we’re actually visiting the Wudang Sect—one of the twin pillars of the Orthodox Martial World! I’m deeply moved.”
The other three Escort Guards murmured their agreement. Watching them, I could grasp what a place like the Wudang Sect meant to those who walked the path of Orthodox martial arts.
But in my previous life, more than half of this sacred ground lay in ruins, with barely half the disciples surviving.
The surviving masters managed to preserve the lineage, but the already struggling Wudang Sect had declined to the point where maintaining operations became nearly impossible.
Forest bandits had grown bold enough to prowl the very borders of Wudang territory, harassing travelers who dared pass through.
Before the sect’s decline, those same bandits wouldn’t have dreamed of operating anywhere near Wudang lands.
Our merchant group had suffered considerable losses during those dark times.
The more I dwelt on it, the more bitter the taste that filled my mouth.
With such heavy thoughts weighing on me—so different from my companions’ wonder—I toured the areas permitted to visitors.
Though we saw only a tiny fraction of the vast Wudang Sect, the grounds were so expansive that by the time we’d covered everything, lunch hour had arrived.
.
.
.
After our midday meal, the promised guides appeared.
Daoist Gong Ryun and Daoist Mu Un, who had greeted us the day before, bowed respectfully.
“We meet again.”
“Yes, we’ve received orders to guide the Handsome Young Hero and his party.”
“We’ll be in your care.”
And so we crossed into the inner sanctum, forbidden to ordinary visitors.
Around our necks hung the special passes we’d received from the guest hall head earlier—privileges granted by yesterday’s audience with the Sect Leader himself.
Without these tokens, wandering so deep into the inner sanctum would be impossible unless one belonged to the Wudang Sect.
Fingering the permission pass at my throat, memories of my visit to the Tang Clan surfaced unbidden.
‘I wonder how Young Lady Tang and Jo-ung are faring.’
We passed through the gate that divided inner from outer grounds. At once, a world both familiar and entirely different unfolded before us.
“This place is…”
“Yes, this is the true face of our sect.”
The buildings, weathered but lovingly maintained, exuded an air of timeless dignity.
Across the polished bluestone courtyard, Wudang disciples trained with spirited shouts that echoed off the walls.
“Truly magnificent.”
My words brought a flash of pride to Daoist Gong Ryun’s features.
“The martial art being practiced over there is our sect’s greatest treasure—Tai Chi Quan. And that group is working on the Three Talents Sword Art.”
“You mean the actual Tai Chi Quan and Three Talents Sword Art?”
Tai Chi Quan and the Three Talents Sword Art were staples among the cheap martial arts manuals peddled by wandering merchants in marketplaces everywhere.
Of course, those were crude forgeries that shared only the names.
If genuine secret manuals of Tai Chi Quan or the Three Talents Sword Art were actually circulating, the Wudang Sect would never have tolerated it.
“As expected, the authentic versions are in a completely different league.”
Daoist Gong Ryun’s chest swelled with obvious pride.
“Naturally.”
We made our way toward a particular building, where Daoist Gong Ryun requested our patience.
“Please wait here a moment. I must inform those inside that we have visitors.”
“Of course. We’ll wait.”
Daoist Gong Ryun disappeared into the building, leaving Daoist Mu Un as our companion.
I glanced toward the disciples practicing Tai Chi Quan and the Three Talents Sword Art, then turned to Daoist Mu Un.
“Daoist Mu Un, what level have you reached in Tai Chi Quan and the Three Talents Sword Art?”
“I haven’t mastered them yet.”
He continued, a note of weariness creeping into his voice.
“I’ve been a disciple for nearly five years, but my slow progress isn’t due to lack of talent. We only practice these two martial arts until the next generation arrives. The advancement is painfully gradual—we repeat the same forms for months on end.”
“I see.”
I’d heard that the Wudang Sect formally accepted new disciples only once every eight years.
“So you’ll be practicing those same two arts for another three years.”
“Exactly.”
Perhaps because he’d lacked someone to confide in, or maybe because no one had shown him such understanding before, his frustrations poured out.
“Honestly, I’m exhausted by it all. Repeating, repeating, and repeating again.”
“I can imagine.”
“Really, why do they force us to practice only these two martial arts for so long…”
Mid-complaint, he gasped and clamped a hand over his mouth.
He’d suddenly remembered I was an outsider.
‘A slip typical of youth.’
“Those words just now—please consider them mere rambling.”
I tilted my head with feigned confusion.
“I’m sorry, what are you referring to? Did you say something to me, Daoist?”
I turned to the Escort Guards.
“Did any of you hear Daoist Mu Un speak?”
“We heard nothing.”
Then I addressed Palgap.
“Did you catch anything?”
“Catch what, sir?”
Daoist Mu Un cupped his fist gratefully.
“Thank you.”
I chuckled and smoothly steered the conversation elsewhere.
“What are your thoughts on the Wudang Sect, Daoist?”
“Our sect boasts a long and illustrious history, naturally. I’m proud to be a Wudang disciple.”
“As you say, the Wudang Sect is truly remarkable. They wouldn’t emphasize these two martial arts without good reason. I believe there’s wisdom behind their methods.”
“Do you have any insights into why that might be?”
“In my humble opinion, I believe those two arts form the foundation upon which all Wudang martial arts are built.”
I gestured expressively.
“Consider a tower. The taller it grows, the broader and stronger its base must be, correct?”
“Ah…”
“I believe the Wudang Sect wants all disciples to reach the highest possible levels, which is why they invest so much time in building that foundation.”
Daoist Mu Un’s eyes brightened with sudden understanding.
“How foolish I’ve been. Thanks to your words, Handsome Young Hero, I feel I’ve found the path I must walk.”
“I’m delighted if my simple thoughts proved helpful.”
I smiled warmly at his gratitude.
In truth, the eight-year requirement for practicing only Tai Chi Quan and the Three Talents Sword Art wasn’t solely about foundational training.
Naturally, drilling only two basic martial arts meant endless, mind-numbing repetition.
But learning martial arts itself was a series of tedious repetitions.
Those who couldn’t overcome such monotony would never reach true mastery.
And a person’s fundamental nature rarely changed.
In other words, it also served to identify disciples worthy of advanced training.
I’d learned in my past life that before accepting the next generation, they tested the achievements of the most recently admitted disciples.
If their mastery of Tai Chi Quan and the Three Talents Sword Art fell below certain standards, they couldn’t advance further and had to leave the mountain.
Becoming a Wudang disciple was difficult enough—becoming a true member was even more demanding.
“What a fascinating conversation.”
The voice that suddenly spoke behind us sent cold sweat trickling down my spine.
Because my senses hadn’t detected his approach at all.
When I spun around hastily, an elderly man stood before us.
Seeing him, Daoist Mu Un immediately cupped his fist and bowed deeply.
“T-Twenty-sixth generation disciple Mu Un greets the Elder!”
Realizing the man’s identity from this reaction, we also cupped our fists respectfully.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Deputy Merchant Lord of the Eunhae Merchant Group. It’s an honor to meet a Wudang Elder. These are my attendant and Escort Guards. We’re touring the sect with the Sect Leader’s permission.”
“I see. I am Jin Jeong.”
Elder Jin Jeong offered us a slight nod.
“I understand you made a substantial donation to our sect this time.”
“A modest contribution, but I hope it benefits the Wudang Sect.”
“It helps greatly. Thank you.”
Just then, Daoist Gong Ryun emerged from the building. Spotting Elder Jin Jeong, he quickly cupped his fist in greeting.
Elder Jin Jeong departed with a faint smile, encouraging us to enjoy our tour, and we entered the building.
It was a place dedicated to studying the Dao. Since the Wudang Sect was a sacred site of Daoism, the Dao naturally formed its foundation.
After exploring the hall for some time, we moved to another location.
As we continued our tour of the Wudang Sect, I noticed an area under heavy guard by disciples.
Peering past them, I glimpsed a small pavilion wrapped in iron chains and sacred ropes.
‘Wait… that place?’
Suddenly, last night’s dream—previously as hazy as morning mist—came flooding back with crystal clarity.
That was undoubtedly the place from my dream.
In my dream, I’d encountered someone calling himself the Great Emperor Zhenwu, who’d commanded me to prevent a bloodbath.
And I had…
‘Right… I made a deal.’
‘Making deals even in dreams—I really am a merchant to my core.’
The Great Emperor Zhenwu had asked me to prevent the bloodbath on Mount Wudang, and I’d asked what he would offer in return.
He’d promised to reveal one secret of heaven.
I had no idea what kind of secret it might be, but he’d assured me it would prove beneficial, so I’d agreed.
‘Surely someone like the Great Emperor Zhenwu wouldn’t try to swindle me.’
‘But still… a bloodbath…’
If the Great Emperor Zhenwu called it a bloodbath, it was no trivial matter.
And the fact that he’d spoken of it here meant the Blood Cultist was sealed within that heavily guarded pavilion.
“Ah! You mustn’t approach that place!”
Daoist Mu Un pulled me back. I feigned ignorance and asked him.
“What is that place?”
“They say anyone who goes there turns into a monster.”
“A monster?”
At my question, Daoist Gong Ryun elaborated.
“Yes. I’ve heard that the monster who once spilled blood across Mount Wudang is imprisoned there. So if you get too close, you’re cursed and transformed into a monster yourself.”
“Then we must keep our distance.”
I didn’t know how they’d explained the Blood Cultist to make him sound like a monster, but considering the blood he’d spilled on this mountain, calling him a monster wasn’t entirely wrong.
‘So I’ve found where the Blood Cultist is sealed, but how could such heavy security be breached?’
The visible surveillance alone was formidable, and the hidden watchers must be even more thorough.
If it were a simple frontal assault, surely the Wudang masters wouldn’t simply stand by?
The bigger problem was how to extend my stay here.
Typically, those delivering donations remained only a day or two before departing.
From the Wudang Sect’s perspective, the longer guests stayed, the more attention they required.
Anything longer demanded proper justification.
Whether I was to prevent the Blood Cultist’s escape or stop the bloodbath, I needed to remain here first.
It was then that everything changed.
“Look out! D-dodge!”
A voice rang out from somewhere above. I looked up to see a wooden sword—apparently broken during sparring—plummeting toward us.
“Young Master, it’s dangerous!”
Palgap shoved me aside and took the full impact of the falling wooden sword.
“Ow!”
“Palgap!”
“Ow, I’m dying! Ow!”
“I-I’m sorry! So sorry!”
Chaos erupted in an instant.
‘The broken wooden sword came flying, but was it really enough to catch Palgap off guard?’
Palgap was currently learning martial arts from Escort Guard Jin Yu, and despite his appearance, he was surprisingly agile.
There was no way he couldn’t have tracked where the wooden sword would fall.
Even if he couldn’t predict it, he should have easily dodged.
‘Could it have been… intentional?’
.
.
.
Palgap was carried to the guest hall, where a physician quickly arrived.
“How is my attendant?”
“Shock injuries can sometimes manifest symptoms later, so we’ll need to monitor his condition. Please have him rest for several days.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
The physician departed, leaving his instructions.
Baek Mun, who had remained in the room, offered his apologies.
“I’m truly sorry things turned out this way.”
“Not at all. It was an unavoidable accident. However, since the physician recommends rest, it seems we’ll need to extend our stay by a few days.”
“Of course, you must.”
The guest hall head assured me he would make arrangements and left the room.
Once we were alone, Palgap—still lying in bed—chuckled quietly.
“Young Master, how was my acting?”
His words drew an involuntary chuckle from me as well.
–TL Notes–
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