633 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 633: The Holy Flame Jade Spear It all began when I first found inspiration. It was right after I had finished a duel with the Baekcheon Sword Master and shared a brief conversation with my father. Father had instructed me to understand what the rotation, rather than compression, truly meant in the Guyeomhwarungong technique. What does the term 'rotation' signify? Furthermore, what is the inherent meaning embedded in the Guyeomhwarungong itself? Initially, I lived believing it was merely an art to manipulate flames. That was my life once. Now, it is a second life. Just that one piece of advice from my father began to paint a different world in my mind. Perhaps, the essence of Guyeomhwarungong isn't simply to create flames. Maybe it emphasizes rapidly rotating them instead. Instead of crafting a ring of fire and emitting heat from within, What if the flames emerge as a consequence of spinning that ring quickly? Such a shift in perspective altered how I practiced and displayed martial arts. Rotation. Hence, 'rotation.' With that thought, I took steps forward. I strove to use rotating flames instead of focusing on releasing gigantic flames. No matter which martial arts technique I practiced from our family, I tried to incorporate rotation. Several years passed living this way. While training to use the Flame Jade more powerfully, an idea emerged. Watching as the Flame Jade compressed in my hand and spun with flame, I casually tossed it into the air. Boom-! Witnessing the Flame Jade explode in the sky stirred a unique emotion within me. The difference between the Flame Jade my father threw and the one I crafted and hurled. It wasn’t just about the power. Father’s martial art had something distinctly different. Perhaps it was the variation in rotation levels aside from the difference in mastery. ‘Hmm.’ The compression taught by Shin Noya. And the rotation of the Flame Jade. As I quietly observed these elements, a new aspiration emerged. A fundamental question arose. Though the Flame Jade was designed for explosive impact, could its power escalate with enhanced rotation? Its simple spherical design made it convenient to throw. Here, Here I conceived a hypothesis. A martial art technique of enhanced rotation to throw. Given its spherical shape, it's naturally easy to grasp, but what if: ‘Sharpen its appearance and further strengthen its rotation?’ Could it generate tremendous destructive force? That was the thought. It was a mad idea. The Flame Jade is a completed martial art already challenging in execution. The use condition is Huagyeong, after all. It requires compressing heat, continuously rotating it, and demands extremely delicate internal manipulation to maintain. That’s why its simplest form becomes a sphere. Merely maintaining it is challenging. To alter its shape and enhance its rotation? There’s no way the Flame Jade could endure that. Attempting it would inevitably result in an explosion with a backlash of contained heat. How do I know this so precisely? I wish I didn’t. Boom! ‘Young master-!!’ ‘Aaaah!’ Damn it. ****************** Barely survived. That would be the accurate way to describe it. The reason for failure was that I forcibly attempted to change the shape of the Flame Jade. Containing immense fiery force and rotating based on countless spins, Trying to forcibly twist its shape resulted in an explosion due to its inability to withstand it. As a result, the arm casting it was engulfed in flames, the skin charred. The body took a direct hit from the explosion, leaving my insides and bones shattered. Had I not possessed the essence of the dragon's body, Or if Shen Yi had not been with the Gu family at the time? The thought of such an ending was not something I wished to imagine. Thanks to tremendous regenerative power, I managed to barely restore my body to normal. "You madman." Pejon uttered as he looked at me. "They say madness brings disaster, and you’ve truly gone insane now." [...] Even seeing Pejon's scornful expression, I had nothing to say. "Attempting to unilaterally enhance martial arts? Especially an extreme-level martial art? You might as well have wished for death!" His cold reprimand made me lower my already bowed head further. "I didn’t expect it would turn out like this…" "The fact you didn’t know at your level is infuriating. It would be less shameful to call yourself an idiot." Even my feeble excuse was promptly rebuked. Having reached Huagyeong, the fact that I was unaware of its danger was indeed embarrassing. Honestly, I knew. I knew it was dangerous. I understood the potential scale of disaster. Yet, I tried it anyway. Perhaps, that was the very reason for Pejon’s anger. "You went beyond mere alterations, aiming to fundamentally shift the foundation. Did you truly not comprehend the enormity of that act?" […] I knew there were modified martial arts utilizing Guyeomtaeryunhwa through enlarging flames. Such techniques were not overly complicated as they employed slight modifications within a similar framework. However, my attempt was vastly more problematic. Trying to alter the very form led to martial arts revolt and explosion. The explosion was so severe I nearly perished. "It surpassed what you could handle. While staking your life on it, you overstepped that boundary." "…Yes." I nodded guiltily. Nearly dying while training martial arts was nothing shorter than an utterly futile death when there’s so much left undone. Thus, I resolved never to attempt it again. Just as I reached that conclusion. "However." Pejon looked at me and said, "I think the attempt itself isn’t entirely negative." "…What?" His statement left me puzzled. After reprimanding me so thoroughly, to say the attempt wasn’t all bad? "It could be worth a try. But your current capability falls severely short to handle it." "…Do you mean it’s something I could reconsider upon reaching a higher degree?" "I wouldn't know. I am not adept in that martial art. For a precise answer, consult your father." "Ah, my father is somewhat…" Even before encountering Pejon, I had just barely survived a scolding that felt like it was going to tear me apart. Since my return, I had never seen my father so enraged. I was genuinely terrified—I nearly disgraced myself. If Lady Mi hadn’t appeared to defuse the situation just when voices were about to rise, who knows what might have happened? Pejon looked at me with an expression of disdain. "I won't tell you not to attempt it. Just proceed with caution." "…You won’t stop me, even if trying might kill me?" "If you were the kind of person to stop just because I said so, you wouldn’t have done such reckless things in the first place." A point well made. "If you were that sort of person, I'd find no interest in teaching you. Besides," Pejon chuckled softly. "Martial artists grow by almost dying a few times while honing their skills." If that’s the kind of terrifying growth it required, I wasn’t particularly interested. I briefly entertained the thought but didn't voice it. Pejon, having delivered his words with a smile, then turned serious and addressed me. "However, at least with this martial art, do not attempt it again until you reach the realm of enlightenment." I nodded to Pejon’s warning without a word. Normally, Pejon would encourage attempts, but this time, he urged against it. His words implied that attempting it without reaching that level could be truly catastrophic. "If you die, wouldn’t it be a waste of life?" I couldn't help but feel moved by his concern for my life. Yes, no matter how tough he seemed, he was still a mentor. I considered saying something nice, just this once, but then— "You’ve still got a mountain of martial arts to learn ahead." [...] My expression crumpled at Pejon’s revelation. Something seemed off in his words. "Elder, if I might ask…" Could it be that his anger stemmed from the thought that injury would prevent me from learning more martial arts? I posed the question with that implication. "What kind of nonsense is that?" Pejon’s incredulous reaction let me breathe a sigh of relief internally. Surely, no matter how insane a person might be, they wouldn’t value martial arts over their injured disciple… "Obviously, it’s frustrating if you get hurt because it means you can’t learn martial arts. Do you have any idea how many things I still have to teach you?" [...] "Take care of your body. There’s a long road ahead." Damn it. That was the day the last shred of respect I held for Pejon crumbled to dust. Anyway, in conclusion— Fwoosh—! Most of what Pejon said at the time was factual. If you wish to refine the Flame Jade, you must, at the very least, reach the realm of enlightenment. I think I finally understand what he meant by that. As soon as I entered this realm, things that were once invisible became clear. Buzz—! A great heat amassed in my eyes. Though there was pain, overwhelming joy preceded it. I can see it. The countless lines emanating from the Flame Jade. The flow of my energy, poured to sustain this small orb. The relentless rotation necessary to maintain that form. I see the martial art. Instead of just executing it, I see it. Attempts I've never tried before now become possible as my eyes open, and my body feels. It’s the first time. Seeing martial arts with such admiration. To be astonished by my well-used martial art is a revelation. ‘It’s incredible.’ The Flame Jade martial art is far more challenging than I imagined. And complex. To utilize the Flame Jade, one must reach Huagyeong. Now I understand why. Until now, I had thought it was just a condition. Delving deeper, it’s not a simple reason. The Flame Jade consumes a lot of internal energy. However, it’s not to the extent that it can’t be used. Still, why set Huagyeong as the standard? Because it requires a body capable of enduring the Flame Jade. Because it demands the ability to control the compression and rotation of energy. And that standard was Huagyeong. You need to reach Huagyeong to wield it. Now I understand the reason clearly. ‘Attempting to use it without experiencing that.’ Back when I would try using the Flame Jade during my peak of maturity and repeatedly face its backlash. ‘…It was half-forceful.’ In hindsight, it was forceful. Thanks to pre-regression experience, I could somewhat use it, but even that was not without strain. After understanding, it becomes more evident. ‘So, that’s how it is.’ Epiphanies stack up systematically. Martial arts are about understanding. It’s not simply using internal energy and circulating mental skills, but comprehending why it can be used. Understanding how it works as a force. One must comprehend each aspect. This realization resonates within me, slowly. The ensuing vibration dismantled the subtle wall that had remained within. Crash. I feel the debris crumble from within. ‘Attaining enlightenment during a battle; it’s absurd.’ Something I always hoped for found me amid intense confrontation. It was humorous. Moreover, ‘It’s a fortunate thing.’ A peculiar sense of gratitude washed over—a pure emotion amidst shortcomings. I waved my hand. Fwoooosh—!!! The Flame Jade spun more fiercely. Yet, it wasn't about simply strengthening the rotation. It involved deepening the flow of internal energy. My approach shifted. The minor change yielded more than I imagined. Swoosh—! The surrounding air drew into the Flame Jade. As it infiltrated a certain space, it merged with my heat, sparking flames. The issue was the incoming flames were stronger than anticipated. My legs nearly buckled. I held firm. If I falter now— ‘I die.’ I surely die. The pressure accumulating in the Flame Jade was immense. It wasn’t just about adding more energy. It was spinning much faster. In effect, the Flame Jade was already complete. Even stronger. Throwing it at the enemy would end everything now. Ending it here? Not a chance. ‘I can’t be satisfied with just that.’ I didn’t attempt this madness to settle for so little. Watching the absurdly spinning Flame Jade, I contemplate. If I change its form directly, the spinning structure will twist and explode. To change it, I need to adjust all these complex internal energies slowly. Even slowly, the question is whether I can withstand it now. Instead of being drunk on epiphany, see it objectively. Am I capable of enduring this? ‘I’m not.’ Just imagining it gives me a headache. So, what should I do then? If I’m immobilized, how do I proceed? Should I just give up or let it explode as it is? ‘Hmm.’ If I have to choose, then the latter. Giving up was never an option. I promised myself to live that kind of life. It's time to make it happen. Moreover, 'Letting it explode, huh.' It didn't seem like a bad idea. If maintaining rotation while changing its form was impossible, just let it go and explode. But, Create a form within it. Thinking this way, I grasped the Flame Jade tightly. Crack-! Boom—!! The Flame Jade burst, releasing an incredible amount of heat. Fortunately, I didn't feel any damage on the surface. ‘Ugh.’ The shock made my insides scream. But I could endure it. The energy I felt in my hand was enough to withstand the pain. “This...” I said as I looked at my right hand. “It's not as bad as I thought.” In my hand was a spear engulfed in flames. A spear crafted from the refined Flame Jade. As for the name... hmm. ‘Let's go with something simple.’ The Holy Flame Jade Spear. That seems fitting. A simple, elongated rod with a sharp tip. An overwhelming flame spinning around it. The dominating heat and energy. At a glance, its explosive power was palpable. And yet. ‘It's still incomplete.’ Due to a lack of skill, it can't take on a perfect form yet. Unable to shape it while controlling rotation, I created a form. ‘Using my spirit.’ Like wielding a spiritual shield, I encased the flame within a vessel of soul. Forcing it to control the explosion. In a sense, it was merely extending the Flame Jade and adding extra rotation. Yet, it possessed immense power. As evidence, Drip… drip drip. While attempting to use the Holy Flame Jade Spear, a hastily swung attack left my chest slashed, blood staining my torso. Crackle—! Ice crystals formed on the wound, causing secondary damage. ‘Damn, it’s painful.’ I tried desperately to avoid getting hit, expecting this. There was no choice while testing the technique. Thanks to that, it succeeded though. “…You…!” I heard the voice of Mang. He looked at me, utterly shocked. “That is… What on earth is that? What have you created?” “This?” I didn’t take deliberate action to show him. It was difficult to wield or move while holding it. I had to be cautious to prevent it from exploding accidentally. “Can't you see? It's a spear.” “…Ha.” The tension appeared on his face. Was this causing him that much alarm? ‘Isn't it somewhat similar though?’ The spear he held. After all, it was also formed by condensing frost. I thought he wouldn’t be so surprised seeing mine. Ah, of course. ‘I didn’t make it to swing or stab.’ If I tried that, it wouldn’t hold and would explode, and I'd die in the process. The reason for opting for a spear form was one and only. Swoosh. Lowering my stance. I raised the hand holding the spear slightly and pulled it back. “…!” Seeing this, the enemy flinched, preparing to move. He seemed to understand what I was about to do. Yes. The decision to form it as a spear. To add extra rotation within it. All was for this sole purpose. To throw it a bit faster. A bit stronger. Though it's named Holy Flame Jade Spear. ‘Its sole existence is for javelin throwing.’ Pierce through swiftly. Leaving nothing behind. Steadying my center and focusing all my strength on my right hand. Then I spoke. “Dodge if you can.” “What—?” After the warning, I threw the spear directly at him. Whoosh—! The sound of wind slicing as the spear extended. Then, I retrieved the spiritual vessel encasing the spear's fiery form. At that moment, Whoom—! Air distorted. Booooom—!!! An incredible explosion of flame ensued. Unimaginable for having been created by a small spear. Whoosh—. The force of the explosion caused my body to stagger. Signifying the magnitude of its assault. Crrrrr—!! The sound of something breaking and debris settling was heard. As time passed, the smoke obscuring the view disappeared. ‘Wow.’ I couldn’t help but marvel at the scene before me. A hole pierced through the icy chamber. A massive spiraling void. Sizzle sizzle. The walls were melting with heat, gradually collapsing. It was a chilling sight. ‘…Stronger than I thought.’ I pondered, watching the walls slowly melt away. A level far beyond a simple Flame Jade. ‘It seems.’ Even to me, I seemed to have created something absurd. ‘The problem is.’ With the situation created by the Holy Flame Jade Spear behind me, I redirected my focus. ‘Where did he go?’ Mang was nowhere to be seen. It didn’t seem like he was struck. The area wasn’t easy to escape, so where did he vanish? When such questions arose, Swoosh. Sensing a presence behind, I turned. And then, Thud—!! “…!” A sharp object pierced through my abdomen. Upon inspection, it was Mang. He approached and stabbed a blade into my stomach. Feeling the sensation of flesh being pierced. As I grimaced from this realization, “Amazing.” Mang spoke to me. “I hesitated for a moment at the magnificence. Even resorting to humiliating retreat.” I observed the one who continued speaking. Apart from the arm thrust with the sword, his left arm was missing. Couldn’t completely evade it, it seemed. “Impressive power, indeed. But.” His face was adorned with a detestable smile. “If you miss, isn’t it ultimately meaningless?” “...” Acknowledging his mocking words, I nodded. “True.” “…Hmm?” Acknowledging so plainly, he responded with puzzlement. “You’re right.” It’s meaningless if it doesn’t hit. That was indeed the biggest flaw. The core issue of this martial art. The casting time and creation process were lengthy, leading to significant loss upon failure. “But.” I tightened. Gripping his hand tightly. The hand that had stabbed the sword into my stomach. “…!?” “If the situation allows me to hit, it doesn't matter.” “…This bastard!?” My words caused his eyes to widen with realization. “Don’t tell me…!” He seemed to have realized my intentions at last. That's right, if you can't land a hit directly, then create a situation where you can. That was the idea. And he fell for it perfectly. I offered him a smile. "You should have aimed for the throat. Why go for the gut?" Dragons are inherently arrogant. That's perhaps why he felt the need to taunt me with that sneer. Which is why he approached to stab me in the stomach. Of course, had he aimed for my throat, I wouldn't have let it happen. Holding him firmly to prevent escape, I said, "Caught you." "Gah-!" Clang—! The sword stabbed into my stomach wavered. It seemed he was trying to pull it out somehow. As this happened, the pain rose, but I could endure it. It's absurd. How many times have I had a sword stuck in my belly in just a few days? Creak. I felt something from the sword impaled in my abdomen. Slowly, the chill began to freeze my skin. I suppressed it with heat. Judging by the creeping cold, ‘About seven seconds.’ The time I can hold out. Just that much. A brief moment. But that was enough. Fwoosh—! Flames immediately engulfed my hand. Having done this once before, I moved quicker this time. Rumble—!! I created the Holy Flame Jade Spear with the sword still in me. My hands trembled. Twice in a row seems to be the limit. "Let go! I said let go right now!" The enemy, agitated, raised his voice relentlessly. "Do you mean to say you don't care what happens to me or this body?" Is he trying to threaten me with Uhyuk's body? It was amusing. "That's his problem." "...!" "And also." I twisted my smiling face into a grimace. "That fool would curse me later if I didn't stab him right here." If he'd have held back compliance and taken a hit, he'd cuss about it. It would be even worse the other way around. I tightened my grip on the spear. Mang shouted, "If you use that here, you won't escape unscathed either!" "Yeah, but so what." I didn’t care. I just need to handle it. When words didn't work, his expression started to crumble. "Please--!" He seemed on the verge of saying something further, but. I didn't want to hear another word of his barking. I thrust the spear deep into his abdomen. Thud—! And then. Boom—! The explosion swept through the surroundings.