6 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 6 〉 A Moment in Time ­ Childhood (5) * * * The next morning, in the courtyard of the thatched house. Ma Ilsuk, with his arms crossed, spoke to Mok Liwon. “…I won’t apologize. I still think there’s no better way to show you your flaws.” His tone was still firm. However, his expression was noticeably warmer than before. The reason was clear. He had overheard the conversation between the two from the previous night. Ma Ilsuk was a man who valued righteousness. He was also someone who valued integrity and humanity. Thus, he couldn't bring himself to be harsh to a crying child, realizing that his nature was in the wrong. “Nonetheless, I promise. As long as you don’t forget your heart’s desire to become a chivalrous warrior, I will help you with my name on the line.” Of course, Mok Liwon wasn’t aware of any of this. He simply smiled and replied. Now, facing his dreams, he found himself able to smile even in the face of adversity. “Yes! I will count on you!” Mok Seon-oh watched the two with a contented expression. ‘Good.’ A relationship that might have turned awry was instead unfolding into the dreamlike scenario he had hoped for. There was a brother and a disciple. And he, himself, was there, too. With the hope that the child would surely grow into a chivalrous warrior, Mok Seon-oh stood up and spoke. “Now, Liwon. It’s time.” “Pardon?” “Wasn't it upsetting for you that this teacher hadn’t taught you any internal energy techniques?” Mok Liwon’s eyes widened. His mouth slowly gaped open. Mok Seon-oh continued, seeing his reaction. “Actually, there was some concern that kept me from starting your training immediately. It's related to your innate nature.” Twitch. Mok Liwon’s body trembled. Mok Seon-oh placed his hand on Mok Liwon’s shoulder, continuing in his gentle voice. “It concerns your constitution. Can you listen?” Despite his smiling face, there was a hint of worry. Also, tension could be felt. Seeing his teacher’s expression, Mok Liwon realized the gravity of the conversation about to unfold. “Yes…!” Thus, he listened intently, wearing an expression of tension that mirrored his teacher’s. --- Supreme Demonic Physique (극마지체). A constitution designed solely for mastering demonic arts, known to have been possessed by the most malevolent being in Murim history. Mok Liwon was shocked to discover that his body had such a constitution. However, there was a silver lining. Mok Liwon was no longer a child so fragile as to be overwhelmed by such revelations, nor was he the type to despair over a malicious gift. “Teacher.” “Yes.” “…But I can still become a chivalrous warrior, right?” Mok Liwon asked earnestly. Mok Seon-oh was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude. The child, facing him directly without despair, filled him with such pride. “I will vouch for that.” “Then that's all I need!” Mok Liwon laughed brightly. Ma Ilsuk, watching him, scrunched his nose, then stepped forward and spoke. “Although the Supreme Demonic Physique is a constitution for demonic arts, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn orthodox arts.” All attention turned to Ma Ilsuk. He continued, chin held high, looking directly at Mok Liwon. “Issues like reversed meridians or turbulent internal energy clouding your intellect are challenges you can overcome with your will. The only thing you should keep in mind!” Ma Ilsuk uncrossed his arms. And with a tight fist, he struck his chest with a loud thud. “Is to overcome it and master the nature that challenges you, in line with the name your senior gave you.” Mok Liwon. Taking the surname Mok from Mok Seon-oh. And meaning "to govern oneself," the name bore the hope that he would become someone who manages his own origins, something Mok Liwon was well aware of. Mok Liwon looked at Mok Seon-oh. Mok Seon-oh nodded with a smile. “Yes, I’ll try.” Mok Liwon resolved himself once again. --- The training was arduous. Unlike the first day, Mok Seon-oh didn’t guide him; Mok Liwon had to circulate his internal energy himself, leading to problems surfacing. Mok Liwon’s body was built for demonic arts. Also, the Heavenly Slaughter Star (천살성) in him carried a star filled with murderous aura. These combined to form Mok Liwon’s internal energy, a violent force strong enough to seem as if it would devour his own body. Achieving a full circulation through the Small Circulation (소주천) was impossible. Even simply releasing internal energy from his danjeon produced excruciating pain throughout his entire body, with his heart pounding and his mind in turmoil. All Mok Liwon could do was grit his teeth and endure, trying to bring the internal energy under control. “You can do it, Liwon.” Mok Seon-oh encouraged. “Endure. If you truly aspire for chivalry, you must not collapse here.” Ma Ilsuk pushed him. About two weeks later. On the day he no longer felt pain while circulating internal energy. And the day he eventually managed to complete a small circuit on his own. Mok Liwon, for the first time in his life, saw Mok Seon-oh shed tears. “Well done….” Mok Seon-oh embraced Mok Liwon. Mok Liwon was bewildered. His teacher’s tears and the heartfelt voice accompanying them seemed almost unreal. Brief hesitation lingered, but once Mok Liwon realized that he had succeeded in mastering his internal energy, tears began to spill from his eyes, mirroring his teacher’s tearful expression. “I did it…!” The scene of teacher and student embracing each other exuded a peculiar warmth. Ma Ilsuk glanced at the sight, curling his lips upward slightly, then cleared his throat as he approached. “Well done.” Mok Liwon’s body flinched. It was the first time Ma Ilsuk had offered him praise. Looking up, Mok Liwon saw Ma Ilsuk wearing a crooked smile. “Having achieved something so commendable, it’s only fitting to reward you with an appropriate gift.” Ma Ilsuk pulled out a book from his robe. He handed it to Mok Liwon. *Terms Translated and Explanation*: - "Supreme Demonic Physique (극마지체)": Kept the original term but translated context to explain the unique physical nature. - "Small Circulation (소주천)": Preserved this term by explaining its meaning in martial arts. - "Heavenly Slaughter Star (천살성)": Retained the literal translation as it likely denotes a mystical or symbolic concept unique to the story. - "Danjeon (단전)": This Korean term refers to the energy center in the body. Explanation required for clarity, as it's a specific martial arts concept. - "Heavenly Slaughter Star": Could be translated as "Celestial Killer Star," but since other "Stars" are not mentioned in the inquired terms list, assumed it's a specialized concept related to the character or universe. - Used terms like "teacher," "master," and "student" to fit conventional martial arts settings commonly seen in such literature. - Alternative translation for "극마지체" could be "Extreme Demon Physique," but "Supreme Demonic Physique" conveys the otherworldly nature more effectively. Mok Liwon's eyes grew wide. 'Gangho Hyupgyeonjeon...' It was a book Mok Liwon knew of. Or rather, a book he had heard about. On the night that he first confronted his unique trait, Mok Seon-oh had promised to show him exactly this book. “Congratulations. Now, you are at the Second Rate(二流).” Second Rate(二流). A level where one can truly be called a martial artist. A level where one can legitimately step onto the path of a chivalrous warrior. Mok Liwon could feel it slowly becoming real. His heart pounded wildly. A rosy flush spread across his face. Overwhelmed with a tingling excitement, Mok Liwon alternated glances between Mok Seon-oh and Ma Ilsuk before bursting into a broad grin and exclaiming. “Thank you!” * 『Let it be known across all Zhongyuan that the most malevolent evil has come to punish you. The demon that crawled up from the depths of hell is here to drag you down. Criminal who covets others' riches, keep nothing within your grasp. Criminal who harms others’ families, keep no one by your side. Criminal who sought others' affections, you will receive punishment a hundredfold for your sins. It is said to counter poison with poison, to counter heat with heat. Thus, evil must be bested by evil alone. I shall become the most wicked demonic being and sweep away the evil of Zhongyuan. Sinners of Zhongyuan, tremble and behold me. Standing above all the evil karma of the world, I will be known as the Demon Hyup (魔俠).』 Tak. In the room dimly lit by a flickering lantern. Mok Liwon closed the book with a flushed face. ‘Demon Hyup…!’ A chivalrous hero who becomes a fearsome demon to punish the wicked. Having read through the parts pertaining to this story, Mok Liwon trembled with excitement. ‘It’s so cool!’ Cool. There was no other word to describe the narrative, Mok Liwon thought. Mok Liwon closed his eyes. And he imagined. A version of his grown-up self standing in a wide open field, with all sorts of sinister-looking criminals nervously waiting in front of him. As he draws his sword, the complexion of the criminals turns pale. As he moves gracefully, following the path of footwork, the criminals scream in terror. Wiping their tears, the criminals kneel before him, and he declares. “Tremble in fear! I am Demon Hyup, the demon of hell who will punish you!” Trembling. Mok Liwon’s body shivered. Lying in bed by himself, smiling blissfully, Mok Liwon couldn’t stay still and suddenly stood up to look at the door. ‘I need to train!’ He wanted to become a master quickly and venture out into the realm of heroes. He wanted to punish the wicked and make a name for himself like the Demon Hyup in the 'Gangho Hyupgyeonjeon.' Sneaking softly. Mok Liwon carefully opened the door and peeked outside. There was no one around. Now would be a perfect time to go out and train. Mok Liwon slipped out of the room and put on his shoes. Then, he carefully distanced himself from the thatched house, fearing he might wake his teacher. The destination was a stream. Mok Liwon took a deep breath and began to release his internal energy from his danjeon. In his hand was a humble stick. Simmering within was fierce internal energy, just barely subjugated enough for a bout of power testing. Mok Liwon closed his eyes and swung the sword. Swish. Attempting to mimic the sword dance of Mok Seon-oh as it remained in his memory, albeit clumsily. The sword dance of the young boy, who had finally realized his path, continued under the moonlight. “Such an impatient one.” By the tranquil stream. Not far from where Mok Liwon was practicing his sword dance, Ma Ilsuk clicked his tongue. Mok Seon-oh chuckled at Ma Ilsuk’s attitude and said. “His passion is a good thing, isn’t it?” “Why do you only see the world so brightly, Brother?” “You see the world through such a skewed lens, Brother.” Ma Ilsuk frowned. Mok Seon-oh watched Mok Liwon with a gentle smile and murmured. “Isn’t it commendable?” “What is?” “That he doesn’t give up and rises again.” Mok Seon-oh’s black eyes were filled with the image of the boy. His lips curved in satisfaction at the unfolding scene. “The one who knows how to get up and give effort like that is a true chivalrous hero.” * Mok Liwon's time passed swiftly. Beside the ever-growing Mok Liwon were two mentors, a single book, and a wooden training sword that bore the marks of frequent use. Swish. Swish. The sword dance under the moonlight continued. Mok Liwon had grown a handspan taller than before. Now ten years old, while continuing his nightly training under the moonlight without missing a single day, Mok Liwon suddenly felt an unusual sensation. ‘My internal energy…’ It was attempting to extend beyond his body. No, to be precise, it was trying to connect to somewhere else. Buzzz. The sword dance did not pause. Mok Liwon knew what this strange phenomenon heralded. “Ah…” With a low sigh, a smile spread across Mok Liwon’s lips. His movements carried even greater power. Joy swelled within. The tickling sensation continued. While continuing the sword dance, filled with unadulterated joy, Mok Liwon realized. ‘This is it.’ Swoosh! Finally, he could channel his energy through his body and into his sword. A level referred to as the First Rate(一流) in the world of martial artists; he had reached that level. * More time passed. Mok Liwon’s sword dance continued. The boy who used to wield his sword by the stream, accompanied by the moonlight, had now matured into a young man with a masculine physique. His facial features remained delicate. His skin was pale, and his eyelashes were long. Although he appeared more beautiful than handsome, his tall, lean physique left no doubt that he was a man. Swish. The once wooden sword had somehow become a steel sword. What was once an awkward and clumsy sword dance had become quite elegant. As Mok Liwon continued to perform his increasingly refined sword dance, he suddenly halted and stood still. He opened the eyes that had been closed and gazed at the moon and the stars adorning the sky. ‘…Bright.’ Despite it being a night when the world slept, the sky was bright. *Terms Translated and Explanation*: - "Gangho Hyupgyeonjeon (강호협객전)": Left in transliterated form, as it seems to be a title of a significant book within the story. A possible alternate translation could be "Chronicles of Chivalrous Heroes of the Jianghu," but the original title signifies it as a notable text. - "Demon Hyup (마협)": Used the term "Demon Hyup" to preserve the use of "Hyup" indicating a chivalrous hero with a demonic attribute. An alternative could be "Demon Hero," but that might not convey the nuanced heroism with demonic fear as accurately. - "Second Rate (二流)" and "First Rate (一流)": Terms maintained as they denote levels in martial arts rankings. In martial arts narratives, these terms are commonly used to describe skill levels and are recognizable to fans of the genre. - "Swish (휘익)": Used onomatopoeia to illustrate the sound of the sword dance, trying to capture the vivid imagery as presented in the original text. - "Tickling sensation (간질거림):" Chose this to express the underlying excitement and emotional tingling conveyed in the narrative. The softly glowing celestial bodies cast their unwavering light to keep the night from feeling lonely. Mok Liwon raised his sword high into the sky. With a gentle smile, he traced the stars, connecting one to another with the tip of his sword. As he did so, he recited the incantations of the Stellar Spirit Technique (성련신공). The path linking the constellations, himself standing under that path. And in front of him, the stream reflecting the night sky. Swish. The flickering path carved by the tip of his sword merged into a single, coherent sword path. And atop that path, yet another sword path emerged. The sword, interweaving the heavens, the earth, and himself into constellations, began to throb. Coinciding with the pulsations of his internal energy. Mok Liwon tenderly guided the unruly, long-time acquaintance, his internal energy, onto the path he had forged. Ssss. The sound of the wind arose. Mok Liwon’s movements came to a halt. “It’s done.” Grinning broadly, Mok Liwon stopped his sword dance. As he did so, he gazed at the tip of his sword. There, floating above, was something extraordinary. As dark as the night sky, yet emanating a chilling luminescence—an unusual aura. An aura that closely resembled the eyes of his beloved master. Mok Liwon knew what to call this sable light. 'Swordsman of the Sword Aura (劍氣商人).' A feat of the Peak Realm (절정지경). At the age of eighteen, Mok Liwon, beneath the night sky while dancing with his sword, awakened to this realization. *Terms Translated and Explanation*: - "Stellar Spirit Technique (성련신공)": Utilized a more descriptive translation to convey the significance of this technique with "stellar" implying heavenly influence. Alternative could be "Star Spirit Technique." - "Swordsman of the Sword Aura (劍氣商人)": Chose "Swordsman of the Sword Aura" to illustrate the martial and mystical nature of the skill, translating the symbolic elements of aura ("劍氣") and position ("商人"). Alternate could be "Trader of Sword Aura," but "Swordsman" aligns better with the martial tone. - "Peak Realm (절정지경)": Translated as "Peak Realm" to indicate the high level of martial achievement accurately. It's a common term used in martial arts narratives to describe an advanced skill level. - "Swish (휘익)": Reinforced the vivid swordplay imagery by using onomatopoeia. It denotes the swift, fluid motion characteristic of such scenes.