Ep420 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

"Mokhaeng Sinju…." Each character making up the word held a profound significance. Mokhaeng (木行) likely referred to one of the Five Elements, and if Sinju (神珠) carried its literal meaning, then... "A mystical orb containing the energy of wood, one of the Five Elements." Just moments ago, the sapling spoke. That the source of its power, when it ruled the plains, was the Mokhaeng Sinju. Baek Woojin asked, "Tell me more." [...About what, exactly?] "What can be done with the Mokhaeng Sinju?" In response, the sapling incredulously retorted. [You came all the way here without knowing that?] "Yeah, I didn’t know." He hadn't sought it out with any clear understanding. He simply deemed it important because even the Celestial Demon was actively searching for it above all else. The sapling, momentarily taken aback by his confident demeanor, continued speaking. [As you mentioned, the Mokhaeng Sinju is an orb harboring the energy of wood, one of the Five Elements.] "So?" [Those who possess the orb gain the ability to control vegetation at will.] "Interesting…." Baek Woojin's gaze turned to the sea of trees surrounding them. According to the sapling, it had crafted all of this itself when it was once human. It was not merely about making trees and grass grow. 'Stronger than steel,' he recalled. Branches were tougher than steel, and leaves were sharper than most daggers. If such trees and leaves could be freely manipulated... "No wonder they called you the ruler of the plains." [Indeed. No one could defeat me on these plains.] Pride seeped through its voice. Those words likely held no falsehoods. Battling against someone with mastery over the land's fertile flora would be nearly impossible. While he was contemplating this, the sapling spoke once more. [But don't be mistaken.] "……?" [Had I wanted, I could have conquered all of Zhongyuan.] The entire land of Zhongyuan was comprised of soil and rock. In other words, if it had desired, it could have blanketed the world in vegetation. This was the ultimate weapon, armor, and army all in one. How could anyone defend against the countless dagger-like leaves descending from hundreds or thousands of trees? How could they penetrate to seize the one standing proudly amidst the foliage? Growing curious, Baek Woojin queried, "Then why didn't you?" [It's not that I didn't; I couldn't.] The sapling's reply was tinged with undeniable bitterness. [Back when I wielded the power of the Mokhaeng Sinju freely, I was brimming with confidence.] His gaze, commanding the plains in an instant, reached Zhongyuan. After establishing his nation on this land, he intended to subjugate Zhongyuan, which had long held them in contempt, bringing all under his feet. However, his ambition remained but a dream. [Power always demands a price. To wield an orb containing such immense energy as the Mokhaeng Sinju requires an even greater sacrifice.] Even in attempting to harness ordinary natural energy, humans face significant dangers. How much more potent would be the risks of controlling nature itself with the Mokhaeng Sinju? Yet, there was no one to inform or warn him. Perhaps no one could exist to do so. After all, most did not even know such an item existed. [By the time I established my kingdom, my body was so ruined I could no longer realize my ambitions.] He could call himself a king, but his life span was nearly expired. Thus, he abandoned his grand aspirations for Zhongyuan. Instead, he sought to train successors and pass the Mokhaeng Sinju down as a national treasure for future generations. [Regrettably, none of my children were born with the ability to wield the Mokhaeng Sinju.] [Thus, I created this sea of trees, hoping that one day a descendant of the plains' bloodline would reach it.] [And yet, after hundreds of years, the one who arrived is a Zhongyuan native... How lamentable.] The underlying disgust in its tone was unmistakable. But this was inevitable. Historically, those from the plains were treated as outsiders and often persecuted. Yet, Baek Woojin could only comprehend the emotions. "So you're not saying you won't hand over the Mokhaeng Sinju, right?" If it intended to be stubbornly obstinate, there was no other choice. He would have to destroy the sapling before him to claim the Mokhaeng Sinju. 'It is an item that must never be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.' He had resolved this the moment he learned of the abilities bestowed by the Mokhaeng Sinju. He must not even give Tianma a chance to seize it. One has already been taken from Taebaekho. In the heart of the Cult of Blood, there was another one. She must have already secured at least two or more of these orbs. In such a scenario, if all the Five Element Shinjus, including the Mokhaeng Sinju, were to be taken from her? 'There's no way to stop it.' How could anyone thwart someone who can freely wield the power of the Five Elements? At the same time, he began to question her motives. 'Why does she need the Five Element Shinjus?' The Celestial Demon of her time is the best under Heaven, or even unrivaled in all history. Given her unmatched position, why go to such lengths to recover the Five Element Shinjus? 'It might not be just for power.' She already had an abundance of power. Could there be something achievable only when all the Five Element Shinjus are gathered? If such a thing exists, it would certainly not be trivial. Thus, the Mokhaeng Sinju must never fall into her hands. Just as Baek Woojin's resolve sharpened, the sapling's voice echoed. [You have successfully overcome the trials to obtain the Mokhaeng Sinju.] [In fact, among you is someone who resonates even more strongly with the Mokhaeng Sinju than I do.] A pointed branch protruded over the sapling, indicating one of the group. The chosen one was Seol Suyeon. Her voice spilled out, flustered. "Me, you're saying it’s me?" The sapling gently nodded the branch in affirmation. [Indeed. Your vibrant energy would greatly nurture the flora.] [If you were to resonate with the Mokhaeng Sinju, you would easily surpass even my prime.] Was it because she had saved its dying life, or was it a sense of kinship due to her inherent compatibility with the Mokhaeng Sinju? Despite her origin from Zhongyuan, there was not a trace of disdain directed towards her. Yet, the warm sentiments ended there. [But I cannot hand over the Mokhaeng Sinju.] A firm refusal. In response, Baek Woojin quietly drew his sword. "If that’s the case, then there's no choice." The presence of the sea of trees where there was none before. The discovery would naturally draw people's eyes. This would inevitably attract even the Celestial Demon's attention. There was no time to change the opponent's mind peacefully. It had to be taken, by force if necessary. [...Calm down first.] Despite the sapling’s attempt to dissuade him, Baek Woojin resolutely shook his head. "Sorry, but we’re short on time too." [Are you being pursued by something?] "The current Celestial Demon is gathering the Shinjus. Just knowing that should clarify the situation for you." [What…!] The sapling trembled in shock and spoke with a heavy, grave tone. [This must not be allowed to happen.] Baek Woojin responded to the weighty concern. [Have any of the Five Element Shinjus already fallen into the Celestial Demon's hands?] Baek Woojin spread two fingers. "I'm not sure which energies they hold, but I'm certain she has at least two. I saw it myself." [...That's impossible.] His tone was thick with disbelief. [Each of the Five Element Shinjus is so powerful they are meant to appear only one per era, but how...!] Critical information spilled from his subsequent words. "One per era?" [Yes. It is an unwritten rule that only one of the Five Element Shinjus shows itself in any given era.] An unwritten rule. Something not formalized, yet solidified through tradition or precedent. "Doesn't an unwritten rule mean it doesn't have to be followed?" The sapling nodded in agreement. [True.] [...If they could withstand even the descent of an Immortal, that is.] "An Immortal...?" [If more than one of the Five Element Shinjus appear in the world, an Immortal will descend.] [It is said that those who come down from the realm of the Immortals will confiscate the later appearing Shinjus, sealing them deep within this world before leaving again.] Immortals. Beings often transcended from humans or animals through long periods of training, shedding their mortal coil to transform. Even as powerful as she is, the Celestial Demon could not oppose an Immortal. 'In this story, Immortals are akin to demigods.' The god masquerading as a third-rate writer portrayed Immortals as beings akin to demigods. This established lore likely endowed them with power truly akin to demigods. Surely, she wouldn’t gather the Five Element Shinjus without knowing this. Or perhaps she has a way to secure herself against the Immortals' wrath? Baek Woojin leaned towards the latter. 'She's not the kind to act without careful calculation.' She was someone who avoided relying on uncertainties to the extreme. Given her long years of living as a knight or soldier, she was a staunch believer in meticulous planning. If she set out to collect the Five Element Shinjus, she would undoubtedly have a definite plan to survive a confrontation with an Immortal, which was sure to happen. "I understand what you're saying, but the situation is already in motion. The Celestial Demon has already gathered at least two of the Five Element Shinjus and will soon come here." Whether unwritten rules matter or not, he was determined to claim the Mokhaeng Sinju. Hearing his resolute tone, the sapling inquired in a softer voice. [So, you intend to take the Mokhaeng Sinju to keep it from the Celestial Demon?] "That's right." The sapling, the ruler of the plains, realized it faced a significant choice. Should it hand over the Mokhaeng Sinju? Or should it uphold the unwritten rule, even if it meant sacrificing its life to protect it? Deliberation didn't take long. […I will give you the Mokhaeng Sinju.] The sapling decided to hand it over. [But, there is a condition.] Of course, it wasn’t going to relinquish it without stipulations. [First and foremost, I won't give it to someone as disrespectful as you.] The sapling pointed a branch toward Seol Suyeon. [I will give the Mokhaeng Sinju to that woman.] Although there was a hint of lingering spite in its tone, there were no grievances. "Fine." She had once caught the eye of a previous owner of the Mokhaeng Sinju. If anyone should wield its power, it should be her. [But it won't be given freely to her either.] What a relentlessly difficult thing. Baek Woojin inwardly cursed the sapling before asking, "What do we need to do for you to give it?" The sapling replied. [I created a martial art to efficiently wield the Mokhaeng Sinju. If that woman can quickly master the martial arts I devised within the designated time, I will open the path to where the Mokhaeng Sinju is.] As soon as they heard the condition, Baek Woojin and Seol Suyeon shared dismayed expressions. This was because… "Of all things...," he muttered. "Martial arts...?" She had little talent for physical activity, even in her past life. But giving up was not an option. "I'll... try." With reluctance, she had to accept his challenge. --- **Author's Note:** I'll see you in the next chapter. Thank you always for reading. Have a restful night. (_ _)