Seol-Hwis question prompted Jin Mu to look back in time.
Where had it all gone wrong?
There was a force, its direction unknown, referred to as the third ability.
Before he acquired it, he was loyal, a disciple devoted to Wudang.
Now, having taken in the third ability about which he knew nothing, he was a man who would die if told to do so for Wudang.
How had that come to be?
In response to the straightforward question, Jin Mu began to search within himself.
The thirst for power, the lack of abilities, and the reality that the Wudang path did not lead to enlightenment.
At the root of it all was the thought, I need to become stronger. There was a deep wound from the past at the very foundation of the belief that he needed to grow stronger.
Demonic Sect the one called End Demon.
At those words, Seol-Hwi was shocked. There was a connection with that man, a bad relationship he had not considered. And it dated back around 20 years.
The End Demon had become the disciple of the Heavenly Demon. To make his mark as the strongest warrior, he killed the former sect leader of Wudang, Elder Hae Seong.
He was my master. He tried to teach that guy and was beheaded right in front of the Wudang gate.
Seol-Hwi found himself at a loss for words.
This mans master, whom he had regarded as a father, was murdered in front of him. Seol-Hwi could not begin to fathom the shock and shame Jin Mu must have felt.
It was something he likely did not want to recall.
The incident shook every sect, but I dont know. It was as if the heavens had abandoned me. It felt like a lifetime.
Haha. Its not wrong to say that my perspective is narrow.
Why would I say that?
Power without justice was mere violence.
And justice without power was equally futile.
Jin Mu had come to realize that after the incident.
After witnessing the murder of their best warrior at the gate by a member of the Demonic Sect, the leader of the Wudang Sect did not speak of revenge. Instead, he reduced Wudangs external activities.
Of course, he didnt give up on his quest for revenge, our sect leader.
Eventually, the Murim Alliance began to learn the martial arts of Wudang.
People from Kangho assumed that Hae Woo, given his position, was gathering Wudangs elite and sharpening the sword for their cause. There were Wudang Sect spars in Kangho, and the sect leader undoubtedly knew about them.
But that didnt help me. I confronted him, asking if he was content with just killing a few, if the blood of Wudang could be so easily washed away.
Right.
Seol-Hwi nodded.
No matter how dedicated one was to the Wudang path, they must still adhere to the rules, even if it was the sect leader.
It was not easy to forget everything, especially when the person involved was like a master or a blood relative. Was it not a normal human emotion to feel sadness and suffering over the death of a loved one?
I understand your situation. But the problem isnt what has happened so far; its what we do moving forward, right?
Right so, do you have any ideas?
Why not try something like this? A spar to represent Wudang.
What spar? Against you?
Yes.
Jin Mu was speechless at the suggestion. From his perspective, it was preposterous.
In the Wudang Sect, Seol-Hwi was known as Jin Hwi.
And Haes disciples were those who surpassed them; they were acknowledged as great disciples.
So, what did all this signify?
What do you mean? You and I will spar to see what the results will be?
Even though they held the same rank, Jin Hwi had been recently brought in and could not be on par with those around Jin Mu.
So, if the outcome was predetermined, why bother sparring in front of others?
If the leader sees it that way, then the others will too.
Hmm?
When you break that idea, thats when everyone is shaken. We can have a serious discussion then. Its about which is stronger: the sudden appearance of a third ability or the pure martial arts of Wudang.
Leader Jin Mu had not understood Seol-Hwis words yet. The premise itself was wrong.
So, the youngest ones words of I dont know what I dont know meant that he was able to see something, and that something was directed toward the theory he was teaching.
Honestly, you are better than me.
At first, Jin Mu thought he could understand not just the Wudang teachings but also the martial arts of the justice factions.
However, it was only later that he realized he had always encountered a wall blocking his way.
That nothing he knew was right.
Rather than training and accepting what was needed, it would have been wiser to make up for what was lacking.
What are your thoughts on Taiji?
Jin Mu asked.
Taiji is
Seol-Hwi had to think for a moment.
As with Clear Wind in the Qingcheng sect, the saying that Taiji was synonymous with Wudang was widespread.
A combination of Yin and Yang, Taiji was the spirit, the entire body, and the core of Wudang.
It was about understanding the most basic meaning.
Taiji is the source of all things in this universe and the flow that creates all things.
Right, Taiji is the source of all things. Any flow is within Taiji, and any force moves within it.
Shhh
Jin Mu slowly shaped his hands into a circle.
The source of energy. When heaven and earth were born, one energy moved. Black and white mixed together, and the presence and absence of it were revealed slowly. The source of heaven and earth was split through that one energy, and then it turned into Yin and Yang, which turned into the word Taiji.
Taiji meant moving within the great flow of nature.
And did you see that flow?
Seol-Hwi asked.
At those words, Jin Mus expression stiffened.
I saw. I did, but I couldnt.
That odd feeling.
While he was speaking and preaching the greatness of Taiji, at the same time, he was probably making sure it resonated within him.
The guilt of possessing the third ability in the face of such great nature must have overtaken him.
I felt like this huge wave hit me and realized that I couldnt possess it. The bold and lofty look of Taiji only gave me this sense of helplessness.
Isnt it possible that they wanted to have Taiji in the first place? Wouldnt it have been possible if they just turned into one and joined the flow?
There were times when I did. But when I tried to assess it, it all felt the same.
Jin Mu sighed.
I held on for a long time, but the result was always the same. On the other hand, the third energy, the lightning, was different. It unleashed a strength I had never come across before.
Right.
To some extent, Seol-Hwi understood why he chose lightning. Just as there was a gap between Supreme and Profound Demon, there was a difference between Supreme and Profound Master.
Taiji cannot be solved by going after enlightenment. Was this not a level where one has to go beyond just understanding nature? It was easy to say with words, but difficult to embody.
I only received teachings from one person. If Qingcheng looks from top to bottom, then Wudang looks from bottom to top.
Seol-Hwi recalled his old masters advice and teachings.
I understood it this way: the wind blowing in Qingcheng doesnt prove anything, but it shows how harmonious it can be.
Hmmm.
Doesnt the Taiji martial arts of Wudang have something to say? It is frustrating because it comes to fruition later than the person and is slow
Seol-Hwi looked at Jin Mu and said,
In the end, it is there where one looks.
!
Kuak
Jin Mu clenched his fist.
Seol-Hwi spoke slowly and clearly to the man who was getting excited.
Taiji may already be where you want it to be. It just appears slowly to the eyes. But isnt Wudang always ahead of the person?
It isnt too late. No, it doesnt matter if youre late either. Third ability or whatever you can come back anytime.
Seol-Hwi said, touching his neck.
Turn around to become Taiji. Wudang will always wait, definitely to prove it.
Crack
From Jin Mus mouth came the sound of clenching teeth, and his eyes turned red.
It was a time of regret and sadness, for he had deviated from his path.