In the past, his physical body had been exceptional.
The Demonic Spirit Body (魔靈之體).
A body born with demonic qi from birth could easily and swiftly master any demonic supreme art.
If he hadn't been born with the Demonic Spirit Body, he would never have become the Cult Lord of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, nor would he have earned the title Absolute Heavenly Demon without mastering the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
That was how special the Demonic Spirit Body was. Yet now, as he observed his current body, it naturally reminded him of the Demonic Spirit Body.
'To be precise, it exists at the exact opposite extreme of the Demonic Spirit Body.'
The Twelve Primary Meridians that had been completely blocked were now refreshingly opened, and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians that had been in disarray were as taut and resilient as ox tendons.
Furthermore, the qi of nature mixed with the energy of the Zisuo Pill was rapidly circulating through his blood vessels, firmly solidifying his acupoints.
If it had ended here, there would have been no reason to recall the Demonic Spirit Body.
However.
'This is where it begins.'
The mind's eye (心眼) that had been observing descended endlessly. Upon reaching the abdomen, the mind's eye examined the Lower Dantian deep within.
The Lower Dantian, which had been hardened stiff from the blocked Twelve Primary Meridians, had now expanded vast as an open sea thanks to absorbing all the qi, and appeared immaculately clean without a speck of dust.
Like a newborn child.
Even if one achieved the realm of Shedding Bones and Replacing Marrow (換骨奪胎), it couldn't be this clean.
This feeling was a first.
'With this level of purity, accumulating any qi that exists in the world would yield rapid accomplishments.'
This was the greatest advantage of this currently unidentifiable body.
Accepting all qi.
The Demonic Spirit Body, born with demonic qi from birth, but existing in opposition to contrary qi.
The current body, empty yet capable of accepting all qi, and free.
Existence (有) and Non-existence (無), Demon (魔) and Emptiness (空).
The two bodies started from completely opposite extremes, but their excellence was the same.
'Besides, this is better right now.'
If he had been Dokgo Guryeon in the past, the Demonic Spirit Body would have been preferable, but for his current self, this body was optimal.
That wasn't all.
Not only were countless martial arts stored in his head right now, but he also had the experience of mastering supreme martial arts and facing opponents with them.
And on top of that, he had obtained such an outstanding body?
It was like giving wings to a tiger.
The corners of his eyes curved.
'I only treated the Yin-Yang Fetal Spirit Severed Meridians because my life was in danger, but luck was on my side. And I hit the jackpot properly at that.'
All the circumstances that had unfolded in just one day were smiling at him.
With a body like this, he could recover his former martial prowess faster than expected.
With a face full of satisfaction, he thoroughly observed his body several times.
'This is enough for now.'
After thoroughly grasping his body's condition, he slowly opened his closed eyes.
Then he quietly surveyed his surroundings.
The pitch-black darkness was swallowing the interior of the thatched cottage like an abyss.
'Time flowed quite fast.'
When he opened the window, the time outside had passed considerably more than he had thought.
The full moon, peeking out shyly as if embarrassed from within the clouds in the sky, hung round and full, and the pouring blue moonlight was gradually dyeing the Huashan Sect, which had been as red as daytime, in blue.
His heart was stolen by the subtle, yet gaze-concentrating scenery.
'Moonlight, huh...'
Perhaps because he had only seen the luminous pearls in the cave for ten years, the blue moonlight seen after a long time was welcoming and slightly melted his hardened heart.
Thud—
He immediately lay down spread-eagled.
'Now the only thing left is martial arts... Which one should I try? As expected, the Heavenly Demon Divine Art? No, rather than that, the Nine Heavens Demonic Art (九天魔功) which shows the fastest accomplishment? First, establish the framework of the Lower Dantian with the Nine Heavens Demonic Art, then center around the Returning Heaven Demonic Seal (歸天魔結) to reach the Heavenly Demon Divine Art...'
He paused while thinking that.
'...Does it have to be a demonic art?'
He had dealt with most of the demonic supreme arts in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
But regurgitating the same things?
It didn't sit well with him.
Besides, right now I'm not Dokgo Guryeon but Cheon Hwi, a disciple of the Huashan Sect?
If by some chance someone detects demonic qi, annoying things will obviously happen like being called a spy or a public enemy of the murim?
Weighing the future, he organized his thoughts.
There was no need to necessarily learn demonic arts.
If anything, wouldn't learning orthodox sect martial arts be much more entertaining?
At the thought of learning new martial arts, a grin spread across his face.
In the past, there were many orthodox sect martial arts books that had been plundered long ago and stored in the Heavenly Demon Library, but he could only read them, never learn them.
Orthodox supreme arts were in opposition to demonic qi.
But now an opportunity had arisen.
Then naturally set aside the demonic arts.
The martial arts of the Huashan Sect calmly came to mind.
Their martial arts were truly splendid.
Flowers blooming with every swing of the sword, and the rich scent of plum blossoms scattering...
Pfft, laughter leaked out.
It was a funny sight just recalling it.
Like boasting in all directions to enemies that he was here.
'Still, it was pleasant to watch.'
Much better to look at than the punching of bald monks, the staff swinging of beggar bastards, or the bizarre circle-drawing swordplay of the Daoist brats of the Wudang Sect.
'So now I just need to learn that?'
With that thought, he recalled one by one the Huashan Sect's ultimate techniques that had been gathering dust stuck in a corner of the Heavenly Demon Library.
Qian Yuan Pure Heart Method (乾元淸心法), Nine Palaces Heaven-Reversal Sword (九宮反天劍), Immortal Cloud Resting Lone Peak (仙雲休孤峰), Nine Palaces Step (九宮步), and as he recalled the Jade Ring Wondrous Step that he had directly witnessed, he suddenly flinched.
'Come to think of it, the Jade Ring Wondrous Step...'
The footwork that Xian Lü had displayed this morning suddenly came to mind.
'That must be the Jade Ring Wondrous Step, right?'
The Jade Ring Wondrous Step he knew was, true to its name, a footwork that was steep as if carved from jade and created phantoms.
But the one she displayed only moved quickly, lacking the void steps that should have been apparent here and there.
'Doesn't seem like it? It was similar though.'
As he fell into thoughts about the Jade Ring Wondrous Step, along with the deepening contemplation, the night sky grew even deeper.
* * *
The next morning.
He woke up slowly stretching.
The slight stiffness that had persisted until yesterday had completely healed, making him feel light.
"Then..."
Muttering, he got off the old bed.
"Shall I go."
Having listened with his ears and gathered information for three days, it was now time to run about with his feet.
He put on the dao robe with intertwined red and black that he had confirmed upon arriving yesterday.
Then he looked at the sword placed to one side.
Probably belonging to the one called his master.
A long sword three chi and three cun in length.
It was not a sword for a young Daoist to wield.
Swish, he turned around.
When he opened the door of the small thatched cottage, the cold air characteristic of early morning wrapped around his lungs.
"Huu... Refreshing."
The location of the thatched cottage was one of the peaks of Huashan, Luoyan Peak (落雁峰).
Perhaps because it was a high place even within Huashan.
The surrounding scenery was visible at a glance.
First, steep peaks that looked as if carved by a knife came into view, and beautiful plum blossoms were blooming around them.
'Pleasant to look at unlike the dreary Tianshan.'
Tianshan was higher and more massive than Huashan.
But it didn't overflow with this much vibrant energy that pleased the eye just by looking.
It was because of the perennial snow and beasts.
Still, thanks to those beasts, he had eaten and lived well even in that barren environment.
Perhaps because he recalled the chewy wolf and tiger meat he had occasionally hunted and eaten before entering closed-door cultivation for ten years, his mouth watered.
He'd have to eat some meat later too.
Recalling the extension of this plan, he hurriedly stepped forward.
Thud— Thud—
Descending along the narrow mountain path, he slowly took in the surrounding scenery.
The scent of plum blossoms filling the surroundings tickled his nose, and the massive pavilions visible here and there captured his sight.
How far did he descend like that?
The steep mountain path gradually became flat.
Along with that, large pavilions stood in rows.
The Pearl Plum Pavilion (珍珠梅館) where second-generation disciples resided, the Flowerless Pavilion (無花館) where third-generation disciples resided, and the Martial Practice Pavilion (武練閣) where first-generation disciples resided.
Yet the pavilions they stayed in were all quiet, contrary to the information.
At that moment, a small sound was heard.
"Ha! Ha!"
Focusing his mind and pricking his ears, he heard spirit shouts from afar.
Then that place must be either the Peach Forest Plain (桃林坪), the training ground of second-generation disciples, or the Sand Dream Plain (莎夢萍), the training ground of first-generation disciples.
Based on the spirit shouts, he racked his brain.
A short while later, a rough internal map of the Huashan Sect was briefly drawn.
Then if he went this way...
He sharply turned his steps.
Continuing to walk for about one ke, he stopped in front of a somewhat old pavilion.
Finally found it!
Looking at the signboard prominently written at the entrance, Wan Jing Pavilion (萬經閣).
The scripture library where all the martial arts secret manuals possessed by the Huashan Sect were gathered and organized consisted of three floors in total, making it quite tall.
'Then shall I skim through the Huashan Sect's martial arts now.'
Approaching the Wan Jing Pavilion enveloped in silence, he grabbed the closed door handle.
Creak—
As soon as the door opened, what greeted him was not books or bookshelves, but a middle-aged Daoist.
"Oh my, isn't it Hwi?"
The middle-aged Daoist with a wrinkled impression ran over in one breath and patted his head.
'Is patting the head a form of greeting here? It's going to wear off.'
As he looked at the middle-aged Daoist, Wan Jing Pavilion Master Xian Qing (賢淸), who patted his head following the Sect Leader, his mouth opened.
"You safely passed the major crisis as Eldest Senior Brother said today. So, what brings you to Wan Jing Pavilion?"
"I wanted to read some martial arts books... please."
Perhaps because honorific speech hadn't fully stuck to his tongue yet, his words came out choppy. However, rather than that sense of incongruity, Xian Qing opened both eyes wide at the content contained in the words.
"Martial arts books, you say?"
"Yes."
"Hahaha, I see. You've recovered your body and now you're taking an interest in martial arts."
Xian Qing, not knowing what was so good, laughed loudly. Then stepping aside, he spoke.
"Since it's your first visit, I'll explain."
Soon the interior of the Wan Jing Pavilion came into view.
'Oh ho?'
The corners of his mouth twitched.
Small compared to the Heavenly Demon Library, but the Wan Jing Pavilion was much larger than an ordinary pavilion.
And inside it was completely filled with books, so it was full of the unique smell of paper.
"On the first floor are various miscellaneous books and martial arts books widely known in the Central Plains, on the second floor are martial arts books that registered disciples can learn, and on the top third floor are martial arts books containing the supreme martial arts that this sect's true transmission disciples can learn. If you're a registered disciple who hasn't received a Daoist name yet, you'd only go up to the second floor, but as a true transmission disciple and direct disciple, you can freely view anywhere in this pavilion."
The corners of his mouth quivered.
'Just how many volumes is this in total?'
Recalling the countless martial arts books he would soon see, a pleasant laugh leaked out.
The first time he was satisfied with the result of the Eternal Life Immortal Domination Great Art that he had constantly been dissatisfied with.
"Hehe."
Xian Qing let out a laugh.
Looking at Cheon Hwi with both eyes sparkling, he stroked his sparse beard that had grown from not trimming it for a long time.
'I thought he had no interest in martial arts, but he must have been hiding his true feelings all this time, worried that his poor physical condition would cause concern.'
A feeling of pity arose.
The child brought by the youngest junior disciple.
At first, everyone thought he was a child who would inherit the progress of the junior disciple known as the next Huashan's First Sword, but the moment they saw him directly, everyone realized without anyone having to say it first.
That child's body was a mess.
'Hehe, but to think it was resolved like this with the Zisuo Pill and the fourth junior disciple's medical arts, if only the youngest junior disciple could have seen this...'
Tears blurred his vision.
The youngest junior disciple was the treasure of Huashan.
He possessed the heavenly talent that could restore the recently nominal reputation of the Huashan Sect, so they thought he would reach the Heavenly Martial Realm at a considerably early age.
But that became a mere dream.
Eight years ago, he lost his life in the battle against Bai Guicheng (白鬼成), and because of that, Cheon Hwi had become even more passive.
'It's a relief that your body has gotten better.'
Could it be said that misunderstandings beget misunderstandings?
Xian Qing's gaze grew even warmer.
However, Cheon Hwi, already completely captivated by everything in the Wan Jing Pavilion, failed to notice and immediately went inside.
'Phew, it's unfortunate but let's start from the third floor first.'
Cheon Hwi forcibly moved his feet that didn't want to leave and strode up the stairs.
Upon reaching the third floor like that, his eyes shone at the bookshelves that filled his vision.
Heart methods, sword arts, fist arts, palm arts, finger arts...
As he scanned the labels (貝) written on each bookshelf, Cheon Hwi stopped at one place.
Looking at the label written 'Lightness Arts' on the side of the bookshelf.
He immediately turned to the side and scanned the titles densely written on the bookshelf.
Ink Cloud Spitting Thunder (墨雲吐雷), Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds (天龍出雲), Butcher's Hand One Step (屠手一步), and Nine Palaces Step, etc.
The footwork arts that were typically known when thinking of the Huashan Sect were all gathered there.
Phew.
His eyes naturally went to a few footwork arts, but rolling his eyes, he forcibly held back.
"Jade Ring Wondrous Step, Jade Ring Wondrous Step..."
Muttering as he searched for the Jade Ring Wondrous Step, it didn't take long before.
"Here it is!"
He immediately reached out and pulled out the book.
Seeing the martial arts book clearly inscribed with 'Jade Ring Wondrous Step,' his body became buoyant.
A new martial arts book after a long time.
His eyes began to充血 with excitement, and a twisted smile formed at the corners of his mouth.
It was a scene that recalled the time when his close subordinates called him the Martial Mad Ghost (武狂鬼).
Flip!
The moment he immediately turned the pages of the martial arts book.
"Hmm? This is the Jade Ring Wondrous Step?"
A voice full of bewilderment slipped out.