EPISODE 27

I had come to half-accept this existence as the Martial God. Perhaps that was why the rather rude remarks only provoked my curiosity rather than anger.

"Why?"

—This martial art is incomplete.

I paused before asking, "How did you know? There shouldn't be any flaws in its completion."

—It's difficult to explain in theoretical terms. It's like looking at a painting. No matter how skilled the artist is, if there's a glaringly empty area, you instinctively recognize it as incomplete. The reason I'm advising you to stop learning the White Sun Eclipse isn't just because it's incomplete.

The Martial God continued.

—You demonstrated ten forms of the White Sun Eclipse. The only thing they share is the requirement for Extreme Yang Qi.

I nodded, acknowledging the accuracy of his observation.

The White Sun Eclipse was a martial art composed entirely of deadly techniques. While it could be used to keep an opponent off balance or to link attacks with creative application, its essence was delivering fatal blows.

—There is another unique trait. The second half grows progressively more powerful. It is like a flame that gradually heats up, engulfing everything around it. At present, you can only use up to the seventh or eighth form. The final two are still beyond your reach, aren't they?

"That's right."

—And the forms you will develop in the future must surpass the ones you have now. From the eleventh form onward, it may no longer qualify as a human martial art.

That was true. It was the reason I couldn't even touch the White Sun Eclipse's second half—it was simply beyond my capability.

The Martial God sighed.

—It's a dangerous martial art with immense destructive power, but it can only be wielded by someone with a transcendentally strong body. A flesh-and-blood body will inevitably reach its limits.

Though I couldn't see him, I could feel the Martial God scrutinizing me.

—You aren't surprised. Did you already know this?

"Yes."

—Then why continue learning it? Aren't you afraid of the side effects?

I hesitated briefly before answering. Sharing a secret with a divine being wasn't exactly risky.

"The mind method I've mastered is highly effective in physical recovery. No matter how much strain my body endures, this skill offsets it through its regenerative capabilities."

—I saw enough of the earlier bloody battle to know that you have learned a special technique. Despite being clearly exhausted, you quickly regained your energy. However, this is still only a temporary solution. In the end, didn't you consume all your Qi?

The Martial God's insight impressed me once again, but I didn't show it.

The Martial God sighed again.

—Most martial arts involve systematic training. By following a step-by-step process, practitioners ascend levels in order, naturally progressing to the next. In this way, the martial arts passed down from our predecessors serve as milestones in themselves. Thanks to this structure, their disciples could cultivate not only their bodies but also their minds. This was no coincidence but the founder's deliberate intention. After all, a strong mentality is essential to mastering the martial art of ascension. However—

The Martial God's voice grew heavier.

—The White Sun Eclipse offers no such consideration. It is merely a collection of simple, destructive techniques. Frankly, I don't even want to call it a martial art.

I remained silent.

—I'm not saying you shouldn't use it. But you shouldn't immerse yourself too deeply in it. With just the ten forms you showed me, you won't lack combat power. Pursuing more than that will only harm your body.

The Martial God paused for a moment.

—To be honest... I can't fathom the true intentions of your master in teaching you this martial art.

"There must be a reason."

—Is the reason to achieve something even at the cost of destroying his disciple?

The Martial God's words were jarring, but oddly, I wasn't particularly offended. It wasn't that I doubted the Martial God's honesty—I had sensed this to some extent myself. Throughout my training, I had felt something was off about the White Sun Eclipse. I knew it was dangerous to continue learning it.

But was it truly wrong?

"There is such a thing as compatibility between people and martial arts. One martial art may be a treasure to one person but worth less than a stone to another."

—This is about risk, not compatibility.

"I know. I just want to say that there is compatibility even among teachers and students."

A brief silence followed.

"Martial God, my master didn't force me to learn the White Sun Eclipse. The choice was mine, so the responsibility is also mine."

I could feel the Martial God's gaze on me. Perhaps my words bordered on insolence, but in this short exchange, I had come to understand that he was fundamentally a good being.

His advice stemmed from genuine goodwill, yet I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Even if he was well-intentioned, his interference in the sacred bond between master and disciple felt invasive.

—I understand your meaning clearly and can vaguely guess why you rejected my martial art.

"Yes. So, Martial God, you should find another believer—"

—The one coming here right now?

"That's a bit..." I paused.

Come to think of it, Hadenaihar's follower is rushing over. The cave is enormous, so it will take some time for them to arrive, but I don't have the luxury to sit idly.

Desperately searching for a solution, I suggested, "How about this? After I leave this place, I will find a believer worthy of you, Martial God."

—Hmm. Until then, should I refrain from choosing a believer?

"That's correct."

—It seems like you don't approve of the martial artist approaching this place.

"That's right. That's an evil individual who worships the gods of disaster."

I wasn't sure how convincing this argument would be to a divine being, but I said it anyway.

—Hmm.

The Martial God was lost in thought for a moment.

—Messenger, I will accept your proposal if you agree to one condition.

"What's your condition?"

—Learn my martial art.

"As I mentioned before, I—"

—You can continue practicing the White Sun Eclipse. I won't interfere with that. But isn't it an incomplete martial art? Unless you plan to devote all your time to developing it, learning another martial art wouldn't hurt. I am also certain in my own way.

"Certain?"

—That my martial art will be of great help to you.

I couldn't understand his motive and had to ask, "Why would you do something like that for someone like me?"

—It is my stubbornness as the Martial God.

"What?"

—I am certain. As you learn my martial art, your thoughts will definitely change along the way.

"Do you think I will change and abandon the White Sun Eclipse on my own?"

—Yes.

A laugh escaped me. "Shouldn't you usually hide this type of intention?"

—I thought it wouldn't matter whether I hid it or not. Furthermore, the longer it remains hidden, the greater the fallout. Isn't trust the foundation of the relationship between a master and a disciple?

"But I'm not your disciple, Martial God."

—Yes.

The Martial God's tone was nonchalant.

I felt a bit awkward but didn't bother to argue. "I see. I accept."

It would be rude to refuse further after the Martial God had humbled himself this much. Besides, the proposal didn't harm me.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that I had forgotten to ask something crucial. "What martial art would you like to teach me?"

—It is called the Galaxy Sword.

Thud.

My jaw dropped. It was a name that any citizen of the empire would recognize.

I barely managed to hide my shock as I asked, "Martial God, are you actually the Nameless King?"

***

The Galaxy Sword symbolized the swordsmanship of the Nameless King, hailed as the greatest king since the empire's founding. His achievements included uniting the scattered nations during a large-scale demon invasion and establishing friendly relations with other races—all with just one sword.

Because of the relationships the Nameless King had forged, the kingdom had evolved into the present empire. In fact, no one found it unusual that only one nation existed on the continent.

Five hundred years ago, however, numerous countries and races had occupied this land, often in conflict with one another, and the powerful evil known as the church still loomed over all.

—No.

The Martial God's reply was laced with bitterness.

—Wasn't the Nameless King human to begin with?

"The five kings, including the Nameless King, hold god-like status in the empire today. Entire religions are dedicated to worshiping them."

—Is that so? Times have changed a lot.

The Martial God muttered softly, his voice tinged with surprise.

—But I am not the Nameless King. If I was such a renowned figure, would I still be called a forgotten god?

He had a point.

Convinced by the Martial God's words, I asked cautiously, "Then what was your relationship with the Nameless King?"

—He was my messenger in the past. That is all.

Suddenly, the cave trembled, and a small piece of stone fell from the ceiling.

—I don't think this cave will last much longer.

"Do you mean it is going to collapse?"

—Your fight just now was that intense. Messenger, you must take something with you if you inherit the Galaxy Sword. There's a sword stuck at the top of that tower.

"Don't tell me it is the Seven Sins Sword?"

The Seven Sins Sword was the weapon the Nameless King used to unite the continent's seven races. This famous sword allowed him to win a series of battles against the strongest warriors of each race without ever breaking.

But that sword was supposed to be lost. The palace now displayed only a replica, or so I'd read. The descriptions of the original were vivid: a blade that twisted like the branches of a tree, etched with strange runes.

—If you're referring to the sword with a branch-like blade and 27 runes engraved on it, then yes, that's the one.

That was it. I had to retrieve it quickly and leave.

"You said it was at the top of the tower?"