Chapter 46: Forest Lord Im Gi-hak (3)

The Top Mountain Hall of White Cloud Peak.

That building atop the mountain was the residence of the Forest Lord of the Azure Forest.

In the Taoist sect of Wudang, it was said that the tiles were gilded, making this building seem modest in comparison.

However, its ambiance was second to none.

Sitting on the wooden floor, one side of the wall is entirely open, offering a full view of the Azure Forest below.

The vibrant autumn foliage here and there on the mountains was a breathtaking sight.

“The view is nice. After a rainy day, they say a sea of clouds unfolds below the next morning. It’s something I boast about.”

The Azure Forest Lord said so.

He’s over ninety, quite an old man. But his voice was strong, and his eyes sparkled with vitality.

“That would be a spectacular sight.”

“Do come and see it sometime.”

“If there’s an opportunity, I will.”

Climbing this White Cloud Peak again. Just thinking about it was tiresome.

Yi-gang’s body was drenched in sweat. He felt heavy as if soaked, but he didn’t show it outwardly.

Yi-gang, sipping tea, was more composed than anyone in the room. His demeanor was refined, befitting of a noble clan, to the point that Yu Su-rin next to him kept glancing and mimicking.

‘There’s a limit to the secret art of light footwork.’

As Yi-gang lightened his body, it became somewhat easier, but using the secret art of light footwork all the way up White Cloud Peak was challenging. Moreover, from the midpoint, the mountain winds became so strong that he couldn’t use it at all.

“How’s the taste of the tea?”

“It’s good.”

In Yi-gang’s hand, the teacup contained red tea. The fragrance was profound.

Upon tasting, there was no bitterness at all. Just a subtle sweetness lingering.

Looking up, he saw the Azure Forest Lord stealing glances at him. His eyes seemed to be filled with anticipation.

As Yi-gang remained silent, he finally spoke up, “Your tea ceremony skills are impressive. It seems you enjoy tea.”

“To some extent, yes. It warms the body when I drink it.”

“I like tea. But among the children of our Forest, none are interested in the way of tea. I thought it would be nice to have a tea companion.”

He seemed to want a more detailed appreciation of the tea.

Yi-gang thought for a moment before speaking, “Um… the fragrance is rich and deep. Green tea.”

Probably fermented tea. No, it seemed like half-fermented tea leaves.

“Yet, the taste is mild. It seems to be a kind of Wuyi rock tea.”

“Ohh.”

There was a reaction from the Azure Forest Lord.

Making it this far, there weren’t many options left. There’s no Taoist sect that would pretend to be poor and act pitiful.

The Azure Forest would be the same, and thus, the precious thing that the tea-loving Forest Lord would serve to a guest would be…

“I never thought I’d get to taste Da Hong Pao. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”

That was the only thing that came to mind.

It seemed like Yi-gang had hit the mark.

“Truly remarkable! How do you have such fine taste? It’s my Da Hong Pao, which I had hidden away. I’m delighted that you appreciate its taste. Hehehe.”

Soft wrinkles formed around the eyes of Im Gi-hak, the Azure Forest Lord.

Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin hastily drank their tea again, but their expressions were nothing but puzzled.

They couldn’t help it. Tasting tea and identifying the tea leaves was no easy task. Yi-gang had merely based his guess on his knowledge.

“It’s said that this tea cured the empress’s chronic illness. I heard that the emperor awarded the tea plant with a red silk robe, and it came to be known as Da Hong Pao.”

“You’re well-informed. Yes, it’s also a tribute tea for the Imperial family. These tea leaves were bestowed by the emperor this summer.”

From what Yi-gang had heard, the Azure Forest had maintained exchanges with the Imperial family. An item of this caliber was unobtainable, no matter how wealthy one might be.

Regardless, the way the Azure Forest Lord looked at Yi-gang became much warmer. For Yi-gang, there was nothing wrong with receiving his favor.

Unexpectedly, Jin Ri-yeon also proved to be of help.

She relayed every story of her time spent with Yi-gang to the Azure Forest Lord.

Of course, she skipped the story that brought disgrace upon Moyong Tak. It was mainly the heroic tale from when they hunted the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger.

While Jin Ri-yeon wasn’t particularly eloquent, the content of her story was extremely thrilling.

“Yi-gang had a knife to my throat and said, ‘Turn the horse around.’ He clearly had his paralysis point sealed, so how could he move?”

“Gasp!”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

Yu Su-rin gasped in excitement, and the Azure Forest Lord’s eyes sparkled at the thrilling tale.

“‘We must save the Squad Leader Neung Ji-pyeong and the warriors.’ That’s what he said decisively.”

“Ah, such a grand spirit for someone so young.”

“Like this, he stood on the horse and assumed the beginning stance of the Heaven’s Shadow Sword Technique.”

“He stood on a running horse?”

“Yes, just like this.”

Even Yi-gang hadn’t expected such a passionate attitude from Jin Ri-yeon. She even imitated the way Yi-gang had stood on the horse and drawn his sword. She was eagerly gilding Yi-gang’s face.

Yi-gang stiffened his arms, legs, and neck. Otherwise, he felt his face would have turned red.

Hearing his own heroic tales from someone else was embarrassingly overwhelming.

“Squad Leader Neung cut off the left head of the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger, and I stabbed its flank. We almost missed, but then Yi-gang flew in.”

“Flew in? From the horse?”

“And then precisely hit the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger’s spine with a thwack.”

Jin Ri-yeon must have had a talent for storytelling. She heightened the tension with a moment of silence before continuing.

“And just like that, it was over.”

“So, he cut off the yokai’s lifeline in one blow!”

“And then he said something.”

Yi-gang felt a sudden surge of anxiety.

Indeed, after the Immortal Divine Sword possessing Yi-gang had slain the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger, it had said something.

“This is the essence of the Heaven’s Shadow Sword…”

Chills ran down his spine.

The Azure Forest Lord clapped in satisfaction, and Yu Su-rin followed suit with enthusiasm.

“No, that’s not what happened!”

He had indeed said, “This is the Heaven’s Shadow Sword.” But that was actually what the Immortal Divine Sword had said to Yi-gang.

But who could have anticipated such a dramatic reinterpretation of those words?

“Regardless, it was a splendid cooperation. Something to be proud of as a swordsman, especially in your physical condition.”

Forest Lord’s eyes softened even more as he looked at Yi-gang, which was somewhat of a relief for him.

“The Great Yin Meridian Blockage is a constitution rarely seen in this world. It’s a natural constitution, not a disease, but it’s no different from having the body’s meridians severed. There are limits to what medicine can heal.”

“That’s why I came to the Azure Forest.”

This was the main point Yi-gang wanted to make.

Would the Azure Forest Lord, known as a master of Qi technique, be able to save Yi-gang from his time-limited life?

“Indeed, it is only right to help. As a fellow martial artist, and because you are a young man of talent and good character, we cannot let you die. Moreover, you bear our token.”

The Azure Forest Lord spoke, fiddling with the silver bell in his hand.

He had recognized the Pixiu necklace Yi-gang wore around his neck right away. That’s why he served tea to Yi-gang immediately, without needing to discuss the covenant with the Immortal Divine Sword.

“However.”

“…”

“The Great Yin Meridian Blockage is not something that can be simply healed with a Qi technique. It’s like a jar with a broken bottom; unless that hole is plugged, neither elixir nor Qi technique will be of any use.”

“Then…”

“I’m sorry. For now, there’s nothing I can do. Tsk.”

Forest Lord let out a soft sigh of regret.

Yi-gang didn’t show his disappointment, but quietly closed his mouth and sipped his cold tea.

Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin were paying attention. Especially Jin Ri-yeon, who clenched her mouth shut as if she was quite upset.

However, seeing that she didn’t question Forest Lord further, it showed that she trusted Forest Lord’s judgment to that extent.

“Right, you said you brought back the internal elixirs of the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger.”

“Ah, yes, I did.”

“Would you show it to me?”

Yi-gang calmly took out the small casket.

The moment he opened the casket, a cold chill flowed out, a toxicity emanating from the yokai’s internal elixir.

“Indeed, it’s a precious item.”

The two internal elixirs were pitch black. Next to them, there was also the greenish internal elixir of a tiger ghost. Forest Lord took out the tiger ghost’s internal elixir, and something resembling a blue stone came up into his hand.

“The internal elixir of the Twin-Headed Ghost Tiger will be taken to Snowflake Hermit Palace to be purified and then used for medicinal concoctions.”

The tiger ghost’s internal elixir in his hand wriggled.

Tsk, tsk, tsk—

Astonishingly, the greenish color faded, beginning to spread through Forest Lord’s palm. He was using his internal energy to extract only the malicious energy from the internal elixir.

“Now that this is purified, you may take it for future use. It will be beneficial for you.”

“Thank you.”

The received tiger ghost’s internal elixir was clear. Somehow, it had a fresh scent.

Yi-gang’s heart became complicated. Indeed, the Qi technique Forest Lord just showed was remarkable.

And such a Forest Lord had said it was impossible to cure the Great Yin Meridian Blockage.

「Do not take the words of those horse-headed Taoist fellows at face value. They have a habit of twisting their words.」

The Immortal Divine Sword gave such a sharp retort.

The Azure Forest’s Forest Lord, Im Gi-hak, truly possessed an aura akin to an immortal. With his long, flowing white beard and graceful movements, he exuded an air of transcendence.

However, the Immortal Divine Sword was not easily swayed by appearances, and the same went for Yi-gang.

“What do you mean by ‘for now’?”

Forest Lord used the phrase “for now.”

“It’s just as I said. With my Qi, I cannot cure your constitution.”

“Then, is there another way?”

To this, Forest Lord responded with a faint smile.

Yi-gang had not just caught him on a technicality.

「It’s a smile I feel I’ve seen often. So inscrutable, just like…」

Forest Lord must have sensed the presence of the Immortal Divine Sword standing behind Yi-gang.

However, he had not shown it, not even once, so far.

“Ri-yeon. Su-rin. You two step outside for a moment.”

Who would dare disobey Forest Lord’s command?

“The disciples will wait outside.”

Jin Ri-yeon took Yu Su-rin and left the Top Mountain Hall.

“It seems inappropriate to discuss this in front of those kids.”

Saying so, Forest Lord lifted his hand.

Then, the wooden doors that had been open and showing the outside scenery closed all at once. With a light sweep of his finger, the bamboo blinds tied above the ceiling also unfastened all at once. It was an astonishing feat of Qi kinesis.

As the banging and rustling noises ceased, silence ensued.

“What do you see in me?”

The one who took the initiative was Yi-gang.

Forest Lord opened his eyes wide and laughed.

“Since when?”

“Not long ago.”

“Do you know who it is?”

“Of course, I do.”

“If you know, you must see clearly.”

“It’s not just visible.”

“Huh, can you even converse?”

Yi-gang was also surprised that Forest Lord had detected the presence of the Immortal Divine Sword, but it seemed that Forest Lord was equally astonished by Yi-gang.

“A spirit accompanying the descendant of the Baek Clan. And the Pixiu necklace. More than anything, though it’s rusted, that sword is clearly the genuine meteorite sword from the legends.”

“You recognize it. No one in the clan has recognized it.”

Even the Clan Head hadn’t recognized it. There was the Shooting Star Fang in the Council of Elders, probably because a fake was presented, but it had always been a question.

But Forest Lord recognized the Shooting Star Fang right away. Yi-gang found it puzzling.

“Are you the legendary martial master, the Immortal Divine Sword?”

Behind Yi-gang, Immortal Divine Sword nodded his head in satisfaction.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“You can see him clearly and even hear his voice, without any kind of sorcery or the aid of a medium.”

“Is that surprising?”

“Yes. I, too, can sense the presence, but I can’t see the form clearly or hear the voice.”

Only then could Yi-gang understand Forest Lord’s attitude. It wasn’t that he was pretending not to see; he genuinely seemed unable to see properly.

After all, there had not been a single person so far who had noticed the existence of the Immortal Divine Sword.

“I had my suspicions. It’s quite a pleasant surprise.”

“Pleasant?”

“Yes, I saw the Immortal Divine Sword when I was very young. I must have been about ten.”

“Oh, really?”

The Immortal Divine Sword had a puzzled expression, but Forest Lord’s words and actions seemed sincere. So, was that why he recognized the Shooting Star Fang?

“Well, this person did live a long life. People in our family generally live for a long time.”

“Yes, I was so young at the time, so you probably wouldn’t recognize me. Haha.”

Judging by his tone, Forest Lord seemed somewhat excited, a demeanor hard to believe for someone who was one of the World’s Ten Grandmasters.

Only then did Yi-gang fully realize how remarkable the spirit by his side was.

‘Really…’

「Do you now recognize the greatness of your ancestor?」

‘He really is from the old times.’

「That’s not what’s important!」

The Immortal Divine Sword had been old even when that immortal-like elder was just a little child.

“So, to get back to the main point, it’s about improving the constitution of the Great Yin Meridian Blockage.”

“Yes, I’m listening attentively.”

Yi-gang sat up straight and listened carefully.

“Correcting the constitution isn’t simply a matter of approaching it with Qi circulation. Of the nine major meridians that have been severed, you might be able to reconnect five…”

“That’s right.”

Yi-gang was aware of this. It was the specific reason that made him terminally ill.

According to a reputable doctor, whom he had invited once, reconnecting even one of the major meridians would extend one’s life by three years.

“The major meridians, in reality, have no physical form. But they definitely exist, so to connect them, you must fix what doesn’t exist as if it does. This is called non-existentence near existence, a kind of Taoist cultivation practice.”

It wasn’t entirely incomprehensible. It resonated with what the Immortal Divine Sword had taught him.

The secret art of light footwork, the secret art of strengthened body. The entire martial art of the Great Yin Flow pursued the ‘power of the mind.’

“Is it impossible, then?”

“It’s nearly impossible. It may be possible to momentarily reconnect the severed major meridians through the power of sheer will. But fixing that in reality is impossible for a human.”

When the Immortal Divine Sword possessed Yi-gang, he had momentarily reconnected the severed blood vessels.

But as soon as the possession was lifted, his body returned to its original state. Yi-gang could understand the difficulty Forest Lord spoke of.

“Then…”

“However, if one were to use truly immense spiritual energy… If there is a spiritual energy strong enough to ascend a human to immortality… Then you could heal your body.”

It wouldn’t be the spiritual energy Yi-gang could gather through training. Where would one gather such spiritual energy that could ascend a human to the level of an immortal with a human body?

Yet, without realizing it, Yi-gang looked behind him.

The Immortal Divine Sword once said his spiritual energy was as deep as a vast lake.

It seemed Forest Lord had the same thought.

“If the Immortal Divine Sword by your side helps, it might be possible.”

But then, he hesitated in his speech.

“I’m cautious because it seems I need to speak of his personal cause.”

“Cause?”

“Yes, when I first saw the Immortal Divine Sword, I also came to know of his cause. Tsk, tsk, it’s truly a pitiful matter.”

And at that moment—

The candles in the room flickered violently all at once.

Flap-flap-flap—

The red bamboo blind shook intensely, even though there was no wind.

Yi-gang’s face turned slightly pale.

This was because the Immortal Divine Sword was showing intense anger for the first time.

Forest Lord quietly asked Yi-gang, “What is he saying?”

“…”

“It’s okay. Tell me straight.”

The Immortal Divine Sword was speaking to Forest Lord.

“That…”

Yi-gang tried to soften it as much as possible. However, he couldn’t hide the fury.

「Tell that young Taoist lad, if he doesn’t want his tongue ripped out and his neck twisted to death, he should stop wagging that room-sized tongue of his.」

The words were dripping with killing intent.

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