The Sword Emperor's Way of Establishing the Namgung Clan

Chapter 71 - The Great Art (3)

Crackle!

The blue lightning energy, spreading out from Namgung Jun as its center as if taking root in all directions.

The frightened physicians urgently widened the distance. Only after they had retreated more than five steps from around the bath were they able to catch their breath.

“Uaah!” Follow current novᴇls on novel_fіre.net

“What on earth is happening!”

“Young Hero Namgung!”

The aura that was violently whirling from Namgung Jun’s entire body stirred up the surroundings.

The nearby furniture, unable to just shake, was overturned, and soot from the lightning energy formed on the walls and ceiling.

An ordinary physician who had only learned medical arts would have fainted on the spot.

The physicians of the Azure Medical Pavilion were able to keep their places, at least, because they had learned martial arts.

FWHOOSH!

The beard of the Azure Medical Pavilion Head, who had dispersed the aura of the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Art by waving his sleeve, shook wildly.

‘It does not seem to be Qi Deviation.’

Right after he had heard Namgung Jun’s final telepathic message, the violent aura had begun to radiate out in all directions.

It meant that the current violent Qi circulation and breath regulation had been intended according to Namgung Jun’s will.

‘What on earth is he doing?’

Countless thoughts flashed through the mind of the Azure Medical Pavilion Head as he stared piercingly at the back of Namgung Jun, who was seated in the lotus position.

And finally, one thought took its place.

An unbelievable, yet in the current situation, the only plan that had even a slight possibility.

“A Forceful Breakthrough!”

The expressions of the physicians, who had heard the lament-mixed exclamation of the Azure Medical Pavilion Head, changed all at once.

They had finally grasped what was going on.

“This is crazy!”

“What a reckless act!”

“Is that even a possible thing?”

The physicians looked at Namgung Jun with worry-filled eyes.

It would not have been enough even if he had attempted it in a stable condition.

But now, while his Nine Yin Severed Meridians were running wild due to the Adamant Essence Art, to suddenly attempt a forceful breakthrough?

It was no different from jumping into a fire while carrying rice straw.

As the minds of the physicians, who had realized Namgung Jun’s choice, grew hazy, the Azure Medical Pavilion Head alone finished his calculations.

“Continue the Adamant Essence Art! Gather every last medicinal herb or spiritual medicine that carries Yang Energy and bring them here!”

The shout of the Azure Medical Pavilion Head struck the eardrums of the physicians.

The physicians, who had been blankly watching the situation, came to their senses and moved with swift feet.

“Scrape up all the Morinda root, Cistanche, Golden Thread Herb, and Deer Antler and bring them here!”

“The Flaming Cicada Ginseng, too! Leave only the minimum amount necessary for treatment and use it all!”

“You all, focus on boiling the medicinal liquids and decoctions. These two things must absolutely not be cut off in the middle of this!”

Following the order of the Azure Medical Pavilion Head, the physicians who had been on standby were fully mobilized.

It was the moment the entire strength of the Azure Medical Pavilion was being focused on Namgung Jun alone.

“We have brought the medicinal liquid for the Great Art!”

“Looking at the speed at which it’s being used up, this is ridiculously insufficient. Move your hands and feet faster!”

“This is driving me crazy!”

The process of pouring the medicinal liquid and the medicinal herb pouches into the bath that Namgung Jun was in was repeated without end.

VROOOOM!

Following the finer points of the Adamant Essence Art, the energy of the medicinal herbs and the liquid was all absorbed by Namgung Jun.

As if they were continuously pouring water into a bottomless jar, the medicinal herbs and the liquid were endlessly consumed.

Despite this, the hands and feet of the physicians did not stop. Rather, as time went on, they moved more fervently.

It was because they knew well that this act of helping Namgung Jun, even in this way, was being of help to his breakthrough of the Nine Yin Severed Meridians.

How many medicinal herbs had the physicians poured in?

It was when the warehouse of the Azure Medical Pavilion, which had never been lacking thanks to its thorough inventory management, was about to show its bottom.

“Huh?”

“For a moment…”

The cerulean lightning energy, which had been churning violently the whole time, gradually began to subside.

SWOOOOOOSH!

At the immense heat that was being radiated from Namgung Jun’s entire body, the medicinal liquid that had been filling the bath rapidly evaporated.

An incredible amount of steam rose up, to the point of thickly veiling the view before them.

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head lightly generated his Palm Force.

FLARE!

Through the vision that had been clearly revealed by the Azure Medical Pavilion Head’s touch, Namgung Jun’s naked body could be seen distinctly.

“Hmm?”

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head did not miss the phenomenon that was occurring to Namgung Jun.

Black sweat had begun to form in great numbers all over Namgung Jun’s body, and then an incredible foul stench began to vibrate through the air.

The amount of the black sweat was no ordinary matter; it was pouring out as if it were flowing down.

‘The impure qi and waste products from inside his body are coming out.’

Though it was clearly a good phenomenon, the Adamant Essence Art did not have this kind of efficacy.

It was clear that the situation was flowing in a way that was outside of his expectations.

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head observed Namgung Jun with tense eyes.

The black sweat was only the beginning.

The body of Namgung Jun, who had poured out such an incredible amount of black sweat that the bottom of the bath was now shimmering with it, trembled minutely.

Ting!

Along with a vibration, the countless needles that had been embedded in his entire body were slowly pulled out and fell to the floor.

The more the number of pulled needles increased, the stronger the spasms became, and the Azure Medical Pavilion Head did not miss this minute change.

‘His muscles?’

Originally, it was not that Namgung Jun had no muscles, but they were very lacking to be called those of a martial artist.

But as Namgung Jun’s body minutely shrank as if being compressed, clear lines were being engraved upon it.

It seemed the last of his remaining body fat was being shed and the muscles that had grown under the influence of the Adamant Essence Art were becoming prominent.

“Huh?”

“A change is occurring in his body!”

“But isn’t it difficult to expect such a distinct change with the Adamant Essence Art?”

The physicians, who had belatedly noticed the anomaly, also opened their eyes wide.

The convulsions continued for a long while, and Namgung Jun’s physique changed very slowly.

As if a blunt boulder were changing into a sleek stone statue that a master craftsman’s hand had touched.

And so, a day passed by like a flying arrow.

Though it had been a rather long time, the physicians of the Azure Medical Pavilion could not let go of the string of tension.

“Huu.”

Along with a single breath, Namgung Jun opened his eyes.

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head, who had noticed that Namgung Jun had come to his senses, immediately flew over.

“Hey! Are you alright!”

As he got closer to Namgung Jun, the foul stench became even more severe, but that was not something to be concerned about.

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head could not contain his astonishment at the physical changes in Namgung Jun that were visible to the eye.

‘How can this be?’

If things had gone according to the original plan, it would have been a great accomplishment just to raise Namgung Jun’s extremely weak body to the category of a normal person’s.

But how was it now?

His body had been transformed into that of a martial artist who had grown up while systematically receiving the teachings of a prestigious sect from a young age.

‘He has become a completely different person.’

Because he was the Azure Medical Pavilion Head who had examined the bodies of many masters, he could tell.

The current body of Namgung Jun had surpassed the external arts level of an average martial artist.

Furthermore, it seemed it could be compared to the bodies of the martial artists of the Iron Pagoda Hall, who were called the best in external arts even in the Azure Sky Society.

This was a very astonishing accomplishment.

Though his body was quite emaciated, as if he had not eaten for a long period of time, it was a problem that would be solved quickly if he were to properly replenish his nutrition.

“Truly astonishing. How on earth did such a result come about?”

Namgung Jun slowly raised his head and looked at the Azure Medical Pavilion Head.

The first thing that stood out was the light in his eyes, which had become one level deeper.

Though he was the Azure Medical Pavilion Head who was abiding at the beginning of the Peak Realm, he could clearly tell.

That Namgung Jun had had a great accomplishment that went beyond just a change in his body.

“Did you succeed in the breakthrough?”

“Yes. I have opened the second acupoint.”

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head, who had let out a sigh mixed with relief and admiration, nodded his head.

“Let me check your pulse.”

Namgung Jun confidently held out his hand.

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head, who had carefully placed his hand on top of it, was once again in admiration.

“You’ve really changed.”

He could tell just by placing his hand on him.

If before it had been the wrist of a slightly thin boy, now it was like placing a hand on a flat rock.

‘Has his accomplishment in the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Art risen! His Yang Energy has become extremely powerful.’

Was that all?

A faint Yang Energy could be felt flowing through his entire body, and it seemed that the change in his constitution to boost his Yang Energy, which had been the original goal, had also been achieved.

‘A success, no, a great success.’

It was worthy of being called a great success, as he had not only achieved the original goal but had obtained an even higher result.

It would have been impossible to produce such a distinct change with the original Adamant Essence Art.

But the reason he had changed like this was likely thanks to the several variables that had arisen as Namgung Jun had challenged the breakthrough.

Namgung Jun’s body was just that stable.

Of course, it was not that he had shaken off the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, so the symptoms and attacks would surely remain with him.

Despite this, the Azure Medical Pavilion Head’s expression was bright.

‘What is important is that he has created a foundation from which he can overcome and endure the Nine Yin Severed Meridians in the future.’

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head stopped checking his pulse and withdrew his hand.

“You have truly suffered.”

“Thanks to you, I have obtained a great result. Thank you.”

“There are no abnormalities at present, but for the time being, it would be best for you to stop by the Azure Medical Pavilion every day so we can watch over your body’s condition.”

“I will do so.”

“Then I will see you tomorrow.”

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head sent Namgung Jun, who was returning to the Heavenly Sword Hall, off with a new decoction.

Only after Namgung Jun had crossed the threshold of the Azure Medical Pavilion did the Pavilion Head let out a sigh.

“It feels like a great typhoon has passed.”

Only after Namgung Jun had left did the Azure Medical Pavilion Head grasp the current situation of the Azure Medical Pavilion.

“I see. So in the end, this many medicinal herbs were consumed.”

“Yes. Young Hero Namgung has single-handedly swallowed up half a year’s worth of the Azure Medical Pavilion’s medicinal herbs.”

The Azure Medical Pavilion Head only let out a brief sigh and was not greatly surprised.

In a way, it was a natural result.

Though it was only the second acupoint, it was the unmistakable Nine Yin Severed Meridians.

To achieve a breakthrough in an acupoint of that level, it would not have been strange for not only half a year’s worth of medicinal herbs, but even more, to have been consumed.

“Ordinarily, it would have been an uncertain matter whether it would work even if we poured in all the medicinal herbs. Rather, it is a relief that it ended at this level.”

At the Azure Medical Pavilion Head’s words, the other physicians nodded their heads.

“We will have to replenish the medicinal herbs as soon as possible.”

The physicians, with the Azure Medical Pavilion Head at the lead, began to move busily.

……

Namgung Jun, who had returned to the Heavenly Sword Hall, headed straight for the Hall Master’s office.

Lee Se-ha was not inside, but was pacing restlessly outside her office.

They were not her usual lively and light steps. She was circling the surroundings with heavy steps, as if they would stick to the ground.

Namgung Jun, who had sensed the worry suffused in his master’s steps, raised the corners of his mouth minutely.

“Master.”

At the familiar voice that came from within the shadow of a wall, Lee Se-ha’s hair shimmered.

Though the outward appearance of Namgung Jun, who was slowly walking over, had not changed greatly, Lee Se-ha noticed the transformation right away.

Though she could not see properly as he was hidden by his martial arts uniform, his body’s form had clearly changed.

At first, he seemed to have become slightly more slender, but it was clear that his overall lines had become thicker and harder.

“Jun-ah. You succeeded!”

It was not only his outward appearance that had changed.

Lee Se-ha clearly felt Namgung Jun’s changed bearing.

‘It has become a tier sharper and deeper.’

Lee Se-ha had clearly confirmed her disciple’s accomplishment.

Namgung Jun was in a situation where he had surpassed the perfection of the Peak Realm and had the pinnacle of the Peak Realm right before his eyes.

The pinnacle of the Peak Realm was a realm where the Jing, Qi, and Shen, which had grown to their limit, had achieved harmony.

If one were to go beyond the harmony of Jing, Qi, and Shen and achieve their complete unification, they would break through the pinnacle of the Peak Realm and reach the realm of the Trinity Bloom.

It was to make the leap from a Peak Realm master to a supreme master.

‘Considering Jun’s body, I thought it would take two or three more years.’

Looking at the recent Namgung Jun with a cool head, it was true that rising to the pinnacle of the Peak Realm had been a distant prospect.

For compared to his Shen, the levels of his Qi and Jing had been too far behind.

But, having obtained some kind of accomplishment this time, the levels of his Qi and Jing had been raised by a large margin.

It seemed that if there were just the smallest growth or a turning point, he would be able to achieve the harmony of his Jing, Qi, and Shen at once.

“My Jun has already chased me right up to my chin.”

“The day I surpass you, Master, is not far off.”

“We’ll see about that. This master isn’t going to stop either.”

Lee Se-ha looked at Namgung Jun as if she were enjoying herself.

Then, she soon looked him over with a worried gaze.

“You’ve gotten so thin all of a sudden, Jun. Though of course, you have gained a lot of muscle.”

“It turned out that way.”

“Still, it seems the efficacy of the Great Art was good. Of course, for the time being, let’s recuperate calmly.”

Namgung Jun nodded his head.

Because he had experienced the Adamant Essence Art, the rampage of his Nine Yin Severed Meridians, and the second breakthrough all at the same time, it was clear that his body had also taken a considerable strain.

He was planning to rest soundly for at least a few days and sufficiently replenish his nutrition.

“Let’s go to the inn. I need to feed you something right now.”

Namgung Jun was led by Lee Se-ha’s hand and headed for the inn located in the main fortress of the Azure Sky Society.

“Still, it’s a relief we have some time. You’ll be able to recuperate to some extent before you enter the Training Corps.”

“The Training Corps? What is that?”

“Hm? You didn’t know?”

Lee Se-ha spoke while still pulling Namgung Jun along.

“All the Clouds who challenge for the Three-Cloud rank advancement enter the Training Corps. If you complete all the training courses inside it, you get your rank advancement.”

“The Training Corps? It is the first I have heard of it.”

Lee Se-ha let out a smirk and lightly poked Namgung Jun’s cheek.

“You seem so mature, but sometimes you have this artless side to you.”

As Namgung Jun did not evade her touch, Lee Se-ha repeatedly poked his cheek and continued her words.

“There is a separate reward given if you take the top position in the Training Corps. Since my disciple has had an accomplishment this time, it seems it would be worth challenging.”

“A reward. Though I do not know what it is, I am looking forward to it.”

The disciple, who had been muttering in a low voice, laughed along with his master.

“I will take the top position.”

Namgung Jun declared with full confidence.