Chapter 62: Formatting
The next day, I began learning the secret technique of Thunder Shadow Steps, the Heaven Pillar Kill. My mornings started with sitting in seiza at the training ground, quietly listening to Lee Gwang’s explanations.
“Have you seen So-cheong perform Heaven Pillar Kill? What did you think of it?”
“It seemed like he was easily and skillfully dodging the enemy’s attacks.”
I shared my honest impression. When Jin So-cheong used Heaven Pillar Kill, his movements were so fast and dazzling that they were beyond what I knew as Thunder Shadow Steps. It was not just dodging; it seemed like he was toying with his opponent. Even the torrent-like sword qi unleashed by the first disciple of the Zhongnan Sect was evaded as if he was performing shadow splitting techniques. It was astonishing.
Lee Gwang said,
“The step technique of Heaven Pillar Kill can be considered the core of the Thunder God Style martial arts. It allows for freedom in advance and retreat, always staying one step ahead of the enemy, enabling you to control critical points. Without mastering Heaven Pillar Kill, no matter how diligently you practice other Thunder God Style martial arts, you cannot unleash their full power.”
“I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“Why is it named Heaven Pillar Kill? It seems like a rather violent name for a step technique.”