The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

The history of the Azure Forest extended back to times when it was not known by the name the Azure Forest.

It dated back to the Song Dynasty, before the opening of the great Ming era, even before the unification of the Central Plains by Qin Shi Huang, to ancient times.

Going back to the era of the Yin and Zhou Dynasties, where oracle bone script was used, and human sacrifices were made.

The enmity between the Azure Forest and its arch-nemesis also began from those times. Unlike the Azure Forest, which established itself as a major sect, they had been lurking in the shadows of the era, carrying a foul stench with their breath.

About 200 years ago, they adopted the guise of the Evil Cult.

The Evil Cult expanded its influence based on a cruel legal system and religious logic that beguiled the people.

Unlike typical martial arts factions, it attracted the populace as a religion. Eventually, even the Imperial Court felt threatened by its rapid growth.

One must wonder how history would have flowed had the Murim Alliance and the Immortal Divine Sword not united to strike at the heart of the Evil Cult.

While over 90% of its members were ordinary peasants, the Cult Leader and the Guardian Commanders of the Evil Cult were formidable.

The only one who could rival the Evil Cult Leader was the Immortal Divine Sword, and a single Guardian Commander was said to be equivalent to the sect leader of one of the Nine Sects.

It was a bloody war. Summarizing briefly, as detailing the entire process would fill several volumes of a martial arts novel:

The Immortal Divine Sword decapitated the Evil Cult Leader.

With a sharp swish.

No matter how skilled a martial artist was, they could not survive being beheaded.

A rolling head. Then, something happened that shocked the Immortal Divine Sword, who was wiping the blood off his sword.

The severed head spoke.

“Did you think that stopping us here would be the end? This is a grand undertaking that has lasted a thousand years. We’ve found six of the nine keys, and soon we will go to the Land of the Enshrined Deity! Wait for it. All of you will be…”

Neither the Immortal Divine Sword nor the other skilled martial artists present at that time could understand what was being said.

Back then, the Immortal Divine Sword was young and full of vigor.

“Shit, that startled me.”

“Especially you, you are…!”

“What the hell are you saying?”

The Immortal Divine Sword raised his foot and crushed the head of the Evil Cult Leader. Let me repeat, he was at an age brimming with vigor.

This was the first time Yi-gang had heard such a story. The Immortal Divine Sword hadn’t gone into much detail.

“You haven’t heard? In a conversation or anything?”

“Yes. If there was something that interesting, he should have told me.”

“He’s quite an expressive person.”

Expressive, huh? Yi-gang thought to himself that was a nice way to put it.

“Fortunately, Jegal Jin, the General Secretary of the Murim Alliance, was there and recorded the event.”

Yi-gang nodded. He organized the facts he had gathered so far.

The Azure Forest and the Evil Cult had a long-standing enmity. They were still scheming in the shadows of the martial world and gathering something called “keys.”

The reason they were gathering keys was, of course, to unlock something. What they wanted to unlock with these keys was…

“That thing down there, that’s the…”

“White Cloud Peak is what they call the Land of the Enshrined Deity. It was named so because it is believed that a deity is sealed there. Therefore, the object inside is called the Enshrined Deity Box.”

“What happens if the Enshrined Deity Box is opened with these keys?”

“An evil god will be released. At least, that’s what they believe.”

Yi-gang peered into the well.

No matter how hard he tried to focus his vision, he could not see anything below but the rippling water surface. Could it be that the box called the Enshrined Deity Box was sunk beneath the water?

“It seems it’s indeed dangerous, considering you are guarding it like this.”

“Protecting the Enshrined Deity Box is the duty of the Forest Lord.”

Yi-gang realized why the Forest Lord resided in White Cloud Peak. It was to guard the Enshrined Deity Box.

“That’s why Azure Forest does not meddle in the various affairs of Jianghu and guards Mount Heng.”

“So, everyone is…”

It’s always more difficult to protect something than to steal it.

“They have been gathering the keys to open the Enshrined Deity Box for a long time. Perhaps by now, they have almost all of them.”

“Then…”

“Someday, they will come here aiming for the Enshrined Deity Box.”

Yi-gang gazed into the well as if entranced.

An evil god? Even if such a thing existed, those who sought to release it must be insane. Did they wish for the world to end?

Suddenly, Yi-gang became curious about what this Enshrined Deity Box looked like.

Just a little more.

If he leaned in closer, could he see the Enshrined Deity Box better…?

At that moment, the Forest Lord’s hand covered Yi-gang’s eyes.

Thud.

“Step back.”

The Forest Lord, still covering Yi-gang’s eyes, closed the lid of the well containing the Enshrined Deity Box.

Only then could Yi-gang see in front of him again.

“The Enshrined Deity Box contains a magical power that bewitches humans. That’s why it’s sealed like this.”

“I see…”

Only then did Yi-gang realize he had almost fallen into the well.

“I told you about the Enshrined Deity Box because you had contact with them.”

“Yes…”

“Even if they searched the entire Central Plains, they haven’t found all the keys yet. That’s why they are plotting such serious matters.”

“What exactly are these keys?”

Somehow, Yi-gang felt that the keys were not ordinary ones in the literal sense.

The Forest Lord whispered quietly. Though there was no one else to hear, the Forest Lord sent a telepathic message.

Yi-gang’s eyes widened as the words pierced into his ears.

“Then…”

“Someday, Yi-gang, you may meet them again. Do not be beguiled. Corruption is exactly what they desire.”

Yi-gang nodded.

Only then did he begin to somewhat understand what the Evil Cult was after. Their contact with the Baek Noble Clan and their search for the Immortal Divine Sword were all in pursuit of the keys.

“You needn’t worry about that.”

There was no chance Yi-gang would fall into the clutches of the Evil Cult and be corrupted, as the Forest Lord seemed to fear.

“I still have a personal debt to settle.”

The grudge with the Evil Cult that began with Sohwa’s death. Yi-gang had no intention of forgiving them.

The Forest Lord smiled.

“Haha, worry not. That’s a matter for later. For now, you have your own duties, so you need not concern yourself with this immediately.”

“My duties?”

“Yes, as a second-generation disciple of the Forest and to not dishonor the legacy of the departed Divine Sword, you must acquire strength that would make you worthy.”

The Forest Lord’s words struck a chord in Yi-gang’s heart.

He was still lacking. It was only recently that he became able to utilize the lower dantian, but there were many aspects where both his internal and external skills were insufficient.

“In four years, there will be an opportunity to leave for the Murim Alliance in time for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.”

The Forest Lord presented Yi-gang with a timeline and a goal.

“By then, acquire the qualifications necessary to participate in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.”

In a few years, several rising star disciples of the Azure Forest would leave for the Murim Alliance to participate in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference. Yi-gang steeled his resolve.

“Yes, I will not neglect my training until then.”

The Forest Lord made a curious expression.

“Just to be clear, you’re not planning to compete with the third-generation disciples, are you? Heh heh.”

The intended participants for the Dragon-Phoenix Conference as official members were the third-generation disciples. Yi-gang hesitantly affirmed.

“Something like that…”

“You, Yi-gang, are not going to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference as a participant. You will be responsible for leading the children as a guide. Train with that in mind.”

This was an unexpected statement for Yi-gang.

Even though the Dragon-Phoenix Conference was a gathering of young rising star disciples, it’s a role that represented the sect. To take on the role of a guide, he needed to possess sufficient qualifications, at least at the average level of a second-generation disciple.

It’s not an easy goal. But Yi-gang did not shake his head.

“I will do so.”

After all, being a second-generation disciple, it was natural to surpass the third-generation disciples.

The Forest Lord smiled at Yi-gang’s silently determined expression.

---

Yi-gang was a person of quick resolve. This trait was a virtue, not only for a martial artist but for anyone.

Even better was the ability to immediately act on that resolution.

Yi-gang did just that.

How to become a second-flower disciple within four years, and how to acquire the skills necessary to participate in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference as a guide. He asked people around him for advice.

His targets were those who had experience in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, the second-generation disciples who had already undergone the training after their initiation.

Jin Mu, Jin Ri-yeon, and, surprisingly, even Dam Hyun were included.

“How thoughtful of our youngest. I’m really proud. Uhahaha!”

Jin Mu said so and laughed heartily.

Jin Ri-yeon also smiled proudly.

“If you’re really determined, it’s better to train together with the third-generation disciples for now.”

“Right? As expected, Junior Sister has deep thoughts.”

Jin Mu also slapped his knee and said, “We are now past that stage and are training individually. It’s not feasible to train together with you right now in terms of place and time. Training alongside the third-generation disciples will be better for you, Yi-gang.”

The second-generation disciples were already dispersed, training individually in their respective halls within Snowflake Hermit Palace or Blue Flower Palace.

On the other hand, the third-generation disciples would train together until they had sufficiently developed their basic skills.

Dam Hyun pointed out in a blunt voice, “It won’t be easy. There’s also the matter of face. Huffing and puffing in front of the juniors would be quite embarrassing.”

He said this without looking at Yi-gang, pretending to be disinterested. Dam Hyun had been dragged here forcibly by Jin Mu and Jin Ri-yeon.

When no response came, Dam Hyun glanced around.

Jin Mu and Jin Ri-yeon wore expressions of being moved.

“You’re sincerely giving advice to Yi-gang, Dam Hyun.”

“Senior Brother Dam Hyun…”

They were surprised that Dam Hyun, who had been brought against his will, was offering advice to Yi-gang.

“What nonsense… It’s out of pity for the third-generation disciples who will train with that guy, I mean, Junior Brother.”

Although Dam Hyun spoke with sincerity, Jin Mu and Jin Ri-yeon seemed to take his words with a grain of salt.

“To truly become strong, you must endure that much. Can you do it, Yi-gang?”

“Yes. I will train with the third-generation disciples.”

“Good, you have exceptional talent, so you’ll surely do well.”

Jin Mu abruptly stood up and said, “We all went through that phase. The four years after joining the Forest are actually the most crucial for laying the foundation to become a master.”

As he said, the training the third-generation disciples would undergo was both rigorous and important. Daily tests of physical limits, training in internal energy cultivation, weapon skills training, light footwork training, and even academic studies.

Like any venerable, large sect, they had a proven and effective training curriculum.

“But among all, there’s a particularly important aspect that you need to work harder on. Junior Sister Ri-yeon and Hyun too would agree with me.”

Jin Mu looked at Jin Ri-yeon and Dam Hyun, seeking their agreement.

Jin Ri-yeon nodded her head, and Dam Hyun snorted.

“If you want to become stronger.”

Yi-gang swallowed hard and asked, “The most important thing is…”

The answer to Yi-gang’s question.

All three opened their mouths simultaneously.

“It’s the training of the body.”

“It’s internal energy.”

“It’s surely sorcery.”

They looked at each other with disbelief.

And then turned back to Yi-gang.

Yi-gang, under their intense gazes, thought, ‘I feel like I’ve seen this scene before.’

A sense of déjà vu hit him.

It seemed like he had met similar people since he came to Azure Forest.

‘…Ah.’

Yi-gang recalled the third-generation disciples.

---

Jun Myung gasped heavily as he ran.

“Phew, huff. Huff.”

Despite his large build, he had good stamina and high prowess in internal energy cultivation.

But now, his entire body was drenched in sweat, as if melting away.

“Huff, wheeze.”

“Errr, grh.”

Son Hee-il and Yu Su-rin, who were doggedly following him, also appeared to be struggling just as much.

This was different from their usual morning running exercises.

This event, conducted once every season, involved running until collapse without using internal energy.

The purpose was to exhaust physical stamina to its limits.

In this state, consuming a herbal tonic made from spiritual herbs dramatically enhanced physical strength.

The last disciple standing would get an extra precious spiritual herb added to their tonic.

Due to its intense nature, all third-generation disciples dreaded this day that came every season.

“Kuhuck!”

Eventually, Jun Myung, who was leading, fell.

Immediately after, Son Hee-il and Yu Su-rin, closely following behind, tripped and fell as well.

Struggling to get up, they lay there.

“Aaaaah! No!”

Son Hee-il cried out in frustration.

Similarly gasping, someone slowly overtook them.

“Huff, wheeze.”

It was Yi-gang, his pale face turning even whiter, staggering as he ran.

Yi-gang’s physical strength, frail by nature, was clearly below the average of the third-generation disciples. That’s why they had run ahead of him with confident expressions.

However, in this training method, something was more important than physical strength.

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon, who was floating beside Yi-gang and running comfortably, laughed.

「That’s right, mental strength is most important. Physical strength follows the mind.」

Even if Yi-gang lacked physical strength, he was confident in his mental fortitude.

His endurance at that moment was purely due to his mental strength. Naturally, he wasn’t using the secret art of light footwork.

His head throbbed, and he tasted blood in his throat.

Then he remembered a time. The last time he spoke to Sohwa.

“I’m slow at running. But I still caught up with everyone faster than me.”

It was a statement meant to reassure her as she was dying, but it was heartfelt.

“I didn’t give up. If I kept running till the end, even as others fell out of exhaustion, I would eventually catch up with them all.”

That’s roughly what he had said. And indeed, it was true. If one didn’t give up and kept running until they were the only one left, they would ultimately be the victor.

「Though you look delicate and weak, you’ve got a stubborn streak. I like that.」

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon threw out such comments casually.

Ignoring her, who was efficiently filling the void left by the Immortal Divine Sword, Yi-gang kept running.

He was on his fifth lap now and stopped in front of the starting point rock.

Yi-gang gasped for air. Saliva dripped from his mouth, and he felt like vomiting.

“Huff, huff.”

Just as he tried to turn his head to see how many had given up.

“Aaaah, he’s overtaken me again!”

Yu Su-rin, who had just been lying behind him, suddenly passed Yi-gang.

Surprised, Yi-gang turned back with heavy breaths.

“Ha…!”

「That’s impressive.」

More than half, in fact, more than half hadn’t given up and remained. Dozens were still ascending the ridge as if clinging to it.

In the meantime, Son Hee-il, crawling on all fours, overtook Yi-gang, and Jun Myung squatted in front of Yi-gang, beginning to vomit.

“Ugh, blech. Phew. This time, I’ll definitely get the spiritual herb.”

Then, wiping his mouth, he began walking again.

Yi-gang blankly watched the three who had overtaken him.

People who gave up quickly were not found in the Azure Forest. All the third-generation disciples of the Azure Forest were overflowing with talent, and they were not lacking in perseverance and effort.

「In a place like Azure Forest, there’s no room for those without grit…」

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon grinned.

Then, with an expression full of anticipation, she looked at Yi-gang.

Wondering whether he would show frustration or pain. She was curious about how Yi-gang would react.

“Ha.”

But Yi-gang just chuckled briefly and started running again.

Someone said that laughing in the face of hardship was the mark of a first-class individual.

Yi-gang definitely had the demeanor of a first-class individual.

「That’s right. That’s the way.」

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon also laughed as she followed behind Yi-gang.

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