Chapter 51: The Third Flower (4)
The envious gazes directed at the purple flower weren’t exclusive to just Yu Su-rin or Jin Ri-yeon.
Many disciples who grew up in the Azure Forest since their youth probably once dreamt of becoming an honor flower disciple. However, as they grew older, they realized its impossibility and found their own paths.
It was the same for Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin. It’s just that their interest was deeper, and they had the talent worth challenging it, which made their surrender delayed.
There were several reasons why honor flower disciples were subjects of admiration.
Above all, its rarity. Only a very few individuals with martial arts, sorcery, academics, and another aptitude can wear the purple flower.
They were not affiliated with Blue Flower Palace or Snowflake Hermit Palace, so they had an independent position and freedom. They had fewer restrictions when it came to traveling throughout Jianghu compared to other disciples. A first-flower disciple of honor flower or above could freely move without seeking permission from superiors.
And what were their duties? They handled precious treasures that one needed permission from first-generation disciples to even touch. They were in charge of exchanges with the disciples of major sects, whether from the Wudang Sect or the Mount Hua Sect.
In the entire sect, from first-generation to third-generation disciples, the number of honor flower disciples barely exceeded ten, and their budget was enormous.
‘So, it’s like a divine position.’
After listening to the explanations, Yi-gang felt this way. They passionately explained how envied the honor flower disciples were.
‘It’s reserved for the top talents within the organization, they have budgetary freedom, and their authority is immense.’
It certainly was a prestigious position. If one becomes a martial flower disciple or Taoist flower disciple, they would be affiliated with either the Blue Flower Palace or the Snowflake Hermit Palace.
“Are you an idiot? Do you realize what a great opportunity this is? Normally, you’d have to show achievements in both martial arts and sorcery to even take this test. This is an unprecedented offer!”
“Is that so?”
“Yes!”
Yi-gang genuinely couldn’t understand why Yu Su-rin was passionately recommending it like that. Wasn’t she the one who wanted to become an honor flower disciple?
Surely, when Yu Jeong-shin suggested the honor flower disciple’s test to Yi-gang, Yu Su-rin seemed despondent. But when Yi-gang declined, she changed her attitude like that.
「She probably thinks that the descendant cannot discern what’s best. She seems so fervent, probably because she finds that regrettable.」
‘Is that so?’
「Yes, she’s not a child with a wicked disposition. She just doesn’t know.」
That’s right. Both Yu Su-rin and Yu Jeong-shin did not understand Yi-gang’s stance.
Even if the disciples of the Azure Forest desired the position of honor flower disciple, that’s their perspective.
Although he was born with the Great Yin Meridian Blockage and wished to leave his clan, Yi-gang was undeniably the cherished descendant of the Baek Noble Clan.
He didn’t come to the Azure Forest because he was short of money. He didn’t join the Azure Forest to mingle and get along with the disciples of other prestigious sects either.
If he had wished for that, he would have chosen to stay in the manor in Xi’an rather than come to the Azure Forest in the remote valley.
“I don’t really need what you’re offering.”
“What, really…?!”
The healthy father and daughter duo didn’t understand the desperation of a life that shortened day by day. Being born with a good physique, they didn’t know the warmth of true Qi flowing through the meridians.
In the same way, the advantages of being an honor flower disciple they mentioned couldn’t captivate Yi-gang’s heart.
No, to be precise, it’s just a bit lacking.
“Becoming an honor flower disciple and becoming a librarian here at Five Flower Grand Library grants you unrestricted access.”
“Unrestricted access?”
“Yes, under my supervision, you can access all books up to the first class. This includes martial arts secret books as well.”
Just as Shaolin had its Sutra Palace, the Azure Forest’s Five Flower Grand Library contained countless secret martial arts books.
“Even martial arts that only first-generation disciples above can learn, you can study them. No, even techniques that require the approval of Blue Flower Palace Master. Have you heard of martial arts like Supreme Heaven-shaking Foot and Eight Trigrams Five Hermits Finger?”
“Yes, I’ve heard of them. They’re renowned foot and finger techniques.”
“That’s right, and not just those. Even the Blue Flower Palace Master’s signature technique, the Red Mountain Blue Glory Sword. If you want, you can learn it. I’ll personally instruct you.”
Yi-gang was also surprised by this statement. No martial arts sect granted access to all its techniques to just any disciple.
In Mount Hua, only the elite martial artists called Plum Blossom Twenty-Four Masters are taught the Violet Mist Sword Dance. In Shaolin, only the Eighteen Arhats are taught the Mighty Vajra.
And the Red Mountain Blue Glory Sword was also an unparalleled sword technique in the Azure Forest. The mere fact that one could learn such a technique just by becoming an honor flower disciple…
It’s certainly worthy of admiration.
「Hehe.」
However, the Immortal Divine Sword laughed.
Yi-gang could only respond with a bitter smile.
While these tales would tempt 99% of martial artists in Jianghu, they meant nothing to Yi-gang.
「The sword that blooms blue flowers on the red mountain.」
Yi-gang wasn’t a fool who would try to pick up silver coins from the ground while holding gold nuggets in both hands.
「In the left hand, you wield the Heaven’s Shadow Sword, and in the right, the Immortal Divine Art. And behind, there’s me, the Immortal Divine Sword.」
‘I am aware.’
「Even if you focus on the Heaven’s Shadow Sword, there won’t be ample time.」
Yi-gang was already learning both the Immortal Divine Art and the Heaven’s Shadow Sword techniques. These techniques were as profound as the divine arts of the Azure Forest.
Moreover, didn’t he have the Immortal Divine Sword, once hailed as the best in the world, by his side? Even just learning swordsmanship from it was overwhelming.
However, since he couldn’t explain everything about the Immortal Divine Sword, Yi-gang posed a different question.
“Do you manage this vast library all by yourself?”
“Eh? Oh, yes, I do.”
“There aren’t others to help you?”
“Well, there are a few honor flower disciples among the first-generation disciples. But they are currently preoccupied with other matters.”
“So, if I were to become an honor flower disciple, it seems I’d be quite busy.”
“At least for the time being…”
Yu Jeong-shin managed this enormous archive by himself.
If Yi-gang became his sole subordinate, it’s clear he would be swamped with work. It might be more comfortable for his training if he were to become a martial flower disciple, given their greater numbers.
As Yi-gang explained in that manner, Yu Jeong-shin tightly closed his eyes.
“I understand… but…
“It’s a pity then…”
It seemed like he was about to give up, but Yu Jeong-shin appeared even more desperate than Yi-gang had anticipated.
“I promise you this. If you become an honor flower disciple, you only need to help me for 4 hours a day. Work for 5 days, and I’ll give you 2 days off. You can spend the rest of the time freely.”
“Excuse me?”
Yi-gang’s mouth slightly opened in surprise. Yu Su-rin also seemed taken aback.
“I will also assist you in your martial arts and sorcery training. I will procure medicinal herbs and elixirs from Grass Flower Hall and Snowflake Hermit Palace that will benefit your body. Surely, even if you become a martial flower disciple or a Taoist flower disciple, you won’t have as much freedom as this.”
It was a truly groundbreaking proposal.
While it had been likened to a divine job, it wasn’t even at that level.
‘A 4-hour workday, 5 days a week!’
This was almost akin to a job scam.
Of course, the Azure Forest wasn’t an actual workplace.
“Just help manage the Treasures.”
Yi-gang pondered for a moment. The scales in his heart heavily tilted.
The Immortal Divine Sword also chimed in, 「Humph, that’s a tempting offer.」
‘Didn’t you want me to become a martial flower disciple?’
「You rascal. It’s been a while, but did you think I wouldn’t know of your cunning ways?」
Yi-gang couldn’t help but smile.
「Trying to raise the stakes by feigning high value. That behavior suits a merchant more than a martial artist.」
Indeed, he had initially considered becoming a martial flower disciple.
However, if his freedom was guaranteed, there was no reason not to become an honor flower disciple.
“Sounds good, but let’s discuss the details further.”
“A-alright! Sounds good!”
Perhaps it was because, no matter how wise and powerful a martial artist he was, Yu Jeong-shin had always lived in the mountains.
The moment Yi-gang hinted at refusal, Yu Jeong-shin seemed restless. From that point on, he couldn’t help but be entangled with Yi-gang.
Before he knew it, Yu Jeong-shin found himself negotiating various terms with Yi-gang, who hadn’t even formally entered the Azure Forest.
“…Hmm, I wonder if this is alright, but let’s summarize. One elixir of at least intermediate grade every quarter and… regular invitations of physicians for rejuvenation…”
Yu Jeong-shin, now looking a tad weary compared to before — finally nodded with a resolute expression.
“I’ll discuss it with the Forest Lord as well. However, you must at least pass up to the third stage in today’s exam. The remaining two stages can be tackled after you’ve officially joined.”
This was a declaration he wouldn’t budge on.
Yi-gang readily nodded in agreement.
“Then, shall we start the test now?”
“Hold on, let me prepare first.”
To become an honor flower disciple, one must demonstrate prowess in martial arts, sorcery, and academics. Yi-gang hadn’t yet fully qualified in these areas.
However, according to Yu Jeong-shin, even more essential than these skills was the other aptitude.
That’s why, despite Azure Forest being overflowing with talent, an honor flower disciple was a rare find. The reason Yu Jeong-shin wanted Yi-gang was that he had seen this third aptitude in him.
“All five stages of the test are to assess this aspect of you.”
Yu Jeong-shin lightly tapped his head.
“You mean the mind?”
“Yes, but I’m not talking about intelligence or temperament. It’s about how open your upper dantian is.”
Lower dantian, middle dantian, and upper dantian. He had heard endlessly about Essence-Qi-Spirit from the Immortal Divine Sword.
A person’s dantian was likened to three basins that held water, flowing from top to bottom.
The lower dantian was the most expansive, and the source of energy for martial arts that involved physical movement originated from here.
Sorcery, which influenced heaven and earth using the heart as a center, originated from the middle dantian’s Innate True Qi. That’s why if you misused sorcery, the caster could wither away and die.
So, what about the upper dantian?
The source of all power that exists in a human’s head, at the Baihui point, what might it be?
“The upper dantian relates to the divine and the spirit. It’s about the spirituals, and the extent to which it’s open varies from person to person.”
“Spirituals?”
“Those with an open upper dantian can see things that ordinary people cannot and remain unswayed by falsehoods. That’s why they are deemed worthy to handle the Treasures of Five Flower Grand Library.”
The most vital aptitude for an honor flower disciple was the degree of awakening of the upper dantian. So, isn’t it something that can be cultivated?
“While talent in martial arts is crucial, can’t one overcome it to some extent with effort?”
“That’s true.”
“However, there are limits to what effort can achieve with sorcery because it uses the more fundamental power of the middle dantian. And the upper dantian is…”
Yi-gang understood. There were things in the world that effort could overcome. But there were also things that it could not.
While one could overcome poverty and become wealthy, a cat born as a cat could not become a tiger.
Being born with an open upper dantian was something one could not achieve through effort alone.
Yu Su-rin explained with a hint of frustration.
“The test is incredibly hard. I managed to pass the first one. After trying five times, I also passed the second! 80% of those who try to become honor flower disciples fail at the first test.”
Yu Su-rin, who was saying this with a forced smile, probably wasn’t born with that talent. The daughter who wished to follow in her father’s footsteps sadly did not inherit her father’s aptitude.
Yu Jeong-shin, having prepared something, approached.
“…Due to various matters, it took a bit longer. Yi-gang, let’s test whether you possess the aptitude to be an honor flower disciple.”
Yi-gang finally took a deep breath.
So, was Yi-gang born with such talent?
The answer would soon be revealed.
“The second test is…”
“Hold on, the second one?”
Yi-gang asked in surprise. He had no recollection of taking the first test.
“I decided to skip it as it seemed rather meaningless. Just by touching the detection spell at the main gate, you broke it. And you’ve been wearing the necklace of the Pixiu without any issues. Your physical resistance seems more than adequate. There shouldn’t be any problems handling the Treasures either.”
“Well, that’s good for me.”
It wasn’t for no reason that Yu Jeong-shin desperately wanted Yi-gang. The powerful resistance to not be dominated by the Treasures, Yi-gang already possessed it.
“That’s unbelievable…”
Yu Su-rin mumbled to herself.
Yi-gang had bypassed the test that 80% of Azure Forest disciples failed without even taking it.
“The second test measures sensitivity to spiritual energy. Do you see these bookshelves?”
Yu Jeong-shin gestured around.
Centered around a spot where sunlight shone from the ceiling, bookshelves encircled in a circular formation.
“It’s where we store books related to academic studies. The collection consists of just under 10,000 volumes.”
10,000 volumes was an astonishing amount, especially considering it pertained only to academic subjects.
The bookshelves surrounding Yi-gang towered high and were layered in multiple rows.
“In this place, there used to be a yokai called Brush Eater. It dwells in old manuscripts and consumes the characters within them, quite a troublesome creature. Not too long ago, one was captured and its teeth were extracted.”
It was an unexpected talk of monsters and ghosts.
“That creature has been released into one of the 10,000 books here. It’s probably lurking around, trying to feed on the characters.”
“So, it’s inside a book? Like some sort of insect?”
“It literally just consumes the characters. You might have heard of tiger ghosts. Think of it as a similar spiritual entity.”
Yu Jeong-shin looked dead serious.
“Your task is to find it. You have a limit of just one day. Starting now.”
Among 10,000 volumes, he had to locate which book, and on which page, this tiny creature was hiding in. One day was a very limited time.
Many disciples who passed the first test often found this challenge daunting.
Despite the commencement of the test, Yi-gang stood still.
Yu Jeong-shin quietly observed him.
‘It won’t be easy. But it’s not a problem that can be solved by just thinking.’
At first glance, one could tell that Yi-gang was exceptionally intelligent for his age. Perhaps it was due to his unique constitution known as the Great Yin Meridian Blockage.
‘If Su-rin hadn’t learned the sorcery, she probably wouldn’t have passed either.’
Yu Su-rin used the Insight Eye to find the book.
However, this was essentially a shortcut. Normally, one should rely on their own senses to find it.
Hearing the unheard and seeing the unseen. Only those with an open upper dantian could pass this test. That’s why even Yu Su-rin couldn’t pass the third test.
‘All senses must be engaged. Perhaps, I can sense the energy of the Brush Eater.’
It’s a test that went beyond intuition and required heightened senses. Even Yu Jeong-shin struggled periodically due to the need to exterminate the Brush Eater.
In places where the spiritual energy of Mount Heng concentrates, creatures like Brush Eater naturally manifested. This was one of the factors that increased the workload for Yu Jeong-shin.
‘I hope I can find it well.’
Young Yi-gang would probably have to search the bookshelves with full concentration to discern anything.
Finally, Yi-gang began to move.
He stopped firmly in front of one of the bookshelves.
Then, he looked back at Yu Jeong-shin.
“…Is this the right one?”
“Hmm? Do you have a question?”
“No, I’m asking if this is the right book.”
Saying so, Yi-gang pulled out a book from the shelf and waved it.
“What?!”
Yu Jeong-shin looked shocked. Was Yi-gang implying that he’d already found the book infested by the Brush Eater?
Moreover, he had inquired without even opening the book.
“No, that’s not it. You can’t just randomly pick and try.”
That book wasn’t the one hiding the toothless Brush Eater. But as Yu Jeong-shin approached Yi-gang in bewilderment, his expression suddenly turned stern.
The moment Yu Jeong-shin grabbed the book presented by Yi-gang, he felt it. The faint energy of the Brush Eater.
Aghast, Yu Jeong-shin opened the book to find several characters conspicuously missing.
“When did they multiply again!”
Brush Eaters were no less than a disaster for the scripture repository. Just the day before, he had eradicated one, and now new ones had multiplied.
A surprised Yu Jeong-shin murmured something with his hand over the book, and a thin smoke arose from his hand, incinerating the Brush Eater.
He looked at Yi-gang in disbelief.
“How, how did you know immediately?”
Yi-gang widened his eyes before responding.
“I heard a sound? Like something munching on the characters.”
“What? You heard a sound?”
Yu Jeong-shin opened his mouth and listened intently. Of course, he couldn’t hear such a sound.
He sighed deeply and muttered. The test was no longer the pressing matter at the moment.
“Let’s postpone the test for now. I’m not sure how much Brush Eaters have proliferated, so we should first find and eliminate all of them.”
“Hold on a moment.”
Yi-gang stopped Yu Jeong-shin and began to swiftly pull out various books from the shelves, stacking them.
“These, and up to this one. They’re all here.”
All the books Yi-gang had selected showed signs of characters disappearing.
“What? How? All of these are infested with Brush Eaters!”
He had precisely identified the books where Brush Eaters had multiplied. Yu Jeong-shin felt as if he had been bewitched.
“Y-you really did hear the Brush Eaters munching on the characters.”
“No, I thought the strange noise was due to a condition I have,” Yi-gang explained, rubbing his ears.
“I often experience tinnitus. I thought it was just that.”
“Oh…”
Yi-gang had been hearing the sound of the creature munching on the characters from the start.
Yu Jeong-shin was left speechless.
“You’ve passed!”
A treasure-like talent had appeared.
That was all he could think of.
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