Book 16 Chapter 12

Chapter 3: Water-Fire Pass

The 'Fire' Pass and the 'Water' Pass were combined into a single 'Water-Fire Pass.'

I learned of this fact that very morning.

It was nothing more than an unilateral notification, and I was in no position to refute it.

However, curiosity couldn't be suppressed, so when it was announced that anyone with questions could ask, Yoon Junho eagerly raised his hand. It could be considered a great act of courage for him.

"Why are the Fire Pass and the Water Pass proceeding simultaneously? Is there any special reason?"

Although he felt embarrassed asking in front of so many people, Yoon Junho thought it was far better than remaining ignorant.

"Are you curious about the reason?"

The facilitator, a Yulnyeongja, responded. He introduced himself as So-gwang, appearing to be in his mid-fifties with a dignified presence. Seeing the five ink lines drawn on his sleeve, he seemed to be a person of considerable status among the Yulnyeongjas. Perhaps because of this, his demeanor was stiffer than others.

"Yes!"

Yoon Junho answered without hesitation.

"Then choose!"

"Choose what?"

"Choose between a plausible-sounding reason and a not-so-plausible-sounding reason!"

He had an expression as if asking why such an obvious question was being posed. Yoon Junho was bewildered.

"Yes! Then, first, I'd like to hear the plausible reason!"

"Have you heard of the term 'Heaven-Earth Bisects'? Heaven is sky, Qian, and Yang, and Earth is land, Kun, and Yin. However, this is only in the Pre-Heaven Bagua. In the Post-Heaven Bagua, Yin and Yang are usually represented by 'Li Fire' and 'Kan Water.' Have you heard of 'Water and Fire Do Not Conflict' or 'Mutual Opposition'?"

"I haven't heard of them."

Yoon Junho honestly shook his head.

"To think a martial artist who supposedly handles qi doesn't know such basic things… Are you really a martial artist?"

Hahahaha!

Laughter erupted from various places. It came from several individuals who usually looked down on him. Yoon Junho's face turned crimson with shame.

"Those who just laughed, raise your hands!"

At So-gwang's words, several people raised their hands. Most were from Cheonmu Academy who knew – and disdained – him, with only a few from Macheongak.

"Well done mocking him, gentlemen! Then, surely someone among you can answer my question?"

No one answered. Silence descended.

"What? You mock others without even the right to do so? To be so shameless! That's quite the audacity."

Now it was the turn of those who had raised their hands to turn red.

"Tsk tsk tsk, not only do you not support your colleagues, but you mock them… Alas! Has the quality of the Hwasan Gathering fallen to the point where shameless people can participate?"

Amidst a solemn silence, some people desperately suppressed their bubbling anger and shame.

"'Water and Fire Do Not Conflict' means that water and fire do not penetrate each other but rely on each other. Of course, 'Water Overcomes Fire' means water suppresses fire, but fire does not attack water again. Instead, fire suppresses metal (金). Metal then suppresses wood, wood suppresses earth, and earth suppresses water. And water again suppresses fire, completing the cycle of circulation. Although they appear to be in conflict, they are harmoniously placed within a single cycle.

Furthermore, while Yin and Yang in the Pre-Heaven Bagua are represented by 'Qian and Kun,' in the Post-Heaven Bagua, which can be considered the world of phenomena, they are represented by 'Li and Kan.' The natural element contrasted with 'Li' is 'Fire,' and the natural element contrasted with 'Kan' is 'Water.' It's not far off to say that Water and Fire symbolize the Yin and Yang of the phenomenal world.

Yin and Yang cannot exist separately. Only when Yin and Yang are together do they become Yin and Yang. The act of facing each other and relying on each other is called 'mutual opposition.' Therefore, 'Li Fire' and 'Kan Water' can be said to be inseparable. Because of this, it is possible to test both on a single subject. In this case, qi (氣) can represent 'fire,' and integrating it can be represented as 'water.' As in 'Yang Transforms, Yin Unites' (陽變陰合), Yang is the changing nature, and Yin is the nature of gathering and uniting. It's like many streams gathering to form a large river!"

His explanation flowed like water. It was as if he were reading a prepared speech, and his explanation was seamless. However, very few understood the full meaning.

"Then… what is the not-so-plausible reason?"

This time, it was Bi Ryuyeon who asked. His instinct told him this was closer to the true intention. And the answer came back. Very curtly.

"Because it's troublesome! If you get two things done at once, it's convenient. You don't have to do two jobs! One less pass. Isn't it an extremely economical idea? It's so artistic, it's almost moving."

So-gwang seemed genuinely touched, but the answer was a thoroughly useless and flimsy reason, not disappointing Bi Ryuyeon's expectations.

"Surely that's not all…?"

It would be a lie to say I had no thoughts of 'No way…' But the owner of this imposing physique struck the final blow, leaving no room for doubt and instantly extinguishing any lingering questions.

"Do you really need another reason? That's it! It's enough!"

It was confirmation.

"Then I will explain the procedure for this Water-Fire Pass!"

Ignoring the murmurs of the people, So-gwang moved on to his task. As if he no longer wanted to discuss this matter. However, the procedure So-gwang described for the Water-Fire Pass was also highly debatable. It forced participants into choices more difficult than imagined.

"Damn it! I absolutely can't do it! I won't!"

"Who are you calling 'this kind of guy'! How can I trust these people with my back! It's no different from suicide!"

"We should be saying that! I'd rather die than team up with you guys! Sue me!"

Saying that, one man lay down flat on the ground. This phenomenon occurred not only in this group but simultaneously in others.

As expected, it was noisy. Since trust was not a prerequisite, everyone was understandably anxious. On the other hand, there was ample room for someone to secretly plot betrayal. However, the Yulnyeongja's response to this was ruthless. His attitude showed no hesitation.

"Then we will consider it a defeat. We have no points to give to those who do not participate!"

The words were chilling.

The participants, caught in an inescapable dilemma, had to steel themselves. It was a forced resolve, but they had no choice.

However, there were still some who refused to yield.

"Are you crazy? I can't! To have to go through this pass with these people… Is there anything more terrible in this world? I absolutely refuse."

Wi Jicheon shouted angrily. He openly displayed his disgust and strong rejection. How others saw him seemed to be of little importance to this man. He acted like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum if he couldn't have his way.

"But you know that if all team members don't participate, you'll be disqualified."

Hyoryong carefully intervened, trying to calm him down. No matter how annoying and disliked he was, if they left him be, Group 7 would be disqualified. He had to prevent that from happening.

"This is madness. Why don't you give up early too?"

"I can't do that."

Hyoryong replied in a firm voice. Bi Ryuyeon, Oh Biwan, and others watched the argument between these two, refraining from intervening lest they worsen the situation. However, Oh Biwan did not hide his displeasure. Although he was from the dark path, he was a role model even within Macheongak, which revered martial arts, possessing a strong conviction. It was impossible for him to look favorably upon Wi Jicheon's behavior. Of course, this pass had the potential to become ridiculously dangerous. It wasn't as if this Water-Fire Pass was not a concern for him. However, he couldn't afford to give up on the Hwasan Gathering like this. Especially since they were far behind after being disqualified in the Wood-Fire Pass. If they didn't close the gap this time, they never would.

'It seems that young man Hyoryong is well aware of that fact.'

He immediately recognized that Hyoryong did not have good feelings toward Wi Jicheon. Despite Wi Jicheon's seniority, he never called him 'sunbae.' The same was true for his friend Bi Ryuyeon. However, the fact that he was still trying to persuade him indicated he was well aware of the situation. Meanwhile, he always felt a strange sensation when looking at Hyoryong.

'Have I met this young man somewhere before…?'

He didn't feel like he was looking at a stranger. He definitely felt like he had met him somewhere.

"Think about it again. You're not planning to give up on the Hwasan Gathering like this, are you? No woman in this world would like a man like that. You know that well, don't you?"

Finally, Hyoryong drew his trump card. And its effect was immediate.

"Fine, I'll do it!"

This persuasion seemed to have been the key.

"Thank you."

"However, there is one condition!"

Wi Jicheon said with a serious expression.

"That is absolutely impossible!"

A firm answer returned. However, the one who answered was not Bi Ryuyeon. It was Hyoryong who responded. He was indignant. He never imagined Wi Jicheon would make such an absurd demand.

"Why not? Are you defying your senior right now?"

"Still, it's impossible!"

Hyoryong's answer remained unwavering. He seemed even more agitated than Bi Ryuyeon, the party involved.

"You're just saying no without a proper reason? I could refuse to take the Water-Fire Pass test, you know? You know how dangerous 'Internal Energy Convergence' is, don't you?"

"Th-that is…"

Indeed. The task of this Water-Fire Pass surpassed everyone's imagination. The method was surprisingly simple. They didn't have to cross over bubbling lava or ascend waterfalls. Although they could have made it so, they didn't. Instead, they were led to a smooth rock face to the north. The black, glossy rock face looked very hard.

The method of proceeding was also surprisingly simple. All team members would combine their internal energy to break the rock face. Teams would be ranked according to how large and deep they broke it. If even one person refused to participate, the team would be disqualified.

However, despite the relatively simple process, all teams erupted in complaints or strong rejection because of the 'Internal Energy Convergence' part.

'Internal Energy Convergence' is a method of manipulating qi that combines the strength of multiple people – and ideally their hearts – to exert several times the usual power. However, this problem was more complicated than expected.

Qi originates from one source, but its cultivation and application methods result in different natures. This is called 'Each Qi Has Its Own Nature' (각기기성). Just as the Five Elements originate from Yin and Yang but have different natures from Yin and Yang. Qi of different natures does not easily combine again. They do not mix well. Without understanding the principle of 'Yang Transforms, Yin Unites' (陽變陰合) and the principles of mutual generation and destruction, and the flow of circulation, it is almost impossible. It's not as simple as just injecting internal energy into someone else's body. In fact, healing methods using qi are easier. In this case, there are no major side effects. However, receiving another person's qi and then converting it into one's own power to release it is by no means easy. If done incorrectly, the un-fused qi can repel and cause 'qi deviation' (주화입마). While healing qi is soft and slow, offensive qi is strong, fast, and powerful, making it much harder to control.

Therefore, Internal Energy Convergence was typically performed only among sworn brothers from the same sect who practiced martial arts of the same nature and whom one could trust with their lives. Forcing such a technique upon strangers, especially those from different backgrounds who bickered amongst themselves, was equivalent to telling them to commit mutual suicide.

This Internal Energy Convergence could absolutely not be performed without mutual 'trust,' and it should not be performed. Because it is a direct path to suffering and death.

Furthermore, one of the important points in this action was that the person with the most outstanding ability should be in the very first position. In other words, they must be capable of gathering the internal energy of the others and directing it in a specific direction. The rest were merely conduits. And even within the conduits, those who went further had to possess superior skills. However, the difficulty between the second person and the first person was easily a tenfold difference. Therefore, being at the very front meant bearing the full brunt of the danger.

The key was how much of the transmitted internal energy could be released with minimal loss. While the total combined power was important, merely receiving unusable qi was a waste and invited danger.

Receiving qi beyond one's capacity not only risked qi deviation but could also lead to the bursting of all the body's meridians and even death.

However, at that moment, Wi Jicheon was demanding that Bi Ryuyeon take the first position. Even that was within the acceptable range.

"You know the dangers of Internal Energy Convergence, don't you? Recommending him for the most dangerous position is acceptable. Fewer people doubt his abilities now than before. Although there are still many who wish to dismiss him. But even so, I cannot place you in the second position behind him!"

That's right! Wi Jicheon had nominated himself for the position behind Bi Ryuyeon. For Hyoryong, who had some understanding of the history between the two, this was an unacceptable issue. He knew how incredibly dangerous it was. He thought it was far better to trust a passing stray dog than to trust the honor of Wi Jicheon, who was constantly trying to torment them with his cronies. For this particular matter, he trusted his instincts implicitly. He did not believe that someone blinded by jealousy would be able to judge with sound reason.

Indeed, compared to the dangers of the Water-Fire Pass which advocated Internal Energy Convergence, the Wood-Fire Pass, which was like a relay race, or the Metal-Fire Pass, where they were tied together and climbed cliffs, were child's play. If one had to take tests like these, it would be far better to take a hundred tests like the Metal-Fire Pass or the Wood-Fire Pass. Most people who had to participate in this test were willing to trade it for those two. They wanted to avoid such abnormal and irrational tests.

However, from the perspective of the test organizers, the abnormal and difficult aspects were precisely what made it attractive. What they needed were not ordinary people who found comfort within normal and common sense. Such people were useless in the current martial arts world. What they desired was special talent and the unity to overcome extremely special situations.

For this reason, they would undoubtedly be satisfied with the content and composition of this pass, and therefore, this pass would not be abolished; rather, it would be encouraged.

Knowing how incredibly dangerous it was, Hyoryong wanted to minimize the possibility of accidents. Placing Wi Jicheon behind Bi Ryuyeon was like holding a bomb.

"Fine! If you're going to be like that, let's ask the person involved. Your cowardly friend."

Wi Jicheon said, turning to Bi Ryuyeon. He had to exert great effort to calm his anger.

"You seem afraid of this person standing behind you, is that true? Are you that afraid? I'm truly disappointed that you're such a coward. I had thought more highly of you."

It was a clear and blatant provocation, using terms and phrases he would never normally use.

'Surely he won't fall for such a petty provocation, will he?'

Knowing that his friend's mind worked far more brilliantly than he imagined in such matters, Hyoryong believed Bi Ryuyeon would never fall for such a dangerous and reckless provocation. Yes, he wasn't an idiot…

"Alright!"

He was an idiot.

"Yes, well done… What, what did you say?"

Hyoryong's head snapped around, and he stared at Bi Ryuyeon with dumbfounded eyes.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course! He's begging so humbly, how can I refuse? I must accept with a heart as vast as the ocean. I have a broad mind."

Bi Ryuyeon answered in a voice devoid of any hesitation or fear. Wi Jicheon, who had neither bowed nor begged, nearly exploded.

"Ryu Yeon, what are you thinking? Are you really okay?"

Hyoryong whispered into his ear and asked.

"Don't worry. It's nothing. Nothing will happen."

"Will it?… Aren't you the only one who believes that? To accept such a dangerous provocation… This is different from others; it involves sending vital energy. We don't know what will happen. It's dangerous even for sworn brothers from the same sect. Do you even know that?"

"Well, just watch with reassurance. Surely, with so many people here, he'll want to win too, won't he?"

"There are many ways to ruin a person's body. Overdosing on vital energy is one of them. Moreover, you're the first one. The internal energy of the other team members will all flow into you. If they tamper with it even a little, he can easily achieve his goal of ruining you."

Hyoryong's assessment was accurate, and because of that, his worries deepened.

"We'll see. If something like that happens…"

Bi Ryuyeon added briefly.

"He will learn the lesson that all actions have consequences and costs. And that sometimes, the cost is quite high."