Chapter 81

Slightly hunched but broad shoulders, a cloak studded with iron shards, and a face full of perpetual dissatisfaction.

Facing Ma Widong, the Strange Machine Person with whom he had traveled on a journey not long ago, Taewoon let out a low groan of surprise.

‘If I use the wandering ronin as a starting point, does that mean I encounter Ma Widong immediately?’

However, it was hard to imagine that Ma Widong would be friendly if they met face-to-face while being complete strangers.

Sure enough, Ma Widong soon frowned and spoke to Taewoon irritably.

“You arrogant brat, if this elder speaks to you, shouldn’t you at least give an answer?”

“…I apologize, Elder Strange Machine Person. I was momentarily speechless, as I did not expect to meet you in a place like this.”

“Eh? You, you know me?”

“Yes. Of course. How could I forget the name of an elder whose fame resonates throughout the entire Central Plains?”

Apparently not displeased by the honest praise, Ma Widong nodded once with a noticeably softened expression.

“Hmph! You have a keen eye, boy. But what is your sect? If a brat your age exudes this much energy, there is no way this elder wouldn’t know of it.”

“I have no sect, but in the past, I studied spear arts under a noble person whose name I do not know.”

“…A peculiar fellow. So, do you have some business with this elder?”

It seemed Ma Widong suspected that Taewoon had intentionally tracked his movements.

Realizing this was a kind of opportunity, Taewoon immediately gave Ma Widong an answer.

“I did not expect to run into you here, but it is true that I wished to seek you out. Did you not take charge of one of the three items contained in the chest that fell from the sky in the past?”

“What is this? Did you hear something from that Divine Physician fellow?”

“I have something urgent to discuss and consult with you regarding that matter. Could you spare half a quarter-hour for this humble junior?”

Despite the cautious proposal, Ma Widong’s expression quickly soured.

Since he had likely lost the cylinder by this point, such a reaction was not strange.

“Bah, I no longer have it. About half a year ago, it was stolen by some damn scoundrel.”

“That is…”

“I don’t know his face, nor his name. It is a matter I no longer care for, so stop being a nuisance and leave.”

Ma Widong waved his hand dismissively, issuing an order to leave, but naturally, Taewoon had no intention of backing down.

“I have a person in mind. If you truly have no interest, I shall leave immediately, but if it is alright, would you be willing to listen to my story?”

“You have someone in mind?”

“Yes. A person called Biryeong of the Divine Sect.”

Perhaps thinking that Taewoon wasn’t talking nonsense, Ma Widong showed a hint of interest and turned back from his departure.

“Seeing as you speak thus, it seems you are also quite involved in this matter. So, what is it you want from me?”

“The identity of the metal cylinder you possessed is a weapon that could potentially shake the Central Plains. It is more powerful than any sword or spear, and possesses a potency more threatening than the poisons of the Tang Clan.”

“You are a bold braggart. It didn’t seem like that kind of object.”

Considering Ma Widong’s lukewarm reaction even in the first Cycle, it would be meaningless to explain the cylinder’s power in great detail here.

Therefore, Taewoon decided to first pique his interest.

“I do not know everything myself, but I can guarantee that if the three items, including the cylinder, are gathered and activated simultaneously, something tremendous will happen.”

“Hmph! You expect me to believe such childish talk?”

“It is the truth. How would I dare tell a lie to you, Elder? Even the cylinder alone, if you could only uncover its method of use, would become an incredibly precious treasure.”

Despite his denial, Ma Widong seemed to have a significant interest in Taewoon’s words.

Confirming this reaction, Taewoon decided to subtly make a proposal to Ma Widong.

“I will help you find the whereabouts of the cylinder. Then, if we join the other two elders, wouldn’t that prove that my words are not lies?”

“…….”

“I simply wish to know the truth. I have no intention of coveting the object, nor of causing you any trouble.”

After a moment of deliberation, Ma Widong gave his consent with a refreshing attitude.

“Fine! Since I was bored, it wouldn’t be bad to enjoy a bit of amusement. So, where is the destination?”

“I have obtained information that Biryeong of the Divine Sect will head toward Jinzhou in three months. However, since we have plenty of time before then, I wish to join Elder Spear Ghost if possible. Do you happen to know his location?”

“I have a place in mind… but I’m not entirely sure. He’s a fellow who rarely leaves his house. Well, whatever! That much is a piece of cake for this elder.”

With a face full of confidence, Ma Widong began to walk away without much hesitation.

And so, the sudden journey of Taewoon and Ma Widong began.

Heavy shoulders and a hunched back. The cloak, haphazardly studded with iron plates, fluttered roughly in time with Ma Widong’s stride.

Did Ma Widong have any inkling of that disastrous ending from the first Cycle? Knowing a future that had not yet occurred gave Taewoon a strange feeling once again.

While Taewoon was quietly contemplating, Ma Widong, standing beside him, grumbled dissatisfiedly.

“Bah, that Divine Physician fellow wanders just as much, but as for that Spear Ghost, I haven’t heard a word of news, which makes it even more annoying.”

“Still, you have a guess as to where Elder Spear Ghost might be in seclusion, don’t you?”

At Taewoon’s comforting words, Ma Widong snorted and crossed his arms.

“That Spear Ghost has a gloomy and eccentric nature by birth, so he has a habit of secluding himself for long periods in desolate wilderness or abandoned houses. He’s likely no different now.”

Taewoon nodded and organized his thoughts for a moment.

In the first Cycle, he ultimately had no contact with Spear Ghost and found no clues regarding the remaining item.

In this Cycle, he had to figure that part out as quickly as possible to approach the core of the Theater.

“Have you not met since the day you divided the items?”

At Taewoon’s question, Ma Widong nodded bluntly.

“Yeah. Haven’t seen him. But I did hear he was heading toward the vicinity of Huainan. Seeing as there’s been no news of him killing anyone since then, he might not have broken his Closed-Door Cultivation yet.”

As soon as Ma Widong finished speaking, he quickened his pace.

Despite his seemingly heavy steps, he kicked off the ground faster than imagined, widening the distance between himself and Taewoon.

‘No matter how many times I see it, Ma Widong’s Step Technique is truly marvelous.’

Taewoon also drew up his Magical Power to avoid falling behind and followed after him.

After traveling for about half a day, Ma Widong suddenly stopped and gestured with his chin toward Taewoon, taking a position in the middle of the mountainside.

“Hmph, the road is boring, so let’s check your skills. This isn’t an opportunity that comes often, so be grateful.”

“…….”

Since there seemed to be no particular reason to refuse, Taewoon intended to be evaluated by Ma Widong using only his Magical Power and spear arts, without utilizing the abilities he gained from the Theater.

Clang.

Taewoon took a deep breath with a calm smile.

As the cold sensation of Barata reached his fingertips, the fighting spirit that had been dormant deep in his chest seemed to slowly awaken.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me, I ask for a match, Elder.”

As Taewoon took his stance, Ma Widong let out a hearty laugh and pulled out an iron mace resembling a flail from his robes.

The irregular iron spikes protruding from it scattered an eerie glint under the sunlight.

“Haha! I’ll hold back, but I don’t know if you can hold out until the end!”

As soon as the words ended, Ma Widong’s figure shot forward like a storm.

Closing the gap in an instant, Ma Widong’s mace struck the ground. The earth caved in, and stone dust sprayed upward.

Taewoon twisted his body to narrowly avoid the blow, then immediately swung Barata to counterattack.

The tip of the spear dug fiercely toward Ma Widong’s neck with a sharp whistling sound. Ma Widong leisurely swung the mace with one hand to deflect the attack.

The aftermath of the powerful collision sent a tingling vibration through Taewoon’s fingertips. Despite it being a strike filled with full power, Ma Widong didn’t budge an inch.

It was a moment where the solidity characteristic of a seasoned Martial Artist was felt directly.

“This isn’t all you’ve got, is it? If this is your limit, I am deeply disappointed.”

Taewoon caught his breath briefly and steadied his mind.

‘Victory isn’t the goal to begin with. I mustn’t miss this opportunity. I must learn everything I can.’

Taewoon’s gaze sank deeper and became calmer. The tip of Barata’s blade cut through the wind and aimed at Ma Widong once more.

“Yes! Come at me!”

Ma Widong looked at Taewoon with interest, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly. The surrounding air froze tight with tension.

K-boom—!

This time, Taewoon was the first to kick off the ground and charge. The tip of Barata, imbued with a blue flash, extended accurately toward Ma Widong’s chest.

However, as Ma Widong swung the mace horizontally with a heavy shout, a storm of Internal Energy possessing overwhelming power pressed down on Taewoon’s entire body.

Taewoon grit his teeth and twisted his whole body to barely deflect the impact.

Immediately drawing his Magical Power to the maximum, Taewoon created numerous afterimages with the tip of his spear. The trajectory of the spear unfolded, shining like stars scattered across the night sky.

“Hmph! Not bad, but you can’t reach this elder with just that!”

Ma Widong rotated the mace in a large circle, creating an explosive wave. Taewoon gripped the spear shaft firmly and absorbed the massive impact.

His two feet slid across the ground, leaving deep grooves.

‘As expected… the difference in realm is significant.’

While letting the pressure transmitted through the spear shaft flow away, Taewoon felt Ma Widong’s strength with his whole body.

His Weapon Arts were far from flashy, but they were sharper and more practical than any Technique.

‘What I need right now is to realize my deficiencies in order to take one step forward.’

Once again, Taewoon’s Spear Path changed.

This time, it was more concise and sharp, drawing a perfect trajectory stripped of all superfluity.

The tip of Taewoon’s spear—realized through countless repetitions of training, evolved through the fight with Iosis, and refined through various Theaters—soon grazed Ma Widong’s chest like a bolt of blue lightning.