Chapter 276: The Qualifications of an Abbot (2)

"Hear me, Shaolin!"

The voice, imbued with inner energy, boomed across the square in front of Hoegumdong.

The ordinary monks clutched their ears in pain, unable to bear it.

Even the Arhat monks frowned at the force behind the cry.

"To think the demonic power of the Blood Demon is this strong…"

"As expected of one of the Five Evils."

As Shaolin's forces gathered, the fighting spirit that had risen on the monks' faces was now replaced with wary tension.

Using internal energy in the voice was meant to suppress their morale—and it seemed to work effectively.

Now it was time to control the output of energy.

I opened my mouth again.

"I am the leader of the Blood Sect, and the current Blood Demon."

My voice echoed across the entire plaza.

Yet, not a single monk flinched.

It seemed they had already been briefed about my identity and thus showed little reaction.

–Disappointed?

Why would I be disappointed about something like that?

It's not like I enjoy being the center of attention anyway.

In any case, now that the abbot in charge of Shaolin, Master Jingak, had appeared, it was time to get to the main point.

"Elder Sama Chak of the Wolak Sword Sect is my father-in-law. By imprisoning such a person in the Golden Prison, you are essentially treating me with contempt."

–Murmur murmur!

As soon as the word father-in-law came out, the entire hall stirred with noise.

That included the Eight Great Guardians, the Ten Wins of the Ten Vows, and the Arhat monks—none were exceptions.

It seemed they had only been informed of my intrusion and not the urgency behind it.

Even Abbot Jingak seemed to have just now learned of this, as he began exchanging words with Master Gyeongjong of the Sutra Hall and another elderly monk beside him.

Judging by the shape of their mouths:

[So Sama is connected to the Blood Demon in such a way?]

[Hohoho, quite a rare matter indeed, Abbot.]

[Amitabha. I was wondering why the Blood Demon had invaded our temple alone—turns out he has a personal side.]

Surprisingly, their reactions were calm.

Perhaps because they were seasoned monks, they didn't see me as just the head of an evil sect, but rather tried to understand my reasons for coming.

–Are we getting through this peacefully?

That would spare us all some energy—but would it really go that way?

Shaolin, even if it doesn't interfere with worldly affairs, has pride in being the core of orthodoxy.

In any case, it was time to state my terms.

"For that alone, my sect has enough reason to punish Shaolin. But grudges must be settled properly. I've heard that Shaolin offered help when my father-in-law was gravely injured. For that, I propose we consider this matter resolved and leave things as they are."

In other words, I was offering to trade his capture for the life-saving aid he received.

I could have phrased it more diplomatically, but as the leader of the Blood Sect, I had an image to uphold.

I couldn't make it seem like I was submitting to Shaolin.

As expected, the Shaolin monks could not hide their anger.

"Is he serious?"

"He dares trespass and wants to brush it off?"

"Is he mocking Shaolin?"

Their reactions were predictably fierce.

I never expected this to end without a clash.

On the contrary, I had to establish dominance over Shaolin here and now—only then would they never dare touch my father-in-law or Sama Yeong again.

At that moment, the elderly monk to Abbot Jingak's left spoke up.

"Amitabha. I am Monk Gyeong-oh, head of the Tendon Scripture Division."

So this is Gyeong-oh, one of Shaolin's three next potential abbots.

As the person in charge of the martial arts scriptures along with the Sutra Hall, his martial prowess was surely extraordinary.

The aura I sensed from him hinted at mastery beyond the peak level.

Gyeong-oh continued.

"If Elder Sama is indeed your father-in-law, the proper course of action would have been a formal request. But such an unannounced intrusion disrespects our sacred temple."

At that, Sama Yeong, who had remained quiet, flared up in anger.

"And was it proper to imprison my father without explanation?"

Gyeong-oh sighed and answered.

"Amitabha. I warned you before, Bodhisattva. Your father harmed many innocent people. The karma may even affect you and your descendants. How could you…"

"Master Gyeong-oh."

Sama Chak interrupted his words.

His expression was grim.

It seemed he was unaware that such words had been said to Sama Yeong.

"Did you try to instill fear in my daughter using Buddhist teachings?"

"No, sir. How could you interpret it that way? I only meant that if you do not atone and clear your karma…"

"Enough!"

Sama Chak scolded him harshly.

It was the first time I had seen him this angry.

His affection for Sama Yeong ran deeper than I thought.

He stepped forward and spoke:

"Though I, Sama Chak, have stained my hands with much blood, I've tried to live without shame before my only child. Who dares demean my life and bring disgrace to my daughter?"

–Roooar!

As Sama Chak released his energy, a strong gust of wind surged.

His murderous aura overwhelmed the monks, who began chanting in panic.

"Amitabha!"

To recover this much internal energy in such a short time—remarkable indeed.

But due to the sealing of the Seven Forbidden Gates, he still couldn't access more than half his original strength.

–What a monster of a father-in-law. No wonder he's proud.

Understandably so.

Sama Yeong had told me that her father never killed without reason.

Most of those he killed were known evildoers or members of deviant cults.

With such a code, he would never harm ordinary civilians.

Sama Yeong had never felt shame or disgrace because of her father.

Just then…

"Hohoho, Elder Sama."

A hearty laugh rang through the hall, followed by a voice full of energy.

Its owner was Master Gyeongjong of the Sutra Hall.

Before anyone noticed, he had stepped forward to face Sama Chak.

"Master Gyeongjong."

The very person who had helped treat Sama Chak with the Gu-Yang True Energy.

Though he hadn't removed the cold energy from his core completely.

At Gyeongjong's approach, Sama Chak's bloodlust slightly subsided.

"Do you remember what you said to me, Elder?"

"How could I forget?"

"You promised to follow the Buddha's teachings in exchange for purging the cold energy. Will you now go back on your word?"

I frowned at Gyeongjong's words.

Did my father-in-law really say that?

As I wondered, Sama Chak replied:

"That's not how I remember it."

"What?"

"You told me that if I were to receive treatment here, I wouldn't be allowed to leave due to my karma. I agreed to that condition, not to become a Buddhist disciple."

Apparently, their intentions were slightly misaligned.

Master Gyeongjong chanted Amitabha and spoke again.

"Among the sins in Buddhism, killing is the greatest. Elder Sama, you have committed far too many. How can we simply let you walk free?"

"And if I say I must go—what will you do?"

"As a disciple of Buddha, I will do my duty."

–Roar!

As soon as he finished, hot energy surged from Master Gyeongjong's body.

The Gu-Yang True Energy, a dual-strength martial art, truly lived up to its name.

From his eyes, one could see that he was no longer just a monk—his warrior's spirit had been awakened.

Shaolin, isolated from the world, rarely had chances to face such top-tier martial artists.

But my father-in-law wasn't fully recovered.

Even if his level was higher, his opponent was Shaolin's best martial artist, who had mastered the Tendon Scripture, Cleansing Scripture, and Gu-Yang True Energy.

"I am grateful for the life you saved, but I must leave Shaolin."

"Then there's nothing more to say."

–Flash!

Master Gyeongjong launched himself at Sama Chak.

His hands, glowing crimson, shimmered with rising heat—he was ready to unleash the Gu-Yang True Energy.

"Hmph!"

Sama Chak snorted and also leapt into action.

His focused energy, curled around the fingers forming the Sword Gesture, showed that he planned to fight at full strength despite not being fully recovered.

But just then—

–Swish!

My form blurred—and I appeared between the two just as they were about to clash.

"What?!"

"You?!"

Neither expected me to intervene—they were both shocked but couldn't halt their strikes.

It was too sudden.

But—

–Bam bam bam bam!

I stood firm between them, blocking both their techniques—Sorrowful Finger in my left hand, and Fiery Sun Fist in my right.

When I countered the dual-energy strike of Gu-Yang True Energy with cold-based martial arts, Master Gyeongjong was visibly surprised.

"You can control cold energy?"

–Tak tak tak tak!

The moment two techniques clashed, Venerable Gyeongjong executed his footwork and widened the distance.

In contrast, my father-in-law, unable to suppress his momentum, retreated after exchanging only a single move.

Normally, he would've scolded me for interfering, but perhaps he was surprised that I used martial arts infused with both cold and yang energy—he just stared at me with narrowed eyes.

Then, he spoke.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Father-in-law, you've just broken the seal on your seven vital points and your body isn't fully recovered yet. I was afraid you'd overexert yourself and harm your energy, so I stepped in out of concern."

"You…"

Knowing his pride, I had chosen my words carefully. I wondered if I had crossed the line.

My father-in-law, still staring at me, sighed and then silently walked over to Sima Yeong.

He had fully entrusted the matter to me.

I nodded slightly and turned to Venerable Gyeongjong.

Then, with a voice mixed with admiration, he said,

"Amitabha. I had heard rumors that the current leader of the Blood Sect had reached great heights, but it seems those rumors were not exaggerated—but in fact, understated."

"You flatter me. What surprises me more is that no one knew a hidden dragon like you existed in Shaolin."

"A monk has no reason to seek fame."

Chiiiii—!

As he spoke, a pale white vapor rose from his palm.

He had expelled the cold qi of Seoleumji using the yang qi of Guhyang Jinggyeong.

Assuming a martial stance, Venerable Gyeongjong said to me,

"I may have to stake my life. But as a martial artist, it would be an honor."

He had realized after one exchange that I was on a higher level than him.

Yet his fighting spirit hadn't died—truly a born martial artist.

If I subdued Shaolin's top master, I could greatly dampen their morale.

Just then, someone shouted.

"Stop!"

The voice belonged to none other than Shaolin's abbot, Venerable Jingak.

He was walking forward.

Was he planning to join forces because he saw no chance alone?

But then, he said something unexpected.

"Custodian Jang-gyeong, step down."

"Abbot!"

"How can one who seeks the Way let his pride get the better of him?"

At his reprimand, Venerable Gyeongjong lowered his head in shame and placed his palms together.

"Amitabha."

As Gyeongjong stepped back, Abbot Jingak dragged his staff and approached me.

"Amitabha. Forgive the late introduction. Though lacking, I am Abbot Jingak, currently overseeing Shaolin."

He bowed with palms together in perfect courtesy.

There was not the slightest hint of rudeness.

An elderly monk well over eighty greeting me so respectfully—it made it impossible to respond arrogantly just to assert my own strength.

"I am Jin Ga, leader of the Blood Sect."

I also cupped my fist and bowed.

Then the abbot said,

"You seem different from the Blood Demons I've known."

"...What do you mean?"

"I know you haven't used lethal force on any of our disciples."

"I simply didn't want blood spilled on the land of the Buddha."

At my words, the abbot smiled gently and said,

"Many former leaders of your sect wouldn't even hesitate at such a choice. Yet not only did you refrain, but you gathered all of our monks here. Did you not?"

"You're attaching too much meaning to a trivial act."

He seemed to find meaning in things I hadn't intended.

His true intentions were hard to read.

Then he spoke softly.

"Gathering everyone here… is that because you are confident you can overcome this crisis with your martial arts?"

'!?'

I was genuinely surprised.

I hadn't expected him to see through my intentions.

This wasn't mere cleverness—his insight was sharper than I had imagined.

Staring at him quietly, I said,

"Since you've seen through my intention, what will you do, Abbot?"

"They say even the strongest bamboo can break, but thin branches, when bundled together, are hard to snap. Even if you have reached the pinnacle of martial arts, do you truly believe our unified monks could not withstand you?"

There was no arrogance or condescension in his words.

Yet he did not bend.

This was the true strength of an orthodox sect.

In any case, his stance was clear—he wouldn't back down.

Then the conclusion was inevitable.

"Then we must see it through. I must take my father-in-law and leave."

"Hurting one another isn't the only solution."

"Then step aside."

"Shaolin has its rules and duties. If we easily surrender someone we were guiding under pressure, who would respect our teachings? However, if you agree, I would like to propose a more peaceful method."

A peaceful method...?

What was he planning?

Looking into his eyes, I sensed no selfish intent.

"What is this peaceful method?"

"If you can take Lady Sima by the method I suggest, neither our monks nor anyone in the secular world will object."

Staring at him, I finally nodded.

"Very well. I also prefer to resolve this matter peacefully with Shaolin."

"Amitabha. It seems my judgment was not mistaken."

"No need for compliments. Just state your terms."

Before I even finished speaking, the abbot struck his staff on the ground.

Thud!

"Arhats, form the 108 Arhat Formation."

"Understood!"

At his command, the Arhat monks gave a strong kiai and formed the legendary 108 Arhat Battle Formation in perfect coordination.

Seeing this, Sima Yeong cried out in disbelief.

"How is this peaceful!?"

My father-in-law also frowned deeply.

I asked,

"This seems no different from a fight."

"It is different."

"How so?"

"You, the Blood Sect leader, must subdue the entire 108 Arhat Formation within one 'gak' (15 minutes) without causing any injury."

My father-in-law burst out angrily.

"Absurd!"

All eyes turned to him.

He shouted at the abbot in disbelief.

"Wasn't the 108 Arhat Formation designed to counter supreme martial masters? And now you ask him to subdue them all without so much as a scratch in a single gak? You're asking the impossible!"

To this, the abbot replied,

"This won't be his only chance."

"What do you mean?"

"We, too, need just cause to release our disciple. To prove such martial mastery without bloodshed—how could we propose an easy test? We will provide enough chances for him to be satisfied. But if he fails, he cannot take her."

My father-in-law angrily shouted at me,

"That's enough! You don't have to accept this nonsense! I'll help too..."

"No. I accept."

"What!?"

He was speechless, clearly thinking it was utterly impossible.

Ignoring him, I said to the abbot,

"You know full well how outrageous your condition is, don't you?"

"Isn't it still better than fighting Shaolin's full force with your life on the line?"

He wasn't just insightful—he was a sly old fox.

I smiled faintly and said,

"Since I'm accepting an unfair condition, shouldn't you accept one of mine as well?"

"A condition?"

"If I subdue the formation without injury within half a gak?"

"...Half a gak?"

The abbot couldn't help but scoff.

Even one gak was impossible—half would be unthinkable.

Still chuckling, the abbot responded,

"Very well. If you succeed, not only will we release Lady Sima, but we'll also give you the Great Elixir Pill, a treasured medicine of our temple."

Murmur, murmur!

This time, even the monks stirred.

The Great Elixir Pill was Shaolin's top-tier medicine—crafted with rare herbs and over 30 years of preparation, only a few existed even within Shaolin.

"Is that sufficient?"

Despite offering their treasure, the abbot remained calm—clearly convinced I couldn't win.

"Then keep your word."

"Amitabha."

The abbot bowed deeply with palms joined and exited the formation.

The Arhat monks raised their staffs and aimed them at me.

"Haaaah!!!"

Their aura was overwhelming.

Watching them, my father-in-law clicked his tongue.

Outside the formation, the abbot gave another order.

"Bring a half-gak incense stick."

At this, the monks moved to comply—

"No need."

I spoke, hands behind my back, and took a single step forward.

Thud!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

In that instant, all 108 Arhat monks who had pointed their staffs at me fell unconscious to the ground, eyes rolling back.

'!!!'

No one had expected it.

Abbot Jingak's eyes widened in shock.