Jang Sam-Bong

* Manhwa

## Status

* Occup

**Jang Sam-Bong** (장삼봉은), the Founder of Wudang Sect, was a legendary figure in martial arts that rivaled the legend of Bodhidharma even before the appearance of the Three Gods.

However, among the martial artists in the Central Plains, Jang Sambong was cherished more than Bodhidharma. Unlike Bodhidharma, who was of Heavenly Chu lineage, Jang Sambong represented the martial arts of the Central Plains, earning immense respect.

Although the martial arts system in the Central Plains originated from Shaolin, the swordsmanship (劒宗) - the mainstream martial arts system among the strongholds - had roots in the Wudang.

The fact that the founder of the Wudang was the first and most powerful swordsman was undeniable. It was widely acknowledged, even in distant regions like Mount Hua.

The prideful Nine Great Sects easily pointed to other sects as subservient to the Wudang, signifying the substantial and firm influence Jang Sambong had left. Hence, when asked who was more significant between Bodhidharma and Jang Sambong - the twin founders of the Central Plains or the Three Gods - in the martial world's history, the unanimous answer was the Central Plains' twin founders. Their martial arts might be surpassed by the Three Gods, but their impact and accomplishments in the Central Plains were beyond comparison.

However, as the tales of Jang Sambong were abstract and metaphysical in nature, the limitations of properly assessing his true abilities persisted among later generations. As he belonged to an era even more distant than the Three Gods, it was perhaps inevitable.

## Conversation

### Black King's Leader to Jo Hwi:

-"Does anyone know the final fate of Jang Sam-Bong, the Martial Dao Founder of Wudang?"

Numerous legends and tales circulated about Jang Sam-Bong's life, but his ultimate fate remained a profound mystery.

### 2nd Conversation:

Dokamja: "We called him the Original Path (원도)."

-"Among the remaining five of the Six Gods, all were mere experimental subjects, except for him, the one acknowledged as the only and unique disciple by the Divine Throne itself."

Jo Hwi's expression turned perplexed as he stared at the skeletal corpse before him. This pitiful skeletal remains he was currently witnessing was supposedly the legendary Jang Sam Bong, a revered figure in the Murim alongside Bodhidharma? Moreover, the fact that his mentor was known as the Original Path was a completely unheard-of revelation. And the realization that he was the very first divine being to be embraced by the Divine Throne was an utterly bewildering and shocking piece of information.

Why in the world would the divine incarnation of that Taoist sect, that great being known as the Twin Geniuses of the Murim, even consider becoming a disciple of the godforsaken Divine Throne? Amidst such overpowering doubts, if he were alive, Jo Hwi would have wanted to shake him by the collar in frustration. But alas, he was just a lifeless corpse, rendering it futile.

Jo Hwi held great reverence for Jang Sam Bong as well. Although the martial arts he left behind were indeed martial arts, he was a remarkable martial artist who left behind a 'philosophy' among the strong.

Heaven (天) and Earth (地).

Light (光) and Darkness (暗).

All things in the world are divided into pure Yin and Yang from the very origin, and only when these elements intermingle without distinction can the true ultimate truth be achieved—a profound theory posited by the great master. This is what Jang Sam Bong referred to as Ilwon (一元), Taiheo (太虛), and Taeguk (太極). The martial arts derived from this profound truth have continued for over a thousand years, branching into countless divine martial arts and doctrines. There were still secrets yet to be unveiled, even among those proficient in these mysteries. How could the legendary shaman, the father of all these great legacies, Josa, have been reduced to such a pitiful skull before his eyes!

Furthermore, to think he was the crazy disciple of that Divine Throne! Having become a respectable martial artist himself since entering the world of Murim, Jo Hwi couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sadness, enough to bring tears to his eyes.

-"We don't know why he became a disciple of the Divine Throne. However, he was undoubtedly the most exceptional among us and received the entire favor of the Divine Throne. He was the only human who, despite being in the position of a disciple, received the highest respect from the Divine Throne."

**Jo Hwi: "Respect?"**

**Jo Hwi: "Doesn't it mean that he accepted Jang Sambong, a mere disciple, as an equal to himself, who considers himself a god?"**

-"Undoubtedly, we believed that he ascended to the heavens along with the Thrones... but to see him in such a state here... Moreover, to face complete annihilation..."

**Jo Hwi:"Oh, complete annihilation?"**

Jo Hwi was extremely surprised to hear about "complete annihilation" from Guiamja's words. He knew very well the meaning of "complete annihilation," which signified the complete destruction of the soul, the end of the cycle of reincarnation, and the process of transmigration.

Non-existence (無存在).

The disappearance of the soul's existence itself. The utter extinction of the human spirit was such a terrifying statement. It meant that Jang Sambong would no longer exist anywhere in this world.

-"The state he's known for among the martial world is nothing but the Blood of the Bird's Foot. He has long surpassed the realm of humanity and has been seeking a new path. His divine insight, especially into the past and future, was sought even by the Divine Throne for advice."

Jo Hwi was astonished. The level of divine insight he knew involved the ability to perceive the essence of things and phenomena. Of course, there was a legend that honing such divine insight would enable one to perceive the will of heaven, communicate with each other, and see into the future. However, since transcending time was considered the Realm of the Gods, it was believed that it was an area humans couldn't possibly reach.

-"A being who has reached such a state may have a body that can crumble, but their soul must remain untouched. Therefore, despite being a transcendent, there should still be remnants of his consciousness or spiritual power lingering in his physical form. However... it's a perfect void. There's nothing felt at all."

## The Last Prophecy

The final hour of annihilation.

In the time of humans, just two days.

To the Thrones, it might seem like a fleeting moment, yet within those mere two days unfolded events of unimaginable absolute destruction. The sky never ceased to cry, the earth convulsed like a flood, and everything achieved by humanity was demolished. Entire landscapes turned into molten lava, the entire world overturned, and the cries of countless souls pleading for mercy in the Throes' hands were devoured whole.

The war of the Thrones lasted only two days, yet it was an unimagined series of calamities.

Jo Hwi: "I cannot believe this..."

Jo Hwi's entire body shook. He never imagined that the Thrones would be capable of breaking the laws of the universe themselves. Humans believed that despite living a fleeting life, they could ignite a flame and sustain that brilliance. That belief stood as the sole strength of mortals against the Eternal Void experienced by the Thrones. As long as they could maintain that brilliant flame, they believed order would be eternal.

The reason how he could perceive all of this was unclear. It was simply information flowing naturally into his consciousness as his Spirit Ascended. Following all those prophecies, there were more words that astonished Jo Hwi.

-"Dear one, I don't know what to call you."

Instinctively, Jo Hwi realized these words referred to himself.

-"Not yet, it's not time yet. Someday, you will come to realize that all of this was preparation for you. Please, fulfill your intentions so that the timeline of humanity can continue. Oh, guardians who protect humanity."

In response to the final words, Jo Hwi stood frozen, as if turned into a statue.

Guardians protecting humanity?

The moment he read that sentence, Jo Hwi felt an indescribable and lingering emotion. It was profoundly sorrowful and deeply yearning. He couldn't comprehend why such emotions arose or who the subject of these emotions might be. It wasn't a sentence with explicit implications, yet why did it feel so heavy and stifling in his chest?