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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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The purpose of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering wasn’t just socializing.
As a gathering of promising young disciples who would carry the future of the righteous factions, it was about forging bonds through martial arts, not just words.
That was the spirit of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.
Remembering the general outline of the original story’s events, I knew this gathering could be a significant opportunity, and I had used that opportunity in my spar with the Wudang Taoist.
In the original story, the main event of the gathering was a spar between Paeng Jeok-san and the protagonist, but I had no need for that.
The sect whose swordsmanship was most similar to mine.
And the sect that housed the person who might hold the key to my breakthrough.
The martial artist who could help me wasn’t from the Paeng Clan, but the Wudang Sect.
I sheathed my sword and bowed to Taoist Hak-un.
“Your swordsmanship is as remarkable as I’ve heard.”
“Yours as well.”
“You both displayed excellent swordsmanship! I, Namgung Hwi, am impressed!”
His drunken, excited voice echoed through the banquet hall.
His voice, amplified by internal energy, made my ears ring, but the other guests simply laughed along.
“I’m glad I came to witness such a spar!”
“Watching this makes me want to fight too!”
“Would you care for a match?”
“I’d be delighted!”
“Then step forward! Thanks to their elegant spar, there’s no need to clear the area!”
He was surprisingly good at being a commentator.
I stepped aside with Hak-un. My objective wasn’t fully achieved yet.
“That was an excellent match. I’m disappointed we didn’t meet in the tournament.”
“I’m equally impressed. To think such swordsmanship exists in the West…every movement reflects years of refinement.”
“Is that so?”
“Martial arts are refined and improved over time by countless practitioners, so a swordsmanship passed down through generations carries the weight of history.
This is especially true for gentle styles like ours. They require time to master.”
Taoist Hak-un’s words were true.
Most sword principles were effective even at lower levels, but gentle styles, which seemed somewhat contradictory to the nature of swordsmanship, were difficult to utilize effectively until mastered.
Techniques that deflected and redirected the opponent’s force required a high level of skill. A single mistake could lead to self-inflicted injury.
Therefore, gentle styles required years of training and experience to reach their full potential.
That was why Wudang martial arts were known for their late blooming nature.
As for knights’ swordsmanship…well, while the principles might be complex, the techniques themselves were simple, not much different from basic Arts, so they could be used effectively even with limited skill.
Of course, a knight’s primary weapon was the lance.
A secondary Art shouldn’t be too difficult to use.
Besides, the European knights’ philosophy towards Arts was, “There’s nothing better than mastering the fundamentals.”
Wasn’t that a saying of Sir Roland, the one who established the Knight Arts?
“I would like to visit the Wudang Sect someday.”
“Haha, feel free to visit whenever you have time. The Wudang welcomes all guests. I’ll be happy to give you a tour.”
“I’ll visit sometime to learn more about the wonders of Jianghu.”
“Then, I’ll excuse myself…enjoy the gathering.”
I had successfully created a reason to visit the Wudang. It would be much better to tour the sect with an insider’s guidance than as an ordinary visitor. I considered this a success.
It would be pointless if I couldn’t find this Taoist priest when I visited, but that wasn’t a concern for now.
I had to entertain Hye-ryeong, who was eagerly waiting for me.
“Sigh.”
I turned and walked towards Hye-ryeong and Mokgyeong. They were sitting a short distance away, not talking to each other.
Hye-ryeong seemed to be wary of Mokgyeong, while Mokgyeong simply seemed awkward and unsociable.
“Hye-ryeong, have you been waiting long?”
“No! Hehe. So, what were you talking about?”
“Just a normal conversation about swordsmanship.”
“Hehe, you’re so dedicated!”
“What else is there for a martial artist to talk about?”
While I had ulterior motives, martial arts were a common topic for martial artists to bond over, so it wasn’t a strange thing to say.
Hye-ryeong seemed to agree, nodding with a sullen expression, then flapping her arms.
“Mister, what do we do now?”
“Well…”
My primary objective, building a relationship with a Wudang martial artist, had been achieved. Now I could either expand my network or sample the food before leaving.
“What do you want to do?”
“Hmm…I don’t know! There doesn’t seem to be much to do here besides eating and drinking…”
“What about sparring?”
“I don’t like the way the men stare.”
That was understandable.
With Hye-ryeong’s appearance, it was inevitable that she would attract attention.
Her innocent behavior and…assets were like a beacon for male gazes.
While her skin was darker than the locals, a tanned beauty was still considered attractive, so it wasn’t a big issue.
“If you don’t want to, I can’t force you. But it would be good to make some friends.”
I picked up my chopsticks and took a bite of the tender Dongpo pork.
Ah, nothing tasted better than free food.
“Friends…I don’t need any.”
Was she shy? Or was there another reason? I wasn’t her parent, so I didn’t need to worry about such things.
You couldn’t force friendships.
“If you say so. But wouldn’t it be better to have some? If making new friends is difficult, then at least try to get along with Mokgyeong…”
“…Do you want me and Mokgyeong to be friends?”
“I’d prefer it if you weren’t on bad terms.”
It wouldn’t benefit anyone if they were hostile. I wanted to keep Mokgyeong by my side…where else could I find such a talented individual?
“Why?”
“You’ll be seeing each other often if nothing unexpected happens, and it would be awkward if you were on bad terms.”
Since I was going to keep Mokgyeong around, their relationship being strained would make things difficult, so I hoped Hye-ryeong would lower her guard and become friends with him.
“If you say so…”
Hye-ryeong’s gaze shifted sideways, towards Mokgyeong. He looked at her, seemingly aware that they were talking about him.
“I have no intention of being hostile towards Hye-ryeong.”
Did that mean he wasn’t particularly interested in becoming friends either?
From Mokgyeong’s perspective, focused on revenge, there was no need to socialize. When consumed by a single emotion, it was easy to lose sight of everything else.
He only maintained his connection with me because I was his benefactor.
I had helped him, and he might have seen me as a potential ally in his quest for revenge.
“So, don’t be so awkward. Fellow martial artists should get along.”
“Hye-ryeong, it’s a pleasure.”
“…Likewise.”
…It was a forced exchange, but it was better than nothing.
I sighed and stood up.
“Let’s go.”
My business here was concluded, so it was time to rest.
Hye-ryeong and Mokgyeong stood up.
“You can stay if you want.”
“I’ll leave when you leave.”
“I only came out of courtesy. There’s no reason for me to stay.”
If you say so…
“Let’s go.”
“It’s the Lion Sword.”
“He’s as large as they say…”
“He’s with the Haenam Flower…”
“Mister, everyone’s talking about you.”
“I’ve become an instant celebrity.”
It was more bothersome than exciting.
I hoped I wouldn’t get dragged into anything unnecessary.
Like someone challenging me to a duel for Hye-ryeong’s attention. Though, no one in the Martial Alliance would be that foolish.
“Mister, what are you going to do now?”
“Train.”
“Are you just going to keep swinging your sword?”
“No.”
Training at the peak expert level wasn’t about repetitive practice.
It was about growth through life-or-death battles.
“I’m going to loosen up a bit.”
“Loosen up?”
If the original story held true, a Demonic Cult member would appear about fifteen days after the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.
A relatively unknown Demonic Cult member, Gwak Mu-sam of the Blood Wolf Gang.
More accurately, he hadn’t officially revealed himself to the Murim yet…but I intended to capture him before he caused any trouble.
If the original story held true, he would slaughter the villagers northwest of Wuhan, at the foot of Mount Gyeong.
Training aside, I couldn’t simply ignore that.
“I want to go too!”
“Do as you please. But don’t stray too far from me.”
“Okay!”
She was good at giving empty promises.
I chuckled and slurped down some noodles.
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