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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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Contemplation and agony are inseparable companions for a martial artist.
Every movement requires meticulous consideration of its principles, demanding constant reflection and analysis.
Extending an arm, shifting a leg, controlling the flow of internal energy through the meridians…
Even the act of teaching.
Chaejin, organizing her thoughts after the recent revelation, sat alone, tending to the campfire.
Beyond the flickering flames, bathed in moonlight, a man practiced Chaega’s Taekgyeon, his movements flowing like a graceful dance.
She observed him, pondering how to guide him further on his martial journey.
Just as one could learn from a five-year-old child, a teacher could gain insights from their student.
She had experienced it firsthand today, finding enlightenment in a simple, common martial arts manual.
So, she must observe Yoo Wol’s Chaega’s Taekgyeon, seeking knowledge and inspiration, discovering new paths to explore.
That was the duty of a martial artist.
But strangely, whenever she looked at him, those thoughts would morph into something else.
When did it begin?
This inability to tear her gaze away from him.
When did it start?
These thoughts, these feelings that had nothing to do with martial arts, blossoming in her heart as she watched him train.
Yes…
Perhaps it all began back then.
.
.
.
“Chaejin is unreliable as the First Disciple of Moon Woljeong.”
Her uncle, an elder of Moon Woljeong, had spoken those words during a sect meeting several years ago.
While Chaejin possessed immense pride in her martial skills, she was also prone to making significant mistakes.
And her reluctance to pursue scholarly pursuits made her unsuitable for the role of sect leader.
Chaejin couldn’t refute his claims. She agreed with him, to a certain extent.
She was incompetent.
Her cousin had declared as much during that same meeting, and Chaejin could only lower her head in shame.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t been trying. Objectively, she was performing adequately, even exceeding average expectations.
But being average wasn’t enough for the First Disciple of Moon Woljeong.
She had to be the best.
She was undeniably incompetent, unable to meet their expectations, to shoulder the responsibilities that came with her position.
Strength alone wasn’t enough to lead a sect. While her martial prowess far surpassed that of the other inner disciples, she lacked in other areas.
They had sent her to the Murim Alliance to gain experience, but she had become fixated on the First Disciple of Hongseong Mun, constantly challenging her to spars.
And whenever they discovered a hidden location, a secret realm, she would recklessly charge in, overly confident in her abilities.
She always insisted she could handle it alone, but her actions worried those around her.
So it was only natural for her cheerful, optimistic nature, her tendency to act impulsively, to rub the elders of Moon Woljeong the wrong way.
Especially considering that her younger sister, Chaeryeon, though weaker in martial arts, possessed the qualities they sought in a leader.
But Chaejin refused to step down from her position as First Disciple.
It wasn’t just because she wanted the position.
It was because her master, the renowned leader of Moon Woljeong, wouldn’t allow it.
Her master believed that one day, Chaejin would realize her true potential, her responsibilities as the First Disciple.
Perhaps that was why…
She was so fixated on defeating Hongryeon.
“…Yes. That’s it. I want to prove myself.”
Chaejin muttered to herself as she poked at the campfire, the embers glowing brightly.
The words of the elders at the sect meeting, their praise for her sister and their disappointment in her, echoed in her mind.
The shadows of self-doubt and insecurity, always lurking in the back of her mind…
They clung to her like chains, holding her back, preventing her from moving forward.
She sighed.
The chains that bound her…
The coldest and heaviest among them was a constant reminder of her perceived inadequacy.
Compared to Chaejin…
Chaeryeon was competent.
The burden of expectations, the weight of their disappointment, was stifling.
It was no wonder she preferred to be away from the sect.
The gaze that followed her within the walls of Moon Woljeong…
It was cold.
The expectations they placed upon her…
They were heavy.
Their desire for competence, their constant reminder of her perceived incompetence, was unbearable.
So she clung to her goal of defeating Hongryeon.
If she could defeat Hongryeon,
If she could defeat the First Disciple of Hongseong Mun,
Then…
She could finally prove herself.
She had sought out Hongryeon in Seo Hwachon, eager to challenge her, only to be ignored.
She had considered them rivals, worthy opponents. She thought her provocations would be enough to entice Hongryeon into a fight.
But Hongryeon had other priorities.
Chaejin felt a mix of disappointment and a growing sense of urgency.
She couldn’t afford to waste time like this.
She had to prove her competence, to show everyone in Moon Woljeong that she deserved her position as First Disciple. She had to defeat Hongryeon.
But how?
Time kept ticking by.
Hongryeon wouldn’t meet her, refusing to leave the confines of Hongseong Mun.
Her travel funds were dwindling.
The pressure was mounting. The anxiety, the fear of accomplishing nothing…
The sting of rejection, the realization that the person she considered a rival didn’t even see her as a worthy opponent…
And…
The judgment of the elders, their disappointment in her perceived incompetence…
It all added to the weight of the chains, suffocating her.
She couldn’t leave, not yet, even with her dwindling funds.
So she had approached the innkeeper, the one who was practicing Ogeumhui, with a proposition.
She would teach him Chaega’s Taekgyeon, the foundational martial art of Moon Woljeong, in exchange for a discount on her lodging.
It was an unreasonable request, she knew.
Seo Hwachon was a peaceful village.
Thanks to the presence of Mount Hongryeon, a sacred mountain with strong spiritual energy, monsters rarely appeared, and the residents didn’t usually require assistance from martial artists.
Opportunities to prove one’s worth were scarce.
But she had been desperate.
She could have earned money by accepting requests from Yangwiseong, a nearby town, but she couldn’t leave Seo Hwachon. Not when a chance to spar with Hongryeon could present itself at any moment.
It had been embarrassing,
A request unbefitting the First Disciple of Moon Woljeong.
But he had agreed without hesitation.
He didn’t seem particularly interested in martial arts, yet he had accepted her offer. It had made her curious.
And so, she started paying attention to him.
And then she realized…
He was similar to Chaeryeon.
He understood his duties and performed them diligently.
He possessed the “competence” that the elders of Moon Woljeong valued so highly.
Perhaps that was why…
She had thrown herself into teaching him Chaega’s Taekgyeon.
To prove herself as a martial artist, by teaching him.
And then he had surprised her.
He had extinguished the flames of the Hwaho with Chaega’s Taekgyeon? After only a few days of training?
Even the most talented outer disciples from other sects, those who specialized in different martial arts, wouldn’t have been able to achieve that.
He had shown her his competence, and in doing so, he had saved her.
But her joy had been short-lived.
She had heard about Hongryeon’s accomplishments, how she had earned even greater recognition by fighting the Demonic Cult.
Oh…
He was reminding her of her own inadequacy once again.
But even then,
Even when she had been at her lowest,
“You did well today,” he had said, his tone sincere.
Yes.
He had simply been someone she was aware of, nothing more.
But now…
She felt comfortable in this simple room, with its single bed, small table, and fireplace.
The window offered a view of the crimson thousand-day plum blossoms blooming on Mount Hongryeon.
This small, humble room, far inferior to her own room in Moon Woljeong or the Murim Alliance, had become her sanctuary.
And the window… she would find herself gazing not at the majestic mountain, but at the backyard, searching for him.
She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. And whenever she was with him, the chains that bound her seemed to loosen their grip.
It all started that day.
-Crackle!
A spark from the campfire snapped her out of her reverie. Chaejin turned away from the past and focused on the present.
And in that present, the first thing she saw was him.
He was the only source of comfort in this unfamiliar campsite.
She watched Yoo Wol practice Chaega’s Taekgyeon, his movements familiar and comforting.
A smile touched her lips as warmth and peace filled the empty spaces within her chained heart.
Perhaps it was because of his familiar presence, his unwavering diligence…
Her thoughts, her heart, had come to see this place as a safe haven.
The window of her room offered a view of the inn’s backyard.
In a corner, the spot where she had slept outdoors during her visit to Hongseong mun remained untouched.
And next to it was a spacious area, cleared for training.
Knowing that he would be there, practicing at the same time every day, made the entire area feel… comfortable.
So she watched him, her gaze following his every movement, finding solace in his presence.
Yes. Being with him was comforting.
More comforting than being in Moon Woljeong, where everyone expected her to be competent, where every gaze was a reminder of her perceived inadequacy.
That was why she didn’t want to leave.
She felt no pressure, no judgment here.
So she stayed.
A little longer, just a little longer.
That was why she had agreed so readily to his suggestion, his invitation to travel to Yangwiseong together.
And even there, he had proven to be capable.
The Imperial Conscription Office?
Even the Imperial General had addressed him as “Teacher.”
And he had effortlessly resolved a problem that had stumped even them.
He was competent, respected, admired by everyone.
He was everything she wasn’t.
He had no idea how much his words, his unwavering belief in her, had meant to her.
So…
It wasn’t because she was trying to be disrespectful that she had fumbled with the cigarettes, that their fingers had brushed as she tried to light his.
It was because of the unfamiliar scent, the harshness of the smoke, that she had coughed.
Her face felt flushed because she was holding her breath.
Her heart raced because she was startled by the taste.
And the reason she couldn’t look at him…
It was because she wasn’t… completely comfortable yet.
Yes.
That’s what it…
No.
That wasn’t…
“Don’t be ridiculous! You little brat!”
He was using the Yooheonkwon Style again?
She had just corrected him yesterday.
“Sigh. I can’t help it.”
Yes. He was competent.
But he had his moments of clumsiness, his moments of weakness.
And that’s why he needed someone by his side.
Someone to guide him, to support him.
Someone like… the First Disciple of Moon Woljeong, someone respected throughout the Murim.
Someone he trusted… like her.
Chaejin, the Moonlight Blade.
She got to her feet, her long legs carrying her towards him with effortless grace.
Just like he had come to her.
And as always, she smiled brightly.
“Come on! Let’s try that again!”
She laughed, her usual confident, almost arrogant laughter echoing through the night.
“Relax. Let go of the tension. I told you, the most important thing in Chaega’s Taekgyeon is flow. To master the principle of Ihwajeopmok, you don’t need brute force. You need to utilize your opponent’s strength. Like this.”
She took his hand, her touch light but firm, and pulled him towards her. He yielded to her pull, his back brushing against her chest as he turned.
Chaega’s Taekgyeon was like water. Instead of resisting, she flowed with him, redirecting his momentum. She pushed his hand away, and he spun, pulling her closer.
Their eyes met. His expression was serious, focused. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
To Chaejin, it felt like a dance. Their movements, fluid and effortless, their bodies swaying in unison.
The chirping of crickets was the music.
The moonlight was the spotlight.
The clearing, with its soft grass and earthy scent, was their dance floor.
Were her thoughts misguided, her feelings misplaced? Was this shared moment, this exchange of techniques in the stillness of the night, more than just training? Was it a dance, a silent conversation between two souls?
She smiled.
The inn, which had become her haven…
The man who had accepted her, who trusted her despite her flaws…
The man who was diligently learning her art, his movements mirroring hers…
And…
Yoo Wol, who seemed more at ease now…
She smiled at them all.
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This chapter was so beautiful, it deserved my first comment.