The Dragon Phoenix Assembly (6)
The significance of the Dragon Phoenix Assembly was not simply to exchange pleasantries and build friendships.
As a gathering of the young elites who would one day shoulder the future of the orthodox factions, it was about forging bonds through martial arts rather than mere words. That was the true purpose of the Dragon Phoenix Assembly.
Having a general recollection of the original story’s events, I knew this gathering could present me with a major opportunity. So I used that opportunity to spar with the Wudang Taoist.
Originally the highlight should have been a match between Paeng Jeoksan and the protagonist, but I had no need for that.
The sect that pursued a sword style closest to my own.
And the sect that might hold the person best able to help me shatter the wall I currently faced.
For me, the martial artist who could provide real help was not from the Peng family, but from Wudang.
I sheathed my sword and offered Taoist Hakun a proper fist salute.
“It was an excellent sword display, just as I had heard.”
“It was an excellent sword display.”
“Both of you showed us truly magnificent sparring! This Namgung Hui is thoroughly impressed!”
The voice, thick with wine and excitement, shook the entire banquet hall. He must have laced it with inner energy, because my ears rang sharply, yet instead of complaining the guests roared with laughter and matched his energy.
“To think we could watch a match like that—I’m glad I came!”
“Watching them makes my own hands itch!”
“Hey, want to go a round with me?”
“You’re on!”
“If you’re doing it, get out here right now! These two kept the stage so clean there’s nothing to sweep up!”
That guy really does have the temperament of a natural emcee.
I naturally withdrew to the side with Taoist Hakun and struck up conversation. My goal wasn’t fully achieved yet.
“It was a splendid sword. I regret that we won’t cross blades again in the actual tournament.”
“I was the one who was impressed. To think there was swordsmanship like this in the western regions… I can feel in every movement how thoroughly it has been refined over long years.”
“Is that so?”
“Martial arts are improved as they pass through many hands over time. A sword that has developed across long centuries inevitably carries the traces of those years.
Especially for those of us who practice soft sword techniques. Soft sword requires a long period of mastery, after all.”
Taoist Hakun’s words were entirely correct. Most sword theories remained effective even at relatively low levels of attainment, but soft sword—which appeared somewhat alien compared to ordinary blade work—was difficult to use properly until one had achieved true proficiency.
The technique of redirecting the opponent’s force and using it against them demanded a high degree of skill. A single mistake could mean falling victim to your own scheme. It was a dangerous style.
That was why soft sword only displayed meaningful power after long training and accumulated experience.
Which was also why Wudang’s martial arts were known for their late-blooming nature.
As for the swords of knights… well, to be blunt, while the theory might be complex, the actual forms were simple enough that even a clumsy practitioner could make use of them. They weren’t all that different from basic HEMA techniques.
It was only natural. A knight’s primary weapon had always been the lance.
The auxiliary art could not be allowed to be too difficult. From the beginning, the European knights’ attitude toward sword arts had been that “nothing is better than extreme polishing of the fundamentals.”
I believe it was Sir Roland, the one who formalized knightly sword arts, who said that.
“I’d like to visit Wudang someday, the sect that created such a sword.”
“Haha, please come whenever you have time. Wudang does not turn away guests. Should you visit, I will personally guide you.”
“Then I shall stop by to learn about the martial culture of the Central Plains.”
“In that case, I shall take my leave… Please enjoy the rest of the evening.”
I had successfully created a reasonable pretext to visit Wudang. Even if I went, touring the mountain with an insider’s guidance would be far better than wandering around as an ordinary visitor. At this level, I could consider the groundwork a success.
Of course, if I failed to find that particular Taoist once I arrived it would all be for nothing, but that wasn’t something to worry about right now.
I had to go entertain Hye-ryeong, who was eagerly waiting for me.
“Tsk.”
I immediately turned and walked over to Hye-ryeong and Mok-gyeong. The two were sitting at a moderate distance, not speaking to each other at all.
Hye-ryeong seemed to be wary of Mok-gyeong for some reason, while Mok-gyeong simply lacked any social warmth, so the atmosphere between them remained awkward.
“Hye-ryeong. Did you wait too long?”
“No! Hehe. What were you talking about?”
“Just the usual conversation about sword techniques.”
“Hehe, you’re really enthusiastic about it!”
“What else is there for a martial artist to talk about besides martial arts?”
There was a personal motive mixed in, but since martial arts were the easiest topic for martial artists to bond over, it wasn’t a strange thing to say. Hye-ryeong seemed to accept it; she nodded with a pouty face, then waved her arms energetically.
“Mister, what are we doing now?”
“Good question.”
My top priority—building a connection with the Wudang martial artist—had been successfully completed. Now it was time to either expand my network further, enjoy some food and drink, or simply head back.
“Is there anything you want to do?”
“Hmm~ I’m not sure! It looks like the only things to do here are eat and drink…”
“What about watching more sparring?”
“Too many men staring at me. I don’t like it.”
Well, that was understandable.
Given Hye-ryeong’s appearance, it was impossible for eyes not to gather on her.
Her carefree, slightly airheaded behavior was exactly the kind of thing that set men’s hearts on fire.
Her skin was a little darker than the people here, but a beauty’s slightly dark complexion was easily accepted as part of her charm, so it wasn’t a real problem.
“If you don’t like it, then we won’t. Still, it would be good for you to make some friends.”
I picked up my chopsticks, plucked a piece of the tender Dongpo pork, and put it in my mouth.
Mm. There really is nothing as delicious as food someone else pays for.
“Friends… I’m fine even if I don’t have any.”
Was she more shy than I thought, or was there another reason? I wasn’t her parent, so I didn’t need to worry about it too deeply. Besides, friendship wasn’t something you could force.
“If you say so, then that’s how it is. Still, wouldn’t it be better to have at least one? If making new friends is hard, then maybe Mok-gyeong…”
“…Mister, are you trying to make me and Young Master Mok-gyeong become friends?”
“I’d at least like it if you weren’t on bad terms.”
There was nothing to gain from being hostile. Since I wanted to keep Mok-gyeong as close as possible… where else would I find a talent like him?
“Why?”
“We’ll be seeing each other often if nothing goes wrong. It would be uncomfortable if you were on bad terms.”
Since I planned to carry Mok-gyeong along with me no matter what, a bad relationship between the two of them would make the atmosphere feel like walking on thin ice. From my perspective, I hoped Hye-ryeong would lower her guard and grow closer to him.
“If Mister says so…”
Hye-ryeong’s gaze shifted sideways. Naturally, it landed on Mok-gyeong. When his name was mentioned, Mok-gyeong looked at her as if he found it bothersome.
“I have no desire to be on bad terms with Lady Hye-ryeong.”
Which also meant he had no particular desire to become close, either.
From Mok-gyeong’s perspective, whose goal was revenge, it made sense that he wouldn’t feel the need to form relationships with others. Once someone became obsessed with a single emotion, they tended to lose sight of everything around them.
The only reason he hadn’t cut the thread of connection with me was probably because I was his benefactor. I was also providing him with convenience. Perhaps he even secretly thought I could become an ally in his revenge.
“So both of you, stop being so awkward around each other. Fellow martial artists of the Wulin should get along.”
“Lady Hye-ryeong, I look forward to your guidance.”
“…I look forward to your guidance as well.”
It was the kind of greeting you gave while bowing to receive a bow in return, but it was still better than nothing.
I sighed and rose from my seat.
“Let’s head back.”
Since my business was finished, it was time to go rest.
At my words, both Hye-ryeong and Mok-gyeong stood up.
“If you want to stay longer, you can.”
“If you’re leaving, Mister, then I’m leaving too.”
“I only came out of courtesy. There is no reason for me to remain.”
If that’s what you two want, then so be it…
“Let’s go.”
“It’s the Lion Sword Hero.”
“His build is just like the rumors…”
“They said he travels with the Hainan flower…”
“Mister, everyone’s only talking about you.”
“I’ve become famous in one go.”
It was less pleasant and more annoying. I hoped I wouldn’t get dragged into unnecessary trouble.
Like some idiot challenging me to a duel because he was after Hye-ryeong. Though it was unlikely such a fool would be eating in the Wulin Alliance headquarters.
“Mister, so what are we doing now?”
“Training.”
“Are you just going to keep swinging your sword again?”
“No.”
Training at the level of a direct disciple wasn’t accomplished by simply repeating sword swings.
It was about growing through life-and-death battles in real combat.
“I’m thinking of going to loosen up my body for the first time in a while.”
“Loosen up your body?”
If events followed the original story, about two weeks after the Dragon Phoenix Assembly ended, a demon would appear.
A demon not yet known to the world—Gwak Mu-sam, the Blood Saber Asura.
More precisely, before he revealed himself to the Wulin… anyway, I planned to catch him before he caused any incidents.
If things flowed as in the original work, that bastard would slaughter every villager in the town beneath Qingshan northwest of Wuhan.
Separate from training, I couldn’t just pretend I didn’t know when I was fully aware of the coming tragedy.
“I want to go too!”
“Do as you wish. Just don’t stray too far from me.”
“Okay!”
She answers well, at least.
I gave a small chuckle and popped a piece of shredded tofu into my mouth.