Chapter 551: Wudang (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 551: Wudang (2)
A day had passed.
After the sudden encounter with Gu Ryunghwa and Yung Pung, we had simply spent the night nearby since it was already late.
And so, the early dawn arrived.
I had just finished my usual morning training. Beside me stood Yung Pung.
Thud!
I casually tossed aside the boulder I’d been holding. It landed heavily among the gravel. Wiping away a light sweat, I turned my gaze toward Yung Pung.
“Hoo…!”
Yung Pung was busy regulating his breathing, still deep in the throes of his own training.
While he was occupied, I took the opportunity to observe him.
He’s bulked up significantly.
His height was the same as when I’d first met him. That was expected, as Yung Pung’s physical growth had already reached its peak back then.
But still.
…How did he get so big?
Yung Pung, who once possessed a slender build, had undergone a massive transformation in his upper body over the past few years. He was now packed with solid, dense muscle. It wasn't grotesque, but it was a far cry from his former self.
What on earth happened to him?
It didn't feel like the kind of physique one achieved through mere training.
Was it a Rebirth?
No, that doesn’t seem right either.
There was a strange sense of incongruity about him. Moreover…
“Brother Yung Pung.”
“Yes?”
At my call, Yung Pung, who had been swinging a boulder of his own, turned to face me.
“Your Qi is leaking,” I noted.
“Ah!”
Startled, Yung Pung immediately began to rein in his energy.
Ever since he started his set, Yung Pung had been unable to fully contain his Qi, letting it radiate outward. It wasn't particularly uncomfortable, as it lacked any aggressive intent and carried the clear nature of a Taoist Sect, but for it to be gushing out so uncontrollably was bizarre.
“Ah, my apologies. Hahaha…”
Embarrassed, Yung Pung focused on getting his internal energy back under control.
I had noticed it yesterday as well, but this was definitely…
He’s had a fortunate encounter.
Rapid physical growth combined with a sudden, massive surge in Qi to the point of losing control—in my experience, there was only one reason a martial artist would find themselves in such a state.
Did he consume an elixir?
If it were a famous elixir from the Mount Hua Sect, it would likely be the Jasodan. Given that he was emitting such deep, dense Taoist Qi without any restraint, that seemed the most plausible explanation.
“Hmm.”
I decided not to press him. If Yung Pung didn't want to talk about it, I didn't feel like forcing the issue.
It’s just… If there was one thing that bothered me…
His Qi feels strangely familiar.
The energy Yung Pung was currently emitting felt like something I’d encountered before.
What was it? Where had I felt this specific resonance?
I tried to search my memories, but nothing came to mind.
Tsk. At times like this, it would have been convenient to have that foul-tempered elder from the Mount Hua Sect around. But right now, I couldn't exactly call on that old man. Things were already too complicated.
So, I let it go for the moment and shifted the topic.
“So, Brother.”
“Yes, Young Master Gu?”
“Do you know that fellow over there?” I asked, gesturing with my chin.
Over by the valley stream, Seong Yul was standing still, watching the fish swim.
“Ah, you mean Brother Seong.”
“Yes.”
Yung Pung set down his boulder and continued. “We aren’t particularly close, but I remember meeting him when we were young.”
“When you were young?”
“Yes. It was probably… around the time the former sect leader of the Kunlun Sect visited Mount Hua.”
He meant when the Qinghai Sword had traveled to Mount Hua.
“I saw Brother Seong briefly then, just in passing.”
“In passing, you say.”
“Yes. Assuming he is indeed the young Taoist the Kunlun Sect leader brought with him. I remember him clearly because we were of a similar age and from different sects.”
Yung Pung and Seong Yul were both in their mid-twenties now, so they were indeed peers.
If I had one small doubt, it was how Yung Pung could speak so precisely about an event from so long ago. I knew he was a genius, but his memory seemed almost too exceptional.
Besides.
That guy recognized Yung Pung, too.
When Yung Pung had identified Seong Yul yesterday, Seong Yul had clearly recognized him in return. Judging by his visibly uncomfortable expression, there was definitely some history there.
But what does it matter?
What mattered wasn't their personal relationship, but the confirmation that the Qinghai Sword had once visited Mount Hua with a young Seong Yul in tow. That solidified Seong Yul’s connection to the Qinghai Sword.
That’s enough.
One of my suspicions had been cleared. For now, that was sufficient. After organizing my thoughts, I looked back at Yung Pung.
“Brother, may I ask one more thing?”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
Yung Pung wore his characteristic gentle smile, but my next question made it falter.
“What is the reason you and Ryunghwa are heading to Wudang?”
The smile vanished instantly. At the same time, I felt the surrounding atmosphere tremble slightly.
“…Young Master,” Yung Pung said, his voice dropping.
“Yes.”
“I have no memory of telling you that we were heading to Wudang.”
“That’s true.”
“Then how did you know?”
It was the first time I’d seen Yung Pung look so serious. Our connection wasn't deep enough for me to know him intimately, but since he was always smiling, seeing him wear such a grave expression felt novel.
I met his gaze and smiled.
“It wasn't that difficult to figure out.”
“What…?”
“The circumstances made it obvious.” I pointed a finger toward the horizon. “That’s the direction you and Ryunghwa were heading yesterday.”
My finger pointed due north.
“If you keep going that way, you’ll run right into the Wudang Sect’s mountain, won't you?”
“…For that reason alone?”
Admittedly, that was a bit flimsy for a definitive prediction. I decided to add another layer.
“A martial artist from the Mount Hua Sect, moving quietly enough to be on the sect leader’s secret orders… The nearest major territory happens to be Wudang, so I figured it was related.”
“That is also a weak deduction, Young Master. Isn't it more likely that you’re simply guessing?”
“True. But,” I said, my smile widening, “what if I’m right?”
“…!”
“And if I’m wrong, then I’m just wrong.”
Hearing that, Yung Pung let out a heavy sigh. It seemed he had finally realized I was just fishing for information.
He’s making it too obvious that he’s a rookie.
This was only possible because of Yung Pung’s lack of experience in the Central Plains. To fall for such a simple probe so easily…
“Young Master Gu… You are a much more frightening person than I thought.”
“It’s just that you’re still pure, Brother.”
To put it bluntly, he was naive. If I had been asked such a question back when I had his level of experience, I would have denied it to the bitter end, no matter how pathetic I looked. I might have even snarled, “Do you have any proof?”
The fact that Yung Pung had essentially confirmed it was strange to me.
Wudang, huh.
It had been a probe, but now that it was confirmed, it was puzzling.
Why?
Why were the two of them heading to Wudang? And without any first-generation disciples or elders to escort them? Since they were visiting another member of the Ten Sect Alliance, it had to be an important matter. It was highly unusual for just two young prodigies to be traveling alone on such a mission.
Something is definitely going on.
Yung Pung’s personal growth didn't require much of my attention, but this matter was different.
Because Gu Ryunghwa is involved.
Of all people, it involved that girl. I just hoped it wasn't anything dangerous.
“Ugh.”
Yung Pung let out a short groan. He looked like someone who never expected to be caught in a lie. He really was terrible at deception.
“So,” I pressed, “why are you heading to Wudang?”
“…”
Yung Pung’s expression soured. He remained silent for several seconds, lost in thought.
Then.
“…This is an order from the sect leader, so…”
I nodded. It was a refusal.
This is troublesome.
Unlike with others, I couldn't exactly beat the information out of him without causing a diplomatic disaster. It was the kind of situation I found most annoying.
If Yung Pung wouldn't talk…
Should I try to coax it out of Gu Ryunghwa?
Just as I was considering how to sweet-talk my mother’s other daughter, Yung Pung spoke up again.
“…However, I have a condition.”
“Hmm?”
I gave him a curious look. Yung Pung regained his smile and replied.
“Would you be willing to spar with me?”
“A spar?”
My eyes widened slightly. It was a completely random suggestion. A duel as a condition for information? What was he playing at?
It doesn't seem like a simple request.
I could tell he wanted to test himself against me after all this time, but there was something else beneath the surface.
Could it be…
A thought flashed through my mind. I narrowed my eyes.
“Is it because of your Qi?”
“Haha…”
Yung Pung laughed, confirming my suspicion.
Just as I thought.
He’s having a nightmare of a time controlling his energy.
The immense Qi he’d gained from his fortunate encounter was overflowing. Yung Pung was in a state where he couldn't contain it, causing it to leak constantly. Normally, a master would help guide and correct the flow, or…
They suppress it by venting it through combat.
They would either force the cycle or release the excess through a high-intensity duel. It seemed Yung Pung was choosing the latter.
Hmm.
But another question arose from his request.
Why a spar with me, specifically?
He belonged to the Mount Hua Sect, a place teeming with masters, including the Celestial Plum Blossom. It was bizarre that he was unable to get his Qi under control there. They wouldn't have intentionally left him in this state.
Which means…
The people of the Mount Hua Sect likely didn't know about Yung Pung’s condition.
This…
Means his fortunate encounter happened outside the sect.
He was probably telling the truth about heading to Wudang on the Celestial Plum Blossom’s orders, but the source of his new power was a secret he was keeping from his own people.
Having reached that conclusion, I looked at Yung Pung. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
“…!”
Yung Pung’s face lit up instantly.
A duel with Yung Pung… it had been years. I’d seen him briefly at the Heavenly Dragon Academy, but we hadn't really interacted. The last time we’d actually fought was likely back when I was on my way to Mount Hua.
Yung Pung looked like a child on his birthday, his eyes bright with anticipation.
…Why is he so happy about this?
I didn't know what was so great about fighting me, but his enthusiasm was bordering on creepy.
On top of that…
I feel a little bad.
A twinge of guilt pricked at me.
Because…
“However, the one you’ll be sparring with isn't me.”
“Pardon?”
The sudden rejection left Yung Pung looking utterly bewildered.
Ignoring his confusion, I called out to the person behind me.
“Hey.”
“…”
At my call, Seong Yul, who had been staring blankly at the fish, looked over. His yellow eyes held a faint, predatory glow.
I looked him straight in the eye and said, “You. Come over here and spar with this guy.”
“…?”
A silent question formed in Seong Yul’s eyes.