Chapter 62: Not Yours (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 62: Not Yours (1)
One month had passed since we departed the Gu Clan for Shaanxi.
We made occasional stops in towns along the way to replenish our supplies and encountered a few demonic sect followers, but it was a peaceful journey with no casualties or serious injuries. Frankly, with the Gu Clan escorts and Mount Hua Sect swordsmen accompanying us, it would have been more surprising if we had run into any real trouble.
The long travel time afforded me opportunities to train and reflect. Even after weeks on the road, boredom lingered since Mount Hua remained distant, but my greatest concern was no longer the monotony of the journey. Nor was it Namgung Bi-ah's sudden inclusion in our group, though that remained an issue, or Wi Seol-Ah's random sulking.
"Young Master!"
I believe I mentioned before that Yung Pung was quite talkative. Let me correct that statement.
"Wouldn't you like to have a leg day today?"
This fellow didn't just chatter—he operated on an entirely abnormal scale.
* * *
The Mount Hua Sect stands as one of the most prestigious sects in the martial world, renowned for its sword mastery and quintessential sword arts. While many clans and sects specialize in swordplay, Mount Hua's superiority stems from two key assets: the Divine Sword of Mount Hua and its current leader, the Celestial Plum Blossom.
[Ahem.]
Elder Shin coughed awkwardly at the statement. I didn't particularly want to admit it, but reality was undeniable. During the Blood Disaster, the Divine Sword played a pivotal role, and the Celestial Plum Blossom battled countless unorthodox fighters in his prime. While the Sword Venerable is considered the greatest swordsman of our era, the Celestial Plum Blossom is still mentioned in the same breath due to his comparable skills.
In my opinion, he might not be the most suitable sect leader, but his martial prowess potentially rivals the Three Venerables.
[Finally showing some sense... How astonishing.]
...
I truly disliked the voice rattling in my head.
Beyond its powerful leader, Mount Hua possesses something else symbolizing its core: the Plum Blossom Sword Art. Among all sword techniques, it's often said that the Plum Blossom Sword Art—alongside the Sword Venerable's Moonlight Dance—ranks as the most beautiful and mesmerizing in the martial world. However, the Sword Venerable's art is his own creation, lacking the deep historical roots of Mount Hua's techniques.
The sect's sword art has been refined by countless members throughout its long history, evolving alongside them. I witnessed this phenomenon during my duel with the Sword Dragon. The plum blossoms swirling around Yung Pung as he fought weren't moved by wind, but by his Qi flow and sword art manipulation—they moved according to his will. Mount Hua's swordplay reveals its beauty amidst those blooming flowers, embedding elegant movements with both sharpness and unparalleled focus.
It's considered a top-tier yet difficult martial art for good reason. Practitioners must focus on both the plum blossom flow and the accompanying sword dance simultaneously, requiring immense training to master.
"...I don't know if it's from lack of training, but my chest seems smaller."
"Senior, please stop boasting about your chest while saying that... It's disgusting."
"Why don't you put on some clothes? People are averting their eyes from your disgusting physique."
"...They're just a bit shy, that's all."
"Hey, that's bullshit."
These madmen never failed to startle me. I understood the Gu Clan members weren't the most muscular, but the Mount Hua disciples had biceps the size of ordinary men's thighs. I thought their sect symbolized beauty.
What the hell is this...?
[Looks impressive. That's how martial artists should appear.]
It's definitely because of this rotten old man. The older generation forms the foundation for the new one—how can the current generation be normal when the roots are flawed? Elder Shin, have you forgotten you're a Taoist?
[I can't believe I'm hearing such nonsense... How dare you say that to a Taoist sect leader...!]
Well, you're not the sect leader anymore, are you?
[...]
I could almost hear Elder Shin's melanchoric "...That's true." I felt slightly guilty for hitting a sore spot.
Reflecting on my past ten days with Yung Pung, this guy wasn't normal either.
"Your physical training must differ from mine. I'm quite interested—if it's not too troublesome, perhaps we could—"
"No, it's troublesome."
This aberration began after our duel. Suddenly, this muscle-headed madman appeared from nowhere carrying a boulder the size of a carriage—how could I not be shocked?
"...Why are you carrying that, Master Yung Pung?"
"Oh, there wasn't anything else to train with, so I picked it up nearby."
Can you really say 'picked it up' about a boulder that size?
"I see..."
"Are you interested, Young Master? I think I saw another one back there—"
"No! Not interested."
He trains with that? Every day?
I thought I'd been training hard since my resurrection, but compared to Yung Pung's regimen, mine seemed like nothing. Not that it made me want to emulate him.
"Master Yung Pung, you use Qi with your strength when training with that boulder, right?"
"Huh? Why would I use Qi for physical training...?"
"Right... I asked the obvious."
He doesn't even use Qi while training with that monstrous thing?
His endurance was amazing. Equally shocking was how these muscular men performed such elegant sword arts. Yung Pung, being young, hadn't encountered the disadvantage yet, but bulky physiques typically hinder flexible sword movements—a principle applying to all fighting styles. Excessive training often becomes detrimental.
[Everything follows naturally.]
What do you mean?
[A martial artist's physique corresponds to their style.]
I know that.
Martial artists' bodies change according to their training. For instance, Peng Clan members develop huge physiques as prerequisite for their arts, making Peng Woojin special with his princely build compared to his burly clansmen.
[As Mount Hua Sect martial artists, vigorous self-training forms their foundation.]
Self-training?
[Yes. It ensures the tree grows firm and blooms beautiful plum blossoms.]
Even those monstrous bodies relate to that?
[That's part of the process. First-generation disciples and elders experienced the same.]
My memories of the Celestial Plum Blossom were hazy, but I recalled he lacked such a monstrous build, resembling the Sword Venerable's physique instead.
So their bodies return to normal eventually?
When martial artists' Qi reaches their hearts to breakthrough to the next realm, they begin changing upon surpassing the peak. Was this realm adaptation? As I pondered, Elder Shin spoke.
[Don't overcomplicate it. Their bodies simply correspond to their changing Qi.]
Is it alright to tell an outsider this secret?
[It's not like you'll do anything with it...]
True.
In short, after establishing a physical foundation, their bodies change upon achieving awakening. I wondered what art caused such drastic transformations, but couldn't dwell on another sect's techniques with the beast inside me to worry about.
"Let's train together next time."
"...Yes."
I agreed but had no intention of following through. How could I? I planned to finish light training and return to the carriage after Yung Pung left. But then I spotted someone peeking from behind a tree—a small head with large, round eyes fixed on me.
It was Wi Seol-Ah, stealthily observing me in her peculiar way.
"...Hmm?"
When our eyes met, she startled and hid behind the tree, though her hair remained visible.
Is she trying to hide?
[That girl's antics are quite cute.]
Approaching to see what she was up to, I found her facing away, fidgeting with her hands.
"What are you doing?"
...!
Her back flinched at my voice. Though I couldn't see her face, she was clearly thinking, How did he know I was here? in that small head of hers.
"What are you doing here?"
At my second call, Wi Seol-Ah slowly turned toward me. Avoiding my gaze, her lips still curved in a sulky pout, she held out a water bottle and dry towel. The sight made me smile. I'd thought I'd offended her, making her avoid me for days, yet here she was, sulking but still caring for me—truly adorable.
[So you can say 'cute,' huh?]
You think I'm unfeeling?
[I did, a little.]
...
This old man...
"Aren't you going to answer?"
"...N...o."
She said nothing more, likely still sulky, but carefully handed me the items. I drank the cool water. Though I could dry sweat with my flame Qi, I pretended to wipe it with the towel. As Wi Seol-Ah stole glances, I patted her head. She struggled to maintain her sulky expression but eventually brightened.
Whenever I saw her like this, my chest tingled strangely.
[That's called having a crush.]
A crush? Me?
I withdrew my hand from her head. She looked disappointed, but I ignored it.
"Did you eat?"
I attempted light conversation, having avoided her due to the tense mood.
"Yes."
Still giving me the cold shoulder.
But I persisted. "What did you eat?"
"Fish... Meat... Vegetables... The potatoes Sister Hongwa brought..."
"Good... At least you're eating healthily."
Her appetite doesn't change with her moods.
After more chatting, her sulky expression faded, her gaze shifting from the trees and grass back to me. A slight smile appeared. Though not fully normal, this was enough. Right?
"Let's go. We need to resume our journey."
"Yes!"
Returning the bottle and towel, we headed back to the carriage. As Gu Yangcheon walked through the forest, Wi Seol-Ah paused, watching his retreating figure. Alone, she patted her own head, still feeling the warmth of Gu Yangcheon's hand.
"Oh, Lady Wi?"
She turned at the voice behind her. Yung Pung stood drenched in sweat after rigorous training. He smiled brightly, noticing the items in her hands.
"I'm quite thirsty. May I drink this?"
Wi Seol-Ah silently regarded him before responding promptly. "No. These are for Young Master."
Yung Pung froze momentarily at her cold tone. "...Oh! For Young Master Gu? You waited until he finished training? That's good." He reached to pat her head, but she dodged, stepping back. His hand hung awkwardly in the air.
"I'm leaving now."
After a slight bow, Wi Seol-Ah hopped away toward Gu Yangcheon's path. Alone, Yung Pung scratched his cheek.
"...Was she always like that?"
Around Young Master Gu, she was always cheerful and bright. But the Wi Seol-Ah he just encountered was so cold it left him stunned. Plus, he felt watched for some reason.
Probably my imagination.
Yung Pung dismissed the thought.
* * *
At the peak of summer heat, our carriage finally halted. Amid the bustling crowd, Namgung Bi-ah emerged wearing a veil—likely to avoid the attention she always attracted. Looking up, I saw an staggeringly tall mountain.
[Mount Hua remains unchanged. I can feel its majestic righteousness.]
While Elder Shin grew sentimental, I simply nodded.
"...Yes. It's disgustingly huge."
Mount Hua. We had finally reached this significant place—significant to my heart in more ways than one.