Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: The Mother-Child Spear Formation
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However, Namgung Un soon grinned.
Bu Eun-seol’s cold personality was rare, but Namgung Un’s own affability was just as uncommon in the martial world.
“Come on, don’t be like that. We’ll be working together as wanderers anyway, so calling you Young Hero this and Young Hero that will be strange, won’t it?”
“I refuse.”
“Let’s just do it. Brother Seol.”
“You’re already doing it, though I never gave you permission.”
As Bu Eun-seol scowled with a sour expression, Namgung Un let out a hearty laugh.
“Hahaha! I see. Since it’s come to this, why not just go with it?”
He then pointed to his own face and flexed his biceps.
“If you happen to lose to the Mother-Child Spear, then I’ll be next…”
“Hey, you damn brat! You’ve slipped out again.”
“Ah, my apologies, Granny.”
“Granny? How many times have I told you to call me the Lord of the Medicine Hall, you good-for-nothing…”
“Hahahat. Come to think of it, you have a loud voice too, Granny. I bet when you were young…”
For a while, the inside of the Medicine Hall was abuzz with Namgung Un’s chatter and the shouts of the Medicine Hall’s Lord.
At that same time, at Wol-a-jeon, the Hall of the Elegant Moon.
It was the residence of Yeon Ja-mi, the Palace Lord of the Shin-nyeo-gung.
In the garden of Wol-a-jeon, where moonlight poured down, Yeon So-ha and Yeon Ja-mi walked side by side.
“Did you take a liking to that man?”
At Yeon Ja-mi’s question, Yeon So-ha shook her head.
“I’m not sure.”
“Not sure? Then why did you give him the Bo-won-sin-ju?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Yeon So-ha spoke in a small voice.
“Hall Master Namgung strongly recommended him. She told me to trust her, that I would regret it if I let him go.”
“Hall Master Namgung… said that?”
Yeon Ja-mi wore a strange expression.
Namgung Se-a was a daughter of the Namgung family, whose martial arts were not only outstanding, but whose insight was second only to her own.
The idea that Namgung Se-a, whom she trusted more than anyone, had persuaded Yeon So-ha? She found it hard to believe.
‘Strange. It’s not like the Hall Master of Hae-hwa-jeon to do such a thing.’
Shaking her head, Yeon Ja-mi asked again.
“So. You gave him the Bo-won-sin-ju just based on her words?”
“Not exactly.”
Yeon So-ha slightly lowered her head.
“His martial arts were incredible. His internal energy, in particular, is by no means inferior to our palace’s Hall Masters.”
“Internal energy and martial arts are two very different things.”
“No. I can tell. That he is immensely strong.”
“So you liked him because he’s strong?”
At that, Yeon So-ha’s cheeks flushed a rosy red, and she shook her head.
“It’s not that, he… I mean, he risked his life to obtain the Bo-won-sin-ju.”
Yeon So-ha was still an innocent girl who knew little of the world.
Seeing a man risk his life to win her might have, in a way, struck her as gallant.
“So-ha.”
Yeon Ja-mi let out a sigh.
“You are far too naive. Men are creatures who will always risk their lives for treasure and women.”
“That can’t be true.”
As Yeon So-ha blinked, Yeon Ja-mi continued.
“In any case, that man is not an option.”
“What?”
“The reason I created the Cheon-jang-i-sib-sa-jin was to select an outstanding disciple from the orthodox sects to be your partner. It was not created for you to meet a wanderer like him.”
“But I’ve already made my choice?”
Yeon Ja-mi shook her head.
“How can a man whose origins are unknown be a match for you?”
“There are many in the martial world who hide their origins.”
“Indeed. That is why I have arranged for him to face the Mother-Child Spear.”
“The Mother-Child Spear… You told him to fight the three Hall Masters?”
Yeon So-ha shook her head, her expression one of shock.
“That’s too unfair. Why must he fight again?”
“He only demonstrated his internal energy, he has not proven his martial arts, has he? Since he is to be your match, it is essential that we confirm which sect he belongs to.”
“But he won’t accept such an unreasonable proposal.”
“He already has.”
“What?”
Yeon Ja-mi sighed.
“He accepted without a moment’s hesitation.”
“I see. It seems his heart is resolute, no matter the obstacle…”
As Yeon So-ha’s cheeks grew warmer, Yeon Ja-mi shook her head.
“Do not misunderstand. As I said, men are simply obsessed with such things.”
“What if nothing is revealed even after he fights the Mother-Child Spear? Will you give your permission then?”
Momentarily at a loss for words, Yeon Ja-mi mumbled.
“That… Let’s talk about it again tomorrow.”
“Mother.”
For the first time, Yeon So-ha spoke with resolve.
“You hold the position of Palace Lord, revered by all. If you do not keep a promise you made publicly…”
“I understand.”
Yeon Ja-mi forced a smile and nodded.
“I will be sure to keep my word.”
The next day, at the Grand Training Ground of the Shin-nyeo-gung.
The Grand Training Ground of the Shin-nyeo-gung, nestled deep within Mount Mu, was paved with stones that looked as if they were carved from ice.
Just as the people of the Shin-nyeo-gung were gathering one by one for the duel…
“Ugh, they really slathered these expensive Silver Reflection Stones all over the place.”
Namgung Un, not yet fully recovered, was climbing onto the training platform with Bu Eun-seol, supported by Heuk-pyo.
“Brother Seol.”
Suddenly, Namgung Un whispered with a stiff expression.
“Calling us here, they must be planning to use a formation. You should be careful.”
Silver Reflection Stone was the best material for practicing formations.
Summoning them for a duel on a training ground filled with such a material made it obvious that a formation would be used.
“No need to worry.”
As Bu Eun-seol strode forward, Namgung Un licked his lips.
Then, gazing at the silver stones reflecting on the ground, his eyes twinkled.
“Wait a minute, come to think of it, Silver Reflection Stone is basically a chunk of silver, isn’t it? Hehehe.”
He then spoke in a low voice to Heuk-pyo, who was supporting him.
“Do you happen to have a sturdy knife or something?”
“I don’t have a knife… but I have two daggers.”
“Ah, what a shame. With this much space, prying off a few from the corner wouldn’t even be noticeable.”
While Namgung Un was spouting nonsense, a cold voice came from behind.
“When will you ever get your head on straight?”
Namgung Se-a was walking toward them, accompanied by her maids.
“Auntie. You’ve arrived.”
As Namgung Un painstakingly clasped his hands, Bu Eun-seol also gave a deep bow.
“Hall Master.”
“My apologies. Even I was unable to stop the Palace Lord’s whim.”
Namgung Se-a spoke to Bu Eun-seol, looking genuinely sorry.
“Why don’t you just drop your disguise? If you do, the Palace Lord will grant her permission immediately without causing such a scene.”
From Bu Eun-seol’s perspective, that was a disastrous suggestion.
‘Receiving that permission would be a problem for me.’
Further solidifying the internal energy he used for his Face-Altering Bone-Changing Art, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“I will never drop my disguise.”
“You are quite stubborn yourself.”
Just then, Yeon Ja-mi, Yeon So-ha, and numerous masters from the Shin-nyeo-gung appeared behind her.
Yeon So-ha, in particular, had a frown on her face, clearly displeased with this duel.
“Thank you for accepting the duel.”
As Yeon Ja-mi approached and spoke, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod.
“Don’t mention it.”
“Then let us begin at once.”
At Yeon Ja-mi’s words, Namgung Se-a shouted briefly.
“Begin!”
At that, three middle-aged women in blue robes ascended the grand stage, their movements as fluid as clouds.
The woman at the very front clasped her hands respectfully toward Bu Eun-seol.
“I am Yak-ran, Hall Master of the Crystal Hall.”
“Seol So-yo.”
The two women behind her also clasped their hands toward Bu Eun-seol.
“Division Master So-a of the Martial Spirit Division, and Division Master Geum-seon of the Purple Tassel Division.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands again, Yak-ran spoke in a calm voice.
“Our palace’s Mother-Child Spear Technique includes the operation of a formation, so the three of us must unfortunately attack simultaneously.”
“I’ve already been told.”
When Bu Eun-seol answered nonchalantly, Yak-ran extended a hand.
“Draw your weapon.”
Bu Eun-seol leisurely held out one hand.
“These two hands are my weapons.”
Yak-ran nodded and drew the short spear she carried on her back.
*Click.*
As she extended the purple-hued shaft, the short spear became a long spear. The two behind her, So-a and Geum-seon, also extended their spear shafts and took their stances.
‘They’re strong.’
Seeing the stances of the three, a smile touched Bu Eun-seol’s lips.
He realized that not only were they tremendous spear masters, but they were also highly specialized in countering fist techniques.
‘They specifically chose opponents to deal with me.’
Having heard that Bu Eun-seol was a master of fist techniques, Yeon Ja-mi had clearly chosen the Mother-Child Spear, which could be considered its natural enemy.
‘A spear art that includes the operation of a formation.’
There were many spear masters in the martial world, and the Ten Demonic Sects had an unparalleled spear art called the Death God Spear.
However, he had rarely faced the Death God Spear properly in the Asura’s Path, and even after coming to the martial world, he had never fought a master who used a long spear.
The thought of clashing with such a unique spear art made Bu Eun-seol’s heart pound as if he had drunk fine liquor.
“You may attack first.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, the spear shafts held by Yak-ran, So-a, and Geum-seon simultaneously began to draw large circles.
*Whoosh! Whoosh!*
Typically, spear techniques primarily involve thrusting, supplemented by striking or slashing motions.
However, the Mother-Child Spear Technique these three women displayed mainly used rotations and pushes.
As a result, there were hardly any deadly moves, and the constantly rotating spear shafts made for quite a spectacle.
*Swish! Whooosh!*
The three continuously rotating spear shafts pressed in on Bu Eun-seol.
He leisurely dodged the attacks, observing the moves of the Mother-Child Spear Technique.
‘The power and range are growing.’
But the circularly rotating spears were getting faster and more powerful.
He had dodged only six or seven moves, yet more than half the space on the grand stage was already filled with the shadows of the spears.
‘Are they trying to make me reveal my skills?’
The range of the wind whipped up by the Mother-Child Spear as the three surrounded him grew wider and wider.
If they continued to wield their spears so flawlessly and tightly, using fist techniques would be extremely difficult.
Having heard that Bu Eun-seol was a master of fist techniques, the Palace Lord of the Shin-nyeo-gung was deliberately using this tactic to force him to reveal his true abilities.
‘Then I’ll reveal them.’
Dodging the watertight torrent of spear shadows, Bu Eun-seol’s body blurred.
He had unleashed the legendary movement art, the Supreme Speed, Shadowless Form.
‘The spear art’s weakness!’
As Bu Eun-seol’s body moved with incredible speed, the Mother-Child Spear also began to rapidly expand its web of spear shadows.
It was a move that seemed intended to eliminate any space for evasion.
*Tssss. Swish-swish-swish!*
As time passed, the grand training ground became filled with the shadows of Bu Eun-seol and the Mother-Child Spear.
Bu Eun-seol’s Supreme Speed, Shadowless Form, a combination of movement art and footwork that could change direction eighty-three times in a single step.
The Mother-Child Spear Technique, unfolding while using the Silver Reflection Stones on the ground to mix reality with illusion.
It was like a battle between an unbreakable shield and a spear that could destroy anything.
‘Hmph.’
But it was Bu Eun-seol who was at a disadvantage.
The Mother-Child Spear was being created by three people taking turns, while Bu Eun-seol was using all his strength to evade the spear shadows.
Without limitless stamina and internal energy, it was clear that Bu Eun-seol’s movements would eventually stop.
*Phat!*
Just then, a spear tip grazed Bu Eun-seol’s shoulder.
At that, the three Hall Masters, their spirits soaring, moved their spear shafts even faster.
‘It’s getting faster… which creates an opening?’
Observing the accelerated Mother-Child Spear Technique, Bu Eun-seol suddenly had a realization.
There was a limit to the variations of moves that could be created by human hands.
And that excessively fast movements could make even the most profound techniques ordinary.
‘Does ultimate swiftness come at the cost of intricacy?’