Chapter 51
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Merciful Hand Clears the Vast Sea
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- Merciful Hand Clears the Vast Sea (慈手沖瀚): With a loving hand, leave a wide expanse open.
It meant, "I love you, so come in comfortably."
The Yang Sword Technique was the most commonly used sword method by masters sparring with disciples within Wudang.
And there was a specific starting form used only for such occasions—that was the Merciful Hand Clears the Vast Sea.
Yi Taejeong hesitated for a moment upon realizing his opponent was a Wudang senior.
"What are you doing? Planning to keep your opponent waiting?"
Snapped back to attention by Dogwang's shout, Yi Taejeong began unfolding the Taecheong Sword Technique in sequence.
Dogwang responded precisely with the Yang Sword Technique.
Having first yielded three exchanges, Dogwang then launched his attack.
Though it was a shortsword still in its scabbard, the intent of the sword lay not in length or shortness.
With hands and arms as sword, and ultimately body and mind united as one with the blade—Dogwang's sword strikes, true to this sword intent, flew toward Yi Taejeong's vital points.
The clash between the two was no longer a perilous battle.
It was a loving practice session between senior and junior brothers who cherished one another.
"Ahem... So Dogwang has this side to him too. Guess I shouldn't call him a madman anymore?"
While Bangchung muttered to himself, the remaining three of the Four Divine Dragons stood dumbfounded, merely watching.
Once Yi Taejeong had fully unleashed the Taecheong Sword Technique with all his might, he sheathed his sword, took three steps back, reversed his grip on the sword hilt, and cupped his fists in salute.
"Junior Yi Taejeong humbly pays respects to the esteemed elder of our sect. Pray, tell me your honorable name."
Dogwang had already slipped his shortsword into his sleeve and stood with arms crossed, nodding.
"Not bad with a blade. Your master must be Changpyeong the Daoist, right?"
Yi Taejeong looked up in shock and asked back.
"How did you know? Indeed, my master is Changpyeong the Daoist, Hyeonjungja."
"Hmph. And why haven't you paid proper respects? I am Son Mugi, your sixth martial uncle."
At last, Son Mugi revealed his true identity before everyone.
"Gasp! That renowned youngest of the Wudang Seven Sages, the Myriad Sword Scholar Son Mugi!"
The people in the hall were stunned.
Of course, those who had already guessed his identity were exceptions.
Yi Taejeong was overcome with emotion.
By the time he had entered the sect, Son Mugi had already left Wudang.
For him, this was the first time meeting the martial uncle whose legendary name he had heard endlessly.
Yi Taejeong dropped to his knees and performed the formal bow of respect, as per Wudang custom for esteemed elders one hadn't seen in ages.
"And how are your master and fellow martial uncles faring? In good health, I hope?"
"Yes, master. The mountain scenery of Wudang remains as ever, the elders are well, and all matters proceed smoothly."
"Hmph. I see. That's enough. Take those fellows and go get drunk some more."
"You honor us, martial uncle. How could I leave after meeting you for the first time? Please accept the cup I offer and let me bring water for you to wash your hands and feet."
"Enough, you rascal. I don't know how you ended up with those types, but they're frivolous and arrogant—don't sit well with me at all, so handle them yourself. Besides, I'm no longer the Son Mugi of old; I live as the gambling fiend Dogwang. I have no desire to return to the solemn shadows of Wudang, so be off with you."
No one in the hall dared interject as the two martial kin conversed.
Yet, unexpectedly, someone did.
"This young lady, Moyong Cheong, humbly pays respects to Martial Uncle Son."
The woman among their group of six, who had lingered silently at the back without a word, finally removed her veiled hat and bowed her head deeply.
As she rose from her bow, gasps of admiration rose from here and there in the hall.
"Heh heh... What fortune for this old man. To behold the famed Greatest Beauty of Jiangbei, Moyong Cheong, right here."
The Moyong Clan was different from typical martial clans of the Central Plains.
For one, their bloodline stemmed not from Central Plains folk but from the Xianbei, a nomadic people of the north.
Though now rooted in Zhejiang Province, they had once dominated the northern regions of the Central Plains and even founded and ruled the Yan states—Former Yan, Later Yan, Southern Yan, Northern Yan—as hegemons of the north.
Having thrived unchecked through the dynasties of northern peoples like the Jin and Yuan, the Moyong Clan's decline began with the fall of the Yuan.
Having sided with the Mongols and enjoyed power, their downfall was inevitable with the rise of the Ming.
Long fallen from the ranks of the Five Great Clans of the Central Plains amid severe decay, rumors lately swirled of their resurgence.
At the center was Moyong Cheong, hailed as the Greatest Beauty of Jiangbei.
"I've never had a disciple like you, so why call me martial uncle and bow?"
Dogwang reacted testily to Moyong Cheong's greeting.
"The martial world shares the same path. Since I'm sharing camaraderie with these five brothers and sisters here, isn't it only right to offer the respects due to their martial uncle?"
Moyong Cheong was renowned not only for her beauty as the Greatest Beauty of Jiangbei but also for her exceptional wisdom.
It was a bit forced, but not entirely unreasonable, so Dogwang let it drop.
With that, Ak Ji-gwang was the first to bow his head.
"This one, Ak Ji-gwang, has greatly offended you. Please forgive me."
His perceptiveness was uncanny.
In truth, the prestige of the Myriad Sword Scholar Son Mugi in the martial world was beyond even what Ak Seung, patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan—Ak Ji-gwang's father—could challenge.
The current top masters representing Wudang were Yeo Cheong, the foremost of the Four Wonders known as the Crescent Moon Immortal, and Jin Muja, the foremost of the Five Divinities known as the Seven-Finger Divine Sword.
And next was the Seven-Finger Divine Sword Jin Muja's disciple, the Myriad Sword Scholar Son Mugi.
Then Un Ja-hong came forward, dangling one arm, and offered his respects.
The young lady surnamed Hyeokryeon also bowed at the waist.
But Dang Ho, who had been acupointed by Dogwang, remained stiffly upright, foam at his mouth.
"To meet such a noble figure here has shocked me greatly. Allow me, Seo Mo, to offer respects once more. Here in Lanzhou, I am known as the Wind and Moon Divine Fist."
As Seomun Pyeong paid formal respects, Dogwang waved him off with one hand.
"Pah, no need for such formalities now. I'm off to finish that lamb."
Dogwang then strode out of the training hall.
Of course, he didn't forget to flick two spurts of energy at Dang Ho on his way.
Now, a plate of roasted lamb had been placed on the table where Seonwoyong sat.
Han Sojung, devouring the lamb ravenously—truly delicious—suddenly turned to Seonwoyong as if struck by a thought.
"It'll be fine, right? Big Brother Dogwang alone against..."
Seonwoyong sipped from his cup and chuckled.
"About time they got back."
Sure enough, no sooner had Seonwoyong spoken than they all reentered.
The outcome of the duel was plain without asking.
Dogwang, leading, showed no particular expression, but Seomun Pyeong following right behind moved with utmost courtesy.
And the six who had followed to duel trailed quietly behind Bangchung, Sa Hongcheon, and Jin Seolhwa.
Once Dogwang sat back in his original seat, Seomun Pyeong requested to join.
"If it's no imposition, I'd like to share a drink with you all here. May I?"
"Of course, Brother Seo. Take a seat here."
Sa Hongcheon himself rose and ushered Seomun Pyeong to a spot.
In truth, Sa Hongcheon was the host of this banquet.
Moreover, having prior acquaintance with Seomun Pyeong, there was no reason to refuse.
The table was naturally round, and Seomun Pyeong sat directly across from Seonwoyong.
"Hey, you there. Hurry and roast two more lambs, and bring out a few bottles of that Wuliangye from Sichuan last time."
Seomun Pyeong ordered the steward standing by his side, then began filling everyone's cups to the brim.
At that moment, the six young experts, thoroughly dejected, gathered their belongings from their seats and lined up before them.
"We take our leave here. We've offended in many ways."
Ak Ji-gwang stepped forward first with his farewell.
Un Ja-hong, Nam Ho, and the young lady Hyeokryeon followed suit.
But Yi Taejeong was different.
"I shall remain here. Please continue your journey, everyone."
At Yi Taejeong's words, they nodded.
Having met Wudang's martial uncle Dogwang, it was only natural.
But this situation was a bit odd.
"I'll stay too."
It was Moyong Cheong.
Her declaration stirred unrest among the group.
Ak Ji-gwang especially couldn't tear his eyes from her face, pleading desperately, but Moyong Cheong's resolve was firm.
In the end, four departed, and two remained.
"So, you were heading to the caves?"
Dogwang was hearing the full story from Yi Taejeong, now seated beside him.
They hadn't been close originally; they'd met recently at the Jinju Un Clan and hit it off.
The Shandong Ak Clan and Jinju Un Clan had lately been on the most intimate terms, so Ak Ji-gwang was staying at the Jinju Un Clan for a month now.
When Wudang's most promising young talent Yi Taejeong and the Sichuan Tang Clan's youth expert Dang Ho visited in turn, they hosted banquets daily to build bonds.
Then one day, Dang Ho broached a secretive tale.
The reason for venturing into the martial world this time? Rumors of treasures emerging from caves around Dunhuang.
Of course, it was a whispered rumor, not some grand secret.
It had spread subtly through the martial world, already known to those who ought to know.
Just then, Moyong Cheong and the young lady Hyeokryeon—close with Un Ja-hong's sister—arrived, bringing the six together in shared purpose, and they set forth.