Chapter 76
Namgung Ryu-cheong's face was sunken. But knowing his competitive spirit and obsession with the sword, I could tell it was just a facade of calm.
Come to think of it, he manifested sword qi a few years earlier than in the original story.
Is that what caused the problem?
In the story, Namgung Ryu-cheong's growth stemmed from a desire to protect something precious. A true martial arts novel protagonist's path, right? But here's the issue: in his childhood, he had nothing precious.
The most treasured memory from Namgung Ryu-cheong's early years? Training time.
His obsession runs deep.
That's why, hailed as the world's greatest prodigy with peerless skill among his age group, he still spent his youth frustrated, hitting a wall.
Father broke the silence. "Understood."
"Here."
Namgung Wan tossed a wooden sword—somehow already in hand. Father caught it smoothly and glanced at Namgung Ryu-cheong.
"Ready."
"Then, I'll take the first move."
Namgung Ryu-cheong performed a sword salute and immediately assumed his stance. My eyes widened. His aura shifted in an instant.
From what I'd seen before regressing, most who sparred with Father hesitated, intimidated by his reputation, probing for ages. But Namgung Ryu-cheong swung right away—like a fierce beast.
His bout with Seo Ha-ryeong was just child's play, huh?
Yet even his ferocious assault didn't touch Father. Realizing it was futile, Namgung Ryu-cheong paused to retreat—and in that moment, Father's sword hovered at his nape.
Whoa... it's over already?
It happened in a flash. Without my golden eyes' ability, I wouldn't have even seen Father swing.
Namgung Ryu-cheong sheathed his wooden sword. "I've learned much from that one exchange."
"..."
Father's expression was inscrutable. "Well done. An achievement I've never seen in your peers. A pride to the Namgung Clan."
"Thank you."
"One thing I'd like to ask..."
Mid-sentence, Father suddenly turned his head. Namgung Wan, Namgung Ryu-cheong, and I all followed his gaze.
"Grandfather?"
"Oh, you haven't forgotten me."
Namgung Wan sounded puzzled. "Father! How long have you been here? You should have said something."
"Hm? Since you handed over the wooden sword?"
That meant from nearly the start. Yet none of us had noticed the Namgung Clan Head until Father looked his way.
Father bowed politely. He signaled me to do the same, but the Clan Head waved it off.
"No need for formalities."
The Clan Head, waving his hand, turned to Namgung Ryu-cheong. "Ryu-cheong, why did you halt your assault?"
"It felt pointless to continue, so I planned to rethink my sword path."
"And rethinking would yield an answer?"
"...No."
"Hm."
With an enigmatic grunt, the Clan Head suddenly looked at me. "I hear you've resumed training lately."
"Ah, yes."
"Glad to hear your health has improved greatly."
"Thank you for your concern."
The Clan Head approached slowly, hands behind his back. Even a simple walk drew all eyes with effortless magnetism.
Out of nowhere, he said, "What if the two of you sparred?"
"Pardon?"
"What?"
My surprise first, then Namgung Ryu-cheong's. Namgung Wan looked baffled. "Father, what do you mean? How could Ri-yeon spar with Ryu-cheong?"
"Their skill gap is obvious, of course. If Ri-yeon is willing, why not treat it as experience? Naturally, Ryu-cheong must refrain from using internal energy."
The Clan Head smiled mildly, his expression unreadable.
"Uh..."
I glanced at Father in panic. Our eyes met; he nodded faintly.
"Yes. I'll do it."
At my response, Namgung Ryu-cheong's face twisted oddly. He addressed the Clan Head in a challenging tone. "Grandfather, you truly want me to spar with Baek Ri-yeon...?"
The Clan Head cut him off. "Ryu-cheong, I know you're deeply troubled lately. You wish to enter the Changgung Pavilion, yes? Obey my will."
So... complying means granting Namgung Ryu-cheong entry to the Changgung Pavilion?
Even Namgung Wan seemed lost, unable to read his own father.
I received a wooden sword suited to my size. The feel in my hand was long missed.
Back then, even as an internal energy cripple, I thought hard work would suffice. Believing some cure might come—or not. I just swung desperately.
I used to think it was foolish...
Looking back now, I'm glad I pushed through. If I'd given up and wasted away, my mind would be blank even holding a sword today.
Truly, seizing what you can and living the present fully is key. Life's lesson.
Mulling that, I walked to the training ground's center. Namgung Ryu-cheong stood rigid, brows furrowed—the picture of displeasure.
"I'll warn you upfront: I won't hold back."
I said it seriously, meeting his eyes. "Go easy on me a bit..."
"..."
His brows shot up sky-high.
Oops. Think I poked the bear.
We exchanged sword salutes, stepped back a few paces, faced off gripping our swords, and took stances.
Watching tensely, Namgung Wan exclaimed in surprise. "Ri-yeon looks more natural than I expected?"
"Yeah..."
Father was agreeing when—clack! My sword blocked Namgung Ryu-cheong's thrust and flew into the air.
"..."
"..."
Both he and I were stunned.
Ugh. Embarrassing.
Was this how Seo Ha-ryeong felt? My nape burned; the sparse training ground felt awkwardly silent.
I'd reflexively parried the visible strike—but that was the mistake. Too long since I'd gripped a sword... No excuses. I hadn't expected his raw power.
And without internal energy, too.
My palm tingled from the loss. Namgung Ryu-cheong glared, teeth gritted. "Don't mess around."
"..."
Indignant, I replied, "I'm not..."
"Liar. I didn't even hit hard."
"..."
"You taught Seo Ha-ryeong how to counter my sword path, right? Said it was obvious? Or was that a lie? If you're just going to half-ass it, don't bother."
His anger built with each word. "Even without internal energy, you've trained since childhood in the Baek Clan. Does that mean the Baek Clan's level is this low?"
I checked where my sword fell and turned to him. "Young master."
"Speak."
"Not everyone has your luck."
"What?"
"If that sounded insulting, I'm sorry."
"..."
He furrowed his brow at my apology, then sheathed his sword with a jerk of his head. "Get your sword. Seriously this time. Again."
Whew. I sighed deeply, silently. This wasn't working.
Why did the Clan Head—a member of the Eleven Great Masters—suddenly order this? Not out of boredom.
I had no clue what to gain here.
And as I went to retrieve my fallen sword, it happened to land near the Clan Head. As I picked it up, he called, "Ri-yeon."
"Yes."
"Ryu-cheong's strength is exceptional by nature. You can't match it with power."
"..."
"I hear your eyesight is remarkable. You've dodged his strikes multiple times, they say?"
Clearly referring to what Cheon San-yeom had mentioned. This was the Clan Head's advice.
"Thank you."
"You're clever; I'm sure you understand."
I returned, deep in thought.