Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Translator: Penny
Chapter 26
On the Threshold of Spring (1)
Gwangdu was practicing in the Rear Garden.
He had nearly perfected the first three Forms of the South Sea Seven Forms, which I had taught him.
His movements revealed a natural talent. While not quite genius-level, his innate aptitude was undeniable.
It almost seemed as if this talent had drawn him to my attention after my reincarnation.
So engrossed in his training, Gwangdu didn't notice me approaching.
Watching him sweat reminded me of my own days of rigorous practice.
What had driven me back then?
I had desperately wanted to become stronger, to become the most powerful man in the Martial Arts World. Yes, it was that burning desire—that urgency—that had fueled my greatest growth.
If my driving force was the burning desire to become more than just an average martial artist, what fueled Gwangdu's ambition?
"Hey, kid! You wouldn't even notice if ten assassins showed up!"
"Huh? When did you get here?"
"Came to check if you're slacking off."
"Did you see what I was doing?"
I nodded, and Gwangdu cautiously asked, "How was it?"
The boy was truly improving by leaps and bounds every day. He was intelligent and had a natural aptitude for martial arts.
Smiling, I said, "Alright, let's teach you the remaining four Forms."
"Ah!"
Gwangdu's face lit up with undisguised joy.
I taught him the remaining four Forms. Just as he had with the first three, he mastered the movements with perfect precision.
Does he even realize that no one else in the Martial Arts World could receive such high-level instruction? That he can learn the formidable South Sea Seven Forms so easily only because I'm teaching him?
"I've now taught you all seven forms of the South Sea Seven Forms."
"Thank you, Young Master."
"Even the same martial art can vary greatly depending on who uses it. In other words, the most crucial element in martial arts is always the person. Do you understand?"
"I'll keep that in mind."
"From now on, train with this sword."
"Gasp! Did you buy this for me?"
"Yes. Throw away the one you bought before."
On the way back, I stopped by the Iron Workshop and purchased one of their finest swords. It wasn't an exceptionally expensive blade, but it wasn't cheap either.
"Young Master!"
Gwangdu looked like he was about to burst into tears if I didn't intervene. I quickly said, "Enough. Draw your saber."
Gwangdu drew his saber, his hand trembling violently.
"It feels completely different because you bought it for me, Young Master. Even holding a Treasure Saber wouldn't give me this feeling."
"That's because you've never held one."
Famous Swords and Treasure Sabers are special. The moment you hold one, the feeling is completely different—their very construction sets them apart.
The hilt fits perfectly in your hand, the flawless weight distribution providing a sense of stability and an indescribable solidity. Just holding it fills you with the confidence that you could cut through anything. That's the essence of a Treasure Sword and a Famous Saber.
If things go well, Gwangdu might one day wield the Treasure Saber himself.
"First, focus on the saber in your hand. From now on, it's more precious than your chopsticks."
"Yes, sir!"
"The blade might seem intimidating now, but you must become familiar with it. It will save your life and the lives of your friends."
The mention of saving others gradually calmed Gwangdu's trembling.
"The goal is the Union of Saber and Body—for the saber to become one with you."
"What does it mean for the saber to become one with me?"
"Have you ever found it strange that you have arms attached to your body?"
"No, sir."
"That's the feeling you need to achieve. There should be no sense of awkwardness when holding the saber. The blade must become an extension of your arm."
"Ah! I understand now. Where did you learn these sayings? Are they from the South Sea Seven Forms Secret Manual?"
"Yes."
You little rascal, these are words personally imparted by the Foremost Person Under Heaven.
"I'm leaving now. Keep practicing."
"Yes!"
As I turned to leave, I stopped and asked, "Have you ever hated someone?"
Gwangdu stared at me silently.
"You little brat! Not me."
Only then did Gwangdu grin sheepishly.
"Hmm. I hated that bastard Yang Gikang."
"See? That's what 'hate' means, right?"
"Why are you asking?"
"Never mind."
"Who hates you, Young Master? Ah, that was a stupid question. Everyone probably hates you anyway. So, how much do they hate you? Enough to kill you?"
As he spoke, Gwangdu instinctively darted away.
When I shook my fist at him, pretending to scold him, he burst into laughter.
If Gal Saryang or Baek Pyo had seen me like this, they would have been horrified.
I had lived a life of constant reverence and deference.
Few people could meet my gaze and converse with me as equals.
Everyone feared me.
I had spent my entire life surrounded by the extreme courtesy born of fear.
Was I happy?
Once, yes.
Once, I believed it was the power that defined and revealed me. I thought it was my pride.
But now, looking back, I realize it was a way of life I didn't need to choose. How much better it would have been if I had treated them with such casual familiarity all along?
Regret always comes too late.
As I walked, Gwangdu called out from a distance, "Whoever gets to know you, Young Master, will surely come to like you."
I won't make the same mistake again.
Song Ugyeong visited the Byeok Clan Sword School.
Byeok Dojun felt a pang of unease at his friend's unannounced visit. Song Ugyeong had never come so abruptly before.
"I just wanted to see you," Song Ugyeong said.
"You came at the right time. I was just thinking about having a drink. What do you say?"
"Sounds good."
The two had known each other so long that they could read each other's thoughts just by looking at their faces. Byeok Dojun felt deeply grateful to Song Ugyeong. The fact that his friend hadn't broken off their engagement despite the clan's declining fortunes spoke volumes about his loyalty.
During the Byeok Clan Sword School's darkest days, Song Ugyeong had repeatedly tried to offer financial assistance, carefully gauging his friend's reaction. But out of respect for Byeok Dojun's pride, he never voiced the offer. That gesture, too, filled Byeok Dojun with gratitude.
The two men exchanged several cups of wine.
"The Martial Arts World has been in turmoil since the Alliance Leader's death," Song Ugyeong remarked.
Byeok Dojun nodded in agreement. "That's to be expected. The Martial Arts World has been ruled by a single leader for so long."
Having opened the conversation with the Alliance Leader's death, Song Ugyeong moved on to the main topic.
"Do Sunkyung visited me a few days ago."
"Do Sunkyung?"
Do Sunkyung was the Guild Master of the Shandong Merchant Guild, the largest and most influential merchant guild in Shandong, effectively representing the entire region.
"What did he say?"
"He proposed that we unite the various clans in Shandong to form the Shandong Alliance, promising their full support."
"The Shandong Alliance?"
Byeok Dojun was stunned by this unexpected proposal.
"Didn't the previous Alliance Leader forbid the formation of martial arts sect alliances?"
Cheon Hajin had strictly prohibited such alliances, believing they would inevitably lead to conflicts.
"But the previous Alliance Leader is gone now," the speaker said, his words heavy with meaning.
"I've heard that alliances are already forming in other regions. They're moving before a new Alliance Leader is chosen, knowing that even after one is elected, their influence in the Central Plains will be weak during the early days of their term."
Byeok Dojun had never considered such a possibility. He realized how slow he was to grasp political maneuvers.
"They're not suggesting we act immediately. The plan is for Our Manor and the Shandong Merchant Guild to form a strategic alliance first, then gradually recruit other sects one by one. I came to you because I'm torn about what to do."
I could sense that Do Sunkyung was already leaning toward the proposal. If he had rejected it outright, we wouldn't have even reached this point.
I understood his position. Even Byeok Dojun, if he were in Do Sunkyung's shoes, would find the offer tempting.
While many things are crucial for a Martial Arts Sect, money is paramount for expanding its influence. If the Song Family Manor's capital were combined with ours, we could instantly rise to become the Foremost Sect in Shandong.
"To be honest, it's partly because of the Yang Association. As you know, their Association Leader died, and Deputy Leader Jeong Yeo has taken over. Jeong Yeo will be too preoccupied with internal affairs to pay attention to external matters. This is the perfect opportunity for Our Manor to become the Foremost in Shandong. Of course, we'll need your help."
It was a modest statement. The Song Clan was the second most powerful force in Shandong, after the Yang Association. Even without the Byeok Clan Sword School's assistance, they could likely rise to become the foremost power in Shandong.
"To be honest, I couldn't refuse them on the spot," Song Ugyeong admitted.
"I understand," Byeok Dojun replied.
As the leader of a martial arts sect, it was only natural to aspire to dominate a region. Byeok Dojun himself had once stood at the pinnacle.
"I respect your decision and will actively support you. However, there's one thing you must keep in mind. The moment you join hands with them, you'll face challenges you've never encountered before."
"I'm prepared for that," Song Ugyeong affirmed.
"When did you promise to give them your answer?"
"I said I'd need a few days to consider."
Song Ugyeong drained his wine cup and added,
"The Martial Arts World is changing rapidly, day by day."
Song Ugyeong visited me before his departure.
"Have you been well?"
"Yes. Have you been at peace these past few days?"
Our relationship remained awkward. We weren't officially betrothed yet, so he was both my father's friend and my prospective father-in-law.
"I know you once strayed from the path."
"I apologize."
"No need. I believe that youthful wandering, like a passing fever, can actually be beneficial. It will help you overcome future trials."
I was deeply grateful for his understanding, even if it stemmed from his friendship with my father. I envied their bond, something I had never experienced in my previous life.
"Have you seen Hwarin?"
"Yes, once by chance."
"By chance? Is that how you treat someone you're engaged to?"
"I apologize."
"Are you still hung up on what Lin-yi said about breaking off the engagement that day? It was just a girl's whim. Don't take it to heart."
"You know it wasn't just a whim, don't you?"
"You!"
"I believe Lin-yi is right. At least when it comes to marriage, it should be her own decision."
Song Ugyeong glared at me with his imposing, rugged face.
But I met his gaze calmly. Since I had no intention of marrying her, there was no need to give him false hope.
"Even so, I won't give up on you."
Song Ugyeong left after saying those words.
As soon as he was gone, Gwangdu, who had been waiting outside, entered the room.
"Why didn't you just say you'd do better in the future? Why be so stubborn?"
"Do you really want me to get along with Miss Song that badly?"
"Is that even a question?"
"Why?"
"Why? Haven't I told you countless times before? Because she's beautiful! And let's be honest, is she just beautiful? Her family is prestigious, she's intelligent, and her father-in-law has an excellent character. What more could you ask for? In my opinion, Young Master, you must have saved the Martial Arts World in your past life."
Wait a minute... Now that I think about it, I might have actually saved the Martial Arts World in my past life?
Even if that were true...
"But you're missing the most important thing!"
"What? Personality? With someone so perfect, what's a little temper? It'd be stranger if someone that perfect didn't have a temper. Just put up with it!"
"There's no love."
Gwangdu flinched at my words.
"We don't love each other, do we?"
He stared at me intently.
"Am I wrong?"
"No."
"Then why are you looking at me like that?"
"It's just... it seems like the Young Master has finally grown up. Just now, you sounded like a real... adult."
I chuckled softly.
"So, why did you come?"
Only then did Gwangdu remember his original purpose.
"Ah, right! The Patriarch is calling for you."