Chapter 74
Chapter 74
Translator: Penny
Chapter 74
At the End of Fate's Branch (2)
The next day, I summoned the Minor Sword Guard.
Even though it hadn't been long since I'd last seen them, I could sense their growth.
"Have you all been well?"
"Yes!" the Sword Guard members replied in unison, their voices ringing with energy.
"A true Martial Artist doesn't speak of their progress—they demonstrate it through action! Show me how you've been faring!"
The Sword Guard members split to either side, creating an open space in the center.
Five members stepped forward at a time, each displaying their skills. Even just watching them execute their Forms revealed the extent of their progress.
The Minor Sword Guard had clearly grown stronger.
At the heart of this remarkable progress was Gwanhwi.
His physical stamina had improved significantly, and his Forms were now executed with far greater power and precision.
Moreover, his Dagger Technique had improved significantly. He could now consistently hit targets three times in a row from thirty paces away.
"As promised, I'll teach you how to infuse Internal Force into your Daggers," I said.
"Thank you," Gwanhwi replied, his face beaming with excitement. The others who had been practicing the Dagger Technique with him looked envious, but I only taught Gwanhwi how to circulate Internal Force.
It was too dangerous to let them try infusing Internal Force before they had mastered the basics. A clumsy attempt could easily lead to accidents.
Gwanhwi demonstrated the technique in front of everyone.
Swish!
With Internal Force infused, the Dagger flew with astonishing speed.
The Sword Guard members erupted in cheers.
To the flushed and excited Gwanhwi, I said calmly,
"Injecting Internal Force into a dagger before throwing it isn't always the best approach."
"Why is that?"
"A swordsman typically resorts to using a dagger in critical situations. In their haste, they might overexert themselves, causing a clash between the Internal Force used for Sword Arts and the dagger, potentially leading to internal injuries."
"Ah, I understand now."
"However, with sufficient training, you should be able to freely adjust your Internal Force as needed."
Gwanhwi grinned confidently. He would undoubtedly choose the path of rigorous training.
"Do you remember what I told you before?"
"You said it's okay to take things a little slower. While working hard is good, pushing yourself too hard can be counterproductive."
"Good. Just don't forget that."
Even teaching Gwanhwi alone served as a powerful motivator for everyone. It demonstrated that those who worked hard would receive greater rewards.
I firmly believed our organization needed such incentives. That's why I had pitted Gwangdu and Gwanhwi against each other in the first place.
"We plan to recruit new Sword Guard members next spring," I announced.
The news of fresh recruits brought excited expressions to everyone's faces.
As originally planned, we intended to expand by two more squads, bringing our total strength to forty members.
"Train diligently so you won't be ashamed in front of your juniors!"
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
I meticulously observed each Sword Guard member's posture and technique.
Though my corrections were brief, they often provided insights that could elevate their martial arts proficiency by an entire level.
You guys, get stronger quickly!
The meeting dragged on.
In a corner of the Song Family Manor's Guest Hall, Song Hwarin sat in attendance.
Today's agenda was resolving matters with the Eastern Sword Manor.
It had been two months since she began learning the Song Family Manor's affairs under her father's guidance. Every day brought a new array of tasks.
Some days required all-day meetings like this one, while others demanded the use of force to subdue opponents.
Initially, she had assumed it would be a straightforward endeavor, but managing a sect proved far more challenging than she had imagined.
Even today, the subtle power plays continued, and the same arguments were repeated endlessly.
Song Hwarin felt deeply frustrated by the opposing side's unreasonable demands, but she strove to maintain composure and conceal her emotions.
At times like these, I truly realized how remarkable my father was.
If it had been me, I would have stormed out of the room multiple times already. But Father patiently continued negotiating with them, alternating between soothing words and firm stances.
As the only daughter, I knew I would eventually inherit the family business and have to handle these matters myself.
Can I really do this?
I worried whether I could resolve conflicts through calm discussion, without losing my temper like Father.
Another half-hour passed before the meeting finally concluded. Fortunately, the outcome wasn't unfavorable to Song Family Manor.
As we emerged from the Guest Hall, Song Ugyeong greeted us with a smile.
"That must have been exhausting."
"I was just sitting there. Father must be the one who's tired. He worked so hard."
"Haha. I felt so reassured having you by my side."
She could sense it. Her father wasn't just teaching her the ropes; he was lonely these days.
She felt his yearning for companionship, a fundamental loneliness only a daughter could truly understand.
Is Father getting old now?
The thought alone made her heart ache.
When she returned to her room, Suran came to report.
"Young Master Byeok has been waiting for you since earlier."
As she stepped outside, Byeok Ridan was waiting for her in the garden.
"When did you arrive?"
"Just a while ago. How have you been?"
"I've been fine. Did you just get back from Hubei?"
"I have to leave again in a few days."
"You're so busy."
The news that he would be leaving again stirred a sudden wave of disappointment in her. She was surprised by the intensity of her own feelings.
She gazed at Byeok Ridan for a moment. No other man had ever looked at her with such detached composure.
"You feel different every time I see you," Song Hwarin remarked.
Byeok Ridan tilted his head, curious. "How so?"
"I can't quite put it into words, but..." she trailed off, though she felt it clearly.
He had grown stronger. His physique appeared more solid, and his gaze was deeper, almost transparently profound. His martial arts skills must have improved as well.
To be honest, she was drawn to Byeok Ridan. When she heard he had arrived, she felt a surge of joy, and the fatigue from the earlier meeting vanished the moment she saw his face.
However, she didn't want to reveal her true feelings. She had been the one to propose breaking off the engagement, and now she couldn't simply say she had changed her mind.
Afraid of betraying her emotions, she quickly changed the subject.
"Two swords?"
Her gaze fell on my swords.
I wore two swords at my waist: the Heavenly Creation Sword and the Asura Radiant King Sword.
I had no intention of modifying the Asura Radiant King Sword. It was already an unremarkable blade, making it difficult to recognize as the Asura Radiant King Sword at a glance.
Still, just in case, I wrapped the hilt in dark cloth. Many martial artists used rough-textured cloth to prevent slippage, so it wouldn't look out of place.
Initially, I had considered storing the Asura Radiant King Sword in the Secret Grotto of Immortal Crane Peak.
But I decided against it.
Since the sword had sought me out, I would keep it by my side always.
As I grew more proficient with the Immortal Crane Secret Art, I rarely needed to draw the Asura Radiant King Sword. If I ever had to draw it, it would mean chaos had already erupted.
Besides, there was no need to carry two swords. I planned to give away the modified Heavenly Creation Sword soon.
I tapped the Asura Radiant King Sword and said, "I've found a decent sword. Shall we take a walk?"
"Sure."
We strolled through the backyard together.
The winter air was crisp and cold, but the chill felt refreshing.
We had first met in winter, and now winter had returned.
So much had changed in the past year. Both she and I had changed considerably.
"Thank you for taking such good care of my mother while I was away."
"Don't mention it. It's only natural."
"By the way, what happened with that Form you were working on last time?"
She had been trying to fix her Form, which had a fatal flaw.
"I'm still working on it. I've tried this way and that way, but it's proving more difficult than I thought. I'll show it to you when I think I've found the right approach. Would you mind checking it out then?"
"Of course."
I felt a surge of admiration for her determination to figure it out on her own. Yes, the process of finding the solution will undoubtedly sharpen her skills.
"Want to grab a drink?"
The words slipped out before I could stop myself.
"Ah, sorry. You don't drink, do you?"
To my surprise, she replied, "Let's have one. We can just enjoy the atmosphere instead of the alcohol. I'll treat."
The tavern we went to together was named Phoenix.
This uniquely named tavern was located roughly halfway between Qufu and Chuseong. She had led me there, saying it was a place with a great atmosphere.
Though the journey was quite long, I didn't regret coming once I saw it.
Typical taverns were noisy, bustling places: cooks shouting in the kitchen, waiters rushing about, merchants and martial artists drinking and sharing tales of the Martial Arts World—all much the same, no matter where you went.
But this place was different.
Brightly and cleanly decorated, it featured musicians playing instruments and a stage on one side, giving it the atmosphere of a banquet hall.
Seeing me looking around in awe, she remarked, "What's with you? Like you've never been here before."
"I haven't."
"I know all about you drinking here with women all the time."
Of course. That Byeok Ridan bastard, who lived like a rogue, must have frequented places like this.
As expected, the atmosphere was pleasant, and most of the patrons were couples.
Following the waiter, we settled into a corner table.
We ordered wine, dishes, and tea for her.
"When did you come here before?"
"When I first returned, I heard you came here often... so I came once. I was curious about the place."
It was an unexpected reason.
Soon, the wine and dishes arrived. The prices were about twice as high as ordinary taverns, but the taste wasn't particularly special. This place thrived on its atmosphere.
Sipping wine while listening to the soft music created a peculiar sense of enjoyment.
"I've been seriously learning the Song Family Manor's affairs lately."
I remembered meeting Song Ugyeong and Song Hwarin once while riding in a carriage with Ma Jeongsu. It seemed they had been returning from handling matters at the manor even then.
"This is harder than I thought."
I nodded in agreement. "Me too."
"But you're doing so well! Honestly, your Minor Sword Guard has been a real inspiration. It made me want to do just as well. But I haven't even gotten started properly, and it's already so difficult."
She looked frustrated and gulped down her tea as if it were wine.
She was only twenty-one.
Of course it's hard. What kind of youth would it be if it weren't? Sometimes even I find this Martial Arts World overwhelming.
"You'll get used to it as you keep going. And then you'll get better."
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
I raised my cup. She lifted hers and clinked them together in a toast.
"Let's keep pushing ourselves."
Dancers took the stage. The gentle music shifted to a faster tempo.
The dancers began their performance, and we watched for a while.
"I'm so jealous of people who can dance well. How do they move like that?" she said.
I chuckled and replied, "You look like you'd be a good dancer too."
Song Hwarin waved her hands dismissively and shook her head. "I'm completely stiff as a log."
"Ha ha."
Talking about dance reminded me of the Empress of Pleasure, the supreme master of the Unorthodox Factions from the past. Her signature martial art was the Death God's Dance—a deadly dance that drained the internal energy of those who became entranced by it.
Her dancing skills were truly unparalleled.
Of course, she had ultimately resorted to her final secret technique, dancing naked to seduce me, but in the end, she was torn apart by my sword and died.
Song Hwarin clapped for the dancers. "Ah, that was amazing!"
I joined in the applause. "They're really good."
Watching the dancers, I realized something.
I had witnessed countless dances by dancers at numerous banquets, but I had never truly observed their movements with such detail before.
I had always been busy. At banquets, I was constantly meeting new people and engaged in endless conversations. I treated the dancers' performances as mere background noise, like paintings hanging on the walls—just another customary element of the banquet setting.
This tavern was no different.
If I hadn't come here with her, I would never have known such a place existed.
Having lived seventy years, I had acted as if I knew everything about the Martial Arts World. Yet, this world still held mysteries I had never encountered, experiences I had never tried.
My realization with Chilho in the carriage had been similar.
A seemingly casual remark, yet it revealed truths I had never fully grasped before.
To reach the Heart Sword Realm, I had spent countless hours in meditation each day, poring over obscure martial arts manuals and sacred scriptures. I had studied books containing the wisdom of sages, as well as works left behind by scholars, painters, and musicians.
Yet despite all my efforts, I had failed to attain the Heart Sword Realm.
Now I understand:
The greatest truths are not found in grand places, but in the most ordinary things—a casual remark, a dancer's graceful movements, even in the humble earthworm or ant.
I am determined to live this life differently.
Vaguely pursuing a different career or meeting different people wouldn't necessarily lead to a different life.
I realized I needed to see the world anew. Only by seeing what I hadn't seen before could I truly live a new life, and I felt certain that the Heart Sword Realm lay at the end of that path.
Even in this moment, I could gain some insight.
Huh? Come to think of it...
By chance, both of my life's two moments of enlightenment had come not from martial arts training, but from everyday life—and both times, in the company of women.
Does this mean I have to start meeting women all the time to reach the Heart Sword Realm?