Chapter 138: Martial Demonstration Gathering (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 138: Martial Demonstration Gathering (2)
Song Ha-myeong was the one most stunned by the form Seok Myeong had just displayed.
The Azure Wind Sword was the technique Song Ha-myeong used most frequently. Before Seok Jun took over as instructor, it was the very martial art he had taught to the first generation disciples. Naturally, he understood its characteristics better than anyone.
"While the boy was explaining, he mentioned the harmony of the body," Song Ji remarked. "It seems that harmony possesses the power to amplify existing strength several times over."
"Harmony… then it must be Explosive Power," Song Ha-myeong said, nodding as the realization struck him.
Though he had practiced martial arts for decades, generating explosive force through the harmony of the body—rather than relying on speed, raw strength, or softness—was a difficult feat to master.
The martial arts of the Qingcheng Sect were primarily linear, focusing on the ultimate speed of the 'Swift' style. At times, they could also incorporate the 'Heavy' style.
"Perhaps it was an idea only possible because of Azure Cloud Taoist—to embed Explosive Power within a sword form," Song Ha-myeong mused.
But what they had discovered now was harmony.
The moment Seok Myeong swung his sword, every part of his body became one, focusing entirely on the movement. At a glance, it contained the 'Softness' of the Wudang Sect, but strangely, it also held traces of the Shaolin Sect’s staff techniques.
"What’s strange is that Seok Myeong’s method actually looks more natural."
"Doesn't it? The power rising from his feet travels through his waist and shoulders before exploding through his hands. It’s just a slight—a very slight—twist, but can that alone make such a difference?"
"What’s even more surprising is that it’s a linked technique. What he showed just now was a single form. The more he unfolds it, the more its power will grow."
As they were exchanging thoughts on Seok Myeong’s martial arts, someone entered the Central Yellow Hall and approached him. The man’s face was familiar enough that every man gathered there recognized him instantly.
"It’s been a long time, Eldest Disciple."
"Seok Jun?"
Seok Myeong looked at him, confused by his sudden appearance. However, Seok Jun stared back as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
"My congratulations are late. I heard you created a Qingcheng Heart Method that incorporates the Demonic Energy Absorption Art."
"I was lucky."
"Luck… was such a thing possible through luck alone?"
Pfft.
Seok Jun chuckled. No matter how one looked at it, it sounded like a sneer, but Seok Myeong showed no particular emotion. He was so used to Seok Jun’s mockery by now that it didn't even feel new.
"You’ve truly become someone great. It’s one thing to be among fellow first generation disciples, but to think you’ve reached a status where you teach the sword to Martial Uncles who are over sixty years old."
"Seok Jun."
"And even..." Looking around, Seok Jun pointed with his chin toward a woman. It was Yeon-hui. "To a person you almost killed not long ago."
"……."
Yeon-hui frowned. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, she saw Seok Myeong waving his hand slightly behind Seok Jun’s back. He was telling her not to raise her voice unnecessarily.
"Right. Where have you been all this time? I haven't seen you for a while."
"Ah, I was doing some internal energy cultivation. To ensure I could be a worthy opponent for you, Sahyeong."
"Internal energy?"
Ching!
Seok Jun said no more. He drew the sword from his waist and pointed it directly at Seok Myeong’s face.
"What is the meaning of this?" Even the exceptionally good-natured Seok Myeong’s face hardened.
"Spar with me."
"Why are you suddenly asking for a duel?"
"Didn't I just tell you? I’ve been training so I could defeat the Eldest Disciple."
"I understand. Then, later—"
"Right here."
"What?"
"Let’s do it right here, right now."
Just as Seok Myeong’s brows furrowed, Seok Jun answered without blinking an eye. "That way, I can prove it in front of everyone. The greatness of Qingcheng."
"…What are you talking about?"
"What will it be? Will you spar with me now? Or will you slink away like a rat with its tail between its legs, looking for a hole to hide in?"
Seok Myeong glared into Seok Jun’s eyes. But Seok Jun stared back with an expression that showed he wouldn't be intimidated in the least.
"You’ve grown significantly in such a short time."
"Could I ever compare to you, Sahyeong?"
Seok Myeong frowned again at the smirking Seok Jun. Judging by the intense light in his eyes, Seok Jun’s words weren't an empty boast. His internal energy had increased tremendously.
Roughly three cycles? How is this possible…
By what method could he have raised his internal energy so much in such a short period? Furthermore, Seok Myeong couldn't understand why he was being so hostile.
His expression wasn't this bad the last time I saw him.
Fortunately, his worries didn't last long. The person who would settle the situation appeared.
"You are all gathered here."
An old man suddenly entered the Central Yellow Hall. His transcendent appearance was no different from any other elderly man, but his influence was absolute. It was the Sect Leader, Song Jeong.
"Seok Jun, why are you acting this way toward Seok Myeong?" Song Jeong asked quietly.
In the Qingcheng Sect, sparring was always welcome. One could request a duel at any time, regardless of place or formality. However, this was a place where Seok Myeong was demonstrating Qingcheng swordsmanship to the first generation disciples and the elders of the Song generation. To bring up a duel here was, by any measure, an unnecessary provocation.
"It’s nothing major. It seems Seok Jun has many things he’s curious about after not seeing me for a while," Seok Myeong said, subtly defending Seok Jun.
Song Jeong chuckled and nodded. "I see. That may be so. It appears you have achieved great things compared to before."
Seok Jun flinched and bowed his head at the Sect Leader’s words. The internal energy he now possessed, and the sword aura that had heightened because of it, were, in a way, part of the Sect Leader’s arrangements.
"And if there is anyone to witness Seok Jun’s achievements, Seok Myeong would be the best. But before that, I have something important to tell you all."
Clap, clap.
Song Jeong clapped his hands and looked around. At the Sect Leader’s appearance, all the first generation disciples had already stood up, and the elders had descended to the first floor.
"Yeon-hui, come here."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
At his call, Yeon-hui stood up. Though they were father and daughter, she did not forget that this was an official setting.
"Seok Jin, you too."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
At Song Jeong’s words, Seok Jin stepped out from among the first generation disciples. The somewhat clumsy appearance of the past was gone, replaced by the atmosphere of a seasoned swordsman.
"And Seok Jun."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"Also, first generation disciple Seok Myeong."
"Yes."
The four of them were slightly tense. Hearing their names called one by one, they realized the Sect Leader had a task to entrust to them.
"The four of you will represent our sect and attend the gathering of the Nine Great Sects."
"……."
Everyone’s eyes widened. A gathering of the Nine Great Sects?
"Uh, Sect Leader. Are you referring to the Martial Demonstration Gathering?"
"So Seok Jin knows. Yes. It is a place for the Nine Sects to gather and harmonize. However, while they call it harmony, it is actually a place for each sect to show off their prowess." Song Jeong nodded. "In particular, it is said that the outstanding rising stars of every sect will gather this time. Our sect cannot simply sit back with its hands behind its back. Therefore, I intend to send the four of you, who stand out the most among the first generation disciples, as the representatives of our sect."
The surroundings buzzed with excitement. The 'rising stars' of the Martial Demonstration Gathering literally referred to the brilliant talents who would lead the future of the Martial World.
As he listened, Seok Jun suddenly threw out a question. "Sect Leader. I understand the Eldest Disciple, but why Seok Jin? He is not yet qualified to wear the Azure Sutra Robe."
"……."
Seok Jin’s face crumpled slightly. But Song Jeong shook his head.
"He may not wear the Azure Sutra Robe, but Seok Jin has already raised his skills by several levels. I, as the Sect Leader, have judged that the four of you are the strongest among the first generation disciples. Are there any objections?"
"Ooh!"
Seok Jin’s mouth curled into a wide grin, while Seok Jun frowned slightly. In terms of martial prowess alone, Seok Jin was certainly qualified. Everyone in Qingcheng had seen him emit three feet of sword aura. It was only because of the image of the old, scrawny Seok Jin that a reflexive sense of rejection had arisen.
"Ensure your preparations are complete by tomorrow."
With those final words, Song Jeong left the Central Yellow Hall. Seok Jun, who had been challenging Seok Myeong to a duel, found himself in an awkward situation and had no choice but to turn back the way he came.
*
"Me?" Song Guan asked, looking at the plaque the Sect Leader had sent down.
The First Elder, Song Ji, nodded.
"No, of all the elders in the Song generation, why would he call upon me?"
"I don't know that either. Why would he? Perhaps it’s because the Sect Leader favors you? If you figure out why, let me know," Song Ji said with a playful, breezy laugh. Unlike the serious Song Guan, Song Ji seemed to find the situation amusing.
"This is no time for jokes, Sahyeong Song Ji."
"Hmm. This is just my thought, but..." After laughing heartily at the heavily burdened Song Guan, Song Ji spoke again. "Perhaps it’s because you are someone who truly cherishes the Qingcheng Sect."
"Me? No, is there anyone in the Song generation who doesn't cherish Qingcheng? Everyone holds the sect dear."
"The problem is that they cherish their own pride just as much as they cherish Qingcheng."
Tap.
Song Ji tapped the table lightly. "As you said, from the Song generation to the first generation disciples—even the young novice disciples—there isn't a single person who doesn't value our sect. But do you think there will be anyone like that at the gathering of the Nine Great Sects?"
"……."
"Even our previous Sect Leader, Taoist Yu-ha, used to draw his sword and run wild in his prime. But the Sect Leader must have seen that you know how to distinguish between pride and self-respect. You won't endanger Qingcheng out of reckless hotheadedness."
"Uh… well."
Song Ji patted Song Guan on the shoulder. "This banquet could easily turn into a den of demons. There will likely be pointless provocations and challenges. The person who can handle that best is probably you. The Sect Leader likely saw that and made his decision."
"But First Elder, I—"
"Are you going to keep acting like this!" Song Ji slammed the table. Bang!
Song Guan flinched. Song Ji was a man who rarely showed emotion, no matter the circumstance. For him to react so vehemently was unprecedented.
"Can you not distinguish between being humble and being foolish! How long are you going to consider it natural to not even be treated like a first generation disciple, let alone an elder? Just how long are you going to let the Song generation ignore and mock you!"
"……."
"Fine. Right. I could understand if you didn't care about such superficialities! But you are Qingcheng. You are a man of Qingcheng! Can't you step forward just once for the sake of the sect?"
Song Guan lowered his head and remained silent for a long time. He found it difficult to accept. The burden was immense. However, whether he felt capable or not, it was his duty to follow the Sect Leader’s decision once it was made.
"May I ask one thing?" Song Guan said, showing proper etiquette.
Song Ji nodded.
"Sahyeong Song Ji, do you believe I can do well?"
"Of course."
"Why do you think so?"
As if trying to read Song Guan’s thoughts, Song Ji stared at him intently before speaking. "Before I answer that, let me ask you one thing. After the Elder Council put the motion to send you to the Martial Demonstration Gathering to a vote, how many votes do you think you received?"
"I don't know."
"Is that so?" Song Ji slowly walked up to Song Guan. He placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke. "It was unanimous."
"What?"
Song Guan’s eyes widened in disbelief. Unanimous? Did that mean this wasn't an agenda the Sect Leader had pushed through alone? For what reason had every single elder cast their vote for him?
"You asked why you were chosen?"
Song Guan looked at him slowly. Song Ji patted his shoulder.
"Because it’s you."
With a bright smile—one that Song Guan hadn't seen from him in decades—Song Ji added: "It’s because it’s you."