Chapter 139: Martial Demonstration Gathering (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 139: Martial Demonstration Gathering (3)
Beneath the flared eaves of a traditional pavilion, two elderly men sat in quiet conversation.
“Why did you throw your support behind Song Gwan?”
Song Mun, having come straight from the Elder Council meeting, was probing for the reasoning behind the day’s final decision.
“And why did you agree to it? You were more vocal in your opposition than I was during the meeting,” Song Ha-myeong countered, meeting the question with one of his own.
Song Mun let out a soft chuckle and turned his gaze toward the lush, rolling peaks.
“I suppose I was. But when the time came to actually write down a recommendation after all that arguing…”
“And?”
“There was simply no one else suitable.”
“…”
“…”
A brief silence settled between them as they looked out over the magnificent landscape. The mountains of Qingcheng appeared as if they had been dipped in emerald ink. It was a breathtaking range, with a thin veil of mist rising from the valleys below.
Song Ha-myeong quietly tilted his teacup before asking in a casual, offhand manner, “He was originally a nominal disciple, wasn't he?”
“He was.”
“That is what stayed with me. The fact that even as a nominal disciple, he voluntarily chose to become an unregistered disciple after suffering from Qi Deviation.”
“…”
“He lived all those years having cast aside his pride as a member of Qingcheng. He must have known his seniors and juniors were mocking or pitying him behind his back, yet he never once caused trouble. Could you have done the same?”
“I could not.”
“Neither could I.”
Song Mun turned to him, his expression turning solemn.
“This is the Martial Demonstration Gathering, where every sect in the Central Plains will be in attendance. It is a place where promoting the spirit of Qingcheng takes precedence over merely upholding the sect’s pride.”
Song Ha-myeong met his gaze as Song Mun continued.
“There is no one but Song Gwan for such an occasion.”
“I agree.”
A shared hope flickered in their hearts. It wasn't just these two old men; everyone within the Qingcheng Sect harbored a dream they had long yearned for: that one day, Qingcheng would stand tall above the rest of the world, and the spirit of Qingcheng would be great enough to embrace all.
*
“Circulate your qi.”
“Yes, Father.”
Ssssh.
Seok Jun completed a full heavenly circuit of his internal energy under his father’s watchful eye. His reserves had nearly doubled. Just as Song Hak had promised, he had gained an additional two Gapja of energy. He felt that with this newfound power, he could surely crush Seok Myeong.
“Do you realize now that your excitement was excessive?”
“Yes.”
Perhaps that was why he had rushed straight to find Seok Myeong the moment he felt his cultivation break through. Song Hak coldly rebuked him for that impulsive behavior.
“Do not do it again. I dislike that fellow Seok Myeong as much as you do, but that was not the time or place. A true match is something you engage in only after thorough preparation, no matter how confident you are.”
Since he had the foundation established by the Stone Fragrance, Seok Jun’s internal energy would only grow deeper with time. As the days passed, he would be better equipped to dismantle Seok Myeong’s erratic sword forms.
“My thinking was shallow.”
“As long as you understand. In a way, this might be a blessing in disguise. It is better to gain attention at the Martial Demonstration Gathering than to be recognized merely within the walls of Qingcheng. Shed the label of the Seven Well Heroes and rightfully claim your place among the Five Dragons.”
“Yes, Father. That is exactly what I intend to do.”
Seok Jun’s voice rang with absolute confidence. Song Hak nodded. It was a golden opportunity. Since the pillars of the Orthodox Faction would all be gathered, it was the perfect stage to announce that the true rising star of Qingcheng was Seok Jun, not Seok Myeong. Then, the fame Seok Myeong had built in the Central Plains would naturally shift to his son.
*
“I really can’t do this.”
Late at night, Seok Myeong hurried toward the Palace of Supreme Clarity. He hadn't been able to protest at the Central Yellow Hall because the Sect Leader’s command had been so sudden. However, after thinking it over, he realized that now was the time to spread his swordsmanship, not to attend a social gathering.
The Qingcheng Sword Technique.
A martial art created by distilling the very essence of the Azure Cloud Taoist.
If he simply asked people to learn it, it was obvious no one would pay attention. How good could a martial art created by a mere first-generation disciple be?
I need to hold more demonstrations.
But verifying the martial art through demonstrations, as he was doing now, was different. He could personally explain the meaning behind the selected forms. Furthermore, if the elders watched, they could grasp the true intent within the forms that the younger disciples might miss, and then pass that knowledge down.
At such a critical juncture, if he postponed everything to attend the gathering of the Nine Great Sects, he might lose the chance to convey the true essence of the Qingcheng Sword Technique.
“Taoist Song Mun.”
As Seok Myeong reached the Sect Leader’s residence, he saw Song Mun emerging as if taking a late-night stroll. It was unexpected to run into him here, given how busy he had been managing the sect's intelligence network.
“Oh, Seok Myeong. I heard you’re going to the Martial Demonstration Gathering?” Song Mun asked, his face brightening.
“Yes.”
“Good. Make sure you have a safe trip.”
“…Um, Taoist Song Mun. Is the Sect Leader inside?”
“Hmm? Do you have something to say to him?”
“Well…” Seok Myeong continued cautiously. “I was planning to request that another disciple go in my place this time.”
“Why?”
Seok Myeong answered carefully.
“I want to spend more time spreading the martial art I created. I’ve only just received permission for the demonstrations; if I leave for the gathering now, when will I ever get the chance to pass on the technique? I believe spreading the sword technique within our own sect should be the priority right now.”
“Hmm. Are you talking about that Qingcheng Sword Technique consisting of twelve forms?”
“Yes… wait, what?”
Seok Myeong nodded, then froze. The current demonstrations were only at the stage of reinterpreting existing Qingcheng techniques, like the Pine Wind Sword. He had not yet showcased the specific Qingcheng Sword Technique he had developed.
How did Song Mun know about it?
“It was drawn on the walls of the Gamu Cave.”
Song Mun chuckled and nodded.
“Ah.”
Seok Myeong’s face flushed crimson. He had drawn those diagrams just in case he was ever barred from practicing martial arts again. The thought of Song Mun seeing them made his skin crawl with embarrassment.
“Seok Myeong, I have something to give you.”
“Pardon? No, I…”
“Come along.”
Song Mun gestured for Seok Myeong to follow and turned away. After glancing back and forth between the Sect Leader’s residence and Song Mun’s retreating back, Seok Myeong eventually sighed and followed.
*
Passing through a tall stone gate, an ancient building loomed before them. The entrance boasted doors several times the height of a man, and inside, about a dozen men were working with disciplined diligence. This was the Azure Peak Pavilion, the hub where all information from the Central Plains was collected, analyzed, and delivered to the Qingcheng Sect.
“Now that I think about it, is this your first time at the Azure Peak Pavilion?”
“Yes.”
“I suppose there wouldn't have been much reason for you to come here. Let’s go up.”
Seok Myeong followed him inside. Flowers were in full bloom in the courtyard, and as they went deeper, a small room resembling a detached villa appeared.
Unlike the grand exterior, the interior was simple—or more accurately, sparse. Aside from a desk, a table for guests, and a wooden sword rack, there was nothing else.
“Set down your sword and take a seat.”
Click.
Seok Myeong placed his sword on the rack as Song Mun did and sat down.
“The reason I called you is because of this.”
Slide.
Once seated, Song Mun pulled a wooden box from beneath the table and placed it in front of Seok Myeong.
“What is this?”
“A sword.”
Song Mun chuckled at the obvious question.
“Your sword.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s the Dragon Spear Spirit Sword. I’m told it is a heirloom of the Cheon family.”
Song Mun explained how he had acquired it. The Cheon family, whom Seok Myeong had helped previously, had visited Qingcheng personally to gift the sword that had been passed down as their family treasure.
“You’ve certainly made a name for our sect here and there. Ho ho.”
“No, that’s…”
As he listened, bewilderment spread across Seok Myeong’s face. He felt an unnecessary burden. He had simply engaged in a good duel; he saw no reason to receive a treasure for it.
“First, draw your sword.”
“Ah, yes.”
Seok Myeong carefully drew his current sword from its scabbard.
Sring.
It was a familiar blade. Rugged and worn, it was like a friend that had spent countless hours by his side. Looking at the surface of the steel, Song Mun nodded thoughtfully.
“As I thought, the grain is showing.”
“The grain?”
“It’s a mark of long use. No matter how carefully you maintain it, if it absorbs enough heavy impacts, these crystalline patterns appear. It shouldn't be a problem to use for now. However…” Song Mun looked Seok Myeong in the eye. “If you use power beyond Sword Aura, there may come a situation where this blade simply cannot withstand the pressure.”
“…”
Seok Myeong’s expression stiffened.
“Now, look at this.”
Song Mun opened the wooden box. Seok Myeong’s eyes widened. A subtle silver scabbard and a fine white tassel, like the mane of a celestial horse, caught the light. This was the Dragon Spear Spirit Sword.
“The Cheon family’s treasure is a sword known for its durability, even among the Ten Great Swords of the Jianghu. As you continue to use that inky energy of yours, there will come a time when your master’s sword can no longer handle it. I think it would be best for you to take this treasure sword with you to the Martial Demonstration Gathering.”
“To give me something so precious…”
“Because it is precious, you must make it shine. Isn't that the best way to repay the person who gifted it to you?”
“…”
Seok Myeong was so overwhelmed he couldn't find the words. It was the first gift he had ever received. And that gift was the Dragon Spear Spirit Sword, one of the Ten Great Swords of the Central Plains.
“You know what it means to carry a fine sword in Qingcheng, don’t you?”
“I was taught that the better the sword one carries, the more one must possess the skill and character to match it.”
Seok Myeong’s posture straightened.
“Indeed. Keep that in mind. Would you like to draw it?”
“Yes.”
Srrrng.
Seok Myeong drew the blade. A clear, melodic ring echoed as the steel slid from the scabbard.
“Ah!”
An exclamation of wonder escaped his lips. It was an exotic blade with a slightly curved tip, and the lines of the craft were incredibly beautiful. Watching Seok Myeong marvel at the shimmering light, Song Mun spoke again.
“There is something else I want to tell you.”
“Yes, I am listening.”
Clack.
Seok Myeong quickly sheathed the sword and gave his full attention.
“Seok Myeong. I would like you to start living your own life now.”
“Pardon?”
“Until now, haven't you worked solely for the sake of the Azure Cloud Taoist’s legacy and your master’s life? You’ve lived for their purposes. Perhaps because of that, whenever I see you, it looks as if you’re carrying an impossible burden on your shoulders.”
“Uncle Song Mun…”
Seok Myeong faltered. Come to think of it, the elder was right. Between the legacy of the Azure Cloud Taoist and his master’s wishes, he was always thinking of Qingcheng. He had rarely acted for his own sake.
“Now, put down that burden and try living your own life, not your master’s. Just like this new sword you’ve received. After all, didn't you earn this sword through your own achievements? Your master, Song Hye, would want that for you as well.”
Perhaps because of Song Mun’s words, Seok Myeong found himself looking up at the night sky more than usual.
My own life…
Seok Myeong did not sleep well that night. A life for himself—it was a concept he had never truly considered. It seemed he would have much to dwell on during the long journey to the Martial Demonstration Gathering.