Chapter 179: Azure Martial Hall Master Seok Myeong (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 179: Azure Martial Hall Master Seok Myeong (2)
“Haat! Ahat!”
The Azure Martial Hall vibrated with the thunderous roars of martial cries.
The disciples filling the training grounds were practicing none other than the Azure Wind Sword Technique.
As the foundational swordsmanship of the Qingcheng Sect, the Azure Wind Sword Technique consisted of fifteen forms designed to temper both mental fortitude and physical stamina. As with most foundational styles, the proper circulation of internal energy was essential to its mastery.
The technique’s name itself contained the word ‘Wind.’
To generate fourteen consecutive strikes of sword wind, a practitioner required tireless endurance and unwavering concentration. Ultimately, physical strength was the deciding factor, yet even that was impossible to maintain for long without the support of internal energy.
“Huat! Heuat!”
Swoosh! Swish!
After a brief rest, the ensuing training session grew far more intense.
Previously, they had repeated each individual form of the Azure Wind Sword Technique roughly twenty times before moving on to the next. Now, however, they were performing the entire technique in one continuous, unbroken sequence.
“Haat! Haat!”
Though autumn had passed and a biting wind nipped at the air, the men were drenched in beads of sweat.
In recent months, many "winds" had swept through Qingcheng—from the sudden attack by the Geomma to the mounting pressure from the Martial Alliance, and finally to the narrow victory Seok Myeong and the other elders had achieved in overcoming those trials.
‘I must become stronger.’
It was only natural for one’s resolve to harden after facing a crisis. It was a shared determination—a silent vow never to experience such helplessness again.
Even without being prompted, the disciples of the Azure Martial Hall spurred themselves onward, driven by the conviction to become the best.
“Everyone has their own individuality. Some possess high mastery of the sword, while others lack technique but make up for it with raw strength or speed.”
Seok Myeong looked down at the training grounds from the pavilion of the Azure Martial Hall. With a small brush in hand, he recorded the names of every Taoist in the arena along with their respective strengths and weaknesses.
“I wonder... Strength has its own utility, yet mastery and precision are far more advantageous in actual combat. Which should I prioritize?”
It was a difficult dilemma. He couldn't bear to sacrifice either quality, making the decision all the more grueling.
As Seok Myeong brooded, a voice called out to him from the pavilion stairs.
“Eldest Disciple! How is it going?”
Seok Myeong greeted the newcomer with a bright expression.
“Is that you, Seok Hu? It’s been a while.”
“A while? I’ve seen you plenty of times! It’s just that you didn’t notice me, Eldest Disciple,” Seok Hu grumbled.
Seok Myeong scratched his head sheepishly. “Haha, is that so?”
To be fair, Seok Myeong had become a celebrity overnight due to the recent string of events. Between his formidable new title as the Azure Martial Hall Master and the responsibilities that weighed far heavier than the title itself, he had been frantically busy. He likely had looked right past Seok Hu several times without even realizing it.
“Why are you watching from up here? Senior Brother Jun is down there too.”
“Hmm... the view is better from here. It allows me to see the overall picture.”
Seok Myeong shook his head. Lately, he felt he finally understood why the pavilions of the elders and the Sect Leader were built so high. By ascending just a little higher, the movements of the sect’s disciples became much clearer. Especially now, when he had to select a few individuals from among the many, it was far more convenient to observe from an elevated vantage point.
“Um, Eldest Disciple.”
“Yes?”
“Well, uh... you’re going to pick me, right?” Seok Hu rubbed his palms together with a sly grin. It seemed this was the real reason he had climbed the pavilion.
“You rascal. Are you trying to pull strings using our friendship?” Seok Myeong asked with a boisterous laugh.
Seok Hu scratched his head. “No, it’s not exactly that... I just want to get stronger. Everyone knows that under your guidance, one’s skills grow by leaps and bounds.”
“You rogue. You certainly know how to sweet-talk.”
“So, putting me aside for a moment, how is it? Have you selected anyone else?”
“A few.” Seok Myeong nodded.
He had already firmly decided on a few people, but they weren't enough. That was why he was putting the disciples currently in the Azure Martial Hall through their paces. While they had plenty of potential to grow into new Qingcheng sword masters, for now, it was merely potential. Looking closely, these junior brothers still had a long way to go.
‘They have talent, but they’ll need at least five more years of training...’
There were no shortcuts in the study of martial arts. It had been the same for Seok Myeong. Countless books and theoretical studies were just theory in the end; the fruits of that labor were only harvested through actual combat and steady, grueling effort.
“Senior Brother Seok Jun and Seok Jin must be included, right?” Seok Hu asked, pulling Seok Myeong back from his thoughts.
“Yes. They are the junior brothers whose skills are most proven.”
“Then what about me...?” Seok Hu’s eyes darted around expectantly.
Thwack!
Seok Myeong smacked the back of Seok Hu’s head and let out a chuckle. “Fine. You’re in too, you rascal.”
“Huh? Really?” Seok Hu jumped for joy, seemingly forgetting the pain. Then, his face clouded slightly with concern. “I mean, I’m happy, but... is it okay? Nominally, I’m still an assistant instructor at the Martial Arts Hall. And Senior Brother Seok Jun is even more...”
“Don’t worry about that. The Sect Leader has already given his permission.”
“What? The Sect Leader did?”
Seok Myeong clicked his tongue. “Did you not read the Sect Leader’s decree? He has delegated full authority to me for this matter. He said I can select and train whoever I want.”
“Whoa! That’s incredible! You’re basically the man in power now! As expected of the Eldest Disciple... Ack!”
Thwack!
Seok Myeong delivered another smack to the back of Seok Hu’s head as the younger man rubbed his hands in mock admiration. Seok Myeong put on a stern face.
“Don’t make comments that sound like you’re starting a faction within the sect. For now, go and call Seok Jun, Seok Jin, and Seok Mun. Bring those three here.”
“Yes! Understood!”
As if the blow didn't hurt at all, Seok Hu scurried off with a giggle. The fact that he was told to "bring them" meant he was officially included in the group.
*
“Senior Brother Myeong! This is too much. I thought for sure you’d call for me, but you were really going to leave me out?”
A short while later, when Seok Hu returned with the junior brothers, one more person had tagged along: Yeon-hui.
‘Ah, I forgot.’
Seok Myeong broke into a cold sweat as he looked at the pouting Yeon-hui.
“Right. I’m sorry. But I had a lot on my mind this time...”
“What kind of worries?”
“Take the Azure Origin Heart Method, for example. You volunteered to learn it before, didn't you? It proved effective for Jin, but not for you. The Azure Origin Heart Method still has much room for improvement. But I am a man, and I haven't yet mastered the individual mnemonic secrets that account for the differences between Yin and Yang.”
“Hmph...”
Whether the excuse was sufficient or not, Yeon-hui’s expression softened slightly. “Then do it through me.”
“Wh-what?”
“Are you going to keep teaching that Azure Origin Heart Method only to men? There are plenty of female disciples in our sect too. I’ll learn it first, find the points that need improvement, and then we can complete it together.”
“......”
Yeon-hui’s argument was perfectly logical. As Seok Myeong stood there with his mouth agape, unable to respond, she smiled brightly and declared:
“You know my father’s personality, don’t you? He doesn't like giving special treatment just because I’m his child. I think it would be good in many ways for me to be your first student, Eldest Disciple.”
“...Alright.”
Seok Myeong finally threw up his hands in defeat. Come to think of it, Yeon-hui was the Sect Leader’s daughter. While she held a precious status, she had also inherited her father’s stubbornness. Realizing he could never break that resolve, Seok Myeong sighed and looked around at the gathered disciples.
Seok Jun, Seok Jin, Seok Mun.
And those who had followed: Seok Hu, Seok Ho, and Yeon-hui.
There were six in total.
The people gathered here today would learn the martial arts—no, the heart method—that he had developed. The thought filled him with pride, but at the same time, an immense pressure weighed heavily on his shoulders.
“Eldest Disciple. If I may, I’d like to ask one thing.”
With a blunt face—though his expression was much softer than before—Seok Jun raised his hand.
“Call me Hall Master here, Jun.”
“Yes, Hall Master. I understand why Jin, Mun, and Yeon-hui are here, but why did you choose Seok Ho?”
Seok Jun’s eyes flickered toward Seok Ho, who looked slightly uneasy. As Seok Jun said, Seok Jin and Seok Mun were First Generation Disciples who were well-recognized in Qingcheng, but Seok Ho was different. He had never shown any particularly great feats, and because his usual post was at Gamu Cave, he was somewhat lacking in formal training and study.
Nevertheless, Seok Myeong had noticed a different side of Seok Ho.
“Junior Brother Jun. Seok Ho is certainly behind the rest of you in many aspects. However, he excels in original and creative thinking. As Hall Master, I must guide you all not just in the mastery of existing martial arts, but in their reinterpretation—so that you may more easily train in martial arts of a higher realm. Does that answer your question?”
“...Well, if that is your thought, Hall Master.” Seok Jun nodded. He wasn't entirely convinced, but it was true that Seok Ho often had clever, if eccentric, interpretations compared to other First Generation Disciples. If Seok Myeong saw that as potential, he would watch and see for now.
“Then... what kind of training will we be doing?” Seok Jin asked.
Every eye was fixed on Seok Myeong. He gave a somewhat bitter smile and shook his head.
“First, it’s internal energy. The Azure Origin Heart Method.”
“Ah...”
“As expected.”
Everyone nodded as if they had anticipated this. However, Seok Myeong’s next words shocked them all.
“Within the next month, I will triple your current internal energy.”
“H-how?”
“Through effort.”
Yeon-hui, the only woman among the First Generation Disciples, shuddered. She knew that when Seok Myeong said "effort," it meant they would be put through the same grueling wringer he had endured.
“But first, I must see each of your strengths and weaknesses. Perform the martial arts you are most confident in. Shall we start with... Seok Jun?”
Step.
Seok Jun took a step forward. He bowed toward Seok Myeong, showing the etiquette due to a Hall Master rather than just a senior brother.
“First Generation Disciple Seok Jun. My primary martial art is the Azure Wind Sword Technique. I shall now demonstrate.”
Clack.
As Seok Jun took his stance, the others moved to the left and right, clearing enough space for him to use his swordsmanship. Seok Jun slowly drew his sword.
Ching!
The sound of well-tempered steel rang through the Azure Martial Hall, clear enough to cause a sword resonance. Simultaneously, Seok Jun’s gaze turned solemn as he began to move his blade.
The Azure Wind Sword Technique was a style consisting of fifteen forms. It was structured so that a finishing move was included every three forms. In other words, if the first and second forms were for maneuvering the sword, the third form was a combination that delivered a decisive strike.
Furthermore, it was these finishing moves that generated the wind—specifically the third, sixth, ninth, twelfth, and fifteenth forms.
Woooooom.
As he transitioned from the first and second forms into the third, a powerful sword wind blew. Normally, when giving a demonstration, one does not load the strikes with internal power, so the sensation isn't distinct. However, a wind definitely rose, and the essence of deep martial study—something ordinary First Generation Disciples could not mimic—clung to the tip of his sword and spread to everyone present.
It was when Seok Jun passed the sixth and ninth forms and executed the twelfth form.
After leaping into the air to deliver a thrust, the moment his feet touched the ground, he widened his stance to steady himself and brought the sword down in a vertical strike.
At that moment, the sword wind that had been tightly surrounding him scattered in all directions.
The clothes of the onlookers fluttered in the gale, and Seok Myeong’s eyes widened at the sight.
‘Jun has surpassed the 7-star realm.’
To have the ability to scatter wind in all directions meant he had reached the 7-star realm. Seok Myeong watched closely as Seok Jun moved into his final form.
“How was it?” Seok Jun’s voice asked tentatively.
“It was excellent. As expected of you, Jun.” Seok Myeong smiled brightly. Then, he suddenly added a short sentence. “However, you must stop practicing the Azure Wind Sword Technique.”
In an instant, Seok Jun’s face froze.