Chapter 189: Taoist Sects (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 189: Taoist Sects (2)
The evening air carried a lingering, biting chill.
Seok Myeong stood by the window of the Azure Martial Hall, gazing up at the darkening sky. This was the Hall Master’s office.
Though the name sounded grand, it lacked the magnificent gardens or the spacious, comfortable inner quarters typically found in the offices of other elders. Instead, it was a single, modestly sized room that might have felt cozy—if Seok Myeong hadn’t filled every available inch with stacks of books and various weapons.
As a result, the already small office felt positively cramped.
“I prefer it this way,” he murmured.
Seok Myeong truly didn’t mind. His writing supplies were always within arm’s reach, and a simple turn of his chair brought him face-to-face with his personal library.
He wasn't sure if this lifestyle suited the dignity of the Azure Martial Hall Master, but his true nature remained that of the Azure Cloud Taoist. Researching the martial arts of the Qingcheng Sect was simply in his blood.
“Now, let’s see…”
Rustle. Rustle.
Seok Myeong sat on the wooden floor and began sorting through a mountain of yellow paper. These were his records—detailed observations and analyses of his junior brothers’ swordsmanship that he had compiled over time.
“Hmm.”
Lately, Seok Myeong’s daily routine had remained largely unchanged.
In the morning, he performed the Azure Origin Heart Method with his junior brothers and checked their physical conditions. At noon, after a light meal, he supervised their sword training. In the evening, his primary task was to conduct sparring sessions to remind them of their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Flip.
“Jun is so like himself. He strives for a perfect sword. Perhaps that’s why, while he leaves no openings, he also lacks any sense of ease.”
Seok Myeong held up one of the sheets and tapped his chin.
He saw it every day, but Seok Jun’s swordsmanship was indeed flawless. In the past, Seok Myeong might have simply admired it and moved on, but he was different now. Drawing from his significant experiences, he knew that a sword should appear perfect, but it must not be perfect. If it is perfect, there is no room for growth, and the subtle nuances of its application vanish.
“He could definitely improve more than he has now.”
One must be strong yet supple, precise yet seemingly swift. The beauty of empty space, the lingering resonance—these concepts were vital even in the art of the sword.
Flutter.
He organized the advice he would give the following day and picked up the record for Seok Jin.
“This fellow… he’s interesting. Because he tries to perform every technique perfectly, he lacks a signature move. Is that why he hasn’t been able to stand out until now?”
Seok Myeong pondered the question, talking to himself.
Junior Brother Jin was the first to acquire the Qingcheng Heart Method by following Seok Myeong’s lead. Thanks to that, his internal energy had improved by leaps and bounds, but that advantage would gradually diminish. As the other disciples adapted and caught up, Jin risked falling back toward the mediocre bottom of the pack.
Because of this, he desperately needed a signature technique or a specialty.
Usually, a disciple’s path is determined by their master’s temperament and training style. Seok Jin’s master had been so thorough in teaching him to leave no openings that his unique flair had never been allowed to surface.
However, no two people in the world are exactly alike.
“…I should talk to him more. I need to figure out what he actually enjoys, not just what he’s been taught to learn.”
Scratch. Scratch.
Seok Myeong jotted down a few notes on Seok Jin’s progress. Next, he looked at Seok Hu’s record.
“Hu has plenty of ease, likely due to his optimistic personality. But his basics are lacking, and that’s a worry. The basics are the most important thing of all. Hmm.”
Scribble.
He decided he would have to be a bit stricter with him. As he drafted a fundamental training plan, Seok Myeong let out a small chuckle. He could almost hear Seok Hu screaming that he was dying.
“Once he has the basics down, he’s the type who will be stronger than anyone in a real fight.”
He marked the specific forms where Seok Hu’s movements were clumsy or where his concentration wavered.
Snap!
Next was Seok Mun.
“Mun has the most ideal movements for basic sword techniques. On the other hand, he’s vulnerable to unorthodox attacks. What should I do in this case?”
Holding the yellow paper, he continued his habit of self-dialogue. It was a remnant of his days as a bookworm, spent reading alone for hours on end. He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but speaking his thoughts aloud seemed to make the solutions feel more three-dimensional.
“It would be good to expand his range by having him face unorthodox attacks from a strong opponent. A strong opponent… Jun? That would be a good match. They’ll stimulate each other.”
Scribble. Scribble.
Seok Myeong placed Seok Mun’s paper next to Seok Jun’s and made a note.
Was it just his imagination? He could vividly see Seok Ho letting out a weird cry while using a bizarre technique, and Seok Jun chasing after him in a fit of temper.
He chuckled again, then narrowed his eyes. Only one person remained.
Seok Ho.
“Junior Brother Ho is still a bit of a puzzle. He isn’t particularly great at any one thing, but he has an extraordinary talent for boldly attempting things others wouldn’t dream of or don't even know about.”
It was a sense of adventure, so to speak.
People like him were generally clever. They learned anything easily at first, but they soon lost interest and failed to concentrate. Consequently, they often ended up being overtaken by the brothers who practiced steadily, leaving them in an awkward middle ground.
“Should I push him? Or just watch?”
Seok Myeong hesitated. The first option was to raise his capabilities through rigorous basic training, like Seok Hu. But Seok Myeong felt that didn't quite suit Seok Ho. It might overcome his weaknesses, but it could also kill his overall enthusiasm.
“Let’s watch him for a bit longer. I’m curious to see how far his wild streak takes him.”
Rustle. Rustle.
After recording the strengths and weaknesses of his junior brothers, Seok Myeong waited for the black ink to dry before closing the ledger.
The days had been busy. Restoring lost records from memory as the last Azure Cloud Taoist was a massive undertaking in itself. Yet, he couldn't neglect his duties as the Azure Martial Hall Master. Identifying the individual personalities, strengths, and weaknesses of his junior brothers and setting their training directions was also his responsibility.
Add to that his own personal cultivation, and he found himself short on time and mentally exhausted.
Though he corrected his brothers’ martial arts every evening, he was likely to forget the finer points if he didn't write them down beforehand.
“Am I not in there?”
Slide.
Sensing a presence, Seok Myeong looked up to see a welcome face.
“Yeon-hui?”
“Yes, it’s me. But why am I not in there?”
Yeon-hui stood with her hands on her hips, looking down at him with a pout. Seok Myeong scratched his head sheepishly.
“Haha.”
Now that he thought about it, he had promised to modify the Qingcheng Heart Method specifically for her since she was a woman, but he hadn't produced any results yet. The realization made him feel a bit guilty.
“Um, well. I’m feeling a bit tired, so shall we take a walk outside?”
“…….”
Yeon-hui stared at him for a moment before breaking into a soft smile.
“If you wish, Eldest Disciple.”
His intention was transparent, but she didn't think it would be a bad way to spend the time.
*
Crunch. Crunch.
Stepping on the frost that had fallen since dawn, Seok Myeong walked along the forest path next to the Azure Martial Hall with Yeon-hui.
The Azure Martial Hall was essentially an institution for training the elite of Qingcheng. Since it had been established only recently, the "garden" lacked any particularly impressive landscaping.
Crunch. Crunch.
Under the moonlight, the only sights to see were a small pond, a crumbling stone wall, and a gently flowing stream.
Sigh.
Suddenly, Yeon-hui exhaled a puff of white mist and asked, “Brother Myeong, do you realize how long it’s been since the two of us went out like this?”
“Now that I think about it, it has been a while. I’ve been quite busy lately, haven’t I?”
“Yes.”
“…….”
The answer came too quickly. Seok Myeong cleared his throat and managed a cliché excuse.
“I’m sorry. I simply couldn't find the time. It’s all due to my own shortcomings.”
“No, it’s a relief, actually.”
Yeon-hui’s words were sharp. Seok Myeong felt a wave of awkwardness, followed by a surge of guilt. Unlike with the other disciples, he had used his busyness as an excuse to pay her less attention than before.
No, he couldn't pay her attention. His mind had always been elsewhere.
The Qingcheng Heart Method. My junior brothers. The Elders.
And then there were the hardships he had faced regarding the Martial Alliance and the Giant Demons that had attacked Qingcheng. Because of all that, even the always-smiling Yeon-hui seemed to be growing a little weary.
Walking in silence, Seok Myeong and Yeon-hui eventually found a place to sit near the embankment.
Whoosh.
A cold wind blew, catching Yeon-hui’s hair and sending it fluttering.
“Aren't you cold?”
“I’m fine… Oh, thank you.”
When Seok Myeong took off his heavy robe and draped it over her shoulders, Yeon-hui’s face flushed slightly.
“…….”
Under the moonlight, Yeon-hui looked modest and pure wrapped in his oversized robe. Usually, her delicate appearance made one want to protect her, but tonight, there was something about her that made his heart race strangely.
Is she wearing makeup?
Thump.
Seok Myeong, who lived for nothing but martial arts, found this feeling unfamiliar. When he realized he had been staring blankly for too long, Yeon-hui turned her head away.
“Is there something on my face?”
“Ah, no, it’s just…”
Flustered, Seok Myeong quickly looked away and searched for a topic.
“The moon is very bright.”
Drift.
“…….”
Absurdly, at that exact moment, a patch of cloud drifted over and covered the radiant moon. Seok Myeong felt embarrassed, and Yeon-hui looked incredulous before finally bursting into a giggle.
“Honestly, Eldest Disciple… do you know how popular you are these days?”
“…Me?”
“Yes. There are rumors spreading among the disciples. They call you the living legend of Qingcheng, or something like that.”
“Haha… that’s just talk from the younger ones who like giving people titles.”
“There are even rumors that you’ll become the next Sect Leader.”
“That’s impossible. How could I ever be fit for such a position? Besides, isn't Seok Jun the more likely candidate?”
“Brother Jun said he has no intention of taking the role. He told me there’s no one more suited to be the next Sect Leader than you.”
“Really? Huh. That fellow…”
Seok Myeong was struck by both surprise and gratitude. Ever since the trouble with the Diancang Sect at the Martial Alliance and their return to the main mountain, he had felt that Seok Jun’s tone had become more respectful. But he hadn't expected him to go as far as declining the position of successor that had already been decided.
“Eldest Disciple, when you become the Sect Leader later…”
“Haha, I told you that won’t happen. How could I hold such a rank…”
“Please protect Qingcheng.”
Yeon-hui’s expression suddenly turned solemn.
“…….”
The laughter vanished from Seok Myeong’s face as well. This wasn't something said in jest or with light emotion—especially not coming from a virtuous woman like Yeon-hui.
“My father said that although we’ve become independent, not much will change as long as he remains Sect Leader. But he said there will be many ways you can be of help.”
“…….”
“Until now, you were just an Azure Cloud Taoist, and honestly, you endured all sorts of contempt. So, he thought that perhaps your heart might change when the time comes…”
“Yeon-hui.”
Seok Myeong called her name. His voice was softer than usual. Yeon-hui looked at him.
“I will protect this place with my life.”
“…….”
“The Qingcheng Sect is my home. This is where my precious family is.”
At those words, Yeon-hui stared at him in silence. Slowly, a smile began to spread across her eyes and lips. As her large eyes half-closed, she looked more beautiful to Seok Myeong than the moon in the sky.
“Then…” Yeon-hui spoke cautiously.
“What?”
“Don't forget me, either.”
This time, she didn't look away. She didn't act shy; she looked Seok Myeong straight in the eye.
“Of course.”
Seok Myeong gave a bright smile. How could he forget? To him, it was only natural that he should protect and look after his junior sister, Yeon-hui.
“Promise…”
“Hmm? Oh, right. I promise.”
Seok Myeong tilted his head slightly. He had a nagging feeling that what he was thinking and what Yeon-hui was saying were slightly… different.
“Hmph.”
He heard Yeon-hui grumble again.
“…….”
Feeling inexplicably awkward, Seok Myeong simply stared back up at the moonlight.