Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Guidance from the Sword King
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Geum Yuhwa was utterly shocked when she first laid eyes on the Sword King. It had been over sixty years since he first made his name known in the world. And it was a full forty years ago that he earned the title of Sword King. No one could pinpoint his exact age, but it was clear he was well over eighty.
Yet he looked no older than his early forties. How could she not be surprised?
At first, she nearly mistook him for a fraud. But her father, Geum Jahang, who knew the Sword King well, vouched for him, so she had no choice but to believe.
Not many people even knew what the Sword King looked like. That was precisely why they had asked him to handle this matter. If the Demonic Alliance learned of his involvement, they wouldn't dare act rashly.
"Don't worry too much. I'll make sure you're safe."
Yeom Cheol-gun suddenly opened his eyes and spoke. Geum Yuhwa flinched in surprise but soon broke into a broad smile. The Sword King was showing consideration in his own way. There was no need to stay tense around someone who was looking out for her.
Geum Yuhwa steadied her breathing and relaxed. She might have gotten involved for the money, but this was still the Sword King—one of the top five strongest in the entire martial world. What was there to fear with him protecting her?
"I appreciate your help."
Geum Yuhwa bowed her head in fresh gratitude. Yeom Cheol-gun nodded at the sight.
"Indeed, you're worthy of Yu Baek-sang's choice."
Geum Yuhwa's eyes sparkled briefly at his words, but that was the end of the conversation. The Sword King closed his eyes again, and his mouth stayed shut until the carriage came to a halt.
Dan Hyeong-u, who had been sitting uncomfortably next to Jong Chil at the driver's seat, finally couldn't take it anymore and shot to his feet.
Jong Chil jumped in alarm and glanced at him. Dan Hyeong-u shot him a quick look before leaping lightly onto the carriage roof.
Once he landed softly on the roof, Dan Hyeong-u returned to his usual expressionless face and stood there, facing the wind. The rocking carriage posed no issue for him. He could stand steady in far rougher conditions.
Jong Chil clicked his tongue at the sight.
"No one in the world likes standing like that as much as this guy. Sheesh."
He shook his head for a moment before focusing back on driving. At this brisk pace, any lapse in concentration could make the carriage jolt badly—and no one inside wanted that.
How long had they traveled like that? By the time the sun was dipping low, they finally entered a large village.
Jong Chil let out a sigh of relief and steered toward the biggest inn in town. Upon arrival, he quickly stopped the carriage and opened the door.
The Sword King and Geum Yuhwa emerged. Her striking beauty drew eyes from all around, but the Sword King's sharp aura kept anyone from meeting her gaze.
"Please, come inside."
Jong Chil guided them in. In the short time it took them to disembark, he had reserved the entire rear courtyard of the inn. All expenses for this trip were covered by the Golden Lotus, so money was no object.
True to its size, the inn's rear courtyard was spacious and well-kept.
Geum Yuhwa entered the most luxurious room under Jong Chil's guidance, while the Sword King took the one opposite. Jong Chil and Dan Hyeong-u dumped their gear in a spot a bit farther off and headed out to train.
The vast courtyard had a wide open training ground, perfect for martial arts practice—designed for the many martial artists who frequented the place.
"Wow, nice setup."
Jong Chil joked as he walked out. Dan Hyeong-u showed no reaction, but Jong Chil kept chattering amiably as they reached the yard and drew his sword. He was a full-fledged escort now. Strictly speaking, he was still a bit behind the old Henan Escort Bureau veterans, but with Dan Hyeong-u at his side, he'd surpass them soon enough.
Jong Chil drew his sword and carefully practiced downward strikes. Dan Hyeong-u watched him silently.
He trained until dinnertime, scarfed down a meal, then swung his sword relentlessly into the late hours. Drenched in sweat and bone-tired, he still felt great. The lightning qi sparking along his sword path seemed to be growing more frequent.
His first goal: summon lightning qi without Dan Hyeong-u around.
As Jong Chil trained intently, the Sword King quietly stepped into the yard. Staying cooped up in his room felt stifling. With no real danger for the next few days, he could leave Geum Yuhwa be for a bit.
The main reason for Yeom Cheol-gun's emergence was curiosity. Back in the carriage, he'd noticed one of the escorts leap onto the roof from the driver's seat.
Standing steady on a speeding, rocking carriage required exceptional lower body stability and balance. It spoke of either raw talent or deep training.
The Sword King had a reputation for being eccentric. Those who'd crossed paths with him all said the same. In truth, he simply acted on his whims. Some received great aid from him; others bore lasting scars—or worse, death.
In any case, his curiosity drew him out to watch Jong Chil train.
"Hmm."
The Sword King stroked his chin, eyes gleaming. He'd come for the escort but found something far more intriguing.
"Well now... impressive."
He was genuinely impressed. Only the Sword King could appreciate Jong Chil's swordplay. To anyone else, the feeble downward swings would look like child's play.
But not to him. He alone could clearly see the transformations in Jong Chil's strikes.
"Exceptional qi control. Talent, perhaps?"
The Sword King nodded repeatedly before sighing inwardly.
"Masterful qi manipulation, but sword handling is sorely lacking."
It was an obvious critique. Jong Chil had only picked up scraps of escort arts; he was a total beginner. Of course his sword looked clumsy to the Sword King's eyes.
"Shall I give him a pointer?"
He muttered to himself. A few had received his guidance before. Who was he? The pinnacle of swordsmanship. Even a single word from him could unlock new realms—a stroke of fortune.
The Sword King was in high spirits. He'd found a way to cure his daughter's illness and secured the funds. Stumbling on this entertaining scene only sweetened the mood.
Correcting the young man's form seemed a small price for his joy.
He'd just resolved to do so when Jong Chil's session wrapped up.
"Hey, you there."
Jong Chil startled and turned at the call, freezing solid. He knew exactly who they were escorting.
"M-me?"
The Sword King smiled and nodded at his fluster—the exact reaction he'd anticipated. Maybe he even enjoyed these moments.
"You've got remarkable talent. Your qi control is superb."
Jong Chil felt like he might float away. The Sword King himself had acknowledged him.
"Th-th-th-thank you!"
The Sword King waved off his frantic bow.
"No need for thanks; it's just the truth. That said, your forms look a bit awkward. Mind if I refine one for you?"
Jong Chil could barely think straight. The Sword King—one of the world's top ten experts, the absolute peak of sword arts—offering to teach him? How could anyone stay composed?
"R-really?"
The Sword King turned serious.
"Do I strike you as someone who jests idly?"
Jong Chil plummeted into panic. How dare he question the Sword King?
"N-no way! I-I'm just so thrilled... I couldn't believe it!"
Words tumbled out incoherently. The Sword King watched with amusement before smiling.
"Come here."
Guided by the Sword King's hand, Jong Chil returned to the yard, hanging on every word amid the daze.
"I watched your entire session. Your qi control is outstanding, but you obsess over it too much."
Jong Chil nodded vigorously. Who was he to disagree? Besides, he hardly understood it himself.
"Show me your strike first."
Jong Chil swung downward as practiced, with utmost care.
Swoosh.
His sword glided lightly from above. The Sword King nodded.
"See? Your sword path wavers."
"My sword path wavers?"
Jong Chil gasped. Even a newbie like him knew that was a problem.
"It's because you cling too tightly to your qi. Sometimes, you need to let go boldly."
Stepping behind, the Sword King gripped his hand and swung.
Scree!
The sword fell cleanly with a razor-sharp whistle, brimming with enough momentum to shred anything in its path.
As Jong Chil gaped, the Sword King smiled.
"How's that? The proper path."
"Th-thank you!"
Jong Chil bowed repeatedly, then mimicked the motion.
Swoosh!
A sharp wind howled from his blade—leagues beyond his evening practice. Fast, keen, transformed.
All from a few words from the Sword King.
Satisfaction crossed his face. Jong Chil’s natural talent wasn’t bad either. He taught a few more essential techniques—diligent practice would elevate him high.
Nodding at Jong Chil demonstrating them, the Sword King foresaw explosive growth. Combined with his qi mastery, the sky was the limit.
Under that gaze, Jong Chil sank back into training trance.
Dan Hyeong-u watched them quietly, then shook his head slightly and slipped inside.
The Sword King, still nodding at Jong Chil's swings, noticed Dan Hyeong-u's absence.
'Huh. Figured I wouldn't teach him, so he left?'
He nodded to himself. It had to be.
"Tch. No patience... A bit longer and I'd have shown him a thing or two. But not today—no point."
Muttering, he returned to his room.
Alone in the yard, Jong Chil swung through the night, perfecting the Sword King's sword path until dawn.
The next day, Jong Chil climbed into the driver's seat with bloodshot eyes and took the reins.
"Yaaawn."
He yawned hugely, checked that the Sword King and Geum Yuhwa were aboard, waited for Dan Hyeong-u on the roof, then set off slowly.
His condition was rough—no sleep at all. But with superhuman endurance and focus, he drove smoothly. The Sword King rode inside—the man who'd bestowed such grace.
Smooth didn't mean dawdling; they had a pace to keep. Heochang to Suzhou was over two thousand li. Half by carriage, then waterways to save time.
Plan: through Henan's Yeongseong, into Anhui, then Jiangsu to Hongze Lake for a boat to Suzhou.
Forcing open drooping eyes, Jong Chil cracked the whip relentlessly. Speed had to hold.
Inside, the Sword King meditated eyes closed. Geum Yuhwa wanted to chat but couldn't with him so still.
How much time passed? Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.
"They're here."