Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Guest - 2
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"Haaap!!"
As if he had no intention of holding back or testing the waters, he unleashed a powerful blade art with a grand swing.
-Rumble...!!
The roar of thunder.
It was the Paeng Family's Primal Chaos Thunderbolt Divine Art in action. As a thunderbolt-like energy surged into his blade, I slowly exhaled and circulated my Five Elements Circulation Art.
-Craaaang!!
The clash of blade and sword rang out loudly. I staggered back three steps, while he retreated just one. Proof that in a contest of raw power, I was at a disadvantage.
"Ha! To block that! Not bad at all!! Here comes the next one!!"
Was he planning to end it with just the first strike? With a hearty laugh, Paeng Yu-seok charged in, aiming a fiercer attack than before. It was bold, straightforward, and linear.
In other words, few feints or changes in motion. That meant my counter was illusionary tactics.
I drew forth the fire energy from my Five Elements Circulation Art.
"Huh?"
His downward slash halted, shifting into a thrust. As the surprised Paeng Yu-seok twisted his body to evade, I seamlessly transitioned it into a slash.
Using the fire energy of the Five Elements Circulation Art allowed for fluid changes in techniques.
The Three Ultimates Sword Art I had learned was a simple sword style built on just slashes and thrusts. It might be impossible to fully draw out its profound meanings, but adding changes like this wasn't too difficult.
"Tch!! You think a little feint like that will beat me?!"
I dodged or parried his relentless assaults, holding my ground. Then he stamped down hard with his front foot, unleashing a thunderbolt strike.
-Chaaaang!!
I raised my sword to block, but the overwhelming force pushed me back anyway. Laughing loudly as he pursued the retreating me, Paeng Yu-seok pressed his attack.
Yes. Keep it up. The openings in those attacks would be your downfall.
-Boom! Boom! Boom!
Blocking his increasingly powerful strikes was growing harder. So I summoned the metal energy. Using the iron-like strength renowned for its defensive prowess, I continued to defend. Through the barrage, I could see Paeng Yu-seok's stamina draining away.
A few more like this and...
"Huff... Huff..."
Was it from chaining those heavy techniques? Paeng Yu-seok's breathing grew ragged. Disrupted breath meant his forms were forced. I didn't miss it.
"Haaap!!"
A massive overhead strike came down. Instead of blocking as before, I let my sword flow with it. The Flower Redirecting Technique using water energy.
His own power redirected straight back at him. He twisted away in panic, and I seized the gap it created.
"......"
A thrust aimed at the opening from his disrupted stance. The sword tip touched Paeng Yu-seok's throat. One more inch, and it'd pierce clean through—a blatant fact. I withdrew my blade with a smile toward the groaning Paeng Yu-seok, who kept his mouth shut.
"It was an honor to witness the Paeng Family's domineering blade."
"...Feels like I got possessed by a ghost. To think you'd win with just the Three Ultimates Sword Art."
Paeng Yu-seok muttered in disbelief but didn't deny his defeat.
Smacking his lips, he sheathed his blade and turned to me with a cupped-fist salute.
"You idiot! Why the hell did you use Falling Moon Rising Sky there?!"
The moment he turned, a scolding awaited.
Under his younger sister Paeng Yu-ha's nagging, Paeng Yu-seok just stayed silent. Fair enough—the final move must've felt sloppy even to him.
If I hadn't exploited that gap, I might've kept getting pushed back.
"Your sword counters the blade style well. That last move was the Flower Redirecting Technique, wasn't it? Not something easily pulled off... If it's alright with you, could you spar with me as well?"
Un Cheon, who had been watching the duel, stepped forward. His calm, quiet aura felt far stronger than Paeng Yu-seok's. Could I win?
"No. If you fight him now, you'll lose, Jin Hyun."
My thoughts matched Yu Ye-ryeon's. She took a step forward, halting the duel, and Un Cheon lowered his head in regret.
"Isn't battling the strong a form of training?"
"I'll handle your training. Or are you saying you're stronger than me?"
"Of course not. Well... Understood. A loss is a loss, so we'll take our leave for now."
"Come back anytime. Just don't expect a proper match if we're not ready. And I won't make you take the inner pill until then."
"Thank you."
Un Cheon's expression soured. He'd caught on. To what Yu Ye-ryeon truly wanted: the warriors dispatched from the Heavenly Martial Hall.
He approached me, gave a cupped-fist salute, and spoke softly.
"Training the Three Ultimates Sword Art is fine, but learning other sword styles wouldn't hurt."
He'd noticed my Three Ultimates Sword Art was still incomplete. He was right.
I wasn't comfortable with Mount Tai Pressing Down or Sweeping Away Heavenly Armies yet, and Immortal's Path? I hadn't even grasped its meaning.
"The simpler it is, the harder it gets. Experiencing other sword arts first would accelerate your growth with the Three Ultimates Sword Art."
"My thanks for the advice."
"I recommend the Taiji Sword. Grasping its true essence would greatly benefit you."
True to his Wudang Sect roots, he suggested their art. There must be good reason to start with the Taiji Sword. I nodded, and Un Cheon smiled faintly before saluting and turning away.
As the Heavenly Martial Hall group left the estate, Yu Ye-ryeon smiled and asked me,
"Learn anything from this spar?"
"I feel like I gained more insight into using each energy of the Five Elements Circulation Art. And..."
"And?"
"Like Un Cheon said, I'd like to try the Taiji Sword."
"Tired of the Three Ultimates Sword Art?"
"Not at all. I just think understanding the principles in the Taiji Sword would help me wield the Three Ultimates Sword Art better."
"Good. I was thinking of teaching you the Taiji Sword soon anyway. Starting today, we'll add it to your sword training."
"Yes."
"Food first, though. I'm hungry. Make me some."
At her casual words, I could only nod.
After lunch and a short rest, we headed to the training ground. Normally she'd come empty-handed, but today she held a wooden sword—for demonstrating the Taiji Sword.
"The Taiji Sword consists of 54 forms total. Watch closely."
Her body moved lightly as she gripped the sword. I always thought the same: Yu Ye-ryeon wielding a sword was breathtakingly beautiful. The whoosh of the wooden sword slicing air, her long black hair fluttering—her ruby-like sparkling eyes accentuated her allure.
"There. See it all?"
"Yes."
"Can you imitate it?"
I shook my head. She shrugged, regripped her sword.
"Watch carefully."
The sword dance began anew. After observing from the first form to the 54th, I spoke as it ended.
"I don't quite get it."
"Yeah? One more time then."
Rather than complain, she calmly repeated the forms. On the third demonstration's end, I voiced what clicked.
"All the forms are different. Is the Taiji Sword formless?"
"Correct."
Beaming, she approached and patted my head. Felt like being treated like a kid.
"You can see the Taiji Sword and Three Ultimates Sword Art as nearly identical. The Taiji Sword isn't about mastering individual forms—it's about grasping their intent to wield the sword freely."
"I see."
"All the forms I showed had something in common, despite being different. Know what it is?"
A common point. There was definitely one.
"Circles."
Her sword traced circles every time. Satisfied with my answer, she grinned and nodded.
"Right. Every Taiji Sword form culminates in drawing circles to claim space. Remember that well."
"Hm... Not easy."
"Of course not. It's the first thing Wudang initiates learn, but few master it fully. That's how profound it is. In a way, it's the root of all Wudang sword arts."
Makes sense why Un Cheon suggested starting there, and why Yu Ye-ryeon had it in mind after the Three Ultimates Sword Art. I nodded, then tried mimicking her earlier motions. Unfamiliar posture made it awkward as hell, but Yu Ye-ryeon just smiled, satisfied.
"Taiji Sword's tough to practice solo, so I'll join you."
"Thank you."
"Psh, thanks my foot. Make something tasty later."
"Haha. Sure."
Wonder what to make today.
Maybe I should whip up something special sometime.
"Um... Manor Lord."
It was then. A servant girl approached the training ground, holding a letter in hand.
"What is it?"
"A letter arrived."
Yu Ye-ryeon took it, unfolded it, and furrowed her brow slightly. What could it be about?
"The Namgung Family is inviting you. Or more precisely..."
She handed it to me and continued.
"They're asking for help because Namgung Hye has fallen into a heart demon."