Chapter 137: The Disciple’s Disciple-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 137: The Disciple’s Disciple-2
It was purely the Grandmaster’s choice to take me in as the 38th disciple of the Flame Wheel Art.
Because of that, I had firmly believed I possessed some innate talent for martial arts, but my actual progress was underwhelming, to say the least.
When it came to physical conditioning or grasping the forms of the techniques, I was quick to understand and apply them. However, I was a total failure at manipulating internal energy—the very foundation of martial arts.
I wondered if it was because I came from a world where internal energy didn't exist at all; perhaps that was why sensing and controlling this "qi" was so difficult for me.
My Master said it took her only three days to achieve Ignition, yet here I was, nearly a month after first learning the technique, unable to produce even a tiny spark.
Martial arts are truly mysterious. It feels like you’re just on the verge of getting it, but then it slips away the moment you try. It’s a lot like playing a gacha game. You press the button, certain that this time you’ll pull a top-tier character, only to end up with a pile of duds.
I had exerted myself with such bravado, but with no results to show for it, I was driven nearly to distraction. I suppose this is why people in Murim novels go to such extreme lengths to get stronger.
Anyway, it had been a month since my Master began teaching me the Flame Wheel Art. The Grandmaster decided it was time to check my progress, and I had to show her exactly what I had achieved: absolutely nothing. Not even a single flicker of flame.
I expected the Grandmaster to say something after seeing my pathetic display, but she simply nodded and left, saying she needed to check on the nearby civilian houses.
I figured the Grandmaster didn't think much of it and was just checking in, but my Master saw it differently.
"She must be disappointed."
Before I knew it, my Master was moping, dragging the toe of her shoe through the dirt.
"Huh? What?"
She crouched down on the ground and started doodling with a twig.
"She probably thinks I have no talent for teaching...."
"Since when did you start blaming yourself? I figured you were the type to just blame me for having no talent."
Seeing her actually reproaching herself was surprisingly touching. As a teacher, recognizing one's own shortcomings and feeling responsible... that’s the mark of a true educator. As expected of my Master...
"I should have been able to make even a talentless, good-for-nothing bug like you achieve Ignition...."
That little shorty who can't teach for shit.
"Hey, maybe you should actually teach me properly before saying stuff like that."
"Silence. I showed you everything there is to see."
"That’s the problem—you only showed me. You should explain the theory, too. Like how to circulate the energy, or how to focus power into my fingertips. What’s the point of showing me how to light a fire with your finger a thousand times a day?"
"Do you dare talk back to my teachings?"
"I’m speaking the honest truth, I swear to heaven. If you ever opened a dojo in some village, Master, you’d go bankrupt in a heartbeat."
"Silence! Such insolence!"
"Insolence or not, I have to say what needs to be said. Your teaching methods are a mess!"
"It’s because you’re incompetent!"
She looked up at me and shrieked in a shrill voice that made my ears ring.
"I knew you’d say that eventually. But that doesn't change anything. You have no talent for teaching, Master."
As I kept grumbling and getting under her skin, I pushed a bit too hard, and her face turned bright red.
—Whack!
"Gah!"
Master sprang up in an instant and delivered a low kick to my shin. I collapsed onto the ground, and with tears welling in her eyes, she bolted off in the direction the Grandmaster had gone.
Ow, damn, that hurts.
*
The Grandmaster and my Master returned around sunset. Judging by the bundle they were carrying, it looked like they had bought ingredients for dinner at the market.
"You're back."
I stopped spacing out and stood up to greet them. To be precise, I gave a polite bow to the Grandmaster.
"Hmph."
Master, who was carrying the bundle, brushed past me. It was her turn to cook tonight.
"Yes. Sit for a moment."
The Grandmaster pointed to a stone about ten paces away. I perched my backside on the jagged rock, while the Grandmaster leaned her back against a nearby tree.
"I’ve already told So-yu, but there’s something I need to tell you as well."
"What is it?"
"We are leaving Sichuan. We’ve helped those affected by the Blood Demon quite a bit, and we’ve cleared out the bandits swarming the area. There’s no longer a reason to stay here."
"Where are we going this time?"
To be honest, it was all the same to me. Every town was a place I didn't know anyway.
"We’re going to Anhui. The Murim Alliance is located there."
"The Murim Alliance? Do you have business there?"
"Well, the various sect leaders and family heads gather periodically to discuss matters... but there’s also a Sparring Tournament coming up soon."
"Ah... I see. So Master will be participating."
A Sparring Tournament was a place where promising young martial artists tested their skills. As the successor of the Flame Wheel Art, it was only right for my Master to attend.
"And you’re entering as well."
"Eh? Me?"
"Yes, you too. However, So-yu will be the only one entering under the name of the 'Successor of the Flame Wheel Art.' I’ll create a plausible identity for you."
"Is it because...?"
Don't tell me, is it because I have no talent and she doesn't want me ruining the Flame Wheel name?
"It’s not what you’re thinking."
The Grandmaster beat me to the punch after seeing my face.
"By law, the Three Great Inherited Martial Arts of the Orthodox Sect must only have two people at a time: the one passing it down and the one receiving it. That is why."
"Oh? Then what am I?"
"I used a bit of a loophole for So-yu’s sake."
"Grandmaster, I bet you were quite the troublemaker when you were young."
When I let out a small chuckle, the Grandmaster looked at me and smiled as well.
"Indeed, I caused my own master quite a lot of grief."
"Ah... but I’ve never actually sparred before. I’m worried. How much time do I have to prepare for the tournament?"
"Considering the travel time to Anhui and other factors, you have about a month and a half."
"A month and a half...."
"In-ho. You don't need to feel too pressured. I don't expect great things from you immediately."
The smiling Grandmaster turned serious as she looked at me.
"I believe that you will do great things in the distant future."
"Whoa... putting that kind of expectation on me already...."
"Haha, regardless, I trust you."
The Grandmaster stepped closer and patted my shoulder. It hurt like hell.
"Master, dinner... is ready."
While I was chatting with the Grandmaster, my Master approached and announced it was time to eat.
*
After finishing dinner, I kept spitting as I did the dishes. The thick saliva wouldn't just fly out; it kept sticking to my mouth.
"Ugh, damn it..."
Why? Because the food Master made was incredibly spicy. After finishing her meal, the Grandmaster had left the campsite for a walk, leaving me to do the dishes while trying to soothe my burning tongue.
"Dammit."
I took a mouthful of water and swished it around like mouthwash. Holding the water in my mouth was the only way to dull the heat.
"Um... are you alright?"
Master was standing beside me, fidgeting with her hands anxiously.
—Gurgle, ptui!
I spat out the water and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
"I'm fine."
"...I didn't know you were so bad with spicy food. Or, well, maybe I just didn't balance the spice well."
Master mumbled in a voice as tiny as a mosquito's buzz.
"It’s just because I’m a spicy-wimp. It’s not your fault, Master."
"Spicy-wimp? What does that mean?"
"Oh, it means someone who can't handle spicy food. It’s a term from my hometown."
"What a strange word."
—Clatter, clink.
I continued washing the dishes, dipping them in and out of the basin. Master kept standing there hesitantly; seeing her look so unsure instead of her usual arrogant self made me feel a bit bad.
"Hey, Master."
"What is it?"
"Um... don't take what I said earlier to heart. I was just talking."
"What words? I don't hold onto things like that. You calling me a 'completely useless master' is nothing to me."
"You're totally holding onto it. And I never said that. I just said you're a terrible teacher."
"Urgh... that’s basically the same thing!"
"Anyway, it’s because I lack talent. Don't blame yourself. I’ll try harder."
"......"
Master fell silent, as if she’d swallowed a honey-coated mute button.
I set the rinsed dishes in a decent spot. They’d dry on their own overnight. Straightening my back, I looked up at the sky. The night sky was densely packed with stars, and it was quite a sight to behold.
"What are you looking at?"
Master asked suddenly.
"Haha, can't you tell? I'm looking at the sky. Gack!"
I had answered in a deep, sage-like voice, mimicking an old man. Master’s fist promptly collided with the top of my head. The scene reminded me of that "Be quiet!" meme I’d seen on the internet once.
"I asked because you had a thoughtful look on your face. What were you thinking about? Your hometown? Friends?"
"Nah, nothing like that. I’m just looking because the night sky is pretty."
I answered while rubbing my throbbing head.
"Ho... so you enjoy scenery. That’s unlike you."
"Is there anyone who doesn't?"
When I replied with a smirk, Master threw another question at me.
"Then, of all the sights you've seen, is there one that sticks in your memory the most?"
Scenery... scenery, huh.
"Hmm... was it in Hanam?"
"Hanam?"
"It was some mountain in Hanam... the sunset I saw on the way to the summit was truly beautiful."
I slowly began to speak, tracing back through my old memories.
"Sheer cliffs, the forest spreading out beneath them, and the sunset illuminating it all...."
"It sounds like a truly beautiful sight just from hearing about it."
Master closed her eyes, seemingly painting the scene I described in her mind.
"I’d like to see that sight someday. If it’s a view that even a cocky, dry bastard like you would praise so highly."
Master opened her eyes and looked at me with a smile. I smiled back and replied.
"You’ll definitely see it. I guarantee it."
Our conversation continued under the night sky, where stars fell like rain.