The Venerable's Invitation
Pae-jon slowly turned his gaze toward the sword that had fallen to the ground. He gradually realized that the fallen blade was his own, the very one that had been in his hand just moments ago. Then, his eyes drifted downward, and he stared blankly at his empty hand—the hand that had so clearly held the sword until just a moment before.
"Kahaha..." A sound of genuine refreshment escaped his lips. At the same time, a bright smile bloomed across his face as he sprawled out on the ground, arms and legs spread wide like a starfish. Lying there with a satisfied grin, he suddenly raised both arms in a respectful salute and shouted.
"Thank you for the lesson! Extreme Sword Dragon!"
The spar with Pae Do-wi had been bewildering to the very end. Still, since he had offered his greeting, I returned the salute with my own, though somewhat awkwardly.
"...Likewise. I learned much as well... Haha."
With Mukrin in hand, I left the training ground at a pace just slightly quicker than usual—noticeable, yet not quite. Once outside, I paused at the edge to catch my breath. Someone poked my back with a long scabbard. Without needing to ask, I knew it was Namgung Seha.
I took Mukrin's scabbard from her and sheathed the sword. She then handed me a damp cloth, cool from water.
"Well done."
Grateful for the unexpected thoughtfulness, I accepted the cloth and wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead and hair.
"Thanks for always looking out for me."
"Not many people can take care of you like I do, you know?"
Namgung Seha puffed out her chest with a playful smile, as if boasting. The sight made me chuckle despite myself.
I then greeted Namgung Jinhak and Namgung Hye, who had been watching the spar from the side.
"Hye. Hello? And it's been a while, Young Master."
"I was worried you might lose earlier, Brother."
"Yeah, it's been a while. That was a fine match—both you and the Peng Clan's young master."
After exchanging greetings, something caught my eye. Namgung Hye was clutching a book tightly to her chest—the most renowned historical text from the Chu Kingdom, Do-ol.
"What were you reading?"
"Hm? Oh. Lately, I've found reading quite enjoyable, so I picked up a history book to pass the time..."
Hmm. Enjoyable, she said. Even someone like me, who knew little of history or literature, had heard of Do-ol. Its contents, which captured an entire era, were anything but light reading. So this was the future strategist. Not long ago, Namgung Hye had despised studying as if it were death itself, yet now she was willingly delving into difficult historical texts with genuine delight. Though I had contributed nothing, a strange sense of pride and fondness welled up within me. I gently patted her small head.
We were still chatting when someone approached from behind with heavy, deliberate steps. The weight in their stride was considerable, yet distinctly different from the oppressive presence Pae Do-wi had carried earlier.
"Who is it?"
I turned and asked. The warrior from the Hebei Peng Clan, who had been approaching cautiously, flinched and took a step back. He quickly bowed and spoke.
"My apologies for interrupting your pleasant conversation. I am Yu, one of the Hebei Peng Clan's warriors. It is an honor to meet the renowned Extreme Sword Dragon and the three distinguished members of the Namgung Clan."
After flattering us with excessive courtesy, he paused briefly before continuing.
"I am unsure if you noticed, but the esteemed elder of our clan, Venerable Pae-jon, observed your spar briefly before departing."
Pae-jon? I hadn't noticed at all. Of course, it was possible not to sense his approach. After all, he was among the top ten masters even within the Transformation Realm. Yet he was still human, existing in the physical world. If he had appeared near the training ground, I should have noticed—especially while wielding a sword and scanning the area. It seemed I had been truly immersed in the duel.
With that thought, I listened attentively as the warrior named Yu continued.
"Venerable Pae-jon instructed me to inform you that he wishes to meet the Extreme Sword Dragon, Jin Sowoon. He said you may visit him at any time before your departure."
Pae-jon had summoned me? Judging people by appearance alone was unwise, but Pae-jon Paeng Yeon was not the type to enjoy company, just as his stern face suggested. From what I knew, he had lived a solitary life in the martial world since his youth, forming no particular bonds except with his late wife. That he had called for me was surprising enough, but there was more. He had invited me to come to him. There was a world of difference between summoning someone and granting them the choice to visit. Offering the option to come was far more considerate than a direct command. Regardless of the purpose or nature of our meeting, it was clear he was extending a measure of respect.
"If I may add, I strongly recommend you visit him, no matter the circumstances."
"Venerable Pae-jon does not easily receive guests."
...
"Pae-jon praised me and left?"
Namgung Seha pondered my question for a moment before tilting her head with an ambiguous expression.
"It didn't quite feel like praise. He did say you possessed remarkable talent... but it seemed more like an evaluation than a compliment."
Namgung Seha and I followed the Peng Clan warrior. Our destination was none other than Pae-jon Paeng Yeon's residence. Namgung Hye and Namgung Jinhak had gone their separate ways to attend to their own matters, leaving only Namgung Seha to accompany me and explain the situation during the duel.
"I will stop here."
Suddenly, Namgung Seha halted and waved goodbye. She pointed behind me with her hand. We had already arrived at Pae-jon's quarters. Though I had been granted permission to enter, she had not, so this was as far as she could go.
"Then, I hope your meeting is a pleasant one."
Leaving her farewell behind, I followed the Hebei Peng Clan warrior. He soon knocked on a door and announced.
"Venerable Pae-jon. I have brought the Extreme Sword Dragon, Jin Sowoon."
A moment later, a deep, resonant voice echoed from beyond the door.
"You may leave. Only the Extreme Sword Dragon may enter."
The warrior Yu gestured respectfully toward the door with both hands before quietly withdrawing. Following his cue, I opened the door after he had gone.
The room was empty. Utterly, almost absurdly empty. Even the Clan Leader's office and Namgung Jehyun's quarters had been modest, but this space was barren beyond reason. Not a single piece of furniture stood within. The only items present were a scroll inscribed with "Peng Clan's Invincibility" hanging on the wall and two long swords resting on a nearby stand. It hardly seemed like a place where someone lived.
Along with my astonishment came a surge of unease and déjà vu. Pae-jon was nowhere to be seen. He wasn't hiding or concealed. In a room this empty, what could he possibly be doing...
"Behind...!"
"Your judgment is quite sound."
I turned to find Pae-jon standing outside the door, looking down at me. His gaze was cold and devoid of emotion. After studying me for a moment, he slowly spoke.
"Greetings. You are the one who sparred with Do-wi... the Extreme Sword Dragon, correct?"
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, each step heavy with presence. Impressive. His aura and the power he exuded were formidable. Though he felt slightly lacking compared to my past self or Namgung Seha, he far surpassed our current level—and he had maintained his place among the Ten Venerables both then and now. Yet it wasn't merely that. There was an undeniable weight born from the experience of an old master, something even I could not dismiss. It was not savage or rough, yet it felt more threatening than either.
".... That is correct."
Hearing my answer, he nodded and stepped back into the room.
"Sit. Let us talk."