episode_0012

If it is a secret place that only Hongseongmun’s disciples can enter, then this secret place is also probably related to Hongseongmun.

Otherwise, the moment I entered this secret world, I would not have been so peaceful amidst the great challenge of breaking through it.

And, it seemed like others felt the same way.

” Ambassador’s residence. This is…”

“Umm…”

Hongryeon, who had already attempted the secret a few times, also felt this way for the first time.

This secret world was moving as if it was responding to those who had learned Hongseong Shingung.

Naturally, the inner energy of Hongseong Shingong within the Danjeon is moving. However, it may not be because of alertness to a crisis, but for something that will help oneself grow.

“Let’s proceed first.”

But even so, I couldn’t let down my guard. The secret world is a place of challenge prepared by our ancestors. Because it is a testing ground prepared for humans who must always raise their heads and look at the sky.

Therefore, each step was bound to be quite tense for them.

and.

In the first room they entered, they could not help but let out a sigh without even realizing it.

“This is…”

It was a large room. The bottom was filled with endless black darkness, and the floor to pass through was floating precariously in the air. It was like a star in the night sky.

As soon as they saw the positions of the stars, all three realized it at the same time.

This is a step method.

That too is a step they are familiar with.

Hongseong Shingong is a red star, that is, a martial art of the evil star that burns itself.

The evil star is strong, powerful, and has the power to destroy everything, but at the same time, it is fast enough that nothing can stop it.

The walking method that captures that speed is Seongryubo, one of Hongseong Shinggong’s walking techniques.

It was a walk containing the movement of a star that had to be done with strong legs trained through walking and hiking every day at Hongseongmun Gate.

A stepping stone is placed in a place that only those who have learned the steps can reach.

In other words, you could only pass this place if you learned Seongryubo.

“Is this really a secret place for Hongseongmun?”

Ryu Hyun muttered in a trembling tone as if he couldn’t believe it. Hongryeon could only nod her head, even though she knew it was not a statement expecting an answer.

What was in front of her was so clear that she had no choice but to do it.

“Can we get there with just a simple leap?”

“It’s not impossible. However, there is a hindrance.”

Ryu Hyeon threw the small memorized book he had taken out of his arms into the air.

Gang. With the sound of something hitting, the memorization flying in the transparent air is sucked into darkness. At the same time, what appeared to be slightly shaking was an iron plate of strange colors. It appeared to be shaking for a moment, but when the shaking stopped, the iron plate cleverly hid itself in the darkness again.

“If you use Bobeop or Gyeonggong in a way other than Seongryubo… you will collide with that iron plate.”

And in the worst case scenario, you’ll fall down there.

Of course, if you use a rising light attack or footwork, or rather, if you protect your body with a self-defense attack, you can ignore that obstacle and pass by.

Hongryeon glanced at Sayoon at Ryu Hyeon’s remarks.

“Can you do it?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s good. I will go first. Next is Sayun, and finally Ryu Hyeon.”

“Yes. All right. Ambassador.”

Hongryeon quickly gave instructions and took steps.

The first one is Geon (乾). Seongryubo is a walking method that captures the movement of stars across the sky. Of course, we must take steps based on the sky.

At the same time, the body glides and lands on Jin. The chest sound is as fast as thunder and contains its momentum.

When Seongryubo, based on the Bagua, was unfolded to the end, Hongryeon was able to reach the other end of the room without much interference.

“Sayun. Come.”

“Yes!”

Sayoon nodded vigorously and took a step forward. Like a skilled Hongryeon, there was nothing lacking in her footwork either. She crossed over like that, and only after reaching Ryuhyeon on the other side did the tightly closed door begin to open.

Hongryeon, who was staring at it, swallowed her saliva.

“Perhaps they will be testing Hongseong’s skills in the next room as well.”

“Uh… Then, Ambassador. What should I do?”

Aren’t you holding yourself back because you’ve only mastered the first half of Hongseong Shingong? Hongryeon grinned at Sayun, who was worried.

Her smile was like the trustworthy smile of the ambassador that Sayun and Ryu Hyeon were familiar with.

As Hongryeon predicted and Sayun and Ryu Hyeon guessed, most of the secret scenes were related to Hongseong Shingong. Bobeop, Jangbeop, Gwonbeop. Lastly, even the swordsmanship.

The good news is that it was an unexplored place that faithfully tested only the basics of Hongseong Shingong.

Is that why? This place seemed like a kind of training ground rather than a secret place for a challenge.

“It would have been nice if I brought other guys too.”

Sword marks identical to those engraved on the wall.

Hongryeon, who had created the same trace with the Honghwa Sword, a sword technique found in the first half of Hongseong Shingong, muttered bitterly as she looked at the door opening with the sound of Kugugung.

” Ambassador’s residence. Have you ever seen a secret place like this?”

“Well, I’ve seen something similar before.”

Of course, it wasn’t a secret place where one’s martial arts skills were openly tested. I have seen a few secret scenes that seem to measure the level of martial arts or perfection.

“And the end of such secret scenery…”

-Kkisss…!!”

A terrible sound comes from beyond the open door. When Sayun’s shoulders stiffened slightly and Ryu Hyeon held the sword hilt tightly, Hongryeon calmly took a step forward.

“Most of them had enemies.”

enemy. A magical beast prepared in a secret area.

By defeating it, which can be said to be the master of the secret world, you can break through the secret world.

Ryu Hyun nodded and then stepped forward. Hongryeon is in the back, and Sayun, who has relatively low martial arts skills, is in the middle.

The three of them formed a line and headed to the last room without relaxing, and that’s where they found it.

-Keee!!

four arms.

sturdy body.

What is impressive about the hideously distorted face are the teeth as sharp as saw blades.

A long, long tongue filled with saliva like dripping blood.

An ominous feeling was rising in the long, slitted eyes, and the long, vertical reptilian eyes regarded the three people who entered the room as prey.

-Kkeeek!!

Hongryeon knew well the identity of the ‘thing’ that raised its body and screamed loud enough to offend her nerves.

Sonachal.

A monster known for being the most familiar and ferocious among the monsters bound to secret places.

Hongryeon thought that it was more realistic than unrealistic that a terrible monster that eats people remained in this secret area.

That’s because the tests I’ve gone through so far were unrealistic.

“Let’s go.”

Ryu Hyun quickly aimed his sword at Sona Chal, who was looking at them as if spying on them. The energy of Hongseong Shingong, who is hostile to Sonachal, flows through her bloodstream and creates a reddish-red sword energy on the sword.

However, Hongryeon did not move. I just fold my arms and watch, as if gauging between reality and unreality.

” Ambassador’s residence?”

“Ryu Hyun. Go away.”

“Yes?!”

“Sa-yoon.”

“…Yes. Ambassador.”

“Can you do it alone?”

“The ambassador’s residence?!”

Ryu Hyun could not help but be shocked. Even though Sonachal is one of the most easily seen monsters in the secret world, it is still a monster.

If you’re caught by those long, thick forearms, your bones will break, and if you’re scratched by those sharp, blade-like nails, your flesh will be torn.

It is a dangerous enemy.

But why are they sending Sayun, who is still so young, alone?

No matter how weak Sonachal looks with deep wounds here and there.

But Hongryeon’s gaze was serious.

“If you can catch that thing on your own, you will grow further. And…”

“…I’ll try it.”

Ryu Hyeon tried to stop him, but Sayun took the initiative. In her hand was a wooden sword. Ryu Hyeon quickly threw the sword in an attempt to at least show off the real sword, and Sayun caught it and smiled slyly.

“Thank you.”

“Ugh… You have to be careful! If you think it’s dangerous, get out right away!”

Just knowing that there is someone who cares about you and can protect you can reduce tension.

Life or death.

Fighting with monsters was no different from a battle of the might of the jungle, with one risking one’s life.

If she could relieve some of the tension in a place like that, it would make her safer.

Ryu Hyun watched her approaching Sona Chal and then glared at Hongryeon.

“Why to Sayoon…”

“For now, let’s watch.”

Hongryeon, without her usual no-nonsense appearance, contained a coldness that no one could resist.

– Kyaaa!!

you can do it.

Sayoon avoided the sharp claws aimed at his head by lying down and quickly swung his sword. It’s not the first time I’ve held a true sword, but it’s the first time I’ve extended the sword towards a living thing.

No, should we consider that thing alive? That monster that is dripping with black body fluid like ooze and trying to attack you without caring about getting hurt?

Can this enemy, whose eyes contain only hostility and malice, really be said to be a living being?

Contrary to her rapidly moving thoughts, she moved her feet very naturally. There is less tension.

Is it because of the sisters behind me?

no. It’s not.

Maybe it’s because I’ve already felt more tension than this.

Maybe, unlike back then, the burden of not having someone to protect. It may be because it has decreased.

But what does that matter?

It’s not like what I have to do now has changed.

-Kyaaa!!

It must have been quite annoying to see Sayun dodging his own attacks, thrusting his sword at every opportunity, stepping backwards or using footwork to deliver punches.

Sonachal’s head rises, and murderous intent appears in his eyes.

But still, I wasn’t afraid.

I wasn’t nervous.

Sayun shook her head. A few strands of gray thread-like hair flew into the air, but there was no damage. In fact, he was able to use this to create a gap in Sonachal, and by aiming for that gap, he was able to stab his sword into Sonachal’s armpit.

-Wow!!

Even though the naturally ensuing sword strike inflicted a heavy blow on Sonachal, his greed did not stop. A half-cut arm falls from the flowing sword.

I kicked it and hit the Rakshasa, looking for an opportunity to take another step.

Like the movement of stars across the night sky, Sayun’s small body approaches Sonachal.

Something small.

A small thing that looks like it could die if it gets hit just once.

It was an unbearable humiliation for Sonachal to have a needle that was so sharp and threatening.

But even so, I had no intention of avoiding it. That’s why the two arms were thrown down.

-Suddenly!!

-Keee!!

It gets cut off.

Blood storm. It was a splendid feat achieved through the unfolding of one of Hongseong Shingong’s sword techniques.

Of course, a blood storm of Sayoon’s level couldn’t split Sonachal’s thick skin and bones in one go.

Nevertheless, the reason Sonachal’s arm was cut off was because he had continued to target it until now, weakening its skin.

But what does it matter now?

One important thing.

Sonachal’s arm was cut off.

It’s just that a big gap has been created for her.

Therefore, Sayun quickly approached Sonachal.

Sonachal took a step back at the momentum shown by the little girl who had looked down on her, ignored her, and thought she was just a toy to be torn to death.

The momentum was completely suppressed.

-to…

Then there is no reason to hesitate any longer.

Sayun spun the hand holding the sword and quickly thrust it out, and the sharp sword stroke turned into a ray of starlight and pierced Sonachal’s heart.

“Haak…Haak…”

Only after Sonachal’s body collapsed did Sayun take a deep breath.

The first half of Hongseong Shingong. Even though I only used the things I reconfirmed while breaking through this secret area, I was able to defeat Sonachal.

She stared blankly at the ruined Sonaksa Temple and stepped back. I aimed my sword, wary of possible resurrection, but the collapsed Sonachal did not rise.

Only then did she turn her head and see it there.

Ryu Hyun smiles brightly and applauds.

Hongryeon, who believed in me.

But what she sees goes beyond.

Although they are not by my side like Hongryeon and Ryuhyeon, there are people who are considered more precious because of that.

‘…Thank you. mister.’

She expressed her gratitude to her benefactor, who seemed to have taught her about this place in order to help her grow.

I thought I would write a letter as soon as I got back.