episode_0042

However, the man’s skill was highly praised.

This is my training!

He shouted, but Cheong had nothing to say in response.

In the end, it was a pure swordsmanship training that could not be found to have any practicality.

Cheong thought it was just a way to pass the time.

But with added physical exhaustion.

What’s the point of training like this?

However, it turned out to be a strangely beneficial time.

“The technique of Seomun Sojeo is truly excellent.”

“It’s not something to be taken for granted. Just like we don’t praise the sun for rising and setting diligently.”

“That confidence! A great attitude of a swordsman! I learn something new like this again.”

Namgung Shinjae nodded his head and continued speaking.

“But Seomun Sojeo’s sword is too honest. The sword of a swordsman should be free.”

“….?”

Cheong tilted his head in confusion.

What does it mean for a sword to be free?

Should the sword, like a master, find freedom and wander around alone?

If that’s the case, why am I here at the peak?

“Come, you’ll understand once you see it. This is the third form of the Changcheon Sword, the Hwajeolpung.”

The sword tip descended as if sweeping the ground, rotating twice horizontally along with the body.

And then repeated the same form several times.

However, each repetition was different.

It had the elasticity of a snake striking its prey.

In the repetitive forms, there was the heaviness of a rolling rock, the leisure of a flying bird, and the bustling of an ant colony.

“Oh…”

“Do you understand? Depending on how you wield it, the nature of the sword changes even with the same form. Seomun Sojeo’s form is exquisite, and apart from our Namgung family, there are few who can match his skill in the world, but he always sticks to the same form.”

It’s a valid point, but why does he seem more like a master?

Cheong felt slightly frustrated.

“It’s a shame. If he had said that after winning once, it might have been cool.”

“Hmph, there’s no shame in being lacking. It’s only shameful not to strive forward.”

“Sorry. Then what does that make me…?”

Cheong immediately apologized.

“It’s okay. Aren’t we both swordsmen?”

Namgung Shinjae smiled, showing his white teeth.

What’s with him? He’s weird, but he’s a cheerful guy.

“In my opinion, Seomun Sojeo should practice the essence of the three forms of Samjae. What do you think?”

“Samjae Sword? That? Stabbing, slashing, and thrusting?”

It was embarrassing to call it a sword technique.

It was just three basic forms of the sword.

Striking vertically, slashing horizontally.

And one varied depending on the region.

Some said to stab, some said to bend, and some said to sweep in a circle.

It was like a three-course meal at different restaurants.

The first two were fixed, and the last one subtly inserted their own neighborhood shop.

In other words, the first two were the real deal.

The vertical strike was the Taesan Pressure, a name as grand as the pressure of a mountain pressing down, penetrating the core.

The horizontal slash was the Hwangsogeung, meaning to swing the sword once and defeat a thousand enemies.

It was also grand but easy to understand.

“So. Um. How about Seomun Sojeo facing me with just those two forms? Just focusing on the essence of the sword without using any tricks.”

“Hmm…?”

Cheong carefully observed Namgung Shinjae’s expression.

The corners of his mouth subtly curved.

Cheong immediately caught on.

Using only two forms and no tricks.

How am I supposed to win then?

It seems like a trick to try and win once.

Finally, he was impressed. Look at this kid.

However, Cheong’s abilities were already hovering at the edge of human limits.

Assuming a world where everyone does not use inner energy, Cheong would have been hailed as the greatest martial artist, rebellious and majestic like a martial arts queen.

And shortly after, Namgung Shinjae, holding a broken wooden sword, spoke.

“Come to think of it, without using inner energy, there seems to be no significance in the increase of martial power. Well, inner energy is an important matter. Ah.”

—-

King Darius of Persia said,

“A thoughtful and devoted friend is the most valuable asset in the world.”

Cheong, the outsider elder of the Shinnyeomun, agreed with him.

Adding a word, he would say that if that friend is wealthy, they would be even more valuable.

Namgung Shinjae was a very cheerful man.

If you were to point out the most manly aspect of him, it would be that whenever he was in the city, he always dined at the most famous restaurant.

Usually, when it came to the most famous restaurant in the city, it was impossible to just show up and demand food without a reservation. But Namgung Shinjae was a Namgung.

Originally, the Namgung family were either local nobles or descendants of nobles.

Among them, there were a few particularly influential families.

The Namgung family was just the lord of Anhwiseong.

The restaurants that welcomed the lord of Anhwi were more than happy to have him as their guest.

It was a matter of honor, how dare they complain about reservations!

Cheong’s nature was infinitely happy in the face of food.

It was a natural inclination.

A person who had fought over discarded food with beggars, strong beggars, rats, cockroaches, and even puppies.

Naturally, he became attached to food.

He wondered if there were days as comfortable as this in the world outside the martial arts world.

Of course, Shinnyeomun was an exception because it was home.

Home was naturally comfortable.

It was not just about satisfaction with food.

This, the martial arts competition, was more enjoyable than expected.

“Good, I’m full, let’s compete, Geomu!”

“Very well! To compete right after eating, you truly have the qualifications to be called Geomu!”

Namgung Shinjae was sincere about his sword, and he had a talent that even he did not know.

Cheong quickly grasped that realization.

And finally.

After the competition, Cheong took a deep breath.

“Phew…”

Cheong finally reached enlightenment.

He understood the difference between martial power and martial form.

By incorporating his own essence into the form, he realized that everyone could master the same martial arts differently.

He had finally reached enlightenment!

The gap between his skills and ignorance had finally narrowed.

Cheong was someone who had learned martial arts haphazardly.

He had no foundation or basics, just using whatever was stuck in his head, so what did he know about enlightenment.

—-

A month had passed.

Cheong had reached the southwestern tip of Hanam Province, the desolate land of Hwangcheon.

Cheong thought to himself.

How can a city be named Desolate? Isn’t that ominous?

Having succeeded in Hwangcheon and made a name for himself, he would now bring his parents to Hwangcheon.

But no good examples came to mind.

Cheong did not know, but the city of Hwangcheon in Jungwon Province was not just one or two.

In terms of villages, there were easily hundreds.

This was because there were many places in Jungwon with muddy yellow water.

People settled there and made it into a city called Hwangcheon.

But Hanam Province’s Hwangcheon was special.

It was the largest city among the countless Hwangcheons.

Entering the inn and sending the carriage back, Namgoong Shinjae paid the remaining balance, and naturally proceeded to the best inn in the heavenly realm.

Indeed. It was said to be the best inn.

The massive crowd visible from afar was not ordinary.

It was a crowd that seemed to surround the entire city walls.

Cheong’s eyes sparkled.

“Oh. Why is that inn so popular? Can we expect something good?”

“No matter how good the inn is, can so many people gather like that? It must be something special.”

“Something special?”

Namgoong Shinjae’s eyes flickered.

“Surely, a renowned sword master must be present. Everyone must be flocking to get a glimpse of his exceptional swordsmanship. Otherwise, there is no way to explain such a large crowd.”

“…I see. If you say so, then it must be true.”

Cheong just sighed deeply.

“Thinking about it, I can’t wait either. Let’s go meet him and ask for some guidance.”

Namgoong Shinjae, unable to contain his excitement, strode forward eagerly.

Cheong shook his head.

What exactly is a sword, and what is swordsmanship?

How could a well-off young man be turned into such a mess?

Cheong sighed and followed the precious water carrier.

Soon, Namgoong Shinjae’s steps came to a halt.

Cheong caught up and saw a disappointed expression on his face.

“Why?”

“It’s all women inside.”

“So?”

“I’ve seen this kind of situation several times. It seems that the sword master is not present. I was excited for a short moment.”

Ah, the wall of women.

Cheong also noticed a subtle hint.

That’s right. It looks like this from the outside.

“Oh. I see.”

He caught a glimpse of the scene inside.

Well, an illegal underground fighting competition must be taking place.

Namgoong Shinjae sighed deeply.

“It seems there is a familiar young man inside. He may not use a sword, but he uses a blade. He may be foolish, but he is not evil. I might pretend to know him for a while. Is that okay?”

Do wealthy young men all know each other?

It seems natural for conglomerate children to gather among themselves.

“Of course, it’s okay. It’s fine.”

Then Namgoong Shinjae reiterated.

“In fact, he may act disrespectfully towards the women, or even towards the sword master. He’s not a bad person, so please understand him with a broad mind. Just don’t pay too much attention to that side.”

Instead of answering, Cheong simply offered a gentle smile.