Chapter 34: Obtaining a Martial Art and Sworn Siblings (3)

After their spar, the two of us would often talk about each other’s martial arts.

As this went on for several days, others began to think we were obsessed with martial arts.

That state lasted for ten days.

But thanks to it, we gained many insights.

Since the martial arts of the Heavenly Central Sect originated from the Hidden Saint Cult, I found Jong Seok’s explanations particularly relatable.

Once again today, after sparring for about an hour, the two of us sat by the well and drank water.

“Young Master Yong, your swordsmanship is extremely meticulous and powerful, but in reality, its strength seems rather lacking. I apologize if this sounds rude, but I can’t help but feel it’s like a dragon’s head with a snake’s tail.”

Jong Seok spoke, half-expecting me to get angry.

That’s how risky it was to comment on another sect’s martial arts in a critical manner.

I let out a deep sigh.

But inside, I was smiling with satisfaction.

“Brother Jong, your insight is impressive. Truth be told, that’s been a concern of mine for a long time. The martial arts of my main house lost their original cultivation method long ago and ended up incorporating a different one. In my opinion, our sword arts were designed to work atop that lost cultivation method. The current method doesn’t quite align with the swordsmanship of my family.”

I honestly confessed the flaw of our secret martial art.

However, Jong Seok interpreted that honesty as a sign of a straightforward personality and harbored no suspicion.

Had he been someone more suspicious, he might have found something off about what I’d said. But because Jong Seok mistakenly believed me to be a pure-hearted man, he never even considered doubting me.

“I see… so that’s the situation.”

While Jong Seok sat lost in thought for a long while, I stepped away.

‘Hahaha, at this rate Brother Jong will be handing over a cultivation method soon enough.’

From my perspective, Jong Seok was a gullible rookie, easy to coax.

About ten days passed, and with just two days left before reaching Jeongju, Jong Seok met privately with Jong Munhye one night.

“Brother, is something bothering you? You’ve looked a bit gloomy lately.”

Jong Munhye assumed her brother had come to her because something was troubling him.

Normally, around this hour, he’d be immersed in sparring with me. The fact that he came to see her said everything.

“Munyae, listen carefully. I think Young Master Yong’s clan might have a close connection with our cult.”

At his words, Jong Munhye’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Really? What made you think that?”

Jong Seok began explaining my martial arts to her, and as she listened, she repeatedly nodded.

“That might be the case. But honestly, I’ve heard that many martial clans have risen using martial arts that originally came from our cult. So it’s not that surprising anymore.”

As she said, the martial arts of the Hidden Saint Cult had spread widely across the martial world after the cult’s destruction—so much so that the number of sects and clans that adopted it was beyond counting.

Quite a few disciples who had survived the collapse of the cult had gone into hiding in the martial world and passed on their martial arts. Some of those techniques had flowed into noble martial clans and reshaped their styles, a widely known fact.

“But Young Master Yong’s swordsmanship lost significant power because it was fused with a different cultivation method. As you know, most of our cult’s techniques require a specific internal cultivation to bring out their full strength.”

Jong Munhye now understood her brother’s intention.

He wanted to pass on one of the cult’s cultivation methods to Young Master Yong.

“True. Unlike other sects, which can apply multiple martial arts to one cultivation method, our cult’s martial arts are highly segmented. Using a different method makes them lose power. It’s one of our martial arts’ weaknesses. But we still don’t know which method would best suit Young Master Yong’s swordsmanship.”

Realizing that she had understood his intentions, Jong Seok no longer beat around the bush.

“Do you know of any cultivation method that specializes solely in exhalation or inhalation?”

The reason he asked was because many of the Hidden Saint Cult’s techniques were stored in Jong Munhye’s memory.

That was exactly why the Three Demonic Heavens were pursuing them.

To be precise, they weren’t after him—but after Jong Munhye.

After thinking for a while, Jong Munhye opened her mouth.

“There is definitely such a method.”

“Ah, that’s a relief. From what I’ve seen, Young Master Yong’s Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword is an offensive-based technique, and the one called *Azure Bamboo Sword is purely defensive. That alone tells us his martial arts were definitely influenced by our cult’s teachings.”

Jong Munhye had already figured out what her brother meant.

“I understand. Exhalation-based cultivation methods are typically for offense, and inhalation-based ones are for defense. But usually, cultivation techniques balance both. A method like that won’t allow Young Master Yong’s swordsmanship to show its true potential.”

Jong Seok couldn’t help but be impressed.

He had fought and discussed martial arts with me countless times to understand that much.

Yet Jong Munhye grasped it with just a few exchanged words—how could he not be shocked?

‘Well, that’s exactly why she has the cult’s key martial techniques memorized.’

“Brother, I’ll pass on the chant of the cultivation method to Young Master Yong. That’s what you were hoping for, right? But I don’t think it’s a good idea to link him directly with our cult.”

“Don’t worry about that. Young Master Yong has a good nature. I just want to help him. I have no intention of using him or the Heavenly Central Sect to revive our cult.”

“As it should be. At the very least, we owe Young Master Yong our trust.”

I grew increasingly anxious as the two siblings continued whispering to each other for several days without giving me any hint. Soon we’d reach Jeongju, and I wouldn’t have much time left to talk martial arts with them.

As they continued to stall, I considered pushing Jong Seok a bit further.

Figuring tonight was my last chance, I sought him out—only to be approached first by Jong Munhye.

“Ah, Lady Jong. Out for a walk?”

I said this upon seeing her out for a stroll after we had unpacked our things at the inn.

“I’ve been thinking about how I could repay the great favor Young Master Yong has shown us.”

“What are you saying? Brother Jong is someone I consider a friend. So Lady Jong isn’t a stranger to me either. Please, don’t trouble yourself over it.”

Though I spoke with a serious tone, inwardly I was overjoyed.

‘Finally, something is coming.’

“A favor must be repaid—that’s only right. So my brother and I have discussed it, and we’d like to pass down a cultivation method that comes from our main family. According to my brother, with our family’s method, your martial arts can become even stronger.”

I responded with practiced humility.

“Through sparring and exchanging pointers with Brother Jong, I realized the shortcomings in my martial arts. But how could I covet your family’s cultivation method just for a small favor I’ve given?”

“No, what I’m passing on isn’t something that’s widely used even in my own family. So please, accept it. Only then will my brother and I feel at ease.”

I suddenly grabbed Jong Munhye’s hand.

I had expected them to pass something onto me, but to receive a cultivation method without a hint of selfishness… I was genuinely grateful.

At that, Jong Munhye blushed and lowered her head.

Then, quietly slipping her hand free, she spoke.

“I’ll recite the chant now, so listen carefully and remember it well.”

Trying to hide her embarrassment, Jong Munhye immediately began to recite the incantation. I closed my eyes and focused, trying not to miss even a single syllable.

Naturally, my memory was exceptional, and after she recited it three times, I had memorized both cultivation methods in full.

When I repeated the chants aloud to confirm my memory, Jong Munhye couldn’t hide her admiration.

“Young Master Yong, your memory is truly outstanding.”

But I smiled inwardly.

‘Compared to my memory, yours is what’s truly astounding. If you were able to recite those two methods, it means you’ve memorized nearly all the martial arts of the Hidden Saint Cult.’

From that fact alone, I understood Jong Munhye’s value. And I also began to see how Jong Seok would go on to rebuild the Hidden Saint Cult.

While Jong Seok was certainly a talent, he lacked the strength to build a true power base.

To establish a force, a central figure is essential—and I realized that role had been filled by Jong Munhye.

“It’s not just because you’ve passed on the cultivation method. From now on, Brother Jong and Lady Jong are no longer strangers to me. Let’s share both hardships and joys together.”

Wanting to keep her by my side for as long as possible, I held her hand as I spoke.

If I could keep her near my clan, I was sure I could further develop our martial arts.

Even if just a portion of martial arts compatible with my clan could be revealed, the Heavenly Central Sect would gain overwhelming strength.

Then, I came to a decision: I had to make a connection with these siblings that went beyond mere acquaintances.

Thinking that, I decided to take it one step further.

“Brother Jong!”

Jong Seok, who had been watching his sister pass on the techniques, raised his head when I called him.

“Please, come here.”

Wondering what it was, he approached.

I respectfully clasped my hands in a martial salute and said to the siblings:

“I, Yong Mo, have not lived a particularly long life. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know what it means to be a man. Brother Jong no longer feels like a stranger to me, and because of the kindness you both have shown, I’ve made up my mind. I wish to become sworn brothers with you, Brother Jong. What do you think?”

Jong Seok looked flustered by the unexpected proposal.

Then, he glanced toward Jong Munhye.

From his standpoint, there was nothing problematic about forming a sworn brotherhood with me. But because Jong Munhye held a unique status, it wasn’t something he could decide on his own.

Her true name was Gu Munhye, and she was the Young Mistress of the Hidden Saint Cult. At the moment, Jong Seok was hiding her identity while staying undercover.

In a situation where he couldn’t know her thoughts, forming a brotherhood with me recklessly was dangerous.

“Young Master Yong, I’m sorry, but I must first consult with my sister. I hope you’ll understand.”

“Of course. It’s not something to decide on a whim or under the influence of drink. I’ll give you two some space.”

After I stepped away, Jong Seok asked Gu Munhye.

“As you can see, Young Master Yong holds us in great regard. But we’re in no position to easily accept his goodwill. I want to know your thoughts.”

Gu Munhye smiled softly.

“I’ve always thought of you as my real brother, Brother Seok. So, I think you should follow your heart rather than mine.”

“Even so, I want to hear what you think.”

After a brief moment of thought, Gu Munhye spoke.

“As you know, we’ve spent over five years on the run. We’ve lived in hiding, unable to trust anyone, forced to survive in loneliness. But now… someone has reached out to us with genuine warmth. That person is Young Master Yong. I don’t have the courage to reject that warm hand.”

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