Chapter 13: Azure Forest’s Token (4)

It was the first time that the Clan Head had personally come to Yi-gang’s residence.

Usually, when Yi-gang made a serious mistake, he was summoned and scolded. However, when Yi-gang casually returned to his residence this time, the Clan Head was standing at the entrance.

Taken aback, Yi-gang froze in place. The Clan Head approached him and examined his body.

His face was expressionless, but his eyes were sharp, reminiscent of a bird viewing its prey. Even though he did not raise his voice or scold him, Yi-gang felt a sense of pressure.

“You went to the restaurant.”

“…Yes.”

“Hmm.”

The Clan Head observed Yi-gang’s arms and legs, then held his chin. After examining and twisting it in various ways, his gaze suddenly hardened.

“There’s a wound on your neck.”

“I got a slight scratch.”

“I see.”

With that, the Clan Head continued inspecting Yi-gang’s body.

Once he saw there were no major issues, he paused and let out a very faint sigh.

Yi-gang’s eyes widened slightly. Was that a sigh of relief? Because he was not hurt?

Perhaps he was worried when his child went missing after being attacked by assassins.

“You took your younger brother with you.”

“I forced him to come with me.”

“Of course, you did.”

The Clan Head looked down at Yi-gang with stern eyes.

“Come in.”

“…Yes.”

In the end, he could not avoid the disciplinary rod.

Baek Ha-jun, who was quietly holding his head down, could not help but lift it. Was his elder brother not bearing all the blame on his behalf?

“Father!”

Both the Clan Head and Yi-gang turned their heads simultaneously.

While the Clan Head remained expressionless, Yi-gang gestured to his neck with his thumb, implying “wait.” Eventually, Ha-jun lowered his head again.

“Follow me, general. Ha-jun, you kneel and wait there.”

“Yes, Clan Head.”

Baek Ha-jun tried hard to swallow the heat that was rising in his throat, and so, he knelt down.

Soon after, the sound of the disciplinary rod being struck emanated from Yi-gang’s residence.

Whack!

There was a reason the chestnut tree wood was so frequently used for disciplinary rods. Its splinters make it exceedingly stingy.

However, Yi-gang did not even let out a moan as he endured the strikes from the disciplinary rod. This level of pain was nothing compared to what he had recently experienced.

Moreover, Yi-gang was aware that deep down, the Clan Head was also in anguish.

As evidence, the hand that held the disciplinary rod was pale with strain, and despite trying to maintain a poker face, the corners of his mouth were twisted in distress.

Disciplining a child in this manner was a common occurrence in this era. In fact, the Clan Head rarely resorted to the disciplinary rod.

The fact that he chose to use the rod despite his evident distress meant he truly wanted to correct Yi-gang’s behavior.

Whack!

A mark, painful even just to look at, formed on the calf.

The Clan Head’s hand stopped.

“Do you realize your mistake?”

“…”

“How long has it been since your return, and yet you took your younger brother to the restaurant? Do you even acknowledge that you are part of the Baek clan?”

“I apologize.”

“So…”

Expecting a response from Yi-gang, the Clan Head closed his mouth.

「Perhaps you should talk back a bit more. His skills with the disciplinary rod seem quite refined.」

‘If I get hit more, it might hinder my training.’

Hiding his expression while responding vaguely to the Immortal Divine Sword, Yi-gang concealed his emotions.

“You are no longer a child, so this will be the last time I use the disciplinary rod on you. Conduct yourself properly.”

“I will.”

“…”

The Clan Head gently closed his eyes.

Yi-gang observed a different demeanor in his father’s appearance than usual. Perhaps it was related to the reason he had come here personally.

“In five years, the next Seven Stars Conference will be held.”

It seemed like a sudden topic. Yi-gang was already aware of this.

“It’s a gathering of the next-generation martial artists of the Seven Great Families, something of that sort.”

Just as the Nine Sects One Gang have the Dragon and Phoenix Conference, the Seven Great Families have the Seven Stars Conference. It was similar to a fellowship that rotated generations every few years.

In the past, it used to be a gathering where people competed in martial arts, but now its nature had significantly changed. It has become a gathering where outstanding rising stars build connections.

Currently, in the Baek Clan, the figure affiliated with the Seven Stars Conference was a collateral branch of the clan and rather someone of no particular note.

In five years, someone else will join the Seven Stars Conference.

“Ha-jun will be the one to join.”

“Yes.”

“Were you aware of this?”

In five years, Baek Ha-jun will be 17 years old. Considering his age, it was only natural for Baek Ha-jun to be designated for the Seven Stars Conference.

“It’s only natural, isn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

Being afflicted with the Great Yin Meridian Blockage, even if Yi-gang were to join the Seven Stars Conference, he would pass away from his illness before the generation could even be replaced. The Clan Head’s speech slowed as he discussed this inevitable fact.

“This time, children from Moyong Noble Clan and Peng Clan of Hebei will be visiting here. There’s also a word of a disciple from Azure Forest.”

“I’ve heard about it from Ha-jun.”

“They probably aim to establish a rapport with Ha-jun, who’s been designated for the next Seven Stars Conference. One of them, Moyong Tak, is in the current Seven Stars Conference, and the other two are also to be in the next Seven Stars Conference.”

“Yes.”

The Clan Head finally broached the main topic, which Yi-gang had not anticipated.

“You should join them as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“When Ha-jun establishes ties with them, you should also be there.”

Yi-gang was at a loss for words.

Since it was mentioned that one of the Seven Stars Conference members was accompanied by a disciple from Azure Forest, naturally, Yi-gang had thought of meeting this disciple.

In fact, he had been pondering how he could make contact with the disciple from Cheongrim, and now his father was suggesting that Yi-gang should join them directly.

“Why?”

“Is it that strange?”

“I’m not interested in the Seven Stars Conference or anything related.”

“If your health was normal, you would have been the one entering the Seven Stars Conference.”

“That’s why I’m not normal, right?”

“…”

Yi-gang had genuinely asked out of curiosity, but the Clan Head could not immediately respond to his assertive tone.

From the side, the Immortal Divine Sword exclaimed, 「Speaking back to an elder so directly, such a disrespectful child,」 but Yi-gang ignored him.

“You shouldn’t talk back.”

The Clan Head responded thus and then rose from his seat, maintaining a stern demeanor.

“The reason I disciplined you today is to correct your behavior. Would you act so recklessly in front of children from other clans as well?”

“…”

“Your mistakes are a reflection of and bring shame to both me and Ha-jun. Be careful not to bring harm to anyone.”

Saying so, the Clan Head coldly left the room.

Yi-gang, lost in thought, stared blankly at the door the Clan Head had exited from. The Immortal Divine Sword circled around the deep-in-thought Yi-gang.

「It might be a blessing in disguise. You should seize the opportunity and show the token to the child from Azure Forest.」

‘Indeed. But why does he insist on having me meet the people at the Seven Stars Conference…?’

It was both a given and a significant matter that Baek Ha-jun would be the next member of Seven Stars Conference. It would also aid in being recognized as the Young Clan Head.

Yi-gang quickly deduced this reasoning.

‘Well, no matter if I meet those people or not, nothing will change, so I guess it doesn’t matter.’

Even if he met the children of the other clans, Ha-jun’s nomination would not change. Moreover, if Yi-gang were to show any embarrassing behavior, it might actually strengthen Baek Ha-jun’s standing.

「Indeed.」

‘Still, I wonder why he bothered to talk to me in such a roundabout manner. Or maybe I should do something weird in front of those other clan brats as he expects? Perhaps if I drink and pass out, the effect would be quite…’

「What? Ha-ha!」

Though it was a half-joking remark, the Immortal Divine Sword burst into a hearty laugh.

「While you often seem astute, at times you’re truly naive.」

And then, as if finding it adorable, he placed his hand on Yi-gang’s head.

‘What’s so naive?’

「Such a childlike thought. Do you think the Clan Head would truly be pleased if you embarrassed yourself?」

‘…’

「You really don’t understand a father’s heart. Wa-ha-ha!」

Realizing he might have misjudged the situation, Yi-gang’s face crumpled.

「He probably wanted you, a lonely descendant without friends, to use this opportunity to meet your peers.」

‘With my leg like this, won’t it be disgraceful to limp in front of them?’

Just then, the door slightly opened and the general peeked his face in.

“Young Master Yi-gang.”

“…Yes, general.”

“Please take this. It’s nothing special, just a simple ointment that the warriors use during training. Applying it to your wounds should help.”

The general mentioned, “Keep it a secret from the Clan Head,” and then left. Yi-gang inspected the ointment he received from the general.

It seemed like a regular ointment, stored in a rustic wooden container.

「Open it and take a whiff.」

‘…’

「Ha! The fragrance is refreshing, so refreshing! I’m very familiar with this scent.」

However, the contents inside were clearly extraordinary. The faint floral scent was one Yi-gang had smelled when he was badly injured as a child.

「Isn’t this Hwanhwa Mu-yak-go, made using the secret methods of the clan? Such a precious item in this old wooden container, it’s quite mystical.」

‘Got it, so let’s move on.’

It was unlikely that the general would randomly gift him an ointment known for its potent healing properties. It must have been under the Clan Head’s orders or with his silent approval.

With a bitter smile, Yi-gang applied the ointment to his calf.

「Rest now. Given the situation, it’ll expedite matters.」

‘Yes.’

Yi-gang reached for the necklace around his neck.

The eye of Pixiu. The Immortal Divine Sword was confident—

That this necklace would lead Yi-gang to a new horizon.

Truly, the effects of the clan’s secret Hwanhwa Mu-yak-go were astonishing. After generously applying the ointment to his bleeding calf and sleeping, only a pinkish mark remained the next day.

Thus, Yi-gang was able to start training as soon as dawn broke.

The Immortal Divine Sword was especially hurried today.

The first instruction he gave to Yi-gang was to exhaust himself physically.

「Your posture is disrupted. When the body moves, is that an immobile posture?」

Indeed, as he said, Yi-gang’s slender legs trembled as he assumed the horse stance.

To put it simply, the horse stance is a stance similar to sitting on an invisible chair. It’s great for strengthening the lower body, so Yi-gang began training in it.

「If you’re panting just by swinging that measly sword, you won’t be able to do anything.」

“Yes.”

「Just because the descendant is weak doesn’t mean there’s no potential for growth. Physical strength is the foundation of everything.」

Yi-gang’s physique was no better than a paper doll’s. He had known this fact, but he felt it even more deeply after fending off a Low Down Sect member’s attack not long ago.

He thought he had gained strength after effortlessly practicing Great Yin Flow, but he was wrong.

「The Great Yin Flow is a training method. Separate efforts are needed for physical strength. Let’s move from the horse stance and shift to the attack move.」

The Immortal Divine Sword was an exceptional mentor. He keenly observed Yi-gang from close proximity, sparing no advice.

Yi-gang exerted himself, moving his body to an extent that would normally have drained his energy.

「Exhaust your strength until you’re completely drained.」

“Heuk, hak.”

Speaking had now become an ordeal.

His entire body was drenched in sweat. Droplets trailed down, cascading along his calves.

Pushing oneself to the limit blurred one’s consciousness.

His vision whitened, on the verge of collapsing.

「Stop.」

Yi-gang halted abruptly. With great effort, he swallowed back the bile trying to surge up.

「Have you exhausted all your strength?」

“…”

「Judging by your silence, you have. Assume the cross legged position.」

Yi-gang, with his staggering body, managed to sit down with difficulty.

He then placed the necklace he was wearing on his palm.

「From now on, I’ll teach you how to replenish True Qi.」

The reason for recklessly draining his energy this way was for that. It sharpened the senses, making it easier to feel the True Qi.

Unable to utter words, Yi-gang communicated through thought.

‘Is it really possible? About the True Qi?’

「I’ll explain in detail. Do you remember when I possessed the descendent’s body?」

‘Yes.’

「Do you know why possession was possible then and not now?」

‘I don’t know.’

「When the deceased me controlled the living descendant’s body, a vast amount of True Qi was expended. At that time, the descendant had an abundant amount of True Qi. But it was exhausted then, which is why I cannot possess you now.」

‘Why back then… Ah, the Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng.’

「Exactly. True Qi is essentially life force. Rare elixirs like the Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng even replenish True Qi, and thanks to that, the descendent survived the possession.」

According to the Immortal Divine Sword, True Qi was inherently a limited resource. Once used, it was difficult to replenish. Therefore, he could not even freely use the light footwork technique, due to its current depletion.

「Do you remember that a human body is like a fountain with three bowls?」

‘The first bowl is the upper dantian, followed by the middle dantian, and then lower dantian.’

「Using the spiritual energy of the upper dantian to boost the True Qi in the middle dantian, and then using that True Qi to accumulate internal energy in the lower dantian.」

‘Is there spiritual energy in this necklace?’

It was said that the red gemstone was the eye of a spiritual beast.

「Yes, what I’m teaching the descendant is how to use that spiritual energy to boost True Qi.」

Despite being weak, Yi-gang was still a child of a martial arts clan. He knew very well the significance of what the Immortal Divine Sword was saying.

‘Then… I can become stronger too.’

There are real stories about dying martial artists suddenly displaying immense strength. Burning one’s own life force to exert power meant consuming True Qi.

It was the first time he heard that there was a way to replenish such True Qi.

「Not just that. Since it’s replenishing life force, your physical condition might improve slightly.」

‘I was taught that it’s impossible.’

「Ordinarily it is, but the descendant is somehow special. Hmm, close your eyes for now. Time is of the essence.」

Although the Immortal Divine Sword’s attitude was suspicious, Yi-gang quietly closed his eyes.

Then suddenly, driven by curiosity, he asked,

‘I’d like to ask just one thing.’

「You sure do talk a lot. What is it?」

‘Why are you suddenly in such a rush? You’ve always been so relaxed before.’

Yi-gang asked out of curiosity, but the Immortal Divine Sword looked at him as if wondering why he would ask such a thing.

「Haven’t you agreed to meet those guys called the Moyong Noble Clan and Peng Clan of Hebei?」

‘That’s right.’

Following the order of the Clan Head, Yi-gang had set up an encounter with them.

「There’s a chance they might belittle or disrespect you.」

It was not an unfounded concern. There was no reason to expect that the proud descendants of the major clans would show only goodwill to Yi-gang.

「At that time, did you think I’d allow you to be crushed without being able to speak up just because your martial arts skills are weak?」

Yi-gang could not help but burst into laughter. The reason for the rush was precisely because of this.

「Even if you get insulted, I want to ensure you can land at least one punch. Be grateful for that.」

“Yes, I understand.”

The ever-enthusiastic Immortal Divine Sword. Yi-gang, too, steeled his resolve.

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