Chapter 196: Putting One’s Affairs In Order (2)

At first, Dam Hyun and the Golden Needle Phantom were shocked, but eventually, they resigned themselves to acceptance.

Yi-gang did not covet the opportunity to inherit Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts.

For a swordsman, it’s an unbelievable thing.

Even if some martial artist was brought in, if he was a swordsman, he surely wouldn’t be able to refuse Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts.

But Yi-gang had the Immortal Divine Sword.

The spirit of an ancestor related by blood had passed down his sword to Yi-gang.

Considering his relationship with the ancestor, it was understandable when Yi-gang said, “I already have enough.”

Though not as great as Zhang Sanfeng, the Immortal Divine Sword was also considered the best in the world.

“Yi, Yi-gang…”

However, not everyone was composed.

Peng Gu-in seemed moved, and also somewhat bewildered.

Though he was not a swordsman but a blade user, he still desired Zhang Sanfeng’s divine art. It was indeed a grand opportunity.

What then, was the reaction of the Wudang Sect?

The fact that the Sword Emperor announced in front of the Murim Alliance that he had acquired Zhang Sanfeng’s divine art shocked the sect leader, Myung Won.

And Myung Won, with a doubtful look, stared at Yi-gang.

“How could…”

He seemed suspicious that there was some ulterior motive for refusing. And it wasn’t just him; all the elders of the Wudang Sect felt the same.

They looked at the Sword Emperor with eyes as if asking, “What should we do now?” and then turned to look at Yi-gang repeatedly.

However, the Sword Emperor asked Yi-gang with a composed expression, “Do the martial arts you possess belong to your clan?”

“Yes, and I also haven’t fully mastered the martial arts of the Azure Forest.”

“I see…”

Yi-gang truly believed that.

Perhaps the Immortal Divine Sword would have said the same if he were here.

However, Zhang Sanfeng contradicted Yi-gang’s thoughts.

「That would not have been the case.」

‘…What do you mean?’

「I hear that your ancestor, the Immortal Divine Sword, was an outstanding sword master. He surely reached the Absolute realm and contemplated beyond it.」

Yi-gang did not know the exact level of the Immortal Divine Sword. But Zhang Sanfeng’s words were likely true.

Only an Absolute master could understand another Absolute master.

「Had he known me, he would not have declined my martial arts. Without ambition, one cannot become a master.」

It was an extremely audacious statement.

He was saying even the Immortal Divine Sword would have been greedy for his own martial arts.

「I could indeed pass martial arts to the young priest, but accept this offer. It is also an opportunity to take the heart of the evil dragon hidden in my secret cave.」

‘…’

Yi-gang was convinced.

The previous statement sparked some defiance, but the mention of the heart of the evil dragon was a different matter.

‘Why didn’t you say this earlier? What should I do? I’ve already declined.’

But it was just after he had shown humility in front of the Sword Emperor and the elders.

For even Yi-gang, it was not easy to shamelessly change his words here.

Then, the Sword Emperor praised Yi-gang.

“You are indeed a model swordsman, a true example for practitioners.”

Just when it seemed like that was the end, he was given another chance.

“However, as a martial artist, it’s regrettable. Founder Zhang’s martial arts are undoubtedly a divine technique unmatched in the world. I urge you to reconsider.”

“…”

“Give it a try. You won’t regret it.”

Yi-gang bowed deeply as if he had been waiting for this.

“Thank you for your offer, Sword Emperor. As a junior in the martial world, I will follow the words of the great senior.”

It was an acceptance to the trial of Master Zhang Sanfeng’s divine martial arts.

A sound that was hard to distinguish whether it was a sigh or an exclamation erupted from various places.

Peng Gu-in and Yi-gang’s party were pleased with Yi-gang’s decision, while the members of the Wudang Sect tried to hide their disappointment.

“Yes, that settles it. Sect Leader.”

“…Yes, Senior Uncle.”

“It may be a bother, but please tell the sect members. We are looking for someone to inherit Founder Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts. The opportunity to compete will be open to everyone.”

“I will do so.”

However, how to determine eligibility was still unknown.

“I will inform you of the details separately.”

“Please do.”

As the discussion concluded, the Sword Emperor turned to Cheong Su and Cheong Hye.

“Starting tomorrow, I will teach you the sword. Every day, when the appointed time comes, prepare your mind and body and wait.”

“Yes! Great Senior Elder!”

Myung Won and the Wudang elders bowed deeply and left.

They seemed overwhelmed just by thinking about how to handle what would happen next.

Soon, Yi-gang and his party also left.

The Sword Emperor wanted to be alone.

The last to leave the thatched hut were Cheong Su and Cheong Hye.

Cheong Su’s face was one of irrepressible joy.

The joy was not because it could improve the Sword Emperor’s condition.

It was delightful to know he could receive teachings from the Sword Emperor, even though he wasn’t a formal disciple.

Cheong Su felt a bit embarrassed by his own happiness.

‘Is this too materialistic…?’

But who wouldn’t be happy in this situation?

It was nothing short of an incredible rise in status.

He put his arm around his junior brother, ready to share the joy.

“Cheong Hye…!”

He had assumed the junior brother would wear the same expression.

He thought they would be too proud to think straight.

But Cheong Su carefully removed his arm from around Cheong Hye’s neck.

Because the usually smiling and gentle junior brother had a hardened expression.

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“…Aren’t you upset at all?”

What was there to be upset about?

What had come their way was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As Cheong Su hesitated with a puzzled look, Cheong Hye sighed and then smiled again.

“No, I’ll go ahead.”

“Alright…”

Cheong Su could only stand and watch as his junior brother descended the mountain first.

‘The Sword Emperor intends to pass on Founder Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts to his successor. To this end, he is seeking those who are eligible to compete for this qualification.’

Such news spread within the Wudang Sect.

Naturally, it caused a commotion. Founder Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts were at stake, and moreover, it was the Taiji Sword Emperor himself who would be passing them on directly.

Within the major sects, there were particularly precious divine arts.

Such martial arts were not taught to just anyone. Only the best successors, selected through the Elders’ Council, quietly continued the lineage of these divine arts.

However, this time there were no restrictions on eligibility.

Even practitioners from other sects within the Murim Alliance decided to compete.

An astonishing two-thirds of the Wudang Sect’s martial artists decided to take up the challenge. This was remarkable even though the method for testing eligibility had not yet been announced.

That was the most shocking news, and the second most shocking was about the disciples Cheong Su and Cheong Hye.

These individuals, who had been tending to the aging Sword Emperor, were going to receive sword teachings from him.

Many envied them.

“Cheong Su, are you going to learn the sword?”

“Ah, yes, Senior.”

First-generation disciple Hyun Woon grabbed Cheong Su, who was hurrying along, and asked him.

“You’ve got ears on your smile.”

“R-really?”

Cheong Su wasn’t smiling, but Hyun Woon picked a needless quarrel.

This happened after Cheong Su started attending daily sword lessons.

“Should a Taoist be grinning so foolishly? A Taoist should ideally be an exemplar.”

“…”

Not just the senior brothers, but even the highly regarded senior disciples looked down on Cheong Su.

However, no one had a bad word to say about Cheong Hye, and internally, Cheong Su felt this was unfair.

“I’m sorry, but it’s time for my appointment with the Great Senior Elder… I’ll go ahead, Senior.”

“T-this kid…”

Hyun Woon’s face turned beet red.

But even he couldn’t make a fuss after hearing the name of the Great Senior Elder.

“Don’t get too arrogant. Just because you’re learning from the Great Senior Elder, do you think you’re something special?”

A remark from Hyun Woon hit him from behind.

Cheong Su pretended not to hear and kept running.

His discomfort eased a bit as he ran up the mountain path.

There was no need to run, but he did so for the sake of training.

By the time he arrived at the thatched hut, he had already sweated quite a bit.

Feeling as if he smelled, Cheong Su regretted it a little.

“Have you arrived?”

“I’m sorry for being late, Great Senior Elder.”

“It’s fine.”

The Sword Emperor was in good condition.

The Golden Needle Phantom and Go Yo-ja were living here in the thatched hut, to help awaken his mind when teaching Cheong Su and Cheong Hye, as per the Sword Emperor’s request.

Cheong Hye was already practicing with a wooden sword.

Cheong Su quickly picked up a wooden sword as well.

“Today, we’ll practice the Nine Palaces Linked Sword.”

“Yes!”

“I will teach you advanced techniques like the Taiji Wisdom Sword later, so be patient and do your best. Cough.”

The Sword Emperor coughed several times.

Cheong Su attempted the Nine Palaces Linked Sword with a determined expression.

In fact, the teachings of the Sword Emperor were more mundane than expected.

Becoming a master was not something that happened overnight.

Even if it’s teachings from an Absolute master, if the recipient wasn’t prepared, no significant change can occur.

“Your breathing is off. Are you distracted by random thoughts?”

“I’m sorry!”

“Again, start from the beginning.”

Whenever Cheong Su executed the Nine Palaces Linked Sword, the Sword Emperor would point out any incorrect postures.

Cheong Su corrected his sword technique based on his teachings.

That was all Cheong Su could receive from the Sword Emperor, as that was his own level.

However, it wasn’t that he was dissatisfied.

“Good. Practice Two Extremes Divine Art and review your own sword technique.”

Even this was a great fortune.

As he was about to sit cross-legged, he found Cheong Hye already sitting there.

“Phew, it’s tough, isn’t it?”

But Cheong Hye did not respond.

It seemed he hadn’t entered into Qi circulation yet, so he spoke to him, but feeling awkward, Cheong Su sat a bit farther away.

“…Ahem.”

Recently, Cheong Hye had been acting coldly like this.

The reason was unknown. Cheong Su couldn’t think of any wrong he had done to his junior brother.

Just as Cheong Su was concentrating and about to begin his Qi circulation, someone spoke to him.

“That annoying kid.”

“Wh-what is it…!”

It was Dam Hyun.

“Is that your junior brother?”

“Cheong Hye? Yes, that’s right.”

To Cheong Su, Dam Hyun seemed to be a very eccentric person.

He was known as the senior brother of the Immortal Divine Dragon, but there seemed to be no similar traits. Maybe just the pale face and fierce eyes were somewhat similar.

“He’s an impolite one. Doesn’t even respond when his senior brother speaks to him. Just mutters under his breath.”

“…Cheong Hye is a good kid.”

“Good? Just look at him, always giggling slyly and harboring sinister intentions.”

“How can you say you know that.”

As Cheong Su retorted, Dam Hyun looked genuinely perplexed.

“Why are you angry? I was just trying to empathize, being in a similar situation.”

“A similar situation?”

“Yes, as a senior brother with an impolite junior brother.”

“…”

The word ‘impolite’ keeps coming up, but isn’t Dam Hyun’s own temperament worse than that of the Immortal Divine Dragon?

“We’re just trying to get along among those of humble origins, aren’t we? Even our junior brothers’ backgrounds from wealthy families are the same, right?”

“…What!”

Cheong Su’s face turned beet red.

The mention of his humble origins was a sore spot for him. It was also a secret that he felt inferior to his junior brother Cheong Hye.

“Well, am I wrong? Looking at you, it’s clear we’re of the same kind. Reading faces is also part of my training.”

“I am an orphan… Well, but.”

Cheong Su was suddenly startled.

“Same kind…?”

Dam Hyun seemed to be from a wealthy family to anyone looking.

Though tactless, there was an unmistakable confidence and arrogance about him.

Traits hard to come by without a noble birth.

“Yeah, I’m from a slash-and-burn peasant background. When I was young, my family was killed by bandits.”

“That’s… I’m sorry.”

“No need for sorry, what a funny guy.”

Dam Hyun placed a hand on Cheong Su’s shoulder and pointed in one direction.

There was Yi-gang.

The Sword Emperor was approaching Yi-gang and speaking to him.

“Let me see your sword technique.”

“…My sword?”

“Whether it’s the Azure Forest sword or the Baek Noble Clan’s sword, I will have a look.”

“There’s no need for that…”

“Go on.”

Yi-gang displayed his swordsmanship, and the Sword Emperor observed it intently.

The Sword Emperor had been repeatedly doing this, examining Yi-gang’s swordsmanship.

This was also an incredible privilege.

“Isn’t it annoying? What does your Great Senior Elder see in him to help him like that?”

“…”

Cheong Su didn’t really care. But he remembered how upset Cheong Hye had been at this sight.

“Well, that’s not what I was going to talk about.”

Dam Hyun looked around with a sly glance and whispered softly, “The method the Sword Emperor will use to select someone to inherit Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts. Should I tell you?”

“…What?”

“I happened to hear about it. It was too funny to keep to myself.”

Dam Hyun laughed, showing his white teeth.

However, rather than looking refreshed, his smile was undeniably sinister.

“I’ll tell you. Just you.”

“…”

“How about it?”

Cheong Su swallowed hard.

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