Book 9 Chapter 19

Goyakhan's Special Training

"Hmph! I'll leave for today, but someday, I'll definitely get a chance to cut open your belly! I beg you."

"What do you mean…?"

Neukgihan didn't bother to hide the confusion in his gaze.

It was best to resolve any curiosity as it arose.

It was much better than dragging it out and falling ill.

"I can't sleep worrying about your health, what can I do? My medical knowledge isn't deep, but I really want to check if your organs are properly attached!"

"What?"

"It's nothing special, I tell you! I just wanted to check if your liver and gallbladder are attached correctly. That's all! I have no other ill will, so rest assured!"

Even though he said that, ill will was clearly mixed in.

'Ugh!'

Neukgihan's face stiffened instantly at Goyakhan's barbed insult. His shoulders trembled. And his insides felt a pang. His stomach ached even though he had no illness.

It seemed true that the mind creates illness. But what was important now wasn't the stomach pain accompanied by gastritis.

It seemed Goyakhan was displeased with his behavior.

'Truly a master strategist.'

But he couldn't lose like this.

"I appreciate the thought, but I'd like to decline. As a young person, how could I possibly ask an elderly and infirm person to undertake something that could be a burden? Perhaps you should find some simple pastime in your old age…"

'That slimy, disgusting womanizer!'

'That wicked, damned old man!'

Their gazes collided, sparks flying. As expected, old ginger is spicy, and young foxes are cunning.

"Tch! Damn old geezer!"

Returning to reality, Neukgihan gnashed his teeth, picturing Goyakhan's face, whom he deemed a damned old geezer.

The residence of Neukgihan, who was practically preparing the Huashan Compliance Branch, was brightly lit even though the night was deep.

"Goyakhan's actions are too dangerous. He might know something."

"He hasn't noticed yet, has he?"

"Of course not, but… it's dangerous. The suspicious glances he's been giving lately are not to be taken lightly. That is clear hostility."

It was Neukgihan who was using honorifics. However, only the voice of Neukgihan's conversation partner could be heard, and no figure was visible anywhere in his residence.

"Even so, you shouldn't make the mistake of jumping to conclusions. You can't jump to a hasty conclusion!"

The unseen voice put a brake on Neukgihan's haste.

"Shouldn't we take measures before he poses any further threats? We might suffer damage if this continues. He is too extreme."

It seemed Neukgihan was bothered by Goyakhan's presence.

"It's alright! It's not time yet. Let's observe for now! They won't have noticed yet! Don't expose us carelessly! There's a proper order and timing for everything! Don't do anything that would offend that person by moving prematurely! I will not forgive anyone who betrays his trust!"

"I understand."

"I am the one who delivers the message! I shall give the order."

"Yes!"

Neukgihan knelt down and paid his utmost respect.

"Handle everything quietly and secretly."

"Reporting back!"

Clang!

With a sharp sound, Hyoryong's twin swords were pointed at Biryuyeon.

"Do we really have to do this?"

Biryuyeon asked.

"It can't be helped!"

Hyoryong replied with a grave face. However, the tip of his sword remained pointed at Biryuyeon.

Defense with the left hand, attack with the right! The most basic stance of twin swordplay, and the most stable and resolute.

"I knew this day would come."

Hyoryong said, his gaze fixed on Biryuyeon's movements.

"Oh? That's good foresight! I commend you!"

Biryuyeon smiled. To him, Hyoryong was not the same Hyoryong who was like a corpse friend yesterday. He looked as if he had shed one of the shackles that had bound him.

"Hoho? Did something good happen? You're not the dejected Hyoryong from yesterday?"

"Hmph… what good thing? Nothing like that! Don't just assume things!"

Even as he said that, he couldn't hide his reddening face. What happened at Unhyangjeong last night flashed before his eyes. For the innocent him, it was too stimulating. However, when he thought of the subsequent scene where a woman was weeping, he suddenly felt his whole body go limp.

"Heh heh… was it really just an assumption?"

"Don't blame me!"

Hyoryong shouted, brushing off Biryuyeon's words. It meant to stop the chatter and fight.

"Of course! And you, don't blame me! It's about grades, so I can't back down. If you want to blame someone, blame the ill-tempered old Master Go."

"I won't do that!"

The place where the two were standing was a thin rope suspended about a meter in the air.

All the members of the Black Sword Branch were watching the two.

Before Hyoryong and Biryuyeon clashed, there was a festival of fairies. It was not originally planned. The beginning of the event could be traced back to Eunsellan's special training and special observation.

This training, for which she had painstakingly secured an observation opportunity, was a special training specially devised by the Sword Slayer Master Goyakhan. Eunsellan, having seen and heard various things from both Macheongak and Cheonmu Academy, was encountering it for the first time.

The method of this special training was to connect thin ropes in the air with irregular rules of height, inclination, and tension, and then to compete in martial arts while balancing themselves on them as they saw fit.

Since the tension of the ropes was weak, it was natural for them to sway! The key was to balance on the swaying ropes and unleash martial arts with proper power.

The important point here was never to break the rope. If the rope they were standing on broke or they fell from the rope, it meant their defeat.

It was a training that could never be achieved without reaching the realm of balance and movement techniques.

"The heat is really intense. Even just watching, I can feel that passion!"

The desperate efforts and passion of those aiming for the Huashan Compliance Branch were definitely felt by Eunsellan, who was observing.

"Of course."

Moyong Hwi replied with a proud voice. It was natural for him to be happy as a disciple when his sect was praised.

Although others might doubt him, he was definitely human and clearly possessed the emotion of joy (喜), one of the seven emotions and desires. And at this moment, he was rare in savoring and feeling that emotion. However, he never met her gaze in the end.

After that night, Moyong Hwi, who felt inexplicably embarrassed, found it difficult to look Eunsellan in the face.

However, having taken on the heavy responsibility of escorting her and unable to shake it off, there was nothing he could do but diligently carry out his mission.

Seeing her praise others so readily, it seemed she had something to rely on. This might mean that she still felt no threat from her Macheongak.

This was what was called the "victor's余裕," and if so, her behavior of smiling and praising others' strength was understandable.

'What kind of training did she undergo to have such pride?'

He suddenly wondered, but he couldn't ask. If it were Biryuyeon, he would have asked straightforwardly without any hesitation. He harbored a feeling close to hatred for all the things in this world that bound him, no matter what they were. Because he harbored such intense feelings, he always strived to act freely. In contrast, Moyong Hwi was too bound by the rules, common sense, and frameworks of his surroundings, confining himself.

Crash!

Just then, another observer fell from the rope. The match was decided.

"It's quite rigorous."

Eunsellan's impression while watching Goyakhan's special training. It was a more challenging training than it looked. It seemed difficult to perform without maximizing the body's capabilities.

"Otherwise, you can't become strong!"

Moyong Hwi's blunt reply. However, what was different from before was that his bluntness now was not from his heart but was deliberately feigned.

"I see! Indeed, the passion and fighting spirit towards the Huashan Compliance Branch are the same everywhere, regardless of faction. It's a shame we have to divide into factions."

"Humans are unavoidable animals!"

Moyong Hwi could not come up with a better answer.

"Still, it's a very peculiar training! To think of such a training, Master Goyakhan is not just someone who puts on a stern face, but an extraordinary person."

Eunsellan seemed very interested in this training. And she greatly admired Master Goyakhan, who devised such training methods.

"Would you like to try?"

The one who spoke first was unexpectedly Na Yerin.

Really? Really? No, no, surely not! Surely not! Eh, eh, and so on. Everyone showed various reactions to Na Yerin's statement, unable to hide their surprise.

"Really? Will you spar with me?"

Na Yerin nodded. It was a sign of consent. It was very appealing to Eunsellan.

It was as rare as a bean growing in a drought for Na Yerin to offer her hand first. Eunsellan was also curious about Na Yerin's rumored skill. The same was true for Na Yerin. In martial arts, there was no distinction between male and female.

"Shouldn't we get permission first…"

Eunsellan trailed off, but Goyakhan had already nodded as if in permission.

It was as if two heavenly fairies were dancing, their movements light and spectacular. Everyone watched their dance-like sparring, mesmerized.

Diiing, diiing.

Lightly stepping across the rope, their footsteps made the rope resonate quietly.

Eunsellan and Na Yerin were evenly matched.

"Good skill!"

Even while displaying her brilliant skills, Eunsellan didn't lose her smile. It seemed Sa Junghwa was not just beautiful and intelligent. Her martial arts were also excellent. Eunsellan's skill, which was not easily pushed back by Na Yerin's sword, which inherited the progress of the Sword Empress, amazed everyone. The same was true for Na Yerin.

"You flatter me. Young Miss Eun's martial arts are truly breathtaking."

"Your words are too kind!"

Eunsellan's five-colored silk ribbons, which she used as weapons, stretched towards Na Yerin. It was a move intended to block Na Yerin's limbs. However, Na Yerin's sword did not allow the ribbons to encroach within her range. A sword aura, reminiscent of pure white snow, flowed along Na Yerin's blade.

The two fairies flew lightly over the thin rope, exchanging several blows. It was a dazzling exchange of techniques. Both Eunsellan and Na Yerin had no choice but to acknowledge each other's skill.

As they sparred, Eunsellan's playful side emerged, wanting to know more about Na Yerin's deep skill. If it ended like this, it would just be a good demonstration match. If so, it would be truly regrettable. So Eunsellan made up her mind. She decided to unleash more advanced techniques.

"Wouldn't it be a shame if it ended like this?"

Na Yerin's eyes sparkled at Eunsellan's words. She also understood Eunsellan's intention.

"Seven-Colored Dewy Mist!"

As the technique name suggested, which meant coloring the mist with seven colors, Eunsellan's ribbons shone with seven rainbow colors, creating a dazzling wind of flowers. Na Yerin dared not be careless.

It was a technique that reached the extreme of "transformation." To break this technique, one had to create an even greater transformation or develop a single second that would cut off all changes. The time for choice was short.

Frosty Jade Spirit Divine Sword

Ultimate Technique

Flying Swallow Under the Moon

A single strand of white sword aura, a flying swallow, leaped into the storm of flowers without a moment's hesitation. At that moment, the myriad petals that had dazzled their eyes disappeared, and Eunsellan's figure was revealed in front. Eunsellan seemed very surprised that her technique had been so easily broken. Eunsellan quickly retracted her ribbons and took a defensive stance.

However, Na Yerin's sword technique did not continue to the next move.

Clap! Clap!

The sound of applause rang out twice.

"That's enough!"

Goyakhan stopped their dazzling dance with the sound of his clapping. It was a pity for the male observers who had been watching, their souls momentarily mortgured.

In Goyakhan's eyes, it seemed unlikely that a winner would be easily decided unless the two went all out. He judged that further combat would be a waste of time.

"Thank you!"

Eunsellan expressed her admiration for Na Yerin's martial arts and offered her thanks.

"Thank you."

Na Yerin reciprocated Eunsellan's gesture. Na Yerin was also impressed by each other's martial arts. The two looked at each other and smiled slightly. It was Na Yerin's smile, which had appeared after a long time.

The combined charming smiles of the two heavenly fairies were too intense a stimulus for the fiery youths. Because of this, Goyakhan's training had to be temporarily suspended.

It took longer than expected for people's lost souls to return.

"Next!"

Hyoryong and Biryuyeon stepped forward at Goyakhan's shout. It was their turn next.

'Come to think of it, is this the first time we've actually crossed swords?'

Hyoryong was slightly nervous. They had been close friends since entering the academy, but they had never clashed directly like this. Because of Biryuyeon's unique characteristic of not being able to ascertain one's true strength just by watching, Hyoryong had always been curious about his skills.

'Shall I give it a try?'

Biryuyeon's true power was something that was understood yet not understood. Hyoryong still couldn't ascertain Biryuyeon's limits, but the almost unbelievable divine power he occasionally showed was enough to be astonishing. Would he show a part of it today? Hyoryong braced himself accordingly.

"Come on!"

Hyoryong shouted confidently.

"Don't regret it!"

Biryuyeon's reply.

Whoosh!

Light as a feather, Biryuyeon stepped onto the rope.

His movements made him feel completely weightless. Hyoryong felt ashamed of his own heavy movements.

Clang!

Hyoryong finally drew his sword towards his friend.

"Start!"

The spar began at Goyakhan's signal.

No matter how he thought about it, Biryuyeon's statement that this was his first time doing this training seemed like a lie. His movements on the rope were too uninhibited to believe him at face value. While others showed awkward movements in this unfamiliar training, Biryuyeon showed no such awkwardness. He looked like an expert among beginners.

"Is what you said about this being your first time training not a lie?"

"No! It's definitely my first time!"

Biryuyeon answered without hesitation.

"Your movements are too good for it to be your first time!"

Hyoryong still looked suspicious.

"I don't have any hobbies like receiving private lessons from a cranky old master!"

"Well… you're the type who rejects even beautiful masters for private lessons!"

"Of course! Of course!"

Biryuyeon immediately affirmed. However, even with Biryuyeon's straightforward answer, Hyoryong's suspicion was not completely dispelled.

Somehow, Biryuyeon easily dodged Hyoryong's sword techniques, which he performed while maintaining balance. And yet, he showed no signs of panic.

Moreover, he occasionally teased Hyoryong by wrapping his foot around the rope to increase or decrease elasticity. It felt like a game of hide-and-seek with his eyes covered. Of course, Hyoryong was the seeker.

"Come on! Try again! It's boring if it ends like this."

On the weak rope, which was currently dangling precariously in the air and could break with the slightest carelessness, Biryuyeon maintained his posture as rigidly as a pine tree rooted in the ground.

Hyoryong's balance and movement techniques were also praiseworthy, but they were nothing compared to Biryuyeon's. His performance on the rope was astonishing to those around him.

He manipulated the rope as if it were a part of his own body. His movements were on a different level from others who were desperately trying to balance themselves as part of an effort not to fall.

Hyoryong tried to unleash his sword towards Biryuyeon, but he repeatedly failed due to his balance being disrupted by the rope winding around his ankle. He was unable to execute even a single proper martial art. Martial arts performed in an unstable posture are bound to have their power greatly reduced, and with the constant, strenuous interference, there was no motivation to unleash them. Therefore, proper offense and defense could not be achieved.

Finally, Hyoryong admitted his defeat.

"Ryu Yeon! I lost."

He had to admit it.

"Is this all you've got? You can't give up here."

Biryuyeon showed a look of blatant disdain.

'He's not lacking in skill. His movements are definitely above average! He's not an ordinary fellow.'

A glint of light flashed in Goyakhan's eyes.

Contrary to the rumor that he was a lucky fellow who was merely mediocre, Biryuyeon's skill was indeed above average. It seemed his progress this far wasn't just due to luck. Goyakhan had to greatly revise his assessment of Biryuyeon.

"Should we observe him a little longer? He might become a new variable…"

Goyakhan decided to reserve his hasty judgment on Biryuyeon for now. There was still plenty of time. Whether Biryuyeon was just all talk or a true gem who would survive until the end would be determined then.

Clap! Clap!

"Stop! Biryuyeon wins. Come down!"

Goyakhan clapped his hands twice again. Goyakhan decided on a compromise by placing Biryuyeon on his list of individuals to watch.

Goyakhan was always alone when he returned to his quarters after a day's work. However, he had never felt lonely or desolate. He was too burdened by the responsibilities he carried to feel such luxurious emotions. Therefore, he had no room for them.

The results of observing the special training today were much better than expected. He could expect something from this. At least, he didn't have to give up. However, he wasn't completely satisfied yet. His dissatisfaction with the current members still lingered in his heart.

"Still far from done!"

He couldn't be satisfied with this. From his perspective, anyone could have achieved this much. To surpass it, another trial was necessary. However, that trial was an internal one, and Goyakhan had no particular way to help them with it.

"But there is potential!"

Having potential meant not giving up before even trying. It meant they had room to become even stronger.

He picked up the pair of swords in his hand. How to temper them was entirely up to his ability. It was said that iron, heated in fire and quenched on an anvil, becomes even harder. Similarly, humans can become stronger through the tempering of trials. The one holding the hammer was Goyakhan.

"Is the intensity of the training this low? Hmph! I suppose this can't be called a trial."

Goyakhan's theory was that a trial could not exist without the threat of death. This was just the beginning. The road ahead was still long and arduous. How many people would be able to pass through this path of hardship and trial?

"You shouldn't die at this point! There's still a long way to go! Entertain me more, entertain me more! Heh heh heh."

A sinister laugh escaped from the lips of his dimly shadowed face.

"Tomorrow will be busy too!"

Goyakhan blew out the lamp, praying that the children would be able to endure tomorrow as well. The flame, which had been burning, was quickly extinguished by Goyakhan's breath. The only light that had been illuminating disappeared, and darkness descended.