Chapter 38
Yeom Chung stood at the edge of the stone plate as he continued his explanation.
“The test is simple. All you have to do is move from here to there. However, there are two conditions. First, you must step precisely on the footprints marked here. Second, the two of you must synchronize your steps.”
The arena erupted in chatter.
To Cha-Ryun, it didn’t seem particularly difficult. It appeared that everyone else shared the same thought. Everyone except Jeok Lee-Gun, that is.
“This is going to be difficult.”
“Why?”
“Each martial artist has their own habits when it comes to their unique martial arts techniques, especially footwork. It’s deeply ingrained, so it comes out unconsciously. But if you try to consciously follow these footprints, your movements will undoubtedly falter. The prints aren’t aligned to match anyone’s specific footwork. Moreover, the real challenge is that two people must move together in perfect harmony.”
“Ah!”
Only then did Cha-Ryun realize that the test wasn’t as easy as it seemed.
“So quick reflexes are essential?”
“That’s one way of putting it.”
Just then, a participant raised his hand to ask a question.
“How will the test be conducted? Will everyone else leave the area while the participants take their turn?”
All of the participants focused their attention on Yeom Chung. He shook his head.
“No. The test will take place in front of everyone.”
The same participant asked another question.
“Then wouldn’t it be advantageous to those who go later?”
“What makes you think that?”
“If you go later, you can observe and mimic the footwork of those who went before you.”
“That could be possible.”
The Young Dragons began murmuring to one another, glancing around. Yeom Chung raised his hand, and the hall quickly quieted down.
“This is not a test that can be passed through mere imitation. If you try to copy the previous participants without mastering the technique yourself, you will be immediately disqualified.”
Only then did everyone accept the explanation. Those who were judging the competition were renowned masters. They would immediately be able to discern any attempts to cheat. Plus, there were hundreds, if not thousands, of onlookers watching closely.
The participants stared at the stone slab, whispering and discussing strategies. Cha-Ryun also gazed at the slab with a serious expression. It seemed simple at first, but it was clearly much more difficult than expected. Just watching it made her head spin. No matter how hard she tried to imagine it, she couldn’t figure out how to approach the test.
“What do you think? Have you figured out what to do yet?”
Cha-Ryun asked, turning to Jeok Lee-Gun. As expected, he was distracted.
“That Lady Seol is quite popular, isn’t she?”
Please, focus!
Even so, Cha-Ryun couldn’t help but glance in the direction Jeok Lee-Gun was looking.
Sure enough, a crowd had gathered around Seol Byeok-Hwa. She attracted the men, while Yang Su-Chang drew the attention of the women.
Other than the participants who came together as couples, everyone else seemed captivated by them. Though, even those who came as couples were sneaking glances at them.
The two were the most perfect pair in this year’s tournament.
The spectators’ attention remained fixed on the “Jade Dragon” and the “Most Beautiful Flower of Chongqing.” Every move they made was met with excited cheers.
In contrast, Lim Ha-Gi of the Northern Sky Clan received far less attention.
He seemed displeased by this, and his expression toward Sama Young reflected his discontent. His bad mood was so apparent that even Cha-Ryun could feel it.
What a pathetic guy.
From a distance, Sama Young waved to Cha-Ryun. Cha-Ryun politely returned the gesture.
She’s far too good for you, you clueless bastard.
Cha-Ryun sighed as she asked Jeok Lee-Gun.
“By the way, do you think we’ll pass this gate?”
“Of course.”
The moment she heard his answer, Cha-Ryun realized it was exactly what she had been hoping to hear—Jeok Lee-Gun’s confident “of course.”
Not long ago, she would have thought he was crazy for saying that. But now, she genuinely believed him.
“Who are you, really...?”
“I’m such an amazing guy, right?”
I want to punch you so badly.
“So, can we pass?”
“That will be difficult.”
“What?”
“It will be difficult for you.”
Cha-Ryun’s expression hardened, but Jeok Lee-Gun seemed sincere.
“So, are we going to struggle?”
“Not at all.”
Are we going to pass or not?!
Jeok Lee-Gun extended his finger, pointing to one side of the stone slab.
“Look over there.”
Cha-Ryun focused on where Jeok Lee-Gun was pointing.
“The size of the footprints are a bit different, aren’t they?”
Finally, everyone understood why the test was being conducted so publicly. If you didn’t rely on your own unique footwork, observing someone else’s test could actually work against you.
With the disqualification of two participants, everyone grew more cautious.
Those who knew each other gathered in small groups, discussing strategies. The judges didn’t intervene, seemingly allowing anything as long as external help wasn’t involved.
Cha-Ryun, looking anxious, turned to Jeok Lee-Gun and asked.
“Should we just stay here and do nothing?”
“No. We need to practice.”
What’s this now, is he finally taking this seriously?
“Come with me.”
Jeok Lee-Gun led Cha-Ryun to a quiet corner of the training ground, through a corridor connected to the martial arena. The martial artists of the Northern Sky Clan who were stationed nearby watched them closely, though it was clear they wouldn’t interfere as long as they didn’t leave the corridor.
“Perform the Red Silk Sword Technique for me.”
“Right here?”
“Yes.”
“But...”
“What? Are you afraid someone might see?”
Of course! This is my family’s treasured technique. Don’t you see the martial artists over there watching us?
“It’s fine. Just do it.”
“But...”
“Just because someone is watching doesn’t mean they can grasp the essence of your martial art. And those capable of such insight would probably have no desire for the Red Silk Sword Technique anyway. It’s just a matter of perception.”
Though his statement was frustrating and stung her pride, Cha-Ryun knew it was the truth.
Jeok Lee-Gun’s tone grew more serious.
“Is the Red Silk Sword Technique the pinnacle of your martial arts journey? Is it your ultimate goal?”
Cha-Ryun, sharp as ever, understood the deeper meaning behind his words. Jeok Lee-Gun was urging her not to limit herself to the Red Silk Sword Technique. It should be used as a stepping stone to master more powerful techniques.
Still, even though stronger martial arts may be out there, this technique was still precious to her.
Chaang!
Cha-Ryun drew her sword.
‘I trust him.’
Cha-Ryun began performing the seventy-seven paths of the Red Silk Sword Technique with fluid motions.
“Wait.”
Jeok Lee-Gun suddenly stopped her, and Cha-Ryun froze mid-swing.
“At that part, slow down by half a breath.”
What?
Jeok Lee-Gun had already approached her and adjusted her arm.
She flinched in surprise but didn’t resist Jeok Lee-Gun’s guidance.
“From right here to here, just half a breath slower.”
Cha-Ryun swung her sword again, deliberately slowing her movements as instructed. A slight adjustment, yet just that half-breath delay changed the entire flow of her sword.
What is this feeling?
Her whole body seemed to tell her that his correction was spot on.
At the same time, memories of Yang Hwa-Young’s teachings resurfaced in Cha-Ryun’s mind. The combination of Yang Hwa-Young’s advice and Jeok Lee Gun’s guidance was opening a new realm in her martial arts.
Jeok Lee-Gun had corrected nine specific points in her technique. Cha-Ryun accepted all of his corrections.
The result was far beyond anything Cha-Ryun could have imagined.
As Cha-Ryun finished the seventy-seven paths of the Red Silk Sword Technique, Jeok Lee-Gun smiled and spoke.
“Congratulations. Your mastery of the Red Silk Sword Technique has just advanced from seven-star to eight-star mastery.”
“You little...! Martial arts aren’t some kind of game!”
Yet, at this moment, there was one thing Cha-Ryun didn’t realize. The gap between her martial arts level and Jeok Lee-Gun’s was so vast that raising her level by one stage wasn’t as difficult for him as she thought.
Seeing the seriousness in Jeok Lee-Gun’s expression, Cha-Ryun asked with a hint of doubt in her voice.
“...Are you serious?”
Jeok Lee-Gun nodded confidently.
“I’m not lying.”
“That’s impossible!”
“Try performing the technique again, you’ll notice a difference.”
Cha-Ryun instinctively swung her sword once more.
What exactly is supposed to be different?
Cha-Ryun couldn’t feel any noticeable change. If she had to consciously think of anything, it was that the sword felt a bit heavier as she swung it—that was the only difference.
Then, Jeok Lee-Gun said something so ridiculous that she couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
“Alright, let’s try again. This time, try to aim for nine-star mastery.”
[TL Note: Earlier nine-star mastery was referred to as the composition stage, this correction has been made across previous chapters as well.]
“Have you lost your mind?”
As Cha-Ryun looked at him in disbelief, Jeok Lee-Gun glanced over at the stone slab in the distance before speaking.
“If you don’t reach the nine-star level, you won’t be able to pass the test.”