Chapter 29

Chapter 29 – Genius

“Have you perhaps decided on a name for your sword technique?”

“I have decided to call it Radiance Sword Style.”

In the place where the tea’s aroma subtly rose, Won-chang hesitated as he asked, and Yeon-shin answered.

The Radiance Sword Style.

He named it hoping his life would be as inextinguishable as the light filling the world from the sun, moon, and stars.

The characteristic of the sword style, spreading radiance along its trajectory, also played a part.

“Ah… The resonance is better than I thought. Truly a pity.”

“What name did you have in mind?”

“I was thinking of calling it ‘The Light That Cleaves the Heavens and Earth.’ The feeling I got from it was that if it reached its peak, it could encompass the world with a single strike!”

“……”

Yeon-shin silently sipped his tea. The taste that touched his tongue was exquisite.

It was called Jingwei Fu Tea, and the golden tea water represented the kind of treatment they were receiving from the Zhongnan Sect.

‘It was perplexing.’

The reaction of the Sword Immortal to the Radiance Sword Style was unexpected.

His gruff demeanor quickly turned affectionate.

With teary eyes, he even hugged Yeon-shin.

Compared to how he treated his second brother, Jeong Joong-san, it was like he was a different person.

He saved his nephew and created his own sword technique.

Even though he had done nothing for the Zhongnan Sect, he was being treated as a distinguished guest, leaving him feeling bewildered and uneasy.

However, Won-chang seemed different.

“I would like to take some of this golden tea with me when we return.”

He seemed completely at ease, as if he had never wielded a sword with lethal intent.

They spent some time conversing leisurely.

The mission, as assigned by Ma Jin, was left to their discretion.

The goal was to prevent civilian casualties or to deal a significant blow to the Tyrant Sword Sect.

They gained the favor of the Zhongnan Sect. They would hear news of battles immediately.

“Master Jeong?”

A pleasant voice echoed from outside the door. It was the voice of Weiji Myo-hwa, the Cloud Sword Dragon.

Leaving behind the envious face of Won-chang, he exited the room.

It was the same as their first encounter.

She stood there with her unique feather ornament on her ebony hair.

Dressed in a sky-blue martial outfit with one hand resting on her sword hilt, she exuded various qualities.

From what Yeon-shin briefly observed and heard, it was hard not to develop a liking for her as a martial artist.

She had the courage to point out her disciples’ mistakes without hesitation, a chivalrous spirit aimed at helping civilians, and the ambition of a swordsman pursuing higher martial arts.

Her powerful martial arts, combined with these qualities, contributed to her being known as a dragon.

“I came to hear about what we couldn’t discuss last time.”

“Are you referring to the scars left by the Sword Master of the Sword Sect?”

She nodded.

“Although it’s a shameful matter for our sect, I want to remove the shadow of the Sword Master’s legacy. Both in chivalry and swordsmanship, I must walk my own path. I will become the Supreme Master.”

Her determination was evident as she spoke of her ambitions before a younger boy.

After witnessing Yeon-shin’s Radiance Sword Style, her attitude subtly changed.

It seemed her capabilities were indeed fitting for the title of the strongest prodigy of the Zhongnan Sect.

“I will support you.”

Though her expression slightly faltered at his calm response, she quickly corrected herself.

“If you help me restore the Nine Yang Unified Art…”

Weiji Myo-hwa’s red lips moved.

“I promise to serve you with gratitude for the rest of my life. You would greatly lessen the unsatisfactory time of my remaining days.”

The peaceful sunlight was shining brightly on the ground.

Amidst the blend of the soft midday sun and the serene mountains, her voice resonated clearly.

In the martial world, nothing was more dignified. Sharing martial arts held such significance.

“Do you accept?”

Myo-hwa’s lips curved into a red and smooth line.

Her request did not sound humble.

The confidence overflowing from her eyes felt like an inextinguishable flame.

Could it be the spirit of the prodigy standing at the pinnacle of a renowned sect?

It did not mean she would stay by his side forever.

It was a pledge to assist whenever possible as a martial artist indebted to him.

Yeon-shin nodded readily.

“It won’t take long.”

“Amazing and delightful.”

Myo-hwa smiled slightly.

They walked shoulder to shoulder. It felt strange.

Considering that this was the Cloud Sword Dragon of Zhongnan.

To offer unilateral assistance to such a martial artist with considerable skills and experience? It was an unusual experience.

They reached the edge of a cliff with a peculiar feeling.

From afar, the Sword Immortal stood with his hands behind his back, watching them.

His face had softened remarkably compared to when they first met. It had been that way since he saw the Radiance Sword Style.

Won-chang had even whispered that he might ascend to the heavens if he kept smiling like that.

“First, I will explain the mnemonic chants.”

“Did you just say mnemonic chants?”

Myo-hwa turned her head sharply.

Her hair brushed against Yeon-shin’s face, causing him to pat his own face.

Seeing her embarrassment, he slowly opened his mouth.

“It won’t be exactly the same. That part will be up to the Sword Dragon.”

He traced back the manifestation of the technique from the sword marks.

He reverse-engineered the method of operating the qi completely. He didn’t speak particularly about it.

He was the main rising star of the Desolate Fortress, someone trusted by Cheong Myeong.

He knew what to say and what not to say.

‘The Cloud Sword Dragon seems trustworthy.’

Having the talent to steal someone’s martial arts? It wouldn’t be beneficial if rumors spread.

Even now, Myo-hwa’s tone had heightened significantly.

“Though it’s said to be in the realm of enlightenment, how on earth did you…!”

Her expression seemed to say there couldn’t be anything like this in the world.

“Then my part would be…?”

“I will tell you the incomplete mnemonic chants. Your task will be to refine them close to completion.”

Was the conclusion difficult? Yeon-shin spoke without hiding his curiosity.

It was a very simple task. It was on a different level from retracing the marks to recall each mnemonic chant.

As she fell silent, the sun began to set.

Myo-hwa disappeared for a while after receiving the mnemonic chants.

According to the Sword Immortal, she had fallen into the temptation of heart demons.

Even though she had an upright nature, one couldn’t be free from one’s mind.

“She was not a child who boasted of her martial arts. However, it seems she was shocked by your talent.”

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan looked at Yeon-shin with a peculiar gaze.

“Among the peers in Shaanxi, there was no one who could rival her in terms of talent. Even including the Mount Hua Sect. When it comes to Shaanxi in the Central Plains, it can’t be compared to a small country. She thought of herself as the best talent in the world.”

“The best in the world…”

Yeon-shin muttered as if savoring the unfamiliar resonance.

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan slowly nodded.

“Yes. She felt her talent was insignificant for the first time. After seeing the real thing.”

“It’s meaningless. The Sword Dragon is a much higher-level master than I am.”

Yeon-shin, pressed for time, found it hard to understand.

One couldn’t replace the current position with invisible talent or age.

Seeing him shake his head, the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan chuckled.

“How fatally mistaken the heavens were. It wasn’t enough to grant you talent; they even gave you the desire to seek what you lack. It is truly unfair to the world.”

“Your words are embarrassing.”

They had become quite familiar with each other. Some people in the Zhongnan Sect even said it seemed like looking at a grandson.

Yeon-shin also found the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan much more comfortable than his maternal grandfather, Ma Yeon-jeok.

It was then.

“Elder, Master Jeong.”

The moment the voice echoed, she was already in front of them.

Her pitch-black hair swayed gently over her sky-blue martial outfit, halted by her marvelous step technique.

“Cloud Sword Dragon.”

“You’re here. I knew you would overcome it quickly.”

It was Weiji Myo-hwa they had been talking about. She looked emaciated, almost to the point of appearing ghostly pale.

After greeting the Sword Immortal, she respectfully saluted Yeon-shin. Her expression was resolute.

“Master Jeong, since you have learned the mnemonic chants first, can you demonstrate the sword technique?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“Can you help me practice the Nine Yang Unified Art together? Practicing together will lead to faster progress.”

“I am sorry.”

Yeon-shin shook his head.

“I don’t even have enough time to practice my own sword technique.”

“Ah…”

Unable to insist, she sighed regretfully. Seeing this, he slowly added.

“Since our origins are the same, it will suffice to observe each other’s techniques. While I practice the Radiance Sword Style, you can practice the Nine Yang Unified Art.”

The same method he used to learn the step technique inspired by Cheong Myeong.

Yeon-shin comprehended the martial arts of opponents he faced for the first time in battle.

The custom of forbidding observing others’ martial arts practice did not hold significant meaning for him.

However, their reactions were different. For the first time, admiration appeared in Weiji Myo-hwa’s eyes.

“…You are truly a great master, Master Jeong.”

“Generosity should have its limits. The vessel that reaches the world is already complete.”

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan sighed. His expression mirrored, showing increased goodwill.

It seemed they were impressed not just by his talent but by his magnanimity.

There was a deep sense of camaraderie in their expressions.

Revealing one’s realization and demonstrating a well-established martial art practice were entirely different matters.

‘Misunderstandings are building up.’

Yeon-shin ceased his thoughts and headed to the training hall behind the main hall of the Sunxin Pavilion.

He sensed the elegant presence of Myo-hwa following him from behind.

When he stood aside and looked to the side, she smiled brightly and stopped at her place.

Almost simultaneously, they drew their swords.

Sheeeuungggg.

Under the sun, the Desolate Sword appeared more mysteriously beautiful than before.

The sword made by the dwarves grew with its owner. Even if it was a mass-produced sword, it seemed to be the same.

As it grew along with Yeon-shin’s experiences and achievements, becoming imbued with the Radiance Sword Style, no sword would suit him better.

‘Radiance.’

He murmured inwardly and activated the mnemonic chants. The qi operation of the Radiance Sword Style was fundamentally different from the Eternal Blossom Fist.

Compared to the Eternal Blossom Fist, where each strike was a single, disconnected blow, the Radiance Sword Style had a continuous flow.

Uuuung.

He began to move the Desolate Sword with the mental image of sunlight pooling and flowing.

As the blade, absorbing the light from the sun above, drew a circle down to the ground, there was no obstruction in wielding the sword.

The radiance and wind clinging to the blade felt astonishingly familiar.

Radiance Sword Style. This was because he had created it himself.

‘I am the master.’

At this moment, he fully realized. He was the father of this martial art.

“Ah.”

A sigh that didn’t reach Yeon-shin’s ears dispersed. The sword of Weiji Myo-hwa on the other side stopped.

Standing still in her place, she watched Yeon-shin.

Myo-hwa, who was moving her qi alongside him, performed the Nine Yang Unified Art.

Through her overwhelming experience and insights, she had advanced first.

She reproached herself for feeling slightly relieved by the seemingly crude swordsmanship of Yeon-shin.

But he swiftly caught up in the realm of proficiency.

Yeon-shin, performing a dance of the sun with his sword.

Both learned new sword techniques simultaneously, but their martial achievements were entirely different.

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Both the Nine Yang Unified Art and Radiance Sword Style were unparalleled superior sword techniques.

As she swallowed her silence, the speed of the Desolate Sword changed.

Before long, the Swift Sword technique was being incorporated into Yeon-shin’s sword style.

Hwoong! Hwooong!

Amidst the flowing radiance of the Radiance Sword Style, Weiji Myo-hwa’s sword descended slowly.

The True Dragon with the treasured pearl was elsewhere. A strange sense of defeat by overwhelming martial talent.

Masters with deeply cultivated internal energy possessed something called “glint.”

It was the radiance that glimmered like a predator’s eyes due to the qi.

“What am I…”

Weiji Myo-hwa’s always clear and bright eyes became blurred. Her focus gradually disappeared.