Chapter 28: The Tale Of The Martial Heroes (2)

Chapter 28: The Tale Of The Martial Heroes (2)

Cheongun, the third-generation disciple of Wudang, frequently visited the bookstore.

Unlike his younger counterparts, he wasnt there to covertly indulge in erotic novels or racy stories.

Senior Brother Cheongun reads erotic novels too? What? Why are you looking at this?

When the diligent Cheongun was spotted reading, the younger disciples speculated whether he secretly relished erotic novels. Filled with such curiosity, theyd tiptoe over to him, only to be disappointed by the titles he perused.

Cheongun consistently immersed himself in Taoist texts, renowned customs of the Central Plains, and morally uplifting stories.

This is more interesting than I thought.

Typical Senior Brother, always buried in such books. Why not try some entertaining storybooks for a change?

The junior disciple shook his head in disbelief and walked away.

Had their master witnessed this, he wouldve rebuked the junior for his lack of respect toward the Senior Brother. However, they werent around, as Cheongun had taken the disciples on a brief outing.

That kid I do read fun things occasionally.

Setting aside his current reading, Cheongun moved to the section featuring the latest novels.

It wasnt that Cheongun favored only dry and tedious books. He wasnt in search of erotic tales that might disrupt his cultivation, but he did delight in discovering unheard classic folktales and narratives of legendary heroes.

Kwak Geo-byeongs Tale, Ive read this. Akbi Chronicles, this one too. Seocho Conquerors Tale, also read this. Seems Ive already gone through all these new arrivals.

Disheartened, Cheongun realized that the so-called new books were not new to him. With a soft sigh, he acknowledged that while the younger disciples had an abundance of fresh erotic novels at their disposal, the kind of stories he enjoyed seldom saw new additions.

Cheongun glanced past the shelves of new arrivals to the piles of books stacked haphazardly to the side, looking for something worth reading. Books that no one sought after or old ones were there instead of being neatly shelved.

Perhaps he could uncover a hidden gem among these.

With a spark of hope, Cheongun began his search.

This is a new title, The Tale of the Martial Heroes?

The book, printed on coarse paper with poor-quality ink, might contain decent content, but the letters on the cover had faded significantly.

While anyone else might have ignored it, Cheongun, thirsty for new literature, opened The Tale of the Martial Heroes.

The protagonist is from Wudang?

Impersonating a disciple of the great Wudang was bold. Cheongun was tempted to close the book immediately, but his curiosity prevailed.

The story unfolded with the young protagonist Yunhyeons happy life being shattered.

Yunhyeon, known for his cleverness, lost his parents to bandits. On the brink of death, he was rescued by a Wudang Taoist passing by.

The Taoist, recognizing Yunhyeons potential, invited him to become his disciple. Yunhyeon performed the nine bows ritual () to his master, establishing their master-disciple bond.

Before leaving his village, he made a vow at his parents graves.

[Father, Mother. I will master the sword and ensure no one suffers like us again.]

Cheongun was drawn into the next chapter by the young protagonists misfortune and sharp intellect.

Although Wudang was a Taoist sect, not all disciples were naturally virtuous. Some came from wealthy families or had parents in official positions who secretly supported them during their Wudang stay.

Thus, Yunhyeon, an orphan with nothing, faced ostracism.

The baseless malice of the other children tormented him relentlessly.

I was in a similar situation.

Cheongun empathized with Yunhyeon. He, too, had lost his parents to bandits and faced comparable bullying as an orphan.

In a situation where most kids would have given up in tears, Yunhyeon remembered the vow to his parents and persisted in his training. Was it his innate talent or the vow that spurred him on? His martial prowess improved with each passing day.

On a regular training and sparring day at Wudang,

Yunhyeon chose to challenge the leader of the kids who had bullied him.

There was a significant age gap between Yunhyeon and the bullys leader. Under normal circumstances, Yunhyeon stood no chance.

How can he possibly win this?

As Yunhyeon struggled to dodge and defend against the attacks, Cheongun thought he was doomed to lose.

But Yunhyeon remained patient, calmly waiting for the right moment.

Unaware of this, the opposing child became anxious as his attacks failed to connect. Anxiety made movements larger and more hurried. Yunhyeon had been eagerly waiting for this moment.

Yunhyeons talent blossomed.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Houbaljein () - control by acting later.

Dominate speed with slowness.

Yunhyeon seized the opportunity as the childs movements grew larger and more hasty, perfectly overpowering him. Everyone was astonished. After all, the martial arts of the Great Wudang Sect were unfolding from Yunhyeons hands, despite his young age.

[Fallen back to earth, my back lacked wings, and all I had was the sword that had accompanied me throughout my life.]

[Young reader, with your sword, accumulate good deeds (). They will become wings for you.]

[Though my life is ending and I can no longer gather good deeds, I will leave behind martial arts techniques that can serve as wings for you.]

[Please, use your sword in the way of the Tao and accumulate good deeds.]



Elder Brother Cheongun, what book has captured your attention so completely? We must hurry.

Cheonguns junior disciple complained, noting that Cheongun had not moved from the bookstore for over an hour.

This book, this book is

Cheongun was so astonished that he couldnt move.

This wasnt an ordinary book.

Shopkeeper!

Cheongun urgently called out to the bookstore owner.

What is it?

Elder Brother, why such a grave expression? Youre scaring me.

Both the junior disciple and the bookstore owner were taken aback by Cheonguns grim demeanor.

Where did this book come from?

Cheongun pointed repeatedly at the Tale of the Martial Heroes while asking.

The Tale of the Martial Heroes? Whats that Ah! That book.

That book?

A peddler sold it, saying it was a story for the Wudang Sect, brought by a Korean Taoist from Mount Baekdu.

A Korean Taoist from Mount Baekdu?

Yes. He mentioned it was especially beneficial for members of the Wudang Sect. Since it went unread, I considered putting it into storage.

Mount Baekdu, a Korean Daoist from Mount Baekdu

What connection could there be between a person from Joseons Mount Baekdu and the Wudang Sect? The more Cheongun learned, the more perplexed he became.

In truth, the bookstore owners statement had been embellished as it circulated among various individuals, but Cheongun was unaware of this.

So, will you purchase it? Youve read it extensively and frequent here often, so you might as well buy it.

I will buy it at any cost. How much is it?

Just about 5 silver.

5 silver? Youre offering this book for 5 silver?

Cheongun asked, incredulous.

Is it due to the poor quality? Yet, it should fetch at least 5 silver

Poor quality? How dare you say such a thing!

Cheongun exclaimed, his anger flaring.

What?

Elder Brother?

His junior disciple was stunned to see the normally calm and composed Cheongun so enraged.

This books value cant be summed up by mere 5 silver. In my pouch, as of this moment, I have only 50 silver!

That book is certainly worth 5 silver.

Take all that I have here. And give me the book.

Th-thank you.

The bookstore owner, completely taken aback by receiving the entire pouch, stood with his mouth agape.

No, the thanks are mine to give.

Cheongun exited the shop without a backward glance, clutching The Tale of the Martial Heroes tightly.

Elder Brother! Please wait for me!

What on earth just happened?

The bookstore owner, as he pocketed the silver, remained baffled by the recent turn of events.

Little did the bookstore owner know the profound effect The Tale of the Martial Heroes would have on the Wudang Sect.