The scenery was mediocre, yet from this place, one could glimpse the Qingcheng Palace and observe the people moving below at the entrance.
Seol-Hwi often sat alone there when he felt conflicted.
Yes, it is true that I set a standard for myself. Among them, there might be some that really needed to be removed and filtered out
He could not afford to ignore Qingchengs martial arts.
Somehow, it felt inevitable.
Having reached a high level in his previous life, Seol-Hwi could easily spot the shortcomings of most warriors.
In the name of tradition, the techniques were imbued with inefficient movements, and sometimes the elders were too stubborn to change them.
From the beginning to the end, Qingchengs martial arts skills were considered inferior. The special experiences of my life have helped me a lot, but now that is what is holding me back.
To exaggerate a bit, it felt akin to a religion.
The Buddhist scriptures say that if one meets an arrogant person, kill them, and kill the Buddha too if you meet him on the road.
This was because blind faith lead to destruction.
However, such statements could only be made by those who have already climbed halfway up the mountain. And Qingcheng had its roots in Taoism.
To truly understand the sect, it was not enough to just mimic the actions and habits; one had to assimilate it all into their being.
Blind faith certainly lead to distortion, but those who have never experienced such blind faith might understand it intellectually, yet cannot feel the warmth of the law that heats their hearts.
Shhh
In an instant, Seol-Hwis figure vanished from the peak.
Pik
He picked up the sword in an instant and held it with ease.
Swish
A light sting followed by a graceful slash.
Swish
Seol-Hwi executed the original Clear Wind Sword technique, which traditionally comprised 12 forms.
Here, Seol-Hwi had removed four techniques he considered ineffective and had used two forms he created himself, improved with the help of his master. But now, he was following the instructions of the martial arts manual.
He had started learning the movement early in the morning.
Shhh
The mind
Before attempting the original version, Seol-Hwi concentrated once again and decided not to include his own techniques.
The mind that encountered something in a state of ignorance knows nothing.
Like children with pure hearts, he decided to accept any given form like a blank sheet of paper.
Shh. Shh.. wheik.
And so the sword dance beganan action that aligned the body with the swords direction and waited for the enemys attack.
Anticipating the opponents sword, he safely stepped back, struck with his own sword, and even stabbed at an opening.
Chik
And from the third form, Seol-Hwi reflected on a past problem.
The warriors of the Qingcheng sect wore loose-fitting uniforms. Therefore, when making swift movements, the hem of the robe could hinder their actions.
The original sword movement involved holding the tip of the robes hem with the hand not wielding the sword, while keeping an eye on the opponents blade. It was a stance ready to cut or stab within the available range.
In the past, Seol-Hwi had discarded the action of lifting the robes hem for the technique, as he thought it emphasized appearance over practicality.
Shhh
But this time, he deliberately incorporated the movement without prejudice, accepting it wholeheartedly. Then he executed it as seriously as possible.
There was some discomfort when the hem caught, but he continued until he was satisfied.
Wait
Before transitioning to the fourth form, Seol-Hwi tilted his head, sensing something amiss.
However, it was difficult to properly judge what it was and whether it would be helpful.
So he tried the process from the third to the fourth.
Shh. Whik.
And again.
Shhh. Wheik!
He repeated that movement many timesno, hundreds of times.
Seol-Hwi, whose forehead was now wet with sweat, groaned briefly as he remembered the hidden meaning behind the movement.
The act of holding the dress and lifting the sword this was no formal act.
What could compel a man to cast out his own disciple?
It seemed like an entanglement too complex to unravel, but since honoring this elders final request was his duty, he decided to respect it.
Rustle
Uh?
After stepping into the kitchen to prepare a meal, he paused, thinking he had seen something amiss.
The visitors who had come to see the elder had all left. There should have been no one else remaining, yet there stood a figure at the main gate of the residence.
The Great Sword of Qingcheng?
The man had a slightly haggard complexion.
It was Taoist Seok-Hwi.
For some reason, after the master shouted, he gave an order not to let the man in. Even though Hyuk Mun remembered it when the man came
Cough cough?
Chung Heo, who was coughing because of the cold, naturally saw Seok-Hwi.
His face looked confused, his cloudy eyes filled with emotionsjoy and anger. He seemed as if he did not know which emotion would burst out.
Hmm
The reason he turned his head to the side a bit late was because of those feelings.
Thud
While Hyuk Mun felt anxious, Seok-Hwi knelt down and bowed his head.
Master. The disciple has returned.
A moment of silence followed. In this uncomfortable silence, Hyuk Mun carefully left the place.
He did not know what the fight between the master and disciple was about, but he had no right to be there.
How can you just come back?
He felt happy, hoping for the relationship of the two to strengthen now.
Step
As Hyuk Mun left, elder Chung Heo turned his head and asked in a low voice,
Is there anything left between us?
It was a calm tone, but it broke Seol-Hwis heart.
Master
Even when Chung Heo spoke, there was a bit of a tremble in his voice, and Seol-Hwi knew what it meant.
A long time ago, when a cold winter came, didnt you make a promise with me?
Promise? What
Fishing while looking at the lake, the mountaintop lake. At night, the chat on the huge rock cliff.
That promise. I am here to protect it.
But Chung Heo did not respond to Seol-Hwi.
Normally, he would have gotten angry and kicked him out, but this time he was just sitting there.
Master
Seeing that, Seol-Hwis eyes turned red.
He knew how his master felt now.
The man who clearly dismissed him from being his disciple and shouted to never come back again.
And yet, the moment he saw the disciple he had taught from childhood, he felt overwhelmed.
His intentions to break off the ties were sincere. And yet, when the disciple he cherished so much arrived, he could not say anything.
There were times when it all seemed fake. Other times, it was too warm and happy to be considered fake.
Right. Lets go.
His master, who was sitting there, finally spoke and looked at Seol-Hwi.
Let us go and talk with the sword. Arent we, Qingcheng?
Yes.
Seol-Hwi bowed and stepped forward. He helped the master walk.
Shhh
With eyes deeper than before, the Great Qingcheng Swordsman carried his master around and slowly took one step at a time towards the lake. Each step made him look forward.