9 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Episode 9 "That just now..." As Cheon Hwi's low voice brought Hyun Do back to his senses, he opened his hand with a look of surprise. Though he had long ceased swinging his sword, the sensation he experienced when he executed the Yukhap Sword Technique still lingered in his palm. “Yukhap Sword Technique?” He whispered it as a question, but in truth, he was subconsciously aware. The swordplay he had just performed was the true Yukhap Sword Technique. Whisk― He turned his head to look at Cheon Hwi. Cheon Hwi, who was watching him, had a nonchalant expression, resting a wooden sword on his shoulder. Unlike his formerly courteous demeanor, he now exhibited a rather arrogant posture. Yet somehow, it suited the current Cheon Hwi perfectly. "Am I wrong?" In response to Cheon Hwi's confident voice, Hyun Do found himself unable to say anything, his hand trembling as it gripped his sword. After a brief moment. "Yes, you're right." Hyun Do admitted, unexpectedly straightforwardly. No, he couldn’t help but acknowledge it. The Yukhap Sword Technique he had followed Cheon Hwi in performing was nothing inferior to any of the ascending sword techniques in their martial arts school. 'Or perhaps...' Hyun Do swallowed hard and asked. “How did you come to think of wielding the Yukhap Sword Technique in this manner?” Cheon Hwi looked at him. The anger and reprimanding tone from earlier had completely vanished. All that was left was a serious expression. Unexpected, really. The corners of Cheon Hwi's mouth lifted slightly. It was uncommon for someone to readily acknowledge when an assertion came from someone younger or perceived as weaker than themselves. Especially if that someone was as young as a fourteen-year-old child like him, without any internal energy. He laughed softly. He liked the look in Hyun Do's eyes. The same eyes he saw every day in the mirror in the past. ‘The eyes of one obsessed with martial arts.’ Cheon Hwi lifted the wooden sword from his shoulder and asked Hyun Do in return. “Why do you tell us to take different stances one by one every time we perform a move?” Hyun Do, looking at Cheon Hwi who answered with a question, spoke quietly. “The foundation of all martial arts is the stance. If you cannot even assume the correct posture, you cannot draw out the appropriate power.” Cheon Hwi frowned slightly. The moment he saw the martial arts manuscript at Mangyunggak, he expected this. They believed wholeheartedly in the martial arts manuscript. Thus, there hadn't been any progress for three hundred years. 'Futile words.' Of course, when one knows nothing, merely imitating can lead to rapid achievement. Yet blind faith in what is taught does not wield true power. 'If it seems odd, you must change it.' He looked at Hyun Do with a disdainful expression. However, Cheon Hwi didn't know. That the Heavenly Demonic Cult and the orthodox schools were different. In the Heavenly Demonic Cult, altering martial techniques or not didn't matter as long as the results were there. However, in orthodox schools, arbitrarily altering the sect's martial arts was a sin likened to betraying one's ancestors, a crime grave enough to risk one's life. Moreover, Hyun Do was a proud member of the Hwasan Sect, fully engrossed in learning martial arts without ever considering whether learned techniques were flawed. For a person like Hyun Do to call the handed-down martial arts flawed and change them on his own whim? It was an impossible task unless some day he descended into madness. But Cheon Hwi, unaware of such distinctions, continued observing Hyun Do, saying. "No martial arts technique I know unfolds each move without any connection. Yet, the Yukhap Sword Technique feels like entirely separate actions." "The Yukhap in the Yukhap Sword Technique represents the six directions — forward, backward, left, right, up, and down — and the sword method is encapsulated within these six directions. Thus, each move is isolated and not smoothly connected, but..." Hyun Do paused briefly, his eyes sinking as he watched Cheon Hwi with sharp eyes. “You changed that. Making it appear as if they were connected as one.” Cheon Hwi’s eyes glistened upon hearing that. ‘He has a steadfast belief.’ He was growing more fond of him. His thinking and martial perspective were a bit old-fashioned, but he had determination. As well as a passion for martial arts. “The six directions... that explanation does make sense. But I considered the Yukhap within the Yukhap Sword Technique in a different way.” “What do you mean?” Hyun Do’s expression turned serious. Swish― Cheon Hwi lifted his wooden sword. "There must be many ways to teach swinging the sword in six directions. You merely need to practice swinging like this repeatedly without making it complex." The wooden sword moved in six directions. That was the original Yukhap Sword Technique. "But why bother creating the Yukhap Sword Technique? It seems unnecessary to invent it just to teach sword swinging in six directions." As Cheon Hwi spoke, Hyun Do frowned slightly, pondering briefly before opening his mouth. “It's likely because it's a foundational form. Traditionally, it is said that to properly execute sword techniques, one must achieve unity of principle and action. Knowing the theory and principles yet not knowing how to wield a sword, or conversely, knowing how to wield a sword yet not understanding the principles and theories, one couldn’t effectively perform the ascending techniques even if learned.” Hyun Do’s voice grew lower. “The Yukhap Sword Technique serves as a foundational form to solve that problem, preparing one to understand how to wield the sword when they grasp the principles or theories contained within ascending sword techniques.” “Then does that mean the Yukhap Sword Technique contains no inherent principle?” "That..." Hyun Do's expression tightened in a grimace. Principle within the Yukhap Sword Technique? He had never considered it. As the Yukhap Sword Technique was a foundational practice learned before ascending techniques, when one comprehended the principles and theories and was capable of properly executing sword techniques, the focus typically shifted solely to ascending forms. Looking at Hyun Do, who had a rather complicated expression, Cheon Hwi spoke. "I see principles in the Yukhap Sword Technique. Would anyone in the world call mere aimless sword swinging a sword technique?" Hyun Do, entangled in conversation with Cheon Hwi, found his thoughts becoming increasingly complex. "I used the Yukhap Sword Technique as if it were complete from the very beginning and soon realized that focusing solely on stances made transitions between moves less smooth. So, I pondered how to connect them better and eventually came up with one solution." Hyun Do, with a lifted spirit, spoke up. “What solution?” Cheon Hwi smirked. “I mentioned it earlier, didn’t I?” “Mentioned what…” “That I considered the concept of Yukhap differently.” In an instant, Cheon Hwi's wooden sword transformed. The once rigid strikes shifted to a fluid movement, like a gentle reed swaying in the wind, seamlessly merging the six sword techniques into one. "By combining all six moves into a single flow." “……!” Hyun Do's eyes widened as if they would pop out of his head. Yukhap was dual in meaning. Six, yet one. One, yet six. Both direction and move. Merging them into one and then seamlessly separating them made for a natural connection. ‘Such reasoning within Yukhap!’ He looked at Cheon Hwi with astonishment. This sword technique had been practiced by hundreds of thousands over its long history. Yet, no one had ever thought of Yukhap in the way Cheon Hwi had. Perhaps it was because most moved on to the ascending sword techniques. Still. 'To discern the meaning of Yukhap that no one realized until now…’ His whole body trembled. Cheon Hwi, just fourteen years old, a novice in martial arts for barely three days, had accomplished this feat. Not only had he realized it, but he had executed it properly. He couldn’t help but feel awe. "Amazing." Hyun Do, brimming with admiration, leaned in with shining eyes. “When did you precisely understand the meaning of Yukhap? When you performed the first move? Or as you swung the sword? Or when you moved to the second…” Cheon Hwi frowned. Already upfront with a fierce expression, having Hyun Do's intimidating face so close was overwhelming. Noticing the change in Cheon Hwi's expression, Hyun Do awkwardly cleared his throat and muttered. “Ahem, I got a bit carried away.” He soon flashed a pleasant smile. ‘A true genius, indeed!’ The earlier judgment of the sword technique being clumsy seemed utterly wrong. Cheon Hwi’s mastery of the technique was so advanced that Hyun Do wanted to kick his past self for that hasty evaluation. "When did you realize the meaning of Yukhap?" “From the start.” “……!” Hyun Do's eyes opened wide with disbelief. ‘He realized it from the beginning?’ While his mind was overcome with a sense of being struck by a stone on the back of his head, Cheon Hwi spoke. "The transition to the successive moves felt awkward right away." Cheon Hwi’s voice resonated in his ears. “You might not have noticed since you've been practicing the Yukhap Sword Technique the same way since you first learned it, but for me, it became apparent almost immediately since it was my first time.” “Falling into the trap of familiarity, I see.” "Answers can be so near that they’re sometimes missed." “So surprisingly near…!” Crash! It felt like a lightning bolt struck Hyun Do’s mind. Days where he hadn’t even glanced to the side. He should have looked around or back, but he forged headlong. Thus, his vision narrowed. To the point where what was right nearby was overlooked. ‘Blinded by impatience.’ Swish― Hyun Do carefully placed his sword down and sank into a seated position. ‘I thought reaching the level of Heavenly Martial Field required mastering Tael Miri Gong (the art of mysterious separation). But do I have to master it entirely to reach it? Perhaps I’ve already touched that realm, yet have failed to recognize it because I was so focused on it…’ Cheon Hwi frowned, watching Hyun Do suddenly sit in meditation. A peculiar energy emanated from Hyun Do, fully absorbed in his concentration, spreading in all directions. “…Looks like I did him a favor.” Cheon Hwi muttered, stroking his chin. Where once there would’ve been a beard, his chin was smooth. He grimaced soon after, glancing away. "The way it looks, it'll take some time before he finishes. Might as well practice the sword techniques I saw in Mangyunggak until he wakes up." Having decided to stand guard while waiting for him to awaken, Cheon Hwi gripped the wooden sword once more. Squeeze― He recalled the hallmark techniques of Hwasan Sect and those recorded in the Hwasan Annals but lost in time. Whisk― Whisk― Following his movements, the wooden sword danced. Two hours later. Flash! Hyun Do's eyes snapped open, shining brightly. The internal energy, unable to be wholly mastered yet, gradually dimmed its glow. Eventually, his blurred focus cleared, and his sight returned to normal. “Finally…” Hyun Do clenched both fists firmly. He had set foot into a realm that had eluded him for two years. At that moment, Cheon Hwi came into his vision. Gripping the wooden sword in his small hand, Cheon Hwi wore a look of boredom. “How much time has passed?” “About two hours.” Cheon Hwi replied in a tone of mild annoyance. Understandably, since Hyun Do's meditation lasted longer than expected. Not minding Cheon Hwi’s indifferent response, Hyun Do laughed as he got up. “Hahaha. It’s all thanks to you.” Cheon Hwi watched the approaching Hyun Do, a soft smile on his lips. That’s not a great sight when smiling. Though Hyun Do’s intention seemed good, what appeared was different. His scars twitched with the upturned corners of his lips, and the wrinkles deepened. It was almost reminiscent of the menacing smile a killer sported before a deadly act. Unaware of his appearance, however, Hyun Do spoke in an unusually gentle voice. “Thank you.” Despite Hyun Do’s heartfelt gratitude, Cheon Hwi remained nonchalant, unaffected. Though it was a lack of propriety, the already smitten Hyun Do perceived it as being reserved. As he warmly watched Cheon Hwi for a while, Hyun Do then tilted his head back, breaking into a hearty laugh aimed at the heavens. “Hahahaha! To think you sent us such a treasure, it seems the Heavenly Lord hasn’t forsaken our sect.” Hyun Do couldn’t contain his joy. But only briefly. "This is no time for idling. I must quickly inform Senior Brother Jangmun about this great news!" Recollecting something he had momentarily forgotten, Hyun Do exclaimed and glanced at Cheon Hwi. With a playful wink, he continued, "I'll put in a good word for you with him!" "Uh?" Cheon Hwi wore a perplexed expression. Yet before he could ask anything further, Hyun Do suddenly launched off the ground and vanished in an instant. Staring at the dust left behind, Cheon Hwi murmured, bewildered, "What was that about?" * * * Zihua Pavilion. At the residence of the Head of the Hwasan Sect, the current leader, Hyeon Sang, was sipping gently on steaming white tea. ‘This upcoming Conclave of the Five Peaks will determine how our sect is perceived in Jianghu after four years.’ The gathering, occurring for the first time in twenty years, required meticulous attention. He had convinced the owner of Jaeryeong Pavilion to invest heavily in refurbishing Maehyang Hall, as well as repairs and decorations in several areas. Everything was prepared. The only regretful aspect was the absence of the majority of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. Following the disastrous bloodshed eight years prior, Hwasan's influence within the Martial Alliance had progressively waned. Consequently, other martial factions had been eyeing Hwasan's position, leading them to send their elite Plum Blossom Swordsmen and the adept Hyun Jin to the Martial Alliance to assert Hwasan’s vigor. That being the case, even for the Conclave of the Five Peaks, they couldn’t be summoned back to the sect. ‘No, this might be an opportunity. If our sect demonstrates its prowess at the Conclave without the Plum Blossom Swordsmen...’ Engrossed in his thoughts. Suddenly, the door to Zihua Pavilion burst open, allowing the golden hue of the sunset to seep inside. "Senior Brother!" Appearing amid the sunset was Hyun Do. Fixing his gaze on the respectfully standing Hyun Do, Hyeon Sang spoke. "What brings you here so sudden----" He broke off mid-sentence, stunned. Hyun Do was there before him. Yet, he felt no presence. Such a thing could mean only one thing. "A-achieved the Return to Simplicity (反璞歸眞)?!" Hyun Do beamed. Witnessing his meaningful smile, Hyeon Sang hurriedly asked. "Have you surpassed a barrier?" Hyun Do nodded. "Finally..." Overwhelmed with emotion, Hyeon Sang rose to his feet. "This is no time to delay. I must let everyone know you've broken through the wall." Like two peas in a pod, Hyeon Sang echoed Hyun Do’s earlier words. As he rushed to share this joyous news, he was about to bolt out of Zihua Pavilion when. "Senior Brother." Hyun Do stopped him. "There is something even more important." "What do you mean? You've just reached the Heavenly Martial Boundary, what could possibly be more important?" "There is, indeed." Confronted with Hyun Do’s determined expression, Hyeon Sang's demeanor hardened as he asked. "What could that be..." "Cheon Hwi is a genius!" "...What?" Momentarily speechless at the abrupt interruption by Hyun Do, Hyeon Sang was taken aback. "Not just any genius, but an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime genius!" Hyun Do’s exclamation reverberated through Zihua Pavilion.