Chapter 181
181
"Huh? A sword?"
"Yes. A sword. As I've said before, you never know when you might have to pick up a sword lying on the ground and swing it. I advise you to learn it when you have the time."
"Umm, I already failed miserably at that."
"The situation is different now than it was then. Our sister's skills have improved, so if you pick up a sword again, you'll see things differently than before. If you get used to the sword, it'll be easier to get a feel for how to deal with a Swordmaster."
It was all reasonable, but I didn't feel like holding a sword. The memory of unconsciously throwing a sword like a Flying Dagger was still vivid.
Besides, it felt a bit much to ask for sword lessons when they were already feeding and housing me...
"Still, I can't ask Jin-sung Do-jang. I'm from another sect, it's rude. I'll learn from you later, Brother."
When I shook my head, Yeon-ryang replied as if it were nothing.
"Don't think of it as a big deal, just ask him to watch your form. It's not like you're asking him to teach you Wudang Techniques, so So-dojang won't refuse."
"Is that so..."
Still, wouldn't it be rude?
Yeon-ryang, who was watching me stroke my chin in worry, added.
"It's okay. So-dojang can easily dodge a flying sword."
Oh my. This guy, really.
"Brother. You seem to be thinking bad thoughts."
"It's okay, it's okay. He won't die from that much."
What's okay about that? This guy wants me to stab Jin-sung with Poison Needles.
I let out a hollow laugh and glared at Yeon-ryang, who winked and played it off.
"Just kidding, kidding. Anyway, I'm terrible at teaching people, so I gave up quickly, but So-dojang has a whole line of Disciple under him. He's taught many people, so he'll have the knack for it. It's worth a shot to ask. He's a patient guy, so he won't give up easily."
"Okay. I'll ask."
I nodded slowly.
If I could learn the sword as Yeon-ryang said, it would definitely be helpful.
...But how do I bring it up?
I recalled Jin-sung's face when he was startled and smacked my lips awkwardly.
I guess I said something unnecessary.
\ \ *
While chatting, half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
I realized the time when I saw the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk approaching with a dry cough, and I was startled and stood up.
"Did you enjoy your reunion?"
"Yes. Thank you for your consideration in many ways, Elder."
When I greeted him politely, the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk smiled kindly and asked me.
"Are you uncomfortable living here? Don't hold it in and tell Jin-sung right away. This old man is worried too."
"No. I'm not uncomfortable at all. Thanks to your consideration, I'm staying comfortably."
He smiled and turned his head, then scoffed at Yeon-ryang.
"Huh. Look at that, look how happy that guy is. He was groaning like a sick chicken, but he seems to be getting better now that he's seen his sister?"
"Noya, you speak so harshly. When did I ever groan?"
"What's harsh is your tongue. A Demonic Sect guy dares to talk back."
The Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk slapped Yeon-ryang on the back of the head and looked back and forth between me and Yeon-ryang.
"For such a flower-like Young lady to come from the same womb as you, it's nothing short of a miracle."
"Noya's eyes are strange. Do you know how much So-hye looks just like me?"
I was flustered by the sight of the two of them bickering without formality, and I rolled my eyes.
Yeon-ryang and the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk seemed so close that strangers would mistake them for master and disciple.
Is it because they've been together for so long? They must have grown fond of each other.
The Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, who laughed at my strange gaze, spoke to me.
"Young lady, you should go back now. If you stay any longer, you might cause unnecessary misunderstandings."
"Yes, Elder. Thank you so much for your help."
I said my greetings, but I was reluctant to leave Yeon-ryang, so I couldn't easily take a step.
The Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, who burst into a hearty laugh as I fidgeted with my fingers while looking only at Yeon-ryang, waved his hand.
"Don't be too sad. I'll call you again soon."
"Yes, So-hye. It's late. Go now. I'm fine, so don't worry and relax. Okay?"
"Okay. I'll go, Brother. I'll be on my way. Elder."
"Be careful on the dark road."
I forced a smile and mumbled my greetings, then forcibly turned my back.
My heart ached at the sight of Yeon-ryang trying to reassure me until the end.
How could he be okay when a Swordmaster had his sword taken away and couldn't even circulate Energy?
He was a person who would swing branches as soon as he opened his eyes, even if his back was in tatters, but he must be dying of boredom being trapped in a cave without being able to move.
I bit my lip and went over Yeon-ryang's condition.
I didn't know what method the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk was using, but if his recovery was this slow, I thought he might have to stay on Wudang Mountain all year.
It's dangerous to stay too long...
No. It's better this way. At least we can avoid the Demonic Sect's eyes.
I recalled the Demonic Cultist I met at the Golden Dragon Merchant Group and clenched my fist tightly.
To escape from those who were so sensitive to each other's Energy Perception that they could recognize each other even with a Human Skin Mask on, it was right to hide in a place where Demonic Cultist could not approach.
In that sense, Wudang Mountain was the perfect impregnable fortress for us.
If a Demonic Cultist had any sense, they wouldn't come near Gyunhyeon.
As I felt the taste of blood slowly spreading in my mouth, I came outside and saw Jin-sung standing quietly.
He hadn't moved from the same spot, and his clothes weren't even ruffled.
"Thank you for waiting, Do-jang."
"It's nothing. However, it would be better to return a little faster. We need to return before In-si to avoid being noticed. Will you come this way?"
Jin-sung, who replied softly, began to guide the way at a slightly faster pace than when he came.
I walked through the darkness, looking only at his back, and opened my mouth in a whisper.
"Um, Do-jang."
"Yes."
"There's something I want to ask you. I think it would be rude to bring it up wrong... Could I ask you something about swords?"
"Please speak. I'm listening."
There was no sign of displeasure in his calm tone. I watched Jin-sung's reaction and carefully continued.
"I'm embarrassed to say it myself, but I can't use a sword at all. Whenever I swing a sword, I throw it like I'm throwing Hidden Weapons. If it's okay, could you give me some advice on how to use it?"
At my question, Jin-sung paused and turned to look at me, then nodded readily.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of. The characteristics of a sword are the opposite of Hidden Weapons, so it's natural for your body to be unfamiliar with it. You've been repeating the training of releasing what you've been holding at the exact moment."
...That's a vague statement that seems like a comfort but isn't.
Jin-sung, who looked ahead again, said as he pushed through the bushes.
"You'll get better if you keep practicing not letting go of the sword."
"Ahaha... Repetition is the answer."
"Yes. You must regard the sword as part of your body. Regard the sword blade as if it were your arm."
Yang Gyo-jin from a while ago flashed through my mind at the advice that all I had to do was thoroughly review the textbook.
'But how did you learn the sword? Your master must be no ordinary person.'
'Huh? I don't have a master. I just did it and it worked?'
That's geniuses for you...
When I chuckled silently, Jin-sung seemed to ponder for a moment, then added seriously.
"It would be better if you remember that the way you gauge the distance between you and your opponent when using a sword should be different from when you use Hidden Weapons. You might end up throwing the sword if you aim at a distant enemy as usual."
"Oh. That's true. Thank you for the advice, Do-jang. I'll keep that in mind."
"And rather than exerting explosive power at the moment..."
Jin-sung explained the differences between Hidden Weapons and swords to me throughout the return trip.
He explained it by using my habit of handling Hidden Weapons as an example, and he seemed to have a deep understanding of Hidden Weapons techniques than I thought.
While I was getting used to Jin-sung's Sword path, he seemed to have gotten used to my Fighting Style as well.
"Jin-sung Do-jang, you know a lot about Hidden Weapons techniques?"
When I asked in wonder, Jin-sung replied calmly.
"I studied it."
"Yes?"
"Because Young lady quickly read my Sword path."
Did he look it up because he didn't want to lose? If that's the case, I don't want to lose either.
Somehow, a sense of rivalry welled up, and I glared at the back of Jin-sung's head, but he turned to look at me. I quickly took the strength out of my eyes and pretended not to notice.
Jin-sung quietly said without paying attention to my ridiculous behavior.
"I'll prepare a Wooden Sword for you when it gets light."
"A Wooden Sword?"
"Yes. It's best to swing it yourself rather than just talking about it. I'll watch you from the side. You'll get used to it quickly if you do it for a few days."
I had brought it up casually, but I was dumbfounded because I didn't know that Jin-sung would take the initiative to watch my swordsmanship.
"Um... Really? Do-jang, you must be busy, you don't have to overdo it. I'm grateful for the advice you gave me. I'll try it on my own."
"It's okay. It helps my training too."
It doesn't seem like it would help at all. Is it really okay? Aren't I just interfering with someone else's training?
But Jin-sung's expression was too serious to refuse.
I awkwardly rolled my eyes and nodded obediently.
