Chapter 8 – Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng
After that day, I continued to receive personal instruction from Jin Socheong. Contrary to my initial thought that it would end in a month, Jin Socheong seemed eager to teach me. Of course, there was a hidden agenda, so I did not believe in the so-called [Master-Disciple Bond].
Two months passed this way.
Ku-uu-uuu…
My whole body ached. It felt like the pill-like energy that had accumulated in my dantian was burning black and melting away. Sweat poured from my forehead and back, soaking the spot where I sat with sticky moisture.
Finally, when all my energy was completely melted, I opened my eyes.
Jin Socheong chuckled and said,
“You’ve melted all the internal energy of the Three-Refinements Heart Technique. Has it been exactly two months?”
“Yes, I’ve diligently practiced the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique for the past two months.”
For the past two months, all I had learned was the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique’s method of circulation. I hadn’t learned any weapon techniques or body lightening techniques.
Jin Socheong no longer insisted on sparring. Instead, he had me practice the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique relentlessly, even skipping meals. The reason was that the sooner I melted the energy of the Three-Refinements Heart Technique, the better. Because of this, I repeated seated and moving meditation techniques for seven hours each day like a madman.
As the internal energy of the Three-Refinements Heart Technique melted away, I felt a tremendous force spreading through my entire meridian system. If I had been staggering on a powerless mule before, I now felt like I was riding a strong steed. Moreover, the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique was an excellent first-class technique, so I had accumulated a significant amount of internal energy.
Whi-rrrl!
Suddenly, Jin Socheong swung the wooden sword he was holding and brought it right before my eyes. The speed was so fast that the wind brushed past my nose. As I blankly stared at the sword, Jin Socheong asked,
“How is it? Can you see my sword a little better?”
I answered honestly,
“Yes, it’s clearer than before.”
It wasn’t a lie. Previously, when Jin Socheong swung his sword, I could only see a blurry afterimage. Now, I could faintly see the outline and direction of the sword. It seemed I could avoid it if I moved correctly.
“As your internal energy increases, your visual acuity naturally improves. Visual acuity is crucial in martial arts, so you can consider your skills to have advanced.”
I felt that my dynamic vision, stamina, strength, and recovery ability had all increased overall. I grinned broadly.
“That’s a relief.”
“Starting today, I should teach you weapon techniques… I guess I’ll start with the spear.”
“Spear?”
I had spent decades learning swordsmanship. Although it was the martial arts of an escort and I would have to train anew, I still had a considerable level of proficiency with the sword. But now, to suddenly wield a spear!
Jin Socheong said,
“Of course, because the spear is stronger.”
“What do you mean?”
Jin Socheong confidently replied,
“Most martial artists use swords or knives, and those who use spears are in the minority. Do you know why?”
“……”
“Because the spear is an exceptionally powerful weapon. Anyone who masters the spear will not be defeated by anyone. Even in government offices, they dislike people carrying spears. Thus, they reluctantly choose swords or knives instead. Fundamentally, the spear is the basis and pinnacle of all weapons.”
“I see.”
I thought I understood somehow.
Even if villagers were untrained and weak, they would not be taken lightly if they equipped themselves with bamboo or iron spears and moved in groups of dozens. I had seen a second-rate martial artist get skewered by such peasant soldiers despite the disparity in skill. It was proof that the spear was a powerful weapon capable of bridging the gap between individuals and groups.
“But the Master uses a sword proficiently, doesn’t he?”
“My sword skills are very poor. My forte is the spear, so there’s no choice.”
Whi-ri-ri-rik*l
As he said this, Jin Socheong lightly swung his sword, and it accurately slid into the scabbard five meters away. It was something an ordinary person couldn’t even imitate, clearly showing that he was a master.
“Don’t be disappointed. Once you master the Thunder Spirit Eight Form, I’ll also teach you swordsmanship.”
“Thunder Spirit Eight Forms?”
“That’s the name of the spear technique I’ll teach you.”
Swish
Jin Socheong handed me a practice wooden spear. I knew the basics of how to hold a spear, so I awkwardly mimicked his grip. He said,
“Baek Woong. I know you lack natural talent. But spear techniques can reach their peak with determination and effort alone! I will push your potential to its limits.”
“……”
As I stared blankly at Jin Socheong, he asked curiously,
“What’s wrong?”
“Well, it’s just… I’m wondering why you are investing so much in me.”
I have not yet consumed the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. I haven’t taken any special elixirs, either. However, I understood that the very situation of receiving one-on-one instruction from Jin Socheong was an opportunity. Even a wealthy man offering a bar of gold couldn’t enjoy such luxury. Hence, I was curious about why Jin Socheong was investing so much time in me.
“You speak quite honestly.”
“Master Lee Kwang and Chief Instructor Jin are not the kind of people who fall short anywhere. It doesn’t seem like there’s any reason for them to be so fixated on nurturing a disciple.”
The reason I pointed this out directly was that I was now confident that I was on the same side as Jin Socheong. If he was teaching me the secret spear techniques like Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, it meant he had fully accepted me into his sect. Therefore, I thought Jin Socheong couldn’t simply dismiss me even if I asked him directly.
Jin Socheong smiled bitterly.
“A reason… I’ll tell you once you can hold your own. Trying to run before you can even walk—what an arrogant fellow.”
“I see.”
“Baek Woong, for now, just focus on learning.”
What Jin Socheong said next became a motto I would think about for the rest of my life.
“Thinking about the reasons can wait until after you become strong.”
Time passed.
One year flew by quickly. With nowhere else to go, I considered this place my home and spent my days training, eating, and sleeping.
In the second year, I felt somewhat lonely. My body was growing into an adult, and it seemed I was approaching puberty.
By the third year, I could withstand Jin Socheong’s sparring for twenty moves.
Clang!!
My iron spear clanged loudly and bounced away. Jin Socheong retrieved his wooden sword effortlessly and scolded me.
“When will the day come that I can use a spear against you, Baek Woong?”
“I don’t think that will ever happen in my lifetime.”
I sighed and sat down. It had been three years since I had become practically Jin Socheong’s direct disciple in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, but I had never drawn out Jin Socheong’s real strength. He always used a wooden sword against me and never his real weapon, the spear.
I had grown out of my childish body and become tall, but I was still far behind Jin Socheong’s skill level. As I sulked, Jin Socheong said,
“You’ve learned the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, and Thunder Shadow Steps of our Azure Dragon Martial Arts Schooll, yet you still complain? If you mastered all of that properly, you could defeat me.”
“I’m not a genius.”
I knew the truth. I would probably never catch up to Jin Socheong in my lifetime. As Jin Socheong said, in the past three years, I had learned all the secret techniques of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. I had mastered the spear technique Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, and the Thunder Shadow Steps. The Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, in particular, suited me well, and I had achieved a considerable level of mastery. Additionally, my internal energy, built up through the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique, was on par with my peers.
However, in the past three years, Jin Socheong had grown even stronger than I had. I couldn’t even see his limits, leaving me speechless.
‘As expected of a future top ten master in the world, the best spear wielder in the Central Plains…’
Jin Socheong rested the wooden sword on his shoulder and scratched his stomach, saying,
“It’s been three years since you came to our martial school, hasn’t it?”
“In terms of calendar years, yes.”
“Why don’t you visit your hometown?”
Startled by Jin Socheong’s sudden suggestion, I shivered.
“My hometown?”
“Yes. You should at least let your village know whether you’re alive or dead.”
Should I even call that place my hometown? It was where I spent my days cleaning cow dung and sleeping in the barn, where the villagers mistreated me, and where I was often beaten by boys my age. I had no one on my side, so I had to escape to the escort agency. I had no good memories of that place.
“Seeing that you haven’t sent a single letter, I can guess how you feel. But still, a hometown is a hometown. You’ll be getting busier from now on, so I think it would be good to clear your mind by visiting once.”
It was a reasonable suggestion. I had no affection left for my hometown, but I agreed that I needed to clear my mind. Of course, I would do it my way.
I smiled.
“Alright, I’ll go then.”
“I’ve spoken to the head instructor, so I’ll give you travel expenses and three months. Take your time and enjoy your hometown air.”
“Yes.”
Hometown air, huh? I wonder what that feels like. One thing was certain: I wouldn’t just let that air be.
The next morning, I packed my things and left the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Having been confined for three years, even the streets of Guanzhong City looked new. I considered taking a horse from the post station along the way, but decided against it to save money.
‘The reason for clearing my mind… Is it because they want to place me in the Jinyiwei?’
The Jinyiwei!
The second most powerful force in the current imperial family, filled with numerous skilled warriors. Whenever Master Lee Kwang met with Jin Socheong to drink tea and talk, he showed a strong attachment to the Jinyiwei. Although he was a high-ranking master from a righteous sect, it seemed he missed his days in the Jinyiwei. Jin Socheong also frequently mentioned the Jinyiwei, suggesting their intentions were related to it. But what benefit could they get from the Jinyiwei while comfortably running the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School? The Jinyiwei didn’t offer preferential treatment to former members; on the contrary, they viewed those involved in organizational secrets unfavorably, so it was hard to understand.
In any case, it was clear from their words that they were planning something involving me soon.
‘If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just run away.’
Even if there was a plot, it wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t involved. I leisurely followed the official road for two days, resting at inns or private houses along the way. Unlike when I first came to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, I was now traveling comfortably.
It was then.
“Ha-ha-ha! Where do you think you’re going?”
Five bandits emerged from the roadside bushes. I checked their outfits and concluded they were regular bandits from the Green Forest. They probably knew basic martial arts, making them troublesome enemies. I calmly assessed them and said,
“I have no money. I’ll give you everything I have, so please leave.”
“Huh? No money?”
The bearded bandit in the front grinned and shouted in a phlegm-filled voice. A strong murderous intent emanated from him.
“Then I’ll have to slice open your belly!”
Shikak!
Two bandits charged at me with their swords. I swiftly dodged using Thunder Shadow Steps, avoiding any scratches. Three years ago, I would have struggled just to evade, but now it was easy.
‘These are the type of bandits who kill indiscriminately.’
There were two types of bandits: those who simply robbed and those who killed and robbed. Most people thought the latter was more common, but it was actually the opposite. The more people were killed and the more notorious the bandits became, the easier it was for the authorities to dispatch troops. Therefore, most Green Forest bandits typically robbed only property and let people go. Even the escort agencies and bandits had a tacit agreement to pay “tribute.”
However, the bandits I encountered were of the minority who killed indiscriminately and wandered from place to place. They were a very bad sort, even shunned by other bandits. If I had met them three years ago, this would have been my grave. But I smiled coldly.
“Even if I can’t defeat Jin Socheong…”
“Huh?!”
Shikak!
As soon as I drew my sword from my waist, I executed the first form of Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, beheading two bandits. Before the remaining bandits could react, I moved like a whirlwind and struck one bandit’s chest with my palm. With a loud thud, his chest caved in, and he spat blood. His chest bones were crushed, ensuring he wouldn’t survive.
“He-heek.”
“He’s a martial artist…”
The remaining two bandits realized things had gone wrong and turned to flee, but I chased them down and beheaded them one by one. The sensation of cutting through flesh after so many years felt oddly familiar. Though the act of killing after several years made me nervous, I soon regained my composure.
Wiping the blood off my sword with a cloth, I muttered,
“Soon, I’ll reach the village.”
My eyes glinted slightly.
“Shall I pay a visit to the village chief’s house?”
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