“Woahhhhh!!”
“Euryaaa!!”
-BANG BANG BANG!
Every time Hongryeon and Chaejin’s ki clashed, it sounded like rocks smashing together.
The shockwaves from each collision spread out, cracking and destroying parts of the training ground.
If Namgoong Cheon hadn’t been next to me, I’d probably have been swept up in it too.
Knowing that, the two of them swung their weapons, the Yonghwan Sword and the Yonghyeong Blade, without hesitation.
But still… can’t they take it easy a little?
My heart is racing just watching.
Namgoong Cheon, observing my panic, burst into laughter.
“Even with all that talk, they’re not actually trying to kill each other.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah. They’re fighting while controlling it to some extent.”
Really? With ki clashing like that, that’s “controlling”?!
Is this what it means to be a superhuman…
“Haah!!”
Hongryeon’s punch lunged for Chaejin’s chest. Watching the red ki in the striking fist, Chaejin accepted it, lightly flicking her hand away.
I know that move.
It’s Chaeji’s Tai Chi.
The movement, which allows one to naturally flow and deflect with the force, blocked Hongryeon’s strike, and because of that, Hongryeon lost her balance and opened a gap.
-Thunk!!
In that instant, Chaejin moved like flowing water, tripping her and pushing her back. With her stance disrupted, Hongryeon soared into the air.
“Haap!!”
But Hongryeon wasn’t one to just take it. Realizing she couldn’t stop herself from floating, she added her own strength and leaped into the air, swinging the Yonghwan Sword.
Hongseong Divine Art, Great Sword Style.
Falling Star.
As the ki-infused blade came crashing down, Chaejin stepped back and swung the Yonghyeong Blade.
Moonlight Sword Technique, Secret Move.
Moonlit Slice.
Did she learn that the last time we went to Moonjeong? I could’ve sworn she couldn’t use it.
The ki in the Yonghyeong Blade shone brightly, creating a barrier of light, and as it clashed with the Yonghwan Sword, Chaejin quickly extended her long leg.
-SLAP!!
“Oof.”
After taking a hit, Hongryeon staggered back. Chaejin, with a relaxed smile, looked at her.
“Ptht.”
Blood mixed with the spit she spat out. Hongryeon slowly inhaled, then exhaled, and as she turned gracefully, Chaejin calmly continued.
“What’s going on? Is this really the Hongryeon I know?”
With her smooth demeanor, Chaejin exuded confidence while Hongryeon remained indifferent. Their exchanges continued until Namgoong Cheon finally spoke.
“Enough.”
Just as the Yonghwan Sword targeted Chaejin’s side and the Yonghyeong Blade aimed for Hongryeon’s chest, they immediately halted at Namgoong Cheon’s command.
“For now, let’s call it Chaejin’s victory. I hope you understand why.”
“Hmm. Yeah.”
Hongryeon nodded slightly. To her troubled expression, Namgoong Cheon continued pointing out the issues.
Namgoong Cheon kept pointing out the problems to her.
“You’re too impatient. You’re trying to move too fast, even though you’re not comfortable with the movements. What’s the rush?”
“…Hah. It’s because I’m facing my Master. I still lack mental training.”
“What you lack is experience as a superhuman. If you fill that gap, you can become much stronger.”
“Yes.”
Unlike the slightly nodding and sulking Hongryeon, Chaejin’s face was full of smiles.
“Hoo, hoo hoo. Yu Wol, I won! I…!!”
“Don’t get too carried away. Your movements are too light. Always keep the movements of a Doje in mind.”
“Come on, let me enjoy the joy of victory…”
“Really? Then go ahead and be happy.”
Namgoong Cheon waited, and Chaejin jumped in front of me, grabbed my hand, and shook it.
You look really happy.
“Did you enjoy it all?”
“Yes. But isn’t my father’s movement light? It was quite fast.”
“Fast and light are different matters. A Doje’s movement is quick but very heavy. I’ve heard that Moonjeong’s martial arts value ‘moderation.’ Your movements are a bit lacking in that.”
Chaejin seemed to ponder over his words for a moment before nodding.
“Don’t you have anything to say as a spectator?”
I spoke to them again.
“I hope you don’t get hurt when fighting.”
“Hahaha… Yes.”
“I understand.”
After that, Hongryeon and Chaejin battled several times, and every time Namgoong Cheon pointed out their mistakes, their movements improved little by little.
But for now, Chaejin was still ahead.
Her laid-back personality was helping her growth.
Before becoming a superhuman, Hongryeon was ahead, but now that she had started to develop her abilities, Chaejin was taking the lead.
“It feels a bit odd to say this, but it’s amazing. It’s the first time I’ve seen a warrior whose growth is so visible.”
“Is that so?”
“Well, of course, that doesn’t mean you can beat me. They’re both still amateurs.”
“Haha. That’s true. Anyway, thank you for your hard work today.”
Sharing strength is not usually an easy task.
Let alone, Namgoong Cheon belongs to the Namgoong Clan.
Even though Hongseong and Moonjeong are within the same sect, for him to point out things like this is almost equivalent to passing down martial arts, and to do it so casually is remarkable.
This was Namgoong Cheon’s consideration and kindness.
Therefore, I expressed my gratitude, and Namgoong Cheon chuckled.
“It’s fine. I also received something from you, didn’t I?”
“I didn’t do it expecting anything in return.”
“It’s not work, you know?”
“Really? Then I’ll just think of it as a debt and collect later.”
“Hahaha… Yes, understood.”
“Shall we head back and grab some food? I wasted the whole day in this world.”
As Namgoong Cheon grumbled about having to fulfill his usual role as the bathhouse ghost, I suggested drinks with a smile, and he chuckled in response and nodded.
Hongryeon and Chaejin, watching us, sighed.
“Can we go a bit longer?”
“I feel like I might get something if I do just a little more…”
It’s a joy to grow. Especially for those learning martial arts, there’s nothing quite as amusing as the growth of martial arts.
As the two looked like they were about to whip out their weapons and charge, Namgoong Cheon shook his head.
I shared a similar sentiment, so I stopped them.
“There’s no need to be so impatient. You know well what happens if someone becomes a superhuman and goes berserk, right?”
At the mention of “berserk,” Hongryon and Chaejin’s faces paled in shock.
Finally, as they nodded, Namgoong Cheon burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! The third-rate Yu Wol has more depth than you two. Yes, if you provoke Simma…”
“…Well, that’s true, isn’t it?”
“Well then. Let’s call it a day for now…”
With Namgoong Cheon saying that, the two accepted it and looked at each other. But only for a moment. Soon, they naturally moved closer and attached themselves to both my arms, making Namgoong Cheon gaze at us as if watching a fascinating spectacle.
“Thank you for your hard work. Let’s head back, wash up, and have a meal together.”
By the way, I wonder what Sword Saint Na Yerin is up to? While Hongryeon is preparing like this for succession…
I hope she’s not just slacking off.
As I was wrapping up my day and getting ready to sleep…
At that moment, a slight tremor came from the inner room connected to the guard room.
“…Are you sleeping?”
“Not yet.”
As I tried to get up, Hongryeon shook her head. She walked gently over to my bed and sat down lightly.
“Are you worried about something?”
“It’s hard to say if it’s worry…”
This wasn’t the usual calm and slyly smiling Hongryeon. Her expression, illuminated by the moonlight, was somewhat stiff.
“I’m a little scared.”
“The great Hongryeon is scared of something?”
“Hahaha… Of course I am.”
There shouldn’t be any issues with the succession of the clan leader.
In other sects, it’s common for those wanting to become the clan leader to interfere during the succession ceremony or openly oppose it.
Just look at Moonjeong—Chaejin and Chaeran are constantly fighting over the position of the Moonjeong leader.
Of course, they get along fairly well now, but still, Chaejin and Chaeran are competitors.
However, Hongseongmun is different.
All the disciples of Hongseongmun have long believed that Hongryeon will be the next clan leader, and they’ve never thought to obstruct or hinder that.
Especially now that Hongryeon has become a superhuman; it only strengthens that belief.
“It’s only to be expected now.”
So, what she’s worried about is…
“Are you feeling burdened because you have to become the head of the clan and take care of your junior disciples?”
“I really can’t handle it.”
Yet, the reason Hongryeon is worrying like this is solely because of the new pressure she’s about to face.
“Of course, I know that things are different now than in Master’s time. But…”
Hongryeon slightly lowered her head. The woman who was always so confident was showing fear in front of me.
I lifted my hand to catch a glimpse of Hongryeon’s expression since I couldn’t see it from my lowered position. I gently raised her chin, revealing her pretty face.
There was fear hidden in the beauty of her striking red hair.
I pulled Hongryeon in for a slight hug, and she naturally leaned into my embrace.
“There’s no problem.”
“But…”
“If you’re the Hongryeon I’ve seen until now, there’s absolutely no problem. You’ve taken care of Hongseongmun for a long time and have taught juniors for ages. So, becoming the head of Hongseongmun and accepting new disciples should be a walk in the park, right?”
“…Of course, Hongseongmun requires talent, but personality is equally important. Master saw that well, which is why I have such great junior disciples, but… can I really judge character well?”
Thinking about the power of Hongseong Divine Art only adds to her worries.
The power that can make one a god or a devil is the Hongseong Divine Art.
That’s why the most important thing for the disciples is character…
Hongryeon shuddered, worrying whether she could find those traits.
“…So this is the burden of being in a position of authority… How did you and Master endure this? I haven’t even started yet, and I’m already feeling anxious…”
I slowly rubbed her back. When she rested her head on my shoulder, I gently patted her.
“You will do well.”
“…Ha…”
“It won’t be easy. But even so, you will do well.”
“…Do you think so?”
“Absolutely. And if it ever becomes too difficult, you can always come to me. That’s what I can offer you.”
“…Thank you. Hehe. I feel braver now.”
“That’s good to hear.”
After giving Hongryeon’s back a light pat, I tried to pull away, but her arms held on tightly, refusing to let go.
“Let me go.”
But she wouldn’t let go. Our faces were close enough to feel each other’s breath as she grinned.
“If you want me to let go, you know what you have to do, right? Shinsan Seonja… Mmm?!”
I gently pressed my lips against hers, and Hongryeon stupidly released her grip.
“Uh. Uhh. Uhuhhhuuu…”
“Alright. Now go and rest.”
“Yyeaaa…”
I watched as Hongryeon, with a flushed face, wobbled back to her room while I lay down on the bed.
I wonder how this will all turn out.
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