The disciples gathered.
This time, it wasn’t as sudden as last time; everyone was warmed up and ready.
As a slight tension filled the cave entrance, the Sword Saint looked around at her disciples and spoke.
“Do you all understand?”
“Yes!!”
“Got it!”
This cave was also discovered thanks to Sayoon’s ‘Mister’ had informed her about its location. So, when the Sword Saint suggested that the rewards they find here should be entrusted to Sayoon, all the disciples laughed and agreed.
At their reactions, Sayoon felt bashful and bowed her head deeply, while her close friend Yoohee squeezed her hand tightly.
“‘Mister’ surely has a reason for telling you the location of the cave. So don’t feel too bad about it.”
“Y-Yes… Senior Sister. Sniff.”
Moved, the other senior sisters also shared a few words. They genuinely wished for Sayoon, their youngest, to grow.
Seeing them, the Sword Saint trembled slightly.
“They’re all such good kids…”
“Let’s head in now.”
Even the stoic Hyunhwi wiped her eyes slightly and spoke, prompting the Sword Saint to nod.
There were doubts about whether she could lead them well, but…
This was something that had to be done.
“I’ll go in first, so everyone, be careful and follow me. Hongryeon, will you and Ryuhyun take the rear?”
“Understood.”
“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes!!”
“Good. A strong answer is refreshing. Now, shall we go?”
Thus began the Hongseong clan disciples’ breakthrough into the cave.
As they stepped inside, they could feel a heavy tension. While everyone was surprised by this new sensation they hadn’t felt in the last cave, the Sword Saint focused on the passageway.
What flowed from the passage was a crimson energy.
This was stimulating the Hongseong Divine Art.
“Activate your inner energy.”
Some cave environments can prevent the use of skills in response to one’s inner energy. While talismans made by masters were often used against this, it was clear that nobody had those with them now.
So, the Sword Saint directed her disciples, and among those operating the Hongseong Divine Art, a few tilted their heads.
“Huh? Master, the Hongseong Divine Art seems to be reacting more strongly?”
“The energy in the cave is stimulating the Hongseong Divine Art. Be careful not to get caught up in the flow of your inner energy.”
“Understood.”
Though there seemed to be no major issues with her confidence, a few disciples had gained insights from the last cave. So, it was better to avoid interfering as much as possible.
Thinking this, the Sword Saint took a few steps and discovered some mechanisms in the passage.
“…Is that a meteorite trap? Hmm…”
“Does that mean we need to control our inner energy so the Hongseong Divine Art doesn’t react while using our footwork?”
“Exactly.”
Nodding at Sayoon’s words, the Sword Saint replied.
“This cave can be viewed as a training ground for controlling both inner energy and the divine art. It won’t be easy to focus on both, but this is also important when mastering martial arts. Once your martial arts reach a certain level, the flow of your inner energy should become natural. Just as you feel awkward when consciously breathing, if you perfectly master the movement and control of your inner energy, you will encounter significantly fewer difficulties when executing techniques.”
“It seems this can be seen as a training ground for control. Focusing on two things won’t be easy, but it’s essential when learning martial arts. Once your martial arts level rises beyond a certain point, controlling your internal energy must come naturally. Just like breathing feels unnatural when consciously done, if you perfectly grasp the movement and control of your internal energy, unfolding the basic techniques will become much easier.”
The Sword Saint was already accustomed to this, but some of her disciples struggled. Especially someone like Sayoon, who had a lower level of Hongseong Divine Art.
After giving her head a gentle pat, the Sword Saint moved lightly.
“Whoa…”
Proving that her statement about being able to trust martial arts was true, the Sword Saint’s movements were flawless.
Flowing like water, she executed her techniques and gracefully exited the corridor, raising her hand leisurely.
Prepared for any unexpected situations, the Sword Saint looked at her disciples, and Hyunhwi tapped Sayoon’s back.
“Do you want to go first? Or should I send the others first?”
“Uh. Can I go first?”
“Does it matter who goes first? Either way, everyone has to try it at some point.”
“Yes! Then, Hongseong Clan disciple Sayoon! I’m ready to go!”
Sayoon shouted confidently and inhaled deeply. Amidst the crimson energy within the secret realm, her Hongseong Divine Art was boiling. She needed to control it and unfold the meteor step based on her Hongseong Divine Art.
It was not an easy task for the still inexperienced Sayoon.
Even so, she stepped forward.
Since her visit to Changungwan, her thoughts had grown. The concept of ‘Cooperation’ that she’d previously only vaguely contemplated now stirred within her.
What did she need to practice cooperation?
Of course, a righteous heart shouldn’t be overlooked, but having the strength to execute it was essential.
“I have to do this.”
She had received so much from so many people.
So many were cheering her on.
She didn’t feel that the expectations were heavy.
She thought it was simply what must be done.
“Whoa…”
Controlling the ferocious Hongseong Divine Art, her foot glided along the meteor step.
As her left foot pressed down on the floor’s pattern, a soft light shone, blessing her steps.
Stepping forward, then next, then again.
As if the stars in the night sky were moving, Sayoon’s steps quickened and became more dazzling.
Faster, more accurately.
And even more steadily.
With three thoughts in mind, her head gradually filled with one idea.
She had to achieve it.
As she concentrated, the control over the wild Hongseong Divine Art became as natural as breathing.
Sayoon realized she was wrapped in someone’s embrace.
“Ah.”
“You’ve grasped the thread of enlightenment.”
“You’ve gained a clue.”
She fell into a state of ecstasy and opened the Cosmic Dance. But, a clue of enlightenment? When Sayoon stared blankly, the Sword Saint looked down at her with warm eyes.
“What were you thinking?”
“Just… that I have to do it.”
“Right. When you know what you must do and try to do it, the Hongseong Divine Art will follow your will. Don’t forget that, and remember it well. And for now, take a moment to rest and organize that feeling you just had.”
As the other sisters tried to perform their techniques, the Sword Saint sat Sayoon down. With her legs crossed, Sayoon blankly watched her senior sisters before closing her eyes.
The feeling from just a moment ago.
A sensation of floating and a strong will to act lingered in her mind.
If that is enlightenment.
If that is a way to enhance the Hongseong Divine Art once more.
With her eyes closed, Sayoon recalled the Cosmic Dance from earlier and smiled.
“Mister, thank you.
I was able to become a bit stronger.”
“Whooo…”
Unlike the previous secret techniques, this one had quite a high difficulty level.
Of course, it wasn’t dangerous or anything. It was just that doing two things at the same time wasn’t easy.
Controlling the Hongseong Divine Art, which kept reacting to the aura of the secret technique, while executing the foundational stance wasn’t an easy task, but the disciples were persevering through it.
Even if it was tough.
“Are you okay?”
Ryuhyun approached Sayoon, who was struggling. Among the other disciples, Sayoon seemed to be having the hardest time.
“Yes. Hehe. If I can’t handle this much, can I really call myself a disciple of the Sword Saint?”
Wiping away sweat, she beamed brightly, causing Ryuhyun to look at her with concern. The Sword Saint shook her head at the questioning gaze that suggested maybe they should stop and exit. Then she looked directly into Sayoon’s eyes and asked seriously.
“Can you do it?”
“Of course!”
“Good. Then let’s continue.”
“Master, is it really okay?”
“Sayoon is getting more accustomed.”
To controlling the Hongseong Divine Art and guiding her own body.
She was struggling, but she knew exactly the path she had to take.
In that case, all they had to do was support her so she wouldn’t collapse.
“That’s what the Master has decided.”
At least regarding matters related to martial arts, the Sword Saint’s decisions were correct. Eventually, when even Hongryeon stepped in, Ryuhyun looked at Sayoon worriedly.
As they stumbled and progressed through the secret technique, they finally reached the last stage.
Upon arriving in the large room where the owner of the secret technique resided, the Sword Saint smiled brightly.
“This time it’s two.”
At the center of the secret technique was the Sonachal. However, unlike before, the two Sonachals were growling, ready to tear apart anyone who approached with their sharp claws flashing.
“There’s no rule that says the owner of a secret technique can only be one. We have to face those two at the same time… So, Sayoon, can you manage?”
After a moment’s thought, she nodded. It would be tight, but it wasn’t impossible.
The Sword Saint smiled gently at her.
“Then go ahead and try.”
Her heart soared at receiving the master’s permission.
Even with two Sonachals, the fact that she could handle them meant she had grown.
Visible growth.
So, Sayoon felt joy and descended, only for the Sonachals to roar at her.
– Keeeek!!
– Kyaaaak!!
A horrific scream resonated. The Gangshi they had encountered in Changwoonggwan. Back then, they faced just one, but what about now?
She had gained experience fighting the Gangshi and had grown through sparring with her master.
Certainly, she could take down both of them alone now, right?
Sayoon slowly gripped her sword, and at that moment, the Sonachals charged at her.
Their movements were fast, but they weren’t invisible.
Targeting her head and legs, their sharp claw attacks were deflected using the Hongseong Divine Art techniques, Gale and Thunderous Line, and she lunged into the gap utilizing Meteor Step.
During this process, some of the Sonachals’ attacks came, but surely, she wouldn’t fall for such obvious strikes.
“Hup!!”
With a low battle cry, her sword shot up like lightning. At the same time, a Sonachal’s arm flew off into the air.
As a scream of pain mixed with rage thundered down, Sayoon was not afraid.
Before her shone the light of Mister.
Behind her were her trustworthy master and senior sisters.
“Haah…”
Breathing heavily, Sayoon glanced at her sword. With a clear mind, she swung it. As the battle neared its end, her sword began to emit a soft glow.
It felt like Mister was praising her for her growth, making her smile unknowingly.
“You did well.”
“Thank you!”
She felt proud for not backing down against two enemies.
The Sword Saint patted Sayoon on the shoulder and turned to look back. A few of the disciples had serious expressions, perhaps having gained insights from Sayoon’s battle.
What stellar disciples. Even under a useless master, they keep growing.
The Sword Saint thought to himself as he spoke to Hongryeon and Ryuhyun, who had followed him down.
“Let’s start wrapping things up… Oh, right. Sayoon, bring the reward. I’m curious about what it is this time.”
“Yes!”
When Sayoon returned after rushing inside, she held a small box in her hands.
While everyone looked on with curiosity, Sayoon opened the box.
Upon seeing what was inside, the Sword Saint muttered in a grave tone.
“…Seongun Iron.”
The iron ore glittered softly. Gazing at this piece of a fallen star, the Sword Saint sighed.
“This was one of the precious materials of Hyeonun Armor, once belonging to the Hongseong Clan’s founder…”
He reflected on the artifact now destroyed by a former senior sister, which no longer resided within the Hongseong Clan.
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