74 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

**Chapter 74** Hyunjin closed his mouth. It was true. What good was practice if it wasn’t applicable in real combat? The revised Nakyeong Sword Technique was clearly superior. Cheonhui turned away from the silent Hyunjin, who stood like a mute. "So, what will you do?" He looked directly at Gugyeomwi. "It seems like Nakyeong Sword Technique is your specialty. Do you want to learn it?" "Will I become stronger if I master it?" "I can't guarantee that." Cheonhui didn't give a definitive answer. As he said, it's a martial arts technique with great potential, but it would require effort and a bit of luck. Still... "It should be better than before." Gugyeomwi, with a stern expression, nodded slightly before his eyes lit up. Soon after, Gugyeomwi struck an elegant and impressive pose that seemed unfitting for his large frame and began to ask Cheonhui questions. "How about now, mentor?" "Hmm. Twist your waist a bit more." "Like this?" Cheonhui stroked his chin as he observed. The stance was good, but something felt off. "…Are you feeling embarrassed right now?" Gugyeomwi's face turned red. "It seems my large build makes these light sword techniques feel awkward..." "Rather, free your mind. Worrying about such things will only be endless." Seeing Gugyeomwi still hesitant, Cheonhui added more advice. "To achieve serenity, one must let go and empty their mind." Gugyeomwi's eyes widened. "Yes, you’re right. I should be emptying my mind, not holding onto such trivial thoughts." Realizing he had forgotten a crucial teaching of the Way, Gugyeomwi's posture became noticeably more relaxed. At first, the techniques seemed ill-suited for his hefty frame, but with time, they started to blend seamlessly. "It’s starting to feel right." With Cheonhui's remark, Hyunjin, who had regained his composure, appeared by their side. "…Could you offer me some advice as well?" Seeing the change in Hyunjin's eyes, Cheonhui grinned broadly. "Of course." No sooner had he spoken, Hyunjin bombarded him with questions. "Why do you execute this move like this?" "The Mae Young Jo Ha (梅影造河)? It's a form where a hidden sword fronts the visible one. It hides its power, aiming for a dual-layered, forceful attack..." "When there's Yang (陽), there’s Yin (陰). So you're saying to use the energy within oppositely." "…Yes." While Cheonhui had tried to explain the Plum Blossom Sword Technique simply, Hyunjin interpreted it through the philosophy of the Way. His understanding made sense. To document it in martial arts texts, it had to align with philosophical principles. At that moment, Cheonyu approached carefully. "Master, could I also receive some advice?" He had already accommodated two people; surely, adding one more wouldn’t be too taxing. "Of course." Cheonyu stepped forward with a beaming smile. "So, I should demonstrate my martial arts skills?" "That would be easier." Without delay, Cheonyu showcased his skills in martial arts. His footwork, sword techniques, palms, and fists were impressive. But… 'He’s about half a step above Namgoong Jinkyung.' Slightly lacking for the grand disciple of the Mount Hua Sect. 'In the past, such a comparison would’ve been unimaginable.' The fact that the grand disciple of the Mount Hua Sect was similar to the second son of the Namgoong family? 'And the sword doesn’t suit him.' Cheonhui assessed Cheonyu's nature. When he held a sword, he lost balance and couldn’t execute the martial skills effectively. "Senior Brother should abandon the sword." "Abandon the sword?" "Master! Senior Brother must become the next head of the sect and master the Plum Blossom Sword Technique!" Hyunjin and Gugyeomwi were shocked by Cheonhui’s surprising statement as they waited for their turn. "Do you understand why I'm saying this?" Surprisingly, Cheonyu remained calm. "It seems you already know." "Haha. But I wanted to hear it confirmed by you." "Alright then. Senior Brother’s nature doesn't align with the sword." "Hahaha." Cheonyu burst into laughter. He was already aware of this truth. He had tried learning the Plum Blossom Sword Technique to become the next head disciple, dabbling in various sword techniques. 'I fit better with palm and fist techniques.' Recognizing what even his master hadn’t known, Cheonyu felt reassured in Cheonhui’s insight. "If that's the case, which martial art do you think I should focus on?" "Hmm. It should be palm techniques or fist techniques. It seems you’ve been on that path all along." "You’re saying weapons aren’t suitable?" "They don’t suit you, Senior Brother." Cheonhui stated clearly. "It feels refreshing to hear it said plainly." Cheonyu spoke with a hearty laugh. "That’s a relief." As Cheonhui spoke, he turned his head sharply. "Now, let's stop hiding and come out." Finally revealing themselves after preparing for a night’s stay, the Plum Blossom Sword Masters emerged one by one. Four Plum Blossom Sword Masters were present: So Woonhyun, Cheonggeuk, Cheonggi, and Yeowol. "Ha, haha." "Mentor!" "What were you secretly watching?" The Plum Blossom Sword Masters scratched their heads, embarrassed. "Could you teach us, too?" Cheonhui looked them over. Their eyes were filled with desire, shining brighter than the stars in the night sky. "Alright. But you'll need to follow my instructions. Is that okay with you?" "As long as it makes us stronger, we’ll do it." "That's a small price to pay." Without hesitation, the Plum Blossom Sword Masters agreed. Seeing this, Cheonhui’s lips curled into a playful grin. "Consider it agreed, then." As soon as they agreed to follow his lead, Cheonhui decisively took charge, directing everyone his way. "First, show me your martial arts." After about an hour. Having observed all their martial skills, Cheonhui pointed at each one and gave directions. "Cheonggeuk, head over there. So Brother and Cheonggi Brother, come this way. Yeowol, you go there." He quickly divided the four Plum Blossom Sword Masters into three groups. "Yeowol, like the Senior Brother, abandon the sword and focus on palm techniques." Yeowol protested in dismay. "But mentor, I’ve dedicated my life to sword techniques. Now you say to learn palm techniques." "You’ll achieve a faster accomplishment with palm techniques." "But as a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, it's only right to practice sword techniques…" Yeowol hesitated mid-sentence. Cheonyu, beside him, was watching with a gentle smile. "Haha. If what you say is true, then I must not be a Mount Hua disciple." "No, that's not what I meant." Cheonhui gave Yeowol, who was protesting, a sidelong look and spoke in a detached tone. "Then continue as you are, Yeowol. Just don't regret it later." Seeing Cheonhui relinquishing so easily left Yeowol feeling uneasy. Cheonhui was clear-cut and concise. He needed them to become stronger quickly, and had no intention of dragging along those who were stubborn. "The issue with you, Cheonggeuk, is your stamina." "My stamina?" "I saw you running out of breath halfway through." Cheonggeuk closed his mouth tight. "Your form wavered because you lacked the stamina. If you had the endurance, it likely would have looked like this." Whoosh— With a vigorous thrust, his sword created a whirlpool as it pierced the solitary moon hanging in the sky. “How can it be so different!” Cheonggeuk exclaimed in admiration, feeling his trust and belief in Cheonhui grow even stronger. "Could I achieve that as well?" "Let's focus on building your stamina first.” "Alright. So what should I start with?" "The best thing would be Ma Bo." Cheonggeuk was taken aback by this. Ma Bo was fundamental training he had completed as a child. The thought of revisiting it felt embarrassing. "Master, isn’t there another kind of training?" "Would you rather run up and down that mountain all day?" Cheonggeuk immediately turned serious upon seeing the mountain Cheonhui pointed to. "No, Ma Bo is the best after all." "Isn't it?" Cheonggeuk reluctantly nodded, and Cheonhui stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, let's start with one hour." "One, one hour?" "Oh! And once your stamina improves, I'll teach you a sword technique that suits you better than what you were using." "A sword technique?" "It's a formidable sword technique found in the archives of the Mount Hua Sect." The reluctant gleam in Cheonggeuk's eyes, who had been dissatisfied about Ma Bo, suddenly brightened. Cheonhui noted this gleam as he pondered. The martial art he intended for Cheonggeuk was the Shadow Serpent Fist. 'His stamina may lack, but his reflexes are quick enough to match it.' There was, however, a slight issue. The Shadow Serpent Fist is a fist technique. While it was a technique from the archives, it leaned more towards the unorthodox sects than the orthodox ones. Both conditions posed a problem. There was no choice. 'I’ll just develop a new sword technique.' It was a task that would take only two days. He soon turned to face Sowoonhyun and Cheongi, who eyed him with anticipation. "Compared to your martial arts skills, your movement skills seem lacking. You barely scratched the surface, didn’t you?" The pair avoided his eyes and murmured among themselves. "We may lack in movement, but…" "Movement skills are just…" Cheonhui frowned, puzzled. "No. It's crucial." "Movement skills are?" "Why is it important?" "If the enemy is strong, you must escape." "You mean to run away?" Shocked, Hyunjin, who had been quietly observing, asked. "Do you plan to meet a futile end?" "Do you think we’d meet such a fate?" "Yes." Cheonhui answered nonchalantly. He was honest—they were underwhelming. Though everyone’s faces flushed for a moment, none dared to refute Cheonhui. "If that bothers you so much, just think of it like this: good footwork helps dodge enemy attacks and counter opportunities." The words were offered as if doing them a favor. Though akin to a mere play on words, it seemed to soothe their pride, and their flushed faces began to ease. "So, want to see how much movement skills can change things?" Cheonhui moved his feet. Whoosh— In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from sight. “How about now?” The voice behind them sent shivers down Sowoonhyun and Cheongi’s spines. "Wh-when did you get there?" "M-master?" Cheonhui stepped out from between the two. "What if I were an enemy?" There was no need to answer. They understood: death would be imminent. Their throats bobbed with realization. Seeing the dawning realization in their eyes, Cheonhui dangled a considered incentive. "Once you improve, I can teach you this movement technique." “Really?” “You mean it?” "Of course, but only after you’ve done some training." Just as they clenched their fists with determination... "You two should also do Ma Bo." "What? Ma…Bo?" "Not the movement technique?" "Would you prefer running around that mountain with movement skills?" A cheeky smile appeared on Cheonhui's face. "Your skills might improve quickly if you do." It was an even harsher proposal than what he’d offered Cheonggeuk earlier. "No, no. Ma Bo is better." "Yes, Ma Bo really is the best foundational training." Both, like Cheonggeuk, gave in. "Then, let's get Daesahyeong and Gu Sahyeong..." "Master." Yeowol approached hesitantly. Behind him stood Cheonyu, beaming and giving a thumbs-up. Yeowol had evidently heard something sharp from Cheonyu, given the shadows under his eyes. "Sorry about before. I was a bit..." "Are you ready to give up the sword?" "...I will follow your advice, Master." “Good.” Cheonhui nodded. "Yeowol, you lack the most around here. It's hard to decide where to start." “Does that mean…?” Cheonhui smiled gently. "So, you do Ma Bo as well." Though his advice varied for each, in the end, the solution was always the same. Later, even Hyunjin, Cheonyu, and Gugyeomwi found themselves doing Ma Bo under the moonlight. Cheonhui clicked his tongue. "Martial skills, my foot.” He had offered tailored advice to each, but from the moment he saw their skills, he knew Ma Bo was the training they needed most. "When you’re lacking even in basic stamina."