145 - Blue Dragon Rain Dance Society (15) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

The match, which was at its peak, ended in an anticlimactic fashion. It was an act that not only lit a fire under Ilwoon, the participant, but also under the many spectators who had been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the day’s contest. Why wouldn’t it? The words uttered by Hyun Gong as he dropped his sword at the last moment were so obviously false, even to the layman, that they could easily be perceived as deceitful. Not just the experts who could gauge the remainder of his internal strength thought so; to anyone, Hyun Gong appeared far too unscathed. Naturally, the inn was abuzz with a different kind of fervor than the day before, creating an uproar. “This is a desecration of the sacred duel! No matter if one is a Dragon Saint, such behavior should not be overlooked!” “Exactly! A duel is inherently a place for learning, where one competes in martial arts to grow together. It’s a venue for growth through competition! The Dragon Saint has tarnished that very concept!” That was the prevailing sentiment. However, as always, there were those who rose to offer a counterargument. “After all, it is the Dragon Saint we’re talking about. Perhaps he simply disdains being swayed by victory or defeat.” “I think so too. Maybe it means he refused to use a technique that would’ve crossed a line, right?” “How can you call someone who does that a martial artist! That’s absurd!” “He’s not a martial artist, but a Taoist, no? What’s so impossible about that?” Opinions clashed. There were those who argued that, as a Taoist, setting a correct example was commendable and his intent should be recognized, while others felt ashamed as members of the martial community regardless. In such circumstances, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Hyun Gong faced severe criticism, but the reputation he had built up till now proved to be a great help. “Are we done talking now? You truly believe what you’ve said?” “If we’re done talking, what of it! I believe so, do you have a problem with that?” “Of course, I do! Hey! You, come out!” “Right! You’ve walked right into this one! Ever since yesterday, when you kept going on about how the Sword Dragon is the best, it rubbed me the wrong way! Let’s settle who’s right with a duel!” “Woooooah!!!” From various corners of the inn, martial artists began to clash fists, ignited by excitement. For the onlookers, it was a welcome outlet for the unreleased fervor, and for the participants, it wasn’t exactly an unpleasant way to vent their frustrations. The only true sorrow in this situation was for the innkeepers worried about their property being damaged. * Ilwoon was not in good shape. Mok Riwon could tell at a glance. After all, how could one not understand? Having spent a significant amount of time in the training halls, Mok Riwon knew full well how much effort Ilwoon had put into preparing for today’s duel. He also knew firsthand how empty the inconclusive end with Hyun Gong felt. A sense of empathy was formed. “Venerable Ilwoon.” Mok Riwon approached Ilwoon, who was gazing at the moon on the deck, and spoke to him. Ilwoon turned his head blankly. Dark circles were visible under his eyes. “Ah, Master Mok.” His smile was weak. Worried by this, Mok Riwon sat next to him. “Are you feeling alright?” Ilwoon did not respond. With a seemingly bitter face, he simply sighed. “If I said I was alright, it would be a lie.” “I’m at a loss for words.” “Just coming to offer solace is more than enough gratitude.” Ilwoon then smiled weakly again and looked up at the moon. Mok Riwon waited silently for him to speak. Mok Riwon understood. Being there by someone’s side could be comforting in itself. And at such times, one would invariably feel the urge to unburden themselves of their thoughts. As if proving these thoughts right, Ilwoon finally spoke. “Would it be alright if I shared something shameful?” “Please speak.” “I carry the duty of a Buddhist monk, yet I delight in combat.” Mok Riwon was taken aback. Ilwoon chuckled at his reaction. “The monastery leader used to say, there’s no stubborn head like yours.” “That doesn’t seem the case at all. Venerable Ilwoon, you are...” “I’ve always prioritized peaceful dialogue, so naturally, that’s how I appear. Actually, I take pride in handling it well.” “...” “However, at my core, that’s who I am. Before becoming a monk, I was an orphan with no parents, a violent being who would engage in fistfights at any given chance. Had the monastery leader not taken a favorable view of me and brought me to the Shaolin Temple, I might have ended up as a thug among the dark bandits.” Ilwoon, the dark bandit. While listening to the rest of his words, Mok Riwon thought how ill-fitting that title seemed. “In any case, that’s how hidden I lived. Frankly, it wasn’t too difficult. The more I delved into the teachings of Buddha, the more profound they became, filling me with satisfaction as I followed them. I even felt I was blessed.” “That so.” “So, I tried to turn a blind eye, and here we are. When the moment of confrontation came, I found myself clinging to victory over the teachings of Buddha.” Ilwoon closed his eyes. “The moment the duel concluded inconclusively, I felt despair. I longed to fight more, my body seething with the urge. Shamefully, I even felt the desire to beat down the Dragon Saint and slam him to the ground.” After his harsh words, Ilwoon spoke in a pained tone. “It turns out I haven’t changed at all. My true nature still revels in combat like a fighter. Ruminating over that moment, the realization hit me so vividly, it was agonizing.” It's also another life. Yet, Mok Riwon could deeply empathize with those words. The star of slaughter destined for Mok Riwon incited turmoil in his heart at every moment, just like the emotions described. That's why Mok Riwon, of all people, had something to say. "...Venerable Ilwoon is mistaken." Ilwoon's head turned towards Mok Riwon, a look of bewilderment spread across his face. "Pardon?" "I said you're mistaken, Venerable Ilwoon. I know words that can prove it." Mok Riwon smiled. The struggle was not unfamiliar to him, nor was this situation. It was something like that. Seeing the younger version of himself in Ilwoon, Mok Riwon wanted to offer the same comfort his master, Mok Seon-o, had once provided him. "Let me ask. Suppose a man harbors malicious intentions to set the whole world aflame in his heart. This man, to covertly carry out his plans, first cultivates a good reputation around him. It was all an act of virtue." Ilwoon nodded, though somewhat reluctantly. Mok Riwon continued. "He acts with diligence. Saving a child from drowning, distributing food to the hungry, resolving conflicts between estranged spouses—actions worthy of a knight-errant, despite harboring such malice in his heart." Mok Riwon's smile deepened. "In the end, the man couldn’t carry out his malevolent plan because he died beforehand. Trying to maintain his facade of virtue to the very end, he died saving commoners from bandits." "That’s an impressive story." "Venerable Ilwoon, could you call this man evil?" Ilwoon pondered for a moment before replying with an awkward smile. "To others, he would seem overflowing with virtue. But his true nature wasn't like that, was it?" "I believe one's true nature isn't what's important." "Uh?" "In the end, didn't he live and die as a virtuous person? And as for the conclusion of the story. I dare say I can predict the emotions the man felt." "And what would those be?" "Satisfaction." Mok Riwon placed a hand over his heart. "He must have died feeling satisfied, having saved lives." "But those were actions taken under pretense." "Initially, yes. But not in his final moment, wouldn’t you say?" At least, that’s what Mok Riwon thought. "Not at all. If he truly stepped forward just to maintain a facade of virtue, he wouldn’t have risked his life to that extent. He would have concerned himself with preserving his name. That’s what I believe." Regardless of one's inherent nature, if one acts against it long enough... "Virtuous deeds eventually color a person with virtue. The reason for the man's sacrifice in his last moment was because he was already soaked in the virtue he accumulated through his life." It was a story shared by his master, Mok Seon-o. Beyond this, Mok Riwon was familiar with many stories of legendary martial heroes and even characters his master had met in person. Hence, he believed it. That willpower is more significant than inherent nature. Even if fated with harshness, humans have the strength to overcome it. "I believe the same for you, Venerable Ilwoon. Even if you think you aren't befitting of a monk, the world, and this Mok Riwon see you as a true monk. And you will become even more monk-like. As long as Venerable Ilwoon doesn't give up on himself, and doesn’t succumb to his competitive spirit, with time, endurance will become easier. Eventually, you might even find yourself perfectly embodying a monk in your eyes." With that, Mok Riwon concluded. Ilwoon’s eyes widened, emotions swirling in them. At the end of it all, Ilwoon slowly smiled, a slightly better expression than before. This single phrase may not have wholly consoled him. But it must have caused a small ripple. The rest was up to Ilwoon. And in Mok Riwon’s opinion, Ilwoon was mature enough to draw nourishment even from such small consolations. "I will take your words to heart." Ilwoon weakly smiled, deepening it as if savoring something with his eyes closed. "I never dreamed I would receive such consolation from Master Mok." Mok Riwon tilted his head. "Is that so?" "Yes, considering how naively pure-hearted you are." Though it could easily be misconstrued as an insult, the absence of malice made Mok Riwon laugh. "That means I've been quite unrestrained! I wonder if I've acted too manly! Maybe I should show a more serious side in the future!" "Kuh-hah, ha-hah!" Ilwoon laughed, holding his stomach, and Mok Riwon joined in. The laughter lingered in the garden for quite a while, and after some time, Ilwoon, wiping away emerging tears, remarked, "Come to think of it, tomorrow is your duel, Master Mok." "That's right!" "Your opponent is…" As Ilwoon pondered, Mok Riwon declared energetically, "The Cumulus Belt!" Cumulus Belt, Gang Chan. A severe duel addict who skipped his duties to participate in this duel. Mok Riwon was quite looking forward to the confrontation with him. Ilwoon expressed his surprise, "You're facing a formidable opponent. And it's only the round of 64." "I think it’s not bad at all! How can one wish for adversaries to only match their level in this perilous martial world? Moreover, I have confidence in winning!" Mok Riwon had faith in the three techniques of the newly completed Myriad Training Sword Dance and the Heukya sheathed at his waist. No matter how perilous the duel, he was confident of emerging victorious in the end. Encouraged by that confident smile, Ilwoon responded with a smile of his own. "...Is that so? Then I will support you wholeheartedly." Mok Riwon clenched his fist tightly in response. "I will surely climb to victory, carrying the honor for both of us!" "Master Mok, I haven't been eliminated yet." "Oh dear." Mok Riwon sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. Ilwoon laughed even louder. After that, Mok Riwon and Ilwoon talked for quite a while, and Mok Riwon returned home to get a good night's sleep. And so, the day of the duel dawned.