CRS Chapter 16
by BlossomTLAs the two faced off growling at each other, attention immediately gathered around them.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. Uncle Myungjin said that person stole our Extreme Azure Pill?”
“No way, that can’t be.”
It was an incomprehensible situation for them.
One was a benefactor who had found Wudang’s treasure, and the other was the pride of Wudang and their respected uncle.
Myungjin, conscious of his surroundings, shouted as if for everyone to hear.
“You’ll show me? How do you plan to show me? This isn’t Cheonha Merchant Guild. This is the great Wudang Sect, the ancestral home of Taoism in the Central Plains where we walk the path of immortals through endless cultivation, and achieve martial arts accomplishments through bone-grinding pain and endurance. You dare to think you can use Cheonha Merchant Guild’s petty wealth to…”
“Enough.”
Eunho, who had been listening silently, cut off his words with a low mutter.
“Why bring up Cheonha Merchant Guild?”
For a moment, as Myungjin met Eunho’s eyes, he swallowed hard.
Eunho had always seemed relaxed, but now his gaze was fierce.
His aura had changed instantly without any warning.
He looked ready to draw the sword at his waist immediately if Myungjin’s next response displeased him.
However, Myungjin couldn’t back down either.
Many third-generation disciples had already gathered to watch, hadn’t they?
If he backed down here, his reputation would be ruined.
“Well, you’re the young master of Cheonha Merchant Guild…”
“What if I were a martial artist?”
“?”
“Forget about Cheonha Merchant Guild and everything else. What would you do if I stood before you simply as a martial artist?”
“Well…”
He didn’t know.
He had never thought about such a thing.
What need was there for such a supposition?
Either way, the fact that this fellow before him was Cheonha Merchant Guild’s young master wouldn’t change.
“Are you trying to say that you single-handedly stormed Aso, beat down the peak master Aso leader and all his subordinates, and brought back the Extreme Azure Pill for Wudang?”
Even as he said it himself, he found it ridiculous.
Listing it out like this, didn’t it sound completely absurd?
Even if this fellow were born with unparalleled martial talent and strong enough to defeat the Aso leader, he couldn’t possibly deal with all the subordinates alone.
“One thing is wrong.”
“What is it?”
Could it be that the Aso leader wasn’t there? Or perhaps there were no subordinates?
Such doubts arose.
If so, it might be slightly, very slightly, understandable.
If it were really true, should he apologize?
Just as Myungjin’s mind was racing…
“I didn’t bring it back for Wudang. I didn’t even know it was the Extreme Azure Pill, and I was just saving it to savor later. Unfortunately, I got caught by the sect leader.”
Myungjin’s jaw dropped.
‘Un-unfortunately?’
One thing was certain.
This fellow wasn’t normal.
Myungjin’s face began to turn red and blue.
He spoke, enunciating each word as if biting them out.
“So, you’re saying it’s true that you single-handedly subdued Aso?”
Eunho shook his head.
“Why is that even important? You just don’t like me, that’s all. Stop trying to create justifications and act like a man.”
Myungjin’s patience had reached its limit.
“Fine. If you’re so confident, you should be able to prove your innocence! Then right now…”
“You fool! What do you think you’re doing!”
A deep, thunderous voice interrupted Myungjin’s words before he could finish.
It was a familiar voice. One he absolutely didn’t want to hear in this situation…
“U-Uncle Tae-heo!”
Tae-heo was the person Myungjin feared most in the world.
Who do you think would be the happiest person now that the Extreme Azure Pill had returned to Wudang?
The sect leader? Or perhaps the escort bureau that had lost it?
No. It was Tae-heo.
He was the head of the Medicine Hall, in charge of all medical arts and spirit medicines in Wudang Sect.
Thick veins popped out on Tae-heo’s neck and forehead, and his reddened face looked like it might burst at any moment.
“How dare you persecute Wudang’s benefactor in front of everyone! Is this how I taught my disciples!”
“I-I’m sorry, Uncle.”
Myungjin immediately lowered his eyes.
The scariest thing in Wudang Sect was neither the sect leader nor one’s master, but Tae-heo.
Firstly, his personality was unparalleled in its irascibility.
Secondly, he held all authority over spirit medicines.
What good was it to train hard and hone one’s skills?
If one incurred Tae-heo’s dislike, while fellow disciples increased their inner power daily by consuming spirit medicines, one would have to suffer twice as much alone under some waterfall.
Tae-heo, who had been snorting forcefully, silently looked at Eunho.
The corners of his mouth twitched, and then he burst into laughter.
“Hehehehehe.”
Ah, just looking at him feels good.
The benefactor who found the precious Extreme Azure Pill is standing right before his eyes.
My, this fellow is quite handsome too. He exudes nobility.
How great was the sense of loss when the Extreme Azure Pill, which took ten years to make, was lost?
Right now, Eunho was someone Tae-heo wouldn’t mind putting in his eye.
When Tae-heo grinned while looking at him, Eunho frowned, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Why is he acting like that?
The first-generation disciple Tae-cheong he saw yesterday was a bit talkative, but he seemed quite sturdy and solid.
But this fellow… he has eyes that look slightly unhinged.
Eunho unconsciously took a couple of steps back.
Tae-heo looked at Myungjin again.
Oh? His face is turning red again.
“You fool!”
He looked ready to drag him away and beat him up.
If it weren’t for the voice that was about to be heard.
“Medicine Hall Master, what’s going on?”
Jinyang, who had just finished his meal, had come out.
“Ahem. Well, this stupid Myungjin dares to persecute Wudang’s benefactor, Sect Leader. As the Medicine Hall Master, I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
Jinyang’s gaze passed over Eunho and landed on Myungjin, who was hanging his head low.
“Is all of this true?”
“Sect Leader, whether it’s true or not, I saw it with my own eyes. This Myungjin…”
“That’s enough. There are many eyes watching. I’m sure I’ve told you not to reproach disciples in front of their juniors, even if they’ve done wrong.”
When Jinyang spoke as if admonishing him, even Tae-heo couldn’t scold Myungjin any further.
Even he thought it was a mistake to severely reprimand a second-generation disciple in front of third-generation disciples.
‘I got too excited…’
Jinyang quietly looked at Myungjin.
He was a lovely child who, despite his innate martial talent, never became complacent and constantly strived to improve.
The more he was loved, the more he repaid it with greater achievements, which was truly admirable.
However, if one had to point out a flaw, it was that his competitiveness and jealousy were too intense.
Myungjin was someone who needed to monopolize all the love and attention in the world, including from his masters and uncles.
One could understand the situation at a glance.
Jinyang smiled warmly and patted Myungjin’s shoulder.
“Apologize.”
“…Yes, Sect Leader.”
Myungjin approached Eunho with heavy steps.
“I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”
Eunho simply shrugged his shoulders in response.
Is this even something that requires an apology?
Jinyang too was once a young and passionate martial artist.
How could he not understand the competitive spirit of young martial artists?
However, it would be best if the two could get along well.
In his view, Eunho was someone who would soon make a big name for himself in the martial world.
‘Although his temperament is somewhat unrestrained, he harbors no malice…’
His martial prowess goes without saying.
Hoping they would positively influence each other and grow together, he had initiated the reconciliation.
Um… Myungjin’s eyeballs are rolling around.
“Sect Leader, I was short-sighted.”
“Hmm, yes. Acknowledging one’s mistakes is also an extension of cultivation.”
“Yes, so about that…”
Myungjin’s brow furrowed.
Something feels uneasy.
“The ‘Eight Talents Formation[1]’ training is coming up soon, so how about letting Junior Ha experience it too?”
Jinyang could see right through his intentions.
It was a training where one person faces a sword formation created by multiple people.
It was inherently impossible to win. The goal was to overcome one’s limits and grow stronger in the process of enduring.
Myungjin was trying to make things difficult for Eunho.
However, there was something he hadn’t considered.
From Jinyang’s perspective, someone of Eunho’s caliber seemed capable of withstanding the sword formation.
Complete breakthrough might only be possible for first-generation disciples at the very least, but if it was just enduring, occasionally even second-generation disciples could manage it.
If showing Myungjin a broader world could provide a solid foundation for his achievements, it didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“The Eight Talents Formation… If the young master is agreeable, I’ll allow it.”
Of course, Eunho wasn’t oblivious to Myungjin’s intentions.
Eight Talents Formation? Experience?
You’re dead.
Eunho’s lips curled up.
“Sounds good. It should be fun.”
***
In a vast training ground, eight second-generation disciples, including Myungjin, formed a circular sword formation.
Standing in the center was Eunho.
A sword formation, huh.
Eunho’s eyes sparkled.
He had never experienced a sword formation in either his previous life or his current one.
Encountering something new is always enjoyable, isn’t it?
He was looking forward to it.
The Eight Talents Formation. Even the name sounds grand.
“Draw your sword.”
Myungjin spoke to Eunho in a deliberately stern voice.
It was an exceptional occasion with even uncles and the sect leader watching.
Apart from beating that irritating young master, he would show off the sword formation they had diligently practiced and earn praise.
As Eunho silently drew his wooden sword, the eight swordsmen composed of second-generation disciples drew their swords with flawless skill.
The tips of eight swords pointed to a single point.
That point was Eunho.
‘Oh.’
Even just drawing the swords created pressure.
As he had felt with Yi-ryang’s formation earlier, ‘formations’ were truly fascinating.
“We’ll begin.”
With those words, energy flowed out from the entire bodies of the second-generation disciples.
Each individual’s energy was weak, but they didn’t interfere with each other and instead amplified one another.
When three gather, they exert the power of five; when five gather, they exert the power of ten – this is the might of a sword formation!
“Hah!”
Myungwoo, the second among the second-generation disciples, leaped forward with a powerful shout.
His sword aimed for Eunho’s neck.
Although it was a wooden sword, its momentum was no different from a real blade.
Eunho slightly twisted his sword to deflect Myungwoo’s attack.
Seeing this, a glint of interest flashed in the eyes of the sect leader and first-generation disciples.
They knew he would endure, but they didn’t expect him to be this relaxed.
Simultaneously, Myungwoon’s sword thrust towards Eunho’s waist, and Myunghyun’s sword swung at his chest.
Eunho felt his body was heavier than usual due to the pressure of the sword formation. Nevertheless, he wasn’t one to be hit by such sword attacks.
The sword aiming for his waist was a feint.
If he dodged, he would be injured by the sword slashing at his chest.
Instead, Eunho leaned his body towards Myungwoon, who had thrust his sword at his waist.
“Huh?”
Even Myungwoon seemed unprepared for this, and hesitated.
Thwack!
Eunho’s wooden sword struck Myungwoon’s shoulder.
At the same time, he twisted his body to avoid Myunghyun’s sword aimed at his chest.
“Ugh.”
Myungwoon, hit on the shoulder, groaned and stepped back two paces, while Myunghyun found himself one inch closer to Eunho than he had expected.
He had thought Eunho would at least block or step back.
When he hesitated for a moment at this unexpected situation.
Thump.
Eunho’s sword touched Myunghyun’s solar plexus.
The corners of Eunho’s mouth rose slightly.
“Well, that’s two down.”
Watching this, Myungjin gritted his teeth. He had intended to give Eunho a hard time, but it seemed he was the one having a hard time instead.
Myungjin mumbled, sending a sound transmission to his disciples.
-There’s no need to go easy on that guy!
-Huh? We weren’t going easy. This guy, he’s not ordinary.
-You…! Stupid fools! If he manages to endure this formation until the end today, I’ll give you all ‘special training’ until bedtime.
When Myungjin mentioned ‘special training’, urgency spread across the disciples’ faces.
Having experienced Myungjin for several years, they understood.
It simply meant he was going to torment them.
The aura of the second-generation disciples changed instantly.
We must make sure he can’t endure, no matter what!
They charged in with an intensity incomparable to before.
Unfortunately, the results were the same as before.
Thud! Whack! Slap! Crack!
Various impact sounds were accompanied by second-generation disciples retreating or falling.
Seeing this, surprise flashed in the eyes of Jinyang and Tae-heo.
‘He’s not just enduring, but winning?’
Watching his disciples fall one by one, exhausted, Myungjin finally leaped into action himself.
His movements were filled with a strong determination to definitely take Eunho down.
Surprisingly, Eunho considered himself a polite person.
If the opponent is sincere, it’s only polite to respond with equal sincerity!
Eunho adjusted his grip on the sword.
His aura changed. His knees bent slightly and then tilted.
Myungjin’s forcefully thrust sword was pushed aside by Eunho’s sword.
There was no domineering energy. It was just gently pushed aside.
However, Myungjin couldn’t resist.
He had never seen or heard of such a technique.
“Wha-?”
In that moment, gently and warmly.
Like the smile of Buddha, no, that would be terrible!
As gentle as the Jade Emperor’s smile, the sword was pushed aside.
And when the sword completely left Myungjin’s control.
The wooden sword, now transformed into the King of Hell, fell towards his head.
In that brief moment.
Myungjin’s pupils dilated to their fullest.
Thwack! Crack! Thud!
These were the sounds made when his disciples were hit.
He thought the same sound would be made when he was hit.
However, contrary to his expectations, an unprecedented sound echoed in Myungjin’s ears.
Boom-!
As Myungjin flew through the air, he thought.
Can a wooden sword make such a sound?
- 팔재진(八才陣)[↩]