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Chapter 274: The Generation of Shin Yuseong (2)

Gu Yeonseo, the second daughter of the Gu Clan, knew herself as a genius in her youth.

She had an impressive achievement in martial arts that was unusual for her age.

With her elder sister, Gu Huibi, being referred to as the epitome of late-stage talents, she thought she was not far behind.

In reality, her dedication to training bore fruit.

The Gu Clan’s martial art, the Technique of the Flame Wheel, had risen to the Three Stars rank.

Her martial arts level danced between the top two tiers.

Compared to other late-stage talents of similar age, her progress was astonishingly swift.

With such confidence in herself, Gu Yeonseo believed,

‘One day, I will become the martial artist representing our clan.’

That conviction, based on her innate talent, was more than enough for her.

However, the timing was a bit unfortunate.

It wouldn’t take long for Gu Yeonseo to realize that her confidence would soon shatter.

When exactly did Gu Yeonseo’s firm confidence begin to crumble?

Surely, it was during a previous spring.

Yes, when the Gathering of the Nine Dragons was held.

The moment she was slapped by Gu Yangcheong and fell to the ground.

That’s probably when it happened.

Despite being the only son of the clan leader, his talent was not particularly impressive, yet the position was designated to him.

And while she despised that he had the attention of Elder Lee and her sister, she thought her brother’s lack of talent would keep her ahead.

But on that night of the Gathering of the Nine Dragons, as she faced defeat at Gu Yangcheong’s hands, she lost everything.

Her confidence.

Her possibilities. Her hopes.

Everything.

Her brother, whom she deemed incompetent, suddenly showed a hidden talent.

He soared swiftly to the skies.

He claimed the position of the Dragon that Gu Yeonseo had once so fervently dreamed of.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yeonseo could no longer meet Gu Yangcheong’s gaze.

At that moment, even if intoxicated by the energy, she uttered words she should never have spoken.

She couldn’t bear to look into the eyes of Gu Yangcheong, who had taken flight.

But it didn’t stop there.

Not to mention that Gu Jeolyub, the descendant of Gu Seonmun, the minor branch of the Gu family, and the grandson of the former Elder Gu Changjun, who had lost honor by dying in rebellion against the clan.

As Gu Yeonseo happened upon him on the road to Shinryong Temple, she couldn’t help but be astonished by his growth.

‘How…?’

Just not long ago, Gu Jeolyub was someone she could surpass or barely match.

Now he had grown into a martial master she could scarcely brush against.

Clearly at a level above the first tier.

How long had it been? Gu Jeolyub had reached the first tier, while Gu Yeonseo remained stuck at the second tier.

She barely brushed against the wall leading to the first tier, but when it would break through, she had no idea.

Her self-doubt clawed its way to the forefront.

Meanwhile, she observed her brother training from a distance.

To be honest, it looked less like training and more like standing still with his eyes closed.

Gu Yangcheong called it training, though.

She also witnessed the breathtaking beauty known as the Sword Dance Hero, her brother’s fiancé.

A beautiful woman so perfect she was hard to compare to anyone else.

Moreover, it seemed she possessed more than just beauty, as every moment outside of sleeping was spent swinging a sword.

And the same was true for Seolbong, of the Moonghwa Clan.

She didn’t appear to train particularly hard compared to others, yet it was clear that all whom Gu Yeonseo observed were stronger than she was.

They were all around her age…

‘How did this happen…?’

What on earth happened to turn out this way?

Could it be that she hadn’t put in the effort?

No.

She dedicated herself to training, reducing her sleep to improve her shortcomings.

….

.

.

.

Why?

Why did it come to this?

Gu Yeonseo still could not comprehend.

The travel continued, and soon enough, they arrived in Hanam without incident.

Following her father’s orders, she was to partake in the Shinryong Temple event, yet she still could not meet Gu Yangcheong’s gaze, feeling utterly uncomfortable.

Of course, it seemed Gu Yangcheong wasn’t particularly concerned about it.

Only Gu Yeonseo was aware of the attention.

After that relatively short journey came to an end, she encountered an event.

The Dragon Trio, or more accurately, the Six Dragons Trio, the two she desperately longed to join in the generation of Yuseong, were reported to be dueling in the streets of Hanam.

‘… Ah.’

Upon hearing the news, she hurriedly made her way to the site.

There, amongst a cacophony of onlookers, stood the two youths, truly engaged in a sword duel.

The white martial robe belonged to the Sword Dragon, while the light blue robe must belong to the Wudang representative, which must be the Sleeping Dragon.

However, to Gu Yeonseo’s eyes, their swordsmanship was indecipherable.

Their movements were so brisk; she struggled to comprehend them at all.

Clang!

The sound of their swords clashing was startlingly sharp and clear.

And then, the explosive sounds of their energy colliding were unreal.

Could these truly be the generation of Yuseong?

Gu Yeonseo had to realize painfully while watching them that she could never be in their league, even for a fleeting moment.

Even during a mere observation, she could clearly see that the difference was worlds apart from the late-stage talents she had seen at the last Dragon Gathering.

She had seen the Thunder Dragon, Poison Phoenix, and recently rising star Shin Yi, yet the two now before her were at a whole different level.

What stood before her was true martial prowess.

As their duel intensified, the Sword Dragon, discerned to be the one in white, briefly paused but…

On top of that, Gu Yeonseo could feel the air growing tense around them.

Whatever was taking place remained a mystery, though it was evident this was no trivial scuffle.

‘Is everything alright?’

Just as she realized this, Gu Yeonseo scanned her surroundings.

Everywhere were spectators watching the duel of the two martial artists.

How could they not? The Six Dragons Trio were the brightest new stars in the current Central Plains.

Who wouldn’t be captivated by their battle?

However, with civilians mixed among them, it raised the alarm that should these two truly engage, collateral damage would be imminent.

‘Are there no other masters around?’

Was there no one to intervene between the two?

Whether coincidence or fate, no notable figures caught Gu Yeonseo’s eye, and she couldn’t maneuver through the crowd.

The weight of the Taoist Qi emitted by the martial artist was too heavy.

The overwhelming intensity of their sword energies made her body deeply feel their stark levels.

There was no way to intervene.

At her current level, it was impossible.

Clack—

As Gu Yeonseo bit her lip, merely watching, she suddenly sensed movement next to her.

It was Gu Jeolyub, who was accompanying her to Hanam.

He drew his sword and started to warm up.

Seeing that, Gu Yeonseo had to suppress her surprise.

‘Wait, is he trying to slip in there?’

Was he actually planning to intervene?

Gu Yeonseo couldn’t help but let out an internal gasp.

How could he think to step into the fray of those monsters?

As Gu Jeolyub warmed up, another presence approached him.

Muyeon, the guard of Gu Yangcheong.

Muyeon glanced at Gu Jeolyub and asked, “Are you sure about this?”

At Muyeon’s question, Gu Jeolyub frowned slightly.

“…..I don’t think they’ll let this slide if we do nothing. Besides, can we just allow this to continue?”

“Then allow me to help.”

Nodding in agreement with Gu Jeolyub’s words, Muyeon drew his sword.

It appeared the two planned to leap into the fray.

Gu Yeonseo couldn’t bring herself to voice any protest as she watched.

She knew that Muyeon had reached the pinnacle of martial prowess.

There had been a time when the Gu Clan had stirred up quite a commotion.

But no matter how exceptional a master he was, could he truly dive into that chaos?

As Gu Yeonseo’s mind filled with such thoughts, just as Muyeon and Gu Jeolyub were about to raise their energy and leap into the monsters’ fray…

They froze in mid-motion.

As if perceiving something.

‘What is it?’

Just as another question entered Gu Yeonseo’s mind, a voice cut through, “Ah, those damn fools. Why cause such a ruckus all the way here? Did they eat something wrong?”

A particularly irritated tone brushed past Gu Yeonseo.

The voice belonged to someone who had just passed by, having just reached the threshold of puberty, and slightly reminiscent of her father’s.

Quickly darting her gaze toward the source, it had already disappeared without much of a trace.

In that moment.

Whoosh!

A massive wind surged, skimming past Gu Yeonseo.

The youth, referred to as the Sleeping Dragon, Woo Hyeok, as always…

His ears captured the sounds clearly.

– From the right, upwards.

The voice piercing his ear drew his attention to the side immediately.

This had been the case since childhood.

From the moment he became aware of his position as a martial artist in the Wudang.

Woo Hyeok realized he possessed ears unlike anyone else.

In the small ears of ordinary humans, the voices of all living things spoke.

Such was Woo Hyeok’s hearing.

The rustling of leaves.

The sound of raindrops falling.

From the edge of the precipice, where he resided, even the shout of the Sect Leader far away.

His ears captured all.

Every sound that others could not catch, all of it.

A little louder, a little clearer.

A blessing and a curse at once.

It was a curse due to his sensitive hearing, rendering it impossible to find peace and sleep in the chaos.

Amidst the noise, maintaining one’s sanity was a profound challenge.

So, it was without doubt a curse.

A curse bestowed upon him.

Then what could be a blessing?

If he couldn’t sleep due to the noise?

The answer was simple.

– To shift to a diagonal slant and slightly lower.

As he moved calmly in response to the sounds, the tip of a sword grazed past his cheek.

If every sound held meaning, then he could hear his opponent’s motions too.

– Shifting gaze sideways, toes back, strike!

Woosh!

A sharp blade plunged into his chest.

But before the energy could reach, Woo Hyeok had already evaded away.

Could this possibly be the voice of his opponent’s heart?

Indeed, it mattered not.

Though others might envy such an ability, to Woo Hyeok, it was merely a curse that made life more tiresome and pitiful.

Once again, such would be the case.

Deciding this would be the same, Woo Hyeok had already sentenced this skirmish in his mind as well.

However.

Woosh!

This one felt slightly different.

“… Oh.”

As Woo Hyeok moved his head, he barely felt the tip of a sword graze along his chin.

Filled with a sudden admiration, he couldn’t help but react.

As he stepped on the ground, an energy enveloped him.

Woo Hyeok’s eyes scrutinized the tip of his opponent’s sword.

Amidst the countless movements, the energy remained steady.

It was sleek yet daunting.

Observing the Sword Dragon, he mused inwardly.

‘He has changed.’

Woo Hyeok wrapped himself in strong energy and set his sights forward once more.

Before him, the upcoming Sword Peak had recently risen to the ranks of the greatest late-stage talents.

The youngest Plum Blossom Sword Master.

An upcoming Sword King that many spoke of carrying the next era’s legacy.

That very individual was now facing Woo Hyeok.

‘What could have happened?’

Woo Hyeok pondered, searching for clues.

How many years had passed since the last time he laid eyes upon Yeongpung?

He had been younger then, yet he already wielded the Plum Blossom flower at the tip of his sword.

He had proudly adorned himself with Plum Blossom leaves, showcasing that he was indeed the Plum Blossom Sword Master.

Yet now, he looked significantly different.

The humility mostly possessed by those of Mt. Hwasan.

Polite demeanor, yet amidst that, confidence and a bubbling arrogance surfaced.

The Yeongpung which Woo Hyeok confronted was merely a boy with promise.

He understood.

This boy possessed talent beyond their reach.

And was venerated as the greatest of Hwasan.

Hadn’t he himself once stood at that intersection, feeling no surprise if he became arrogant?

Yet, this would bore him.

Those who had grown too intoxicated by their own greatness were bound to perish swiftly.

Such had also been the case with his cold and beautiful mentor.

Understanding that sentiment, Woo Hyeok chose to burn away any interest in Yeongpung.

In truth, he looked almost extinguished.

The Yeongpung of the past was skilled and swift in his techniques, yet that was all there was.

‘But now?!’

What was Yeongpung now?

As Woo Hyeok assessed Yeongpung before him, he seemed worlds apart from just a few years ago.

Swish!

The blade draped across his cheek.

Woo Hyeok adjusted his stance, his eyes rolling.

The sword moved with speed.

And precision.

Yet carried a sense of freedom.

Like a Plum Blossom petal gently falling upon the void, it moved in a way that was difficult to perceive.

A sensation he hadn’t experienced when he witnessed it before.

– The toes shifted to the left. Create an opening.

As the sound reached him, a flash appeared before his eyes.

Recognizing this for an opening strike, he took another step forward.

Steady.

Power surged within his lower dantian, merging with the incoming blade.

It wasn’t the emptiness that Yeongpung generated.

But through identifying the flaw created by the lack of proper engagement, his sword swung in response.

Whoosh!

“…!”

Thud!

As if awaiting the moment, Yeongpung’s energy twisted and his sword flared out.

Barely managing to parry, Woo Hyeok pulled back for a few paces.

‘That was close.’

What was that just now?

A wondrous sensation.

The sound had eluded recognition in the past.

Had the Sword Dragon’s speed surpassed even that of the masters?

No, that couldn’t be right.

No matter how extraordinary Yeongpung was, he was still just a late-stage talent, lacking in comparison to the true masters.

Then what was the difference that he felt?

‘… This.’

How intriguing.

The corners of Woo Hyeok’s lips curled slightly upward.

An emotion he hadn’t felt in years.

Having spread some distance, he spoke up while gazing at Yeongpung.

“Right out of our reunion and we have a sword fight. What has the mighty Sword Dragon come to be so fierce about?”

It was not an ambush.

Yeongpung wouldn’t have drawn his sword without first allowing Woo Hyeok to appreciate the circumstances.

From a distance, he could feel an aura dense enough to discern it rapidly.

Yeongpung chuckled awkwardly at Woo Hyeok’s words.

“Originally, that wasn’t the plan… but I was too curious about the dojo’s sword not to engage.”

“Is that so? While that’s a pleasant compliment, what about your impressions of my blade, tasted along the way?”

“Just as I anticipated.”

With a subtle smile, Yeongpung lowered his arm.

Bang!

Upon impact, the returning energy shook the air, resounding outward.

“As expected, Woo Hyeok’s dojo is formidable.”

“Thank you for the praise.”

“I’m grateful I can revisit just how narrow my world was.”

A rather peculiar remark.

The expression of realizing just how limited his own world truly was.

Yeongpung had recognized that he’d been a frog in a well.

‘What could have happened?’

It was something unknown to Woo Hyeok. Although he was somewhat curious, he didn’t wish to go that far.

“However… arriving here also brings the sense of just how further away the others are.”

“Hmm?”

‘The others?’ Woo Hyeok felt a flicker of intrigue but swiftly repressed it.

A change whirled through the winds surrounding Yeongpung.

Seeing this, Woo Hyeok, startled, addressed Yeongpung.

“Isn’t this a bit dangerous here?”

“Thank you for indulging me, Woo Hyeok.”

“… Well, that wasn’t what I meant.”

He merely entertained the minor curiosity that had arisen within his dull routine.

In truth, it was considerably enjoyable.

Of course…

Though Woo Hyeok’s expression was still enveloped in annoyance and lethargy.

A gust brushed past Woo Hyeok’s cheek.

A whiff of floral scent tickled his nose.

– It will bloom.

Eager whispers danced in his ears, yet the words themselves remained elusive.

Yet, they were also clearly understood.

If a Hwasan swordsman were to declare a bloom of flowers, what would it be?

It was a known fact even to a Wudang martial artist like himself.

The sole blossom of Hwasan by sword was the Plum Blossom.

‘… How tiresome it would be to concede to that.’

Woo Hyeok gathered his energy.

Despite the sluggish nature of his character, his Taoist Qi was pure.

Whoosh.

At the moment Woo Hyeok summoned his Qi…

Plum Blossom petals began to fall.

Slowly and softly.

As those fluttering petals touched down, this place was bound to overflow with the essence of Plum Blossoms.

‘… Hmm.’

He wondered, would it be sufficient to use a single blade?

He had not wielded or utilized it since receiving lesson duels from the Sect Leader.

Was it enough? That thought lingered, but…

‘No point dragging it out, just rings tiresome.’

He yearned to return and sleep, foregoing extended contemplation.

As petals drifted down, Woo Hyeok drew his energy through his entire body.

His eyes sparkled as he turned towards Yeongpung.

“Hmm…?”

And then uttered a bewildering statement.

Of course.

The Plum Blossom leaves had long since settled onto the ground and had turned to powder.

Yet oddly enough, Yeongpung showed no sign of reaction to it.

What caught Woo Hyeok’s gaze instead was the figure of Yeongpung gradually collapsing.

“What…?”

He wondered why his friend seemed to be collapsing.

Thud—

Feeling vibrations suddenly resonating from his core, Woo Hyeok twisted away.

Quickly shifting his body in reaction, but his feet had already lifted off the ground.

And then—

“Damn it, reckless fools. Why demolish everything in sight as soon as I arrive?”

A coarse and rugged voice rang in Woo Hyeok’s ears.

He rolled helplessly on the ground.

He should have used techniques to lessen the fall.

But what had just hit him caused his body to feel utterly drained.

That hadn’t felt like a significant impact.

“Damn it, why do you come storming in right in front of me right after I just see you? Can’t you keep quiet?”

“Cough…”

“For crying out loud, swordsmen are out of their minds. They can’t look around when they’re holding a blade!”

His head remained low.

Whose voice was that?

Bam!

“Cough!”

Just as Woo Hyeok attempted to stir, someone struck his head down.

“What’s wrong with you! Throwing a fit right after we meet?”

“Ugh…”

His skull felt like it was ringing out.

How could a strike devoid of energy cause such confusion?

Was the impact too much? Presented with unsteady sight,

Woo Hyeok soon realized he was enveloped in utter silence absent from all noise.

“Ah….”

Thud.

Woo Hyeok let out a sigh, slumping into unconsciousness.

“… What’s with that disgusting expression on his face?”

Gu Yangcheong, who had checked on the fallen Woo Hyeok, groaned and stepped away from him.

Meanwhile, those surrounding the noisy spectacle fell into complete silence, each minding their business.

In an instant, the previously bustling streets became eerily quiet.

 

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