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EP.59 Plum Dragon Falls (2)

Genius.

In the era of Yuseong, such beings are relatively easy to find.

True talents bestowed by heaven.

Those vastly superior to others.

They were the ones seeking countless enlightenments with just one swing of the sword.

There has never been a time without geniuses in an era.

Just look at the Three Eminent Beings; they were extraordinary figures who graced a generation.

The Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains, known as the Seven Iron and Three Fist, also truly deserve the title of genius.

Talent always reveals itself, even if one tries to hide it.

Even without seeking acknowledgment, a single touch or step distinguishes them from the rest, making the world recognize them.

No matter how much time flows.

The Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes.

Those who represent the young Late-Stage Talents are acclaimed as the stars of this age.

Why? Because they are geniuses.

Born with absurdities.

That doesn’t mean they don’t work hard.

It just means their efforts are valued differently.

Just take a look at the chaotic Sword Dragon before me now.

The youngest Plum Blossom Sword Master, the greatest talent of Hwasan. How heavy must the weight of those two nicknames be?

Only after becoming a Great Disciple can you even hope to reach the level of Plum Blossom Sword Master.

Embodying the plum blossom in the Lower Dantian and blooming it at the sword’s tip—that was its true meaning.

Realizing the essence of martial arts possessed by Hwasan.

The fact that Yeongpung, who can be considered a Great Disciple, has reached that point at a mere twenty years old shows he possesses extraordinary talent.

Crack!

Yet, there was Yeongpung.

“Ghh…!”

He was being pushed back by a boy younger than himself.

Shin Hyeon doubted his own eyes.

The heat emanating from the boy was suffocating.

The flames swallowing Yeongpung’s plum blossoms were clearly visible.

This wasn’t about how to utilize inner strength or how to observe and exploit the body.

No, it was simply an overwhelming difference in skill.

‘…How could that young boy be…?’

Gu Yangcheong of the Mount Shan Clan.

A boy who was still unknown, lacking even a nickname.

Shin Hyeon recognized the Gu Clan; it was a notable clan, after all.

A clan led by the Martial Master known as the Tiger Hero, which also hosted the premier late-stage talent, So Sword Peak.

Furthermore, it was the clan of his own sister.

Therefore, it was common knowledge that they specialized in fire techniques.

Shin Hyeon had expected the boy would be formidable just like the Tiger Hero and So Sword Peak.

He could be the Tiger’s son, yet when Shin Hyeon considered Gu Yangcheong, he thought differently.

‘…But could it be this much?’

Fire techniques are inherently rough martial arts that even martial artists struggle to control.

Along with the Ice Techniques of the North Sea, their destructive power could easily overwhelm the user if they weren’t careful.

The violence intrinsic to mental techniques puts a significant burden on the body when turning inner strength.

Compared to others, they have explosive power and versatility, but it’s said that before mastering martial arts, the body usually crumbles under pressure, making it difficult to ascend.

But what about that boy?

Cold sweat trickled down Shin Hyeon’s chin.

Not only was it impressive that he was emitting flames strong enough to overwhelm his surroundings, but he also possessed that level of inner strength and wasn’t harming the environment around him.

That meant he was perfectly managing that wild heat.

Yeongpung tried to evade the engulfing flames to create some distance, but even that was not easy.

Gu Yangcheong wasn’t giving him any space.

One crucial aspect of a fight between martial artists is maintaining distance.

Especially when a swordsman like Yeongpung faces off against a martial artist like Gu Yangcheong.

If one intends to close the distance, they must do so tightly.

If they wish to widen it, they must do so decisively.

Gu Yangcheong never let go of the small gap between him and Yeongpung.

It meant he knew exactly how to deal with a swordsman.

Yeongpung gritted his teeth, channeling his inner strength into his legs.

Instead of retreating, Yeongpung charged towards Gu Yangcheong.

Even in a frantic situation, Yeongpung’s swordsmanship was graceful.

His firmly cultivated footwork was steady and heavy.

Yet it was also quick and fluid.

To unfold the complex and deep swordplay of Hwasan, he had to practice somewhat intricate footwork for years.

The moment Yeongpung saw that footwork, he immediately implemented it.

That was the day Shin Hyeon’s master, as well as Yeongpung’s master, confirmed that Yeongpung was the greatest talent of Hwasan.

The sword tip was light and sharp.

Yeongpung’s swordplay unfolded, blooming plum blossoms beneath the tips of his feet.

Realm of Plum Blossom.

The domain where a Hwasan martial artist’s every movement exuded plum blossoms.

This was the standard of Plum Blossom Sword Mastery and a token that he had truly become a martial artist of Hwasan.

Seeing that, Shin Hyeon nodded.

Although Yeongpung appeared slightly overwhelmed by Gu Yangcheong’s flames, he seemed to have found his footing and launched a counterattack.

Petals emanated as if to showcase his skills along the path of his sword.

The sight of him being pushed back by the flames now looked insignificant, as the plum blossoms started to push against the flames.

Twenty-Four Movements Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Hwasan’s sword techniques were beautifully unfolding from Yeongpung’s hands.

Though the movements were beautiful, the inner strength contained within the sword was sharp, just like the plum blossoms that followed.

Once again… defeating Sword Dragon proves challenging.

“Cough…!”

‘What…?’

Shin Hyeon’s eyes widened.

In the midst of executing his graceful sword techniques, Yeongpung suddenly screamed.

In the fleeting moment, Gu Yangcheong’s fist struck Yeongpung’s side.

Trying to see how it was done, but the searing flames blocked his view, preventing Shin Hyeon from observing clearly.

It meant that the Great Disciple, Shin Hyeon, couldn’t adequately perceive what was happening in that boy’s fiery realm.

‘…How deep must his inner strength be to accomplish this?’

Though he thought Yeongpung was fading in strength, he realized it was an illusion.

It wasn’t that he diminished; perhaps he had intentionally reduced it?

The area of the flames may have narrowed but, conversely, their destructive power intensified.

The petals that had tried to resist were consumed by the flames without a fight.

In the crimson glow enveloping him, something was cast aside.

Yeongpung’s wooden sword.

Boom!

“Ugh!”

Quickly, along with an explosive sound, Yeongpung burst through the flames and tumbled backward.

Rolling on the floor a few times, Yeongpung groaned, unable to rise at once.

Flame Burst!

The wild flames that had been swirling fiercely in the air gradually began to shrink.

Eventually, they gathered around Gu Yangcheong in a circle.

Because of the heat, steam rose around Gu Yangcheong like a mirage.

The plum blossoms that were about to bloom were engulfed by the fires.

A flower of life that bloomed from a rooted tree seemed utterly futile in the face of the raging flames.

Cruel and merciless.

Yeongpung’s plum blossoms didn’t even have a chance to bloom properly before being reduced to ashes before the boy’s enflamed might.

As Yeongpung looked at Gu Yangcheong, he was filled not just with shock but also confusion and disbelief.

“Tsk.”

In the silence, the sound of a tongue clicking resounded loudly.

Yeongpung, unable to withstand the piercing gaze of Gu Yangcheong, lowered his head.

Shin Hyeon, confused as to why Yeongpung was reacting this way, looked over at Gu Yangcheong.

It was then Shin Hyeon realized the reason behind Yeongpung’s averted gaze.

In Gu Yangcheong’s eyes looking at Yeongpung.

There was a clear disappointment anyone would notice.

Regarding the countless advantages and benefits possessed by talented individuals, there are innumerable.

But alongside them come undeniable drawbacks.

Even if one is a genius, a half-hearted talent can inevitably lead to one’s downfall when faced with a wall.

Having overcome walls too easily, when faced with a true wall, they can neither surpass nor break through, leading to stagnation.

Yeongpung is a genius.

Seeing in his previous life, he understood it better.

Yet he couldn’t surpass the wall.

When it comes to talent, Yeongpung is equal to or even superior to Gu Huibi.

Just at a glance, it’s evident.

Plum Blossom Sword Mastery isn’t just some dog’s name; it requires rigorous training and profound enlightenment based on mental techniques to even reach that level.

It indicates a warrior of at least first-class caliber.

To possess first-class talent at a tender age—it’s no wonder he could be confident.

[It’s ridiculous coming from you.]

I had to set aside the absurdity of rebirth and opportunity.

Neither Shin Noya nor those around him likely understood that.

Geniuses tend to be arrogant.

It’s an inevitable outcome.

Having seen Gu Jeolyub, Nangong Cheonjun, and even Gu Huibi up close.

They inherently feel superior, allowing them to view themselves more objectively, thus leading to increased arrogance.

That very arrogance would later become their most significant downfall.

Yeongpung isn’t a bad person.

He knows how to show respect and has a decent sense of awareness.

Though still youthful, he might be swayed by emotions, yet time may help resolve that.

However, even he harbors arrogance about his talent.

And one day, he will eventually be brought low by that damned wall.

Because he did so in his previous life.

“What are you doing?”

At my fierce question, Yeongpung’s shoulders shook.

“Why don’t you grab the sword again?”

I pointed at the wooden sword pitiably lying on the ground.

It must’ve been an effort to display something; however, what he had whirled was hollow.

It meant he hadn’t practiced it for long.

[…What a monstrous kid.]

That was Yeongpung’s most significant blunder.

[You think it’s reasonable to pierce through such a chaotic sword path with an attack?]

It wouldn’t be easy; if there’s even a moment of anxiety or fear, you can’t act with certainty.

This falls more under the realm of experience than talent.

It’s an experience only obtained by recklessly navigating a battlefield saturated with killing intent.

I moved slowly towards Yeongpung.

The disbelief in his eyes suggested he never thought he would lose.

Why is it that geniuses all display such looks when knocked down?

“I had some expectations when you suggested a sparring match… I’m rather disappointed, Yeongpung Dojang.”

…Expectations, haha.

Just pretending to care made me feel nauseous.

The way to overcome arrogance is simple.

If one doesn’t realize it themselves, break it for them.

Someone who lives in appreciation of their own talent will inevitably come to face someone greater.

Of course, whether they realize this and despair, or turn a blind eye and continue living in their self-admiration, remains uncertain.

I had hoped that Nangong Bi-ah, once a fellow swordsman, could take the lead, but…

For some reason, she’s sulking and withdrawn…

[It’s not like you had to do it.]

‘You sound like it was something you truly expected,’ I thought.

[Wasn’t it you who acted out because of guilt inside? What exactly bothers you so much to act this way?]

‘Did we not agree to not ask about it?’

[…Such a rotten kid you are.]

Nangong Cheonjun was standing on arrogance, yet to Yeongpung, he seemed merely modest.

While he grew up in the well of Hwasan being called a genius, he retains a rustic quality of an unrefined boy.

Rising from his previous slumped position, Yeongpung picked up the abandoned wooden sword.

Staggering, he slowly regained his stance.

Pogo.

“I lost….”

Unlike others, he offered no excuses.

He merely acknowledged his defeat in a withered voice.

The more one looked, the more it appeared tidy.

What more could be said? It felt pointless to say anything more, so I, too, adopted a Pogo stance and turned my back.

No less than this degree seemed sufficiently clean.

[Does your appearance stem from a lack of proper upbringing? Your actions suit that image well.]

‘That sounds like an insult, Shin Noya.’

[Of course, it’s an insult, silly. Did you interpret it as a compliment…?]

‘….’

I didn’t know how Yeongpung would take it, but it had been a while since I felt refreshed after moving my body.

I should handle the aftermath on my own, but now it was time to hit the hay… only to find Nangong Bi-ah suddenly blocking my path.

After staring at me for a while, Nangong Bi-ah said.

“Now it’s my turn to fight.”

….What?

 

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