Chapter 1440
Yes, I’ll remember that. (5)
After a moment, Jongli Gok, who quickly took his eyes off Chung Myung, bowed politely to Hyun Jong.
“Well then.”
Hyun Jong also bowed to Jongli Gok, albeit with some hesitation.
“Though our positions may differ, ultimately, I believe everything is for the sake of Gangho. I wish you prosperity.”
“…I wish you prosperity.”
Jongli Gok, who had extended the same courtesy to Tang Gunak, gracefully turned his body.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
The swordsmen of Jongnam glanced at the disciples of Hwasan before turning away. As the disciples of Hwasan frowned slightly, Lee Songbaek subtly addressed Chung Myung and Five Swords.
“Sect Leader may say that, but I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment.”
“Yes?”
“And I believe I’m not the only one who feels that way.”
Lee Songbaek looked at Chung Myung and smiled. This implied that there were differing opinions within Jongnam.
“Just because we’re competing doesn’t mean we can’t work together. In fact, competition might make us need each other even more. Similar things are already happening within Jongnam.”
Baek Cheon nodded, as if understanding the meaning behind Lee Songbaek’s words.
“So…”
“Lee Songbaek!”
Startled by the chilling voice, Lee Songbaek paused mid-sentence. Awkwardly turning around, he found Jin Geumryong glaring at him coldly.
“That’s enough.”
“Apologies, Sahyeong.”
Lee Songbaek added with a shy smile on his face.
“Of course, it might take some time still.”
Shrugging, he turned to the disciples of Hwasan.
“Well then, until we meet again. We’ll probably be seeing each other quite often now.”
“It was nice meeting you, Sohyeop.”
Five Swords pit their hands in a polite gesture. Lee Songbaek turned his head to look at Chung Myung.
“Chung Myung Dojang.”
“Huh?”
“Thank you.”
Lee Songbaek bowed deeply towards Chung Myung. It was not just the courtesy of a martial artist, but the courtesy of a human being.
“What’s this all of a sudden?”
“The teachings you imparted to me and to Jongnam have enlightened us greatly. I’m not sure how to repay this kindness…”
“What nonsense. Why would I show kindness to Jongnam? Watch yourselves! Someday I’ll set fire to mount Jongnam!”
Lee Songbaek chuckled lightly.
“I consider repaying this kindness by diligently following your teachings.”
“No, I haven’t shown you any kindness.”
“I hope to be able to show you my sword some time. It may not be much, but you’ll see that it has changed from before.”
Chung Myung looked up at the sky with a vacant expression. Seeing him drained of all strength, Jo Geol whispered.
“Sahyeong… Seems like there’s such a thing as a natural enemy in this world.”
“A perpetual parallel indeed. They can’t even hear each other’s words.”
“Well then, until next time.”
Lee Songbaek respectfully bowed and turned away. As Lee Songbaek also distanced himself, only one person remained.
“Why aren’t you leaving?”
Baek Cheon asked Jin Geumryong with an uncomfortable expression.
Before Chung Myung appeared at Hwasan, he had spent his whole life being oppressed by Jin Geumryong. There was a time when his sole purpose in life was to defeat Jin Geumryong.
Now he was certain. With his skill, he had long surpassed Jin Geumryong. Even if his brother had become stronger, there was no reason he couldn’t fight and win.
But strangely, this awkwardness didn’t dissipate.
Jin Geumryong, who had been staring at Baek Cheon with a deeply dissatisfied gaze, finally spoke up.
“I didn’t know.”
“Yes?”
“I thought he was inadequate, but not utterly incompetent. Seems like hanging out with strange folks has rubbed off on him, even his manners have deteriorated.”
Baek Cheon’s face contorted with annoyance.
“Stop picking fights and go your way.”
“Father is over there.”
At Jin Geumryong’s words, Baek Cheon flinched momentarily.
“Even if you’ve left Jongnam, you’re still a member of the Jin clan. Are you not going to greet your father after so many years?”
Only then did Baek Cheon glance beyond Jin Geumryong. Over there, amidst the elders and disciples, Jin Chobaek, who rarely turned in this direction, was indeed looking their way.
“If that’s the case, it might be better to remove ‘Jin’ from your name. It’s pitiful that your father still considers someone like you family.”
“Even if you say the same thing…”
Baek Cheon glared at Jin Geumryong with displeasure.
“Naturally, I am a member of the Jin clan, and not a worthless human being.”
At their words, Five Swords interjected.
“Isn’t that right?”
“Indeed.”
“As expected, they’re brothers. They see through each other perfectly.”
“Enough noise!”
Baek Cheon shouted angrily and coughed dryly.
“But it doesn’t seem like going there now would be such a good idea.”
“…”
“Now that Bongmun is lifted, I’ll go greet him formally soon. Please convey that.”
Jin Geumryong stared intently at Baek Cheon, then chuckled.
“Clearly lacking a backbone. Using your older brother to convey a message.”
“Oh, what do you want me to do!”
Baek Cheon finally snapped. But Jin Geumryong, who had already lost interest, shifted his gaze towards Chung Myung.
“You seem to have been living comfortably judging by your demeanor.”
“Oh, really? Your temperament seems to have worsened over time. Or is it a trait of the Jin family?”
“You brat! Stop meddling! Let go! Won’t let go?”
As Baek Cheon started to protest, Five Swords swiftly subdued him and dragged him away. Jin Geumryong glanced in that direction, clicked his tongue, and added.
“As a member of Jin family I remember the debut I own.”
“Debt? What debt?”
Chung Myung tilted his head as if he genuinely couldn’t recall. Then clapped his hands loudly.
“Oh, are you referring to when you got a beating from Sasuk at the martial arts competition?”
“…”
“Why would you even reminisce about that? For the sake of your mental health, it’s better to forget.”
For a moment, a fierce aura radiated from Jin Geumryong’s eyes. But Chung Myung just laughed heartily. Jin Geumryong muttered as if chewing his words.
“Looks like nothing has changed. That’s a relief. I would have worried if you had changed. I might even be able to repay my debt to you.”
Chung Myung picked his ear with his finger.
“Well, that’s just your opinion, but… Is it enough to rely on just your own judgment? Skill is what matters, skill. Unfortunately, it seems like your skill is still lacking, huh?”
“Hmph.”
Jin Geumryong snorted and then glanced at Chung Myung before drawing his sword.
In a split second, as Baek Cheon, startled, lunged towards Jin Geumryong, Jin Geumryong’s sword was drawn faster, emitting a dazzling white light towards Chung Myung.
Whoosh!
The emitted light formed a spectacular colorful arc above Chung Myung’s head. Chung Myung narrowed his eyes at the flashy sword that caught his eye.
“…What’s this?”
“It’s my new sword. No, it’s the new sword of Jongnam.”
“Tha…”
Chung Myung refrained from saying anything and simply closed his mouth.
Twelve Movement Snowflake(Snow flower) Sword Technique [설화십이식(雪花十二式) – seolhwa-sib-isig]. A humble sword technique based on the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique of Hwasan. But the sword Jin Geumryong now wielded was not Twelve Movement Snow Flower Sword. The dazzling white light remained, but traces of plum blossoms were nowhere to be found on the sword.
A glint appeared in Chung Myung’s eyes.
He wanted to say something sharp, but there was nothing fitting to say. Even if it started with the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, if they had found their own intention [意] and form [形], then it would be called Jongnam’s martial arts. After all, all martial arts in the world had evolved in such a manner.
“You may have used it, but… It seems like you don’t understand a thing. Jongnam’s sword is…”
“Why do you get to decide that?”
“Huh?”
A look of puzzlement briefly crossed Chung Myung’s face. Jin Geumryong glanced briefly at where his Sahyeongs were, then spoke.
“It seems even some of my Sahyeongs are swayed by your trivial words. Jongnam must return to its roots. Everything of Jongnam is encompassed in the Thirty-Six Swords Under the Heaven [천하삼십육검(天下三十六劍) – Cheonha-samsib-yuggeom].”
“…That’s right.”
“No, that’s wrong.”
Facing Chung Myung’s frowning face, Jin Geumryong continued.
“Of course, the Thirty-Six Swords Under the Heaven are the foundation and essence of Jongnam. However, if we only seek to replicate the past and perfect it, Jongnam will remain stuck in the past.”
“…”
“Jongnam will become stronger. With the new sword forged by Jongnam.”
Coldly, Jin Geumryong sheathed his sword.
“Until then, sharpen your blade well.”
“Even Sapa bastards don’t use such language these days.”
“Hmph.”
Jin Geumryong turned decisively.
“Then, I’ll be off. Keep your promise, Jin Dongryong.”
“Don’t call me that!”
Then he walked away from them as coldly as a chilling wind blew. As Jongnam disappeared into the distance, everyone let out a deep sigh.
“…It’s a good thing though.”
“Yes, we received help.”
“Indeed. It’s a really good thing, but…”
Baek Cheon murmured with a face full of worry.
“Now, we really won’t have any peace.”
“That’s true, Dongryong Sasuk.”
Baek Cheon’s fist landed on Jo Geol’s chin.
As soon as Jin Geumryong joined those who had left first, there was a voice that came out.
“How was it?”
“…What nonsense is this?”
“Weren’t you eagerly anticipating the reunion with your brother?”
It was Lee Songbaek who asked the question. Jin Geumryong turned with an angry glare, but Lee Songbaek just smiled.
Those around them couldn’t help but tense up. They say you can’t spit at a smiling face. But Jin Geumryong, unable to spit, could he not swing his sword against a smiling person?
“…Don’t babble pointless things.”
“Yes, understood, Sahyeong.”
Fortunately, Jin Geumryong didn’t say anything more and let it slide. Some who had been watching the situation let out sighs of relief.
‘At least his temperament is good.’
Within Jongnam, Lee Songbaek was probably the only one who could joke around with Jin Geumryong like that. Thanks to him, the atmosphere had softened considerably.
“What about you?”
“Yes?”
“Weren’t you the one eagerly anticipating the meeting?”
At that, Lee Songbaek silently nodded his head.
“That’s true.”
“And what are your thoughts on that eagerly anticipated reunion?”
“Well…”
Lee Songbaek’s lips curved into a mysterious smile.
“The situation was… unexpected, to say the least, so I was a bit taken aback, but…”
He trailed off momentarily and glanced back. Chung Myung was now standing in a distance, barely visible.
“It’s as it always was.”
“That’s not fun.”
Lee Songbaek chuckled lightly.
As it always was.
That wasn’t just a remark about personality. To him, Chung Myung was still like a towering mountain, an unreachable sky. Despite being battered and exhausted, he didn’t seem any smaller.
That’s why it felt exhilarating and enjoyable. Like a climber discovering an endless mountain to climb.
“It’s regrettable that I couldn’t witness Dojang’s sword. It surely would have been a great lesson.”
“You’ll get sick of it from now on.”
“I suppose so.”
Lee Songbaek’s eyes gradually darkened as he answered calmly.
‘Jang Ilso.’
As Sapaeryeon retreated somewhat easily, there was a sense of awkwardness, but the momentum they briefly faced was still vivid enough to send shivers down one’s spine just by recalling it.
Now, Jongnam would have to fight against such enemies.
Lee Songbaek lightly gripped the sword at his waist. They were formidable foes, no doubt. But his path was already set.
“When we return, we’ll have to resume training.”
“Aren’t you tired of it?”
“It’s what must be done.”
Jin Geumryong shook his head.
“I’ll be the one to bring down Hwasan Geomhyeop. I won’t tolerate anyone cutting the line.”
“…That’s something we’ll have to see.”
“What did you say?”
“I’ll go first.”
As Lee Songbaek surged forward, Jin Geumryong gritted his teeth. But his gaze quickly shifted not to Lee Songbaek, but behind them.
‘Jin Dongryong.’
Baek Cheon, whom he faced in the martial arts competition, had some skills. However, Baek Cheon he faced today was not lacking as an opponent. In fact, he seemed even more formidable, even more than his older brother.
“Tsk.”
Jin Geumryong clicked his tongue briefly. When they returned, he would need to secure a suitable training ground.
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