“I’m sorry for causing you all so much trouble.”
“That’s not true. People are meant to help each other, aren’t they?”
Unexpectedly, the journey with him stretched on longer than expected.
Not because of anything else, but because having him along inevitably slowed us down. Moreover, the villages we passed through during the week were not suitable places for him to stay.
Either they were too small or they had severe local biases.
It’s not easy to find a place to settle in the first place, but seeing his appearance, the people were quick to reject him. It was also difficult to find work because his movement was limited. Not to mention, there didn’t seem to be any compelling reason for anyone to take him in.
By the time we reached the third village, that was all the reception he had received. Therefore, despite his attempts to stay cheerful, it was no surprise his face was clouded with melancholy.
“Living in this world is truly not easy.”
“In the city, the situation might be better.”
“Cities are colder places than the countryside, aren’t they? It’d be fortunate if they don’t mock you for having a disability in your leg…”
“Even so, there will be more opportunities in the city than in the small villages in the boonies.”
“You’re right, but…honestly, I do not know. When I first stepped into the world, I was happy, yet I never thought happiness would shatter within a week.
“Is it because I’m a wandering swordsman, or because I can’t walk properly without crutches…?”
While I half-listened to his lamentation, I flipped through the pages of the “Three Treasures Sword Technique” manual. Though only the latter part remains, there were many intriguing sections I’d been reading whenever I had free time.
“The sword must always be succinct. To swing the sword without a single inch of error toward your target. This is the zenith of swordsmanship.”
“Hmm.”
“Do not allow the tip of the sword to waver. Let your movements be as concise as the sword’s path. The extreme refinement of succinctness becomes the most perfect sword’s path; those who master the essence of the Three Treasures Sword Technique will stand tall above the heavens.”
“Auntie, do you understand it, even though it’s just the latter part?”
“Somewhat. The techniques are merely theoretical and vague, but still, this person’s philosophy about the sword is interesting and somewhat helpful.”
“Succinctness.”
There aren’t many who intentionally swing the sword grandly; thus, most sword arts pursue succinctness.
Was the Three Treasures Sword King someone fixated on such succinctness? The word “succinctness” kept popping up in almost every paragraph.
Perhaps even the Three Treasures Sword King’s footwork sought the same kind of simplicity.
Rather than the flashy footwork which is characteristic of many sects, I need something simple and rudimentary yet relatively efficient—for perfecting my footwork based on “Warrior’s Advance.”
I would be able to progress further once I refined this.
“Brother Gang, by any chance, do you remember anything about the ‘Wall-Cracking Three Treasures’?”
“Wall-Cracking Three Treasures…yes.”
That’s something I’d wanted to obtain.
“Brother Gang, do you, by any chance, know anything about the footwork of the Three Treasures Sword King?”
“… Swift and precise. That was a description used for his footwork. Nothing was faster, and nothing was more accurate. It fit his swordsmanship perfectly.”
“Was there ever any mention of secret manuals being discovered in secluded caves?”
“At that time, I was still a novice swordsman just shedding my rookie tags. Most of the stories I only heard through hearsay. But among those tales was a mention of a Three Treasures Sword King manual. Though…all I remember were trivial rumors.”
A bad memory must have surfaced because his countenance didn’t look too good.
“Trivial rumors?”
“The rumor was that a map to the Three Treasures Sword King’s manual was found alongside a treasure map called ‘The Scroll of Fortunes.’ My memory is a bit hazy, but that rumor spread around. Many martial artists in the Martial Realm went to the Three Treasures Sword King’s tomb because of it. I was one of them.”
“Can you recall any other information?”
“…The trade company ‘Chengtian Trade Guild’ had possession of the ‘Scroll of Fortunes,’ if my memory serves me.”
“You remember well!”
“What else is there to do but reminisce about the past?”
When I have time later, I’ll do some reconnaissance. Whether I sell it for a handsome price or try to purchase the remaining manuals.
Of course, this will just be casual reconnaissance during some downtime.
“I roughly understand now. I’ll refer to it later.”
“En-gong, do you aim to collect all of the Three Treasures Sword King’s manuals?”
“If possible.”
I should enter the Martial Alliance next and gather more information. The Martial Alliance will surely be monitoring the Demonic Sect. I also need to check on the status of the Martial Alliance Leader.
Given what I remember, depending on how late or early the Martial Alliance Leader dies—within a year at most, or as short as six months—I have to act quickly.
If the Martial Alliance Leader survives, the ensuing chaos of the Five Great Clans should naturally resolve itself because the root of their conflict was indeed the death of the Martial Alliance Leader.
…However, approaching the Martial Alliance Leader is the problem.
I’ll have to think a bit more about how to approach him once I get back.
“It’s getting dark, so let’s camp here.”
“Aren’t you heading off to practice again?”
“I have to. Footwork…needs practice as well.”
My style is still incomplete; I’ve only mastered two methods.
Compared to the flamboyant moves of the Martial Realm’s footwork, mine is still crude. So, only consistent practice and research will allow me to create a footwork style of my own.
“You’re going to practice footwork?”
“Yes.”
Since it’s no secret, I answered honestly. Given the loud stomps of my “Warrior’s Advance” style, it’d be impossible not to hear. And someone who’s lived in the dark likely has sharper hearing than ordinary people.
“It’s strange to hear that a high-level martial artist like yourself is practicing footwork… I’ve heard the stories but it feels strange.”
There was a tinge of complexity in his voice. Was he remembering how he could no longer use his own footwork?
For a while, he was silent, adding pieces of firewood from what Hye-ryeong brought over to the campfire, lost in thought. Then he spoke to me while I was preparing food with Mok-kyeong.
“You. Would you like to learn my footwork?”
“…Pardon?”
My footwork, to me?
“It wasn’t some extraordinary footwork I learned during my wandering days. But it’s still rather useful. It saved my life several times after all.”
“Would that be proper for me to…”
“Since I can no longer use it myself, I’ll teach it to you. You can take it as additional reference for your own footwork studies.”
“…Thank you.”
To me, who seeks to create my own style, learning any footwork would be important. Especially since I’m nearly an amateur in this area, a direct tutorial would be invaluable.
“I won’t be able to demonstrate the footwork myself. But I’ll teach you by drawing the paths of the foot steps on the ground.”
“Let’s start after the meal.”
With this unexpected windfall, I happily stirred the contents of the pot with my ladle.
————————
“Thank you for everything so far.”
“No, it’s only natural for people to help each other. Heal well, and we’ll see you again later.”
“Right!”
“Travel safely.”
With a smile tinged with a bit of fear and hope, he saw us off as we left the small town where minor conflicts nearly erupted.
The two houses have been informed, so I’m confident they’ll treat him well.
“Hehe, Mister, we’re almost at the Martial Alliance!”
“It’ll be winter when we arrive.”
“What’s winter like in the Central Plains?”
Europe didn’t feel that cold.
“Hmm, I’m not too sure! It’s my first winter outside of Hainan! And Mister too, right?”
Hye-ryeong slightly closed the gap with flapping arms, almost close enough to touch each other. Back when Gang Hyung was around, there was some restraint, but now that he’s gone, her self-control seemed to have disappeared.
“Hehe.”
“…En-gong, what will you do first when we return to the Martial Alliance?”
“I need to rest a bit and plan our next move.”
I brushed off the honest answer about preparing behind-the-scenes operations to prevent the future death of the Master of the Martial Alliance. Mok-kyeong nodded understanding my evasion, then she asked.
“Will you join me for a visit to Yun’nan Dan Family?”
“Yun’nan Dan Family?”
“Yes. I’d like to confirm the place you spoke of.”
Yun’nan and Hubei are quite far.
I scratched my head, pondering over her request.
If something goes wrong, the schedule might get messy.
But it was a place I’d have to visit eventually. And Mok-kyeong needs to grow stronger.
“We’ll plan it after we arrive at the Martial Alliance.”
“…Thank you, En-gong.”
A serene smile bloomed on Mok-kyeong’s lips.
Beautiful enough that even I, a man, lost my train of thought for a moment.
“…Mister?”
Turning my head, I looked at the voice that brought me back to reality. Hye-ryeong, cheeks puffed out, waved her arms and declared.
“I’m prettier!”
“Yeahyeah. You’re beautiful.”
You’re blushing even as you say that.
As I consoled Hye-ryeong, I slowly circulated the mana core’s aura throughout my body.
Blood Wolf Step.
The footwork that Hyung taught me over the few days.
Although the use of energy is different, so I can’t perform it exactly, I’ve blended it with the footwork I’ve been developing over the past few days. Preparing to use this lightness skill, I said to Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong,
“From here on, I’ll use lightness martial arts to move. Got it?”
“Yes!”
“Understood.”
And at the same time, we leaped forward like an arrow leaving the bow.
