“It would seem that the Blue-Eyed Lion has not learned the Lightness Skill.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“How is it possible for a warrior who has reached such a level not to have learned Lightness Skill? Does that even make sense?”
At Zhuge Hyeon-sang’s sudden statement, Namgung Hwi and Peng Jeoksan looked at him with expressions that clearly said, “Does that even make sense?”
It was a natural reaction.
To them, the idea that a martial artist hadn’t learned Lightness Skill was akin to a baby crawling around without ever learning to walk.
Even a third-rate martial artist would surely have learned at least a third-rate Lightness Skill in this era.
It was almost unimaginable for a seasoned warrior, similar in age to the renowned swordsman Namgung Cheol, to have not learned Lightness Skill.
“Perhaps in the Western Regions, there might be no such thing as Lightness Skill…”
“That’s unlikely. Just take Bodhidharma’s Kong skill as an example.”
“Observe the Blue-Eyed Lion’s footwork. There’s no sign of the specific movements trained in by those versed in Lightness Skill. At least, he hasn’t learned any techniques that we know of.”
“Hmm…”
At that, Peng Jeoksan and Namgung Hwi turned their gaze to William, who was currently exchanging blows with Yang Seoyu. William’s feet moved in a manner that indeed lacked the stereotyped fluidity expected of someone skilled in Lightness Skill.
He simply moved his feet to wherever the fight required.
“It’s true…”
“For one of such mastery not to know footwork is hard to swallow…”
“However, this is no issue. A fighter as seasoned as him would surely be aware of this lack, yet he’s still dominating nonetheless, isn’t he?”
“Ho! Listening to you, Brother Zhuge, makes me want to fight even more!”
“The moment the Blue-Eyed Lion ascends, that will surely happen.”
As always, Scholar Zhuge Hyeon-sang covered his face with a fan and smiled meaningfully.
————————
‘This is flashy indeed.’
The spear slid off the blade’s surface.
Yang Seoyu clenched his teeth at a scene that had repeated dozens of times already.
‘It’s just like fighting father…’
Yang Seoyu recalled the spars with his father who had taught him spear techniques. On reflection, every attack was always deflected with ease.
The current situation was no different.
The only difference this time was the opponent; instead of someone from the Central Plains, he was facing a colored-eyed individual.
‘The spear techniques of the Central Plains hide a core amidst their flowery movements.’
This was very distinct from the efficient and practical movements often seen on the battlefield.
After all, it was quite natural that the spear art, crafted for efficiently killing on the battlefield, and the spear art mastered through diligent practice in civilian life would take different paths.
Thus, William was able to further his study of Central Plains martial arts by experiencing the Flowing Flower Spear technique.
‘The martial arts of the Central Plains and the Arts of the West are clearly different. It’s thanks to this exchange that I’ve been able to solidly grasp these distinctions. I should be offering my thanks.’
Though it would be considered an affront to actually say it out loud, William’s eyes softened as he deflected another attack and once again pressed inward.
The same dynamic and situation as the beginning.
Yang Seoyu, this time, calmly retrieved his spear and swung it around in a circle, aiming for William’s legs. Seeing the calm and composed attempt by Yang Seoyu to close in, William chuckled.
‘A good attempt, but I wonder if it truly means anything.’
The spear tip came slicing in along a diagonal path toward William’s legs. William raised his leg slightly and then stepped down forcefully with embedded energy on the spear charged with internal power.
The collision caused a loud explosion, and stones scattered in all directions.
As the dust settled, revealed were the spearhead embedded into the ground and William standing firmly on top of it.
“Aiming for the upper body to provoke a counterattack was a decent decision, but you aimed too low.”
“…I’ve lost.”
At the very moment the spear was embedded in the ground, Yang Seoyu knew there was no further action he could take.
He could’ve perhaps rolled on the ground to buy time, but who willingly threw away their pride in just a friendly match?
“You’ve done well.”
The two exchanged a mutual bow to show their respect.
And with that, their spar concluded, sparking a thunderous roar of applause around the Martial Arena.
The audience cheered in response to the dazzling display of spear versus sword.
At the deafening noise, William furrowed his brow slightly as he sheathed his sword, while Yang Seoyu hoisted his spear onto his back, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
Then he glanced at William.
‘You didn’t even sweat much. Is this the difference in mastery?’
Recognizing anew the vast gap in their abilities,Yang Seoyu looked on at William appreciatively, who had deliberately held back to allow a full exchange.
“The winner of this match is the Blue-Eyed Lion, William!”
“William! William!”
In contrast to hastily concluded matches, their display of elegant martial prowess had the crowd celebrating.
‘Hmm.’
William lifted both arms dramatically, akin to a Roman gladiator, acknowledging the cheers.
‘This is embarrassing. Can’t do it again.’
William lowered his arms, turned around, and disappeared into the waiting room.
————————–
“Uncle! That was incredible!”
“Eun-gong, that was a remarkable match.”
Stop sparkling your eyes like that; it’s burdensome.
I didn’t know eyes could shine so intensely.
“It’s not that extraordinary. Once you reach the level of mastery, it’s something each of you will be capable of. Don’t elevate me too much.”
“If it were so easy to reach supreme mastery, half of all martial artists would be supreme masters.”
Hye-ryeong pouted defiantly, nitpicking. Where did she learn to behave like that?
Her parents?
“That’s true. Attaining supreme mastery isn’t easy.”
“Many spend decades training but stay at the first-class level. Being a first-class warrior is nothing to sneeze at, but it can’t compare to supreme mastery.”
Mok-kyeong’s words were apt; supreme mastery wasn’t something trivial anyone could achieve.
It’s the stage where one could not only enhance their body and weapon with internal power but also manifest tangible energy blades, enabling one to effortlessly slice enemies like cutting through ice cream.
…Although in the Western Regions, everyone is heavily armored, making things not as simple as they might seem.
Knights are protected by their Aura Armor, making energy blades less effective. And those infuriating Mamelukes, who only become superior at the elite level and automatically launch combined attacks when they recognize a stronger opponent.
Besides, Aura’s efficiency is so poor that in prolonged battles, it is rarely worth using.
“That’s right. For someone Uncle’s age to become a supreme master is absurd! You’re not some protagonist from a martial arts novel!”
…Do such novels even exist here?
Come to think of it, “Water Margin” could somewhat pass as a quasi-martial arts story, so they must exist. Where did they originate, though?
“Sometimes there are exceptional individuals.”
“I’ve never seen one.”
…I have someone right next to me who could surpass me in the blink of an eye and it wouldn’t be strange.
I glanced at Mok-kyeong before turning my gaze back to Hye-ryeong.
“Anyway, you should start preparing for your match.”
“Hehe, will you cheer for me?”
“Of course.”
Who is her opponent again?
Ah, Cheongmaehyang.
Cheongmaehyang… I don’t have much information on her.
She isn’t a character from the original, so I can’t recall any reliable information.
Hmm, she’s a Taoist so she probably uses Plumeria Twenty-Four Sword Technique… No, isn’t that something only Plum Blossom Swordsmen learn? Or not?
“Ajusshi?”
“Sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
“If you have any worries, please tell me!”
“No, it’s nothing. There’s no need to worry.”
“Hmm…”
Why does she look so dejected? Now I feel like I’ll have to invent some worries just to satisfy her.
I threw an appropriate question at Hye-ryeong, who resembled either a puppy or a person.
“It’s just that I’m curious about the arts of Mount Hua since she’s named after plum blossoms…”
“The Hua Mountain art, the Plumeria Twenty-Four Sword Technique, is very famous. When mastered, it’s said that with each swing of the sword, plum blossom fragrance fills the air, and the energy blades transform into petals that fly around.”
“Flying around? That sounds a bit exaggerated…”
Feels like she’d shout ‘fly’ and start using petals to attack.
“Miss Mok, have you ever seen it?”
Did I emphasize the word “Miss” just now? Is that a trick of perception?
“No, I haven’t seen the ultimate rendition of the Plum Blossom Sword. However, I’ve heard tales…”
At Hye-ryeong’s inquiry, Mr. Mok thoughtfully tilted his head, then looked at me and spoke.
“Hye-ryeong, isn’t it your turn already?”
“Huh?”
At Hye-ryeong’s surprised expression of “Already?” a cheer erupted and the referee’s voice faintly announced the end of the match.
“But it hasn’t been an hour yet…”
“Hye-ryeong, go out and do your best.”
“Absolutely!”
Hye-ryeong gave her outfit a final check, secured her sword at her waist, and left the waiting room.
“…Let’s head to the spectator’s area.”
“Yes.”
Together with Mr. Mok, I made my way to the spectator’s area.
I walked towards the spectator seats with Mok-kyeong.
Just as Hye-ryeong glanced at me with the expression of “Already?” a cheer went up, and the referee faintly announced the end of the match.
“But it hasn’t even been an hour yet.”
“Go out there, Hye-ryeong.”
“I’ll definitely win!”
Straightening her clothes one last time, Hye-ryeong stepped out with her sword at her waist.
“…Let’s head to the spectator area.”
“Alright.”
With Mok-kyeong, I headed toward the spectator seats.
