Chak
The sword of Goo Jong-myung moved slowly. By the time the movement had slowed down, it stopped, and Seol-Hwi felt the goosebumps rise on his body.
This is the start…
There was intense energy rushing from Goo Jong-myung’s sword. But he could not figure out how to use it.
At first, he saw it as a way to turn away from the Demonic Sect’s martial arts, but it did not feel that way now.
Even the blazing heat of energy rushing to him stopped at some point, and instead the tip of the sword, the sword with brilliant shine he never saw in his life was blooming.
Swish
The energy soon turned solid like cold ice crystals, and the aura which spread around him was purple.
He was a bit taken aback at the familiar yet different nature of it.
Just how did all this happen?
It was the light which appeared when the internal energy was put on the line. Representatively, the flame of the Demonic Sect was red, and extreme yin was white.
This was because the internal energy possessing high attributes showed its color based on the person’s mind. And this was the Sichuan Tang’s poison arts, which turned gray and so…
But the energy which spread from Goo Jong-myung was not one to be seen often. At least, it was different from the purple which did not exist in this world, like the Annihilation Flame Arts that Seol-Hwi knew.
In a way, the energy which was more clear and vivid was stimulating his gaze.
Shhh. Swish.
And the technique came out.
The sword derived from the act—In particular, when he saw the change at the tip of the sword, it felt like everything froze.
The entire world felt different.
If Taiji was a martial art which moved with all things in the world, then this was one which threatened countless lives. Along with the strange moving sword, the air swayed out in a beautiful yet terrifying manner.
The wave.
Seol-Hwi, who had risen up, did not miss the path of the sword.
When he witnessed those waves spreading out into hundreds and thousands, he felt filled with ecstasy.
As a result, there was no more time to think about what this technique meant.
The wave of martial arts.
He understood why the martial art held such a name. Like the many Wudang Sect members who tried to realize the flow of the world, the Mount Hua warriors were into the abyss of waves.
Years of time and an endless amount of effort. It was not lacking at all compared to the Wudang’s Taiji.
Shhh
Goo Jong-myung’s body was wet, and sweat began to drip as he stepped on the ground.
Forty eight in total.
Excluding the sword technique, just the form of it was displayed.
“How is it?”
Even when it was difficult to aim, he looked at Seol-Hwi.
This Purple Cloud Divine Arts, which felt like falling into a labyrinth, had innocence. To a man who might possibly restore the technique.
“…”
Seol-Hwi did not answer. He just closed his eyes and stayed quiet.
What he saw was the 12 forms of the arts, and in terms of the flow inside Seol-Hwi’s mind, even the missing ones were forming.
But the problem was—
There were thousands of assumptions within his head, and no matter how much he tried, they were not connecting properly.
The martial arts and the act he captured at the end did not match. To be precise, the power of the arts was diminishing as time went by.
“Not enough.”
Goo Jong-myung frowned at Seol-Hwi’s words. This was not an answer he could accept.
“What is lacking?”
“Even if you come up with a technique cut into parts, I cannot start because the most important thing is missing.”
“…What is that?”
“The basis of Mount Hua.”
“…?”
“The foundation of Wudang is softness. No matter how strong the tornado is and breaks down this giant tree, it will not pull out the weeds. But I don’t know what it is for Mount Hua. The path Mount Hua pursues. Without understanding that, it will be impossible to interpret what the martial arts is about.”
“So what do you mean?”
Goo Jong-myung was annoyed, and Seol-Hwi raised his head.
Looking into the eyes he said,
“I need to look at the Plum Blossom Sword Technique. Isn’t that the core of Mount Hua?”
“The basics?”
“Did he say that?”
The elders of Mount Hua, who were a little far, mumbled.
Basic.
The most important martial art was shown, but that was not enough? This was a shame to hear.
“He wants to see the Plum Blossom Sword technique.”
“Huh? Is he really saying that the Purple Cloud Divine Arts isn’t enough?”
“What is he planning? Is he planning to rob as many martial arts as he can?”
The elders were enraged.
Does he think what was on display was not enough? The only thing Seol-Hwi showed was the Taiji Sword. And what? Plum Blossom Sword? Would that not be like robbing all the things of Mount Hua?
“You want to leave him alone?”
“Stay silent now. The First Plum has not moved yet.”
Second Plum calmed his anger.
“Hmm…”
Goo Jong-myung frowned.
It was difficult to decide on what to do now. Because in addition he wanted the Plum Blossom Sword.
“Do not be too concerned. I know how the technique works.”
“What…”
From Taiji to Plum Blossom.
Just what was this man who knew the best martial arts of the two great sects?
Was he not part of the Demonic Sect?
He had no choice but to be curious. The fact that Seol-Hwi knew the Plum Blossom technique while fighting with his disciple Lee Gu-myung was something no one knew.
“If you know, why are you asking?”
“There is a world of difference between knowing martial arts and realizing its essence. All I know is the husk. And only someone like you who holds the spirit of Mount Hua can show the realm of it.”
“Huh…”
Goo Jong-myung’s hands trembled.
Even if it was a compliment, it was their sword. Did this not mean to display everything Mount Hua was about?
It was odd. It was a situation where he doubted the intentions of the man. This was why he said nothing.
Chak
Seol-Hwi stood on one leg and raised his sword. And it followed.
Slash
The Purple Cloud Divine Arts which was shown. He could not do it perfectly, but it was quite softer.
“That…”
“How…”
“Is it possible from seeing it just once?”
Each of the elders let out sounds of admiration. And the great disciples were wide mouthed.
But Seol-Hwi did not care about their reactions and instead politely said,
“As you can see. I can guess what happens to an extent. From the first form, I raised the sword over the head and did a small sword dance. After stabbing, I stepped back into a crouching form, and raised the leg up, and straightened the bent body while swinging the sword. In the meantime, how many movements were put into practice although it wasn’t entirely natural.”
“…”
“Still if I read the flow, then I can anticipate the next one and just imitate it like a shell. This isn’t because my capabilities are excellent but because the foundation of the martial arts is excellent.”
Goo Jong-myung’s expression hardened at the words of Seol-Hwi.
To figure the parts which had been cut in the front and back to infer the movements and connect them, this was possible only if one was an experienced warrior in the field. It was because it was hard to believe this young man could do it.
“Nevertheless, what I developed now cannot keep up with the flow it has. There is this crimson set in your arts. On the other hand, mine doesn’t have it. In short, it is a failure. In the end, I will not be able to use it in the perfect way.”
“Hmm…”
The other elders all nodded.
Certainly as Seol-Hwi said, it was not the proper one.
And it was already great to do what he did in a single sight, but there was not one or two people who achieved this in Mount Hua. But this was restored at once.
And this was something no one had been able to do until now.
“…Are you saying that if you look at the Plum Blossom Sword technique, you can restore it?”
Goo Jong-myung’s voice sounded more serious.
Although he did not like it, he saw what Seol-Hwi did. It was suspicious and unbelievable but this was a chance for Mount Hua.
“I am not sure, but I will do my best.”
“Ha. You aren’t sure?”
“How much do I know about the elders of Mount Hua? Just as the sword went, I have no choice but to develop my understanding.”
“…”
Goo Jong-myung bit his lip.
There was nothing wrong. So he felt more upset.
Showing the greatest technique of the sect to a person of Demonic Sect, and now this was their best shot. This made him furious.
“Fine. Take a look.”
Clack
When he drew the sword, the elders were all shocked. Some did not want it.
“Enough. The opponent already knows the Plum Blossom Sword. Anyone who opposes this from now on will be considered as those who don’t trust me,”
Came the words of Goo Jong-myung.
Not trusting the best sword of Mount Hua, then who will you trust? The elders who did not expect him to come out like this, pulled back.
Goo Jong-myung told Seol-Hwi,
“Just once. Not once more.”
“I will observe.”
Seol-Hwi stepped back and he thought.
Can I find it in Plum Blossom?
The nature of the arts.
In particular that purple energy? Actually, the reason Seol-Hwi asked to see the Plum Blossom was because he could not understand its meaning.
The plum and purple. The two unrelated things. But if there was a clue, he had to find it, and the two martial arts were paired.
So if he pushed…
If I cannot find it even after the Plum Blossom Sword, what do I ask for?
No, the opponent will not offer anymore.
That was Seol-Hwi’s last chance. After seeing the Purple Cloud Arts once and following it, the concern for Mount Hua grew.
Regardless of the outcome, Seol-Hwi could not back down now.
