On the Verge of Spring (1)
Gwangdu was deep in training in the backyard.
He had nearly mastered the first three forms of the Namhae Seven Techniques that I had taught him. Watching his movements, I could sense his natural talent. Perhaps not a genius, but undeniably gifted.
It made me wonder if his talent was what had drawn him to me in this life.
So focused was Gwangdu on his training that he didn’t notice me approaching.
Watching him sweat brought back memories of my own training days long ago.
What had driven me back then?
I had wanted nothing more than to become the strongest man in the martial world. Yes, it was that burning desire that fueled my growth.
If my drive was fueled by a determination not to become a mediocre warrior, what was Gwangdu’s motivation?
“You fool! You wouldn’t notice if ten assassins came for you.”
“Huh? When did you get here?”
“I came to see if you were slacking off.”
“Did you see me practicing?”
When I nodded, Gwangdu asked cautiously, “How was it?”
He was growing by leaps and bounds every day. A bright kid with a knack for martial arts.
I smiled and said, “Alright, I’ll teach you the remaining four forms now.”
“Really?”
His face lit up with joy he couldn’t hide.
I taught him the remaining four forms, and he picked them up as precisely as he had the first three.
Does he even realize? No one else in the martial world could receive such high-level instruction. It’s only because I’m the one teaching him that he can learn the Namhae Seven Techniques so easily.
“You’ve now learned all the Namhae Seven Techniques.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“Remember, even the same technique can vary greatly depending on who uses it. In martial arts, the most important thing is always the person. Understand?”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And from now on, train with this sword.”
“What? Did you buy this for me?”
“Yes. Throw away that old one you bought.”
On my way back, I stopped by the blacksmith and picked up the best-made sword they had. It wasn’t the most expensive, but it wasn’t cheap either.
“Master!”
He looked like he might cry, so I quickly said, “Enough. Draw the sword.”
Gwangdu drew the sword, his hands trembling.
“It feels completely different because you bought it for me. Even if I held a treasured sword, it wouldn’t feel like this.”
“That’s because you haven’t held one yet.”
A treasured sword is special. The feel is entirely different. The craftsmanship is on another level.
When you grip the handle, it fits perfectly in your hand. The balance gives a sense of stability and an indescribable solidity. Just holding it makes you feel like you could cut through anything. That’s what a treasured sword is.
If things go well, maybe one day Gwangdu will hold a treasured sword too.
“Focus on the sword in your hand. From now on, it’s more important than your chopsticks.”
“Yes!”
“Right now, the blade might seem frightening. But you need to become familiar with it. It will save your life and the lives of your friends.”
At the mention of saving someone, Gwangdu’s trembling began to subside.
“The goal is to become one with the sword.”
“What does it mean to become one?”
“Have you ever thought it strange to have arms attached to your body?”
“No.”
“That’s it. You shouldn’t feel any awkwardness holding the sword. The sword should become an extension of your arm.”
“Oh! I understand. Where do these words come from? Are they in the Namhae Seven Techniques manual?”
“Yes.”
Though I said that…
You little rascal, these are the words of the greatest martial artist in the world.
“I’m leaving. Keep training.”
“Yes!”
As I turned to leave, I paused and asked, “Have you ever hated someone?”
Gwangdu looked at me quietly.
“Not me, you fool.”
Finally, Gwangdu grinned.
“Well, I didn’t like Yang Gikang.”
“Right? That’s what it means to dislike someone.”
“Why do you ask?”
“Never mind.”
“Does someone dislike you, Master? Oh, I asked the wrong question. Everyone probably does. How much do they dislike you? Enough to want you dead?”
As he spoke, Gwangdu quickly backed away.
I shook my fist at him, pretending to be angry, and he laughed.
If Galsaryang or Baekpyo saw me like this, they would be shocked.
I’ve lived a life where everyone revered me.
There were only a handful of people who could meet my gaze and speak to me.
Everyone feared me.
I’ve lived a life surrounded by extreme courtesy born of fear.
Was that happiness?
At one time, yes.
At one time, I thought it was the power that defined and revealed me. I thought it was my pride.
But now, I realize it was a way of life I didn’t have to choose. How nice it would have been to be as informal with them as I am now.
Regret always comes too late.
As I walked away, Gwangdu called out from a distance.
“Whoever they are, once they get to know you, they’ll like you, Master.”
I won’t make the same mistake again.
Song Woo-kyung visited the Byeok Clan Sword School.
Byeok Do-jun was secretly anxious about the unexpected visit from his friend. Song Woo-kyung had never come unannounced before.
“I just wanted to see you.”
“Good timing. I was just thinking about having a drink. How about it?”
“Sounds good.”
The two had known each other long enough to understand each other’s thoughts just by looking at their faces. Byeok Do-jun was grateful to Song Woo-kyung. Even when his family was struggling, Song Woo-kyung never considered breaking off their engagement, showing the depth of their friendship.
When the Byeok Clan Sword School was going through tough times, Song Woo-kyung had tried several times to lend money, but he never brought it up, respecting his friend’s pride. Byeok Do-jun was deeply grateful for that.
The two shared a few drinks.
“Since the leader died, the martial world has been in turmoil.”
Byeok Do-jun nodded at Song Woo-kyung’s words.
“That’s to be expected. The martial world was under one person’s rule for a long time.”
Song Woo-kyung broached the main topic.
“Do Soon-kyung visited me a few days ago.”
“Do Soon-kyung?”
Do Soon-kyung was the head of the Shandong Merchant Guild, the largest guild in Shandong, representing the region.
“What did he say?”
“He proposed that we unite the various factions in Shandong to form the Shandong Alliance, with their support.”
“The Shandong Alliance?”
Byeok Do-jun was taken aback by the unexpected proposal.
“Didn’t the previous leader prohibit the formation of alliances among martial sects?”
The previous leader, Cheonhajin, had strictly forbidden it, as alliances often led to conflicts.
“That previous leader is no longer here.”
It was a significant statement.
“Alliances are already forming in other regions. They’re moving before a new leader is chosen. Even if a new leader is elected, their influence in the central plains will be weak at first.”
Byeok Do-jun had never considered such a thing. It made him realize how slow he was in political matters.
“It’s not something to rush into. First, the Byeok Clan and the Shandong Merchant Guild would form a strategic alliance, then gradually unite one sect at a time. I came to you because I’m unsure what to do.”
It was clear that he was somewhat inclined towards Do Soon-kyung’s proposal. If he had outright rejected it, he wouldn’t have come here.
Byeok Do-jun understood. If he were in his friend’s position, he would have been tempted by the proposal too.
In the martial world, many things are important, but the most crucial for expanding influence is money. If the Song family capital were combined, they could quickly rise to become the top sect in Shandong.
“Honestly, it’s also because of Yang So-bang. As you know, their leader died, and the deputy leader, Jeong-yeo, took over. Jeong-yeo will be too busy managing internal affairs to focus on external matters. It’s the perfect opportunity for the Byeok Clan to rise to the top in Shandong. Of course, I’ll need your help.”
It was a humble statement. The Song family was the second most powerful force in Shandong after Yang So-bang. Even without the Byeok Clan’s help, they could easily become the top.
“Honestly, I couldn’t refuse on the spot.”
“I understand.”
As a leader of a martial sect, it’s natural to want to become the dominant force in a region. Byeok Do-jun himself had once risen to the top.
“I respect your decision and will support you wholeheartedly. But keep in mind, once you join hands with them, you’ll face many challenges you’ve never encountered before.”
“I’m prepared for that.”
“When do you have to give them an answer?”
“I said I’d think about it for a few days.”
Song Woo-kyung emptied his glass and added, “The martial world is changing rapidly.”
Before leaving, Song Woo-kyung came to see me.
“How have you been?”
“Yes, have you been well?”
Our relationship was still awkward. We weren’t officially broken off, so he was both my father’s friend and my prospective father-in-law.
“I know you went through a rough patch.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I believe that if youthful wandering passes like a fever, it’s not a bad thing. It will help you overcome future challenges.”
I’m grateful for his understanding. Of course, it’s partly due to his friendship with my father. I envy their friendship. It’s something I never had in my past life.
“Have you met Hwarin?”
“Yes, we met by chance once.”
“By chance? Is that how you treat your betrothed?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Are you still bothered by Lin’s suggestion to call off the engagement? It’s just a whim of young women, don’t let it get to you.”
“You know it’s not just that.”
“You!”
“I agree with Lin. At the very least, marriage should be her decision.”
Song Woo-kyung glared at me with his stern expression, but I met his gaze calmly. I had no intention of marrying her, so there was no point in giving anyone false hope.
“No matter what, I won’t give up on you.”
With those words, Song Woo-kyung left.
As soon as he was gone, Gwang-du, who had been waiting outside, came in.
“Why didn’t you just say you’ll do better next time? Why be so stubborn?”
“Do you really want me to end up with Miss Song that much?”
“Is that even a question?”
“Why?”
“Why? Haven’t I told you enough times? She’s beautiful. And it’s not just that—she comes from a good family, she’s smart, and her father is a man of great character. What more could you want? Honestly, I think you must have saved the world in a past life to deserve this.”
Come to think of it, maybe I did save the world in a past life.
Even if that’s true.
“But you’re missing the most important thing.”
“What? Her personality? She’s practically perfect, so what if she’s a bit temperamental? It’d be strange if someone that perfect didn’t have a flaw. Just deal with it!”
“There’s no love.”
Gwang-du was taken aback by my words.
“We don’t love each other, do we?”
He stared at me, speechless.
“Am I wrong?”
“No.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“You really seem to have matured. Just now, you seemed… like an adult.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“So, why are you here?”
Finally remembering his purpose, Gwang-du delivered his message.
“Oh, right. The master is asking for you.”