"Hey."
"Hmm?"
Wun-Gum lowered his head and looked at the child walking beside him. 'What a bold little fellow.' It is natural for someone placed in a new environment to be cautious.
At such a young age, entering the unfamiliar place of Huashan, one would normally be filled with fear, yet there was not a trace of such a demeanor in this child.
The way he walked, dragging his feet, showed not tension but annoyance.
Wun-Gum regarded Cheong-Myeong with a peculiar gaze.
At that moment, Cheong-Myeong suddenly asked, "When was the Baekmaegwan established?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I heard that usually in martial sects, they form a master-disciple relationship to teach."
"Hmm."
"But everyone is gathered in a place like that, so it seems a bit strange."
Wun-Gum's eyebrows twitched slightly. 'He's hitting a sore spot.' Traditionally, Huashan also adhered to the principle of passing down teachings through master-disciple relationships.
A newly initiated child would connect with a senior master, and the master would strictly follow Huashan's laws while teaching their disciple.
This series of master-disciple relationships formed the vast sect of Huashan.
The breaking of this tradition was none other than the decline of Huashan itself.
"There's nothing strange about it. They just thought it was more efficient."
"Then does Master Sasuk also stay at Baekmaegwan?"
"…No."
Cheong-Myeong nodded slightly.
Wun-Gum frowned at that reaction. 'What a strange kid.' There was no way to find an answer to the question in such a response.
Yet, Cheong-Myeong nodded as if he understood and showed no further interest.
What he understood was unclear, though.
Basically, all those who first enter Huashan are sent to Baekmaegwan.
In other words, Wun-Gum, who plays the role of Baekmaegwan's overseer, is the first to assess Huashan's new disciples.
Having seen many children, he felt something different about this one compared to the others.
What could it be? He couldn't explain it precisely, but there was a calmness about him that was not typical for a child. 'What an interesting kid has come in.'
As Wun-Gum slowly observed Cheong-Myeong, the latter was lost in a different thought. 'They've run away.' He could roughly guess the situation.
Looking around Huashan, it was immediately evident that there were far too few people.
Considering the number of the three great disciples who remained when he charged into the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, the decrease was staggering.
If even that number had been maintained, Huashan would not be so empty now.
In other words… 'All those people have completely left Huashan.'
The numbers likely did not drop all at once.
However, on a sinking ship, there are always those who escape.
As more and more people abandon Huashan, it becomes inevitable that there will be a shortage of teachers.
It would be fine if those who had not taken on disciples left.
But if those who had long been associated with Huashan and had even nurtured disciples turned their backs, the remaining disciples would have nowhere to go.
There are limits to how many other masters can take over.
Thus, it seems this system was born out of desperation.
By gathering the children in one place and teaching them collectively, they wouldn't have to worry about the dwindling number of masters.
"Tsk."
Cheong-Myeong clicked his tongue. 'What does it matter?' The changes from the past are not something to criticize.
Unlike the rigid and stuffy older generation, Cheong-Myeong was a pragmatist.
Producing results was more important than clinging to tradition.
If creating Baekmaegwan provided a means to sustain Huashan, then that was good enough.
Although he felt a bit bitter… 'The hearts of the children who had to create Baekmaegwan must have been torn even more.'
Understanding that feeling made Cheong-Myeong a bit gloomy. 'No, this is not the time to think like that.' Others could be gloomy enough for everyone.
What Cheong-Myeong needed to do was not to be swayed by emotions but to restore Huashan to its former glory as a great sect.
'The Three Training Grounds.' The sight of the Three Training Grounds unfolded before him.
A high platform was built at the top of a large open space, filled with small children in front of it.
"Oh?"
Cheong-Myeong tilted his head.
It seemed there were more of the three great disciples than he expected.
Compared to the past, it could be described as a handful, but considering the current situation of Huashan, it appeared they had received quite a number of disciples.
"Draw swords!"
"Taah!"
With the command, the swords were all pointed forward in unison. 'Oh?' Cheong-Myeong watched the scene in amazement.
Huashan was quite a free-spirited sect.
It was often criticized for having a strong secular inclination, but that was not because they did not follow the teachings of the Dao.
They believed that forcing the teachings of the Dao on their disciples was also against the Dao.
Thanks to this, it was rare to see such large-scale training scenes in Huashan.
They had a sense of belonging but respected each other's differences.
That was the Huashan Cheong-Myeong knew.
'Interesting.' In such a Huashan, seeing over a hundred people practicing the same sword technique together was indeed fascinating.
Cheong-Myeong himself had only practiced the Seven Star Sword Formation with his brothers, and that was merely a formation of seven.
"Back Sword!"
Swoosh! Over a hundred swords flipped in unison, shining brightly.
Cheong-Myeong gasped at the sight.
"Wow…"
"Isn't it amazing?"
"…"
A slight smile appeared on Wun-Gum's lips.
"There's nothing to be surprised about. If you train hard, you too can soon be like those kids."
"…Yeah."
Cheong-Myeong's response came out a bit strangely, but Wun-Gum assumed it was because Cheong-Myeong was captivated by the spectacle before him and felt pleased.
Of course, Cheong-Myeong's thoughts were the complete opposite. 'What are they doing?' As time went on, Cheong-Myeong's eyes narrowed.
"Front Sword!"
The children in their uniforms quickly leaped forward and thrust their swords.
The precision of their sword thrusts was not typical for children, and they were powerful.
"What…"
"Yes?"
"What kind of sword technique is that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Oh… the sword technique."
Wun-Gum nodded as if he understood and answered.
"The sword technique your brothers are practicing now is called the Six Harmonies Sword."
"Six… Harmonies?"
"That's right. To be precise, it should be called the True Six Harmonies Sword. It is a sword technique that has been adapted to be more practical by the masters from the traditional Six Harmonies Sword passed down in Huashan. It is the foundation of all Huashan martial arts."
"…"
"It won't be easy to master, but if you work hard, you will definitely see results. You should go to the back and stand with the others. It might feel awkward at first, but think of it as getting used to the atmosphere today. Detailed instruction will take place within this week."
Cheong-Myeong walked to the back with a dazed expression. 'Looks like he's scared.' Wun-Gum squinted slightly at the sight. 'Kids these days lack spirit.' Indeed… Wun-Gum glanced at the children.
It was more unusual for a young child to not be frightened when seeing the older disciples practicing with real swords.
Even those fearless kids who boast about being the best in the world would tremble from their fingertips upon seeing a real sword.
They would soon get used to it, but it seemed better not to have high expectations for this child.
However, Cheong-Myeong standing in the back had completely different thoughts. 'What the hell are they doing? You crazy brats.' Practical? Practical my foot? Ugh, these fools!
What is the purpose of the entry-level martial arts? It is to teach the martial arts to children who are like blank slates, knowing nothing.
In terms of education, it is akin to teaching them the basics.
But what happens if you try to teach them the Analects while they are still learning the basics? They might get ahead for a moment, just for a moment.
They could recite the Analects while the other kids don’t even know what it is.
But can those children understand the deep meaning of the Analects? This is a way to ruin the children.
'No. But this is good.' Perhaps due to urgency, they might resort to such shortcuts.
The Analects was too much.
The practical intricacies contained in the Six Harmonies they are practicing now are not that profound.
But!
"If you're going to teach, at least make it look convincing."
"Huh?"
"Uh?" Perhaps his thoughts slipped out, as the surrounding children all turned to look at Cheong-Myeong.
Cheong-Myeong, realizing the gazes upon him, quickly shook his head.
The children looked at him with eyes full of suspicion.
At that moment, the great disciple on the platform shouted loudly.
"Are you daydreaming during training?"
"Oops!"
"S-Sorry!"
"All of you who are daydreaming, get into horse stance!"
"Ugh."
"Ugh!"
The children groaned as they took the horse stance, placing their swords above their heads and bending their knees.
Cheong-Myeong clicked his tongue at the sight.
Then the great disciple's gaze turned to Cheong-Myeong.
"And you?"
"Me?"
"Why aren't you in horse stance?"
"I wasn’t daydreaming!"
"…"
"…"
The great disciple glared for a moment before nodding.
It wasn't an incorrect statement.
"Continue! Back Sword!"
The commands kept coming.
Cheong-Myeong looked up at the great disciple demonstrating on the platform.
The sky was indeed blue.
It was so clear without a single cloud… It felt like looking at the future of Huashan, which had nothing.
'What should I change?' Becoming the best in the world is not that difficult.
He has deep experience and a long future ahead of him.
In fact, it is harder not to become the best in the world.
But Huashan is different.
There is no money.
There are no people.
The martial arts are in complete disarray.
Changing Huashan as a disciple of the three great disciples is harder than a worm becoming a dragon.
"Sigh…"
At that moment, a sharp voice rang in his ear.
"Hey."
"…Huh?"
"You're a newcomer, right?"
"…"
Calling each other newcomers among the three great disciples? How far has this sect fallen?
"But?"
"We'll talk later. I won't let this go."
Cheong-Myeong clicked his tongue.
"Everything is fine, but let me ask you one thing."
"Are you out of your mind? Do you not know your place and speak informally?"
"I get it, so just answer me. Then I'll let you do what you want."
"What?"
"What else do you learn here besides this?"
"This?"
"The Six Harmonies or whatever it is."
"After learning the True Six Harmonies Sword, you learn the Seven Celestial Swords. After that, you graduate from Baekmaegwan and learn the Small Clear Sword Technique."
"Small Clear?"
"Yes. After that, you will be able to learn the Taiyi Miri Sword, which can be considered the essence of Huashan's martial arts."
"…Taiyi Miri Sword?"
"Yes!"
"Taiyi Miri?"
Cheong-Myeong's eyebrows began to twitch uncontrollably.
No, it can't be.
No way.
"Let me ask one more thing."
"What?"
"When do they learn the Twenty-Four Guardian Flower Sword Technique?"
"…What is that?"
"The Twenty-Four Guardian Flower Sword Technique! The essence of Huashan, the Twenty-Four Guardian Flower Sword Technique!"
The child answering him frowned.
"What are you talking about? There is no such sword technique in Huashan."
"…No way?"
"Yes. I've never heard of it in my life."
"Grrr."
A strange sound escaped his mouth.
"The Twenty-Four Guardian Flower Sword Technique doesn't exist? And the ones who are supposed to learn it are learning the Taiyi Miri Sword instead?"
Cheong-Myeong's eyes turned bloodshot.
- Master.
This Taiyi Miri Sword has too little Daoist inclination and is weak.
At this point, it seems there would be no problem completely eliminating it from Huashan's martial arts.
What do you think?
- It is a sword technique that cannot be used at all.
Let's get rid of it decisively.
- But it is something left by the sages…
- Then how about removing it from the records so that the children don't take an interest in it?
- Hmm.
That sounds good.
Let's do that.
'Senior brother.' The kids are learning the Taiyi Miri Sword.
Senior brother.
Ugh, damn it.
The restoration of Huashan is a pipe dream.
Before I can restore Huashan, I might just collapse from frustration.
I!
"Who is talking again! You brats, come forward right now!"
"Ah, damn. I'll see you later! For real!"
"…"
A huge vein bulged on Cheong-Myeong's forehead.