The next morning.
No, it was a dawn that felt inappropriate to even call morning.
The doors of Baekmaegwan swung wide open.
"It's morning."
"Ah, I'm tired."
"Ah. I'm going to die like this."
It was the start of a day that was not much different from usual, and the words spoken were no different either.
But something was clearly different.
The footsteps that dragged like those of a dying patient were infused with a subtle strength.
And the voices complaining of fatigue were not the same as before.
Moreover, there were unknown emotions hidden in the sidelong glances that checked on each other.
"Alright, we have to train hard today."
"Hmm. That's right. It's tough, but."
"Yes. It's tough, but we must do it 'hard'."
Without further ado, everyone headed towards the storeroom.
They lightly picked up their training tools and made their way to the training ground.
"Haha, it's light. So light."
"I feel like there's an abundance of strength within me!" "Is it okay for me to eat this alone? I feel sorry for my brothers."
"Hahaha. I never thought that the esteemed Seongmyeong would think so highly of me. That precious spirit pill given to me."
The brothers glanced around, aware of their surroundings.
"If they find out that I alone received the spirit pill, my brothers will surely feel disappointed."
"I do feel a bit sorry, but spirit pills are not common, and only those who can eat them should."
"I wonder if anyone else besides me received one?"
Each of them was deep in thought.
Seongmyeong had strictly instructed them not to speak of having consumed the spirit pill, so they could not let this slip out, even by mistake.
They wore awkward expressions, but the three great disciples of the Volcano could not even imagine that everyone here had eaten the spirit pill.
Why? The reason was simple.
Spirit pills were not something that could be easily obtained.
To procure enough spirit pills for all three great disciples would require more than a thousand gold coins.
Even if one had that money, there was no guarantee that they could obtain the spirit pills.
Would Seongmyeong be crazy enough to gather so many spirit pills and distribute them to all three great disciples? The three great disciples themselves knew they were not worth that much.
"That precious spirit pill was given to me!" "Hmph! Something is bubbling up!" Moreover, those who had consumed the spirit pill were clearly feeling its effects.
A warm energy was rising from within their bodies.
If they felt this much without having fully absorbed the energy of the spirit pill, then once they absorbed it completely, not only would their fatigue vanish, but their internal strength would surely increase significantly.
Their motivation surged, and their hearts raced.
Bang! At that moment, the doors of Baekmaegwan burst open, and Seongmyeong stepped out.
The three great disciples, upon seeing Seongmyeong, straightened their bodies and fell into formation.
"Hmm."
Seongmyeong smiled with satisfaction at the sight. 'Good.' His eyes sparkled.
They sparkled so brightly that the eyes of the three great disciples shone brighter than the morning star visible in the sky.
Why would it not be so? From Seongmyeong's perspective, the spirit pill was of no use to him, nor was it something he could sell, but for them, it was a precious medicine that could not be bought with money.
If they had known that the spirit pill given by Seongmyeong was not made by just anyone but was the Maehwa Dan that had a history with the Volcano, their reactions would have been even more intense.
"So it turns out he was a good guy."
"Hmph. He has a big heart. That precious spirit pill."
"Loyalty! Loyalty!" The three great disciples looked at Seongmyeong with fervent eyes.
Their enthusiasm was so intense that even the renowned Seongmyeong felt a bit embarrassed.
"So this is why the senior would occasionally give spirit pills to those who didn't listen?" Seongmyeong deeply realized that managing people could not be done with a whip alone.
"Alright, shall we start cleanly today?" "Oh!" Seongmyeong pointed to Yeonhwa Peak with his chin.
"Go and come back."
"Urachaah!" "I will be first today!" "Move aside! I'm going!" Watching the brothers rush towards Yeonhwa Peak, Seongmyeong chuckled to himself. 'It seems like it will be easy for a while.'
"Something feels strange."
Ungeom's eyes narrowed.
In front of him, the three great disciples were wielding wooden swords as usual.
It was not much different from what Ungeom had seen until now.
However, Ungeom's sharp eyes detected a clear difference. 'The sword path has stabilized.' Although they were unfolding the same sword technique, the sharpness and stability were definitely different.
Ungeom's gaze on the three great disciples became more focused. 'Their lower bodies have changed.' He could feel the strength in their steps.
With strength in their legs, their upper bodies did not sway, and without swaying, the weight was transferred to the tip of the sword.
This was a good thing.
The fact that the tip of the sword did not shake meant that they could accurately unfold the desired sword technique, right? Considering that the reason for practicing the same sword technique countless times was ultimately to perfectly unfold it, this was an excellent change.
But there was one thing that bothered him. 'Is it really possible to achieve this in such a short time?' According to Ungeom's calculations, it would take at least another year for them to reach this level.
That was the absolute minimum.
Realistically, it would not be strange if it took two or three years.
Yet… "Ta-at!" The sword sliced through the air. 'Huh?' "Urachaah!" The ground shook as Jin-gak stomped down.
"Huh?" Ungeom couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
It was a good thing that the disciples' achievements had increased.
However, he could not understand how this had happened. 'Could it be that morning training?' Ungeom's gaze turned to Seongmyeong, who was swinging his sword at the very back.
"……."
No matter how he thought about it, that was the only reason he could come up with.
There was no need to think deeply.
The sudden rise in the disciples' martial prowess had begun since Seongmyeong arrived.
To be precise, it had started since Seongmyeong began training with the three great disciples.
Ungeom's brow furrowed. 'Does that training have that much effect?' He had not hoped for anything extraordinary when he granted permission.
Seongmyeong had given various reasons, but Ungeom had allowed the training because he was pleased that the three great disciples wanted to train together.
Of course, Ungeom himself had a practical reason for being able to secure more training time.
"I thought it would be fortunate if they just gained a bit more motivation."
But wasn't it going beyond motivation and showing results? And those results were extreme.
Moreover, it seemed that the three great disciples were training with an enthusiasm that was incomparable to before, as if they realized their skills were improving.
"Hehe."
It felt strange.
How long had it been since he had seen his disciples shine their eyes so fiercely while learning the sword since running Baekmaegwan? 'How embarrassing.' He could not help but reflect.
While the disciples were training with such enthusiasm, had he, as their teacher, possessed that much passion? Had he not been annoyed by the responsibilities he had taken on? Ungeom sighed softly.
It was undeniable. 'Even though I knew that the disciples were the future of the Volcano, I had neglected the task of caring for that future.' The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed he felt.
He felt ashamed not only for the disciples but also for the leader who had entrusted him with this task.
"Ta-aah!" The swords pointed towards the sky in unison.
Watching that sight, Ungeom nodded.
"Good!" It was a heartfelt exclamation.
"Everyone's sword tips are alive."
He did not know what more to say.
Ungeom's gaze turned to Seongmyeong, who was at the very back.
It was strange.
The Volcano had not changed much.
Yet since Seongmyeong arrived, something had been changing continuously.
Even the financial issues that had troubled the Volcano the most had been absurdly resolved, and the three great disciples were training with a passion different from the past.
Moreover, wasn't it evident that their skills were improving? Was all of this just coincidence? Or…?
As Ungeom pondered, he opened his mouth.
"As you all know, according to the rules, you are supposed to fully master the Seven Virtuous Swords before learning the Taeeul Mirigum. However, I can see that you are passionately engaging in training these days. Therefore, if you continue as you are now, I will break that rule and teach you the Taeeul Mirigum in advance."
"Oh!" "Taeeul Mirigum at Baekmaegwan!" As the three great disciples began to murmur, Ungeom smiled lightly.
Those who work hard are rewarded.
Those who are rewarded work even harder.
If this virtuous cycle can be established, these children will grow to become the representatives of the Volcano in swordsmanship.
"So, make sure you are never lazy in your training!" "Yes! Master!" "Good. Then this time, let's practice the Jin-yuk Hap-gum."
The energetic responses echoed through the training ground.
Ungeom smiled with satisfaction.
At that moment, someone approached the training ground with quick steps.
"Is Ungeom here?" Turning his head, Ungeom was taken aback.
"Oh, Master?" He hurriedly paid his respects and looked at Hyeonjong with a puzzled expression.
It was quite rare for Hyeonjong to visit the training ground of Baekmaegwan.
After all, wasn't he a busy man with many responsibilities?
"You've worked hard. I have something to tell you, so could you spare me a moment?" "Yes! Master."
Ungeom turned to the three great disciples and shouted.
"You all continue practicing the Jin-yuk Hap-gum…" "Practice the Seven Virtuous Swords." "……."
Seeing Hyeonjong interrupting his words, Ungeom wore a puzzled expression.
But he nodded, thinking there must be a reason.
Leaving the children behind, Ungeom quietly followed Hyeonjong to the back of Baekmaegwan, waiting for his words.
"Ungeom."
"Yes! Master."
"It seems there is a problem."
"Yes?" Hyeonjong pulled out a book from his sleeve and handed it to Ungeom.
His expression was quite dark.
As Ungeom took the book, he asked, "What is this?" "It is a secret manual that came from the vault."
"Ah…" As Ungeom alternated his gaze between Hyeonjong and the book, he saw Hyeonjong gesture for him to read and hurriedly began to read.
"Master, this is… the Yukhap-gyeong, isn't it?" "That's right. It is the Yukhap-gyeong."
Ungeom narrowed his eyes.
Yukhap was the basic technique of the Volcano, known as Muhak.
However, it had now been replaced by Jin-yuk Hap-gyeong.
The Yukhap-gyeong no longer held any significance in the Volcano.
"But why are you giving this to me…" "Have you seen it all?" "Yes."
"When I first discovered it, I read only the contents like you. I was so flustered and confused." "…Yes?" "Check the last page. There is writing on the back as well."
"Ah?" Ungeom hurriedly opened the secret manual again.
Soon, upon seeing the words written there, Ungeom's face twisted in distress.
The hand holding the letter trembled uncontrollably.
It is passed on to future generations.
It is not to be blamed if future generations develop and transform the basic techniques of the Volcano.
The basic techniques must constantly change and evolve.
However, Yukhap is the foundation and backbone of the Volcano.
To transform Yukhap is no different from turning the essence of the Volcano upside down.
I hope future generations will keep this in mind.
If there are those who would transform Yukhap, it would be wise to prepare themselves for the consequences when they meet in the future.