"What... what is this?" Ungeom exclaimed in shock as he looked at Hyeonjong.
Hyeonjong gazed at the distant mountains, seemingly at a loss for what to do.
"Yukhap..."
His mind felt tangled, unable to make sense of the situation.
Yukhap had been the fundamental technique supporting Hwasan for many years.
Just as those who first wield a sword learn the correct grip, and those who first learn to write memorize the Thousand Character Classic, all martial arts in Hwasan begin with mastering Yukhap properly.
However, time had passed, and the era had changed.
Hwasan could no longer afford to maintain the slow Yukhap.
They needed to learn faster and advance quickly.
That is why everyone had come together to create the True Yukhap Sword, right? Unlike Yukhap Sword, True Yukhap Sword could be learned more quickly and was more practical.
"Master, wasn't it a conclusion we all reached that True Yukhap is necessary for Hwasan?"
"That's right."
"But this..."
Hyeonjong let out a low sigh.
"That's why I came to hear your opinion. As you said, the reestablishment of True Yukhap Sword as the foundational martial art of Hwasan was the will of Hwasan. But aren't the words of our ancestors equally important?"
"..."
Ungeom nodded unconsciously.
It was not just important; the words of the sages were the guiding posts for future generations.
Every sect strives to follow the path laid out by their predecessors.
Yet, how could one deny such a clear will of the sages?
"Umm..."
"What do you think?"
"How can I..."
"You are the one teaching the children of Hwasan. I cannot disregard your opinion when it comes to foundational techniques. Do not think of anything else, just speak frankly."
Ungeom sighed deeply. 'This is difficult.' Whether to follow tradition or choose change was always a dilemma that troubled people.
It was not a question with a clear answer.
"Master, the reason we created True Yukhap Sword is that Hwasan does not have much time left."
"That's right."
In the end, the traditional way takes more time.
Who does not know the excellence of Yukhap? But at that time, Hwasan did not have the luxury to nurture disciples slowly.
They could not choose a path that would take longer when the sect might be disbanded tomorrow.
"Then I will ask. Can Hwasan see the future now?"
Hyeonjong frowned.
This was also a difficult question. 'The future.' Hwasan had only solved one of many pressing issues.
Although that issue was the most urgent and critical, countless problems still remained.
"It is not easy to answer. Understand that it is difficult to give a clear response."
"Master."
Ungeom spoke as if he had made a decision.
"Then I am against it."
"Why is that?"
"Because it is not easy."
Ungeom sighed again.
True Yukhap Sword and Yukhap Sword originated from the same root, but they were entirely different martial arts.
The very foundation that constitutes martial arts was different.
If Yukhap was a slow but solid technique, True Yukhap was swift, agile, and light.
"The children learn quickly. They have already accepted the principles of True Yukhap. Teaching them Yukhap again would be difficult. If not done carefully, it might lead to a situation where neither is achieved. To master Yukhap, a stable foundation and seriousness are essential. It is too late now."
Ungeom shook his head.
"The sage would not have left meaningless words. I would like to follow the sage's teachings as much as possible. But realistically, it is impossible."
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes, Master."
"What did you say is most necessary for understanding Yukhap?"
"A solid foundation and seriousness..."
Ungeom blinked.
Hyeonjong subtly turned his head to look at the children practicing.
"A solid foundation?"
"…"
"Seriousness?"
"…"
"They are practicing very well, aren't they?"
"That was not me. That was... that kid over there."
Ungeom's gaze landed on Cheongmyeong, who was swinging a wooden sword at the back. 'No way?' It seemed too coincidental.
How could Cheongmyeong, who was not a diviner, have predicted this situation?
"I don't find it difficult for these children to relearn Yukhap."
"…Well, that may be true, but I worry they might become confused."
"Ungeom, isn't it our job to manage that confusion and guide them on the right path?"
Ungeom nodded blankly.
"Is it the children who are confused? Or is it you?"
"Master, may I have a moment?"
"Hmm?"
"I want to ask one child."
"A child?"
"It is not me who learns. To truly understand the way, I think it is better to ask the child who is learning martial arts directly."
"Good idea."
Teaching flows from the top down, but ultimately, it is the children who receive that teaching.
What they think is also important.
"Then Yoonjong..."
"Cheongmyeong!" Before Hyeonjong could say anything, Ungeom called out loudly to Cheongmyeong.
Startled, Cheongmyeong, who had been swinging his sword carelessly, turned to look.
"Come here."
"Did you call for me?"
"I want to ask you something."
"Yes, please ask."
Ungeom paused for a moment before speaking.
"Between going slowly but higher, and going quickly and surely, which do you think is more correct?"
Hyeonjong, who was listening from the side, showed a slight frown.
The question itself was too scholarly.
It seemed too much for a child to grasp... 'Ah, right.
It's Cheongmyeong.' That child certainly had a special side, so he might understand and provide an answer.
Cheongmyeong frowned as if deep in thought, lowering his head.
After organizing his thoughts, he looked up at Ungeom.
"Going higher is correct."
"Why is that?"
"Because it is Hwasan."
"…"
Ungeom stared at Cheongmyeong with a stiff expression.
His eyes twitched, showing the shock he received from that answer.
Because it is Hwasan.
"Hahaha."
Ungeom subtly turned his head to look at Hyeonjong.
Hyeonjong had his eyes closed.
It was not easy to read his inner thoughts just from his expression, but it was not difficult to guess what he was thinking.
Whether the answer was right or wrong was not important.
What mattered was that such an answer came from the mouth of a child.
"That's right. We are Hwasan."
What they had lost.
The pride in being Hwasan.
A fragment of that distant past flowed from the mouth of the youngest member of Hwasan.
"If it were a suitable sect, it would be right to choose the latter. But Hwasan is not like that. To reclaim the glory of the past and to make the name of Hwasan known to the world again, we cannot compromise with reality."
It was a question that did not reveal his inner thoughts.
Yet this child was answering, finding the hidden intentions of Ungeom.
And it was a reasonable answer that would make adults feel ashamed.
"Does that mean that because it is Hwasan, we cannot compromise?"
"The disciple thinks so."
"I understand."
Ungeom nodded.
"Return to your place."
"Yes."
As Cheongmyeong walked away, Ungeom let out a sigh.
But before he could speak, Hyeonjong opened his mouth first.
"I am ashamed."
"Yes, Master."
"To hear such words from a child's mouth. Hahaha. Because it is Hwasan. Because it is Hwasan... Who among us could say such words in this situation?"
Hyeonjong closed his eyes.
Even he, the leader of Hwasan, could not bring himself to say those words.
It was an answer he had not even dared to think in his heart.
Perhaps it was an answer only a child, who knew nothing, could give.
But what was important was that this answer was making him, the leader of Hwasan, feel ashamed.
"Hwasan. Hwasan."
"Master."
Ungeom spoke in a serious tone.
"It may be the words of a childish child. But perhaps because he is a child, he can remain unshaken by various realities."
"That is true."
"It may be difficult. But I do not want to feel ashamed in front of that child."
Hyeonjong sighed softly.
This was not a small matter.
Determining the foundational technique was extremely important.
But even more crucial was deciding the direction of Hwasan.
This small conversation was quickly growing, forcing Hyeonjong to make a choice about the path Hwasan should take in the future.
"Listen, Ungeom."
"Yes, Master."
"By the name of the Hwasan leader, I hereby revert the foundational technique of Hwasan from True Yukhap Sword back to Yukhap Sword."
"I will follow your command."
"I will formally issue this command after consulting with the elders, but Ungeom, before the formal command arrives, familiarize yourself with this matter and teach Yukhap to the children."
"Yes!" Ungeom's eyes became resolute.
Hwasan is Hwasan.
They cannot remain a mediocre sect.
As long as they bear the name of Hwasan, they must always strive to be the best and aim for the highest.
Even if their bodies are submerged in a muddy stream, they must always wait for the day they will ascend and become dragons.
That is the duty and calling of those who bear the name of Hwasan.
"It is not just Yukhap. We must reconsider all martial arts of Hwasan. Your role as the head of Baekmaegwan will be more crucial than ever."
"I am prepared, Master. If I can repay the grace I received from Hwasan in this way, what more could I wish for?"
Hyeonjong smiled gently and looked at the children. 'These children are the future of Hwasan.' They had not achieved it.
Perhaps in their generation, it may never be accomplished.
But by the time these children lead, Hwasan's name should once again resound throughout the world.
For that, Hyeonjong would do anything.
And perhaps the sages of Hwasan, who were looking down on him from the celestial realm, would also find him commendable.
Surely.
'That pitiful fellow.' Cheongmyeong, who had returned to his place, clicked his tongue.
Seeing him hesitate over even such a small matter made him furious. 'Shouldn't he have asked that? Shouldn't he? After being fed, he is asking how to chew.' Better to die than to suffer.
Better to die than to suffer.
"Ugh."
"Why the sudden sigh?"
"Do you think you know how I feel?"
"…What are you talking about?"
Cheongmyeong frowned at Jogol's question. 'Let’s think rationally.
These guys are not doing anything right.
Surely, what they are doing now is a mess too.' It seems he needs to visit Hwaeum once.
He worries whether the businesses at Hwaeum are properly organized.
If he leaves it to the Master, nothing will go right, so Cheongmyeong has no choice but to take care of it himself.
"Ha. This sect cannot function without me."
"…What is that guy saying, Hyung?"
"Just let it be. It's not like it's a one or two-day matter."
It was a moment when everyone let out a sigh.