"Swish!" Ungeom skillfully retracted his sword, a drop of sweat trickling down his forehead.
"What a fine sword."
Indeed, the Seven Spirits Sword was something different from the swords they had honed in Hwasan until now.
It may not be the best in the world, but the sword radiated a unique aura.
Mastering this sword would require much time, yet even with what he had learned so far, it was clear that the Seven Spirits Sword was on a different level compared to other Hwasan swords.
"If I can properly pass down this sword, Hwasan will become even stronger."
The current generation would grow stronger, but the future generations would be even more formidable.
Just thinking about it made Ungeom struggle to suppress the smile that kept blooming on his face.
"Ahem."
Ungeom quickly rubbed his mouth with his hand.
"This is quite troublesome."
As a master, he should show a stern face to his disciples, yet lately, he found himself smiling more often.
How could it be otherwise? The hardships faced by the three great disciples in Hwasan could hardly be called hardships.
The trials endured by the first disciples since entering the mountain were far more severe.
They had devoted their youthful years entirely to Hwasan, shouldering the burden of a declining sect, overcoming difficulties, and navigating through pain.
After that long, dark period, they were just beginning to see a glimmer of light.
"It can't be called brightness yet."
They were merely starting to glimpse the light.
Ungeom was well aware that there was still a long way to go.
Nevertheless, he could not erase his smile, thanks to the three great disciples who had begun to grow at an astonishing pace.
The other disciples and brothers seemed to be filled with joy at the improvement of Hwasan's finances and the return of past teachings, but Ungeom felt differently.
As the head of Baekmaegwan, the growth of his disciples was the most important matter and the greatest joy for him.
"Those kids are different from us."
The current first disciples had worked hard, but unfortunately, the circumstances of Hwasan had not allowed them to focus solely on their training.
To be honest, their passion for training was not particularly remarkable either.
However, the current three great disciples were dedicating themselves to their training with more fervor than any Hwasan disciples before them.
"Hmm."
Ungeom let out a pleasant hum as he strapped his sword to his waist and stepped out of the training hall with a light stride.
It was time to train the children.
His mind was filled with joyful imaginations.
If the now prosperous environment of Hwasan, the new teachings, and the passion of the three great disciples came together, there was a possibility for Hwasan to make a splendid revival.
And the main figures in that revival would be the three great disciples.
"I must work harder to make that happen!" If he could not lead his hardworking disciples, how could he call himself a master? Turning the corner and entering the training hall, Ungeom shouted with a bright face, "Alright, let’s work hard today… What the hell is this, madness!"
Ungeom stepped back in shock.
Before his eyes lay a scene of utter chaos.
"Ugh… My arm… my arm!" "Ah, my waist… my waist is broken… my waist!" "Help me… save me…" Ungeom rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
What kind of hell was this in a training hall that should be filled with dreams and hopes, burning with passion for the future? The three great disciples were sprawled on the floor, each clutching their wooden swords and groaning.
The trembling shoulders and drool dripping from their mouths hinted at what had transpired.
"What on earth is this…?" At that moment, a sound still filled with vitality reached Ungeom's ears.
"Huff!" Ungeom turned his head sharply.
He saw Jo Geol, shirtless, striking down with a wooden sword.
"Jo, Jo Geol…" "Huff! Huff! HUFF!" Sweat poured down his body like rain.
With each swing of the sword, sweat splattered everywhere, and hot breaths escaped his mouth.
The bloodshot eyes and trembling shoulders spoke volumes about how hard he was pushing himself.
Even Ungeom, who briefly witnessed this scene, felt his own shoulders ache and his legs tremble.
"Alright, one more."
Ungeom's gaze shifted slightly to the side. 'What is that?' Next to Jo Geol, Cheongmyeong was leisurely holding his sword.
Unlike Jo Geol, who was sweating profusely, Cheongmyeong looked remarkably fresh.
His attire was neatly arranged, and not a single hair was out of place.
He swung his sword with a relaxed expression, unlike the first disciples who looked like they were about to die.
"It's not just about swinging the sword! Even if you swing it once, think of it as pouring all your strength from your toes to the top of your head into the sword! One more time!" Ungeom's head echoed with the sound of wheels creaking.
His mind was struggling to comprehend the situation.
What was going on? Wasn't Cheongmyeong the youngest among the three great disciples? Why was he teaching Jo Geol? Yet, what he was saying was undeniably correct.
"Alright, just one more…" "Aaaah!" In the end, Jo Geol could not hold on any longer and collapsed to the ground, writhing.
Seeing this, Cheongmyeong clicked his tongue.
"Tsk tsk tsk. If a person is that weak…" Cheongmyeong sighed heavily.
"You're just overexerting yourself. Even a cow can do that. Use your head! Think about how to swing so that all your strength goes into the sword! One more time!"
Ungeom's eyes widened in surprise.
Although the other disciples might not realize it, he had some understanding that Cheongmyeong was taking charge of the three great disciples.
It was an incomprehensible situation, but sometimes, exceptional talents appeared that transcended age.
However, what Cheongmyeong was saying was not something that could be understood simply by being talented or capable. 'Does that kid have a deep understanding of the teachings?' The more he looked, the more fascinating it became.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ungeom shook his head.
This was not the time for such distractions.
"What is going on here!" Ungeom shouted, and Cheongmyeong turned his head sharply.
"Oh, Master!" Then he rushed over to Ungeom.
"Did you sleep well last night?"
Seeing this, the three great disciples gritted their teeth in frustration. 'That insufferable brat!' 'If he had entered the palace, he would have gone down in history as a traitor!' 'He’s like a human scum that would bend a needle if you poked him!' Usually, he lived without a care for etiquette, but he was so respectful to Ungeom that it was infuriating.
Especially Jo Geol and Yoon Jong, who could be considered the biggest victims, looked at Cheongmyeong with faces devoid of hope.
"What is the meaning of this?" "We were training."
"Training? This?" No, it was training, alright.
Jo Geol had swung his sword right before his eyes.
But the result was… "Ugh."
"M-Master…" "It’s too hard. I feel like I’m going to die…" The three great disciples looked at their master with the eyes of drenched puppies.
Ungeom felt a surge of emotion at their gaze and unconsciously raised his voice.
"Training is part of the process to strengthen the body and elevate one's level. Don’t you know that overdoing it can be harmful? And you…"
"I know, Master."
"Huh?" Cheongmyeong interrupted Ungeom, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly.
It didn’t seem like he was cutting off the conversation for a suitable response.
"But this training was not started by me. My brothers said they would absolutely not be humiliated at the upcoming Hwa Jong Conference…" "The Hwa Jong Conference?" Right, the Hwa Jong Conference was not far off.
That being said… "My brothers are so filled with resentment over the humiliation of the last Hwa Jong Conference…" Resentment? Ungeom turned his head slightly to look at the three great disciples.
Behind Cheongmyeong, the kids were desperately waving their hands.
Seeing that, Ungeom felt something rise within him.
'Those kids don’t look like that at all?' "Oh, that can’t be true! Master! How can we be fine after being beaten by those lowly scum from Jongnam? How can we claim to be disciples of the great Hwasan? There is pride in Hwasan!" Oh? That was a valid point.
"We can lose once. But losing twice is unacceptable! How can a disciple of the great Hwasan lose to Jongnam?" "…That’s true."
Confusion began to settle in Ungeom's mind.
There were two things he valued most in the world.
One was pride in Hwasan, and the other was raising his disciples correctly.
Now, those two issues were clashing in his mind.
Reading the turmoil in Ungeom's eyes, Cheongmyeong stepped closer and whispered softly.
"Think about it, Master. The best way to elevate Hwasan's honor is for the brothers to grow stronger and crush their arrogance, right?" "Well…" "Then the elders will surely commend your efforts, Master." 'This scheming brat.' Ungeom was not oblivious to Cheongmyeong's subtle manipulation.
Yet, the words he heard were too sweet.
He didn’t care about being commended for his efforts, but defeating Jongnam… "Do you think it’s possible?" Ungeom found himself asking without thinking.
That question carried many meanings.
Hearing Ungeom's question, Cheongmyeong grinned.
"I am Cheongmyeong." "…" Ungeom stared at Cheongmyeong in silence before clearing his throat.
After all, it was Cheongmyeong who had transformed these kids.
The children who had been stagnant changed remarkably after meeting Cheongmyeong in just a few months.
Perhaps now, this process was more necessary than learning another sword technique.
No matter how skilled Ungeom was, it would be impossible to teach them to defeat Jongnam's disciples from this point on. 'Just one more time…' Ungeom looked around at everyone and spoke.
"Disciples, listen."
"Yes! Master!" The three great disciples looked at Ungeom with pitiful eyes.
This was truly their last hope…
"I am immensely proud of your passion. Normally, it would be my duty to train you, but it wouldn’t be right to hinder your voluntary training." …Is it collapsing? Huh? Is hope collapsing? Until the Hwa Jong Conference, training will be left to your discretion.
During this time, you need not come to the training hall.
Just be careful not to injure yourselves.
""Master?…
This isn’t right?
Yes? Master?
"Ahem. Then continue."
Ungeom turned sharply.
A few of the three great disciples unconsciously reached out their hands, only to slowly retract them upon meeting Cheongmyeong's gaze.
Finally, as Ungeom completely distanced himself from the training area, Cheongmyeong spun around and tilted his head.
"Whoever said it was hard earlier, step forward." "…" "Quickly." "…" Seeing Cheongmyeong draw his wooden sword from his waist, the eyes of the three great disciples filled with despair.