When she returned after finishing her training with Ung, an unexpected person was talking with her father in the pavilion.
“Hello, Aunt.”
“Oh, Seolhwa, you’re here.”
The one who greeted her warmly was Namgung Cheongsan’s wife, Moyong Yeonhwa.
“Have you been training since early this morning? The Heavenly Martial Tournament was just yesterday, you’re so diligent.”
“I just happened to wake up.”
“I see.”
Moyong Yeonhwa patted Seolhwa’s head, as if proud of her. The ticklish sensation from her small hand felt different from that of Namgung Mucheon or Cheong-un.
“Your aunt has suggested a trip to see Lake Chao.”
Cheong-un, who had been conversing with Moyong Yeonhwa, bent his knees to meet Seolhwa’s eyes and said.
“I said I’d like that, what about you?”
Lake Chao was one of the great lakes of the Central Plains, located south of Hefei. It was named so because the shape of the lake resembled a bird’s nest. The lake was very large, and the area where the water and mountains met was a spectacular sight, making it a popular place for many people seeking leisure.
Moyong Yeonhwa also bent down to meet Seolhwa’s eye level.
“At Lake Chao, there are warm hot springs and a pavilion managed by the family. We can rest comfortably without being disturbed. You must be tired from preparing for the Heavenly Martial Tournament, so let’s take this chance to rest for a day. What do you think?”
“Is everyone going?”
“Unfortunately, just our family and your family. Your second uncle said he wasn’t feeling well and would rest.”
Seolhwa glanced at Cheong-un. Cheong-un’s Energy was noticeably unstable. Although he had reached the Supreme Realm, it was because he had hastily left the training grotto before fully mastering his Energy for the Heavenly Martial Tournament.
He wasn't showing it, but it was highly likely that Cheong-un would have to enter secluded training again soon.
“Alright.”
Before that, it would be good to take a short break. Moyong Yeonhwa stood up with a bright smile.
“Then shall we just pack what we need and leave right away? I’ve already prepared everything, so you and Seolhwa don't have to worry...”
“Where are you all going?”
An uninvited voice came from behind. The three of them turned to see Seop Mugwang striding toward them.
“Ah, Leader of the Secret Wind Sword Unit.”
Cheong-un also straightened his posture to greet him.
“What brings you here?”
“To pick up the kiddo.”
Seop Mugwang pointed a finger down at the top of Seolhwa’s head. Seolhwa tilted her head back to look up at his finger.
“The Family Head is looking for you, kiddo.”
“Why?”
“To be precise, the Martial Studies Hall Master is looking for you. He says he needs to see your Counter-Sword Technique for himself.”
It was the reason she had expected. Namgung Mugang had been obsessed with the Counter-Sword Technique since the Heavenly Martial Tournament. He had backed down at the time on Namgung Mucheon’s order, but she had expected him to call for her soon.
Seolhwa nodded.
“Yes.”
Seolhwa turned back to Moyong Yeonhwa.
“Aunt.”
“Alright. I’ll wait for you.”
“No, it’s alright. I don’t know how long it will take. If it’s a place managed by the family, Father will know the way. We’ll go see Grandfather and then leave. Please go ahead.”
Cheong-un also chimed in to support Seolhwa’s words.
“I will bring Seolhwa with me. Hwarin must be waiting, so please go on ahead.”
“Then… yes. I’ll go ahead and wait for you. Be careful, Seolhwa. I’ll see you at Lake Chao.”
After patting Seolhwa’s head once more, Moyong Yeonhwa returned to her pavilion.
“Alright, shall we go then?”
“Yes. Let’s go. I’ll be back, Father.”
“Alright. I will be waiting.”
Namgung Mucheon and the Martial Studies Hall Master, Namgung Mugang, were waiting for Seolhwa in the private training ground that only the Family Head could use.
Located in the basement beneath the Family Head's Hall, the training ground was equipped with a formation to aid in the circulation of Energy, similar to the training grotto, as well as a formation to prevent sound and impact from escaping.
Befitting the Family Head's training ground, the walls were adorned with ornate dragon carvings, and the ceiling also had dragon carvings, but they were all made of gold. The floor of the training ground was also paved with blue steel stones of the highest quality.
While not as effective as the training grotto, the formation that aided the circulation of Energy was still of a high grade.
‘I was surprised in my past life, but seeing it again is still amazing.’
In her past life, seeing this training ground, she had only thought that the Namgung family was truly overflowing with money. Now, seeing that having such a training ground felt reassuring, it seemed she had truly become a Namgung person.
“Welcome.”
Namgung Mucheon, who had sensed her presence the moment she entered, greeted her. Mugang was also already looking toward the training ground's entrance.
“Greetings to the Family Head and the Martial Studies Hall Master.”
“Come up here.”
Seop Mugwang and Seolhwa approached the two men. Seop Mugwang went to stand to one side, while Seolhwa went to the center of the training ground.
“Just do as you showed me in the training grotto.”
Namgung Mucheon said this and went to stand beside Seop Mugwang with his hands clasped behind his back. Seolhwa suddenly found herself face to face with Namgung Mugang. Namgung Mugang looked down at Seolhwa and let out a soft chuckle.
As promised with Namgung Mucheon, it seemed he hadn’t drunk any alcohol today; his nose was its normal color, and the usual smell of liquor was absent.
“I saw your skills clearly yesterday. For someone the size of a wicker broom, you were quite something, weren’t you?”
“But aren’t I still bigger than a wicker broom?”
“Hahaha! The broom I used was a cheok taller than you!”
She thought that was probably true. Thinking of him, with his large build, sweeping with such a small broom…
“Do you do your own sweeping?”
Namgung Mugang seemed to flinch, and his laughter stopped abruptly. He cleared his throat.
“I just don’t like people coming and going in my house like little rats. I do the cleaning with my own hands…”
“What are you talking about? It’s because you were so drunk all the time that all the maidservants ran away.”
“Can’t you shut that mouth? Seop Mugwang!”
Seop Mugwang pouted and shrugged his shoulders. After fuming for a moment, Mugang cleared his throat again and said to Seolhwa.
“Anyway, that Counter-Sword Technique or whatever. Let’s see it.”
“Yes. Understood.”
Mugang grinned and took a ready stance. It was the first form of the Great Flame Sword Technique.
“I won’t use my inner energy. Go on, do your best to counter it.”
Seolhwa also took the stance for the Counter-Sword Technique. In her past life, it was a sword technique she had used more often than the Namgung's martial arts.
“Here I go!”
Once Seolhwa was ready, Namgung Mugang unleashed his sword technique. During the sparring matches of the Heavenly Martial Tournament, the counter to the Great Flame Sword Technique had not appeared. This was because no opponent had used the Great Flame Sword Technique.
Therefore, Namgung Mugang had never seen the counter to the Great Flame Sword Technique. Seolhwa’s eyes shone with a sharp light.
Huk- “!”
Seolhwa deflected the sword path of his brandished strike as if letting it flow past, and quickly closed in on Namgung Mugang’s side.
And then. Pok.
“Ack.”
Having jabbed Namgung Mugang in the side with the tip of her wooden sword, Seolhwa looked up at him. Looking at the round eyes gazing up at him, Namgung Mugang momentarily felt something drop in his chest.
‘…?’
“How does it feel to be hit by a wicker broom?”
Namgung Mugang’s eyebrow twitched. Seop Mugwang, who was watching from the side, was so surprised his jaw dropped. To think she really took Elder Brother Mugang’s first move?
“Heh.”
“It’s not that Mugang is weak. The Counter-Sword Technique accurately pierces the openings of Namgung’s techniques.”
The counter to the Great Flame Sword Technique is simple, just as the first form of the technique is simple, but it is by no means simple when considering the footwork that targets the openings in the technique’s large movements. The same goes for the counters to other sword techniques, not just the Great Flame.
Of course, Mugang’s complacency, thinking he wouldn’t lose, was likely the biggest reason he gave up the first exchange.
“…Elder Brother Mugang, it’s been a while since you’ve had that look in your eyes.”
“Hmm.”
Watching Seolhwa walk back to her spot, Mugang reviewed the child’s attack from a moment ago. After contemplating something seriously, he raised his sword upright.
“Again.”
Namgung Mugang took his stance. For some reason, he looked quite excited.
“Come on, try again.”
“A request?”
Namgung Cheonghae was a little surprised. He could understand if it were Soryong, but his second son, Ung, was a child who rarely wanted anything. Perhaps from watching his assertive older brother, he thought he shouldn’t be that way; he never showed greed or made a fuss.
So for him to come with a request was unusual, which was why it was surprising.
“Speak freely.”
“From now on, I would like to receive swordsmanship lessons separately from my older brother.”
“Separately from Soryong…? Why is that? Did Soryong hit you?”
“It’s not like that. It’s just that I want to focus more on my own progress. Learning alongside my brother is beneficial, but I find myself comparing myself to him, and it’s not easy to maintain my focus.”
“Hmm….”
Although he was blaming himself, Namgung Cheonghae vaguely understood. If there was a problem with Soryong and Ung’s training, it was surely Soryong’s fault, not Ung’s. However, he also knew that Ung was not the kind of child to speak ill of his brother.
“Alright. You may do so. I will speak to the Martial Studies Hall Master before training resumes.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Namgung Ung bowed his head to Namgung Cheonghae and then left the room. Perhaps because he had gotten what he wanted, the child’s steps seemed particularly light.
‘If only Soryong could be as considerate of others as his younger brother.’
They share the same blood, yet how can they be so different? A deep sigh escaped Namgung Cheonghae’s lips. It was truly a frustrating morning.