Chapter 264 Ill-fated Relationship (2)
“Are you here?”
“You’re here, Father.”
Cheon-ma and Yongyong greeted him as usual. However, Yoon-seok said it’d be better to come to his waiting room rather than sit face to face at her table…
“Your waiting room…?”
Cheon-ma agreed without asking why.
“Come to think of it; I haven’t been there yet. Okay.”
Yoon-seok hurriedly returned to his waiting room and sent an invitation to Cheon-ma. However, although he invited her right after their talk, Cheon-ma took a while to arrive.
“Hehehe.”
Cheon-ma glanced around the waiting room with interest. She was even humming.
“So, this is the wall you spoke of back then.”
Cheon-ma approached the wall that Yoon-seok had broken the other day, and she belatedly found the muscle wall next to it. It was a little fascinating, so she poked it with her finger.
Tangle-!
Cheon-ma startled, pulled back. Yoon-seok expected it since Sharon, the neighbor next door, said it was disgusting. The things piled up in the muscle cocoon were a little scary, though. But perhaps Cheon-ma would appreciate how wonderful these muscles were…
“Ew, tsk-tsk. It’s gross. Why don’t you buy something and cover it up?
“…I will.”
Yoon-seok nodded, looking down. It was better to follow Cheon-ma’s advice because it was usually right.
“But what is this?”
Cheon-ma, who left the wall as if in a bad mood, shifted her attention to other parts of his room. He wondered why she asked, but she might not be familiar with such a bed because she was from Moorim.
Yoon-seok kindly explained.
“It’s a bed.”
A very high-tech one at that. It lacked a mattress, and it was made of solid steel. So, even if he lifted dumbbells directly above him, it wouldn’t break, and it was comfortable to do sit-ups on it since he could also adjust the angle.
“…It’s too hard for a bed. No bedding. Then what about this?”
“It’s a hanger.”
For pull-ups.
“And this is?”
A one-piece titanium bench. When Yoon-seok was a little tired, he sat down and did curls.
“Kyahahaha! Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the waiting room, isn’t it too thoughtless?”
Cheon-ma, who was looking at Yoon-seok’s waiting room as if they were having a housewarming party, burst into laughter. It wasn’t the usual old man’s ‘tsk-tsk,’ so she must have been having fun. Well, it was very fortunate as her disciple, but Yoon-seok couldn’t agree.
“That’s the reason, isn’t it useless now?”
What did she mean, useless? The sky couldn’t understand people’s hearts, right? Therefore, his absolute respect for Cheon-ma decreased a little.
“So, why did you call me here?”
“Ah, I have a favor to ask you.”
“A favor… tell me.”
“I want you to take a look at my sword.”
“Sword? You must have finally decided to do it.”
A satisfied smile spread across Cheon-ma’s lips. She seemed pleased that Yoon-seok had progressed on his own.
“Tell me what’s the problem. Is it about Sword in Heart? Or is it the next technique?”
Yoon-seok shook his head.
“What I’m going to show you is not the Heavenly Sword.”
“Oho?”
Curiosity grew in Cheon-ma’s eyes. Wasting no time, Yoon-seok calmly explained about the recent change in his heart. Cheon-ma, listening quietly, opened her mouth only after he finished explaining.
“Like clothes that don’t fit…”
“Did I offend you?”
“What kind of person do you think I am? I already knew it didn’t fit you. It must have been my greed.”
Yoon-seok tilted his head.
“Greed, are you sure?”
Cheon-ma already knew that the Heavenly Sword didn’t suit him. But why didn’t she tell him beforehand? He was curious about the reason, but…
“T-t-there is such a thing.”
Cheon-ma dismissed the situation, making it impossible to know her greed. Well, it wasn’t like Yoon-seok had no guesses. As long as the Heavenly Sword Cave was destroyed, the Heavenly Sword could no longer be passed on to future generations. In other words, Yoon-seok was the last disciple of Cheon-ma (?)…
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I felt envious when I saw the White Magnificent Duo!”
Yoon-seok didn’t know who the White Magnificent Duo was.
“White Magnificent Duo?”
“They are a famous old-master couple in Moorim. The passing skills of the two, who came from the same sect, were enough to be called the absolute best of Moorim.”
“I-I see.”
Yoon-seok was rather embarrassed by the explanation that came out rapid-fire. And looking at the confused Yoon-seok, Cheon-ma added a few words.
“B-by the way, it seemed that the two were in a relationship between teacher and disciple.”
Saying so, Cheon-ma sipped at her cup of water. Of course, there was no way there was something like water in Yoon-seok’s waiting room, so it was moisture in the air that she collected using her inner Qi. Watching her, Yoon-seok smiled without realizing it.
‘Is it like a bond?’
Somehow, he felt he knew what Cheon-ma was trying to say. She wasn’t a child, and there was no way she’d ever have a fantasy about a couple’s shared swordsmanship. She just wanted him to understand.
‘She has only traveled after retirement, and that’s probably why.’
Throughout her life as an absolute, she had no one close to her. But then Yoon-seok appeared. Although it wasn’t a proper teacher-disciple relationship… no, rather, that was why she may have thought that the Heavenly Sword was the only link between them. After all, she was the kind of person who felt lonely even though she looked aloof.
“Don’t worry too much. Aren’t I still the Co-Sect Leader?”
Yoon-seok responded. Even without the Heavenly Sword, their bond wouldn’t disappear. He learned a lot from her, and she was his colleague he could rely on and a friend. However, Cheon-ma tilted her head as if she didn’t understand at all.
“Co-Sect Leader? Why did you say that all of a sudden?”
‘Does she feel embarrassed?’
Yoon-seok decided to pretend he didn’t know, and he opened the closet. Only then did Cheon-ma return to the main topic and express curiosity.
“…Why are you opening the closet all of a sudden?”
Yoon-seok chuckled. This wasn’t just a closet, either. It led to a subspace garden.
“It’s winter outside, but flowers are blooming here…”
At one time, Yoon Seok carried dumbbells on his back and ran through the garden every day.
* * *
After completing his technique, Yoon-seok was very curious. Would his sword work for her? He wanted to pour everything into it and see the result, so Yoon-seok brought Cheonma here. However, there was no chance for that.
“Aren’t flowers too pitiful for that?”
The reason was that the garden would become a mess if they faced each other seriously.
“That’s what I thought.”
Yoon-seok accepted it without hesitation.
“Then let’s see.”
Once Yoon-seok started his technique, Cheon-ma decided to stop it. Afterward, Cheon-ma and Yoon-seok aimed their swords at each other in front of Yongyong. He suddenly thought he couldn’t let the child see it, but when he saw his keen eyes, that feeling completely disappeared.
“I’ll start.”
Yoon-seok performed the technique he had completed by repeating it tens of thousands of times.
Swoooooosh-!
The roaring wind and the ten thousand changes inside.
“…”
Cheon-ma’s eyes turned serious, and a slight tremor vibrated the air. Was that shock in her expression?
Whoosh-!
Her hesitation didn’t last long. Cheon-ma, who immediately returned to her senses, raised her inner Qi and moved her sword gracefully. The world immediately turned black.
‘She took out the fifth technique from the start…?’
The Power of Illuminated Universe is one of those Yoon-seok hadn’t been able to use.
Flash!
Through the darkness, a single sword scattered light. At the same time, the darkness cracked, and it sounded as if the dimension was splitting.
Crack-!
The darkness disappeared, and the hall lit up again. The technique fired by Yoon-seok was cut apart by the Power of Illuminated Universe and disappeared without a trace. It was as if his effort had returned to nothing, but Yoon-seok wasn’t disappointed.
No, he was rather overwhelmed.
‘…This is definitely beyond expectations.’
Cheon-ma wasn’t one to show off. Although it might not appear that way to others, she always moved efficiently and took things seriously. At least when it came to martial arts.
So she took out the Power of Illuminated Universe. That was how she decided she could stop it, this technique he made.
“…”
The darkened hall returned to its original state. Then, Cheon-ma waited a long moment before she said anything.
“…Did you say it was the first technique?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“What’s the name?”
“It is One Change Thousand Changes.”
“Thousand Changes, huh…”
Cheon-ma went silent again. He was curious about her honest feelings, but Yoon-seok waited quietly.
“How long has it been?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked you how long it has been since you first picked up a sword.”
Her voice was sharper than usual. Yoon-seok thought for a moment before answering.
“It’s been about four years.”
In real-time, it was less than a year. It would be that long if all the time he spent on missions or in the arena were counted. Cheon-ma smiled as if frustrated.
“Is this really talent…?”
She seemed to be praising him. There was nothing to say, so Yoon-seok stood still. After a while, Cheon-ma seemed to have regained her composure and became as soft as before.
“…So, how long did it take?”
“Like I said before, about four years…”
“No, I am asking how long it took to complete this technique.”
“In terms of days, a little over two-hundred.”
Cheon-ma burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! That’s fun. It’s so much fun.”
“…?”
“Why are you making that face? The person who picked up a sword four years ago felt that the Heavenly Sword lacked and tried to find his swordsmanship. Then he completed this technique in two hundred days.”
It was more like 240 days if they were being precise… but that wasn’t much of a difference.
“Who will believe this? Even I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t met you back then.”
Was today a special day? Rare praise spilled from Cheon-ma’s lips.
“I never imagined that the day would come when I would feel these emotions.”
“Emotions?”
“Today, for the first time in my life, I thought I was envious of someone else’s talent.”
While confessing her feelings of jealousy, Cheon-ma showed no signs of shame. However, Yoon-seok felt somewhat embarrassed to be told this so bluntly.
“…It’s hard to bear with because you’re praising me too much.”
“Khufufu. Yes, you are that kind of guy.”
Cheon-ma wore a pleasant smile. As the situation softened again, Yoon-seok hinted at the question he had been holding back.
“So, how was it?”
Cheon-ma’s eyes may have seen what was lacking. No, even if not, listening to her opinion may create something new. However, Cheon-ma’s descriptive skills were poor.
“It was a good sword technique.”
“…Is that all?”
Cheon-ma tilted her head.
“…A very good one?”
There was only one more adverb, and somehow the ending turned into a question. Yoon-seok let out a silent sigh. He hoped for more specific feedback. However, it would be rude to show that side of him.
‘This alone is enough, so what am I greedy for?’
Yoon-seok came to his senses, blaming himself for being so blind. And he looked at Cheon-ma, now frowning over what kind of words she should say to Yoon-seok’s request for feedback. After all, she always just received it. She didn’t seem to have given anything in return.
But maybe she misunderstood Yoon-seok’s gaze.
“W-why are you looking at me like that? Even if you look at me like that, I can’t think of anything more to say…!”
Her way of speaking was blunt. Yoon-seok smiled.
“…It’s not that. Thank you. This alone has helped me.”
“Did you eat something wrong yesterday?”
“…”
There was a bitter taste in his mouth. Was this his image in Cheon-ma’s eyes? Later, Yoon-seok asked Cheon-ma if there was anything he could do to repay her, and Cheon-ma replied with a smile.
“Then let’s lay down together and look at the flowers.”
Cheon-ma laid on the grass without hesitation. Yoon-seok, hesitating for a moment, approached and sat down next to her.
“Father, Mother!”
Yong-yong, who had been watching from afar, ran up and laid between them.
“It feels good!”
If it had been the usual Cheon-ma, she would have said it was too frivolous, but she kept silent this time.
Swoooosh–!
The three of them remained there for a while as the gentle wind tickled their noses. Like a family on an outing, they laid down and said nothing.
How long did they stay there?
“Is it uncomfortable?”
When Yoon-seok raised himself, Cheon-ma also stood.
“It’s not like that.”
To be honest, he could comfortably lie on a bed of daggers with his current body. However, it made him feel uncomfortable to sit and do nothing.
“I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe I can give you something in return.”
“…Didn’t I say this was enough?”
A light flickered on in Cheon-ma’s two eyes. Even if she pretended not to, she was looking forward to it.
“It’s nothing special…”
Looking over, Yoon-seok saw her playing with the petals. She liked flowers, but they didn’t help fight.
“How are your Strength and Durability levels?”
His name was Choi Yoon-seok.
He was a man who knew how to repay favors and kept no grudges.
Chapter 264 Ill-fated Relationship (2)
“Are you here?”
“You’re here, Father.”
Cheon-ma and Yongyong greeted him as usual. However, Yoon-seok said it’d be better to come to his waiting room rather than sit face to face at her table…
“Your waiting room…?”
Cheon-ma agreed without asking why.
“Come to think of it; I haven’t been there yet. Okay.”
Yoon-seok hurriedly returned to his waiting room and sent an invitation to Cheon-ma. However, although he invited her right after their talk, Cheon-ma took a while to arrive.
“Hehehe.”
Cheon-ma glanced around the waiting room with interest. She was even humming.
“So, this is the wall you spoke of back then.”
Cheon-ma approached the wall that Yoon-seok had broken the other day, and she belatedly found the muscle wall next to it. It was a little fascinating, so she poked it with her finger.
Tangle-!
Cheon-ma startled, pulled back. Yoon-seok expected it since Sharon, the neighbor next door, said it was disgusting. The things piled up in the muscle cocoon were a little scary, though. But perhaps Cheon-ma would appreciate how wonderful these muscles were…
“Ew, tsk-tsk. It’s gross. Why don’t you buy something and cover it up?
“…I will.”
Yoon-seok nodded, looking down. It was better to follow Cheon-ma’s advice because it was usually right.
“But what is this?”
Cheon-ma, who left the wall as if in a bad mood, shifted her attention to other parts of his room. He wondered why she asked, but she might not be familiar with such a bed because she was from Moorim.
Yoon-seok kindly explained.
“It’s a bed.”
A very high-tech one at that. It lacked a mattress, and it was made of solid steel. So, even if he lifted dumbbells directly above him, it wouldn’t break, and it was comfortable to do sit-ups on it since he could also adjust the angle.
“…It’s too hard for a bed. No bedding. Then what about this?”
“It’s a hanger.”
For pull-ups.
“And this is?”
A one-piece titanium bench. When Yoon-seok was a little tired, he sat down and did curls.
“Kyahahaha! Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the waiting room, isn’t it too thoughtless?”
Cheon-ma, who was looking at Yoon-seok’s waiting room as if they were having a housewarming party, burst into laughter. It wasn’t the usual old man’s ‘tsk-tsk,’ so she must have been having fun. Well, it was very fortunate as her disciple, but Yoon-seok couldn’t agree.
“That’s the reason, isn’t it useless now?”
What did she mean, useless? The sky couldn’t understand people’s hearts, right? Therefore, his absolute respect for Cheon-ma decreased a little.
“So, why did you call me here?”
“Ah, I have a favor to ask you.”
“A favor… tell me.”
“I want you to take a look at my sword.”
“Sword? You must have finally decided to do it.”
A satisfied smile spread across Cheon-ma’s lips. She seemed pleased that Yoon-seok had progressed on his own.
“Tell me what’s the problem. Is it about Sword in Heart? Or is it the next technique?”
Yoon-seok shook his head.
“What I’m going to show you is not the Heavenly Sword.”
“Oho?”
Curiosity grew in Cheon-ma’s eyes. Wasting no time, Yoon-seok calmly explained about the recent change in his heart. Cheon-ma, listening quietly, opened her mouth only after he finished explaining.
“Like clothes that don’t fit…”
“Did I offend you?”
“What kind of person do you think I am? I already knew it didn’t fit you. It must have been my greed.”
Yoon-seok tilted his head.
“Greed, are you sure?”
Cheon-ma already knew that the Heavenly Sword didn’t suit him. But why didn’t she tell him beforehand? He was curious about the reason, but…
“T-t-there is such a thing.”
Cheon-ma dismissed the situation, making it impossible to know her greed. Well, it wasn’t like Yoon-seok had no guesses. As long as the Heavenly Sword Cave was destroyed, the Heavenly Sword could no longer be passed on to future generations. In other words, Yoon-seok was the last disciple of Cheon-ma (?)…
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I felt envious when I saw the White Magnificent Duo!”
Yoon-seok didn’t know who the White Magnificent Duo was.
“White Magnificent Duo?”
“They are a famous old-master couple in Moorim. The passing skills of the two, who came from the same sect, were enough to be called the absolute best of Moorim.”
“I-I see.”
Yoon-seok was rather embarrassed by the explanation that came out rapid-fire. And looking at the confused Yoon-seok, Cheon-ma added a few words.
“B-by the way, it seemed that the two were in a relationship between teacher and disciple.”
Saying so, Cheon-ma sipped at her cup of water. Of course, there was no way there was something like water in Yoon-seok’s waiting room, so it was moisture in the air that she collected using her inner Qi. Watching her, Yoon-seok smiled without realizing it.
‘Is it like a bond?’
Somehow, he felt he knew what Cheon-ma was trying to say. She wasn’t a child, and there was no way she’d ever have a fantasy about a couple’s shared swordsmanship. She just wanted him to understand.
‘She has only traveled after retirement, and that’s probably why.’
Throughout her life as an absolute, she had no one close to her. But then Yoon-seok appeared. Although it wasn’t a proper teacher-disciple relationship… no, rather, that was why she may have thought that the Heavenly Sword was the only link between them. After all, she was the kind of person who felt lonely even though she looked aloof.
“Don’t worry too much. Aren’t I still the Co-Sect Leader?”
Yoon-seok responded. Even without the Heavenly Sword, their bond wouldn’t disappear. He learned a lot from her, and she was his colleague he could rely on and a friend. However, Cheon-ma tilted her head as if she didn’t understand at all.
“Co-Sect Leader? Why did you say that all of a sudden?”
‘Does she feel embarrassed?’
Yoon-seok decided to pretend he didn’t know, and he opened the closet. Only then did Cheon-ma return to the main topic and express curiosity.
“…Why are you opening the closet all of a sudden?”
Yoon-seok chuckled. This wasn’t just a closet, either. It led to a subspace garden.
“It’s winter outside, but flowers are blooming here…”
At one time, Yoon Seok carried dumbbells on his back and ran through the garden every day.
* * *
After completing his technique, Yoon-seok was very curious. Would his sword work for her? He wanted to pour everything into it and see the result, so Yoon-seok brought Cheonma here. However, there was no chance for that.
“Aren’t flowers too pitiful for that?”
The reason was that the garden would become a mess if they faced each other seriously.
“That’s what I thought.”
Yoon-seok accepted it without hesitation.
“Then let’s see.”
Once Yoon-seok started his technique, Cheon-ma decided to stop it. Afterward, Cheon-ma and Yoon-seok aimed their swords at each other in front of Yongyong. He suddenly thought he couldn’t let the child see it, but when he saw his keen eyes, that feeling completely disappeared.
“I’ll start.”
Yoon-seok performed the technique he had completed by repeating it tens of thousands of times.
Swoooooosh-!
The roaring wind and the ten thousand changes inside.
“…”
Cheon-ma’s eyes turned serious, and a slight tremor vibrated the air. Was that shock in her expression?
Whoosh-!
Her hesitation didn’t last long. Cheon-ma, who immediately returned to her senses, raised her inner Qi and moved her sword gracefully. The world immediately turned black.
‘She took out the fifth technique from the start…?’
The Power of Illuminated Universe is one of those Yoon-seok hadn’t been able to use.
Flash!
Through the darkness, a single sword scattered light. At the same time, the darkness cracked, and it sounded as if the dimension was splitting.
Crack-!
The darkness disappeared, and the hall lit up again. The technique fired by Yoon-seok was cut apart by the Power of Illuminated Universe and disappeared without a trace. It was as if his effort had returned to nothing, but Yoon-seok wasn’t disappointed.
No, he was rather overwhelmed.
‘…This is definitely beyond expectations.’
Cheon-ma wasn’t one to show off. Although it might not appear that way to others, she always moved efficiently and took things seriously. At least when it came to martial arts.
So she took out the Power of Illuminated Universe. That was how she decided she could stop it, this technique he made.
“…”
The darkened hall returned to its original state. Then, Cheon-ma waited a long moment before she said anything.
“…Did you say it was the first technique?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“What’s the name?”
“It is One Change Thousand Changes.”
“Thousand Changes, huh…”
Cheon-ma went silent again. He was curious about her honest feelings, but Yoon-seok waited quietly.
“How long has it been?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked you how long it has been since you first picked up a sword.”
Her voice was sharper than usual. Yoon-seok thought for a moment before answering.
“It’s been about four years.”
In real-time, it was less than a year. It would be that long if all the time he spent on missions or in the arena were counted. Cheon-ma smiled as if frustrated.
“Is this really talent…?”
She seemed to be praising him. There was nothing to say, so Yoon-seok stood still. After a while, Cheon-ma seemed to have regained her composure and became as soft as before.
“…So, how long did it take?”
“Like I said before, about four years…”
“No, I am asking how long it took to complete this technique.”
“In terms of days, a little over two-hundred.”
Cheon-ma burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! That’s fun. It’s so much fun.”
“…?”
“Why are you making that face? The person who picked up a sword four years ago felt that the Heavenly Sword lacked and tried to find his swordsmanship. Then he completed this technique in two hundred days.”
It was more like 240 days if they were being precise… but that wasn’t much of a difference.
“Who will believe this? Even I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t met you back then.”
Was today a special day? Rare praise spilled from Cheon-ma’s lips.
“I never imagined that the day would come when I would feel these emotions.”
“Emotions?”
“Today, for the first time in my life, I thought I was envious of someone else’s talent.”
While confessing her feelings of jealousy, Cheon-ma showed no signs of shame. However, Yoon-seok felt somewhat embarrassed to be told this so bluntly.
“…It’s hard to bear with because you’re praising me too much.”
“Khufufu. Yes, you are that kind of guy.”
Cheon-ma wore a pleasant smile. As the situation softened again, Yoon-seok hinted at the question he had been holding back.
“So, how was it?”
Cheon-ma’s eyes may have seen what was lacking. No, even if not, listening to her opinion may create something new. However, Cheon-ma’s descriptive skills were poor.
“It was a good sword technique.”
“…Is that all?”
Cheon-ma tilted her head.
“…A very good one?”
There was only one more adverb, and somehow the ending turned into a question. Yoon-seok let out a silent sigh. He hoped for more specific feedback. However, it would be rude to show that side of him.
‘This alone is enough, so what am I greedy for?’
Yoon-seok came to his senses, blaming himself for being so blind. And he looked at Cheon-ma, now frowning over what kind of words she should say to Yoon-seok’s request for feedback. After all, she always just received it. She didn’t seem to have given anything in return.
But maybe she misunderstood Yoon-seok’s gaze.
“W-why are you looking at me like that? Even if you look at me like that, I can’t think of anything more to say…!”
Her way of speaking was blunt. Yoon-seok smiled.
“…It’s not that. Thank you. This alone has helped me.”
“Did you eat something wrong yesterday?”
“…”
There was a bitter taste in his mouth. Was this his image in Cheon-ma’s eyes? Later, Yoon-seok asked Cheon-ma if there was anything he could do to repay her, and Cheon-ma replied with a smile.
“Then let’s lay down together and look at the flowers.”
Cheon-ma laid on the grass without hesitation. Yoon-seok, hesitating for a moment, approached and sat down next to her.
“Father, Mother!”
Yong-yong, who had been watching from afar, ran up and laid between them.
“It feels good!”
If it had been the usual Cheon-ma, she would have said it was too frivolous, but she kept silent this time.
Swoooosh–!
The three of them remained there for a while as the gentle wind tickled their noses. Like a family on an outing, they laid down and said nothing.
How long did they stay there?
“Is it uncomfortable?”
When Yoon-seok raised himself, Cheon-ma also stood.
“It’s not like that.”
To be honest, he could comfortably lie on a bed of daggers with his current body. However, it made him feel uncomfortable to sit and do nothing.
“I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe I can give you something in return.”
“…Didn’t I say this was enough?”
A light flickered on in Cheon-ma’s two eyes. Even if she pretended not to, she was looking forward to it.
“It’s nothing special…”
Looking over, Yoon-seok saw her playing with the petals. She liked flowers, but they didn’t help fight.
“How are your Strength and Durability levels?”
His name was Choi Yoon-seok.
He was a man who knew how to repay favors and kept no grudges.
