Absolute Dominion

◈ Absolute Dominion

Chapter- 28

“I have gained profound insight thanks to your teachings, Elder.”

“Oh-ho!”

Yang Hwa-Young smiled with a pleased expression.

Naeng Lee-Sang, who stood beside her, asked with a curious look.

“Did you know about her relationship with Lee-Gun?”

“No, it was just a coincidence.”

Naeng Lee-Sang shook his head in disbelief.

“Could it be that you possess the ability to read the secrets of the heavens?”

Though it was said as a joke, it didn’t sound like one. Both Naeng Lee-Sang and Cheon Mu-Ak suspected that Yang Hwa-Young had undoubtedly read some kind of fate or destiny concerning Cha-Ryun.

Yang Hwa-Young’s wrinkled face softened into a kind smile.

“Child, since we met by chance, why don’t we sit together and enjoy each other’s company?”

“It would be an honor.”

“The more I look at you, the prettier you seem.”

Cha-Ryun blushed at Yang Hwa-Young’s compliment. People naturally feel affection toward those who treat them kindly. Cha-Ryun couldn’t help but feel drawn to Yang Hwa-Young. If her grandmother were still alive, perhaps this is what it would feel like?

Jeok Lee-Gun pouted as he watched this exchange.

“Looks like you like her more than me.”

“You rascal, how could you compare yourself to this lovely child?”

Jeok Lee-Gun’s pout deepened as he sat down beside Cha-Ryun.

The three elders gazed at the two of them. It was a gaze that seemed to be evaluating whether they were a good match, which made Cha-Ryun feel self-conscious.

Jeok Lee-Gun then leaned in and whispered in Cha-Ryun’s ear.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

Yang Hwa-Young glanced at Jeok Lee-Gun and smiled slyly.

“Already stepping in to take care of your woman, are you?”

“Of course not.”

Jeok Lee-Gun feigned ignorance.

At that moment, Cha-Ryun realized this was her chance. Jeok Lee-Gun wasn’t suggesting that she should ask about trivial matters such as Yang Hwa-Young’s age or personal interests.

“Forgive my impudence, but may I ask you a few questions, Elder?”

“Ask as many as you’d like.”

Cha-Ryun briefly explained the key points of the Red Silk Sword Technique’s mental cultivation and the various forms. Normally, such family secrets were never to be revealed, but Cha-Ryun could sense that Yang Hwa-Young was a master who wouldn’t even be interested in the Red Silk Sword Technique at all. And as expected of such a master, with just a brief explanation, Yang Hwa-Young fully grasped the essence of the technique.

‘Father, I’m sorry.’

But surely, Father would understand revealing such secrets, especially under these circumstances.

“Why do I feel a break in the flow between the various forms?”

It was a problem that arose when Cha-Ryun reached the seven-star level of the Red Silk Sword Technique. She suspected that this might be the key reason she couldn’t advance past the seven-star mastery.

Yang Hwa-Young’s response came without hesitation.

“It’s because your understanding of the forms is lacking.”

Cha-Ryun tilted her head in confusion. She thought she had fully understood the Red Silk Sword Technique. There had to be another explanation.

“What does it mean to properly understand the forms?”

“Discard the idea of piecing together the various forms like a puzzle to complete a martial art. Understand that the forms must overlap to create a seamless martial art.”

“Overlap… the forms?”

Yang Hwa-Young moved her hand through the air with a graceful motion.

Whoosh.

The air shifted, and a square shape appeared on the surface of the table as if drawn by the wind.

“For example, there is this form…”

She traced several different lines over the square—some triangular, some circular, and some long and straight.

“Like this, you layer different movements.”

Numerous lines were now layered over the original square drawing.

“As you continue to overlap them, the movements will eventually diminish in number.”

Sure enough, the drawing on the table had transformed into a roughly circular shape.

Cha-Ryun’s cheeks flushed with excitement. She felt a surge of emotion, like she was on the verge of understanding something profound.

It was said that when one becomes a true master, techniques used within their martial arts become obsolete.

Could this be the first step toward such enlightenment?

Yang Hwa-Young spoke calmly.

“When you fully master the Red Silk Sword Technique, only nine sword paths will remain from the original seventy-seven.”

“Ah!”

Cha-Ryun exclaimed in admiration, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Each word contained the profound understanding of a martial artist who had reached the pinnacle. Moreover, Yang Hwa-Young explained it as simply as possible.

Even Naeng Lee-Sang and Cheon Mu-Ak, who were listening nearby, nodded in admiration at her teachings.

After a moment of deep thought, Cha-Ryun asked another question.

Yang Hwa-Young answered without a trace of annoyance, calmly addressing all of Cha-Ryun’s inquiries.

“Ah!”

Another exclamation escaped Cha-Ryun’s lips. Concepts she had struggled with, that remained unclear no matter how much she thought about them, suddenly became clear in an instant.

It wasn’t just about the Red Silk Sword Technique. She felt that she had received enlightenment that would further her martial arts as a whole. She realized this understanding would become a great strength for her as she continued to learn martial arts in the future.

This was an invaluable opportunity for Cha-Ryun.

Yang Hwa-Young, Naeng Lee-Sang, and Cheon Mu-Ak all joined in the discussion about martial arts.

Listening to their discussions, Cha-Ryun occasionally asked questions.

The elders were satisfied with Cha-Ryun’s intelligence. At a young age, she had already reached the seven-star level of the Red Silk Sword Technique. Even though she wasn’t a natural prodigy, she still possessed an exceptional talent for martial arts.

Jeok Lee-Gun, who had been silently observing the discussion, quietly stood up. Cha-Ryun was so absorbed in her conversation with the three elders that she didn’t even notice him leave.

Yang Hwa-Young glanced at Jeok Lee-Gun with a knowing smile, and Jeok Lee-Gun chuckled softly in return.

Mu Young approached from a distance.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see the elders.”

“You should stay a bit longer.”

Mu Young cast a glance toward the tent.

‘What’s going on?’

He quickly understood the situation.

“Haha, as they say, ‘Harmony in the family brings success in all things.’”

Jeok Lee-Gun frowned.

“It’s still too early. Nothing is set in stone.”

“Of course, of course.”

“I’m not some frivolous playboy.”

“Sure, sure.”

In the end, the two of them shared a hearty laugh.

After they shared a moment of laughter, Mu Young spoke.

“Ah, Master Go Ong has officially started his work.”

Jeok Lee-Gun gave a nod of acknowledgment.

“It looks like things are slowly beginning, one by one.”

At that moment.

A figure gazed over the training grounds, which were filled with bustling activity.

It was Bong Su-Chan, the chief organizer of the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament. He was one of the four great elders of the Northern Sky Clan, and despite being considered young for the position, at the age of fifty, he had firmly secured his position.

Behind him, an administrator named Yun was reading documents and reporting on various matters as he stood by.

“The final count of participants for this Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament stands at two hundred and twenty-four.”

Upon hearing Yun’s report, Bong Su-Chan responded coldly.

“A lot of riffraff have signed up this time.”

Of course, even though he called the participants ‘riffraff,’ that wasn’t necessarily the truth. They were the disciples and successors of various regional sects. Rumors had even spread that the successors of the Four Great Families would be participating in this tournament, leading to a higher number of applicants compared to the last event.

It seemed that Bong Su-Chan was displeased for various reasons.

“Hmph! These days, the youngsters are so weak. Their resolve is so weak compared to my generation.”

Yun was aware of the irony. He knew that Bong Su-Chan himself was an old, weathered figure of the previous generation. He had no right to lecture the younger generation.

“Indeed. They are nothing compared to the days of Leader Bong.”

He ended up flattering him. Bong Su-Chan was notoriously authoritative, the kind of person who rewarded honest advice with fiery rage. It was best to just go along with whatever he said.

“How are the preparations for the trials coming along?”

“The preparations for the First and Second Gates are complete. We are finishing the final checks for the Third Gate.”

“Make sure there are no mistakes.”

“Rest assured. We will be fully prepared.”

Bong Su-Chan’s voice lowered, taking on a more serious tone.

“Is it ready?”

“Here it is.”

Yun carefully handed over several documents from the stack he was holding.

As Bong Su-Chan inspected the documents, he lowered his voice further.

“You handled this discreetly, right?”

“Of course.”

“Be extra cautious about keeping this a secret. If word leaks before the tournament, it could be disastrous.”

“Don’t worry. I’m the only one who knows about this among the staff.”

Yun showed a look of utmost loyalty and determination.

Bong Su-Chan gave a nod of approval.

“I trust you. You may leave now.”

After bowing, Yun exited the room.

Bong Su-Chan, holding the documents Yun had left, made his way out of the room as well. The place he headed for was a secret meeting room located underground that was used for important meetings.

Inside, there were six elders that were already seated, sipping on tea in silence.

When Bong Su-Chan entered, they all stood up and greeted him with a fist salute. Bong Su-Chan returned the courtesy with respect.

Bong Su-Chan handed them the documents he had received from Yun.

“The final list is ready.”

“Oh, you’ve done well.”

All eyes turned toward the documents.

These were the judges responsible for the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament. They were all prominent figures—for example the elderly man sitting in the center, who served as the head judge, was the Iron Plate Master, also known as Yeom Chung. He was a renowned master of the martial world, famed for using a pair of iron abacuses as his weapons. He was widely respected for his strong sense of justice and integrity.

Opposite to him sat another master known as the Storm Kick. He was Baek Sang-Gi, a master of kicking techniques, who had gained a lot of fame during the Great War of the Orthodox and Demonic.

The middle-aged man, who appeared significantly younger than the others, was Baek Bong-Pa from Henan, a famous master who had reached the top four in the Heavenly Dragon Tournament eight years ago.

The remaining two masters were similarly esteemed figures from prominent backgrounds.

Among the judges of the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament and the Heavenly Dragon Tournament, there were no representatives from the Northern Sky Clan or the Four Great Conquerors. This was to prevent any potential disturbances or complaints that might arise from bias.

There were originally supposed to be seven judges, but one had yet to arrive.

“Is Master Won not here yet?”

Yeom Chung was referring to Won Yong-Bae, the Falling Sun Saber.

“I believe he will be joining us shortly.”

At Bong Su-Chan’s response, Yeom Chung nodded. Won Yong-Bae was known for his free-spirited nature. Of the judges present, he was the only one Yeom Chung was personally close with, and he found comfort in having him around.

Moreover, there was another reason why Won Yong-Bae’s presence was needed.

Yeom Chung, setting the documents down, voiced his dissatisfaction.

“I will say this again, but I don’t think this is necessary.”

Bong Su-Chan cursed at him inwardly.

‘This damn old fool.’

Outwardly, however, Bong Su-Chan smiled pleasantly and tried to appease him.

“But don’t you think it’s important to show basic courtesy to the great sects of the martial world?”

What they were looking at was a list of sixty names. These were the individuals selected by the Northern Sky Clan from among the participants of the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament. The list included successors from the Four Great Families, renowned orthodox sects, and some rising sects that had recently made a name for themselves. There was undoubtedly some favoritism shown toward those with ties to the Northern Sky Clan.

“We need to ensure the trials are fair.”

Knowing Yeom Chung’s stubbornness, Baek Sang-Gi intervened.

“I understand your concerns, Master Yeom, but I believe it’s acceptable to exempt these individuals from the preliminary rounds.”

The plan was to secretly inform the people on the list of the details of the first round of the trials.

Given Yeom Chung’s adherence to principles, this did not sit well with him.

“If word of this gets out, the martial world will be deeply disappointed—not only at the Orthodox Alliance but also at us, the judges.”

Bong Su-Chan shook his head in disagreement.

“But if the successors of these great sects are eliminated in the first round of the preliminaries, the excitement of the tournament will be cut in half. Just think about it. What if Young Master Lim from the Northern Sky Clan were to be eliminated in the first round? Doesn’t that sound like a buzzkill just thinking about it?”

“Naturally, they wouldn’t be eliminated, right? That’s what makes them the successors of great sects, wouldn’t you say?”

“But luck is a factor as well. Unexpected variables could arise.”

Baek Sang-Gi chimed in to support Bong Su-Chan.

“Traditionally, the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament is just a way to pat the young ones on the back. There’s no need to take it too seriously. If you keep pressing the issue, Leader Bong will be in a difficult position… let’s just assist him now. The tournament is tomorrow, after all.”

With Baek Sang-Gi stepping in, Yeom Chung couldn’t voice his dissatisfaction any further.

It seemed like this had become a long-standing practice. If only Won Yong-Bae were here, he would have been a great help. It was unfortunate. The remaining five judges were all close to the Northern Sky Clan.

Baek Bong-Pa, who had been silent, cautiously spoke up.

“By the way, has the Blood King Sect been excluded from this list?”

“That’s just how things turned out.”

Bong Su-Chan gauged his reaction carefully.

“I happened to meet one of their successors before. I felt he could become a cornerstone in upholding the martial world in the future.”

There had been a discreet rumor that Baek Bong-Pa had an affair with the wife of the Blood King Sect’s leader.

‘So it wasn’t just a rumor.’

Bong Su-Chan laughed heartily and replied.

“Ah, I’ve heard that as well. I’ve been so busy handling things that I made an oversight. I’ll correct it immediately.”

Other judges also began mentioning new names, adding their own influence to the list.

Out of respect for their position as judges, each of them was allowed to have some sway.

Yeom Chung, who had been silently listening, felt frustration and discomfort.

He wanted to gather those who had been excluded and shout, ‘You fools, why have you lived in such ignorance? This world is anything but fair.’

But that wasn’t going to happen. In the end, he was also part of this unfair world. He was just another one of the many powerless adults scattered throughout the martial world.

The meeting in the secret underground chamber continued for a long time.