Rebirth of the Heavenly Demon

Chapter 26 – At the Threshold of Spring (1)

Gwang-du was training in the backyard.

He was executing the three forms of the Seven Forms of the Southern Sea I had taught him almost perfectly.

I could sense talent in Gwang-du’s movements. Though not genius-level talent, he definitely had innate ability.

I thought that perhaps it was this talent that had sought me out, making him catch my reincarnated eye.

Gwang-du, absorbed in his training, didn’t notice me approaching.

Watching him sweat, I was reminded of my own training days long ago.

What was the driving force behind my training?

Back then, I simply wanted to become strong. I just wanted to be the strongest man in the martial world. Yes, what drove my greatest growth was ‘desperation’.

If my desperation was to not become a mediocre martial artist, what could be Gwang-du’s driving force?

“You fool! Ten assassins could come and go without you noticing.”

“Oh? When did you arrive?”

“I came to see if you’re slacking off or not.”

“Did you see me practicing?”

When I nodded, Gwang-du cautiously asked.

“How was it?”

The fellow was truly growing day by day. He was clever and had a good sense for martial arts.

I smiled and said,

“Now, I’ll teach you the remaining four forms.”

“Ah!”

Undisguisable joy spread across Gwang-du’s face.

I taught him the remaining four forms. He learned the movements accurately, just as he had with the first three forms.

Does he even realize? That no one else in the martial world could receive such high-quality instruction. That he can learn such a formidable martial art as the Seven Forms of the Southern Sea so easily because I’m the one teaching him.

“I’ve now taught you all of the Seven Forms of the Southern Sea.”

“Thank you, young master.”

“Even with the same martial art, there’s a clear difference depending on who uses it. In other words, the most important thing in martial arts is always the person. Do you understand?”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And from now on, train with this sword.”

“Gasp! Did you buy this for me?”

“Yes. Throw away the one you bought before.”

On the way back, I stopped by an ironworks and bought the best-made sword there. It wasn’t an extremely expensive sword, but it wasn’t cheap either.

“Young master!”

Seeing he was about to burst into tears, I quickly said,

“Enough. Try unsheathing the sword.”

Gwang-du unsheathed the sword. His hands were trembling.

“Maybe because you bought it for me, but it feels completely different. Even holding a treasure sword wouldn’t feel this good.”

“That’s because you’ve never held one.”

Precious swords and treasure swords are special. When you hold them, they feel completely different. The craftsmanship itself is different.

When you grasp the handle, it fits perfectly in your hand. The stability from the perfect weight distribution, and an indescribable solid feeling. Truly, just holding it gives you the confidence that you could cut anything. That’s what precious and famous swords are like.

Well, if things go well, someday Gwang-du might get to hold a treasure sword too.

“First, focus on your hand holding the sword. From now on, that’s more important than the chopsticks you eat with.”

“Yes!”

“Right now, you might be afraid of the blade. But you need to become friends with that blade. It will save your life, and the lives of your friends.”

At the mention of saving someone, Gwang-du’s trembling gradually subsided.

“The goal is unity of sword and body, for the sword to become one with you.”

“What does it mean to become one?”

“In your daily life, have you ever thought it strange that you have arms attached to your body?”

“No.”

“It’s like that. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort at all while holding the sword. It means the sword should become your arm.”

“Ah! I understand what you mean. Where do these words come from? Are they in the secret manual of the Seven Forms of the Southern Sea?”

“Yes.”

I answered yes, but…

You fool, these are words personally imparted by the world’s greatest martial artist.

“I’m going. Keep training.”

“Yes!”

As I was turning to leave, I stopped and asked,

“Have you ever disliked someone?”

Gwang-du stared at me silently.

“You brat! Besides me.”

Only then did Gwang-du smile broadly.

“Hmm. I disliked that bastard Yang Gi-gang.”

“Right? That’s what dislike means, isn’t it?”

“Why?”

“Never mind.”

“Who dislikes you? Ah, that’s the wrong question. Everyone probably dislikes you anyway. So how much do they dislike you? Enough to die?”

As he spoke, Gwang-du quickly backed away.

When I shook my fist at him, pretending to scold him, he giggled.

If Gal Saryang or Baek Pyo saw me like this, they would probably be shocked.

I’ve lived a life of being revered all my life.

There were very few people who could look me in the eye and have a conversation.

Everyone feared me.

I’ve lived a life of extreme courtesy born out of fear.

Was that happiness?

At one time.

At one time, I thought that was the power that proved and revealed myself. I thought that was my pride.

But now that I think about it, that was a way of life I didn’t have to choose. How nice would it have been if I had been this casual with them too?

Regret always comes late.

As I was walking away, Gwang-du said from afar,

“Whoever it is, once they get to know you, they’ll come to like you.”

I won’t make the same mistake again.

***

Song Woo-gyeong visited the Byeok Clan Sword Manor.

Byeok Dojun was inwardly tense at this unannounced visit from his friend. He had never come so suddenly before.

“I just came because I missed you.”

“You’re welcome. I was just thinking of having a drink. How about it?”

“Sounds good.”

The two had been friends for so long that they could tell what the other was thinking just by looking at their face. Byeok Dojun was grateful to Song Woo-gyeong. The fact that he didn’t break off the engagement even though their fortunes had declined showed his friend’s heart.

When the Byeok Clan Sword Manor was going through hard times, Song Woo-gyeong had tried to lend money several times. But thinking of his friend’s pride, he never actually brought it up. That too was very appreciated.

The two exchanged drinks back and forth for a while.

“The martial world is stirring after the Alliance Leader’s death.”

Byeok Dojun nodded at Song Woo-gyeong’s words.

“I suppose it would. The martial world was ruled by one person for a long time.”

Having broached the topic of the Alliance Leader, Song Woo-gyeong got to the main point.

“A few days ago, Go Sun-gyeong[1] visited me.”

“Go Sun-gyeong?”

Go Sun-gyeong was the head of the Shandong Merchant Association[2]. The Shandong Merchant Association was the largest association in Shandong and could be said to represent Shandong.

“What did he say?”

“He proposed forming a Shandong Alliance[3] by uniting the various families in Shandong, saying they would support us.”

“A Shandong Alliance?”

Byeok Dojun was surprised by this unexpected suggestion.

“Didn’t the previous Alliance Leader forbid the formation of martial arts alliances?”

It was something Cheon Hajin had strictly prohibited, saying that conflicts would arise if alliances were formed.

“That previous Alliance Leader is gone now.”

It was a meaningful statement.

“I hear alliances are already forming in other regions. They’re moving before the new Alliance Leader is decided. Even if a new Alliance Leader is chosen, their influence in the Central Plains will likely be weak in the early days of their term.”

Byeok Dojun had never thought about this. In that sense, he felt he was truly slow in political movements.

“He’s not saying to do it right away. He suggested we first form a strategic alliance between your sect and the Shandong Merchant Association, then gradually unite other sects one by one. I came to you because I’m troubled about what to do.”

He could sense that Song Woo-gyeong was somewhat inclined towards Go Sun-gyeong’s proposal. If he had flatly refused, there would have been no need to come this far.

He understood him. It was a tempting proposal even if Byeok Dojun were in his position.

While there are many important things for a martial arts sect, the most important thing for growing power is money. If the Song clan’s capital were combined with their current resources, they could rise to become the top sect in Shandong in one fell swoop.

“To be honest, it’s also because of Yang Minor Faction. As you know, their leader died and Jeong Yeo, the vice leader, became the new leader. Jeong Yeo won’t have time to look outside while managing internal affairs. It’s a golden opportunity for our sect to rise to the top in Shandong. Of course, I’ll need your help.”

It was a humble statement. The Song clan was the second most powerful in Shandong after Yang Minor Faction. Even without the Byeok Clan Sword Manor’s help, they could easily rise to the top in Shandong.

“Honestly, I couldn’t refuse on the spot.”

“I understand.”

From the position of leading a martial arts sect, it was natural to want to become the hegemon of a region. Byeok Dojun himself had already been there once.

“I’ll respect your decision and help actively. But there’s one thing you should keep in mind. The moment you join hands with them, many things you’ve never experienced before will happen.”

“I’m prepared for that.”

“When did you agree to give an answer?”

“I said I’d think about it for a few days.”

Song Woo-gyeong added as he emptied his cup,

“The martial world is changing rapidly day by day.”

Before leaving, Song Woo-gyeong came to see me.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes. Have you been well, sir?”

We’re still in quite an awkward relationship. Since the engagement hadn’t been broken off yet, he was both my father’s friend and my potential father-in-law.

“I know you went through a period of wandering.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need. I think it’s not bad if youthful wandering passes like a temporary fever. It will help overcome future wandering.”

I’m really grateful that he thinks so positively of me. Of course, it’s probably because of his friendship with my father. I really envy the friendship between the two of them. It was something I never had in my previous life.

“Have you met Hwa-rin?”

“Yes, by chance once.”

“By chance? Is that how you speak of your fiancée?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you still hung up on what Rin said about breaking off the engagement that day? Don’t worry about it, it’s just a girl’s whim.”

“You know it’s not like that, don’t you?”

“You!”

“I think Rin is right. At least marriage should be left to the individual’s decision.”

Song Woo-gyeong stared at me with his rugged face, as if glaring.

But I calmly met his gaze. At least since I have no intention of marrying her, there’s no need to give false hope.

“No matter what, I won’t give up on you.”

Song Woo-gyeong left after saying those words.

After he left, Gwang-du, who had been waiting outside, came in.

“Why didn’t you just say you’ll do better in the future? Why did you have to be so stubbornly honest?”

“Do you want me to get along well with Miss Song that badly?”

“How can you say that?”

“Why?”

“Why? I’ve told you several times before, haven’t I? Because she’s pretty. To be frank, is she just pretty? She’s from a good family, she’s smart, and her father has a good personality. What more do you want? In my opinion, you must have saved the martial world in your past life or something.”

Oh? Come to think of it, didn’t I save the martial world in my past life?

Even if that were the case…

“But the most important thing is missing.”

“What? Her personality? What does it matter if she has a bit of a temper when she’s that perfect? It would be strange if someone that perfect didn’t have a temper. Just put up with it!”

“There’s no love.”

Gwang-du flinched at my words.

“We don’t love each other, do we?”

He stared at me intently.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“No.”

“Then why are you looking at me like that?”

“It seems like you’ve really grown up. Just now… you really seemed like an adult.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“By the way, why did you come?”

Only then did Gwang-du convey the errand he had forgotten.

“Oh right, the family head is calling for you.”