Chapter 81. Learning the Wijisa Martial Arts (1)

***

For now, I am learning the Blue-Red Sword Technique, which is a dual-sword technique. Naturally, I should be wielding two swords, but there's a reason why I still carry only one and haven't bought another.

‘I haven’t practiced properly yet.’

I could only remember one move from the Blue-Red Sword Technique, the Flowing Sword. Even that, I couldn’t practice properly, so I was more familiar with the White Cloud Sword Technique, which is why I still only have one sword.

You might wonder what I’ve been doing all this time, but I have my reasons.

‘I’ve been too busy, you know.’

Just as I was about to start learning the Blue-Red Sword Technique properly from Wijisa, I got involved with the Joseon Fellowship, went on a mission, traveled to Sichuan, and then got dragged into more trouble.

Somehow, I managed to return to Myanghyeon and had a bit of free time, so I went to the Fengyun Martial Hall to practice. But then I got involved with the Fengyun Martial Hall and the Juejian Sect.

I don’t know why my life is so tumultuous.

‘It’s like I’m entangled in everything. I’m about to go crazy, really.’

So, I originally planned to delay my practice and focus on the Tianwang Heart Cultivation Technique and the Iron Palm Heart Cultivation Technique, and then resume later when I had more time. But after watching the battle between Baecheonbaek and Jochajik, my thoughts changed.

The battle was incredibly impressive.

‘It was really amazing.’

Especially Baecheonbaek’s fist strength was shocking. It was the first time I saw a human body made of bones and flesh exert such incredible power. I still can’t believe how a person can generate such strength.

If even mid-level experts can do this, how powerful must the higher-level experts be? I can’t even imagine.

‘I want to become an expert. Not a peak expert, just an expert. Just that much.’

Even reaching that level would be enough. It didn’t seem like an unattainable goal.

So, I tried to study the Blue-Red Sword Technique manual again yesterday, but...

‘What is this all about?’

I spent the whole day looking at it, but it just didn’t work, so I put it away. Learning such a difficult sword technique is too hard for someone as pure and clear as me. It would be easier for a college student to write a quantum mechanics paper.

So, after putting the manual away, I spent the whole day thinking about one thing.

‘Do I really have to learn the Blue-Red Sword Technique?’

Of course, the Blue-Red Sword Technique is not a bad technique. In fact, it’s a very advanced technique at my level.

Especially the Blue Killing Qi and Red Flame Qi, the most distinctive features of the Blue-Red Sword Technique, are considered advanced techniques that are hard to find in the long history of martial arts.

‘But the problem is not that.’

No matter how good it is, if I can’t learn it, what’s the point? The Blue-Red Sword Technique is the kind of technique that would be listed in the "Godly Techniques" section of the martial arts theory on the wiki.

‘Should I try to learn it despite the difficulty, or should I look for another sword technique?’

So, when I went to Wijisa for advice, she managed to find time amidst her busy schedule to consult with me.

As soon as Wijisa heard my concerns, she thought for a moment and then spoke.

“Hmm... Indeed, learning a dual-sword technique is not easy. There are many difficulties for you, Seong Pyosah.”

“Then what should I do?”

When I asked, Wijisa looked a bit awkward and replied.

“Well... Actually, I recommend that you learn a different sword technique rather than a dual-sword technique.”

“Really?”

When I asked, Wijisa looked like she was trying to figure out how to explain.

“Yes. Because not only is it difficult to learn, but even after you learn it, it’s hard to say that it’s better than a single-sword technique.”

“Huh? It’s hard to say that it’s better?”

I was surprised and asked, wondering what she meant. Wijisa nodded and began to explain.

“Yes. The reason why there are few people who use dual swords these days is because it’s difficult to learn and takes a long time, but even after you learn it, it’s not that impressive.”

“But there are people who are famous for their dual-sword technique, like Lee Cheonjin, for example.”

I mentioned Lee Cheonjin of Wudang as an example. He was also one of the famous dual-sword users in the martial arts world. Wijisa shook her head and said.

“From a junior’s perspective, it’s hard to say, but they probably wouldn’t have been much different if they had used a single sword.”

So, those people were just naturally strong.

I was shocked by the truth and slightly opened my mouth, and Wijisa quickly added.

“Of course, dual-sword techniques are not without their advantages. They are useful in complex situations and can be applied in various ways.”

“Then...”

I was about to ask why she said that, and Wijisa added.

“But the people who can use dual swords so well are only those with exceptional intelligence. To be honest... they probably would have achieved the same fame even if they had only learned how to use a cudgel.”

In other words, Wijisa was saying that those who became famous for their dual-sword technique were just talented, and they would have reached that level and achieved that fame whether they used one hand, two hands, or even their feet.

I felt a bit down and asked.

“Then, should I learn a single-sword technique?”

When I asked, looking quite dejected, Wijisa nodded with a slightly embarrassed look and said.

“There’s no right answer in the path of martial arts. But for you, Seong Pyosah, it might be better.”

So, that’s how it is.

But the problem is that the only sword technique I know is the White Cloud Sword Technique, the basic technique of the Baegun Escort Agency.

‘Should I just practice the White Cloud Sword Technique to death?’

That doesn’t seem quite right...

The White Cloud Sword Technique is not bad, but I don’t think I can reach the level of Jochajik or Baecheonbaek just by mastering it.

‘I don’t think the developer of the White Cloud Sword Technique became an expert with it either.’

I’m a bit hesitant to say this, but I’ve never seen Baegun Hwa use the White Cloud Sword Technique.

‘What should I do?’

While I was lost in thought, Wijisa spoke cautiously.

“Um... Then, would you like to try learning our family’s martial arts?”

“Huh?”

It was quite a sudden suggestion.

***

As the name suggests, family martial arts can only be learned by members of that family. Even if someone is from a collateral line or has low intelligence, they might not be taught.

Of course, there are rare cases where family martial arts are passed on to outsiders, but such cases are extremely rare.

‘It’s almost like you have to save them from the brink of extinction or something.’

Even then, the person would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, promising not to leak the technique. The transmission of family martial arts is that strict.

The easiest way would be to marry into the family and establish a kinship.

“Um... What do you mean?”

When I asked, looking a bit confused, Wijisa tilted her head, looking puzzled, and then suddenly blushed and waved her hands.

“No, not that way.”

What did she mean by that?

While I was wondering, Wijisa quickly added.

“I’m talking about the martial arts that my grandfather created, which I mentioned before. It’s not a family martial art.”

“Ah, you mean your grandfather.”

I nodded, showing that I understood. I recalled what Wijisa had told me when we went camping at Mujang Mountain.

‘The grandfather who was tricked by that Ma Sect member named Mokweon.’

Wijisa’s grandfather, in his attempt to regain dominance in Hebei, fell into a trap set by a Ma Sect member, lost his mind, and ended up causing a tragedy.

It’s a truly tragic story. If he hadn’t had the ambition to dominate Hebei, Wijisa would probably be living happily with her family.

‘But is it okay to learn that technique?’

I remember she said it went out of control.

“Um, but didn’t you say that the Ma Sect member hid something bad in the technique?”

When I asked, Wijisa waved her hands and added.

“The technique I was thinking of teaching you is completely different from that.”

“Different?”

“Yes. My grandfather created more than one technique.”

I nodded at Wijisa’s words.

‘He must have been a real martial arts enthusiast.’

Creating a martial arts technique is not an easy task. It’s said that only a peak expert can create their own technique after a lifetime of hard work and insights.

Creating several techniques is a feat that only a true martial arts enthusiast could achieve.

“The name of the technique I want to teach you is the Yuan Yuan Sword Technique.”

Wijisa wrote “Yuan Yuan Sword Technique” (元圓劍訣) on the ground with a stick and then erased it with her foot, adding.

“It’s an easy technique, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to learn.”

“But is it okay for me to learn it?”

I asked. The current Wijisa family, except for Wijisa, is almost non-existent, so the technique could be considered one of the few legacies she has.

So, I asked if it was okay for me to learn it, and Wijisa smiled slightly and said.

“It’s fine. I use the family martial arts, so I don’t have a use for it. I’m sure my grandfather would be happy to see his technique continue.”

That makes sense. I nodded, feeling grateful. When I thanked her, Wijisa said, a bit shyly.

“No problem. We’ll start the lessons this evening.”

Another training session starting today.

***

The training location was set at an unused training ground of the Fengyun Martial Hall, which I asked Bungung Lin to arrange. I didn’t want anyone to see the transmission of the Yuan Yuan Sword Technique, so I chose the Fengyun Martial Hall to maintain secrecy.

“...So, I ask for your help.”

When I made this request, Bungung Lin looked a bit down and said.

“Well, if that’s the case, I do know a few sword techniques that I could teach you...”

“Huh?”

When I didn’t hear it properly and asked again, Bungung Lin blushed slightly and shook her head.

“No, never mind.”

“?”

I feel like I missed an opportunity.

While waiting for Wijisa, I looked around and noticed that it seemed much quieter than before, so I asked Bungung Lin.

“By the way, is the martial hall running well?”

It was late, but it felt empty, like a store that’s not doing well.

When I asked, Bungung Lin looked very troubled.

“To be honest, the headmaster has been helping a lot, but it’s not easy without Jochajik.”

“Hmm... I see.”

Jochajik, despite his character, was the head of the martial hall. His sudden disappearance must have been a significant blow to the martial hall.

“Yes. And we have a lot of debt.”

Bungung Lin said this with a slightly downcast look. According to what I heard from Baegun Hwa, a lot of debt collectors came after Jochajik disappeared. It’s a natural reaction when the debtor suddenly disappears.

‘The youth leader was in a mess too.’

I talked them out of demanding immediate repayment. I told them to wait and see. The Baegun Escort Agency promised to help, which is why the debt collectors are currently quiet. Otherwise, the Fengyun Martial Hall would have been sold and dissolved.

“What about the instructors?”

When I asked, Bungung Lin looked disappointed and said.

“Many of them quit after Jochajik disappeared.”

“I see.”

I nodded. It’s understandable. Jochajik was not just a martial hall head but also a superstar of the Fengyun Martial Hall.

‘Of course, anyone would want to learn from Jochajik.’

Jochajik, one of the Huabei Three Heroes, and Bungung Lin, the first disciple of the Xichuan Swordswoman, have different brand powers. Moreover, Bungung Lin is only a first-class expert, so she can’t compare to the peak expert Jochajik.

If you have a choice between a fitness center run by a health expert on TV and a regular fitness center, where would you go? It’s a natural choice.

“You must be going through a lot.”

When I offered my sympathy, Bungung Lin shook her head and said.

“It’s fine. I need to work harder. It’s much better than when I worked under Jochajik. I need to protect the martial hall that I worked hard to regain.”

Bungung Lin looked at the hall that had recently been rebuilt after a fire, with a determined look in her eyes.

Seeing Bungung Lin’s determined expression, I had an idea and asked.

“What if you bring the Xichuan Swordswoman here?”

She is one of the Huabei Three Heroes and a well-known female hero in Myanghyeon. She’s a star swordsman.

‘And the timing is perfect for her return.’

With Bungung Lin regaining control of the Fengyun Martial Hall, it’s a good time for her to return. Such news would spread quickly and get a good response.

When I suggested this, Bungung Lin looked thoughtful.

“Well, I’ve thought about it and tried to bring my teacher back, but...”

“But?”

When I asked what the problem was, Bungung Lin looked extremely troubled and said.

“When I tried to send a letter, Uncle Bae started making a fuss, saying he would deliver it himself. I don’t know what to do.”

“...”

Old people can be so troublesome, really.

If he does that, the Xichuan Swordswoman won’t come back. Absolutely not.

I looked at Bungung Lin with a sympathetic expression and said.

“You must be really conflicted.”

“Yes... I’m still trying to buy time by saying I haven’t finished the letter, but I don’t know what to do.”

Bungung Lin looked unusually dejected as she said this. I encouraged her and added.

“Uncle Bae is just being passionate. If you stop him, he might cause a scene.”

“Indeed...”

Bungung Lin’s shoulders slumped at this. I thought of Baecheonbaek.

‘He’s really a difficult person to deal with.’

After chatting a bit more, Bungung Lin said she had to get back to work and left. Soon after, Wijisa arrived.

Wijisa arrived, looking apologetic and bowed.

“I’m sorry for being late. Baegun Unni had me do something...”

“It’s fine. I just got here too.”

And since I asked her to tutor me after work, a little delay is no big deal. When I said this, Wijisa nodded, looking relieved.

“I see. But I heard some voices earlier...”

“Oh, I was just talking with Bungung.”

“Bungung?”

Wijisa’s eyes narrowed slightly. I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt I had to choose my words carefully. I cleared my throat and shrugged.

“Yes. She said it’s not easy to run the martial hall without Jochajik.”

“Hmm... Indeed, for a martial hall of this size, it’s hard to recruit instructors without a star-level expert.”

Wijisa nodded in agreement. She’s been helping with the branch management lately, so her ability to read the market has improved significantly.

“Yes. So, we talked about bringing the Xichuan Swordswoman back.”

“The Xichuan Swordswoman? Ah, indeed, that’s a good idea.”

Wijisa nodded, agreeing that it was a good idea. But when she heard my next words, her expression hardened instantly.

“But Uncle Bae is making a fuss about delivering the letter.”

“...”

Wijisa looked genuinely sympathetic. She felt for Bungung.

We chatted for a few more minutes. The moon, which had been hidden by clouds, peeked out slightly.

Wijisa looked up at the sky and said to me.

“Then, let’s start the lesson now.”

“Yes, please.”

It was time to learn the Yuan Yuan Sword Technique.