Chapter 47

Chapter 46. Even if it goes wrong, don't blame. (1)

"What, what is this?"

Yunjian gasped and looked at Hyunjong. Hyunjong was gazing into the distance, as if there was nothing he could do.

"Six Harmonies..."

His mind was in a tangle, and the situation was unclear.

The Six Harmonies are the fundamental skills that have supported Huashan for a long time. Just as beginners learn the correct way to hold a sword, and those who first learn to write memorize the Thousand Character Classic, all of Huashan's martial arts begin with mastering the Six Harmonies.

But time has passed and the era has changed. Huashan can no longer afford to maintain the slow and cumbersome Six Harmonies. They need to learn and progress faster.

That's why everyone came together to create the True Six Harmonies Sword Technique, wasn't it?

The True Six Harmonies Sword Technique can be learned faster and is more practical than the traditional Six Harmonies.

"Zhangmenren, wasn't it a conclusion we all reached together that the True Six Harmonies are necessary for Huashan?"

"Yes, it was."

"But this..."

Hyunjong sighed deeply.

"That's why I came to hear your opinion. As you said, re-establishing the True Six Harmonies as the foundation of Huashan was the will of Huashan. But the words of our ancestors are also important, aren't they?"

"..."

Yunjian nodded involuntarily.

It's not just important. The words of the sages are the guiding beacons for their successors. Every sect strives to follow the path of the sages.

How can we deny such clear guidance from our ancestors?

"Ugh."

"How do you think about it?"

"How can I..."

"You teach the children of Huashan. When it comes to the basics, I cannot ignore your opinion. Speak your mind frankly, without reservation."

Yunjian sighed deeply.

'This is difficult.'

The question of whether to follow tradition or embrace change has always been a dilemma for people. There is no clear answer.

"Zhangmenren, the reason we created the True Six Harmonies is because Huashan didn't have much time."

"Yes, it was."

Ultimately, the right path takes more time. Who doesn't know the excellence of the Six Harmonies? But at that time, Huashan didn't have the luxury of time to train disciples slowly. With the possibility of the sect being disbanded tomorrow, they couldn't afford to take the longer route.

"That's why I ask you, can Huashan see its future now?"

Hyunjong frowned.

This was also a difficult question.

'Future.'

Huashan has only solved one of its many pressing problems. Although it was the most urgent and important issue, many other problems remain.

"Your answer is not easy. I understand that you cannot give a clear answer."

"Zhangmenren."

Yunjian spoke as if he had made a decision.

"Then I am against it."

"Why?"

"Because it's not easy."

Yunjian sighed.

The True Six Harmonies and the Six Harmonies come from the same root but are entirely different martial arts. The fundamental principles that make up the martial arts are different. While the Six Harmonies are slow and steady, the True Six Harmonies are fast, flexible, and agile.

"Children learn quickly. They have already accepted the principles of the True Six Harmonies. Teaching them the Six Harmonies again would be difficult. It might result in them not being proficient in either. To master the Six Harmonies, a stable lower body and composure are essential. It's too late now."

Yunjian shook his head.

"Our ancestors didn't leave us meaningless words. If possible, I want to follow their guidance. But it's not feasible in reality."

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes, Zhangmenren."

"What did you say was the most important thing in mastering the Six Harmonies?"

"A stable lower body and composure..."

Yunjian blinked. Hyunjong subtly turned his head to look at the children practicing.

"A stable lower body?"

"..."

"Composure?"

"..."

"Their practice is going very well, isn't it?"

But I didn't do that.

That... that guy did it.

Yunjian's gaze fell on Qingming, who was swinging a wooden sword at the back.

'Could it be?'

No, it can't be. The situation is coincidental, but this is too much. Qingming isn't from Wudang; how could he have predicted this?

"From what I see, it doesn't seem too difficult for these children to relearn the Six Harmonies."

"Even if that's true... I'm worried they might be confused."

"Yunjian, isn't it our job to guide them through the confusion and lead them on the right path?"

Yunjian nodded blankly.

"Are the children confused, or are you?"

"Zhangmenren, can I have a moment?"

"Hmm?"

"I want to ask one of the children."

"A child?"

"I am not the one learning. To truly understand the path, it's better to ask the children who will learn the martial arts."

"That's a good idea."

Teaching flows from top to bottom, but ultimately, the children are the ones who receive it. Their thoughts are also important.

"Then, Yunjong..."

"Qingming!"

Before Hyunjong could say anything, Yunjian called out to Qingming loudly. Qingming, who was swinging his sword carelessly, flinched and looked over.

"Come here."

At Yunjian's words, Qingming put down his sword and walked over.

"Did you call me?"

"I have a question for you."

"Yes, ask away."

Yunjian paused slightly before speaking.

"Which do you think is more correct: going slowly but reaching higher, or going quickly and surely?"

Hyunjong, who was listening, showed a slight frown. The question was too philosophical. It might be too much for a child to understand...

'Ah, right. It's Qingming.'

This child is definitely special and might be able to understand and answer.

Sure enough, Qingming furrowed his brow in deep thought, then lifted his head and looked at Yunjian.

"Going higher is correct."

"Why?"

"Because we are Huashan."

"..."

Yunjian looked at Qingming with a stern face. The shock of this answer was evident in the slight twitching of his eyes.

Because we are Huashan.

'Hehehehe.'

Yunjian turned his head slightly to look at Hyunjong. Hyunjong had his eyes closed. Although his expression was hidden, it wasn't hard to guess what he was thinking.

Whether the answer is right or wrong is not important.

What's important is that this answer came from a child.

'That's right. We are Huashan.'

What they had lost.

The pride of Huashan.

A fragment of that distant past is now flowing from the mouth of Huashan's youngest disciple.

"A mediocre sect would choose the latter. But Huashan is different. To regain past glory and make Huashan's name known again, we cannot compromise with reality."

It was a question that didn't reveal his true intentions. But this child found the hidden meaning and answered with a straightforward and principled response.

"Does this mean that because we are Huashan, we cannot compromise?"

"That's what I think."

"I understand."

Yunjian nodded.

"Return to your place."

"Yes."

As Qingming walked away, Yunjian sighed. But before he could speak, Hyunjong spoke first.

"I am ashamed."

"Yes, Zhangmenren."

"To hear such words from a child. Hehe. Because we are Huashan. Because we are Huashan... Who among Huashan can say such things in the current situation?"

Hyunjong closed his eyes.

Even as the leader of Huashan, he couldn't bring himself to say such words. It was a response he couldn't even think about in his heart. Perhaps it was a response only a child, who knows nothing, could give.

But what's important is that this response makes him, who leads Huashan, feel ashamed.

"Huashan. Huashan."

"Zhangmenren."

Yunjian spoke in a solemn voice.

"It might be the words of a naive child. But because he is a child, he can avoid being swayed by various realities."

"I see."

"It might be difficult, but I don't want to be ashamed in front of this child."

Hyunjong sighed.

This is not a small matter. Deciding the basic skills is a very important task.

But more important is setting the direction for Huashan. This small conversation has quickly grown into a major decision, forcing Hyunjong to choose.

The choice of the path Huashan must take.

"Listen, Yunjian."

"Yes, Zhangmenren."

"In the name of the leader of Huashan, I hereby revert the basic skills from the True Six Harmonies to the Six Harmonies, effective immediately."

"I will follow your order."

"I will formally issue the order after consulting with the elders, but you should familiarize yourself with this matter and begin teaching the children the Six Harmonies before the official order arrives."

"Yes!"

Yunjian's eyes became resolute.

Huashan is Huashan.

They cannot remain a mediocre sect. As long as they bear the name of Huashan, they must always strive to be the best. Even if they are in the mud, they must always look forward to the day they will rise to become dragons.

This is the duty and calling of those who bear the name of Huashan.

"It's not just the Six Harmonies. We need to reconsider all of Huashan's martial arts. Your role as the head of Bai Mai Hall will be more important than ever."

"I am prepared, Zhangmenren. If I can repay the kindness of Huashan in this way, what more could I ask for?"

Hyunjong smiled and looked at the children.

'These children are the future of Huashan.'

They might not achieve it. Perhaps it won't happen in their generation. But by the time these children lead, Huashan's name must once again shake the world.

For this, Hyunjong would do anything. And the sages of Huashan, who are watching from the spirit realm, would surely be proud of him.

Definitely.

'That pitiful guy.'

Qingming, who had returned to his place, clicked his tongue.

Seeing them unable to make a proper decision and hesitating like this makes him want to tear his hair out.

'Do they have to ask? Do they have to ask? I practically put the food in their mouths, and now they're asking how to chew it.'

Better to die than to suffer. Better to die than to suffer.

"Phew."

"Why the sudden sigh?"

"Do you think you understand my feelings?"

"..."

"What?"

In response to Zhaogel's question, Qingming frowned.

'Think logically. These guys can't do anything right. The current situation is probably a mess.'

I need to visit Huayin once.

I'm worried about whether Huayin's business operations are properly organized. If I leave it to the Zhangmenren, nothing will be done properly. Qingming has to take care of it.

"Ha. This sect can't function without me."

"Senior Brother, what is that guy saying?"

"Let him be. Is this the first time?"

Everyone sighed at the same time.