Absolute Sword Sense

d I should also learn a thing or two from you.
So, should we do it?”

I looked at Jin Gyun, who was on the floor above.
There was a frown on his forehead.
He must have known that his grandson was no match for me.

It was polite to just look and nod.

[What do I do now?]

I asked him silently, and Jin Gyun sighed as he nodded.

It was likely because if he stopped it now after his grandson declared it in front of everyone, the child would become more embarrassed.

[Do not think of going easy on him just because he is my grandson.]

Jin Gyun told me.

I think this was why they said that the cub of a tiger always ended up becoming a tiger.
Of course, there were several other reasons too.

-What is that?

He seemed to have some idea of my skills, but he wanted me to prove myself.
He didn’t want me to hold back.
At that moment, a tall man in his mid-30s wearing a dark blue uniform stood up from next to Jin Gyun.

After excusing himself to Jin Gyun, he jumped down to our floor.

Tak!

Seeing the man effortlessly jump down, he had clearly used light footwork.

“Taoist Chung Myung.”

‘Chung Myung?’

Where have I heard this name before… ah!

-Someone you know?

He was.

It was my first time seeing his face, though.

– What are you talking about?

Chung Myung, the Plum Blossom Swordsman.

If I recall correctly, he should be around 35 now.

He may not belong to the younger generation, but he was one of the Three Dragons Two Peaks, who were in the limelight ten years ago.

Just a normal yet handsome face.

– Wasn’t it like this in the other life?

That’s right.

At that time, he was the leader of a martial troop, and his face became disfigured after being bitten by a poisonous beast while fighting Gu Jae-yang.

After his face changed like that, I heard that his personality also became cold.
But looking at him now, I had a different impression.

He seemed more composed, and the eyes looking at me held compassion as well.

‘And his skills?’

It seemed quite alright.

In my past life, he was touted as the next sect leader of Mount Hua.
He was at roughly the super master level, with his energy still improving.
It appeared that he would eventually reach a level beyond super master.

Considering his skill level, he likely would survive a fight against Gu Jae-yang.

– He won’t have to ruin his face anymore.

Ahh… that was right.

Gu Jae-yang, who had been the golden-eyed man’s subordinate in the Blood Sect, had been exposed and his martial arts destroyed before he was imprisoned.

Those who received an advantage from this changed history, whether consciously or unconsciously, would inevitably emerge.

Chak!

Bowing before me, Chung Myung, the renowned Plum Blossom Swordsman, spoke.

“It is an honor to meet our esteemed junior, the most famous of our ranks.
I am known as Mount Hua’s Chung Myung.”

“I greet the Plum Blossom Swordsman.
I am So Wonwhi.”

“Even if we hadn’t met now, I wanted to see you in person because of your growing fame.
I also wanted to come and seek guidance from you.”

‘Guidance?’

Did Sima Jong-hyun imply that this would happen after revealing his hand?

Since the Murim Alliance had suffered chaotic situations recently, Sima Jong-hyun had been claiming the need for a new hero.
Was it because of that?

With So Wonwhi’s increasing reputation, the Murim Alliance must have started to take notice.

Wait, Taoist Chung Myung was a member of the alliance, so why was he with Jin Gyun here?

-What’s the issue?

Jin Gyun was someone who tended to remain neutral even in the Justice Faction.
He didn’t involve himself in any power struggles and only joined the tournament to help his grandchildren gain experience.
He was only somewhat related to the Murim Alliance.

Although uncertain, Taoist Chung Myung bowed and said,

“It is the first time that this is happening, but I also want to ask my junior for a spar.
Is that alright?”

Huh?

What was this now?

Apart from Jin Young, even Chung Myung wanted a spar? Jin Young, who initiated the spar, looked perplexed.

“Taoist Chung Myung? Why all of a sudden?”

“Well.
Did you think you were the only one who wanted to compete with him? I also wanted to spar with this most famous friend in recent times.”

From his eyes and voice, it was evident that he was desperate to duel me.
It was pure greed.

-Did he hear the rumors about your skills? Why would he do this?

I could sense it by just looking into his eyes.

His eyes were slightly more innocent than Jin Young’s, but it seemed like he had the same motivation – to confirm if the rumors were true.

There was no one who valued people’s skills more than the Justice Faction, but once a person reached the position of Chung Myung, they had no choice but to engage in sparring to continue growing.

-Even if they can’t fight?

Yes.

How would he be able to apply for the position of an Alliance member or captain otherwise? He could face criticism if there was no justification for it.

-You’re the easiest target.

Yes.

If my reputation was as high as that, how could they miss the chance?

A fantastic opportunity to test oneself against formidable fighters and acquire valuable experience, possibly even cultivating a renowned reputation.

– Based on what you’ve mentioned, this scenario is likely to persist.

Indeed.

When there existed a disparity of abilities, individuals aligned with the Forces of Evil would avoid engaging in combat unless they found themselves in dire circumstances where they needed to gamble their life.

It was evident that if this strategy was implemented within boundaries, they would persistently launch further challenges.

-What will you do?

I needed to set some boundaries, but still allow it to happen.

As it involved So Wonwhi, I couldn’t simply back down.
Meanwhile, the two were locked in a subtle battle of wills, each vying to be the first to go.

“If Taoist Chung Myung wishes it, then go ahead.
However, shouldn’t we spar first since you’re the senior?”

“No.
Jin, I’ll go first.
I initiated the spar, so how can you be selfish now?”

Those who went later would have an advantage over those who did it first in a spar.
This was because they could predict the opponent’s strength, giving them an edge.

Making concessions to each other like this was not just for the experience.
Both parties seemed to have a strong desire to duel properly with me.

“Still, isn’t there a thing called duty? Junior should yield.”

“Huh, isn’t it alright?”

I addressed the seemingly endless conversation between the two who were trying to push the other.

“I am running out of time, so let’s do it for both of you simultaneously.”

Upon hearing this, both individuals gazed at me with a rigid expression.

“What does this entail?”

“Perform the task simultaneously?”

I remained silent, offering no response.

“If you engage in a spar, does it truly matter who completes it more quickly? And with your combined effort, wouldn’t you achieve something greater?”

“Both of us?”

Upon hearing these words, the countenances of the two men contorted.

It appeared that their sense of pride had been provoked.

But I needed to address this right now to prevent it from happening again.
Jin Young couldn’t hide his anger and exclaimed,

“Despite our growing reputation, do you expect us to work together? Are you mocking us?”

“I am not.”

“But you want both of us to attack simultaneously? What are you playing at when I said this was a spar…?”

I raised my right hand to his forehead.

Then I gently snapped my fingers.

Snap.

“Ack!”

He clutched his forehead, screaming in pain, before spinning around a couple of times and finally collapsing.

‘…!!’

Chung Myung’s mouth hung wide open in disbelief, unable to conceal his shock, and I responded politely.

“I simply thought it didn’t fit.”