MTL NOVEL Chapter 24
In truth, I have no real need to sleep.
Sleep is something we indulge in for the sake of physical rest and emotional peace, isn’t it?
My body, which has nearly achieved immortality, is always in peak condition unless taxed mentally.
As for my mind… well, there were certainly some broken periods in the past, but I’m in a fairly restored state now.
Because of all this, I have no particular duty or need to sleep soundly. And yet, I often drift off, seeing it as a way to let time flow idly by.
For there exists no better way to spend time empty of thought than sleep.
After waking in the morning, one particular scene has been greeting me lately.
“…”
It’s none other than Gayoung Jin, vigorously swinging her sword.
Lately, ever since waking up, all I seem to see is her training.
It’s not that it bothers me—I actually find it endearing; it reminds me of myself in my youth.
“…”
I rise from bed and place my feet on the warm floor, feeling none of the fatigue and weariness I once knew.
Perhaps it’s because my recent swordplay has become so effortless that I don’t even notice it as practice anymore.
Agg-jjak!
I pick up an apple from the nearby table and take a bite, its crisp texture melting satisfyingly in my mouth.
After briefly savoring its tangy sweetness, I rinse my face from a nearby basin, even though I technically have no blemishes to wash off. It’s merely the refreshing sensation of the act I subconsciously seek.
With my face freshly cleaned, I tidy up my clothing and step outside, where Gayoung Jin is still deeply immersed in her sword training.
“You must loosen your grip.”
“Huh! A-uncle?! Wh-when did you wake up?”
“Only a few moments ago.”
“What did you just say…? About what?”
“I just woke up.”
“No no, before that.”
“I said you’re grasping your sword too tightly. You need to relax your grip.”
“Um… could you explain that a bit more?”
“It’s quite simple.”
The sword techniques Gayoung Jin has learned from the Taewon Jin Clan, the Jin Chienbyeongyeom Swordplay, possesses the nature of a heavy blade technique.
Like my sword.
However, its weight does not come from the sheer application of force.
“Think about it this way. You’re swinging a sword, not your grip on it.”
“Huh?”
“You need to channel your strength through the tip of the sword, not through your hand. By tensing your hand while swinging, you’re inevitably applying undue strain on your wrist and will never fully unleash its potential.”
“Ah… Could you demonstrate it once?”
“Of course.”
I took her sword and swung it effortlessly.
To gauge its weight is unnecessary.
It’s the fundamental principle of heavy blade techniques, understood by most martial artists.
Whoosh!
“Wow.”
Gayoung Jin let a short exclamation of admiration escape after witnessing my technique.
Even something so simple seems to inflate pride easily.
“The sword’s weight isn’t something to overcome but something to harness.”
“Indeed, with this understanding, you should be capable now.”
“One try will tell, right?”
I don’t even need to watch her try—it’s already evident from her face that she grasps the concept.
A flash of enlightenment is visibly marked there.
You certainly live up to the title of genius.
Whoosh!
As expected, after swinging her sword a few times, Gayoung achieved the technique I demonstrated.
Joy radiates across her face.
Watching her, pride swells within me too.
“Um, Uncle.”
“Yes.”
The girl, who’d been jumping around in her new understanding of the blade, suddenly addressed me.
“What’s the best way to counter fast swordplay with a heavy blade?”
“Fast swordplay? Just swing harder.”
“N-no, not really. I mean… super fast, really fast… perhaps even ultimate fast swordplay.”
“You’re worried about White Flower, aren’t you?”
“Ahem, since our next destination is Shanxi… yes, I suppose it’s come to that.”
“Shaanxi is home to Zhongnan too. Are you planning to bypass them?”
“Not even close. Even now, if we mention the three great sects in martial arts, Huashan would be third after Shaolin and Wudang.”
“Hmm…”
Gayoung Jin is ambitious.
Though I’d like to satisfy her ambitions with my martial arts skills, what she truly seeks is the growth of the Taewon Jin Clan.
Success built solely by an outsider doesn’t seem like something her personality would accept easily.
“Miss, may I offer you a necessary piece of advice?”
“Please go ahead; where’s the impropriety when speaking to someone like you, Uncle?”
“Huashan and Zhongnan are on a completely different level from places like Mount Hengshan’s Sword Sect. They’re not places whose foundations would waver from the death of just one top martial artist.”
“Ah… So I am rushing things, then?”
“Yes, you mentioned wanting to be among the Five Great Families, didn’t you? Then, first, become a top martial artist. While having a top martial expert isn’t absolutely necessary to be in the Five Great Houses or the Nine Great Sects, for a clan like Taewon Jin, which lacks a solid foundation, it’s crucial.”
“Ugh… Don’t hit the bone! Even though… isn’t this seeing our school too lowly despite being the top sect in Shanxi?”
“You’re well aware that it’s only because of the White Blade Wanderer.”
“…”
“I know it too… Sigh, I might be moving too far ahead in my thoughts.”
Gayoung Jin bows her shoulders in defeat.
It’s harsh, but this is reality, and I can do little about it.
All I can do for Gayoung Jin is to illuminate the path through the daunting reality she faces.
Rather than fill her with unattainable hopes, I know this through personal experience in regression.
“The plum blossom swords of Huashan are unparalleled. The peerless sword of Gu Jing, the Lone Swordsman of Shaanxi, rivals the heavens.”
“So, the Great Ancestor was right? Our family’s Jin Chienbyeongyeum Swordplay is crude compared to such accomplishments?”
“The drifting clouds sword of Zhongnan is said to have made even Zhang Sanfeng marvel in awe. They speak of the Nine Shadows True Qi and Ouyang Skill as the forebears to Shaolin, Wudang, and Emi Sect martial techniques.”
“Oww… Why do you keep bringing this up! I already know that our techniques don’t reach those heights!”
“The Jin Chienbyeongyeum of the Taewon Jin Clan… is weak. It’s a heavy blade, yes, but managing two opposing energy currents simultaneously makes mastering it extremely difficult. Even if perfected, expectations of it won’t match those of Gu Jing or Ouyang skill.”
“It hurts… Please stop!”
“But, this is not a fault with the martial technique itself.”
“Huh?”
“The core of Jin Chienbyeongyeum is remarkably profound. Handling the energies of fire and water—this technique transcends the balance of Yin and Yang. The foundation of Jin Chienbyeongyeum is superior.”
“Y-you’re making me feel so emotional by suddenly praising our ancestral arts…”
“Only because the founder’s achievements were limited, the limits of the technique also became evident. While the idea and concept were sound, the execution left something to be desired. The result is today’s Jin Chienbyeongyeum.”
“…Where are you going with this? Not just to point out flaws, right?”
Precisely. It’s saddening to see such a promising talent and ambition bump into a clearly defined ceiling.
With her current progress, achieving great enlightenment or a legendary encounter, barring those, she’s unlikely to reach the level of a supreme master in martial arts.
So, I’d like to make a proposal.
“May I refine the Jin Chienbyeongyeum with you?”
“Nani? Refined?”
“Yes. I won’t alter its foundation. I’ll recreate it, guaranteeing a technique that will not disappoint. I swear this on the name of the Sword Sage.”
“But… it’s sudden! What do you mean refining it all of a sudden?”
“I understand your confusion. But you also know how the current Jin Chienbyeongyeum has clear limits. You’ve felt it during your training as well.”
“B-but, however much, modifying something I’ve honed all my life…”
“This isn’t abandoning your technique. It’s fine-tuning it. Reflect carefully—on who is standing before you.”
It’s a bit embarrassing to say but, to enlighten reality, it’s necessary.
Sword Sage Namgung Cheolbin.
A name that overshadows even the legendary Bodhidharma—despite his current circumstances—and leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind about its superiority in martial arts.
It’s possible that Gayoung Jin, having been around me so long, had begun to forget. She’s one who knows my reputation well.
“Uh… Give me a moment…”
I know this is an intrusive suggestion.
That it could wound her pride.
However, knowing her spirit well, I believe Gayoung Jin would choose practicality over superficial pride.
No matter the slight mental anguish that might come with it.
“…”
Additionally, although I haven’t learned any external techniques aside from the Namgung family’s inherited ones, I do have experience devising martial arts.
Though it didn’t play out in this timeline, realizing that overcoming obstacles solely with my power was difficult, I once cultivated an elite special force unit. All the techniques they learned were crafted entirely by me.
And I’ve also crafted techniques on the spot for a girl with pink hair who was worried about making ends meet.
“Uncle, may I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“You know the upcoming Seven Flowers Tournament, right?”
“Yes.”
It’s the event I’m most concerned about lately.
“My goal is to surpass White Flower from Huashan… but she’s not the only one there. From Kunlun’s Jade Flower known as the strongest among the seven, to Fist Flower, Heavenly Flower, Venom Flower, Snow Flower… ‘That Person’ will be there as well.”
While I could have just said it outright, using the term ‘that person’ is touching.
Even when speaking to someone three years her junior.
Although it’s clearly a gesture of consideration towards me, it’s gratifying.
“Feel free to say it. Thunder Flower.”
“Uh… Still… Uncle…”
She’s my daughter.
Disowned from formal records, but by blood…
“I have only one thing to add that could aid your choice.”
“?
“Right now, my greatest concern is how I can ensure your victory in the Seven Flowers Tournament.”
“Ah!”
“It’s not about worrying about a daughter.”
But what does that even mean?
Why should I care about a daughter who doesn’t recognize me as her father?
Especially now that we’re rivals.
“You want to defeat White Flower, but it’s Thunder Flower I’m concerned about.”
“R-really?”
“Jade Flower is a wall that’s not worth mentioning. Thunder Flower is a prodigy. By far the most talented individual I’ve ever seen. It’s why she could achieve the unprecedented feat of being included in the Seven Flowers at only fifteen.”
“I’ve certainly heard it all about Thunder Flower. The story of the child of a thousand years’ talent has been drilled into me.”
“Yes, and she’s also one of my own creations.”
“Hmm…”
“Think it over. I’ll step aside for a little bit. Remember, the Seven Flowers Tournament is fast approaching.”
Having said this, as I turn to depart…
“…”
Gayoung Jin’s delicate hands grasp my wrist.
“Have you made up your mind?”
“…Yes, I have.”
Her tone might sound hesitant, but there’s a firm resolve within.
“Despite the trouble, I’ll entrust my family’s swordplay to you.”
“I will not let you down.”
“Don’t feel pressured.”
Finally, I have a decent pastime.
My own private pastime.