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chapter 18
Thinking that he had come because of the incident earlier that day, Jeok Hwa-myeong’s expression wasn’t very good.
“What brings you here?”
He asked, even though he already knew.
“I heard that your family was insulted today.”
He spoke as he observed Geom-ryeong, but there was no particular reaction.
“So, you came on behalf of your younger brother?”
“That’s not it. I came to let you know that if your brother was embarrassed by this young hero, it is due to his own shortcomings, not because your family is lacking.”
“I already made it clear to Geom-ryeong earlier. He won’t go around spreading stories about Yi Do-gi, nor will he belittle your family.”
Although Jeok Hwa-myeong said it clearly, Yi Do-gi spoke to Geom-ryeong after asking for his understanding.
“I heard from your younger brother that you used a sorcery technique.”
Jeok Hwa-myeong narrowed his eyes.
He had been present at the time, yet he could find no trace that Geom-ryeong had actually used any sorcery. All that had happened was a simple movement of his hand toward his face. Calling that sorcery was a stretch.
“How strange. Why is it that people refuse to acknowledge their own shortcomings?”
He asked Jeok Hwa-myeong, but got no answer.
Geom-ryeong stood up and turned to face Yi Do-gi.
“Whether I used sorcery or not, what difference does it make? Let’s say I did, as you claim. So what? Sorcery is also a form of martial arts, isn’t it? Are only the techniques you’ve learned considered martial arts, while others’ are not? Why can’t people admit their own weaknesses, and instead envy others?”
Yi Do-gi was momentarily unable to respond.
Sorcery was indeed a form of martial arts. While it was mainly practiced by martial artists from unconventional schools rather than orthodox ones, it was still unquestionably martial arts.
“What do you consider sorcery? Is it unfair to lose to a conventional technique but unfair to lose to sorcery?”
“That is…”
Yi Do-gi couldn’t answer.
“Before blaming it on sorcery, shouldn’t one first reflect on their own deficiencies? If what I’m saying is wrong, speak up.”
There was nothing incorrect in Geom-ryeong’s words.
Knowing that sorcery had been used wouldn’t bring the dead back to life. As Geom-ryeong said, one must be cautious oneself.
“If it were me, instead of wasting time coming here, I would just work hard to improve myself. Am I wrong?”
Jeok Hwa-myeong was somewhat surprised by Geom-ryeong’s boldness.
What kind of family was Shin Chang-ui’s? On a national scale, perhaps not remarkable, but in Guangdong Province, it was one of the most prestigious families.
Being from the strongest family in Guangdong, they wielded power. Yet, Geom-ryeong was fearless, speaking freely and even giving a gentle admonishment—a boldness that was impressive.
“Did you really use sorcery?”
Jeok Hwa-myeong asked.
“That’s just what people say. It seems they called it sorcery because they were upset by being defeated. As I said earlier, it’s not sorcery—it’s a matter of natural dominance, like a predator and its prey.”
Yi Do-gi narrowed his eyes at the term “predator-prey.”
“Animals have an instinct and nature that makes them freeze when facing a stronger opponent. That’s all there is to it.”
Geom-ryeong looked at Yi Do-gi again.
“Do you want to see for yourself whether it’s sorcery?”
Yi Do-gi nodded. Geom-ryeong slowly extended his hand, at the same speed as he had toward Yi Do-gi’s brother.
Thud!
Geom-ryeong’s hand touched Yi Do-gi’s face. At that moment, both Jeok Hwa-myeong and Yi Do-gi were shocked.
“This….”
Yi Do-gi’s expression was one of disbelief.
“Judging by your expression, I should try again.”
Slowly, Geom-ryeong moved his hand again. Yi Do-gi stared intently. As the hand approached, he moved—but Geom-ryeong’s hand reached his face first.
“Do you understand now?”
Yi Do-gi remained silent.
“If this is the sorcery your brother spoke of, then every martial art in the world should be considered sorcery.”
Yi Do-gi was too shocked to respond.
“Whether it’s sorcery or not, if you don’t wish to make things more troublesome, perhaps it’s time to leave.”
Yi Do-gi studied Geom-ryeong.
It wasn’t a matter of being frozen by fear. There was no hesitation—just the simple reality: the hand came, and it touched the face. That was all.
Yi Do-gi sensed some hidden secret in this.
Sighing, Yi Do-gi turned to Jeok Hwa-myeong.
“May I join the drinking party as well?”
Jeok Hwa-myeong and Geom-ryeong exchanged surprised glances, clearly not expecting this.
“Well… very well.”
Unable to refuse, Jeok Hwa-myeong allowed him to sit.
“My friend.”
Jom-so-i, worried that trouble might arise, hurried over when called.
“Bring more cups, wine, and snacks.”
“As you wish, Master Yi Do-gi!”
The three sat together, drinking and chatting. At first, it was awkward, but as they spoke, Jeok Hwa-myeong grew to appreciate Yi Do-gi’s sincerity as a martial artist.
Geom-ryeong also seemed intrigued, especially when Yi Do-gi spoke of the “later-generation elites.”
The discussions of Cheon Nam-yeon, Gu Young-cheol, and Yak Bing—figures who had shaped an era or now were elders or deceased—were fascinating. But now, hearing about future martial arts elites and potential leaders, both Jeok Hwa-myeong and Yi Do-gi found it interesting.
“So, what is your level?”
They asked Yi Do-gi.
“I train diligently, but I don’t know exactly.”
Geom-ryeong assessed Yi Do-gi’s abilities based on this.
—The overall martial arts level must have risen by now.
Cheon Nam-yeon had said so. Having been absent from the martial world for fifty years, it was expected that the level of martial arts would have increased.
‘Not much, perhaps. Or maybe the elders were just too strong, making everyone else seem weak in comparison.’
“That means you wouldn’t easily lose to other late-generation elites, correct? The presence of the top 100 masters implies the same for late-generation elites. Then you must also rank among them.”
“But I couldn’t avoid your hand.”
Geom-ryeong smiled broadly. There was a strange charm in that smile.
With her delicate appearance, she could easily be mistaken for a woman, and smiling like that, it was believable.
“That’s true for other late-generation elites as well, so don’t worry.”
“Other late-generation elites as well?”
Jeok Hwa-myeong asked.
“Of course.”
“Then you must be the strongest among them.”
Jeok Hwa-myeong laughed awkwardly as he spoke.
“If you were swinging a sword at your waist like that, no one could stop you.”
“I told you I’m a master, didn’t I?”
