They got me today. (2)
Kuwung!
Another sword warrior fell to the ground.
Namgung Dowi opened his tightly shut eyes and counted the fallen ones.
‘One, two, three… six…’
Precisely six. These six were not only a testament to Namgung Clan’s vulnerability but also a symbol of it’s stubborn spirit. They had witnessed their comrades faint from being explosively struck in the head, yet they refused to accept the outcome and run ahead, only to meet the same fate – a total of six.
All thanks to Tang Soso’s sword.
‘I don’t know.’
Should he laugh or cry?
Thanks to Tang Soso’s decisive defeat of Namgung’s swordsmen, it was undeniably proven that his choice had been correct. There was no other way to prove it more conclusively.
‘But is this something to be truly happy about?’
Namgung Clan’s swordsmen, who had trained in swordsmanship for years, being swept away like fallen leaves by a novice Tang Soso – how could one interpret such a scene?
Namgung Dowi glanced back for a moment.
Namgung’s swordsmen had faces that looked as if they had seen ghosts. Shock, disbelief, and astonishment were all mingled in their complex expressions as they stood there.
And then…
Clap, clap, clap.
Someone stepped forward and lightly clapped their hands.
“Well, it seems that this friendly competition has gone far enough. It’s just a sparring match, so let’s not dwell on the results…”
Baek Cheon, with an awkward expression, quickly tried to salvage the situation. Namgung Dowi looked at him, feeling a mixture of gratitude and apology.
After all, Baek Cheon’s actions were an effort to save Namgung’s last bit of dignity, a tearful endeavor. But…
“Just a moment, Sasuk.”
“Soso, it’s time to…”
“I still have something to say. It’ll be quick.”
“Fine.”
In the end, Baek Cheon, overshadowed by Tang Soso, lowered his head and reluctantly stepped aside. She took a step forward and examined Namgung’s swordsmen one by one.
No one… not even Namgung Dowi himself, met her gaze. They averted their eyes.
“You guys.”
“…”
“My Sahyeong said he would personally teach you and I hear you complained?”
“…”
“What’s so great about all of you?”
Namgung’s swordsmen’s shoulders shivered. The humiliation poured over the already thick sense of defeat.
“Namgung Clan? A prestigious lineage? Of course, it’s great. Naturally great. But… did you make the name of Namgung Clan that you’re so proud of?”
“…”
“Come to your senses.”
Tang Soso’s gaze, which surveyed everyone, was cold.
Tang Soso, the one who knows better than anyone how arrogant and prideful those with the prestigious name can be. If it weren’t for her situation of being relegated to the side due to being a woman, she might have grown up just like them.
“You’re just beginners. Without the name ‘Namgung’, you’re nothing but brats.”
At these words, Namgung Dowi tightly closed his eyes. Even though he knew it wasn’t directed at him, his heart ached.
“If you think that by wearing the shell of Namgung Clan, you’ll automatically become strong, it looks like you’ve got it all wrong. If people like you are supposed to represent the name of Namgung, the day when the name of Namgung Clan falls to the ground isn’t far off.”
“Nunim!”
“…Isn’t that a bit harsh?”
“Harsh?”
Tang Soso actually wore a slight smile in response to the immediate rebuttal.
“So, you’re telling me, who hasn’t even learned the sword for a few years, to shut up about the sword even though it’s coming from my mouth?”
“…”
Namgung’s swordsmen fell silent once again.
This was one thing they couldn’t excuse with any words. Even if the most eloquent speaker in the world were brought to debate, they would only close their mouths and close their eyes.
“You’re just greenhorns who focus on appearances.”
Tang Soso said coldly.
“If you truly want to become strong, start from the basics. Don’t think for a moment that you can hold your own against your enemies with such a loud and pointless swordsmanship.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
“…”
Just as they were finally letting go of their humiliation, Tang Soso’s cold voice once again reached the ears of the defeated ones.
“And…”
“…”
“Be thankful to my Sahyeong. He sent me out for your sake. If someone else had stepped forward, your loss would have been even more brutal.”
That statement was the final blow. The heads of Namgung’s swordsmen, who had already lost any resistance, drooped low. Their pupils lost their light, and their hands trembled as thin as a thread.
Baek Cheon, who had been quietly observing their pitiable state, wore a strange expression. At that moment, Jo Geol whispered to him.
“Hey, Sasuk.”
“…What?”
“Isn’t this a complete scam?”
“…Keep it down.”
Baek Cheon quietly placed an index finger on his mouth.
“No, seriously, it’s a scam…”
Yoon Jong reached out and grabbed Jo Geol’s ear without a word.
“Shut up, you brat!”
“Ow, ow!”
Baek Cheon looked at Namgung Clan with a somewhat pained expression.
‘…It’s a scam.’
If someone else had stepped forward, would it have been even more disastrous?
‘Well…’
Of course, if someone like Ogeom had stepped forward, that statement wouldn’t be wrong. But when Tang Soso said that she was the weakest among those from Hwasan, it was different.
If you evaluated it rationally, Tang Soso’s skills were now among the top even within Hwasan. From an early age, she had received the full attention of Tang Gunak and consumed various elixirs like snacks. She also had consumed Jasodan.
Among Hwasan’s disciples, in terms of inner power alone, she could rival the top two.
Moreover, if someone else had stepped forward, it might have been easier to deal with them. However, the sight of her overwhelming them with brute force was something that would have been difficult for others to achieve.
To catch up to what they lacked, it would require starting from the basics. Tang Soso had spent the past three years tirelessly building her foundation.
Watching the speed at which her skills improved, one might think, “What a dirty world, talent is everything!” and be tempted to throw their swords in frustration. But watching her training, one would think, “That’s why her skills improve,” while carefully picking up the discarded swords. It was only Tang Soso who could create this kind of a scene.
‘Chung Myung probably sent Soso out to create this scene.’
It must have been humiliating for them to be obliterated by someone who learned to use a sword much later in life.
The faces of Namgung’s swordsmen showed clear signs of shock. Seeing the difference in skill, Baek Cheon couldn’t help but be proud of Tang Soso.
As the daughter of the head of the Tang family, Tang Soso’s presence represented the relationship between Hwasan and Tangga. While she had come to learn the sword, there were very few people who could have lived as casually as she did, prioritizing the social aspects over rigorous training.
Tang Soso had poured everything she had into becoming recognized as a sword warrior. The extent of her struggle was known only to those who watched her from the sidelines.
And the fruit of that tireless effort was finally proven today.
At this moment, Tang Soso had every reason to be proud of herself. Even she could be proud of the tears she had shed for this achievement.
“Sago…oooo!”
Tang Soso approached Yu Iseol, who had been silently watching the scene unfold, and hugged her, repeatedly shaking her back and forth.
“Did I do well? Right?”
Yu Iseol, who had been expressionless, leaned away from Tang Soso and then back in, without a word.
“Your elbow is still stiff.”
“The, the elbow? I focused on that.”
Tang Soso made a motion to fold and stretch her arm.
“Stronger lower body, more flexibility in the arms.”
“Yes! I’ll remember that!”
Tang Soso nodded earnestly.
Baek Cheon chuckled when he saw her like that.
‘No, not just Tang Soso.’
Without the constant teaching from Yu Iseol over the past three years, today’s spectacle wouldn’t have been possible.
And then, Chung Myung stepped forward from behind.
“Hmm.”
With that short utterance, he captured everyone’s attention. He looked at Namgung Clan with a calm gaze.
“Then.”
“….”
“What more do you want me to prove?”
When Chung Myung grinned, the faces of Namgung’s swordsmen reddened. They realized how absurd their actions must have appeared to Hwasan Geomhyeop.
Let alone the Hwasan Geomhyeop, weren’t they overpowered by Tang Soso?
“Let’s leave the jokes here.”
Chung Myung lightly snapped his fingers.
“Some can’t understand even if we explain, and others won’t grasp it even if we show it. I’m not so free that I’ll drag everyone along, including those who can’t understand.”
“Dojang…”
“By tomorrow morning, make up your minds.”
He summed up the situation neatly and clearly.
“Starting tomorrow, it’s not just a sample of training like before; it’s going to be real, proper training. Probably more challenging than it’s been so far.”
“…”
“If you don’t like that, don’t bother coming to train from tomorrow onwards. I won’t chase after you.”
Namgung Dowi raised his head.
“D-Dojang! That’s…”
“You need to keep your positions as well.”
Chung Myung spoke sternly.
“Chasing after those who won’t come with you and being upset by them is a form of greed. It only harms those who truly have the determination. If you genuinely care about Namgung Clan, you should be ready to cut away the rotten parts.”
A deep sigh escaped Namgung Dowi’s lips. He had no choice but to admit that Chung Myung’s words were correct. With the current mindset, they would merely repeat their sloppy training.
“Alright, Dojang.”
“Then, until tomorrow…”
“Just one thing…”
At that moment, an interruption came. Chung Myung’s gaze shifted down. Namgung Dan, who had fallen to the ground, had lifted his head and was looking at him.
“May I ask just one question?”
“Sure, whatever.”
Struggling to his feet, Namgung Dan stared intently at Chung Myung before speaking,
“If we follow your training, can we become stronger?”
Chung Myung laughed.
“If you can become stronger?”
“Yes, we…”
“Easy there, you idiot.”
A bit startled, Namgung Dan turned to Chung Myung, who gave him a sharp look.
He continued with a stern tone.
“I’m here to kick the butts of those who want to try. I’m not here to comfort crying babies.”
Namgung Dan’s face quickly drained of color.
“Dojang…”
“If you want to get stronger, then work harder. Don’t come whining to me.”
Namgung Dan clenched his fists tightly. Chung Myung took a cold glance at him and turned to Namgung Dowi.
“Don’t force them.”
Namgung Dowi nodded silently.
“Let them choose the path. Even if there are only a few people left, it will be much better than just filling up the head count.”
Namgung Dowi nodded.
“I understand.”
With that, Chung Myung turned around, pulled out a flask from his belt, and staggered away. The Ogeom and Hwasan disciples followed him.
Left in the large courtyard of the manor, Namgung’s swordsmen watched the backs of the Hwasan’s disciples moving away.
________
If you want to support my translations you can subscribe to my Patreon. I have more chapters translated there!
Return of the Mount Hua 
Leave a comment