Book 24 Chapter 14

Sword of the Sword Pavilion

- Memory of the Body

"Even if Unni forgets everything else, I can't forget this technique!"

Na Yerin thought as she performed the qi circulation technique of the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword. The technique she was about to unleash with all her might held special meaning for these two people.

For them, this technique was a monumental wall. When they couldn't overcome this wall of technique, they were merely fledgling chicks. After arduous effort, when they mastered this technique and received their passing grades, they could become birds capable of flying on their own wings. It was a technique that carried such meaning and weight.

She recalled the ultimate secret technique of the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword, 'Hanbing Seokok,' which took months of hard training for the two of them to learn, suffer, and awaken together. How many times had they failed while trying to master that technique? Usually, if one focused on the speed of a sword technique, its precision and complexity would suffer, and if one pursued precision and complexity, its speed would falter. However, the ultimate secret technique, 'Hanbing Seokok (寒氷閃玉),' was a technique that maximized speed while maintaining the precision of the technique. One could only master this ultimate technique by achieving a perfect balance where speed and precision were in equilibrium. And it was not as easy as it seemed; it required tremendous repetitive training and endless challenges. This technique was a kind of gateway; if one failed to master it here and was broken, they would forever lose the chance to inherit the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword. It was a notorious technique within the Sword Pavilion, known for pushing people's abilities to their limits, eliciting cries of despair that they could do no more. That's why its nickname was 'Tongguk Oui (Painful Cry Ultimate Secret Technique).'

Na Yerin recalled the times she had strived with Dokgo Ryong to master that Tongguk Oui. At that time, their relationship had become very strained after Dokgo Ryong's incident with her left eye.

"Rin-ah, why are you alone?"

"I am comfortable being alone, Master."

"Tsk tsk, you seemed to be opening your heart, but you're back to square one. What about Ryong-ah?"

"Dokgo Saja doesn't care about someone like me. Saja's heart is filled with darkness right now."

"Did you ask directly?"

"……"

"You used your abilities again."

"……"

"Haa, then it seems neither of you will be able to master that technique."

"Why?"

"Can you clap with one hand? That's a technique that cannot be mastered alone. Never, unless you become a springboard for each other!"

Returning to reality from a fleeting recollection, Na Yerin gripped her sword tightly. Then, realizing she was too tense, she slightly loosened her grip.

'Master, give me strength!'

Hansang Okryong Shin Sword (寒霜玉靈神劍) Ultimate Secret Technique (奧義).

Hanbing Seokok (寒氷閃玉).

Countless sword energies, like the flapping wings of countless water birds, unfolded with overwhelming power towards Yeongryeong. Faced with the power of the sword energy rushing towards her, Yeongryeong desperately performed the Monghwan Saryeong Sword technique to block the incoming technique. Na Yerin's sword strokes seemed to grasp all of the opponent's moves, creating very precise and complex changes, gradually pressing down on Yeongryeong. Pushed back by Na Yerin's sword momentum, Yeongryeong could only retreat. For the first time, Yeongryeong realized she was on the verge of life and death and felt a chill run down her spine.

"Now, can you block it? My sword technique?"

Na Yerin shouted as she relentlessly pressured Yeongryeong. From the complex and brilliant sword momentum, a winter chill that seemed to freeze heaven and earth constantly flowed.

Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it? Can you block it?

Yeongryeong's head throbbed. A buzzing sound echoed loudly in her ears. Something flashed rapidly through her mind. She didn't know if it was due to the unique tension that arises on the verge of life and death. But her head began to ache as if it would split.

"Aaaaaaaaagggggh!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Yeongryeong let out a loud scream. At the same time, Yeongryeong's sword technique, which was blocking Na Yerin's sword momentum, changed.

Swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh! Faba ba ba ba ba ba ba bat!

Sword energy like a flash, incomparably faster than before, tore through the brilliant sword momentum of the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword and advanced like a fish swimming against a strong current. Although it wasn't a sword technique confined to a specific mold, no one could deny its speed.

"C-can that be alright?"

Yoon Mi exclaimed, startled. However, Yeon Bi remained calm. Her faith in Rin seemed unwavering.

"I think it's going as Rin planned?"

"Really?"

"Most likely. Look, even though she's being counterattacked like that, her expression is bright, isn't it?"

Yeon Bi's observation was accurate. Na Yerin had been waiting for this change. This was the 'past' ingrained in Yeongryeong's body, her personal 'history.' Even if the mind forgets the achievements one has painstakingly built, the body remembers.

"Dokgo Saja, remember when we practiced this Hanbing Seokok? Back then, I tried to suppress speed with precision, and Saja tried to suppress precision with speed. Just like now. Even if our memories are swapped, your body remembers that history of blood and sweat! Do you still deny being a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, Dokgo Ryong? Only the 'Initiates of the Divine Sword' among the Sword Pavilion disciples know this training method! Mong Yeongryeong of Monghwan Villa could never know this training method!"

Na Yerin's words shook Yeongryeong's mind and body like thunder.

'Who am I?'

For the first time, doubt about herself welled up.

To master the ultimate secret technique 'Hanbing Seokok' of the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword, two people were needed. One person would attack speed with precision, and the other would attack precision with speed. Through this process of trying to subdue each other with different qualities, 'balance' and 'harmony' were learned.

Because it was the most difficult, the technique that made them feel despair as if an insurmountable wall stood before them, almost making them give up, it was the technique most imbued with their memories. And it was the technique that became the catalyst for reconnecting the friendship of the two people who had once become estranged and almost drifted apart.

Na Yerin hoped that the 'Hanbing Seokok' would once again reclaim their friendship, which was in danger of disappearing.

Hope was shining now. But for Yeongryeong, it was despair. The more her body moved against her will, the more she became afraid.

"No! No! Absolutely not! It can't be!"

The person who lies becomes angry. When one is pricked in the heart, a person becomes more flustered and tries to placate it. The problem is when one deviates and acts in the opposite direction to deny the current situation. Such times are truly troublesome. Moreover, there is little solution.

"No, I'm not a disciple of the Sword Pavilion! I am Mong Yeongryeong of Monghwan Villa!"

Yeongryeong screamed with a voice close to desperation. Na Yerin looked at her with very sad eyes.

"Then what is this sword energy forming on your sword right now?"

Startled, Yeongryeong looked at her sword. Astonishment appeared on her face. There, white evidence was etched, negating all the words she had spoken. The sword energy forming on the blade was cold energy. It was sword energy that was not visible from Yeongryeong's sword when she performed the Monghwan Saryeong Sword technique.

"That is the unique martial art of the Sword Pavilion and the secret technique of Sword Empress, our Master, the Hansang Okryong Shin Sword. To form that much cold energy, one must train for at least ten years and achieve level seven or higher. It's sword energy that never forms overnight."

By then, tears were flowing from Na Yerin's eyes. The sword energy had completely proven her conviction.

"Ryong Unni……"

She called out that name with deep affection.

"Look at yourself. Even if you've lost your memory, your body remembers our Sword Pavilion. Do you still deny being Dokgo Ryong of the Sword Pavilion?"

Tears welled up in Na Yerin's eyes as she pleaded earnestly. It felt like she could regain her lost precious sister if she just reached out a little further.

"No, it can't be, it can't be……"

But unlike before, her sword trembled as much as her voice. Although she denied it with her mouth, somewhere in her heart, she had begun to think it might be true.

"See? You've started to think it might be true too?"

"But… I… I… from Monghwan Villa… I have the memories…"

She was so flustered that she couldn't even form coherent sentences.

"Those are false memories. Someone stole your memories. The memories you have now are fake."

"But to me, that person… that person…"

At that moment, a loud shout came from the waiting area.

"Don't be fooled, Miss! You are being deceived. It's them on the other side who are casting the evil 'Illusionary Arts (幻術)'! We can't see any cold energy forming on your sword! So don't fall for the deception! You have that person…" *cough*

Suddenly, something flashed through the air and struck Mong Mu directly. The culprit was Yeon Bi. Playing with two small stones like chess pieces in the air, Yeon Bi said,

"Oh, don't worry. I just made them quiet because they were being noisy. They'll wake up after fainting."

Yeon Bi said in a composed voice. She also reminded them to have a calm conversation since their business was not yet finished.

However, things did not go as planned. The problem was that Yeon Bi's technique was too gentle. The distance across the entire arena was considerable, and Yeon Bi was not in good condition due to her excessive use of strength earlier. Therefore, a slight control error occurred, and that error led to tragedy.

"Ughhh."

Mong Mu, sprawled on the ground, let out a groan.

"Are you alright?"

Hwan Mu, who had also fallen, asked without lifting his face.

"Not alright."

"Then you must be alright," Hwan Mu interpreted.

"How can you interpret it that way?" Mong Mu protested.

"More importantly, do you have the 'Red Flute (Blood Soul Pipe)'?"

"N-no way, are you going to use that?"

Mong Mu exclaimed in surprise, lifting his face. However, he did not fully sit up, fearing another stone would fly. Hwan Mu was the same.

"The situation is urgent. If it continues like this, the 'seal' might be broken. You haven't forgotten the Young Master's orders, have you?"

"Of course, I remember."

Separate orders given to the two without Yeongryeong's knowledge. An extreme measure in preparation for any eventuality. This was clearly the time to carry out those orders.

"There's no time. Take it out quickly. You know how to use it, right?"

Mong Mu quickly took out the Blood Soul Pipe he had kept in his embrace. Fortunately, it was undamaged.

"Blow it!"

Hwan Mu shouted.

"B-but…"

Mong Mu hesitated slightly.

"Hurry! This is the Young Master's order!"

Hwan Mu urged again.

"Hmph!"

Mong Mu closed his eyes tightly and blew the red flute. However, no sound came out. Naturally. This red flute played a sound inaudible to human ears. This inaudible flute sound affected the human mind.

As Yeongryeong heard the sound of the red flute, her pupils began to turn red. Na Yerin, sensing something was wrong, shouted urgently,

"Unni, what's wrong? Come to your senses, Unni!"

However, Na Yerin's pathetic voice could not return Yeongryeong, who had lost her reason, to normal.

Swish swish swish swish!

Yeongryeong, with only attack instinct remaining, swung her sword wildly without a reply. Sharp sonic booms filled the arena.

"Why, why is she doing that?"

Yoon Mi exclaimed, startled by the sudden change in situation.

"……"

Instead of replying, Yeon Bi watched the situation.

'This is not good…'

She could tell, even from this distance, that Yeongryeong's mind had been shaken to its core just moments ago. But suddenly she was acting wildly as if blind? It didn't make sense. People are most dangerous when they act irrationally. And looking at Yeongryeong's red eyes now, she didn't seem to have the capacity for rational judgment.

"You must have heard about it in class, right? It seems like some kind of mental seal (心靈禁制)."

Yeon Bi said without removing her mask.

"You mean the mandatory elective class, 'Types of Heretical Arts and Their Defense Methods,' the one that doesn't teach any martial arts at all?"

Given the nature of the course, it was filled with arts rather than martial arts, making it a very boring subject for the disciples of the Chunmu Academy.

"That's right, that's it. That kind of thing is probably a type of 'Puppet Art (傀儡術)' that controls the opponent through deep hypnosis and then uses a tool that emits a special signal or special words."

"Then our job is to find that control tool?"

It was a remarkably quick assessment of the situation for Yoon Mi.

"Correct. There must be someone nearby sending the signal. We need to 'smash' it."

"S-smash?"

Yoon Mi exclaimed in surprise at the rough language.

"Yes, smash."

At that moment, Yeon Bi's eyes fell on the Monghwan Shuang Wu and Mong Mu, who were still blowing the red flute in the opponent's waiting area, and the red flute in their hands. Without a doubt, that red flute was the mental control tool. Only then did Yeon Bi realize that her earlier restraint had been too lenient, but it was already too late.

"How dare you!"

A roar erupted from Yeon Bi's mouth. Startled by the force, Yoon Mi jumped up from her seat.

Since the seal had already been activated, it was a bit late, but what needed to be considered now was how to break it.

"What should we do?"

Yoon Mi asked, seeing them late.

"We have to break that first."

If they left their seats now, they would be disqualified. Even if she wanted to throw stones like before, if they were hunched down like that, a proper angle couldn't be achieved. They were also preparing for an attack that could come at any moment.

'If only I had the Bi Raedo right now!'

If she had it, defeating an opponent of that level would be a piece of cake. They couldn't escape the Bi Raedo just by hiding their heads. But thanks to her damn master, she had none left, which was regrettable. She had to find another way. She didn't have a hobby of complaining about what she didn't have.

After Yeongryeong's eyes turned red, Na Yerin was continuously pushed back by Yeongryeong. She rushed in so carelessly of her life that Na Yerin herself had to retreat, worried about Yeongryeong's body. Her resolve wavered. If this continued, Na Yerin would be the one to get hurt.

From Yeongryeong's sword, with her eyes turned red, white sword energy was continuously emitted. Every time she swung her blade, cold frost scattered and froze the surroundings. It was the unique sword energy of the Sword Pavilion, 'Hanbing Ki.' However, Yeongryeong could not see this sight even with her eyes open. The clear evidence was useless now. Yeon Bi racked her brain for a countermeasure.

'If a straight line doesn't work, there's a curve.'

For that, she needed a tool first.

'I must have made one.'

Lately, she had been making assumptions more and more. It wasn't a good habit. It only meant she wasn't prepared. She'd reflect later and looked around.

Then, something caught her eye. A useless item her damn master gave her to use, the 'Striking Awakening Spirit Rod.'

'Secure materials first.'

Yeon Bi picked up the spirit rod, extended it to Yoon Mi, and said,

"Miss Yoon Mi, please cut this iron rod about a span long. Quickly."

Yoon Mi swung her sword as if startled.

*Swish*

The steel rod was cleanly cut with a single sword strike.

"Well done."

Yeon Bi praised Yoon Mi's skill, then began to curl the iron rod with her qi-infused fingers. Then she placed it between her palms and began to roll it round and round. Yoon Mi's eyes widened at the increasingly astonishing sight.

"What are you making now?"

"A butterfly."

"A butterfly?"

"At least it's not a cat."

Yoon Mi began to unfold the rolled iron ball like stretching dumpling dough. The iron ball became thinner and wider. As she tried to do work that consumed a lot of qi in her poor physical condition, sweat beaded on her forehead. If she made a mistake, she might be in trouble before she could even save Na Yerin. However, since this work required dexterity, she couldn't entrust it to Yoon Mi. If she didn't do it herself, it wouldn't turn out well.

"Completed!"

By then, Yeon Bi held a round disc, thinned like a cicada's wing, in her hand. Yeon Bi shook it slightly. The disc swayed and trembled. Only then did Yeon Bi show a satisfied expression.

"Um… it doesn't look like a butterfly, no matter how I look at it?"

Then Yeon Bi grinned.

"You'll know soon."

Yeon Bi glared at Monghwan Shuang Wu, who was still blowing the red flute from the opponent's waiting area. She wanted to smash it. There were only two choices: death or near-death. She didn't go easy on them just because they were women. What does gender have to do with mistakes? Humans must take responsibility for their mistakes. However, if she killed the two of them now, she might be disqualified. That would be troublesome. Yeon Bi inserted the hastily made round disc between her second and fourth fingers, with her third finger underneath. Then, she gracefully flicked her wrist and sent it flying.

Flutter, flutter.

There was no speed like light, no movement like lightning. The thin, round disc flew slowly and gracefully towards the opponent's waiting area, like a butterfly.

"Could it be, Hwae-jeop (回蝶)?"

The technique Yeon Bi just displayed was a high-level hidden weapon technique called 'Hwae-jeop' or 'Butterfly Throwing,' a supreme hidden weapon technique that even the Sichuan Tang family, famous for hidden weapons, had few practitioners of. It was an elegant yet powerful technique that could silently kill the opponent by flying slowly and silently. It was said that its movements varied greatly depending on the practitioner's power. Yoon Mi swallowed hard and watched the iron butterfly fly into the distance.

As the iron butterfly flew through the air to the opponent's waiting area, a sudden change occurred. The butterfly, which had been flying elegantly, began to rotate slowly and then increased its speed.

Parara-rack!

And it fell sharply downwards with a loud noise. The loud noise bounced off the walls, making it difficult to track its direction. Only then did Mong Mu and Hwan Mu, who sensed something was wrong, try to dodge, but the iron butterfly did not miss its target. It flew in a zigzag pattern, wounding Hwan Mu's arm as he tried to block, and then rushed towards the red flute in Mong Mu's hand.

"Noooo!"

Mong Mu hastily tried to protect the red flute, but the iron butterfly's wing had already grazed the body of the flute. The Blood Soul Pipe split in half with a *snap* from Mong Mu's hand. A look of utter disbelief appeared on the faces of Mong Mu and Hwan Mu. Both of their faces turned pale as if all the blood had drained from them.

As the Blood Soul Pipe broke, Yeongryeong's body stopped abruptly.

Seeing Yeongryeong's change, Na Yerin stopped retreating and asked,

"Unni…?"

There was no answer. Yeongryeong stood still like a statue. She still held her sword in her hand. Her head was bowed low, so her expression could not be seen. Na Yerin cautiously approached.

One step, two steps.

She approached within half a step of the two, but Yeongryeong remained still. Yoon Mi watched the scene with anxious impatience. Yeon Bi remained silent, staring intently at Yeongryeong. She desperately wanted to shout at her to stop. But knowing Na Yerin's desire to save Dokgo Ryong, she held back. It was a task requiring immense patience. It was maddening that she couldn't act as she pleased. But since she had said she trusted her, she had to watch.

"Dokgo Saja, are you alright? Saja? Unni?"

*Flash!*

At that moment, Yeongryeong's hand, which had been like a statue, moved. A thrust as fast as lightning pierced Na Yerin.

Red blood slowly spread across Na Yerin's pure white robe.

"Ri-iiii-iiii-iiii-iiiin!"

Yeon Bi let out a scream-like cry and leaped up from her seat.

"Na Yerin!"

Na Baekcheong and Bingwol Seonja Yecheong, who had been staring with their eyes wide open, also jumped up from their seats. They couldn't maintain their composure when their daughter was stabbed. Na Baekcheong seemed about to rush into the arena, regardless of the match. If it weren't for Hyukjung Noin, no one would have stopped him. At least Hyukjung Noin's eyes were sharper than anyone else's here.

"Calm down. Your daughter isn't dead yet. And the match isn't over."

"It's not over? Don't say such horrific things! You must stop her immediately. She needs treatment right away!"

"No, it's not over yet. Your daughter hasn't given up! Look!"

At that moment, Na Yerin's body became hazy and turned into a snowstorm. Red flowers were mixed within the raging snowstorm.

The two commentators, as well as the spectators, were surprised. Na Yerin's figure suddenly disappeared as if it were a mirage. How could they not be surprised? Na Yerin's vanished figure reappeared behind Yeongryeong.

Hansang Okryong Shin Sword (寒霜玉靈神劍) Ultimate Secret Technique (奧義).

Biseol Bo (飛雪步).

Biseol Bo, instinctively performed, saved Na Yerin's life. However, she couldn't avoid getting injured. Her side was cut, and blood was flowing. But the match was not over yet.

'I have to overwhelm her with overwhelming power!'

Otherwise, Dokgo Ryong would continue to attack relentlessly. In that state, her qi would be depleted, and she could die. The control tool was broken, and she couldn't control herself, so all that was left was to go berserk. She had to subdue her in a single blow. With her current physical condition, she couldn't last more than a second.

'Do I have to use that?'

Na Yerin hesitated for a moment.

"Until it's complete, never use it during a fight. If you make a mistake, you could harm yourself. This technique tolerates no mistakes."

However, what was needed now was a technique that neither the current Yeongryeong nor the past Dokgo Ryong would know.

"Well, in a fight, it's impossible to fight in your best state, always at full strength. Of course, it's good to prepare thoroughly beforehand. A fight is like a living thing; you never know what will happen."

"Then what should we do, Ryu Yeon?"

"You just have to fight with the conviction that you will definitely succeed. If you have thoroughly prepared beforehand, you will be rewarded. Anyone can do well when they have leisure. When all that leisure is gone, and you sink to the bottom, whether you can rise again by kicking off that bottom is what determines a person's true worth. No, perhaps what is decided then is the 'future.' That abysmal bottom is a 'crossroads of life,' a 'turning point of fate' that everyone encounters at least once."

Na Yerin gave up her hesitation.

'Although it's still unfinished…'

Blood oozed from her side wound, her mouth felt parched, and her head began to spin. Her condition was close to the worst due to the excessive use of Biseol Bo.

"If this is my limit right now…"

Na Yerin gripped her beloved sword tightly. Then she shouted,

"I will overcome my limit!"

And she declared, gripping the sword hilt with all her might.

"And the future I want, with these hands!"

A colorful light, like the aurora borealis, shimmered from Na Yerin's sword and enveloped her body like a mirage. At the same time, a white ice phoenix began to dance.

Hansang Okryong Shin Sword (寒霜玉靈神劍) Secret Ultimate Technique (秘傳奧義).

Haesang Bi Jo Cheon Jam Jeol (海上飛鳥千斬切).

The pure white sword held in her delicate jade hand emitted shimmering, beautiful, and dazzling sword energy. Although not as fast and powerful as when Sword Empress performed it at Huashan, it was instead extremely beautiful and elegant. Na Yerin's figure, moving lightly as if treading on air, danced within the dazzling sword light. The sword emitted a cold snowstorm. Red flowers were increasingly sprinkled on the white snow. However, there was no sign of pain on Na Yerin's face. She was now completely merged with the sword dance.

People were all agape, mesmerized by the scene so beautiful it felt like a celestial fairy had descended.

It wasn't just the spectators who were lost in the sword dance. Yeongryeong, who had been rampaging wildly, also stopped her sword and gazed at the scene. The sword in her hand hung limply. As the dazzling sword energy approached, her red-tinged eyes slowly regained their original color. Without realizing it, a word escaped Yeongryeong's lips.

"Master…"

The next moment, sword energy like the flapping wings of a thousand birds instantly enveloped Yeongryeong's body.

Where the sword dance like the wings of a white phoenix had passed, only Na Yerin stood alone. The spectators watched in silence. No one spoke. They were confused as to whether what they had just seen was an illusion or reality.

Na Yerin's body, which had been standing tall, swayed and collapsed. Yeon Bi rushed forward like lightning. Yoon Mi, who could only utter "Uh uh," had her hair flapping in the wind. Yeon Bi, rushing forward, quickly caught the falling Na Yerin in her embrace.

"What happened, Saja?"

Na Yerin asked in a weak voice while in Yeon Bi's embrace.

"You did what you had to do. So now you can rest. You worked hard, Yerin."

A smile spread across Na Yerin's lips. Closing her tired eyes slowly, Na Yerin replied subconsciously,

"Thank you… Ryu Yeon…"

At those words, Yeon Bi flinched. Looking again, Na Yerin had already lost consciousness. Despite the bleeding, she had fainted from depleting too much qi.

'Surely she hasn't found out, has she?'

She told herself it was impossible and slowly walked towards the waiting area with Na Yerin in her arms.

From behind, they heard the announcement of their victory. However, this was not their victory, but Na Yerin's victory.

They had won. That fact was undeniable and unchangeable. However, it was not a perfect victory. Yeongryeong was still in enemy hands. Moreover, since she had lost consciousness, there was no way to confirm if her memory had returned. Although she desperately wanted to take her back by force, if her original memory did not return, there was a possibility of a bigger uproar.

And they still had one more battle to fight, which could be considered the final battle.