Full Bloom Of Youth

Go Yu-saeng entered the elders’ meeting with a flushed face, unable to calm his agitation.

Since the position had been vacant for so long, he had no complaints about a new sect leader being appointed.

However, when Jang Eun, Ma Sepung’s direct disciple, was chosen by near-unanimous vote save for one, disappointment and rage surged to the brim.

“We still don’t know if Master is alive or dead, so the position should remain vacant.”

Jang Eun lowered his eyebrows in a show of humility and firmly waved his hand in refusal.

Despite his show of declining, the elders’ persistent urging was far from pleasing.

Yet Go Yu-saeng could only fold his arms and watch, helpless to intervene.

“Of course, we understand that heavy burden, but it’s clear that leaving the position empty will cause the Yellow Stone Sect’s prestige to plummet.”

“Exactly. Sect Lord Ma aided the Ryeo people and disrupted state affairs. Expelling him from the sect would be proper, but since his life or death is unknown, it’s regrettable. Instead, shouldn’t we appoint a new sect leader to show the imperial court that our Yellow Stone Sect has nothing to do with him and aim for a revival?”

After pondering the elders’ words, Jang Eun finally nodded.

“If that is the will, I will comply. However, since MartialUncle Go has worked tirelessly inside and out, he should rightfully take the sect leader’s position.”

Go Yu-saeng inwardly cheered but outwardly only coughed a couple of times.

Even if Jang Eun’s words weren’t sincere, as long as the sect leader’s position fell to him, it didn’t matter.

How much effort had he put into filling the void left by Ma Sepung?

Even now, recalling how he had pandered to that old fox Jo Yang made his body tremble.

And that wasn’t all—when young upstarts like Go Geun-dong or So So-jeong, posing as sect leaders, treated him condescendingly, it made his blood boil.

“I have something to say.”

Jeong Eun-ryul, who had been holding back, stepped forward.

He was the top disciple of Bu Neungpa, the sole inheritor of the Soaring Sword.

To all the elders present, Bu Neungpa was nothing short of heroic.

Thus, no one objected to the young Eun-ryul joining the discussion.

“Considering Martial Uncle Go’s efforts, that’s a fair point. But that’s precisely why it cannot be. No one involved with the Unpyeong Escort Bureau can escape the imperial court’s wrath. Isn’t there a rumor that Alliance Leader Jo entered secluded training because he incurred the Emperor’s disfavor? Aren’t we appointing a new sect leader to curry favor with the imperial court? If so, Martial Uncle Go is absolutely not the right choice. Wouldn’t it be better to leave the position empty?”

“What? You punk!”

Finally, unable to hold back, Go Yu-saeng sprang to his feet.

As he lunged toward Eun-ryul, seemingly to slap him, the surrounding elders struggled to hold him back.

Of course, they understood Go Yu-saeng’s fury, but Eun-ryul’s opinion wasn’t wrong in the slightest.

“Hmm, how about this?”

Jang Eun stepped forward to calm the chaotic scene.

His face was free of shadows, with a subtle glow to his skin, lending an air of kindness.

As all eyes focused on him, he spoke in a calm, measured voice, delivering his conclusion.

“Until the Emperor’s heart softens, I’ll temporarily take on the role of sect leader. Once we restore the Yellow Stone Sect’s prestige and demonstrate true loyalty to the nation, we can return the position to its rightful owner, Martial Uncle Go. Wouldn’t that work?”

It was an undeniably reasonable proposal.

Though still dissatisfied, Go Yu-saeng found no flaws to exploit and felt embarrassed to protest further.

By unanimous vote, Jang Eun became the new sect leader of the Yellow Stone Sect.

At just forty years old, the young sect leader drew no complaints from the younger disciples either.

“You were too hasty.”

When alone, Jang Eun gently reprimanded his junior brother, Eun-ryul.

He had instructed him to provoke Go Yu-saeng as much as possible, but Eun-ryul’s words and actions were somewhat arrogant and rough.

He didn’t doubt his junior’s loyalty, but his occasionally impulsive and fiery temperament was concerning.

“Sahyung, isn’t there a saying, good medicine tastes bitter? Good medicine is always bitter. Doesn’t Martial Uncle Go need to hear some harsh words to know his place?”

At Eun-ryul’s blunt words, Jang Eun couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

After all, their infighting had made things easier than expected.

Bu Neungpa’s mere existence had been a burden, but its unexpected resolution was truly heaven’s help.

“What’s the status of the Taiyi Divine Sect?”

“It’s been over two years, and their whereabouts are still unclear. That incident must have hit them hard too. Many of their followers were injured, and there’s even a rumor that one of the Seven Stellar Lords was wounded…”

Jang Eun gazed out the window, lost in deep thought.

Perhaps now, with Jo Yang’s influence waning, was the perfect time to unite the Five Great Mountain Swords.

The Eminent Mountain Sect was hardly worth calling a sect anymore, and the Zen Cloud Sword Sect wasn’t a concern.

So So-jeong, being sensible, would likely follow the current trends.

The problem was the Dragon Gate Sect.

“We should hold a martial arts gathering for the Five Great Mountain Swords soon. This might be the perfect chance to crush the Taiyi Divine Sect for good.”

A rare cool breeze blew, tickling their noses.

The autumn scenery of Yellow Stone Mountain, covered in red maple leaves, was breathtaking.

“Teacher, your disciple Jang Eun has grown this splendidly.”

He repeatedly wiped his eyes with the edge of his sleeve.

Whether those tears were from longing for Ma Sepung or the thrill of finally surpassing his master, even he couldn’t tell.

Summer at Yellow Stone Mountain, with its frequent rains, was even more leisurely.

When a shower poured, they played baduk for hours, and the next day, without fail, Ma Sepung would sling a fishing rod over his shoulder and head to the river—a perfect time for him.

“A clear river curves around the village, and in the long summer, the riverside village is leisurely in all things. Swallows freely dart under the eaves, and seagulls in the water don’t fly away even when approached. An old wife draws a baduk board on paper, a young son hammers a needle into a fishhook; for this ailing body, only medicine is needed—what else could this humble self desire?” <Du Fu’s “River Village”>

After reciting the poem, a clear river breeze gently rustled overhead.

On one side, Yun-seon was diligently practicing martial arts; on the other, Yun Seol was brewing medicinal tea.

What greater happiness could there be for this humble self?

A gentle smile spread across Ma Sepung’s lips.

“Yun-seon, Soul Eminent Severe Cold is a martial art like a fierce blizzard. If you hold the force too long at the final strike, it will harm your body. Tsk tsk, why are you always so greedy?”

Though he grumbled, his expression was endlessly lenient.

Though his hands could no longer channel internal qi, he gauged the strength as if possessing Yun-seon’s body.

Mastering the Taiyi Divine Art was like crafting a large vessel capable of containing all martial arts.

It harmonized Yin and Yang, fiery qi and damp cold, finding balance within opposing forces.

Thus, having reached the seventh stage, Yun-seon could combine any external technique with his internal qi to draw out supreme power.

“But why can’t I master the Silent Poetry of the Emptiness Dhuta Sect?”

At Yun-seon’s question, Ma Sepung burst into hearty laughter.

“What is the righteousness they pursue? The Living! It’s not about humans achieving the Way, but a martial art that grinds people for the sake of the Way. It’s like the Orthodox sects’ will, accepting nothing but a single great purpose.”

Seong Gon, playing the zither nearby, frowned and scolded his friend.

“That’s not something an Orthodox sect leader should say. Aren’t you spitting on your own face?”

“Isn’t that why I’ve ended up like this?”

The two glared at each other intensely, then, as if on cue, threw their heads back and laughed heartily.

From the moment they first met, few words were ever needed.

With just a casual remark, they saw through each other, making their companionship as natural as breathing.

“So, what’s today’s dish?”

Ma Sepung leaned on the table, swallowing hard.

His disciple’s cooking wasn’t fancy, but its clean, heartfelt flavor was exceptional.

“Today, it’s stir-fried vegetables and steamed fish.”

As Yun-seon brought the dishes, all three faces brightened.

Especially hungry, Seol began eagerly scooping food as soon as the two old men picked up their chopsticks.

The picky, scrawny child was nowhere to be seen anymore.

Now, with some healthy weight, she looked quite like a young woman.

Seong Gon, barely eating, gazed fondly at his granddaughter.

Has there ever been a time as relaxed and happy as this?

There was no need to dwell on it.

“Let’s try composing music tomorrow.”

At Ma Sepung’s suggestion, Seong Gon’s face lit up.

If they made a decent tune, Ma Sepung could write lyrics, and Seol could sing.

Since Yun-seon did not know music, he could be a great audience.

The two old men chatted excitedly, unable to stop.

“But in the evening, let’s play baduk. This time, I’ll definitely win.”

“No chance for that!”

The four’s joyful laughter mingled with the chirping of insects just starting their nightly chorus.

It was a quiet midsummer night, with stars twinkling for the first time in a while.

“Soul Eminent Severe Cold!”

The practice that began at dawn finally bore fruit.

Despite sweat pouring like rain, Yun-seon’s face was filled with a satisfied smile.

It took a whole month to grasp the meaning of releasing force at the final strike, so it was understandable.

“Master!”

Yun-seon excitedly ran to the room where Ma Sepung was lying.

He felt a bit guilty waking his master, who loved sleeping in, but he was eager to share the good news.

“Master!”

As expected, Ma Sepung was still lying in bed, oblivious to the rising sun, fast asleep.

Intending to startle him, Yun-seon tiptoed over and grabbed Ma Sepung’s arm.

“Master!”

The moment he touched his master’s rigid body, Yun-seon froze in place.

He stood blankly, staring down at Ma Sepung.

His face was as peaceful as ever, but his body held no warmth.

“Master?”

With trembling hands, Yun-seon placed his hand on Ma Sepung’s chest.

The heart that should have been rising and falling was utterly still.

Come to think of it, the snoring that could pierce the roof was silent today.

“Oppa! You’re up? Stop waking Grandfather. I made fish porridge today.”

Just then, Seol poked her head through the door.

Excited about the plans from last night, she had risen earlier than usual and hurried over.

But seeing Yun-seon’s dazed figure from behind, she immediately understood.

“Oppa…”

Yun Seol slowly walked to Yun-seon and tightly hugged him from behind.

As warmth touched his frozen body, he sank to the floor.

“Master…”

Their sorrowful cries leaked faintly through the slightly open door.

Standing there was Seong Gon, who had been pacing, unable to sleep due to an ominous feeling.

For the first time, large teardrops fell from the eyes of the nearly seventy-year-old man.

Just one more day, one more day—that was the time he had desperately wished for.

On that morning when his small wish was shattered, the third summer at Yellow Stone Mountain passed by.

화양연화 (花樣年華), Full Bloom of Youth:

In the prime of youth.