NOVEL NEXT chapter 32
“If I can properly make use of this experience, it’s not entirely hopeless.”
Compared to the noble-born disciples raised in luxury, they had grown up like wild grass—resilient and unyielding.
Moreover, since it was a team battle, if they executed their strategy correctly, their chances of victory would increase even further. After spending the last four years together like brothers, coordinating with one another would be effortless.
The problem was that even if they managed to steal the ball, the Taiji Sphere Techniques were not advanced enough to control two balls at once.
“I have to find a way to solve this issue first. How…? Wait, if we can just control the ball, there’s no need to insist on using Taiji Sphere Techniques!”
At that moment, Kwak Yeon recalled the Kunlun Sphere Techniques.
“If we can keep the ball continuously floating in the air, that’s the same as rolling it! As long as we control it, it’s no different.”
That evening, as soon as their training session began, Kwak Yeon gathered his fellow disciples and shared his idea.
After listening carefully, Jeong I-chu tilted his head and asked,
“Will they really allow it?”
Seok Jangsan answered in Kwak Yeon’s place.
“As long as we don’t use our hands, the rules of the Contest for the Pearls don’t prohibit it. Even with Taiji Sphere Techniques, the ball doesn’t always stay close to the body—it rolls at a distance. This just increases that distance a bit more.”
Jeong I-chu nodded.
“Well, that’s true. Besides, Taiji Sphere Techniques already incorporate some aspects of Kunlun Sphere Techniques.”
“Yeah, I doubt they’ll make an issue out of it.”
“Besides, what other option do we have?”
As the disciples of Eternal Wudang voiced their agreement one after another, Seok Jangsan turned to Kwak Yeon.
“Alright, then the only remaining issue is whether we can actually apply Kunlun Sphere Techniques in practice.”
Kwak Yeon replied confidently,
“I tried it myself. It’s difficult, but it works.”
Seok Jangsan turned to the others and grinned.
“You hear that? Even this bookworm managed to do it. No need to worry—just start training.”
The disciples of Eternal Wudang nodded in unison.
“Yeah, let’s do it! We’ll show those pampered noble brats what we’re made of!”
At that moment, Jeong I-chu clenched his fist and smirked.
“To be honest, I never cared much about the Contest for the Pearls. All I wanted was a chance to show off the combat skills we’ve been building. But if we can win and get to beat the crap out of them at the same time? That’s what I call killing two birds with one stone.”
Laughter erupted among the Eternal Wudang disciples.
“Hahaha!”
For the first time in a long while, the training grounds of Eternal Wudang rang with hearty laughter.
****
“Do we really need to eliminate Eternal Wudang?”
At the question of Elder Council Leader Myeonghyeon, Grand Elder Unhak Jin-in responded without hesitation.
“Master, maintaining Eternal Wudang requires a significant financial investment, yet it provides little benefit in return.”
“Hmph. Has the sect’s financial situation become that dire?”
“The private businesses run by the noble families have not been performing well recently, which has led to a noticeable decline in the sect’s income.”
“But even so, how much could we really save by shutting down a single branch of the sect?”
“We need to begin systematically cutting off the bottomless drains on our resources, starting with Eternal Wudang. We must prepare for the difficult times ahead. Master, I ask for your understanding regarding this matter.”
“Still, wasn’t it the Supreme Grandmaster’s initiative to establish the school?”
“I’m not suggesting closing down the school itself. I’m only proposing that we stop recruiting disciples for the main sect through the school. The school can continue to focus on training outer sect disciples.”
“……”
“Master, we are losing too much for the sake of mere principles. For years, the school has failed to produce a single noteworthy disciple.”
Elder Council Leader Myeonghyeon studied Unhak Jin-in for a long moment before speaking.
“It seems to me that you have another reason. You must really despise the idea of a dragon emerging from the mud.”
“I can’t say I’m completely without such thoughts. After all, the noble families already produce more than enough ‘new dragons’ to fill our ranks. Why should we concern ourselves with those born in the gutters? They do not fit the dignity of a prestigious martial sect.”
“Haha, you are too strict for your own good. Surely you understand that this is the reason the Supreme Grandmaster passed over you as the next head of the sect and chose another disciple instead?”
“Well, it seems my nature is difficult to change, even after all these years.”
“Regardless, what will you say to the Supreme Grandmaster when he returns? It would be unfair to make such a decision without consulting the sect leader as well.”
“Master, I am not asking for an immediate decision. Please observe the Azure Martial Tournament during the Mid-Autumn Festival and then make your judgment.”
Elder Council Leader Myeonghyeon contemplated for a moment before nodding.
“I will attend and hear the opinions of the sect lords.”
****
Finally, the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.
Instructor Hyeonmun had not once stepped into the training grounds at night during this time. He had heard the sounds of training lasting late into the night, but he did not want to pressure the disciples unnecessarily.
If he showed up, the children might push themselves too hard and get injured.
As the time for departure approached, Instructor Hyeonmun reluctantly got to his feet.
“You’re here, Instructor!”
He had expected to see anxious faces, but instead, the disciples’ expressions were bright and full of energy.
That only made him feel worse. He could already imagine the disappointment they would face today.
“If you’re ready, let’s set out.”
Instructor Hyeonmun had always believed that natural talent was only part of a person’s potential.
If these children had received the same elixirs and meridian cleansing as the noble disciples, they would perform just as well.
They had already passed the rigorous training of the school. In terms of perseverance and raw talent, they might even be superior.
Yet after just a single year of training, their entire future would be judged and decided.
Instructor Hyeonmun knew that after today, these children would experience crushing disappointment, and their spirits might be broken.
“Should I turn back now and return to Eternal Wudang instead of heading to the Precepts Hall?”
But that would mean defying the Council’s decree, an offense that would land him in ten years of isolation in the Chamber of Repentance.
And then who would lead Eternal Wudang? No one wanted the position.
No, if he did that, the Council would immediately take the chance to shut down Eternal Wudang for good.
“Haaah…”
As Instructor Hyeonmun wrestled with his thoughts, the towering structure of the Precepts Hall came into view.
The disciples of the Precepts Hall stood in formation within the Grand Training Grounds, while on the raised platform in front of the main hall, the sect elders and the six sect lords were seated—except for the Sect Leader, who was absent.
At the very center, in the most prominent seat, sat Elder Council Leader Myeonghyeon, his white hair marking his years of wisdom and authority.
“What?! Why is Elder Council Leader Myeonghyeon here…?”
Myeonghyeon, a figure on par with the Supreme Grandmaster in rank, rarely attended such events.
Instructor Hyeonmun felt a sinking sensation.
This confirmed it. Grand Elder Unhak Jin-in’s intentions were crystal clear.
The Contest for the Pearls was merely a form of entertainment held during the intermissions of the martial duels. As a result, the new disciples of Eternal Wudang had nothing to do.
Moreover, they weren’t even allowed to observe the Precepts Hall disciples’ martial duels.
With no other choice, they had to head to the dining hall for an early lunch.
“This is ridiculous. We’re just leftovers on the table,” Jeong I-chu grumbled.
Seok Jangsan responded indifferently,
“You knew this would happen. You were the one ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) who said we’re as insignificant as air.”
“Yeah, but today’s the Mid-Autumn Festival. I thought they’d treat us a little differently.”
Watching the food being prepared in the Precepts Hall dining hall, Jong-su muttered in admiration,
“Wow… The food here is incredible. It must be because it’s a special occasion, right?”
Just then, a chilling voice came from behind them.
“What kind of nonsense is that? If anything, they’ve reduced the side dishes today because there are too many people.”
The Eternal Wudang disciples stiffened instantly.
“……!”
A group of young men in luxurious martial robes entered the dining hall.
It was obvious at a glance—they were the noble-born disciples of the prestigious families.
And they were the very opponents they would face in today’s Contest for the Pearls.
“You guys are from Eternal Wudang, aren’t you?”
A blunt and dismissive tone.
Among peers, speaking informally wasn’t necessarily inappropriate.
But there was a difference in tone, in dominance.
This was blatant disrespect.
“What exactly do you people eat in Eternal Wudang that you’re so impressed by today’s meal? You look like a bunch of beggars.”
While both the Precepts Hall and Eternal Wudang trained in martial arts without dietary restrictions, the difference in the quality and quantity of their meals was undeniable.
A quiet sense of resentment welled up among the Eternal Wudang disciples. They already knew the overwhelming influence these noble families held, and that knowledge alone made them hesitate.
At that moment, Seok Jangsan spoke up.
“Well, one thing’s for sure—we don’t eat like pigs, unlike some people.”
The Eternal Wudang disciples burst into laughter.
“Ha!”
The expressions of the noble-born disciples instantly twisted in anger.
And just then—
“Well, well, look who it is.”
A boy stepped forward from among them, his voice dripping with mockery.
“I thought that back looked familiar. Turns out my dear half-brother is here.”
The boy’s face bore a distinct resemblance to Seok Jangsan.
“Seok Jangsan, my half-brother. It’s me, Seok Geon, the legitimate heir of the Seok family in Chang’an.”
Seok Jangsan’s face darkened instantly.
“I was wondering where you disappeared to all of a sudden. Turns out you’ve been hiding away in this school? Wow. And you’ve even ‘made something of yourself’—you’re part of Eternal Wudang, huh?”
Seok Jangsan’s fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white.
“What’s this? Your younger brother greets you first, and you don’t even respond? Ah, I see. This isn’t our family estate, is it? But blood is blood, isn’t it? Shouldn’t you at least return a greeting?”
All eyes in the dining hall turned toward Seok Jangsan.
“…It’s been a while.”
“It’s been a while? Shouldn’t that be ‘It’s been a while, sir?’ Brother, that’s not how you’re supposed to act. It’s not like we’ll never see each other again. Oh, I understand, though. You don’t like showing respect to your younger brother. But rules are rules—what am I supposed to do about that?”
Kwak Yeon placed a firm hand on Seok Jangsan’s trembling fist.
“……!”
Pressing down gently, he forced Seok Jangsan’s clenched fist to relax before standing up from his seat. He then stepped directly in front of Seok Geon.
“And who the hell are you?”
“The name’s Kwak Yeon. Your brother’s friend. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh? My brother’s friend? In our family, a half-brother’s friends are considered just as lowly as the half-brother himself. So, show some respect.”
Kwak Yeon smiled.
“I don’t see why you’re bringing your family rules into Wudang Mountain. This is Wudang. Here, we are all disciples of the same rank.”
“So what exactly are you trying to say?”
“I’m saying that if you keep running your mouth recklessly, you might end up with a broken jaw.”
Seok Geon’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“What the hell did you just say? A low-born brat from the school dares—”
Furious, Seok Geon grabbed Kwak Yeon by the collar. But Kwak Yeon made no move to resist.
Grab!
Seok Geon yanked him forward, their faces now just inches apart.
That was when Kwak Yeon spoke in a quiet, steady voice.
“Seok Geon, as your brother’s friend, let me give you a little advice.”
“What?”
“No matter where you are, it’s best not to let your emotions control you. Otherwise, you’ll end up walking straight into a trap—just like now.”
“A trap?”
“Didn’t you know? Fighting between disciples is strictly forbidden on Wudang Mountain.”
Only then did Seok Geon realize where they were—inside the public dining hall, where all the cooks and attendants were watching them intently.
‘Damn it!’