Book 10 Chapter 6

Writing the Affidavit

Three days left until the exam!

Just three days and three nights will pass, and the Trial of the Demonic Beast Lair will begin.

Though it was regrettable for the stallkeepers, there was no boisterous eve of the festival with a dazzling festive atmosphere.

Bi Ryu-yeon secretly seemed to want something like that, but this was not a game like a spring flower festival, but a trial that might determine life or death. It was highly likely that everyone was steeling their resolve, tending to their weapons, and preparing for tomorrow.

The gazes of those around him as they watched the returned prodigal Bi Ryu-yeon were far from favorable. Everyone had to undergo immense training in Bi Ryu-yeon's absence. Perhaps intending to show his resolve to defeat Neukgi, Go Yak-han had driven the Black Sword Birds like demons from hell.

“Why did that guy come back? He should have just stayed recovering on his sickbed… Ugh, he’s an eyesore!”

One of the disciples grumbled. Another disciple immediately nodded in agreement.

“You’re right. How much we suffered in his absence? How could he ever understand the trials we’ve endured? Only those who’ve experienced that hell can feel it! That guy doesn’t deserve to be here anymore!”

His words were filled with animosity. The training they had undergone was a period of arduous days and nights that couldn’t be spoken of without tears. Every single day, they had to pour a bucket of sweat and wield their swords under the scorching sun. The training was so grueling and vicious that they could taste salt in their mouths. Yet, Master Go Yak-han did not stop. Injuries during training were commonplace.

‘Martial arts are not a game. Therefore, training must be like actual combat!’

…This was Go Yak-han’s philosophy. Once you were under him, you had to do as you were told without complaint. Rebellion was never an option.

They couldn’t count if they had swung their swords ten thousand times or a hundred thousand times. Only Zhuque Squad, Na Ye-rin, Dokgo Ryong, Hyo Ryong, Yoon Jun-ho, and Jang Hong could properly keep up with Go Yak-han’s harsh training. Except for Zhuque Squad, the other five had experience undergoing harsh training on Wudang Mountain, so they could manage to some extent.

Zhuque Squad completed this level of training with smiles. They were so familiar with harshness and extremity that this was nothing to them.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that none of the training they had undergone since getting entangled with Bi Ryu-yeon was anything less than hellish. Even Zhuque Squad was now being called monsters by those around them. To the others, they appeared like tireless superhumans.

Setting aside Zhuque Squad, the other disciples had tasted the harshness of so-called hellish training. While Bi Ryu-yeon was lounging around comfortably on his sickbed!

Of course, being gravely injured and bedridden was also a great ordeal, but they had no remaining compassion to spare for such circumstances. The harsh training had left them with nothing but malice and grit.

Therefore, it was only natural that Bi Ryu-yeon, who had been rolling around in bed and then casually got out of it as the exam approached, was an eyesore. He hadn't been negligent in his training either. Everyone wanted to unanimously declare his non-participation in the exam, but regrettably, with his championship title from the Samsung Mujae, he was fully qualified to participate.

“Can you do it?”

“Of course.”

“You skipped all the training you should have done. And you’re okay with that?”

“Of course. If you cling to such things, you won’t survive in this harsh world.”

“Good. Participate!”

Master Go Yak-han, the master of the Black Sword Birds, was deeply doubtful of Bi Ryu-yeon, who had missed most of the training, but at the request of the Chief Master of Binggeom, he allowed his participation in the exam without any further discussion. Therefore, Bi Ryu-yeon was able to participate in the Trial of the Demonic Beast Lair without any obstacles.

And for the life-or-death matters of the upcoming, unknown section of the exam three days later, the masters also had something to do.

Go Yak-han gathered all the disciples who would participate in the exam three days later and pierced each of their hearts with sharp, pointed gazes like iron harpoons. The power contained in those gazes was so intense that some flinched in response. His gaze possessed a strange power that made people activate their defensive instincts.

“……”

As if bothered, Go Yak-han gave no explanation or any elaboration, but simply handed each person two sheets of paper.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“What is this?”

“Huh?”

The disciples who received the paper exclaimed in bewilderment. It was clear that what they had received was not simple paper. This paper contained a very unpleasant and ominous aura. A paper, of all things… it somehow exuded a sense of foreboding. It was definitely for some purpose.

“What is this, Master?”

Noh Hak, who, as a disciple of the Beggar’s Sect, couldn’t suppress his curiosity—one of the rules of the Beggar’s Sect disciples was to die knowing what was happening, even if they were about to be hit—raised his hand courageously and asked. The reply he received was chilling.

“Write!”

That was all Master Go Yak-han said. Noh Hak, who often complained about Go Yak-han’s curt remarks, finally chose this day as an auspicious one and exploded.

“We need to know what it is to write it! Without telling us anything, what exactly do you want us to write?”

Master Go Yak-han turned his head sharply and looked at him with flashing eyes. Noh Hak felt a momentary prickle of fear, but the die was cast. So, he instead became defiant. Did he think he had crossed the point of no return?

“If you don’t tell me, I can’t write it. No, I won’t write it!”

Pushing out his belly so much that his back curved, Noh Hak, in a perfect "take it or leave it" posture, spoke. Go Yak-han’s eyes narrowed further. Conversely, the intensity in his eyes grew even stronger.

The Black Sword Bird members watched the two men alternately with tense gazes. Among them, Bi Ryu-yeon’s gaze was quite intrigued.

‘He’s still risking his life over trivial matters. That guy always comes away with nothing when he does that.’

A menacing aura flowed, as if Go Yak-han would split Noh Hak’s belly in two at any moment.

A moment later, Go Yak-han uttered just two words.

“Affidavit!”

As he spoke these words, several scars on Go Yak-han’s face twitched simultaneously, giving people an even more grotesque impression. The word "affidavit," coming from Master Go Yak-han’s mouth, carried an even greater sense of ill omen.

“What kind of affidavit?”

Noh Hak was bewildered.

“It’s an affidavit stating that even if you die accidentally during this exam, you will not complain to the Cheonmu Academy and will peacefully ascend to Buddhahood, hehehe.”

Suddenly, the lecture hall fell silent as if doused with cold water.

Noh Hak suddenly felt his blood turn cold.

“You… you’re joking, right?”

Cold sweat beaded on Noh Hak’s forehead as he spoke. Noh Hak self-deprecatingly thought that this was the first time he had heard Go Yak-han joke. It was a very foreign experience. But he couldn't bring himself to say it out loud, it was a unfunny joke. He suspected that all the disciples in the lecture hall would agree with his opinion.

“Then, what about the next paper?”

There were two papers in total that had been handed out.

“Hehehe, that’s a will. If you die, how sad would your parents be if you died without saying anything? As a child, you should leave your last words, don’t you think?”

Noh Hak’s face crumpled like discarded paper trash in a bin. It would have been better not to hear it at all. He gave the impression that he was teasing them and enjoying it. Noh Hak cursed the old man internally, calling him truly ill-tempered.

“Is it that dangerous of a place? This Demonic Beast Lair? If it’s such a damned place, I need to reconsider.”

To treat something carelessly is not the way of a beggar. The same goes for one’s life.

“I don’t know!”

Go Yak-han replied.

“Then who does know?”

Noh Hak was dumbfounded.

“I haven’t even entered it, so how can I tell you? You’ll know when you experience it yourself. It’s not my concern. Do teachers ever reveal exam questions in advance?”

“No!”

It was as if he was asking, "How dare you raise your voice at me?" In fact, Go Yak-han had only heard rumors about it and had never experienced its reality. He had nothing more to say.

“Then, I’ll give you three days. If you’re scared, give up! We also accept requests for withdrawal. Cowards are welcome to withdraw.”

This was a place where only descendants and disciples of the most prestigious families were carefully selected. No one dared to withdraw out of shame.

They knew that if they withdrew here, they would be beaten to death not by the Demonic Beast Lair, but by their fathers or masters, like fire, in their families or sects. They would never want to tarnish their reputation.

“Posthumous arrangements are one of the most important things for the living. Those who live a limited time must always think about what comes after their death. So… write without any more questions!”

And Go Yak-han added one more thing, as if he didn’t trust the children.

“This might be your last rest… so, gentlemen, enjoy it fully and at your leisure in your lives.”

If it were a joke, it was a terribly wicked one. It was the most effective way to provoke people. He seemed to have instinctively mastered the most effective way to provoke people.

And then, three days of rest were set. A precious time that might be the last rest for someone extremely unlucky.

Although they tried to reassure people by saying that fatalities were rare, rare meant that they did exist. Moreover, the fact that it had been sealed for 18 years was enough to infer its inherent danger.

Even here at Cheonmu Academy, which was obsessed with defeating Machun Pavilion, they had decided to seal it due to its danger. That seal was now about to be broken after 18 years.

It was a moonlit night, and the wind was blowing mournfully.

“It’s been a while, Cheon!”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Qinghen! Has it been half a year since we last met?”

It had been a long time since Qinghen had last visited Wi Jicheon’s room. Then, a long silence followed.

Qinghen stared at Wi Jicheon with a sharp gaze uncharacteristic of him. He hated seeing his friend becoming more and more corrupted. And he was angry.

“How long are you going to stay like this?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“Do you really not know? Really?”

Qinghen raised his voice in anger. As a friend, he had no choice but to scold Wi Jicheon. There was no trace of his former brilliance and sharp spirit left in him.

“Just forget it and give up now.”

Qinghen couldn’t bring himself to explicitly name the object.

“Hehehe……. I’ll kill him! I will definitely kill that brat! His very existence is a harm to the world and to her! I will definitely… definitely… kill him.”

Madness flickered in Wi Jicheon’s eyes. He looked like he could devour Bi Ryu-yeon on the spot.

‘It’s this bad…….’

Qinghen felt a sense of despair.

Wi Jicheon’s mind was now so utterly broken and desolate. His heart ached, but he also knew that he couldn’t advance the conversation any further at this moment. People become blind to their surroundings when they fixate on one thing. This was the case with Wi Jicheon.

“Snap out of it! Your obsession with that woman is not a good look!”

“What? What did you just say? Who am I obsessed with?”

Wi Jicheon yelled in anger. Madness flashed in his eyes once more. Qinghen didn’t want to damage their friendship with any more unproductive arguments. The reality was clear enough from today’s visit.

“I admit I spoke harshly and apologize. However, please don’t forget that I still cannot agree with your words and cannot support your actions. This is the last piece of advice I can give you as a friend. I hope to see the changed you!”

Qinghen stood up.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Wi Jicheon slammed the table roughly.

“Stop! Stop it now! Stooooop!”

He shook his head violently and shouted. As if he couldn't bear to hear anymore, he covered his ears. Qinghen looked at him with a pained gaze.

“I miss the days when the three of us roamed the martial world. I hope you return to your former self as soon as possible. Don’t be foolish enough to abandon your entire life for one woman. Then I’ll be going. Let’s both do our best in tomorrow’s exam.”

After saying this, Qinghen opened the door and left, but he knew very well that the possibility of his words coming true was extremely slim.

What is love… And among those loves, what could be more sorrowful than unrequited love? Waiting for a soundless echo requires immense patience, a wicked task. Some even try to overturn mountains because of it. But that doesn't make the echo return. It only devastates the mountain!

After confirming that Qinghen’s presence had faded into the distance, Wi Jicheon, relying on the flickering light, took out an item carefully kept in his bosom and illuminated it under the light. His hands were exceedingly careful, as if touching a precious ceramic.

‘Do you want power?’

The voice that still echoed clearly in his ears that day! The item given to him by the owner of the voice that responded to his earnest wish.

‘With this, I will surely!’

He carefully looked at the item and then carefully put it back into his bosom.

“I will kill him……. I will definitely kill him!”

The thorn in his eye must be completely removed and annihilated for him to be safe.

“Definitely!”

Wi Jicheon, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light, clenched the item he received from that person in his hand.

“It’s finally starting.”

The Great Disciple said as he looked at the report that had arrived on the wind.

“Yes! It’s finally tomorrow.”

Chisahan replied, bowing his back almost at a right angle.

The subject of the conversation they were having was about the Trial of the Demonic Beast Lair, the selection exam for the representative of the Orthodox Sect’s Huashan Covenant Branch. It was natural that their interest was focused on it.

“Then, should we send a coffin as a congratulatory gift?”

It was a terribly chilling remark. A coffin, something needed only at funerals, was by no means a recommended gift. However, Chisahan, who heard the words, wore a sinister smile.

“Kehehehehehe. That would be good. It seems they will have to handle a lot of corpses tomorrow……. As a human courtesy, sending a coffin would be a sign of human kindness, wouldn’t it? Krk kkk.”

He burst into laughter, as if finding something extremely amusing.

“Is everything proceeding without a hitch?”

“Of course. All arrangements are perfectly complete. Everything is according to His will……”

“Good! Then I look forward to tomorrow’s good news.”

Chisahan bowed again and quietly withdrew. He still had matters to attend to.

“I’m very much looking forward to the news that will come. I wonder how much it will amuse me……. Hohoho.”

He left the main hall with a chilling smile.