Book 11 Chapter 4

The One Who Trains and the One Who is Trained

- The incense stick burns away

Sweat drenched the earth like monsoon rain.

It felt as if all the moisture in my body had turned into sweat and was being expelled.

"Huff, huff, huff!"

"Heh, heh, heh!"

"Ggguk, ggguk, ggguk!"

"Waaater…"

My mouth burned as if scalded by a searing thirst.

"Tsk tsk!"

Yeomdo watched the delegation with a displeased look. On the surface, they were walking normally. However, they were currently employing a light body technique, moving five times faster than an ordinary person's walk.

Yet, even this rapid pace left Yeomdo feeling listless. To his eyes, their marching formation felt like this:

'Toddle toddle!'

Yeomdo's face contorted slightly.

'Why do I have to suffer like this with these greenhorns? There's no need to invite trouble upon myself. What sins did I commit in my past life to deserve this karma?'

The more he thought about it, the more unfair it seemed. But without regard for his thoughts, they chattered merrily as they moved swiftly. Of course, to Yeomdo, it felt like this:

'Peep peep!'

With every step they took, the distance increased by a jang. This was a type of light body technique called Gyeongsinbo. It was an essential light body technique that allowed one to move at a fast pace with minimal internal energy without running, making it very useful for long-distance travel due to its low energy consumption and ability to be maintained for extended periods. Although they chose to express it as 'walking,' their movements were faster than most ordinary people running at full speed.

And after a while, the promised rest time arrived. For such a long journey, regular rest was also an important factor. However, even during this sweet rest time, there were those who were not granted rest and suffered the benefits of malice.

A secret conversation took place. It was a short one.

"Deal with it that way. I'm counting on you."

"Don't worry. I'll definitely re-educate them."

Bilyeon spoke, and Yeomdo nodded.

Bilyeon was not the type of person to easily forget grudges and anger. Yeomdo, having been with Bilyeon for a long time, did not forget this fact and was well aware of it. Yeomdo did not want this young master to find out that he had done virtually nothing while Bilyeon was buried in the Demonic Cult due to an unfortunate accident—unlike the Vermillion Bird Group, who at least dug—and that he hadn't even worried. To prevent this, he resolved to push the Vermillion Bird Group relentlessly, even doing their share of the work.

In order to keep Bilyeon's attention focused there.

"Vermillion Bird Group, assemble!"

As Yeomdo's command fell, a gust of wind arose, and the Vermillion Bird Group rushed before Yeomdo. Clumsiness and slowness were not tolerated for them. They had already experienced sufficiently what terrible consequences such slowness could lead to.

"Standard!"

Namgung Sang raised his hand to set the standard.

"One, two, three, four… sixteen. Number, end! Man!"

The Vermillion Bird Group, lined up, turned their heads to the side and assigned numbers. The final number was sixteen. There was not a single straggler.

"Total 16, present 16, no incidents, Vermillion Bird Group assembly complete!"

Namgung Sang, who nominally held the title of Vermillion Bird Group Leader, finished his report.

Sixteen! This number meant that not a single member was missing from the Vermillion Bird Group's quota. Astonishingly, the Vermillion Bird Group had achieved the remarkable feat of passing all members, despite other divine beasts' groups suffering numerous dropouts and injuries. Yeomdo nodded and said,

"Let us begin the 'game' now!"

With those words, the Vermillion Bird Group was cast into the fiery abyss of hell.

"Huff, huff, huff!"

"Hek, hek, hek!"

"Ggguk, ggguk, ggguk!"

The sweat that trickled down drenched the earth like monsoon rain. It felt as if all the moisture in my body was being expelled. The fiery summer had passed, but the flames of the red-hot sun had not yet lost their power. As if to prove its continued existence, the sun was still showcasing the heat of its scorching rays. The air felt thick like gruel.

Under that scorching sun, the sixteen members of the Vermillion Bird Group moved their bodies with all their might. Even with their strong internal energy, their accumulated internal energy and trained bodies were almost useless against Yeomdo's harsh training.

Despite being at the beginning of autumn, the sun blazed, and the air, heated by the blazing sun, was so muggy that it was difficult even to breathe.

However, Yeomdo was merciless.

He argued that failing to overcome even this weather was a disgrace. At the very least, they should reach the state of being impervious to cold and heat, even if not impervious to swords and blades, and not quite at the level of being impervious to water and fire. This was because, in Yeomdo's opinion, it was the basic requirement for a warrior.

Drip, drip, drip!

The sound of numerous water droplets hitting the ground. But it was not the sound of rain. However, the ants walking in a line beneath their feet, carrying prey five to six times larger than themselves, must have felt it was raining, and for these diligent creatures, it would have been a great disaster.

"Hek, hek, hek, is it raining? Damn it…"

Rohak muttered, grinding his teeth. Raining? What a joke!

However, he suddenly felt the urge to check the weather. This was because his body was completely soaked, as if he had walked in the rain all day. The reason they were sweating so much that it felt like they had run around in a torrential downpour was simple and brutally straightforward.

They had been undergoing what was called training for an hour already. The conductor of this training was Yeomdo himself. He was carrying out this noble task under the guise of mental reinforcement and physical training.

This one hour was hell, unbearable even for them, who could fly and run circles around others. Yeomdo had no intention of continuing the journey. Binggeom also seemed to have been informed beforehand and did not interfere with this matter one way or another.

Yeomdo's game was not yet over.

"Stand up! Sit! Stand up! Sit!"

"Sleep forward! Sleep backward!"

Following Yeomdo's commands, the Vermillion Bird Group members had to quickly flip their bodies. Even the slightest hesitation was not tolerated here.

"Push-ups!"

It was clearly different from ordinary people's push-ups. They supported the weight of their entire bodies with only the index finger of one hand. Pitiable glances were cast upon them from here and there. This was a type of brutal training that almost none of the other delegations, except for the Vermillion Bird Group, had experienced.

"Now! One for spirit, two for unity!"

Yeomdo called out the commands again.

"One!"

"Spiriiiiit!"

Their bodies lowered, almost touching the ground.

"Two!"

"Uniiiiity!"

Their bodies rose again.

"Did you skip breakfast? Don't you want to eat lunch?"

It seemed Yeomdo was not satisfied with their responses.

"One for master, two for heavens, one!"

"Maaaaaster!"

Their bodies lowered again.

"Two!"

"Heaaaaaaavens!"

Their bodies rose again.

"One!"

"Maaaaaster!"

Again, their bodies lowered. There was only about a fingernail's width of space between the ground and their stomachs. The fingers of the Vermillion Bird Group members trembled under the excessive load.

"Maintain that state!"

Then came Yeomdo's merciless command. For a moment, the Vermillion Bird Group members forgot to respond.

"Are you kidding me? Are you out of your minds? Where are you putting your minds? Did you forget your response? Maintain!"

"Maaaaiiintain…"

That response was close to a sob. With their bodies millimeters away from touching the ground, they entered a stance hold. Sweat poured from their foreheads, soaking the ground. Since using internal energy was not allowed, they were suffering immensely.

"The only truth I've learned after wandering the martial world for 40 years is that regretting after death is useless. Do you understand? You chicks! Don't be so arrogant when you haven't even properly broken out of your shells. In the end, you're just greenhorns with almost no practical experience! Sparring and actual combat are clearly different! So, heed my profound and boundless intention for your survival!"

Although it was an excuse, it was not a lie.

"The martial world is a battlefield! Therefore, the volcano we must go to is one such battlefield. The Volcano Branch Meeting is a battle. You must win the battle. How do you win? Good question. It's simple. You can win if you become strong. Therefore, I will make you strong. Everyone, stand up! Form fives and lines. Commence!"

With Yeomdo's powerful command, the Vermillion Bird Group members, who were in push-ups with only one index finger, sprang up like lightning and aligned their side and front lines with precision. If the lines were even slightly out of alignment, it could be a reason for complaint. Yeomdo, who had been roaring with a fierce expression, showed a fleeting look of satisfaction when the Vermillion Bird Group members aligned their ranks with precision.

"Hey, kids!"

Yeomdo called them with a gentle voice.

"Yes! Esteemed Master!"

The sixteen Vermillion Bird Group members, despite their agonizing exhaustion, answered clearly and with strong voices. They did not want to repeat the previous exercises if they answered weakly.

"Is it hard?"

Yeomdo asked in a subtle tone.

'Of course, it's incredibly hard. Can't you see!' they wanted to shout, but they refrained from expressing their true feelings, fearing the repercussions. Truth always came with a heavy price.

"No."

The Vermillion Bird Group members answered in unison.

"Really?"

"Yes! We're fine!"

"Really, truly okay?"

"Yes! We are fine!"

Again, they answered with strong voices.

"Riiiiight? Then you're wearing those properly, right?"

They knew exactly what Yeomdo was talking about.

"Yes! Of course!"

It was about the weights they wore on their wrists and ankles. Yeomdo knew what they were wearing on their wrists and ankles from Bilyeon.

"Are they heavy?"

"No!"

"Yes!"

Whether it was the trickery of the gods, or despite having to vehemently deny it, one of the Vermillion Bird Group members carelessly answered yes. And then, they immediately realized their mistake! But it was too late. That was an answer they should never, ever have given, even if a knife were at their throat.

"Riiiiight? Still heavy? Then let's make your bodies lighter. There's still plenty of time."

Yeomdo grinned. The Vermillion Bird Group members were extremely uneasy at Yeomdo's smile. They were even feeling fear.

"Gentlemen, do you see that mountain over there?"

Yeomdo pointed to a mountain in the distance. The Vermillion Bird Group members nodded in unison. However, their expressions were very grim. Intense unease and fear had gripped them.

"No answer! Are you all mute? Now, do you see that mountain over there?"

Yeomdo asked again in a loud voice.

"Yes! We see it!"

A thunderous answer erupted. Their voices were sharp with discipline. The Vermillion Bird Group members looked at the mountain pointed to by the tip of Yeomdo's index finger.

The mountain appeared quite high.

"Now, have you confirmed it? Then, we will now commence light body and stamina strengthening training."

He then took something out of his robe.

"Now, I will light the incense."

Yeomdo placed incense sticks in a portable incense burner. There were five in total. The dreaded 'what if' had become reality, and people were terrified. Their faces turned as pale as wax figures.

"Perhaps some of you might be thinking, 'Why bother climbing that high mountain to the end when I can't even see it? I can just pretend to climb and come back.'"

At that moment, Yeomdo's tone returned to its original manner. Because it came in a different tone than usual, his rough original tone felt even more intimidating. Rohak and a few others looked as if they had been caught.

"However, unfortunately, I cannot satisfy your expectations. You all should have a signal mirror."

Of course, they all carried one at their waist. It was one of the essential items…

"What do you think it's for? When you reach that mountain, send a signal with your mirror!"

It was truly thorough. If they were found to be dawdling and returning midway, they would gain the esteemed qualification of climbing many mountains tomorrow.

"Those who descend halfway will have another climb awaiting them tomorrow. If you like mountain scenery, I won't stop you."

The words were soft, but the implied threat was terrifying. Yeomdo's tone and actions were different from his usual self. It was as if he had become someone else.

None of them wanted to climb up and down mountains for reasons other than travel, vacation, or leisure. They knew well that if Yeomdo said they would do it, he really would.

"Now! Whoever comes in last will have to go again. Commence!"

"Commence!"

Without exception, the Vermillion Bird Group members kicked off the ground and ran at their lifetime speed. A cloud of dust remained in their wake.

Rumble!

They returned after running with all their might when only three sticks of incense had not yet burned out. The Vermillion Bird Group returned before all five incense sticks had burned out. Their bodies were drenched in sweat due to the momentary expenditure of energy. However, seeing that two sticks of incense remained unburned, they could feel relieved.

They expected Yeomdo's praise for this remarkable achievement, but it did not take long to realize how futile that wish was.

"Oh? Why are you guys back already?"

Yeomdo asked everyone with a look of surprise.

"Back already? We definitely went to the mountain you designated. We sent a clear signal, but…?"

Namgung Sang, as the representative, replied to Yeomdo's question. Then Yeomdo's expression turned incredulous.

"Huh? What are you talking about? When did I say that mountain?"

"Yes? But you clearly just…?"

Namgung Sang trailed off under Yeomdo's furious glare. He felt a threat to his personal safety, as if he would face some calamity if he continued to speak.

"When did I? Are all your eyes like haetae eyes? Are they defective? When did I point there? Look again! This is the only time! There won't be a second time!"

As if to show his kindness, Yeomdo extended his index finger again and pointed to a mountain located in his sun direction (1-2 o'clock direction). The gazes of the Vermillion Bird Group members followed the invisible straight line emanating from the tip of his finger into the space beyond. Then, the invisible straight line connected to his finger clearly stopped at the peak of the mountain they had frantically run to.

"……?"

It wasn't wrong, was it? So why the argument?

Such blunt thoughts existed only in the depths of the Vermillion Bird Group members' hearts and were never to be expressed aloud. However, Yeomdo seemed to have perceived their thoughts. He wore an expression of disbelief.

"Hey, hey! Where are you looking? Why are your eyes stopping there?"

Yeomdo's furious command fell.

"Aren't your eyes too low? Is that even a mountain? Are you going for a stroll in the backyard? It's not that mountain, it's the mountain behind it."

Yeomdo clearly stated the target, as if annoyed.

"……?"

It was as Yeomdo said. The peak of the mountain they had visited was not the destination but an intermediate stop. The intangible line continued to extend further into the space behind it. Their gazes followed the intangible line that narrowly grazed the mountain peak, rising higher and higher. Their heads tilted back more and more severely. And then they saw it.

At that moment, they wished they could pluck out their eyeballs. They could see a mountain behind the one they had worked so hard to conquer, which appeared twice as high and at least three times as rugged.

"Surely…?"

Namgung Sang's mouth trembled severely.

"You… you're joking, right?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"Ah, please say you're joking."

Namgung Sang and the other Vermillion Bird Group members felt despair.

"Do you think I'm here to casually joke around with you over something like this?"

The Vermillion Bird Group members' faces contorted into abstract shapes. However, Yeomdo did not seem to be joking. He was utterly serious. They, with trembling fingers, raised their eyes of disbelief and pointed to the mountain they loathed to even look at.

"So, really…?"

Namgung Sang's tongue was trembling severely. Yeomdo nodded silently. All the Vermillion Bird Group members wore faces as if a funeral had occurred. Those who were not part of the Vermillion Bird Group looked at the Vermillion Bird Group members with unhidden anxiety, fear, and pity. However, no one stepped forward to stop Yeomdo. There was no clear justification to restrain his actions. What could one say when a master was training a disciple?

Those who narrowly escaped this desperate situation gave profound thanks to heaven for not being chosen as the protagonists of this misfortune. The Vermillion Bird Group members appeared pitiful in their eyes. Since they were unharmed, they could pity the Vermillion Bird Group members without reservation.

"Come on, come on, if you just stand there stupidly, will the mountain come to you? Hurry up and depart!"

Yeomdo's roar thundered again. And he cruelly added one more thing.

"It's first come, first served."

First come, first served!

It was the same as saying that whoever fell behind would have to make another trip. With the words "first come, first served," they once again had to run with all their might. In an instant, the sixteen figures became small dots on the horizon.

The delegation members, watching the misfortune of the Vermillion Bird Group, saw Yeomdo as a ghost or a demon. They were so scared that goosebumps rose on their skin. The anxiety that they could also end up in such a situation at any moment overwhelmed them. Fortunately, they had no connection with Yeomdo and did not have to run now, so they sighed in relief and quietly offered a silent prayer of mourning for the Vermillion Bird Group.

After a considerable amount of time, lights began to sparkle one by one from the mountain peaks. Seeing this, Yeomdo turned to the delegation and ordered them to depart.

"Shouldn't we wait for our seniors?"

Hyoryong asked bravely. It would still take a considerable amount of time for them to return.

"Can we stay here forever? Do you want to camp here tonight?"

"No…, no."

Hyoryong quickly shook his head. Yeomdo glanced at the mountain and then turned away without hesitation.

"They'll catch up on their own. Depart!"

Yeomdo's command was utterly cold.

They rejoined the group again around Yusi (around 5 to 7 PM), when the sun was setting in the west. Of course, by then, all five freshly lit incense sticks had burned out. And next to them, one more incense stick had been added. Five sticks had not been enough for time measurement.

Namgung Sang was the first to arrive among the members, thus preserving his dignity as the leader. Second and third were Hyeonwoon and Jinryeong. Rohak, unfortunately, came in fourth and was granted the fortune of conquering the mountain once more. However, Rohak would have preferred to have his belly cut open.

Perhaps they had run at the fastest speed in their lives. All sixteen were utterly exhausted, on the verge of death. Although it was first come, first served, they did not have the energy to run a second time. They had depleted an excessive amount of internal energy in a short period. If they had ascended the mountain at an average speed using their light body technique, they would not have been this tired. However, the 'mare' of competition had plunged them all into the abyss of fatigue. All sixteen had collapsed onto the ground as if they were completely knocked out, so even the fiery Yeomdo could not tell them to run again.

"Tsk tsk tsk, you collapse after just running that much?"

'J-just that much!' 'That… that far a distance?'

In the heavy silence, the remaining delegation members, eavesdropping on Yeomdo's voice, felt their hearts turn cold. If Yeomdo's arrow were to turn towards them… They began to contemplate the possibility that they might need to write their wills in advance.

"I did not train you to be this weak. How can you survive in this treacherous martial world if you are this weak, and how can you flatten your opponents and win the difficult Volcano Regulations Meeting!"

Yeomdo's words were like frost.

"I don't want to see your pathetic weakness anymore today. But if you disappoint me again tomorrow, you should be prepared. Disperse!"

As soon as Yeomdo's words ended, the Vermillion Bird Group members collapsed, foaming at the mouth. Bilyeon approached Yeomdo, who was watching the Vermillion Bird Group members scattered haphazardly here and there, shaking his head. He glanced at the incense sticks in the burner and quietly said,

"There are too many. Reduce it to three."

Yeomdo nodded silently. He turned and, with a cold voice, ordered the few delegation members who were watching him nervously.

"Carry them!"

At Yeomdo's instruction, some of the male and female delegates carried the unconscious Vermillion Bird Group members. Yeomdo also slung Namgung Sang over his back. Namgung Sang's hand hung limply on his back. A strange light flickered in Yeomdo's eyes.

"…Incompetent fool! Let's go!"

At Yeomdo's command, the delegation quickly moved their steps again. They had to reach the targeted village before the sun completely set.