Book 21 Chapter 12

The Reality of Jajukdo

—A Tradition That Calls for Blood

After Ok Yu-gyeong's briefing, the twins from the Black Cross guided the delegation through the main areas of Macheongak. Heuk-il distributed silk maps marked as "Embassy Passage Zones" to the group. The intricate illustrations embroidered with colored thread and the clear lettering were exquisite. Made without paper or ink, so they wouldn't be damaged if crumpled or dropped in water, the maps reflected meticulous consideration.

The areas accessible to the delegation were divided into "Free Passage Zones" embroidered with blue thread and "Guide Accompanied Zones" embroidered with red thread. Areas bordered only with gray thread were all off-limits. Even with the Guide Accompanied Zones included, the area the delegation could set foot in was less than half of Macheongak as a whole.

Next, Heuk-wol presented each member of the delegation with a silver band embroidered with the character "Sa" (사). This band served as both a pass and an identification, and the engraved patterns looked like talismans, which felt slightly unsettling.

"While you are staying at Macheongak, please wear this band where it is easily visible. Hehehe, I know it's a bit embarrassing, but for our esteemed guests, I personally imbued it with a wish for peace and well-being when I made it!"

While contemplating what "it" might be, and poking at the product of suspicious kindness, someone bravely asked,

"Excuse me… what is 'it'? And what happens if the band is lost or not worn?"

"…Alright! Shall we begin the tour? First, let's all wear the bands! Immediately!"

Her voice was as refreshing as early summer wild strawberries, and her smile as cheerful as sunlight filtering through leaves.

The delegation felt a sense of fleeting emptiness and fell into a state of thoughtlessness at Heuk-wol's innocent demeanor, her eyes sparkling as she waited for them to "wear" the bands with not the slightest movement. A moment later, when they came to their senses, they had each put the band on somewhere visible on their bodies. The delegation had just experienced the fact that excessive kindness can sometimes be more dangerous than poison.

For convenience, the group divided into two and began their tour, each following either Heuk-il or Heuk-wol. Shortly after, as they visited the main areas with Heuk-il or Heuk-wol, they were all astonished. It was not something that could be dismissed as merely a small island in a lake.

If one person lying comfortably takes up about one pyeong, then Dongting Lake can comfortably accommodate over 1.51 billion people. The vast expanse of Dongting Lake, stretching eight hundred li in all directions, is precisely that. Calling it a lake is an understatement; it's akin to a sea. Therefore, even a single island scattered within it is by no means small.

Jajukdo, in particular, was about a million pyeong in area, with its usable space maximized through towers, multi-story buildings, and underground areas. The hidden spaces, seemingly there yet not there, combined with the four islands to the east, west, north, and south, could sufficiently serve the role of one or two major cities. Consequently, visiting only the primary key areas took nearly two shichen (a two-hour period). It wasn't until just before the lunch hour was over that the delegation finally headed to the restaurant.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, as Na Ye-rin was about to speak to Yeon Bi to suggest eating together, Yi Jin-seol, who was clinging to her, grabbed one of her arms. Yi Jin-seol, looking as though she could no longer bear it, impulsively pulled Na Ye-rin's arm.

"Unni! Let's eat with us!"

And then, just as Na Ye-rin's face was about to stiffen, she added in a very small voice,

"Well, Miss Yeon, you too."

It was said reluctantly. She seemed displeased with Yeon Bi's presence, feeling as though her beloved unni was being completely snatched away. Of course, Yi Jin-seol had a lover, but that was that, and this was this. Just because one wears a headband doesn't mean one can't wear a waist belt.

"Won't Yeon Bi be uncomfortable?"

Na Ye-rin first sought Yeon Bi's permission. Yeon Bi had not yet properly greeted Yi Jin-seol or Hyo-ryong.

"I don't mind, Rin."

Yeon Bi replied.

Seeing Na Ye-rin asking for Yeon Bi's permission, Yi Jin-seol secretly pouted.

The people at the table Yi Jin-seol led them to were Hyo-ryong, Jang Hong, and Yun Jun-ho. Na Ye-rin had spoken with these three a few times thanks to Bi Ryu-yeon or Yi Jin-seol. The only one remaining was Yeon Bi.

Yi Jin-seol introduced Yeon Bi to the group. She had already exchanged greetings with Yeon Bi on the way, introduced by Na Ye-rin.

"I am Yeon Bi."

Yeon Bi greeted first, slightly bowing her head. Her voice was calm yet refreshing.

"I, I am Yun Jun-ho."

"I am Jang Hong."

"My name is Hyo-ryong."

Yun Jun-ho's cheeks were flushed, Jang Hong's eyes held a look of suspicion, and Hyo-ryong's mouth was full of smiles.

As soon as the introductions were over, Jang Hong began gathering information.

"That's a peculiar umbrella? The texture is also very unique…"

He expressed curiosity about the black umbrella with plum blossom patterns that Yeon Bi always carried. Although it was folded indoors, she almost always carried it outdoors, even on sunny days, so the black umbrella had already become Yeon Bi's symbol.

Some male guards would get excited just hearing the word "umbrella" and talk about Yeon Bi. Especially when Yeon Bi, a recognized beauty of Baekdo, walked beside Na Ye-rin, the undisputed beauty of Baekdo, carrying her umbrella, the striking black and white contrast amplified their beauty two or three times. At such times, the gazes of the men around them would fix on the two like magnets.

"Ah, it's a special product. It's called Hyeoncheon Eunrin, but usually, it's shortened to Eunrin."

Hyeoncheon Eunrin means "silver flames in a dark, deep sky." With silver plum blossoms scattered as if sublimating against that dark background, it could indeed be called silver flames.

"That's a wonderful name. But this umbrella isn't made of paper. Not of cloth either. Something else… like some kind of leather…"

Jang Hong's perception was quite sharp.

"Hmm, what could it be? I'd like to tell you, but…"

Yeon Bi trailed off.

"But?"

"For circumstantial reasons, it's a sec.r.et."

Yeon Bi said, holding up her index finger.

"Anyway, thanks to this material, it's very sturdy. It doesn't leak, so it's useful when it rains."

From Yeon Bi's tone, Jang Hong inferred several things. First, it was definitely a weapon. She said it was useful when it rained, which meant it had another purpose originally, didn't it? Then the reason she always carried the umbrella with her made sense. But…

'There was a sect that used umbrellas like that as weapons…'

However, he couldn't recall any sect that used such a special material and a powerful umbrella as a weapon. Of course, there weren't many artisans who could make such an item, so by chasing down exceptional master craftsmen, he might be able to learn the history of this item. Whether they would speak was another matter.

'She's definitely hiding something!'

Jang Hong decided to conclude his thoughts at that point. He was someone who avoided the most terrifying assumptions lurking in his subconscious.

The meal consisted of Dong'an Ziji (crispy, spicy, and sweet chicken), fish balls shaped and seasoned fragrantly for a hot pot, and plain Daoshao noodles. Although they had to eat whatever was served due to prior agreements and cost negotiations between Cheonmu Academy and Macheongak, the dishes were all impeccable. Compared to the general reputation of Hunan cuisine being strong, spicy, and unique, the flavors were well-balanced. The fact that the plates, spoons, and other tableware were marked with the region, company name, and "Please visit us often" was somewhat unsettling.

After the meal, it was time to taste Junshan YinZhen (君山銀針), a specialty from Junshan, a small island in Dongting Lake. The slender tea leaves, like silver needles, gave off a refreshing aroma and steeped into a sweet amber color. While enjoying the tea, the group discussed the homework Ok Yu-gyeong had left.

"Why would she ask us to choose a class leader? What does she mean?"

Yi Jin-seol was the first to speak. Ok Yu-gyeong's tone suggested something more significant than a simple class election. After all, this was Macheongak, one of the two major pillars of the dark world. It wouldn't be strange if there were other implications behind it.

"That person, Hyo-ryong, seems to know something?"

Yeon Bi smiled as she set down her teacup.

"Why do you think so?"

Yeon Bi tilted her head slightly as if his question was strange and said,

"Hmm, your face seemed to suggest it… or was it not?"

"Ah, no, it was."

Hyo-ryong, flustered by Yeon Bi's composure, replied.

'We only just met…'

It felt as if they had known each other for years, a sense of familiarity and closeness.

Flash!

At that moment, a glint of wariness flashed like lightning in Yi Jin-seol's eyes. Hyo-ryong took a sip of tea and began to explain.

"As you heard earlier, the dormitories at Macheongak are all independent units. Each dormitory has an average of about a hundred people, with a variation of about ten depending on the situation. And the top fifty in each dormitory are strictly ranked."

"What about those outside the ranking, meaning, those other than the fifty?"

"They are… called so-called 'minnows'."

"So it's a matter of six of one, half a dozen of the other. But what is the basis for the ranking?"

"Of course, it's based on grades, no, on skill. The rankings are adjusted every three months through exams or competitions. However, the results of private duels in between are also immediately reflected in the rankings, which is a tradition of Macheongak."

It was an undeniably brutal and terrifying tradition.

"It's a tradition that calls for blood."

"Miss Yeon is right. It is the belief of the dark world that swords grow stronger in blood. In fact, that way is the best… But isn't that person over there here on some business?"

Hyo-ryong paused his explanation and gestured behind Yeon Bi's left shoulder. Only then did Yeon Bi turn to look at the man standing behind her. As their eyes met, he blushed and fidgeted.

"Oh, it's someone I met before."

Her tone suggested she had only just realized it.

"Ah, yes… Yes! That's right."

The man, who had been standing awkwardly, unsure of what to say, immediately assumed a rigid posture and replied.

"So, your name is Gongsun…"

Yeon Bi trailed off, as if she couldn't quite remember.

"Ah, yes! G-Gongsun Jeol-hwi."

Gongsun Jeol-hwi again assumed a stiff, rigid posture, tense. His face and muscles were all rigid; he seemed to be quite inept when dealing with women.

"Ah, Young Master Gongsun must have wanted to hear what Young Master Hyo said as well."

Gongsun Jeol-hwi, unable to withstand Yeon Bi's radiant smile, immediately lowered his head.

"No… I…"

As Gongsun Jeol-hwi struggled to muster courage, Yeon Bi suddenly said,

"Hmm, there's an empty seat next to Young Master Hyo. Please, sit down. Young Master Hyo wouldn't mind if one more person joined, right?"

Yeon Bi asked, her eyes twinkling at Hyo-ryong.

"Of-of course."

As he met Yeon Bi's eyes, which sparkled like jewels, Hyo-ryong unconsciously flustered and blushed. Yi Jin-seol finally exploded.

'Why is he blushing!'

A furious blow struck Hyo-ryong's side.

"Kuh…"

He managed to stifle his scream, but Hyo-ryong cried blood tears inwardly from the shock that shook his lungs and heart.

'Even with a spin…!'

The overly excellent blow shook his internal organs. He now felt his life threatened by her increasingly sharp skills. Would he survive the next blow? Sadly, he couldn't guarantee it.

'Grrrrr!'

Yi Jin-seol growled inwardly like a fierce hound and glared at Yeon Bi. Yeon Bi, whether aware of it or not, continued to offer Gongsun Jeol-hwi a seat.

"Then please sit down."

While Hyo-ryong, gritting his teeth and sweating profusely, clutched his side, Gongsun Jeol-hwi was at a crossroads.

"No, I mean, I…"

As the concentrate of courage still lingered in his throat, Yeon Bi, with a puzzled expression, asked,

"Is there a problem? Ah, perhaps I made an imprudent suggestion?"

Gongsun Jeol-hwi quickly waved his hands, blaming himself for his indecisiveness.

'Damn! Such a pathetic fool! I made Miss Yeon think she made a mistake. How pathetic!'

With that, there was no other choice.

"Ah, no. There's no problem. I will sit. Of course, I will! This is exactly what I wanted!"

And then he quickly sat down. It was the seat furthest from Yeon Bi.

'Demoted!'

At that moment, the same thought flashed through everyone's minds simultaneously.

'It's too far! The target location must have been closer?!'

'Could he not have noticed he was demoted?'

However, he didn't seem that dull. In Gongsun Jeol-hwi's eyes, as he settled in the corner, there was a faint despair and poignant regret.

'Damn, he accepted his fate! He's accepting everything!'

'Poor guy, tsk tsk. Aim for the next chance, Master of Despair.'

But Gongsun Jeol-hwi's future was not particularly bright… Due to various hidden events that began that day, Gongsun Jeol-hwi would later be known among the guards of Cheonmu Academy by the titles Gongsun Demoted, Master of Despair, or Gongsun Frustration.

"Well then, shall we continue?"

"Ah, yes."

After briefly looking at Gongsun Jeol-hwi with pity, Hyo-ryong quickly resumed his story at Yeon Bi's urging.

"In any case, the highest-ranked individual, the strongest, is the class leader, commonly known as the Captain. They have full decision-making power regarding administration, economics, and punishments within the dormitory. For reference, there is also one Vice-Captain, one Staff Officer, one Escort, and one Intelligence Officer to assist the Captain."

"That makes a total of five. Are the top five the leadership?"

At Na Ye-rin's words, Hyo-ryong shook his head.

"Below the Captain is the Vice-Captain, and below the Vice-Captain is the Escort, but the Staff Officer and Intelligence Officer are determined by personality and other factors. As long as one has a genius intellect, even someone from outside the ranking can become a Staff Officer. Though that rarely happens. In any case, because the Staff Officer may have the weakest martial arts among the leadership, the third-ranked Escort always accompanies them for protection."

"Hmm…!"

People murmured in awe at the meticulous arrangements, unimaginable at Cheonmu Academy.

"Then who takes on the role of the Intelligence Officer?"

Suddenly, Jin-ryeong appeared behind Yun Jun-ho and asked. Namgung Sang and Moyong Hwi also stood beside her, listening attentively. Hyo-ryong scratched his head and replied.

"It's someone who is a master of stealth, information gathering, and excellent espionage skills, or someone who boasts a dense network of contacts like a spiderweb. The Staff Officer and Captain are selected from within the top fifty ranked individuals, and if necessary, it is not disclosed to members outside the leadership who the Intelligence Officer is. The intention is to suppress any negative movements within the members before they even begin."

Hyo-ryong raised his teacup, moistened his throat, and continued.

"Therefore, the practical leadership consists of the Captain, Vice-Captain, Staff Officer, and Escort, a total of four people. Changes in leadership are not common. Adding the fourth and fifth-ranked individuals, who are potential future leaders, makes a total of six in the First Squad. Below them, squads of five people are formed, up to twenty squads. For example, the sixth to tenth ranks form the Second Squad, and the sixth rank becomes the leader of the Second Squad."

"My goodness, it's a complete military organization."

Yun Jun-ho remarked with a look of exhaustion.

"It is Macheongak's policy to ensure that combat can be engaged in with perfect discipline anytime, anywhere. When the squad leader moves, the squad members move, and since only the leadership can move the squad leader, there is no confusion."

Hyo-ryong said with a tone of obviousness. Yeon Bi asked,

"Then why didn't the instructor tell us all this important information?"

"It is Cheonmu Academy's educational policy to figure out necessary information on your own."

"Information gathering is also a skill, isn't it?"

Moyong Hwi, standing behind, asked in a somber voice.

"Something like that. That being said…"

Hyo-ryong looked around and said.

By now, not only Namgung Sang, Jin-ryeong, and Moyong Hwi, but also many other people had gathered around Jang Hong, casting shadows over them. Among them were Yong Cheon-myeong and Ma Ha-ryeong.

'If that's true, it's truly frightening…'

Upon hearing Hyo-ryong's words, Namgung Sang's hands were slick with cold sweat. This place was completely different from Cheonmu Academy. It could even be called another world. Here, life itself was like that of a military. While they were pointlessly bickering at Cheonmu Academy, these people had been steadily preparing for war.

Glancing around, Yong Cheon-myeong and Ma Ha-ryeong's complexions were also not good. They were probably thinking along similar lines.

Seriousness spread quickly. Before long, the hall was filled with a heavy silence. No one spoke.

"Huh? Huh?"

Hyo-ryong looked around and, flustered by the sudden change in atmosphere, looked at his companions.

"Is this because of me?"

His companions, including Na Ye-rin and Yeon Bi, all nodded simultaneously.

"Choosing a Captain… it's predictable how it will proceed."

Namgung Sang sighed. Based on past performance, it was highly likely that Yong Cheon-myeong would be chosen as Captain and Ma Ha-ryeong as Vice-Captain. Of course, this was assuming Ma Ha-ryeong would readily accept that decision.

A scenario where Ma Ha-ryeong becomes Captain and Yong Cheon-myeong becomes Vice-Captain was also conceivable. Ma Ha-ryeong's skill was slightly lacking compared to Yong Cheon-myeong, but according to rumors, she had undergone rigorous training from the imperial city over the past winter. Therefore, it was possible that this time she might not yield so easily.

"Predictable, you say… Is that really so?"

Yeon Bi asked with a smile.

"Then is there another possibility? I believe there are almost no variables."

Namgung Sang asked, puzzled.

"We'll have to wait and see."