Book 4 Chapter 8

Moyong Hwi Decides to Obtain the Sword Dragon Rank.

"I've decided to obtain the rank of Sword Dragon,"

Moyong Hwi said.

"Oh, really?"

Bilyeon replied.

"Indeed! I don't particularly like such external evaluation systems, but without it, various constraints are hindering my studies."

"Do you still have more to study? Isn't it enough now? What do you plan to do with all that you've learned? I haven't even used everything I've learned so far!"

"There's still a long way to go. I'm still inexperienced."

"Sigh, as expected of you. Do as you please."

Moyong Hwi, who had only focused on studying and martial arts training at the beginning of the semester, without much interest in the promotion exam, felt the need for the promotion exam for one reason.

The incident began yesterday. Like any other day, Moyong Hwi, who read at least six times more books than others, visited the library, Cheonseogak (天書閣), as if to flaunt his tedious passion for reading. Having read most of the rare and secret texts, he approached a bookshelf, separate and preserved, containing texts he hadn't yet read, and was about to pull out a book.

"Hold on. You cannot take that book."

"Why not?"

The librarian in charge of Cheonseogak was someone he knew well. Of course, the librarian knew Moyong Hwi, who visited every day without tiring and increased his workload. However, he had no choice but to stop Moyong Hwi.

This was because only those with a qualification of Sword Dragon or higher were allowed to access the secret texts and profound insights on the bookshelf Moyong Hwi had reached for. The librarian explained the situation to Moyong Hwi with great apology, and Moyong Hwi, who strictly followed regulations as much as his own fastidiousness, had to leave Cheonseogak with only a few trivial books, his footsteps filled with regret.

According to the librarian's additional remarks, he learned that in Cheonmu Academy, there were also qualification restrictions based on Sword Dragon rank for special lectures and the selection of training courses, in addition to borrowing secret texts. Moyong Hwi's dismay at being denied access to secret texts due to qualification requirements was immense. Moreover, the risk of not being able to take the courses he wanted to hear was also present, so how surprising was that! Therefore, as soon as dawn broke the next day, Moyong Hwi decided to take the promotion exam immediately. Moyong Hwi, who no longer wanted to be restricted from accessing secret texts, choosing training, or selecting lectures, finally made up his mind.

However, at this point, he only intended to participate in the Samsungje, with no particular desire to win. He had always believed that excessive desire and overconfidence would harm the body. But he would have to change his mind a few days later.

"Clang!"

Sparks flew wildly before his eyes. His wrist throbbed and his grip went numb, almost making him drop the sword he was holding, but Yun Junho didn't have enough composure to wince at the pain. He was barely able to tend to his own life as he was overwhelmed by the tremendous blade energy (刀氣) that was rushing into his entire body again.

Yun Junho wanted to cry. He shouldn't have gone to the place written on the letter of recommendation that Bilyeon had generously given him in the first place. The person Bilyeon introduced as the one who could cure his chronic plum hypersensitivity was an impossibly high figure, so high that Yun Junho couldn't even lift his head. When he realized that the person Bilyeon had introduced was none other than Yeomdo, who had made the tongues of his seniors and juniors wag and his ears sting when he was at his sect, Hwasan, the timid Yun Junho was so shocked he almost fainted.

It was sheer shock. He only wondered how Bilyeon knew such a peak master of the martial world as Yeomdo, and even had the familiarity to ask him for a favor. From what he heard, Yeomdo, a hot-tempered and foul-tempered person, who was even called a "burning dog-trash" by some, had never been known to readily grant anyone's request.

When Yeomdo's expression hardened severely upon receiving his letter, which he extended with trembling hands like a quaking aspen, Yun Junho was terrified of being beaten into a pulp by his fist, as big as a cauldron lid. When he saw the sixteen men and women, who had been scattered and were now getting up, before stepping up to Yeomdo, he felt like he was glimpsing a facet of his merciless personality. He had watched those sixteen people fall and get up like tumbleweeds. It was astonishing that Yeomdo, who seemed likely to immediately dismiss him with a roar (and if he didn't get punched, he was lucky), unexpectedly accepted him so readily.

Furthermore, when he learned that the people who were being taught under the guise of special intensive training (shortened to special training) were none other than the famous Suzakudan, whom everyone in the academy knew these days (and when he realized that their identities were those sixteen people who had bowed their heads to the ground upon his arrival), he didn't know whether to cry or laugh. To be honest, it would be more accurate to say that he couldn't be happy because it was too overwhelming. Since then, every day had been a continuous series of hardships and trials. He couldn't dare to back out of something he had started. Yeomdo's presence was too immense for that. From then on, Yun Junho had to return to his room half-dead or nearly dead. He respected the Suzakudan members who were enduring it to some extent under the formidable Yeomdo.

And from that day until this very moment, Yun Junho has been screaming with all his might.

"Aaaaaaaaargh!"

He barely managed to block Yeomdo's incomprehensible single strike (一刀), but it was too early to feel relieved. He didn't know what Bilyeon had scribbled in his letter, but Yeomdo's teachings were excruciatingly severe. Yeomdo, who wielded a single strike that threatened his life without mercy, made Yun Junho's hair stand on end. The sparring matches with Master Yeom were always like this.

He didn't know what he was thinking, but Yeomdo immediately drew his sword and swung it at him. Of course, it was unlikely that the weak Yun Junho could easily block Yeomdo's single strike of terrifying power. Even if he showed some leniency in his movements, it was fifty steps to a hundred steps for Yun Junho. If he hadn't unfolded the Whirlwind Willow Sword (廻風舞柳劍), which he could use without much hindrance, he would have already been dead and buried.

"Hah!"

It was time to stop, but Yeomdo swung his single strike again with brute force. Moreover, this time, the aura felt unusual. A sensation that made his entire face flush, an unusual heat that struck his whole body!

Damn it. Master Yeom, perhaps having lost his mind, unleashed a special technique, a level of blade energy that the current plum hypersensitivity patient, Yun Junho, could never block even if he died trying. It was a special technique that couldn't be blocked by the basic plum sword technique he knew, the clumsy Whirlwind Willow Sword, or any other palm or hand techniques he had learned before. There was only one thing. It was the illusory Seven Plum Sword, which had reminded him that he was a plum hypersensitivity patient and had made him unable to perform the plum sword technique again. Faced with the immediate threat to his life, Yun Junho's mind turned blank. A monstrous cry escaped his lips.

"Waaah!"

Yun Junho's sword swung fiercely. Then, with the sword energy of a transparent crimson light that erupted, a subtle and fragrant plum blossom scent enveloped the training ground. Yeomdo's blade energy was nowhere to be found.

As the illusion of blooming plum blossoms subsided and the subtle plum blossom fragrance filled the training ground, Yun Junho stood in the center with a dazed expression. Fortunately, he was alive and not dead.

Yeomdo looked at him, standing dumbfounded as if he had temporarily rented out his soul and leased his body, with a look of surprise.

Yeomdo was honestly surprised. He had never dreamed that this timid and weak Hwasan sect disciple could block one of his ultimate techniques, Yeomcheonpung (烈天風), which he had unleashed unconsciously and inadvertently (to be honest, he admitted it was a mistake while thinking of something else). If it weren't for Bilyeon's insistence, he wouldn't have even accepted such a weakling. What was there to see that he had to take on such a bothersome burden?

Even with just the sixteen members of the Suzakudan, the burden placed upon him was already excessive. Still, the Suzakudan showed considerable response, making teaching them somewhat enjoyable. Regardless of where or how they learned, they seemed to have undergone harsh training in the past, as they endured quite well. Moreover, the competitive spirit with Binggeom (Ice Sword) also intensely stimulated their fighting spirit.

In contrast, this fellow, Yun Junho, was pathetic. Even though he was a disciple of Hwasan, a sect that commanded considerable respect among the Nine Great Sects, the fact that he couldn't perform the plum sword technique was so frustrating it felt like he had caught a sinus infection. And yet, the fact that he had reached the rather high realm of Geomhyang (Sword Fragrance) was unbelievable. Among the few Hwasan disciples he had defeated, only one or two had reached the realm of Geomhyang. Hearing about their recent whereabouts, they seemed to be living well as elders of Hwasan.

Yet, for such a timid youngster to reach the realm of Geomhyang, anyone who heard it would point fingers and call it a lie. Moreover, what was this peculiar illness called plum hypersensitivity? He had heard of people unable to learn martial arts due to the Five Yin Meridians or Seven Yang Meridians, but he had never heard of being unable to perform martial arts due to nettle rash caused by plum hypersensitivity in his life.

The treatment method (?) written in Bilyeon's letter was even more ridiculous. What did the fear of death have to do with transcending physical limits? To put it simply, it was expecting an unbelievable ability from a human when pushed to the brink of death, wasn't it? It was a hopeless plan. Still, he followed the orders of the supposed master. He pushed Yun Junho to the brink of death. Therefore, each blow in the sparring match with Yun Junho consisted of ferocious techniques aimed at his life. Of course, he didn't expect it to work overnight, so he gradually increased the intensity. It was extremely difficult for Yun Junho to evade Yeomdo's onslaught with his plum sword technique, which he had learned but couldn't perform.

After about two months of this, there was still little progress. Today, like any other day, he didn't expect anything special. Again today, Yeomdo pushed Yun Junho to his limits. Yet, he had some leeway and briefly let his mind wander. While fighting with masters, it would be extremely dangerous to let one's mind wander during a sparring match, but the skill gap was so wide that there was no danger to Yeomdo. Instead, the danger was to Yun Junho. Yeomdo, who had briefly let his mind wander, unconsciously unleashed a special technique without holding back. It was a moment that could have risked his very life. In that moment of desperate crisis, Yun Junho felt his mind turn completely blank and had to exert all his strength to perform his body's survival exercise (救命運動).

And so, finally, the illusion of plum blossoms in full bloom erupted, the subtle plum blossom fragrance pricked his nostrils, and a plum blossom sword of a never-before-seen style appeared. Thus, Yun Junho narrowly escaped the life-threatening crisis.

Yeomdo looked at the dazed Yun Junho with a questioning gaze and said only one thing.

"Were you really at the realm of Sword Fragrance?"

Yun Junho was silent. For the first time since training at Hwasan that day, Yun Junho, who performed the Seven Plum Sword, stood there in a daze. After a long while, Yun Junho finally regained his senses. His mind returned to clarity. However, his mind was still in chaos.

One of his first returning senses, his sense of smell, detected the faint plum blossom fragrance wafting through the training ground. Without looking, red welts appeared all over his skin.

"Aargh!"

The itch made Yun Junho drop his sword. His sword, the very life of a martial artist, fell to the ground without any resistance. Yeomdo sighed involuntarily at Yun Junho's pathetic appearance. It seemed like he needed more training. Even harsher training… It seemed the shock therapy had not been strong enough.

'This time too, the shock was not enough. I'll have to increase the intensity of the shock next time.'

Yeomdo secretly resolved to increase the intensity of the mental shock next time.

To receive teachings from Yeomdo, who was counted among the five great sword masters of the world and revered, was both good fortune and an honor for a martial artist. However, the reason Yun Junho couldn't truly rejoice and shout "Manse!" was because Yeomdo's hand was too merciless.

While it was true that learning inevitably entailed pain, and the deeper and higher the learning, the greater the pain, this seemed too extreme. Moreover, because the teachings were so brutal, the person receiving them honestly felt that he couldn't feel depth or breadth.

"I wish I could become like the Suzakudan…"

"What?"

Bilyeon, surprised by Yun Junho's sudden lament, looked at him with eyes filled with shock. It was Yun Junho who, exhausted as a wet rag after being tossed around by Yeomdo again today, had collapsed on his bed and muttered this to himself. Bilyeon thought that as hard as the special training was, Yun Junho was too young to end his life already.

"Huh? Don't look at me like that."

"Why? Is it burdensome?"

"Yes."

It seemed he couldn't bear the unspoken protest of being treated like a madman. It was no wonder for the timid Yun Junho.

"Why? Are you trying to say that it's too ambitious a dream for me, who can't even properly perform the plum sword technique?"

"No, why would I?"

Bilyeon shook his head vigorously. It was sincere.

"Then why?"

"Because your dream is too insignificant."

Bilyeon said without a trace of hesitation, as if it were obvious.

"What?"

But Yun Junho's eyes widened. His body slumped, and it was already difficult to even widen his eyes. He couldn't understand what Bilyeon meant at all.

"What's the point of becoming like those insignificant people? You'll only be a weak third-rater. If you're going to become something, become a handsome young man like me."

Bilyeon's argument was simple. He wanted to assert that the Way (道) and Truth (眞理) are not far away but close by. Yun Junho shook his head at Bilyeon's surprisingly absurd sincerity.

"How about it? Do you have any thoughts?"

Bilyeon asked in a gentle tone. Yun Junho couldn't tell if he was truly serious or just teasing him.

"No, I'll give up on that."

Bilyeon looked at Yun Junho with pity. There was a look of great regret in his eyes.

"Why? Even if it's impossible, isn't there meaning in trying? Wouldn't I be a much more rewarding goal than the Suzakudan?"

Yun Junho desperately avoided Bilyeon's eyes, which were seeking enthusiastic agreement. He couldn't understand this person at all, whether he was joking or serious.

'Annoying.'

Yun Junho despaired but didn't show it. In life, there are times when you have to say things you don't mean, but there are also many times when you have to refrain from saying what you mean. Yun Junho was keenly realizing and learning this point while living with Bilyeon these days. His choice was excellent.

'I should just keep quiet…' He exercised his right to remain silent and closed his mouth. In fact, he no longer had the energy to argue. Bilyeon also had no choice but to accept his resistance.

"Those guys… they're truly pathetic…"

Bilyeon was deeply concerned that Yun Junho might imitate the insignificant Suzakudan.

And the next day, Bilyeon had his suspicion that his disciples were pathetic men confirmed by someone else. He suddenly felt that it would be more profitable to think about tomorrow's Yin energy (음공) class rather than racking his brains over it. Since it was one of the few classes he actually attended properly, he decided to just sleep soundly today and not worry about troublesome thoughts anymore.

"Today, we will proceed to a more in-depth Yin energy class."

As always, in the soundproof Yin Music Hall, on the third floor, in the classroom dedicated to Yin energy, Cheon-eum Seonja Hong Ran looked around at her disciples and said. She planned to lecture on more practical Yin energy studies rather than theory today.

"First, I will demonstrate. Watch carefully."

In front of her, preparing to play the zither, was a potted plant with a single white lily blooming.

Cheon-eum Seonja Hong Ran placed the zither on her lap and began to play. She possessed a splendid and mystical tone, befitting her martial world appellation of Cheon-eum Seonja. Heavenly immortal music, unbelievable in the human world, flowed from her elegant fingertips.

A vast net of sound, woven from beautiful melodies in each note, enveloped them. It was a sweet tone that made one's eyes close spontaneously. The faces of the students, who were listening to her zither music with composure, brightened in unison, as if keeping pace with her melody. Indeed, her mastery of Yin energy was astonishing.

The brighter and clearer and more cheerful her zither music became, the more the color of the single lily blooming in the pot she had told them to watch carefully seemed to deepen, and the blueness of its leaves appeared more vivid. Everyone marveled with their eyes and ears at her ultimate Yin energy technique.

However, her clear and cheerful melody suddenly changed. A mournful tone, which was unthinkable for the same instrument and player as just a moment ago, flowed from the zither strings (琴絃). The pitiable and sorrowful tone instantly pierced the students' hearts and made them feel gloomy. They were already being influenced by Cheon-eum Seonja's Yin energy without realizing it.

As her tone grew higher and faster, the lily blooming in the pot showed a noticeable change. The lily, which had been boasting of its freshness and splendor just moments before, lost its color and began to wither.

Her zither music, which had touched people's hearts with its almost desperate lament, began to speed up, and the sound grew more passionate. Again, her jade-like fingers danced passionately over the zither strings.

"Ding!"

Everyone listening flinched. Suddenly, her zither music sounded terrifying. In that moment, they were enveloped by a strange aura that made them feel unable to control their bodies. Their hearts pounded violently for no reason, and the blood in their bodies seethed. Their breathing began to quicken. If this state continued, it could be dangerous.

Only then did they all realize their situation and secretly began to cultivate their inner energy to counter the invading zither music. They couldn't simply endure it any longer.

As a sense of vigilance and awe finally arose in everyone's hearts, the zither music miraculously disappeared from the air, and the pressure that had been oppressing them vanished like a mirage.

"How was it?"

Cheon-eum Seonja Hong Ran asked the students for their impressions with a smile. One student abruptly stood up and said,

"I was amazed. As expected of Cheon-eum Seonja Hong Ran, a renowned master of Yin energy in the martial world."

He was Jin Seokheon, a second-year student of the Zhongnan Sect, who was taking this class. The reason he was taking this class was simply that there were far more women than men in the lectures.

"My ears have been cleansed. I can think of nothing but admiration and respect for your excellent skills, Teacher."

This time, a female disciple stood up and praised her enthusiastically. Of course, Cheon-eum Seonja's zither music and mastery of Yin energy were praiseworthy, even without the insincere flattery.

"Alright, alright, let's all calm down and look at this potted plant."

Hong Ran's hand pointed to the lily pot placed in front of her. Naturally, the students' gazes were drawn there.

"Gasp!"

"Oh my! How can this be!"

"Indeed!"

Exclamations burst out from all directions.

There was no longer any fragrant flower in the pot. Only a withered stem stood eerily. The lily, which had been emitting fragrance just moments before, had lost its vitality and withered, its stem dried up. It was an unbelievable transformation for a single lily flower to become like that in such a short time.

"As you can see, the best way to practice Yin energy is to practice with plants. Plants are more sensitive to sound than you might think and clearly feel and react to the malice and death contained in the melody of the Yin energy wielder. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: one who cannot play life has no right to play death. When the wielder's melody contains life, plants grow, nourished by life and love. And when the melody contains death, death will come. Try using plants as targets for your Yin energy practice. It doesn't matter what kind of plant it is. Then you will be able to clearly feel your results."

Certainly, all the students in the hall could visually confirm the power of Yin energy through the withered lily.

"In the past, there was a legendary master of Yin, Yin Seon (音仙), Cheonhyang Seonja Yi Hyangryeong. It is said that when the scent of death echoed in her melodies, all living things within tenjang (about 30 meters) met their death. Also, even giant trees turned into deadwood in an instant before her melodies. More than ninety percent of our bodies are made of water. Just as a small pebble thrown into a calm lake creates ripples, the melody of Yin energy forms ripples within our bodies like a thrown pebble. Depending on the shape of those ripples, it can bring peace to the mind, cause distress, take away one's soul, or, like waves churning a lake, cause internal turmoil. This is the profound principle of studying Yin energy."

Hong Ran paused for a moment, looked around the hall, and continued,

"As you can see, flowers are the best for testing your Yin energy. Flowers are surprisingly sensitive to sound, making them perfect practice targets for Yin energy. You too should try using flowers as targets to practice your Yin energy. It doesn't matter what kind of flower it is, not just lilies. You will be able to visually confirm the results and achievements of your Yin energy studies. Next time, we will study the differences in the nature of Yin energy according to the type of musical instrument and the attack method, Gyeokgong-eum (擊空音), which is a formal offensive technique."

Cheon-eum Seonja Hong Ran concluded the class by announcing the content of the next lecture.

The weather was very good, with no heavy rain or gloomy fog. The sky was perfectly clear without a single cloud, and the sunlight was exceptionally warm. If one were to secretly look into Bilyeon's current state of mind, it would be as follows:

'On a day like this, studying, training, or anything else is the best way to just ditch it all and go out to play.'

After Cheon-eum Seonja's Yin energy class, where she announced she would begin practicing Gyeokgong-eum in earnest from the next class, Bilyeon was walking down the corridor chatting with Hyoryong, Jang Hong, and others. Moyong Hwi was also beside him, but it was difficult to converse with him, as he was socially awkward and extremely sparing with his words. They were on their way to the next classroom.

Bilyeon, carrying the long Niegeum Mukrye (雷琴 墨雷) on his back, was so engrossed in chatting with his companions that he didn't have time to pay attention to the people passing by him. Even if he had noticed, Bilyeon was not the type to step aside first. Therefore, when someone bumped into his Niegeum, he felt no apology towards the other party. On the contrary, only anger towards the person who had struck his precious Niegeum surged. How expensive was this…

"Rude!"

The man who bumped into the end of Bilyeon's Niegeum glared at Bilyeon and shouted. Because Bilyeon's Niegeum had struck him, the man had lost his balance and almost suffered a disgrace. Although he avoided the disgrace of falling face-first due to the Niegeum, his dignity was ruined as he flailed his body to regain his balance. Above all, he was very displeased.

All the anger that rose in his heart shot out like a sharp arrow towards the culprit. But the perpetrator, brazenly, held his head high and stared at him with an infuriating impudence!

Cheolgeom Bilyong Ha Se-in, who considered himself the victim, was dumbfounded. Bilyeon was considering overlooking the impudent behavior of the scoundrel who had struck his extremely precious sect treasure, the Niegeum Mukrye, with his magnanimous heart and letting it slide, but when the other party instead snarled and glared at him, he felt deeply unpleasant. Bilyeon, who believed that the responsibility for the lack of foresight lay entirely with the other party, had nothing to fear.

"What is the matter?"

Bilyeon's single sentence further infuriated Ha Se-in.

"You, are you asking that because you don't know?"

A sinister glint began to appear around the lips of Bilyeon, who always wore a smile. It was a smile renowned for its unpredictability.

"Of course, I'm asking because I don't know. Are there fools who ask what they already know?"

His tone was calm, but for the listener, it was even more uncomfortable and grating.

"What? Are you saying that to my face?"

Twin lines of anger furrowed Ha Se-in's brow. He felt he was being ridiculed by a junior who was far his junior. It wasn't a wrong feeling. He had never seen anyone be so rude to him, a member of the Azure Dragon Squad and one of the Nine Dragons and Seven Phoenixes, in recent times. People would look up to him with admiration, respect, and affection, but never with such rudeness.

"Now that I think about it, I've seen that face somewhere before."

With his smile still intact, Bilyeon looked at the man claiming to be the victim, whom he had seen before, and examined him carefully again.

"Ah, now that I think about it, you're a member of that Azure Dragon Squad or whatever, which couldn't even defeat one of the Suzakudan. Should I greet you as if we're meeting for the first time?"

He wondered where he had seen him before. He was one of the people in the group from the Azure Dragon Squad who had arrived slightly before the Suzakudan. Only Bilyeon was unaware; everyone else in Cheonmu Academy already knew him and the Azure Dragon Squad he belonged to.

Bilyeon's sly words further inflamed Ha Se-in's anger.

"Do you want to die?"

An immense killing intent emanated from Ha Se-in's entire body like a piercing needle. However, Bilyeon, as if he couldn't feel the killing intent, calmly replied,

"Longevity, ten thousand years, along with good fortune coming from all directions, are my two great beliefs."

Ha Se-in's complexion grew darker. Hyoryong, Jang Hong, and Moyong Hwi, who were watching from the side, were becoming even more restless.

"Hey, you, why are you acting like this? Do you know who that person is?"

Jang Hong, who was trying to dissuade Bilyeon from the side, seemed to know Ha Se-in's identity. That's why he was worried about Bilyeon's safety. However, Bilyeon rendered Jang Hong's efforts futile.

"Why? Did I say something wrong? That's unlikely, isn't it?"

There are times when speaking indirectly is more irritating than speaking directly. Bilyeon's case was exactly that. He was already sensitive due to the constant scrutiny of others who were weighing the Suzakudan and him. Therefore, he was several times more sensitive than usual, and today he had met someone who was shaking his taut nerves violently.

Blood vessels bulged on Ha Se-in's forehead, turning it a bright red like a heated lump of iron. His remaining capacity for patience was completely exhausted, and he could no longer suppress his anger.

"You… you insolent fool! You are truly audacious! How can you possibly act like that in front of a senior? Today, I will deliver a stern lesson for your audacity. That is a senior's true duty! I will not forgive you."

Given that he was already restless due to the Suzakudan's pursuit, it was natural for Ha Se-in to be furious upon meeting a brash youngster he had never seen before who was provoking him. The accumulated dissatisfaction from the Suzakudan had instantly broken the dam of his patience and flooded the land of his mind.

Ha Se-in gripped his beloved sword, Cheolbilyong (鐵飛龍), with all his might. His patience had reached its limit. He looked like he was about to draw his sword at any moment. In fact, it was more surprising that he hadn't drawn it yet.

Just as Cheolgeom Bilyong Ha Se-in was about to draw his beloved sword, Cheolbilyong, and strike a lesson with his sword to assert his seniority, his two companions surrounded him and calmed his raging anger like a wild horse.

"Hey Se-in, calm down. Although that fellow's rudeness is excessive and utterly audacious, it's not the time for this. Do you already forget where we are going? We have an appointment soon. We need to hurry."

The one who calmed Ha Se-in, who was about to go berserk, was Je Gi-il, the Split Light Divine Sword (分光神劍) from the Jeomchang sect, also belonging to the Azure Dragon Squad.

"Yes. We cannot afford to be late for our appointment with Master Binggeom Guan, especially if it's with no one else. You know better than anyone how sharp his personality is, don't you, young Master Ha? Don't worry about that kind of person and just endure it this once. There will be other opportunities for lessons later."

The voice that supported Split Light Sword Je Gi-il belonged to a woman, Kang Yu-ran, the heroine who inherited the ultimate techniques of the Zhongnan Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects. In the Zhongnan Sect, her beauty was said to be unparalleled. Of course, she was a woman whose sword skills were as mysterious and divine as her beauty.

The reason the three of them, belonging to the Azure Dragon Squad, hurried down the corridor was that they had an appointment with Master Binggeom Guan Cheolsu for training. Even the renowned Azure Dragon Squad was like a docile child in front of Master Binggeom Guan. Perhaps due to Master Binggeom Guan's formidable reputation, or perhaps because it was effective, Ha Se-in barely managed to suppress his anger and calm down.

"I'm letting you go today because I have an important prior engagement, but don't expect to be this lucky next time. Consider yourself fortunate."

If the appointment a little later wasn't with Binggeom Guan Cheolsu, a peak swordsman and one of the Five Great Swordsmen of the World, and if it wasn't about learning new martial arts, Ha Se-in would not have hesitated to discipline the nonsensical junior Bilyeon (whether he had the ability to execute it or not is a separate matter). Of course, Bilyeon, the world's foremost, would not bat an eyelid.

Even now, Bilyeon was not showing any fear and was even provoking him. But was the provocation too much? Ha Se-in, although leaving, didn't seem willing to let it go.

"But I should show you a taste of a small lesson."

Ha Se-in finally drew his sword. How impatient. Those watching worried if his drawn sword would sheath itself without drawing blood. They couldn't guarantee if his killing intent, which was exploding from his body, would subside without drawing blood.

His Cheolbilyong shimmered with a sharp sword energy. His beloved sword, filled with killing intent, struck at Bilyeon without mercy. Bilyeon stood within range without moving. Perhaps he had eaten tiger liver in the past, as he showed no sign of fear. The end of Ha Se-in's disciplinary strike was futile. Regardless of whether the sword energy had condensed or not, and regardless of how sharp the sword was, the result was the humiliating fact that it was caught by Bilyeon's technique.

"Go… Gongsu Ipbaekin!"

Literally, it was a skill close to divine that caught the incoming blade with bare hands, a high-level technique that even peak masters could hardly imitate. A first-year student performing such a technique so effortlessly, a technique that even masters hesitated to use due to its high probability of failure! The three members of the Azure Dragon Squad were astonished.

"You… Who are you?"

Ha Se-in asked, his eyes wide open, unwilling to believe the humiliating situation where his strike was blocked by an unknown, nameless first-year junior. But Bilyeon's answer was exceedingly arrogant.

"What business do you have knowing that? Looking at your eyes, it seems you can't believe this situation. Are you trying to say I held back?"

These words struck the trembling heart of Ha Se-in right on the mark.

"You are truly incredibly arrogant."

Ha Se-in's hand, holding his beloved sword Cheolbilyong again, tightened. It seemed to say it wasn't over yet. However, Kang Yu-ran and Je Gi-il, and he, had no more time to waste.

"Young Master Ha, we have no more time to delay. We must go."

Kang Yu-ran pleaded almost.

"Don't think this is the end!"

Still somewhat angry, Ha Se-in turned abruptly and walked away with long strides, and Split Light Sword Je Gi-il followed him.

As Kang Yu-ran was about to follow Ha Se-in, she looked at Bilyeon and said,

"You are truly fearless."

"Fear? I don't have that in my body, so I don't know well. If you know what it is, could you teach me?"

Bilyeon replied with a calm smile. To Kang Yu-ran, Bilyeon's demeanor only seemed annoying.

"It's good to have ambition at a young age, but that ambition and youthful fervor can sometimes bring disaster upon oneself. This is advice from a senior."

However, Bilyeon merely smiled at Kang Yu-ran's warning. Bilyeon was embodying the idioms "like water off a duck's back" and "preaching to deaf ears." Kang Yu-ran said in a sharp tone again,

"I don't know who your master is, but I believe being careful with your conduct will be helpful in your future life at the academy. Next time, as a senior, I will absolutely not forgive such rudeness."

Perhaps she wanted to give a stern warning to the ignorant junior. However, today, she had chosen the wrong person to advise. The recipient of the advice was Bilyeon himself… It was the worst choice possible.

"I have no memory of being rude today, but if I happen to commit rudeness next time, I will keep it in mind."

Kang Yu-ran's eyebrows twitched slightly, but since she had no time, she quickly turned and followed Ha Se-in. As they disappeared from his sight, Bilyeon's smiling face quietly hardened.

'Lucky, those guys…'

For a moment, he considered crushing the insolent Ha Se-in's face, but his final conclusion was that he couldn't selfishly snatch the meal from his disciples. Indeed, he deluded himself into thinking he was a splendid master who considered his disciples. However, as he kept thinking about it, he suddenly felt a surge of anger.

'No, to be on equal footing with such obnoxious guys? To not even be able to defeat such weaklings?'

It seemed that nothing would come of it if things continued like this.

"You bunch of imbeciles. You've been slacking off for months, haven't you! It seems I have to step in myself, though it's bothersome, to mentally rearm your weak minds. This is unbearable. Heh heh heh…"

Bilyeon's softly whispered monologue at the end was too quiet for Hyoryong, Jang Hong, and Moyong Hwi, who were beside him, to hear. Only the increasingly dense smile on Bilyeon's lips seemed ominous.

The unwarranted arrows of anger unexpectedly flew towards the Suzakudan and struck them squarely. The Suzakudan found it unfair and baffling, but there was nowhere to complain. What power did they have? They had to obey. It was a moment when dark clouds loomed again over the fate of the Suzakudan.

'That's right. Seeing that he's so red with anger, he must be hot. So, as a favor, shall I cool him down…'

Of course, Ha Se-in, who was already far from Bilyeon's sight, was enveloped in the heat of his rage, so much so that sweat was seeping into his clothes. Bilyeon's concern for Ha Se-in's rising body temperature and the accompanying increase in unpleasantness could be considered excessive interference. But Bilyeon seemed unwilling to stop.

A moment later, with a mischievous smile, Bilyeon folded his right index finger inwards. The tip of the Nieyeongsa (뇌령사), connected to his fingertip, was attached to Ha Se-in's belt. His belt was an extremely important and vital item that prevented his pants from comically sagging and revealing something unsightly. If it were to suddenly break… the rest is up to your imagination.

It would be very cool. With ventilation from all sides, how could it not be cool? He would be embarrassed, of course, but losing one to gain one is the harsh law of the world, isn't it? As expected, Bilyeon, who always left the prey for his disciples, would never let them go easily.

"Hee hee hee!"

Bilyeon let out a burst of laughter just at the thought.

'One, two, three!'

Bilyeon slowly counted to three in his mind. The moment he finished saying 'three'!

"Kyaaaaaak!"

From the far end of the corridor, a familiar female scream echoed with violent noise.

Moyong Hwi, Hyoryong, and the others' gazes all turned towards the direction of the scream. Hyoryong and Jang Hong exchanged confused glances but couldn't reach a conclusion quickly. They couldn't predict what had happened in the unseen space at the far end of the corridor. In Cheonmu Academy, which was second to none in safety, why was there a woman's scream? Moreover, if their ears were fine, the female scream that had vibrated the air just moments ago was undoubtedly that of Kang Yu-ran, the One Sword Woman (一向一劍女) of the Azure Dragon Squad. But they couldn't even guess the cause of the scream. Only Bilyeon was clutching his stomach and howling with laughter.

Beside him, who was howling with laughter, stood Moyong Hwi with his usual stern expression.

"What is all this commotion?"

At that moment, a commanding voice suddenly echoed through the hall.

Everyone's expressions changed as they looked at the old man with the appearance of a celestial being, the owner of the voice. Then, all the surrounding guards bowed their heads, showing the utmost respect and reverence they could. The white beard that reached down to his chest and the white eyebrows like fallen snow were the features of a remarkably immortal-like old man. He was none other than Sword Venerable (劍尊) Gongson Ilchwi, who exuded an unapproachable majesty from his entire body. He was on his way to the guesthouse with three attendants when he witnessed the commotion. It was a remarkable coincidence. Gongson Ilchwi's gaze slowly swept across the hall. Under his gaze, no one dared to raise their heads carelessly. Jang Hong forcibly pressed down the stiff Bilyeon's waist from the side.

Gongson Ilchwi's gaze moved around the hall and finally stopped at Moyong Hwi, who was next to Bilyeon. A divine light flashed in Gongson Ilchwi's eyes. And then, a bitter memory, which he thought he had forgotten, surfaced, making a corner of his heart feel wistful.

'Jeongcheon…'

The face he was staring at intently was strikingly similar to the face of Moyong Jeongcheon, with whom he had contended in the martial world in the past. Not only that, but his qi also seemed to surpass that of Moyong Jeongcheon from those years.

A strange emotion stirred in Gongson Ilchwi's heart.

"What is your name?"

"I am Moyong Hwi of the Moyong family, respectfully greeting the esteemed Master Gongson Ilchwi."

The mention of the Moyong family brought new emotions to Gongson Ilchwi. However, it was not a pleasant emotion. No one noticed the slight frown on Gongson Ilchwi's face when Moyong Hwi introduced himself.

"Are you Jeongcheon's grandson?"

"Yes."

Gongson Ilchwi was one of the few people who could freely utter the name of Sword Saint Moyong Jeongcheon in the current martial world.

"Why is there such a commotion?"

Gongson Ilchwi asked sharply, as if reprimanding him.

"Yes?"

Moyong Hwi, an innocent bystander completely unrelated to this commotion, was bewildered.

Sword Venerable Gongson Ilchwi! Even though he was considered a master who had entered the realm of Sword Immortal (劍仙之境), there was still a dark shadow cast over his heart. He was once praised as the Divine Sword Hero (神劍俠), alongside Moyong Jeongcheon, and was hailed as a Sword King talent (劍王之才), receiving all glory, admiration, and respect from the world. However, his prestigious status, envied by everyone, was suddenly split into a sky-high difference from Moyong Jeongcheon.

Although he had set countless achievements, competing fiercely with Divine Sword Hero Moyong Jeongcheon against the Heavenly Calamity Sect (天劫), when the Heavenly Calamity Sect disappeared from this world, all that remained for him were the scornful and mocking gazes of those around him.

Even though he possessed the skill that was once evaluated as indistinguishable from Moyong Jeongcheon, he not only failed to ascend to the ranks of the Three Sages of Cheonmu but was also pushed to the sidelines in the distribution of rewards. The reason was simple: he could not participate in the final tournament, known as the Heavenly Calamity Extermination (天劫滅殺), due to an injury. While everyone fought a life-and-death battle against the Heavenly Calamity Blood God Wi Cheonmu, the gazes of those around him towards him, who couldn't participate due to injury, could not have been kind. Whether his injury was real or not did not matter. What mattered was the fact that Gongson Ilchwi was not there that day.

Suddenly, no one knew the reason for his injury. Some even whispered that he had used illness as an excuse out of fear before the tournament. However, his injury was real. When he returned one day, covered in fine, web-like wounds all over his body, his personality as proud as his skill was, who could believe it? Furthermore, the fact that he was injured within the sphere of influence of Mt. Ami, one of the Nine Great Sects, made it even more unbelievable. However, no one could make him open his mouth, as he was wrapped tightly in white bandages and remained silent. Also, no one dared to speak carelessly due to his seriousness.

Thus, for reasons unknown, he became unable to fight for a considerable period. And without waiting for his full recovery, the tournament that would decide the life and death of the martial world finally began. Lying in bed, sending his comrades to certain death, his heart was bitter.

He anxiously prayed for the safe return of his comrades from his sickbed. Although his friends were injured, they returned safely, but he received nothing. His three friends who survived the battle against Blood God Wi Cheonmu were bestowed the honor of the Three Sages of Cheonmu due to their divine might, while Gongson Ilchwi, who could only guard his bed, had no glory left for him. For some unknown reason, none of the Nine Great Sects were included in the Three Sages of Cheonmu, so the criticism towards him, who was a direct disciple of the Wudang sect and a promising genius of the Nine Sects, was even greater.

Most of the criticism came from the Nine Great Sects. His reputation, built up over time, vanished overnight. The arrows of criticism directed at him were overwhelming, making it impossible to deflect them all. At that moment, his friendship with Moyong Jeongcheon and the other two friends turned into hatred, and respect turned into loathing. This was why he had to lie in bed right before the tournament, and the reason was Moyong Jeongcheon. Although not the direct cause, it was enough for Gongson Ilchwi. Although he didn't show it outwardly, the hatred deeply ingrained in his heart was not small. The wound he received then was that great.

After the tournament against the Heavenly Calamity Sect, Gongson Ilchwi devoted himself to practicing martial arts with renewed determination. He couldn't just give up. He had to put in three to four times the effort of others to bridge the gap with his three friends. And when he broke through his thousand-day martial arts seclusion training, he emerged into the chaotic martial world after the Heavenly Calamity Extermination tournament and began to pacify the martial world with his stern sword energy. It is said that there was nothing more terrifying to the remnants of the Heavenly Calamity Sect and the dark factions than Gongson Ilchwi's sword at that time. The Three Sages of Cheonmu were inactive due to the lingering injuries from the Heavenly Calamity Extermination tournament, so there was no one to block his path.

His reputation soared again, and he gained the title of Sword Venerable at that time. Thus, his fame rose rapidly, but it did not surpass the fame of his three friends who fought against the Heavenly Calamity Blood God Wi Cheonmu, who was called the ultimate terror. When the supreme terror who ruled the world and washed the martial world in blood disappeared, everyone else seemed like mere pawns in the eyes of the martial world's inhabitants. Thus, the Three Sages of Cheonmu remained as Three Sages, never becoming Four Saints. Gongson Ilchwi's disappointment at that time must have been immense.

Even now, who would dare to criticize or curse him? However, even after a hundred years, it was not a short time to shed the hatred deeply etched in his heart. Seeing that Gongson Ilchwi's expression was not bright and he could not hide his displeasure, it seemed that the past resentment, although diluted, still remained. Therefore, his impression of Moyong Hwi could not have been good. He resembled his old friend too much.

However, Moyong Hwi, who knew nothing, treated him with utmost politeness and respect, as if he were a venerable elder of his sect.

"Did you not hear my words?"

Gongson Ilchwi sharply questioned Moyong Hwi once again. Caught off guard by his sudden words, Moyong Hwi couldn't figure out how to respond.

"I… I don't know what commands you have for me."

Gongson Ilchwi's snow-white, elegant eyebrows twitched.

"Did you not hear me ask why there is such a commotion?"

As befitted his reputation and status, every word Gongson Ilchwi spoke carried a stern majesty that subtly intimidated people.

"It seems there was a minor friction with a senior from the Azure Dragon Squad."

Moyong Hwi answered only what he saw and knew.

"A member of the Azure Dragon Squad, no less, picked a fight with you, who is so much younger? Does that make sense?"

Gongson Ilchwi's tone grew increasingly angry.

"No."

Moyong Hwi felt inwardly wronged. As a mere spectator, he had no reason to be reprimanded by Gongson Ilchwi. Wasn't the actual culprit the senior, Bilyeon, who was still completely fine despite seeing the deceased? When all was said and done, the quarrel was entirely Bilyeon's responsibility. However, making excuses was a cowardly act far removed from Moyong Hwi's fastidiousness, so he didn't want to escape this predicament by uttering a few excuses.

'It must be a simple misunderstanding…'

As a junior, he couldn't possibly confront Gongson Ilchwi, the most respected martial artist in the world and the Sword Saint Moyong Jeongcheon, his grandfather.

"I will let this slide just this once for your grandfather's sake. However, do not let such an unpleasant incident occur in front of me again. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Moyong Hwi, feeling uncomfortable with the injustice, bowed his head and replied.

"Jeongcheon was skilled at raising his own name, but it seems he lacked talent in nurturing his descendants."

At that moment, something hot surged up from deep within Moyong Hwi's chest, which was as cold as glacial ice. It didn't matter if he was insulted, but he couldn't stand it when the insult dragged in his most beloved and respected grandfather.

"Please wait a moment."

Gongson Ilchwi, who had turned around coldly like a winter gale, turned his gaze back to Moyong Hwi.

"Do you still have something to say to me?"

Gongson Ilchwi, met with Moyong Hwi's bold gaze, looked at him with a peculiar expression.

"Yes. Please do not drag my grandfather into my own mistakes. He is a far stronger and wiser person than I. I do not believe that is respectful to him."

"Respect? Are you audacious enough to talk about respect to me now?"

A stern, thunderous command fell from Gongson Ilchwi's lips. Moyong Hwi's actions, which could be interpreted as defiance by observers in the martial world, were utterly audacious.

"If you are displeased, I sincerely apologize."

Moyong Hwi bowed his back, but his eyes were clear and unwavering. Gongson Ilchwi, who had been silently gazing at him with a stern expression, opened his mouth. His expression had softened slightly.

"Very well. You are audacious. Then, can I expect you to show me proof of that?"

Moyong Hwi unintentionally met Gongson Ilchwi's eyes directly.

'Expect? What do you expect?'

"If you yourself said it's not true, then you must take responsibility for it yourself, mustn't you? If you win the Sword Saint Competition in the Samsungje this year, I will believe that what you said is true."

"The Samsung Wuje Sword Saint Competition… are you referring to that?"

He was well aware of what the Samsungje was. Furthermore, he was even more familiar with the Sword Saint Competition.

"It is a competition honoring your grandfather Jeongcheon, so it is only natural that you prove your skills in that competition. If you can accomplish that, I will acknowledge the truth of your words and retract what I said."

"…"

For a moment, Moyong Hwi was speechless, like a mute. Gongson Ilchwi's proposal was an excessive demand by anyone's standards. It was unreasonable to ask him, a mere first-year student, to win the Sword Saint Competition, in which only the top sword prodigies who had honed their skills for at least three years at Cheonmu Academy participated.

"If you lack confidence, you don't have to do it. I don't particularly care. If the grandson of Jeongcheon cannot do it, who else could make such an unreasonable demand?"

His last words ignited the fighting spirit in Moyong Hwi. He felt a strange emotion, which he himself couldn't understand, capturing his heart.

"I will do it."

Moyong Hwi said as if taking an oath. His firm answer brought a flicker of interest to Gongson Ilchwi's eyes. He had expected at least an excuse or a complaint.

"Then I look forward to good results."

With those last words, Gongson Ilchwi left. And Moyong Hwi remained, surrounded by murmuring people. The declaration of victory in the Sword Saint Competition by Moyong Hwi, the Seven Severing Divine Sword (七絕神劍), as a first-year student, was a bombshell that would cause a stir in Cheongwan for some time. It was also an event that drew everyone's attention to Moyong Hwi as an individual. It was finally a golden opportunity to see the true face of the Sword Saint's successor, who had been talked about since before his admission. It was bound to cause a commotion.

"That old man seems to have a lot of grievances against you. Why is he picking on you?"

Even the renowned Sword Venerable of the martial world was reduced to a mere old man when confronted by Bilyeon. Moyong Hwi's gaze turned towards him.

"Why are you looking at me like that? It's burdensome…"

Moyong Hwi's gaze towards Bilyeon was not kind. Bilyeon, feeling awkward under his sharp gaze, scratched the back of his head.

"I'm leaving."

With those words, Moyong Hwi left the scene.

"He's still as cold as ice."

Bilyeon grumbled, looking at Moyong Hwi's receding back.

"But for Moyong Hwi, the Seven Severing Divine Sword, to declare victory in the Sword Saint Competition, Cheongwan will be noisy for some time."

"Isn't it fun and good? I'm already looking forward to it. I've always been curious about how sharp his sword energy is."

"It will be fun, no doubt. Still, it's fortunate that I won't have to face him."

"Now that I think about it, didn't you also promise someone victory in the Samsung Wuje?"

Hyoryong asked, knowing full well.

"Why do you ask when you know it so well? Do you think I've forgotten? Don't worry. I haven't forgotten. But oh oh oh… what is this strange emotion welling up in my chest? Is this what they call empathy? I feel closer to that guy than before?"

Bilyeon gave a slight smile and put on an exaggerated expression.

"That's what they call freedom of delusion, and freedom of madness. They probably dislike you even more."

Hyoryong said, as if scolding him.

"Well, I have nothing to lose. Then let's look forward to the next development."

Indeed, Bilyeon was unmatched in his shamelessness.

"Right. It's probably already started. This class is taught by Master Mun Ilgi of Hwasan Bicheon-eung. He already has a bad impression of you, so if we don't hurry, he might chop our heads into thirty-six pieces."

"Let's go quickly."

Bilyeon, along with the others except Moyong Hwi, hurried towards the classroom for their next lesson.

That evening, on the same day that Ha Se-in, one of the Nine Dragons, was publicly humiliated in the corridor in broad daylight, Bilyeon visited Yeomdo again. This time, Yeomdo didn't immediately swing his beloved sword Hongryeong. He vehemently refused to have his left eye turn black and blue again like last time. However, even if he restrained his aggressive actions, his respect for Bilyeon, which had never existed before, was not suddenly going to sprout. Therefore, Yeomdo's reception towards Bilyeon, his unwilling master, was brusque.

"What brings you here?"

"What do you mean, what brings me here? Does a master need a reason to visit his disciple's residence?"

At the word "master," Yeomdo's sturdy shoulders twitched. The unspoken dissatisfaction was subtly expressed through his shoulders. Yeomdo still hadn't mentally accepted that fact. Bilyeon, completely ignoring Yeomdo's psychological state, said, He needed a disciple, and if that disciple didn't listen, he was fully prepared to discipline him with a rod.

"Just state your business."

Having met again in such a short period, Yeomdo seemed even more in a bad mood. His protruding lips made him look like a pouting child. Bilyeon smiled at his unbefitting appearance and said,

"How is the Suzakudan these days? Are they teachable?"

The purpose of today's visit was also about the Suzakudan. When the Suzakudan was mentioned, Yeomdo's expression changed noticeably. He didn't seem displeased.

"Well, they are somewhat usable to teach. Their foundation is solid, and their potential for development is excellent. Also, due to some harsh training they received before, they tend to follow even the most demanding lessons well."

This was the highest praise Yeomdo could offer. Yeomdo, who had always preferred to be alone and intensely disliked being tied down, seemed to inwardly not dislike teaching them. Furthermore, it was a double benefit as it helped alleviate his accumulated frustrations.

"Who wouldn't be like that, being their senior?"

Bilyeon said with a grin.

"Who is your senior?"

Yeomdo, who still didn't clearly know the relationship between the Suzakudan and Bilyeon, couldn't understand his words. In the ensuing awkward silence, Bilyeon's finger pointed towards Yeomdo. In turn, Yeomdo's index finger pointed towards his own chest.

"Huh? Me?"

Bilyeon nodded with a sly smile. Yeomdo's eyes widened in shock. What was this sudden, out-of-the-blue declaration?

"If those guys' master is me, then naturally you are their senior."

For a moment, Yeomdo was shaken by the shock, as if his brain had gone blank.

"…That can't be…"

The shock was so great that Yeomdo couldn't utter a word for a moment. The impact of Bilyeon's bombshell declaration was immense for Yeomdo. After barely composing his troubled mind, Yeomdo looked at Bilyeon with dazed eyes.

"What kind of nonsensical, absurd hogwash are you spouting this time?"

He still seemed displeased about being caught in a scheme and becoming Bilyeon's disciple. Because of this, Yeomdo's words were extremely harsh.

"Hey, watch your words. What do you mean 'nonsensical'…? There's a reason for everything, isn't there? In any case, it's a secret from them. They don't know."

Yeomdo momentarily considered rebelling against Bilyeon, but his thoughts were quickly dismissed and thrown into the trash by Bilyeon's next words.

"If you reveal it, I'll tell them that you became my disciple, so be warned. Ah… I can already imagine how happy they'll be. Having such a wonderful senior brother. Isn't that right?"

'Damn it…'

Yeomdo's face crumpled like a piece of scrap paper. Bilyeon's threat was the most terrifying threat in the world for Yeomdo. He had no courage to harbor any other thoughts even in his dreams.

"Of course."

Yeomdo replied reluctantly.

"By the way, how is Junho?"

Bilyeon had also passed off Yun Junho, the plum hypersensitivity patient, to Yeomdo under the guise of treating his illness. It seemed he hadn't forgotten him yet.

"You mean that guy with the strange rash?"

Yeomdo asked in response. Bilyeon nodded. In the entire martial world, there was likely no one else who would break out in hives from the plum blossom fragrance emitted from the realm of Geomhyang.

When Yun Junho's name came up, Yeomdo shook his head.

"It still seems a long way off."

"For someone who has reached the realm of Geomhyang, to not be able to properly perform the plum sword technique… I've seen many strange things in life, but this is truly astonishing. However, he can now perform the Whirlwind Willow Sword quite well. He has become much more proficient."

Yeomdo also seemed inwardly exasperated by Yun Junho's absurdity. It was likely an unprecedentedly baffling situation even for him, who had extensive experience in the martial world.

"Really? Looking at the current situation, it seems there's been significant improvement. Perhaps he needs to be pushed even more roughly."

"Until when?"

"Until he surpasses the realm of Geomhyang and reaches a higher realm, of course,"

Bilyeon said as if it were obvious. But the content of his words was far from simple or easy. Yeomdo's face slightly creased.

"Is that even possible? It seems like a more difficult task than making that guy the head of the Hwasan Sect."

Yeomdo also seemed to think that was impossible. Yeomdo's opinion was thus negative.

"We have to try at least. I started this as a joke, but I can't give up now. Who knows? As I mentioned before, he might overcome his symptoms if he faces the fear of death head-on."

"That certainly has an effect. He performed the ascending plum sword technique when he was on the verge of death last time. But what is your business?"

"Ah, today's business is to have the Suzakudan members gather at the training ground by Sinshi Cho (around 5 PM)."

"May I ask why?"

Yeomdo asked again at Bilyeon's sudden instruction. Bilyeon had entrusted all matters concerning the Suzakudan to Yeomdo until now and had not interfered.

"Ah, as a master, I cannot stand by and watch my disciples' mental fortitude weaken."

Yeomdo grumbled inwardly at Bilyeon's smiling words. What was he talking about, aching? Yeomdo couldn't fully agree that Bilyeon's heart, as strong as eight layers of steel plate, felt pain. It was Bilyeon's words that were absolutely untrustworthy.

"How can they lose to mere weaklings of the Azure Dragon Squad?"

"Of course not!"

This was something Yeomdo could wholeheartedly agree with. It was unthinkable and unacceptable for the disciples he taught to lose to the disciples taught by Binggeom. On this point, Bilyeon and Yeomdo miraculously reached a consensus.

"I agree. We need to increase the intensity of the training."

"We will do that immediately."

This was something Yeomdo would welcome with both hands. However, for the Suzakudan, who had become Yeomdo's target for venting his anger every single day without exception, to the point where their bodies were in no condition to be left alone, it was tantamount to a death sentence.

"Ah, and know that they believe they have never met me. They know me as their Senior Disciple. Keep my identity a secret."

As Bilyeon finally left Yeomdo's residence, he earnestly urged him. Yeomdo, having heard Bilyeon's terrifying threat, would of course faithfully carry out his instructions. This was because Bilyeon held his most certain weakness.

'Finally, a reunion…'

His heart pounded as if for the first time in a long time. A pleasant excitement enveloped his entire body.

"I look forward to tomorrow."

Bilyeon murmured softly, his body melting in the moonlight. The fact that hundreds of diverse culinary methods(?) were swirling in his mind with joyful imagination was a secret known only to him in the world.