Book 8 Chapter 10

We are 동문 (fellow disciples)! Really?

- Demon Sword Master Goyakhan, a wicked master, and middle-aged master Cheon-ik Sword, Lukihan

Eun Seolan, the method she came up with was truly astonishing,

and it was exquisite and groundbreaking. As proof, the Cheongwan disciples,

especially the men among them, were beside themselves.

They probably all felt a pang of guilt. As proof, weren't they all stammering with their mouths agape like this! It could be considered decisive evidence showing how mentally chaotic they were being thrown into. It was fun just to watch and scoff at them.

People still hadn't grasped whether what they were seeing was real or not, and they stared blankly at one person. However, the woman who was the focus of their attention, the cause, and even more so, the root of it all, smiled broadly with a face full of innocent purity as if nothing was wrong and said,

"Hello! Nice to meet you. My name is Sa Junghwa, Eun Seolan. Although it will be for a short time, it is a great honor for this girl to receive instruction in the same place as the outstanding talents of Baekdo like yourselves. I am inexperienced and new, so I have much to learn, but I look forward to working with you!"

It was a lively greeting full of charm.

"Waaaaaaaaah!"

Immediately, a cheer erupted.

It was the roar of exhilaration from the male disciples who realized that what they were seeing was not an illusion or someone's trick. No matter how times changed, whether it was the past, present, or future, men's natures seemed to be the same.

"Sit down!"

The heightened atmosphere turned frigid with the voice of just one person.

A gruff, stone-like voice! A tilted, diagonal cross scar that quartered his entire face, instilling a sense of fear in the onlookers!

He was the Demon Sword Master Goyakhan, who would be in charge of the special management team for the Hwasan Branch of Cheonmu Academy starting today. The atmosphere, which had been greatly elevated due to Eun Seolan, quickly became gloomy.

Whether they were encountering him for the first time or were senior disciples who knew him well, they all thought the same thing.

'We're screwed…'

"Who is that person?"

Bilyeon whispered to Jang Hong, pointing at Goyakhan, who had a rugged and imposing appearance. It was always fastest and most accurate to use Jang Hong to resolve such minor curiosities. As expected, Jang Hong did not disappoint and readily answered his questions.

Having a walking martial arts encyclopedia by his side was very convenient.

"What, you don't know him either?"

"Why are you asking as if it's a surprise? Is he that famous?"

It wasn't the first time Bilyeon had been ignorant of common knowledge, yet Jang Hong would always react with surprise.

"Ah! That's the master who confidently took first place in the vote for the scariest master to learn from, Demon Sword Master Goyakhan! He's famous for his bad temper. There's a rumor that he's the last direct descendant of the renowned black sect, Gwigeom-mun (Ghost Sword Gate), a public secret. Thirty years ago, he grew weary of the black sect and, through his connection with the former Cheonmu Academy Head, Master Cheolgeom Gun Cheonmu, entered this academy. Because of his extremely cold and extreme personality, he is ranked last in popularity within the academy. Of course, he probably doesn't care about that at all."

"Gwigeom-mun, you say!"

Hyorong let out a soft gasp of shock. It was a blatant expression of "I know what that is."

"You know?"

Bilyeon, unable to contain his curiosity, asked Hyorong.

"You don't know?"

"I don't!"

Bilyeon vigorously shook his head left and right, indicating his firm denial. Then Hyorong kindly explained.

"It's a tragic sect that was wiped out due to accusations of being 'feathers' and faced a full-scale attack from the black sects. Before that incident, it was a renowned sword sect recognized as one of the Nine Strongholds of the Black Sect. I thought there were almost no survivors, but surprisingly, there was still someone alive. And for that sole survivor to be the martial arts master at Cheonmu Academy! It's truly astonishing."

"Feathers, you mean!"

Yun Junho, who had been quietly listening beside them, almost let out a gasp of shock that would have rattled the classroom.

"What are feathers?"

Bilyeon's face showed a question mark. Hyorong sighed at his expression.

"You don't know? You're still an unbelievable person!"

"Yes, I don't know. If you haven't contributed anything by my not knowing, at least show some effort by contributing to what I do know."

Bilyeon pouted.

"'Feathers' refers to the remaining forces of 'that place,' the followers of 'that person.' Even though 'that place' was destroyed in the Great Battle a hundred years ago, they secretly operated in the darkness, firmly believing in 'that person's' continued existence."

Jang Hong kindly explained in place of Hyorong.

"'That place'? Ah! Cheon-geopryeong (Heavenly Tribulation Spirit)!"

Bilyeon clapped his hands, pretending to know. The faces of those who heard the name Cheon-geopryeong immediately turned cold.

"It's an ominous name, so don't speak it carelessly,"

Jang Hong and Hyorong simultaneously warned him with hushes. However, it was difficult to expect much effect just by putting a finger to one's lips. Jang Hong continued.

"Therefore, since there was no main body and only feathers, they were called Cheon-geop-u (Heavenly Tribulation Feathers). They are like ghosts."

Jang Hong looked as if he didn't want to think about it.

"Even though they are remnants, they are a very sinister and secretive group, organized into a meticulous network. Therefore, we cannot definitively say that we have rooted them out. They are a very secret and terrifying group!"

"Hmm! They seem quite capable?"

"More than capable. Do you know what's the most terrifying thing about those feathers?"

Bilyeon shook his head.

Bilyeon, who knew nothing about the martial world, couldn't possibly know. Curiously, even in the "History of the Martial World" elective course at Cheonmu Academy, they only whispered about Cheon-geopryeong and didn't teach it. Therefore, his knowledge of Cheon-geopryeong remained meager. He didn't like such behavior at all. If they just kept quiet and covered their eyes, would the past history that existed magically change?

Jang Hong said with a chilling expression, as if determined to frighten his listener with this story.

"It is that they have established roots not only in the black sects but also within our righteous sects. Deep, dark roots whose depth is unseen!"

"Hmm. You mean spies?"

Jang Hong nodded gravely.

"How they managed to establish such deep roots in both the government and the martial world has yet to be revealed. However, in the 'Feather Plucking Operation' fifty years ago (official name: Joint Extermination Operation of Cheon-geop-u), many were unexpectedly stabbed in the back by the Cheon-geop-u. What do you think, isn't it terrifying?"

Bilyeon nodded.

"Hmm! Now the story is starting to get interesting."

Jang Hong couldn't help but be astonished by Bilyeon's response. However, their conversation ended there.

Bang!

A sound that vibrated the entire classroom! Followed by a murderous roar!

"Silence!"

He had no ordinary courtesy for a martial arts master. It felt as if all etiquette and pretense had become useless in front of him. Regardless, it was undeniably powerful.

With his scarred face contorted in a grimace, the old master Goyakhan glared at them. It was a murderous intent that felt like being pierced with an awl.

Everyone swallowed dryly and tensed their bodies. Although they hadn't consciously registered it, their bodies naturally responded that way.

It felt like being on a battlefield rather than in a place of education.

"Snap out of it. Do you think this is a playground for children? If you keep chatting like this, all that awaits you is death."

Old Master Goyakhan didn't say they would win. He didn't say they couldn't win the Hwasan Branch. He simply stated "you will die" clearly and concisely. However, that single word carried the power to chill the air in the classroom.

"Let us begin the lesson."

Finally, Demon Sword Master Goyakhan's first lesson began.

Goyakhan's sharp gaze fiercely swept over the audience. The disciples felt a chilling impression as if they were being dissected under his gaze. His eyes seemed to hold both an eerie aura and a murderous intent.

"Any complaints?"

A bleak voice reminiscent of a graveyard in the dead of night.

"…"

There was no reason to complain.

"Baekdo typically pursues 'live swords' that save lives, instead of 'killing swords' that kill people. Of course, there are idiots who claim their swordplay is a live sword, but most of them are frauds, and their swords usually end up as simple killing implements. Weapons are inherently made with the purpose of killing people. Perhaps saving lives is contrary to the original purpose of weapons. Therefore, if a sword or a blade remains faithful to its inherent duty, it will naturally lead to a killing sword or a killing blade.

So you might ask, what is a live sword? But I cannot answer that question. Because my sword is a killing sword meant to kill people, not a 'living sword' that claims to save lives through some unproven method while killing people.

I do not know live swords. That is because my path is different from what I pursue. To be honest, I believe live swords are hypocrisy. It's absurd to claim to save others when you can't even control yourself! Therefore, I cannot teach you live swords, the existence of which I even doubt.

However, if it's about killing swords, about the art of killing, I have much to teach you. And don't prance around claiming to be a live sword without even grasping the original meaning of weapons. That's just despicable hypocrisy."

"But, Master! We have been taught that the true essence of martial arts, walking the righteous path, lies in live swords and self-discipline."

The one who bravely refuted Goyakhan was surprisingly Namgung Sang. Goyakhan's gaze shot towards Namgung Sang like a dagger.

"Self-discipline?"

What hung on Goyakhan's lips was most likely a sneer.

"Self-discipline, good! I'm not denying that. After all, I doubt how many people can truly put it into practice, even with all the theories. However, if you can survive until then, I won't stop you from practicing then. If you can… s-u-r-v-i-v-e, that is."

The disciples were now overwhelmed by Goyakhan's power. Goyakhan continued.

"First, you must survive. If you die, where will you go to pursue your dream-like idealistic path of self-cultivation! You'll do it in the afterlife? Are you crazy? Don't talk about places you haven't even visited. You want to live? Then it's simple. Kill others before you die. Faster than your opponent! And stronger than your opponent! Do you understand?"

The audience remained in an eerie silence, with no one speaking. It was truly radical, extreme, and revolutionary.

Once again, Goyakhan scanned the audience listening to his lesson with a chilling gaze. His eyes shone fiercely.

"However, I will say this clearly. What I pursue is not the superficial, hollow, and hypocritical live sword, but a killing sword that researches how to kill the opponent more quickly, more simply, and without wasting energy."

The renowned sword sects of Baekdo generally focus on subduing rather than killing. That was the general rule. Goyakhan was now saying the exact opposite. Intimidated by his power and murderous intent, the disciples no longer harbored any thoughts of refuting him.

"What do you think death is?"

The one suddenly asked was Bilyeon. Despite the unexpected question, he surprisingly didn't falter or seem surprised, even though he was caught looking away.

Bilyeon leisurely opened his mouth.

"It depends on the subject."

"Subject (object)?"

The expressions of the surrounding disciples showed silent screams of "What kind of nonsensical talk is that?"

"Yes, I mean the meaning of death clearly differs depending on whether the subject is oneself or the opponent, the one called the enemy."

A glint appeared in Goyakhan's eyes. One of his eyebrows twitched with interest. He was quite an unusual fellow.

"Hoho! Why is that?"

His expression could be interpreted as condescending. Bilyeon, without hesitation, expounded his theory.

"If the subject is an enemy, that thing called death will approach silently, quickly, accurately, and with an unavoidable approach. And then, without giving them time to realize it, it will snatch away their life and soul in an instant. Softer and sweeter and more cruelly than any woman's touch…"

As Bilyeon spoke, Old Master Goyakhan's eyes deepened. What Bilyeon was saying was the most basic tenet of the killing sword. Despite being the very foundation, not everyone knew it, nor had they mastered it.

Without paying the slightest attention to Old Master Goyakhan's state, Bilyeon continued.

"However, if the subject is myself, that 'death' thing would require a sword that is the slowest, dullest, yet most certain – the sword called time – to take my soul. Because myself and my martial arts will not permit it!"

It was truly an incredibly arrogant statement. Bilyeon deserved respect just for being able to utter such shameless words without changing his expression.

"How incredibly arrogant! Looking up at your immense pride, my old neck bones would break. Where does the source of your ridiculously high pride come from?"

The more Goyakhan looked at Bilyeon, the more he seemed an impertinent fellow. From looking away during his notoriously strict lessons to everything else!

"That's of course, skill!"

Once again, Bilyeon had the opportunity to fully display his arrogance. It made others want to shout, "Don't proudly boast like that in front of everyone!"

"…"

A cold silence enveloped the surroundings for a moment.

At this moment, everyone except Bilyeon thought: Soon, Goyakhan's power will forcefully descend upon Bilyeon's head. This kid is dead now. Today, we'll clean up a corpse!

Perhaps everyone's thoughts resonated for a moment.

Bilyeon still calmly met Goyakhan's ice-shard-like gaze. The tension was so thick that blood felt like it could splatter.

"Gasp!"

Goyakhan's body, which had been frozen in time, began to move. It spread intensely throughout his entire body like ripples from a stone thrown into a calm lake.

"Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahaha!"

It was a powerful burst of laughter that seemed impossible to come from Goyakhan, known for his coldness, frigidity, and ruthless nature. It was unrestrained laughter, as if he were unleashing everything within himself. Yet, even that laughter was terrifying to hear.

Thump! He suddenly stopped moving, his back and head arched backward from his laughter. His eyes now held a cold light.

"You insolent brat!"

That was it. And then he added just one more word.

"Lesson over for today!"

The lesson was over. But for Na Yerinn, there was still an unsolved mystery. Fortunately, it seemed that the mystery would come to her and resolve her curiosity.

"Oh my, Yerinn! It's so nice to see you. Now we can see each other face-to-face even during class."

Eun Seolan smiled brightly at Na Yerinn, who had taken a seat next to her. The class was now over, and everyone was heading back to their dorms.

"How were you allowed to attend the class?"

Na Yerinn asked with a bewildered expression. It was no wonder she was curious.

How could Eun Seolan, a former black sect member and an investigator of the Mudang Mountain incident, be sitting in this classroom? And in the special training group formed to prepare for the Hwasan Branch?

"It's not attendance, it's enrollment."

Eun Seolan kindly corrected Na Yerinn. Attendance might be a one-time thing, but enrollment meant continuous listening.

"I asked the Head of the Academy for special enrollment permission. He said I could attend as long as it wasn't for the transmission of secret techniques."

If that were the case, then the actions of Ma Jin-ga were truly extraordinary. It meant that the person who could commit such an unprecedented act was by no means an ordinary individual.

'What on earth is Uncle Ma thinking?'

Na Yerinn couldn't even guess yet.

"What about your investigation?"

She wasn't a student of Cheonmu Academy, but a student of Machon Tower, and her current status was that of an investigator. Her immediate task wasn't studying or training, but investigation.

Eun Seolan said confidently.

"Because I am also a student. Students should never neglect their studies, anytime or anywhere."

It was such an obvious statement that, even though it wasn't always applicable in reality, Na Yerinn was lost for words to refute it.

"But how did you get into the special training group?"

Given the nature of the special training group, the teachings often went deep. Therefore, the burden could only be greater. It was a common practice in the martial world not to carelessly leak one's own sect's martial arts to outsiders.

Was there a reason to put her there, risking the leakage of secret techniques?

"Oh my! Of course, there's a reason!"

Eun Seolan exclaimed enthusiastically, as if to say, 'How could you not know?' But Na Yerinn didn't know.

"Why?"

"It's because my three guardians are all members of this group!"

"Three people?"

If her memory was accurate, Eun Seolan's personal guards were only herself and Mo Yong-hwi. She hadn't heard of any other person.

"Oh my, Yerinn, haven't you heard yet?"

Eun Seolan called out to Na Yerinn in a friendly voice. The call was so natural that she couldn't bring herself to say anything else about it.

"Heard what?"

"Oh my, you really didn't know? It's about him! Him!"

"Him?"

At first, Na Yerinn couldn't figure out who Eun Seolan was referring to.

"Oh my, don't you remember that young master who helped us when we were ambushed by assassins in the marketplace last time? His name was… Bilyeon, wasn't it?"

"Yes?"

The surprised gasps came simultaneously from her immediate left and right, rather than from Na Yerinn herself. Standing on either side of Na Yerinn were Dokko Ryong and Yi Jinseol, still wearing bewildered expressions. She had been sticking close to Na Yerinn since earlier but had remained silent, unable to interject in Eun Seolan's conversation.

"That person…"

Although she didn't scream, Na Yerinn was equally surprised.

'That man is my personal guard…'

Na Yerinn's composure felt like it would shatter whenever Bilyeon was involved, and she disliked that. However, it was a superior's order, so she couldn't arbitrarily refuse. Most importantly, Eun Seolan herself had asked for it.

"Oh my, weren't you two close?"

Na Yerinn's head turned towards Eun Seolan without her realizing it.

"How could you possibly conclude that? Close?"

Na Yerinn realized her mind was becoming very confused. How could such an interpretation be made? To Na Yerinn, Eun Seolan remained a riddle.

"You seemed like a very close and intimate couple. Did I see incorrectly? I pride myself on being quite accurate in those matters…"

Na Yerinn looked into Eun Seolan's eyes with a persistent gaze, trying to see the depths of her heart. Her countenance indicated that Eun Seolan's words held her true feelings.

Why wasn't it a joke?

She became even more confused.

Eun Seolan murmured.

"However, not just anyone can be allowed to share such a kiss…"

Finally, Eun Seolan said what she shouldn't have said. And she said it where someone who shouldn't have heard it was present! The reaction was immediate.

"What did you say?"

The one who suddenly let out a near-scream was none other than Dokko Ryong. She radiated an energy as if she were about to grab Eun Seolan by the collar to confirm the truth.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my!"

Yi Jinseol, who had heard Eun Seolan's bombshell remark next to Dokko Ryong, clutched her flushed cheeks and was flustered. It seemed these two had received Eun Seolan's information with completely opposite emotions.

"Is that true? That terrible bastard who deserves to be torn to shreds did it again?"

Dokko Ryong spewed a terrifying murderous intent from his remaining eye, as if he were about to tear someone to shreds.

"Again? Oh my, so this has happened before?"

Eun Seolan's eyes sparkled with interest, pushing aside Dokko Ryong's murderous intent. She was quite a spirited young lady.

"I'll deal with this brat right now…"

Dokko Ryong looked like he was about to draw his sword and find that bastard. He wanted to instantly slash off the entire mouth area of that ill-behaved brat with his sword.

Dokko Ryong, known for his composure, had one weakness: his beautiful junior sister, Na Yerinn. She couldn't stand to see any harm come to her junior sister, especially from someone so mysterious and irritating to look at.

"Sister! Please calm down."

It was Na Yerinn who stopped Dokko Ryong, who looked like she was about to commit murder.

"But, Sister!"

She looked at Na Yerinn as if to say, 'Please don't stop me this time.' But Na Yerinn quietly shook her head.

"It's alright. I was a little careless. That's all. Nothing more."

Surprisingly, Na Yerinn smiled slightly. Should it be called a self-deprecating smile? However, it held a surprisingly and mystically enchanting, wistful charm that captivated the soul.

"Junior Sister…"

Having no other choice, Dokko Ryong released his grip on his sword and slumped his shoulders in resignation. He couldn't disobey Na Yerinn when she spoke with such a poignant, sorrowful expression.

Thus, Bilyeon narrowly avoided a sword fight with Dokko Ryong.

However…

"Hey! Hello."

The one who cheerfully called out to them was none other than Bilyeon himself. As the saying goes, speak of the devil, and he appears. Dokko Ryong almost instinctively drew his sword. But thanks to Na Yerinn's hand holding his, he narrowly avoided becoming a near-murderer. However, that didn't quell his anger. But he couldn't just explode in anger. Most importantly, Bilyeon wasn't alone; he had brought along some quite renowned individuals. The most notable examples were Chiljeol Singeom Mo Yong-hwi and Jujakdan Chief Namgung Sang. Although there were others like Hyorong and Jang Hong, these were the ones who caught Dokko Ryong's eye.

Fortunately, Bilyeon managed to avoid a sword fight with Dokko Ryong by using his two friends as shields. Indeed, friends were useful to have when needed.

"Kyaak! Sister, look over there."

Yi Jinseol, suddenly excited, jumped up and down, pointing with her finger.

"This child… Stop being so flustered! What is it?"

Dokko Ryong reluctantly turned his head. His brow furrowed slightly.

"Kyaa! Kyaa! Kkyaak! Kkyaak! Oh my, oh my! Hahahaha!"

Several female disciples were chattering loudly, surrounding one man. It was deafeningly noisy.

"Who is it?"

Na Yerinn asked.

"Oh my, Sister, you don't know? It's the incredibly popular Master Cheon-ik Sword, Lukihan! The Master Cheon-ik Sword, Lukihan, who was appointed the youngest master in charge of the Baekgeomjo this time. Sister, surely you didn't know?"

Na Yerinn's face clearly showed she didn't know. Yi Jinseol shook her head in defeat. However, it gave Na Yerinn a reason to look at the master named Lukihan again. Na Yerinn's eyes glinted.

'He's young!'

Although his exact age was uncertain, his face was too youthful to be a martial arts master. His face was utterly unimaginable for a martial arts master. Moreover, though Na Yerinn might not know, by general standards, he was a universally handsome man.

At this moment, the group, reminiscent of a flock of sparrows, was approaching where Bilyeon's party stood.

The chattering sounds of 'Kkyak kkyak' grew closer and more threateningly.

Just as there is darkness where there is light, and yang where there is yin.

This master called Cheon-ik Sword Lukihan was the polar opposite of Demon Sword Master Goyakhan, a master of extreme popularity.

He was incredibly handsome. And he was very young.

And he was an amazing martial arts prodigy. The record he set as the youngest martial arts master had yet to be broken by anyone. Due to his beauty, insight, youth, spirit, and passion, women were always flocking around him. Therefore, the chatter of young girls never ceased around him. Moreover, Lukihan did not seem tired of them and interacted with each one individually, which seemed to be escalating day by day.

"Master Luk! Have you ever encountered a fateful event that brought a turning point to your life?"

A young girl asked. It's natural to be curious about anything concerning one's idol. Especially questions of this type are very useful for hearing hidden stories or important events.

"Of course."

Lukihan replied with a smile that filled his face.

"Meeting him was a major turning point in my life. After meeting him, I realized how insignificant I was."

Lukihan said in a syrupy voice.

"Who is it?"

A female disciple asked with an innocent face (Hmm… perhaps because she's still young, she's drawn to his looks).

"Heh heh… Well. It's a secret."

Lukihan smiled sweetly, unbecoming of his age. The sunlight striking his pearly white teeth shimmered brilliantly. The women shrieked, and the men watching from the side had to primarily tend to their churning stomachs.

'So annoying! Ughhh'

This was the common sentiment of the male disciples watching.

Lukihan had an incredibly youthful face, not at all like someone in his thirties. He felt no fear of his popularity.

Despite being in his early thirties, he had the fresh youthfulness of a teenager and his beauty as his ultimate peerless divine skill, so there was nothing to fear. Perhaps because of this, female disciples always swarmed around him like butterflies. Of course, according to some male disciples, 'What butterflies? They're flies!' but the fact that his popularity was unwavering remained unchanged.

Therefore, he could readily commit such bold acts of apparent recklessness, like the charming smile from earlier.

Watching such behavior silently was akin to torture. While the women might be thrilled, for men like Bilyeon and Hyorong, enduring it required immense, almost infinite patience.

Hyorong's patience, which he could only watch helplessly, was almost at its limit. Such a violation of human decency should be forbidden.

"To be able to act so casually in such a lovey-dovey manner…"

It was truly more terrifying than any divine or demonic art.

Hyorong shivered and hugged his shoulders. Then he shook off the goosebumps on his arms. Why did women like such things? Hyorong couldn't understand the psychology of some peculiar women at all. And, most importantly, he didn't like Yi Jinseol's admiration and enthusiasm for Lukihan.

Hyorong prayed with all his might that Lukihan would leave this place as soon as possible.

Screeeech! Clang!

The rusted hinges made a sharp metallic sound. It was a sound that unpleasantly grated on one's nerves. Goyakhan thought so as he entered his room.

The room was dark and utterly silent. Goyakhan lit a lamp to dispel the darkness that inhabited the room.

With the flame, light arose and drove away the darkness.

"How was it?"

Suddenly, a shadow spoke. But it wasn't Goyakhan's shadow, standing alone in the room.

Despite the intruder entering his room without permission and not even revealing himself, Goyakhan did not get angry. Nor did he make any attempt to stop him. He seemed like an entirely different person from his usual self.

"It was amusing!"

"I knew you would say that. Who wouldn't like such a toy?"

The dark silhouette said, still unseen.

"He was quite useful. No one has made me as bewildered as that fellow in recent times!"

"Can I look forward to it?"

He seemed quite interested in this matter.

"You can look forward to it. He is undoubtedly no ordinary fellow. I've found an interesting pastime after a long time."

"It seems you liked him quite a bit. But don't kill him too quickly. It won't be much fun then."

"Don't worry! I'll play with him very, very slowly and let him wither away gradually. Otherwise, it won't be fun."

The words, devoid of any emotion, felt all the colder.

"I am relieved to hear that. I trust you will handle it properly."

"Don't worry. Then, it seems our business is concluded."

It was a clear dismissal.

"Then!"

The presence behind the curtain vanished in an instant.