Book 8 Chapter 9
New Beginning
- Special Training Squad Formation
"Young lady, are you truly alright?"
Han-ro (韓老), who had followed Eun Seol-ran as her carriage driver and servant, asked.
Despite his silvery white hair and a back bent by the weight of years,
he was a kind person who always thought of her.
Moreover, in this place, no less than enemy territory, he was her only remaining ally.
Even though he had been assigned to take care of her due to a sudden order from the sect leader, he had never once shown a displeased face. Eun Seol-ran was very grateful for Han-ro, who always took care of her. Being by his side somehow gave her a sense of relief.
"I'm fine. Don't worry, Han-ro! If this is indeed the Cheonmu Academy I know, I believe they will accept this challenge. They don't seem like such narrow-minded or petty people."
She called it a challenge, not a request. It meant she was not undertaking this matter lightly.
"Young lady…"
Han-ro was genuinely impressed. Her eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.
So, Han-ro decided to watch in silence.
Name: Namgung Sang
Martial Name: Thunder Sword Dragon (雷電劍龍)
Sect: Namgung Family (南宮世家)
Weapon: Sword (劍)
Martial Art: Namgung Family Secret Thunder Dragon Sword Technique
Special Notes: One of the Nine Dragons
"Hmm…"
He held a document that seemed so small and insignificant compared to his hands, which appeared at least twice the size of an ordinary person's.
His dark hands, which easily surpassed the size of a normal person's, lightly stamped a seal on the document, which seemed too small for his hands. However, he didn't press hard for fear of tearing the paper.
Though his hands were rough, their owner possessed the noblest status in the martial world. These hands were meant to crush stones into powder and break iron in emergencies. Normally, a mere brush from these fists would result in death.
These were the legendary Iron Fist of Ma Jin-ga, the very same unparalleled Iron Fist of the Cheonmu Academy master.
Ma Jin-ga, after carefully reviewing the report, held his seal in one hand and carefully pressed a red impression onto the white background.
Approved
Because it was deemed unnecessary to reconsider. What he was doing was not simple stamping. However, his actions were so careful that one might think it was just stamping.
The selection of candidates for the Huashan Branch was the most important matter, requiring utmost caution, which was reflected in his actions.
A pile of review documents containing similar content was still stacked on his desk.
"Next is this child."
What Yeong-noe (靈腦) Yi Mu-gang was doing was mere simple labor, unrelated to his reputation for being proficient in thirty-six military strategies and ninety-nine academic subjects, as well as being able to read the heavens and earth. Yi Mu-gang presented another review document to Ma Jin-ga.
Name: Na Ye-rin
Martial Name: Ice White Phoenix (빙백봉)
Sect: Disciple of the Sword Empress (劍后)
Weapon: Sword
Martial Art: White Soul Sword Lightning Heavenly Sword Style of Jeongcheon Alliance Leader Na Baek-cheon (정천맹주 나백천의 백혼검뢰천검식)
Sword Empress's Secret Cold Frost Jade Spirit Divine Sword (검후 비전 한상옥령신검)
Special Notes: Jeongcheon Alliance Leader Na Baek-cheon's precious daughter (백도연합무림맹 정천맹 맹주 나백천의 금지옥엽)
Of course, the Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga knew better than anyone who the person on the document was. He even knew all the omitted facts that should have been in the special notes, which ran into dozens of lines.
"One of the most anticipated young ladies this year."
"Indeed! This year, there should be no worries about the gender ratio."
There were many female masters with outstanding talent this year. The reason Ma Jin-ga said this was due to one rule.
A rule concerning the operation of the Huashan Branch!
It stipulated that women must participate in the Huashan Branch beyond a certain designated ratio for both sides. Fortunately, it seemed there would be no concerns about the gender ratio this year.
Yeong-noe Yi Mu-gang's rough hand presented another document. To pass the documents to Elder Cheon for administrative processing the next day, the list had to be completed today.
Ma Jin-ga carefully examined the document he received.
Name: Im Seong-jin
Sect: Green Forest Sect (綠林門)
Year: 4th Year
Martial Name: Star Shaking Stick (진성곤)
Martial Art: Star Shaking Twelve Sticks (성진십이곤), uniquely uses the 'Bongon' style of stick fighting, which emphasizes weight.
Yeong-noe Yi Mu-gang cautiously asked, seeing the name on the submitted document,
"This fellow's identity is uncertain. His ideology is uncertain… and he has caused countless incidents and his conduct is not upright."
His implied question was, "How about rejecting him?" The Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga said only one word.
"Rejected (棄却)!"
It seemed Ma Jin-ga was itching to stamp the approval seal on his document.
"If he has the skill, let's put him down as a candidate first. Investigating his background, status, and character afterward is not too late."
Saying so, Ma Jin-ga immediately stamped 'Approved' on the paper. Yi Mu-gang shook his head and presented another paper.
Name: Hyo-ryong
Martial Name: Unmatched Sword of Ul-jin (을진무쌍검)
Sect: Taeul Sword Sect
Weapon: Twin Swords (雙劍)
Martial Art: Taeul Unmatched Twin Sword Style, Taeul Heavenly Strength Twin Sword Technique.
This was a document requesting the review of Hyo-ryong.
"He is a child who has been quite prominent in the area lately. However, according to preliminary investigations, this child's background and status are also highly uncertain."
Yi Mu-gang added again. His intention was clearly to reject him to prevent future trouble.
"Rejected!"
His attitude suggested he had no desire to hear further. It seemed he wanted to say that anyone with potential and skill deserved to be selected as a candidate.
Seeing the next reviewer, Yi Mu-gang's face contorted severely. His face had never been this distorted before. The person written inside was someone who was currently giving him a headache.
Name: Bi Ryu-yeon
Martial Name: Profitable Strike (운수대통 격타금(?))
Sect: Unknown (不明)
Weapon: Unknown
Martial Art: Unknown
Special Notes: Everything is uncertain
"Huh? You're selecting this guy as a candidate too?"
Yi Mu-gang retorted after glancing at the document before handing it to Ma Jin-ga. Just seeing the name seemed to cause him discomfort for some reason.
According to his way of thinking, it was incomprehensible to select a candidate for the prestigious Huashan Branch, representing the orthodox sects, from someone whose identity was completely uncertain and full of question marks.
However, it seemed the Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga, the master of Cheonmu Academy, couldn't hear his voice.
"Completely Rejected (完全棄却)!"
Ma Jin-ga's attitude was unwavering. It was clear he intended to select candidates based strictly on skill, rather than background and connections. Moreover, he was well aware that numerous stories were circulating about this individual.
'The one who stole Ye-rin's kiss, wasn't it…'
Perhaps that made him even more interested. Furthermore, many rumors, close to slander, were also circulating.
"There's an absurd rumor that he alone repelled the Iron Legged Horse demons. If we don't select this guy, who else should we select? Aren't you curious about what kind of skills he truly possesses?"
"……"
Yi Mu-gang could not answer.
Approved!
Finally, the approval stamp was placed on Bi Ryu-yeon's document. Now, Bi Ryu-yeon had obtained the qualification to participate in the Huashan Branch representative selection. Of course, he himself was not interested in this matter at all.
Ma Jin-ga picked up the documents again and began to meticulously review them one by one. The Huashan Branch was such an important matter that the master of Cheonmu Academy, the Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga, had to personally manage and process it.
This was even more so because it was closely related to the very reason for Cheonmu Academy's existence.
In addition, individuals of considerable reputation and skill passed over the large spread of the Iron Fist's. Ma Jin-ga's gaze as he looked over the documents was sharp, as if it could pierce through the paper.
Only those selected here would be qualified to be called the true strongmen of Cheonmu Academy.
Red Desk.
In the office of the Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga, the master of Cheonmu Academy, there is one red desk he primarily uses for his work.
This desk, made from the finest red sandalwood, was a masterpiece considered the absolute best, crafted by the chief artisan Gui-jang (鬼匠) of that era. Its gracefully flowing lines were enough to evoke admiration in the beholder. Currently, this elegant masterpiece was filled with hundreds of documents. Almost all matters concerning the operation of Cheonmu Academy and the state of the martial world were processed here, transformed into documents and letters. It could be said to be a place worthy of being called a small martial world.
Swish!
Elder Cheon of Cheonmu Academy, responsible for the affairs of Cheonmu Academy, added another document to this immense pile of documents, without any hesitation or mercy.
This was a document summarizing the matters handled by Ma Jin-ga in consultation with Yeong-noe Yi Mu-gang, resubmitted in writing. If this document passed the desk today, it would take effect from then on.
Bang!
Ma Jin-ga stamped the approval seal, the Cheonmu Seal (天武印), without even reviewing it.
"Proceed with the plan."
"Yes! Elder Nu-gi and Elder Go-yak… they are truly two people with opposite natures, like yin and yang."
Even in Elder Cheon's eyes, they were polar opposites. Would they achieve the expected results? However, Ma Jin-ga did not seem very worried.
"I look forward to what enlightenment they will gain amidst their opposing teachings."
Frankly, it would be rare to find individuals with such contrasting atmospheres within Cheonmu Academy. Elder Cheon could only pray that Ma Jin-ga's thoughts would come true.
"Ah, and please approve this as well. It's about Eun Seol-ran."
Then, Elder Cheon submitted another document. This time, even Ma Jin-ga couldn't stamp it without hesitation.
Given the content, he needed at least a moment to think.
"Hmm…"
Only after a long period of thought did Ma Jin-ga finally stamp the Cheonmu Seal on it.
"Will it be alright?"
Elder Cheon, who received the document, asked in a cautious tone. This could be considered a great adventure in a sense.
"After all, the orthodox and unorthodox paths have fundamentally different martial principles. Even if she learned by her side, their essence is different, so it won't be a great threat. Furthermore, since she is excluded from the secret transmission, there won't be much of a problem."
Ma Jin-ga was not unaware of Elder Cheon's concerns. However, he had already made a promise and could not stamp 'disapproved' on it.
"Hall Master! Then I will proceed as is!"
No one knew the ripples these two documents would cause yet.
"Hey, Jun-ho! Why are you jumping around like a puppy on a snowy day because you're so happy? Did you eat something wrong?"
Unable to bear watching Yoon Jun-ho's restless behavior, Bi Ryu-yeon finally asked. It was too strange for him to ignore.
"Th… that… that…"
Yoon Jun-ho pointed in one direction with his index finger and kept pointing.
"What are you saying?"
With such a stutter, it was impossible to understand what he was saying.
"Th… that is… that… that there…"
He still couldn't connect the words to form a proper sentence. However, his face was flushed, indicating he was extremely excited. So much so that he couldn't control his excitement…
Still, humans need to communicate through words to have a conversation. Unlike animals that can complete most communication through gestures.
Conversation cannot proceed by ignoring the other person's intentions. So, Bi Ryu-yeon, despite his annoyance, asked again. He vowed inwardly that if he made him ask the same thing one more time, he wouldn't let him off…
"So, what are you saying! Speak clearly! Or forget it."
"Th… That is, I'm saying… Look over there."
Finally able to speak properly with all his willpower, Yoon Jun-ho's finger pointed at the wall once more. There it was. Bi Ryu-yeon's eyes widened.
"It's paper, so what!"
That was the end of his reaction. It was undoubtedly paper that could be seen anywhere. However, his reaction should not have ended there. Bi Ryu-yeon had not yet read the content within.
"It's not the paper, it's the content. If you see a notice, you should read the content, not just the paper."
Yoon Jun-ho was dumbfounded.
"Alright, alright! You're so picky!"
Bi Ryu-yeon's gaze shifted back to the notice. This time, he focused more on the black text than the white background.
Notice (公告)
The following named disciples have been selected as candidates for next year's Huashan Branch representative selection and will begin new squad formations from the following day, receiving new training under new elders. They will be divided into two squads, the White Sword Squad and the Black Sword Squad, for special instruction.
<Continued>
Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga, Master of Cheonmu Academy
Next to Ma Jin-ga's name, the red Cheonmu Seal was stamped large, as if to flaunt its authority. In a way, it looked like a quality assurance certificate attached to the notice.
And below it was a list of people who would be incorporated into the special management squad.
Whether by fortune or misfortune, the names of Mo Yong-hwi, the Seven Severing Sword, Hyo-ryong, Jang Hong, Na Ye-rin, Dok-go-ryeong, and the Vermilion Bird Squad and Bi Ryu-yeon were listed side by side. They were in the same squad. Moreover, this year, there were more 2nd-year students compared to last year.
They were the Black Sword Squad (黑劍組).
And it was written that the special 담당 elder of the Black Sword Squad was a very unpleasant person.
The ripple effect of this one notice was immense. The grandest event in the martial world was finally upon them. How could such a significant tournament be prepared for with utmost dedication a year in advance? Cheonmu Academy was abuzz with a strange excitement, tension, and fervor.
And the reason Yoon Jun-ho was continuing to point his finger with an unhealthy level of excitement was because at the end of his pointing finger was the name of one person.
The three characters of his name, 'Yoon Jun-ho!' were written there.
"See! Look! Look closely! You see it, right? You see it, right? You clearly see my name! My name, Yoon Jun-ho, right?"
Bi Ryu-yeon nodded as if to say yes. He was not feeling any particular emotion about it. Therefore, he had no intention of sharing his friend's joy, happiness, and emotion to double it.
However, just because it wasn't a big deal to Bi Ryu-yeon didn't mean it wasn't a big deal to Yoon Jun-ho.
For Yoon Jun-ho, who had always been called a slow-witted, immature, or defective product of the Huashan Sect, this was like the creation of heaven and earth. What was impossible had now become possible and manifested in reality.
Now that he had read the notice and understood the reason for Yoon Jun-ho's extreme excitement, Bi Ryu-yeon made a new pronouncement. It was this.
"So what?"
His indifferent reaction, conveying extreme annoyance, lack of interest, and even irritation, was a shock to Yoon Jun-ho.
What? This person feels no excitement about such a momentous event? An event that would make any martial artist's blood boil and spirit ignite!
So, the timid Yoon Jun-ho, swept up in the surrounding fervor, couldn't help but speak up. Otherwise, he felt as if he and everyone else who read this and was excited would look foolish. Today, Yoon Jun-ho firmly decided to become their spokesperson.
"Then wouldn't you be excited? The representative selection for the Huashan Branch representative selection has finally begun!"
The entire Cheonmu Academy had finally begun to move for the Huashan Branch.
"Is that the reason you're so excited, pointing your finger dozens of times and stuttering so much that you can't even speak?"
Bi Ryu-yeon dismissed Yoon Jun-ho's excuse as lacking in justification, coherence, and probability. However, for Yoon Jun-ho, that was the entirety of the reason.
"Of course! Naturally. The Huashan Branch is not just a simple martial arts tournament. It is the ultimate battle where the pride and honor of the orthodox and unorthodox paths for the next five years are at stake. Being selected as a representative for such a tournament means becoming the de facto representative of the white path, fighting with the honor of all orthodox martial arts on one's shoulders. The fact that someone like me was chosen to be among the candidates for such a grand gathering…"
If left like this, Yoon Jun-ho seemed like he would drown in a sea of emotion.
"Is that so?"
Indifferent! Indifferent! Cold! Bi Ryu-yeon's reaction remained devoid of any emotion. To the ordinary, upright young man Yoon Jun-ho, Bi Ryu-yeon appeared even more incomprehensible.
'What kind of bizarre and peculiar thought process does this person have?'
The tournament called the Huashan Covenant Assembly (華山規約之會), or simply the Huashan Assembly (華山之會), was something that young orthodox rising masters and disciples would approach with burning eyes and determined resolve.
It was a grand tournament held once every five years, where the heroes of the orthodox and unorthodox paths vied for supremacy. It was the most fitting event to be called the largest event in the entire martial world.
To say that it was trivial in a voice weary with boredom, even though they had experienced the incredible feat of being selected as a candidate for this tournament, which was considered an honor for one's family…
Furthermore, this year's Huashan Assembly was the 100th anniversary, and there were rumors that something special was planned.
"This is no different than saying the representative selection has already begun! We have taken a step closer to that immense honor. And, and…"
Yoon Jun-ho, unable to contain his intense emotions, finally shed tears like black beans. Even though he was a man shedding tears, he felt no shame at this moment.
"Oh my, I understand, I understand. So please don't get too excited."
Bi Ryu-yeon had no choice but to placate Yoon Jun-ho. He chastised himself, wondering if he had become too soft lately.
However, there was still something that would surprise Bi Ryu-yeon. What happened the next day in the specially formed classroom was enough to surprise even Bi Ryu-yeon.