Chapter 199
Chapter 199
1
9
9. <The Uninvited Guest Who Visited the Academy (4)>
The representative executive group meeting proceeded well enough.
"Mount Heng Sect has agreed to oversee this event." (Eunho)
At Eunho's words, I tilted my head.
"Oversee it? Not just dispatch sorcerers?" (Jin Soun)
"Yes. They said they would personally provide a curriculum related to exorcism (破邪)
and spirit subjugation (制靈)
." (Eunho)
Even when I had asked them to dispatch sorcerers, they had said that due to scheduling issues, they could only send sorcerers who would have time around the end of this year.
If they were going to oversee the event and even provide a curriculum, it would have to be held as a large event at least comparable to the Martial Alliance’s.
Why had Mount Heng Sect suddenly begun putting such effort into an event at the Murim Academy, where there was nothing to gain?
"They did not mention any particular reason, so I did not ask either." (Eunho)
"Hm……. Well, it is a good thing, but……." (Jin Soun)
I had formed a good connection with Mount Heng Sect during the Malryeong Plateau incident, but that was not enough to move them like this.
I had no idea at all why they were suddenly moving like this.
At that moment.
"Could it not be because of you, Young Master Jin?" (Seong Moran)
Seong Moran’s words were difficult to understand.
"What do you mean by that?" (Jin Soun)
"From what I heard, because of the incident in Sichuan, Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans sold in enormous quantities." (Seong Moran)
"Pardon?" (Jin Soun)
"For some reason, even the Martial Alliance, which has its own methods of exorcism and spirit subjugation, urgently procured Demon-Subduing Talismans, and because of that, martial artists of the martial world began buying Demon-Subduing Talismans one by one as essential protective items, so the price rose severalfold." (Seong Moran)
"Ah……." (Jin Soun)
In other words, they had been struck by a sudden windfall of money, and their bodies had moved automatically.
To think matters would unfold like this.
Well, I had not intended it, but in any case, had Mount Heng Sect not benefited because of me?
I would have to milk this properly.
"It is a good thing for us." (Jin Soun)
"It is." (Seong Moran)
In any case, if Mount Heng Sect oversaw the event, it would not be hard to gather people this time.
Even if it was not the Orthodox Dao Society, once people heard about what happened in Sichuan, they would naturally become interested in exorcism and spirit subjugation.
"Um…… Young Master Jin." (Namgung Seonhwa)
Namgung Seonhwa opened her mouth more cautiously than usual.
"Yes. Is something the matter?" (Jin Soun)
"It is not that…… regarding my grandfather……." (Namgung Seonhwa)
Seeing Namgung Seonhwa trail off, I silently nodded.
The ‘Celebrity Invitation’ that was originally to be held after this event.
It was an occasion to invite famous celebrities of murim and show off one’s influence to the other academy students.
Previously, Namgung Seonhwa had confidently said she would invite the Creator Divine Sword, but it seemed the result had not been good. ‘It could not be helped. Namgung Clan has only just entered a stable period.’ (Jin Soun)The Creator Divine Sword, Namgung Taeha, had created the Azure Sky Cloud Guard Sword Art anew and tightly grasped the power of the branch families.
However, that did not mean his words possessed imperial authority.
Moreover, at the current Murim Academy, branch-family figures of Namgung Clan, including Namgung Gipyo, and the disciples of the sects that followed them, were opposing Namgung Seonhwa.
The other side had probably also invited the Creator Divine Sword to the ‘Celebrity Invitation,’ and the Creator Divine Sword, having only one body, must certainly have refused both sides’ offers.
"Still, Grandfather has not given a definite answer, so I will ask him once more. If it really cannot be helped, I will make a trip to the clan myself." (Namgung Seonhwa)
Something that would not happen anyway would not happen just because one forced it.
Knowing when to take a step back was also important.
I shook my head.
"No. If we ask the Divine Sword any further, would that not place a burden on him?" (Jin Soun)
Even though I said that, Namgung Seonhwa lowered her head deeply, as if she had become a sinner.
I deliberately praised her even more.
"Moreover, Miss Seonhwa, as a member of the representative group, do you not have many things you must do for me? You are an extremely important existence to me. I think going all the way to your clan for this matter would be a waste of time." (Jin Soun)
"……
Yes." (Namgung Seonhwa)
She nodded with a slightly flushed face, as if she understood, but her expression still looked as though she had not given up.
She would probably make a few more requests. ‘I cannot stop even that. Perhaps the Divine Sword might come.’ (Jin Soun)The ‘Celebrity Invitation’ would be the most troublesome event for me.
In a situation where everyone expected at least figures above the Pavilion Lord level of the Martial Alliance to come, it was not as though I could suddenly invite the Merchant Guild Leader of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.
In the end, I had to invite someone who was hiding somewhere and did not move easily……. ‘The second event will be more difficult than even the first event of the new term.’ (Jin Soun)I set the thought aside for a moment and continued the meeting.
Next, Seong Moran and Hong Saryeon reported one after another on the progress of current issues.
And Jang Ujae opened his mouth.
"For now, I have narrowed down the friends who would be suitable to work in the representative group." (Jang Ujae)
Looking at the names densely written on the documents, I tilted my head.
"Why suddenly people to work?" (Jin Soun)
When I asked back, instead it was Jang Ujae’s face that filled with doubt.
"What do you mean, why……. At present, Representative, you are doing the work alone, are you not?" (Jang Ujae)
"If it is document processing, it should be proceeding without issue, should it not?" (Jin Soun)
Jang Ujae let out a small sigh.
"Is the problem not that it is proceeding without issue?" (Jang Ujae)
"……." (Jin Soun)
"The fact that the representative group is currently operating without issue is based solely on your outstanding ability, Representative, is it not? If you are absent, as you were this time, there may be a problem with the very continued existence of the representative group." (Jang Ujae)
That was true. It was only because the incident in Sichuan had been so great that we entered a temporary break. If the Blood Cult had not appeared, such a thing would not have happened.
"The absolute number of personnel itself is lacking, but most of them are children of merchant guilds or administrative families, so there should not be much difficulty in teaching them how to handle work." (Jang Ujae)
Hm, he was smarter than I had thought.
When I showed signs of accepting it, more strength entered Jang Ujae’s voice.
"And we also need to consider gradually filling the ranks and properly organizing the representative group." (Jang Ujae)
Indeed, because of this incident, I would now be commuting to the Mantong Department every weekend.
Considering that the work would gradually increase, supplementing personnel was the most urgent matter above all.
I looked at Jang Ujae with newfound wonder. ‘How does he know more about my situation than I do?’ (Jin Soun)The other members were also each doing more than enough work in their own positions, but Jang Ujae in particular showed exceptional ability in personnel management.
Personnel management was the most essential part of increasing the efficiency of organizational operation.
By gaining one person, one could utilize dozens or hundreds of people.
As expected, I had an eye for people.
I looked at Jang Ujae contentedly.
"Is there anything more you wish to say?" (Jang Ujae)
Perhaps feeling awkward because I was staring at him, Jang Ujae watched my expression.
With a benevolent smile, I shook my head.
"You are doing excellently!" (Jin Soun)
"……
Not at all. It is only natural." (Jang Ujae)
He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Even humble. His character was also outstanding.
Good, very good.
After that, Nam Hwasung opened his mouth.
"I-I, for this event……." (Nam Hwasung)
"Let us end the meeting here." (Jin Soun)
"……!" (Nam Hwasung)
"Hm? Why?" (Jin Soun)
Nam Hwasung blinked his eyes like a cow as usual.
"What else would an informant do besides interfere with the event?" (Jin Soun)
With his face reddened, Nam Hwasung slapped the table—thwack!—and sprang to his feet.
"Damn it! I-I am not an informant!" (Nam Hwasung)
"Yes, yes. Let us say that is so." (Jin Soun)
"I really am not! I also intend to mobilize people for the event!" (Nam Hwasung)
"I understand. Let us say that is the case." (Jin Soun)
At any rate, I would have to fix that temper first.#After ending the meeting, I left the tavern’s annex.
Since we had rented the annex anyway, I said that those who wanted to stay and drink could drink, and those who wanted to return to the academy could return.
Nam Hwasung stayed behind, grabbing hold of Jang Ujae and Eunho.
Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa also stayed, saying they were craving alcohol.
In the end, only Saryeon and I returned to the Murim Academy together.
It had been a while since it was just the two of us.
"Eldest Senior Brother. Is this all right?" (Hong Saryeon)
"What is?" (Jin Soun)
Worry lingered on Saryeon’s face.
From my previous life, this girl had always worried about me.
"I mean Nam Hwasung." (Hong Saryeon)
"Ah…… that." (Jin Soun)
"Nam Hwasung is a disciple of Samwon Sect, which ranks among the upper members of the Twelve Peak Stars. He definitely would not have just come in for no reason." (Hong Saryeon)
I nodded at Saryeon’s words as well.
"Of course that may be so. Still, there is no need to worry so much." (Jin Soun)
"Why?" (Hong Saryeon)
"Because Cheol Sunjik’s intentions are not revealed in Nam Hwasung’s movements." (Jin Soun)
"……." (Hong Saryeon)
Saryeon slightly furrowed her brow as if she did not quite understand.
"If it were Cheol Sunjik, he would probably have entered the representative group himself or sent someone else. The fact that Nam Hwasung came means there is a high possibility that he chose it on his own." (Jin Soun)
Even at my words, Saryeon pressed her lips together tightly, as if her worry had not faded.
Seeing her like that, I gave a small laugh.
"In any case, if we climb higher in the future, all sorts of people will begin filling the ranks below us. There will be times when we have to cooperate with people like Cheol Sunjik as well." (Jin Soun)
"Higher……?" (Hong Saryeon)
I nodded for her.
"Yes. Think of this as practice for that time." (Jin Soun)
"……
That sounds nice." (Hong Saryeon)
"Hm? What does?" (Jin Soun)
Saryeon’s voice rang out through the cool night air.
"The words that you will climb higher." (Hong Saryeon)
When I looked at Saryeon, she was gazing at me with eyes sparkling like bright stars in the night sky.
"If you climb higher, Eldest Senior Brother, that means we will climb higher together too. It also means Taeul Sect will climb higher one day." (Hong Saryeon)
"That is right." (Jin Soun)
"Those words sound so nice." (Hong Saryeon)
"……." (Jin Soun)
Saryeon’s steps began to grow light, like a child excited by something.
How had it been in my previous life?
Suddenly, a past buried deep in my memories came to mind.[Eldest Senior Brother Cheolyeong has ordered us to gather. Every last one of us, even the youngest disciple.] (Hong Saryeon)
[He says it is a path for Taeul Sect, but I do not know if this is right.] (Hong Saryeon)
[I am worried. Whether this truly is for Taeul Sect. Whether it is truly for the junior brothers.] (Hong Saryeon)
When we had gone to the Martial Alliance earlier than the scheduled recruitment date because of Gye Cheolyeong’s request, Saryeon had spent days and nights awake without sleep.
Merely looking at the future one inch ahead must have been painful days for that child back then.
But what about now?
"As you said, Eldest Senior Brother, I keep looking forward to what comes next!" (Hong Saryeon)
Saryeon was looking forward to the future that had not yet arrived.
Not staying up nights with worries and concerns.
She would likely be unable to sleep properly because she was imagining the shape of the shining future.
"This is all thanks to you, Eldest Senior Brother." (Hong Saryeon)
Saryeon smiled brightly, without worry.
I was so pleased by that sight that I stroked her hair.
"You say all sorts of useless things." (Jin Soun)
"……." (Hong Saryeon)
At my touch, her eyes went round for an instant.
I spoke with certainty.
"This is something I naturally must do." (Jin Soun)
The painful memories of my previous life washed over me like waves, then receded behind me.
I would never let them engulf me, my sect, or my precious people again.
Perhaps Saryeon had once again been deeply moved by my words, because she could not raise her head.
"Could it be…… that you were moved and cried again?" (Jin Soun)
Meaning to tease her, I lowered my head and looked at her face.
"……
Grit." (Hong Saryeon)
Huh?
"I told you not to touch my hair!" (Hong Saryeon)
In an instant, she glared like an axe blade and began charging at me.
"Ah! Ah! Junior Sister, wait!" (Jin Soun)
No, we were going to go to the dormitory and wash anyway, so how was touching her hair such a mortal sin……!
I fled while unfolding the Lone Step Under Heaven at full power.
"Stand right there at once!" (Hong Saryeon)
I was living a second life, but I truly could not understand a woman’s heart.#The final day of the temporary break.
Starting tomorrow, the original academic schedule would begin once again.
Today would probably be the last time I would meet Yaryulgeuk this frequently. ‘Still, he seems to have roughly grasped the concept of softness subduing hardness. He probably will not try to stupidly slam his opponent down like before.’ (Jin Soun)As I was roughly straightening my clothes, a voice came from behind me.
"Young Master Soun. Shall I prepare today’s meal outside as well?" (Head Maid)
The head maid, who had entered the hall, asked quietly.
After looking at the training ground once, I answered the head maid.
"I will simply skip breakfast. It does not seem that he has come." (Jin Soun)
"……
Has something happened?" (Head Maid)
"It is nothing." (Jin Soun)
Leaving the concerned head maid behind, I exited the hall and headed to the private training ground.
In the middle of the training ground sat a boulder-like presence in meditation. ‘What an enormous build.’ (Jin Soun)It was a man with a body so massive that it could not be compared to Bang Duchil’s physique.
The enormous spear placed at his feet was far longer than what ordinary people used.
Even though I arrived nearby, the man did not even open his eyes.
And he asked me,
"Are you Jin Soun?" (Ak Byeongbi)
His low voice was fierce, like the roar of a tiger.
While living this present life, I had never felt intimidation from those who trained in outer arts, yet he stirred tension with a single word.
But withdrawing here would hurt my pride as a member of the Sojeong Squad from my previous life.
Besides, was the Sojeong Squad not the greatest place in the world when it came to words and bravado?
"Did you not come knowing that?" (Jin Soun)
Twitch.
When the man lifted one eye at my provocation, killing intent poured out as though blood-red light were spilling forth.
"Are you saying you predicted that I would come as well?" (Ak Byeongbi)
His build was one thing, but the way he spoke was no ordinary matter.
It was not the tone of someone who simply overtrusted his clan’s martial arts. ‘Is he one of the direct line?’ (Jin Soun)As my mind turned fiercely, the man slowly rose.
"Or…… are you saying it does not matter who I am?" (Ak Byeongbi)
Though he clearly was not drawing up his qi, a battle spirit that felt rough.
Most of all.
A thick smell of blood that should not come from an ordinary human brushed the tip of my nose, ringing alarms in my head.
"You are truly an arrogant bastard." (Ak Byeongbi)
They said dogs would wet themselves and be busy running away the moment a dog butcher appeared.
He wore refined official robes and was neatly dressed, but when I looked at him, I felt an instinctive aversion.
Again, the sound of a growl rang out all around.
"That must be why you could do such a thing to Jupyeong." (Ak Byeongbi)
Ak Jupyeong was one of the direct heirs of the Ak Clan.
The fact that he called him Jupyeong suggested that the man’s status was also no less than Ak Jupyeong’s.
Soon, the man’s rock-like body grew as large as Mount Tai.
A huge build that seemed to reach eight cheok.
I understood why he used a spear that looked abnormally long and heavy.
Thud.
"Show me as well!" (Ak Byeongbi)
Swoosh
-Regardless of his enormous size, the massive spear came slashing in fiercely.
Using a spear for slashing instead of thrusting seemed like a foolish act, but from the beginning, that had not been the man’s intent.
Thud.
Even though I drew the Black Dragon Sword and blocked it, my body lifted into the air and flew away.
Rattle-rattle-rattle.
After barely using footwork to settle into position, the man had somehow appeared before my eyes. ‘What kind of speed is this!’ (Jin Soun)Whoong.
I avoided the spear shaft with the technique of Iron Plank Bridge.
Watching the spear shaft brush past right above my face, I realized it was no ordinary object. ‘A steel spear shaft…….’ (Jin Soun)There was a reason my hand was numb even after diverting it with the Black Dragon Sword.
Swoosh
* boom.
When I avoided the spear flying in as if to split my head, the spear immediately struck the floor of the training ground hard.
The solid marble shattered, and fragments flew everywhere.
And only then did I recall one person from the roster of figures recorded in my mind.
"Pavilion Lord of the Third (三)
Hall of the Inspection Pavilion, Ak Byeongbi." (Jin Soun)
One of his eyebrows rose.
Grinding my teeth, I said,
"They say you are called the Blood Ghost Flying Spear in the martial world, correct?" (Jin Soun)
He, who had been attacking, stopped for an instant, then corrected his stance.
"My fellow White Dao members often point fingers at my alias." (Ak Byeongbi)
"……." (Jin Soun)
The bastard looked down at his two hands for a moment. Then he looked at me with detached eyes.
"But I do not mind. If it is to protect the justice of the White Dao, I can become a ‘blood ghost’ as much as needed to the Black Dao and Evil Dao." (Ak Byeongbi)
Damn it.
Even so, I never thought this person would come personally.
"So did you come as a person of the Inspection Pavilion, just like yesterday?" (Jin Soun)
"……." (Ak Byeongbi)
Without avoiding Ak Byeongbi’s gaze, I stared straight at him and asked.
"Am I…… an existence that threatens the justice of the White Dao?" (Jin Soun)
There was not a single trace of hesitation in Ak Byeongbi’s gaze.
The seven stars that protected the Martial Alliance.
"What is clear is that you are not a pure White Dao person." (Ak Byeongbi)
Among them, Ak Byeongbi, who occupied the Blood Star (血星)
, saw me as an enemy.