Chapter v8c17

“Huh? Hey there! Hwi, hello?”

After finishing his social greetings with the beauties, Bi Ryu Yeon finally noticed Mo Yong Hwi’s presence and greeted him cheerfully.

However, Mo Yong Hwi, who was receiving the greeting, was not well at all. He was not pleased. Mo Yong Hwi’s complexion was completely hardened, showing no signs of softening.

“That friend is a bit blunt, isn’t he?”

As if there was no helping it, Bi Ryu Yeon shook his head. His friend did not change at all, even in the presence of beauties.

“Oh my! Has he always been like that?”

Eun Seol Ran asked as if she had been waiting to ask.

“That friend of ours has always been like that. His bluntness and pathological obsession with cleanliness were diagnosed as incurable diseases a long time ago. It seems that treatment will be impossible for the time being until a groundbreaking miracle cure is found. These days, it seems that an absurd diagnosis of gynophobia has been added. Although it’s still in the early stages, if it’s true, it’s quite serious!”

Bi Ryu Yeon nodded seriously with his arms crossed.

“Oh my! That’s really serious!”

Eun Seol Ran immediately echoed Bi Ryu Yeon, showing how well they got along. The two seemed to have already shoved Mo Yong Hwi’s reaction into a corner of their minds. Eun Seol Ran seemed to suddenly feel the urge to tease Mo Yong Hwi.

“If he doesn’t want to die a bachelor, it’s really serious. I wonder if he’ll ever date with that attitude.”

“I’m going to have an arranged marriage, so that won’t happen.”

Mo Yong Hwi shouted angrily. He was clearly agitated.

“Look at him! He’s as stiff as a log, right? He thinks jokes are not a language of this world.”

“You’re too interested in other people’s lives and language systems! I’d rather not have any more of your attention.”

Mo Yong Hwi spoke with a voice as cold as the icy winds of the North Sea.

“Ah… this can’t be… Now it seems he’s also caught human distrust and avoidance as a bonus.”

Mo Yong Hwi was indeed a person whose inner armor and walls built around him were ridiculously thick.

“You must be really close friends, to know so much about him.”

Suddenly, Mo Yong Hwi made a face as if he was going to vomit. Who exactly fits the highly personal and subjective standard of a ‘close friend’? It was a feeling he could never understand.

“He’s just a friend I share a room with. Miss, please cure his fear of women when you have time. As the closest person who watches him, I’m very worried.”

Bi Ryu Yeon had become quite sly lately.

“Your unnecessary concern is too much. If you keep paying attention to me, I won’t just stand by anymore.”

Mo Yong Hwi seemed to have reached the limit of his patience and was about to draw his sword. Teasing him any further meant risking a threat to his safety. He was confident in protecting himself, but Bi Ryu Yeon decided to stop teasing him. Even the best toys can break if played with too roughly. Like candy, the delicious ones should be savored slowly to last longer.

“Look! He’s all strength and no softness. If we go any further, he might start a fight. He doesn’t understand the subtlety of jokes.”

Bi Ryu Yeon ended the topic about Mo Yong Hwi with a shake of his head. Seeing this, Eun Seol Ran smiled brightly.

“Shouldn’t you be leaving now that you’ve finished your business?”

A voice as cold as a blizzard!

The warm and friendly demeanor that Bi Ryu Yeon had been showing was interrupted by Na Yerin’s interjection. It was clear that Na Yerin’s words were laced with icy thorns.

“Hey! Are you upset?”

Bi Ryu Yeon asked.

“There’s absolutely no such thing.”

Na Yerin denied it strongly.

Although her expression was unchanging, Bi Ryu Yeon could clearly feel a difference from usual. However, understanding the reason behind it was still impossible for him.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t leave yet!”

“Why not?”

Na Yerin asked sharply.

“There’s still something I need to receive.”

Bi Ryu Yeon smiled slyly. It was the smile of someone who harbors ninety-nine sly snakes within.

“If it’s about thanking you for my help, didn’t you receive enough earlier? There’s nothing more to receive!”

Na Yerin’s next words were cut off by Bi Ryu Yeon’s sudden action. Suddenly, Bi Ryu Yeon’s lips sealed hers.

A dreamlike, sweet moment passed.

Smack!

The faces of everyone around, including Cheon Gwan Do who had come out to the bustling streets for a change of mood, and even the ordinary warriors, turned pale. Ever since Na Yerin entered this street, dozens of men had been glancing at her, following her, clinging to her, causing confusion in her sight and senses. Na Yerin’s beauty was famous among the ordinary warriors who couldn’t enter Cheon Mu Academy and wandered around its vicinity. She was an idol both inside and outside.

Na Yerin looked at Bi Ryu Yeon with an incredulous expression. Despite being caught off guard by this man for the third time, she found herself unable to hate him. Every time such a moment occurred, it was this man who showed movements too swift for even her eyes to catch.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my!”

Eun Seol Ran’s face, having witnessed Bi Ryu Yeon’s surprise kiss, was redder than the evening sunset. However, her eyes shone with excitement.

“Kyaa!”

The cry that burst from Eun Seol Ran’s mouth was not a tearing scream but a cute, coquettish voice filled with joy.

The kiss between Bi Ryu Yeon and Na Yerin did not last long. It was brief enough to be called a moment. But the fact that they kissed was certain.

“Huh? You’re not doing it this time?”

Bi Ryu Yeon asked Na Yerin in a tone of wonder because his expectation had been completely off.

“What are you talking about?”

Her voice had become even colder. It seemed as if the touch of Bi Ryu Yeon’s lips still lingered on hers.

“What do you mean! I’m talking about Miss Na’s sword still not being drawn from its sheath.”

Bi Ryu Yeon had already stepped back from his original position, anticipating the sword strike that would have followed the surprise kiss. He had moved out of range in advance. However, the expected attack did not come, which is why he was puzzled.

Na Yerin was just as puzzled. She couldn’t understand why she hadn’t drawn her sword as she always had. She said in a flustered voice.

“I… I just missed the opportunity, I didn’t forget.”

It was a lie. Na Yerin had definitely forgotten, for a moment, that she needed to draw her sword and punish this man.

“Hmm, is that so?”

Bi Ryu Yeon looked at Na Yerin with a mischievous expression. Na Yerin almost lost her composure, but she managed to regain her calm. Her face hardened again.

“Before that, shall we hear an explanation?”

Her words came out as cold as the ice of the North Sea, freezing the listener’s heart. It was also a declaration that she would no longer be swayed by Bi Ryu Yeon’s eloquence.

“Shall we call it a form of repayment for gratitude?”

“You’re still the rude person who doesn’t ask for permission.”

“I knew you wouldn’t give permission freely, so don’t worry too much. It’s just that two times have become three.”

How can she not care! Na Ye-rin was clearly a woman too. It was natural for her to care. But why should she be swayed by that man who doesn’t have a speck of delicacy? She had to admit that she no longer saw Bi Ryu-yeon as just another man.

However, she couldn’t pinpoint what the difference was. All she knew was that thinking of that man made her incredibly angry.

That day, for the first time, she harbored feelings of resentment towards a man. She hated the feeling that he had carved out a place in her heart.

And her inability to cut him off only fueled her anger further.

“Miss Eun, Miss Na. Shall we go now? There are mountains of things to report.”

Mo Yong-hwi intervened with a sense of mediation and urged them to move on. With such a grand event having taken place, the academy couldn’t possibly be quiet. There must be numerous reports to make here and there. Moreover, for the safety of Eun Seol-ran, and in case of a possible second ambush, they had to return to Cheonmu Academy as soon as possible.

“Then, I look forward to our next meeting.”

Bi Ryu-yeon bid farewell to Eun Seol-ran.

“Hohoho! Somehow, I feel that day will come very soon. Take care.”

Eun Seol-ran responded to Bi Ryu-yeon’s farewell with a meaningful smile.

Bi Ryu-yeon bowed and then turned around, disappearing into the crowd with the Cheonmu Academy patrols who had rushed over upon hearing the news of the incident, and Yeom Do, who had taken charge of the aftermath.

Eun Seol-ran’s eyes sparkled as she watched Bi Ryu-yeon’s retreating back, but the incident happened too quickly for anyone else to notice.

Only Na Ye-rin briefly turned her gaze to Eun Seol-ran. However, she did not say anything.

“Having such a person by your side must be very reassuring.”

said Eun Seol-ran to Na Ye-rin. Eun Seol-ran was smiling. Despite experiencing such a horrific assassination attempt, she had the guts to smile. This fact alone proved she was no ordinary woman.

“Well… I just hope he doesn’t cause any unnecessary trouble.”

Na Ye-rin replied in an emotionless voice.

“In any case, he’s quite an interesting person.”

“Yes! He also has a knack for putting people in very difficult situations.”

Na Ye-rin’s assessment was far less generous than Eun Seol-ran’s.

“I have a strong feeling that I will meet that person again soon. Did you know? My hunches tend to be very accurate!”

Eun Seol-ran said to Na Ye-rin with a broad smile.

And soon after, her premonition came true.

Two days later, Bi Ryu-yeon received an official document stating that he had become the escort of Dark Heaven Alliances Inspector Sa Jung-hwa Eun Seol-ran. The reason was the inspector’s strong wish and request.

Thus, Eun Seol-ran’s escort now numbered three.

But her drive didn’t stop there. She was preparing to surprise everyone once again.

A New Beginning

Special training group formation

“Miss, are you sure you’ll be alright?”

Han Ro, who had followed Eun Seol-ran as a coachman and servant, asked.

Despite his snow-white hair and a back bent under the weight of years, he was a dear person who always thought of her.

And he was the only ally left in this place, which was as good as enemy territory. He had never frowned, even though he had been suddenly ordered by the clan leader to take care of her. Eun Seol-ran was very grateful to Han Ro, who always looked after her. Being by his side gave her an inexplicable sense of relief.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry, Han Ro! If this is the Cheonmu Academy I know, I believe they will accept this challenge. They don’t seem to be so narrow-minded and stubborn.” she said.

She spoke of a challenge, not a request. It was a statement that she was not taking this matter lightly.

“Miss…”

Han Ro was genuinely amazed. Her eyes were filled with unwavering determination.

So, Han Ro decided to silently watch over her.

Name: Namgung Sang

Martial World Name: Lightning Sword Dragon

Origin Sect: Namgung Family

Weapon: Sword

Martial Arts: Namgung Sega Family Secret Technique lightning Dragon Sword

Special Note: One of the Nine Dragons

‘Hmm…’

A hand that seemed twice the size of an ordinary person’s held a document that looked pitifully small in comparison.

The dark, massive hand, which appeared to be more than twice the size of an ordinary person’s, carefully stamped a seal on the document without tearing the paper.

Though the hand was rough, its owner possessed one of the most noble statuses in the martial world. This hand’s role was to crush stones into powder and shatter iron in emergencies. A mere brush from this fist meant certain death at the least.

This hand belonged to the famous Cheonmu Academy Leader, Ma Jin-ga, known for his unparalleled iron fist. Ma Jin-ga carefully read the report and cautiously stamped a red seal on the white background.

“Pass”

There was no need for reconsideration. What he was doing was not the simple labor of stamping; however, his actions were so careful that one might think it was just stamping.

The selection of candidates for the Hwasan Branch was a matter of utmost importance that required the greatest care, and that caution was evident in his actions.”

The documents on his desk were still piled high with assessment papers containing content similar to what had just been discussed.

“The next one is this child.”

The task that Yeongnoe Imugang was currently undertaking was nothing more than simple labor, unrelated to the surrounding evaluations that he was proficient in thirty-six strategies and ninety-nine academic subjects, as well as reading celestial and geographical signs. Imugang handed over another assessment document to Ma Jin-ga.

Name: Na Ye-rin

Martial World Name: ice white peak

Origin Sect: From the School of the Sword Master Empress

Weapon: Sword

Martial Arts: Baekhon Sword Thunder Heaven Sword Style of the Righteous sect Alliance Leader Na Baekcheon

Sword Successor’s Secret Technique: Cold Frost Jade Spirit Divine Sword

Note: Na Baekcheon’s beloved daughter of the Righteous sect Alliance

Of course, Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga knew better than anyone who the person written in the document was. He was also aware of the dozens of lines that should have been included in the special note section but were omitted.

“She is one of the most anticipated girls of this year.”

“Hmm! That seems likely! It looks like we won’t have to worry about the gender ratio this year.”

This year, there were many exceptionally talented female martial artists. The reason Ma Jin-ga said this was because of one rule.

One rule regarding the operation of the Hwasan Branch!

It was a rule that both sides must participate in the Hwasan Branch with a designated ratio of women. Fortunately, it seemed there would be no worries about the gender ratio this time.

Yeongnoe Imugang’s tough hand pushed forward another document. He had to finish the list today to hand over the documents to Cheon Nosa for administrative processing tomorrow.

Ma Jin-ga carefully examined the document he received.

Name: Im Seongjin

Origin Sect: Green Forest Sect

Grade: 4th Year

Martial World Name: Jin seong-gon

Martial Arts: Jinseong Twelve Roots, uses a unique heavy emphasis technique called Bungkon among the root techniques.

Yeongnoe Imugang looked at the name on the document he was handed and asked cautiously.

“This kid has an uncertain background. His ideology is unclear… He’s caused countless troubles and his conduct is not upright.”

It was a suggestion to fail him. Iron Fist Ma Jin-ga said only one word.

“Rejected!”

It seemed that Ma Jin-ga was itching to stamp a pass on his document.

“If he has the skills, let’s put him on the candidate list for now. We can investigate his background, components, and character later.”

With that, Ma Jin-ga stamped the document with a ‘Pass’ seal. Imugang shook his head and handed over another paper.

“Hyo-ryong, that’s an unusual name.”

Ma Jin-ga commented after looking at the name section of the document.

Name: Hyo-ryong

Martial World Name: Euljin Unrivaled Sword Origin

Sect: Taeul Sword Sect

Weapon: Twin Swords

Martial Arts: Taeul Unrivaled Twin Sword Style, Taeul Heavenly River Twin Sword Technique.

It was a document requesting an assessment for Hyo-ryong.

“This child has been standing out in the jurisdiction lately. However, preliminary investigations show that his origin and status are also quite uncertain.”

Imugang continued, clearly intending to fail him to prevent future trouble.

“Rejected!”

It was an attitude that suggested there was no further value in listening. It seemed he wanted to say that anyone with potential and skills deserved to be selected as a candidate.

The next assessor’s face crumpled severely. There had never been a case where Imugang’s face had been so severely distorted. The person written inside was someone who had been giving him a headache lately.

“Bi Ryu…yeon? Eh, are we even considering this guy as a candidate?”

Imugang questioned after scanning the document before handing it over to Ma Jin-ga.