Chapter 115: The Selection Ceremony (2)

The drawing continued.

“Hunan Province! Dongting Lake!”

When a desired location was announced,

“Yes! I did it!”

There were cheers and fist pumps.

“Shaanxi Province! Luochuan! Yabang County!”

When a remote mountain area was announced, there were screams of despair.

The Selection Ceremony proceeded quickly and was nearing its end.

“Ah… I missed it again.”

Mo Yong Seon-ya sat down next to him with a resigned look on her face.

“Isn’t Zhengzhou in Henan Province okay? It’s a big city, bustling, and not too far.”

Although the exact location in Zhengzhou, Henan Province was unknown due to security reasons, there was a general sense of it.

Yeo Mae-hong responded,

“The fortune-teller I met at the fortune-telling house said to never go near water. They said it would bring disaster.”

“Ah…”

Zhengzhou is known as the city of water, which is the problem.

‘What a hassle.’

It’s amusing that a martial artist, whose life is full of unpredictability, believes in such superstitions.

The world is indeed strange.

***

The Selection Ceremony was nearing its end.

With the regular instructors of Euncheon Hall having completed their draws, it was now the turn of the temporary instructors.

“Ahem. Shall we end here?”

The head of Euncheon Hall, who had been making people cheer and some despair, was stepping back.

And then he made an unexpected announcement.

“We have invited someone to continue the drawing.”

What?

Traditionally, the Selection Ceremony was conducted by the head of the hall, a meaningful event.

It was an unspoken rule to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

But now, he was suggesting that an outsider conduct the drawing, causing everyone to look puzzled.

Perhaps sensing the confusion, the head of Euncheon Hall gave a brief explanation.

“In terms of fairness, this person is unparalleled. They also have important news to share.”

As soon as he finished speaking,

*Flap!*

The sound of clothes fluttering loudly in the air was heard.

*Whoosh.*

A massive presence that seemed to crush everyone appeared in the hall.

Gulp.

Those with weaker internal energy staggered under the overwhelming pressure.

Descending from the air, enveloped in this astonishing aura, was a single person.

“Thank you for yielding the floor, Head of Euncheon Hall.”

*Thud.*

Standing on the platform was a martial artist radiating an imposing aura from his single eye.

“The One-Eyed Sword God!”

“Dokgo Yul himself?”

“Well, if it’s him…”

The public opinion shifted dramatically.

***

“Forgive my intrusion.”

With a single sentence, Dokgo Yul, who had seized control of the room, began to speak heavily.

“I am here because I want to introduce someone to you.”

Introduce someone?

Who could be so important that Dokgo Yul would interrupt an event to announce them?

Those who knew how much the One-Eyed Sword God valued rules were even more puzzled.

“By the way, this is someone I hold in the highest regard.”

Someone the One-Eyed Sword God respects deeply.

This explanation made the instructors even more astonished.

“Someone the One-Eyed Sword God respects?”

“I’ve heard he acknowledges worthy opponents but doesn’t respect anyone.”

“Moreover, look at his face. He’s clearly showing extreme reverence.”

“Who in the world could command such respect from a master like Dokgo Yul?”

As murmurs spread, Dokgo Yul raised his hand.

“My master.”

Master?

Everyone’s mind was filled with questions.

It was known that the One-Eyed Sword God was a prodigy, with many masters seeking him out, and that he had redefined what he learned through countless battles to create his own martial arts.

But he spoke clearly.

“My true master is none other than Wang Woo.”

Wang Woo. If it’s Wang Woo…

The name spread among the people.

“The Lone Flying Swordsman!”

Someone in the crowd shouted.

“Ah! The Lone Flying Swordsman!”

“But I heard he retired.”

As the murmurs continued, the only clear voice was Dokgo Yul’s.

“To reveal the truth, my master has another identity.”

At this point, Dokgo Yul took a deep breath.

And, as if revealing the greatest secret, he spoke.

“My master is the sole heir of the Kunlun Sect.”

The Kunlun Sect!

The name, still spoken of in legends, caused an uproar in the hall.

Everyone had heard the phrase that floated through the Jianghu.

– Before the Nine Sects, there were only one sect and one school.

This referred to the Shaolin Temple of Song Mountain and the Kunlun Sect of Kunlun Mountain, the two pillars that once supported the world.

Recalling the faint name from memory, Dokgo Yul spoke passionately.

“My master dedicated his life to restoring the Kunlun Sect’s martial arts after leaving the Jianghu. He has finally perfected the secret technique, the Great Void Dragon Slaying Sword.”

Isn’t that right, Master?

Behind Dokgo Yul, the old man with a smiling face stood.

“Haha, you’ve gotten better at making people blush while I wasn’t looking.”

But he didn’t elaborate on Dokgo Yul’s words.

“Yes, I am the sole heir of the Kunlun Sect. My name is Wang.”

He drove the point home to the astonished crowd.

***

“Instructor Cho! Instructor Cho! Didn’t you say he was the new caretaker?”

“It seems so.”

“It seems so? This is huge. Really huge.”

As Yeo Mae-hong slapped her arm in excitement, Cho Un-hwi felt drained.

‘What? Wasn’t he just supposed to rig the draw?’

Why is this so elaborate?

***

Following the bombshell announcement, Dokgo Yul’s voice rang out, filled with passion.

“Thank you, Master, for restoring the Kunlun Sect’s martial arts after years of effort.”

“To think that the boy who once swung a sword with his tiny hands is now representing the Jianghu…”

Moved by the reaction, Dokgo Yul shouted passionately.

“But I have a request.”

“There are many untrustworthy people in the Jianghu.”

“And the future pillars of the Jianghu are still young.”

With a voice like a person who had swallowed fire, Dokgo Yul continued.

“So, I humbly ask, Master, after fulfilling your dream…”

Lowering his voice, he stepped back.

“Could you dedicate your next dream to the future of the Jianghu?”

Ohhhhh!

The instructors and guests held their breath at Dokgo Yul’s heartfelt plea.

‘Could you leave your future dreams to the students?’

In other words, he was asking him to sacrifice for the future of the Jianghu.

“Haha. You want me to spend my remaining years on the young people of the Jianghu?”

“Yes, Master.”

“I left the Jianghu to live my remaining years in peace. Isn’t this too much to ask, my disciple?”

“Is that so…”

“Haha. Asking an old and useless man to take on the fate of the young is preposterous.”

As Dokgo Yul stepped back, disappointed, his fist trembled.

His clear disappointment was palpable.

“But.”

But Wang Woo wasn’t finished.

“As a senior in the Jianghu, it’s only natural to lend a hand to the future pillars.”

Muttering, he shouted to the sky.

“I, the Lone Flying Swordsman Wang Woo, will endure any hardship to nurture the future pillars.”

“…Master.”

Wang Woo responded with a burning gaze.

“Rebuilding the Kunlun Sect is important, but what’s a sect without righteousness and chivalry?”

“Didn’t I always say that people rely on each other? Without chivalry, there is no Kunlun.”

“But the dream of rebuilding the Kunlun Sect…”

“The founders of the Kunlun Sect were all chivalrous. They were all broad-minded and would understand.”

With that, Wang Woo stroked his white beard and sighed.

“Haha. But my only worry is that my old body won’t be up to the task.”

“You’ll do well, Master.”

“I know my limitations. But one thing I can promise is my heart and spirit!”

*Whoosh.*

Raising a great wind with his internal energy, Wang Woo shouted to the sky.

“If my efforts are lacking, may the heavens not spare their wrath!”

His resounding vow left everyone in awe.

It was a scene from what would later be called the “Kunlun Oath” speech.

Yeo Mae-hong, moved by the sight, clasped her hands.

“Amazing. To go this far for the future pillars of the Jianghu.”

Mo Yong Seon-ya also murmured in admiration.

“If he’s the sole heir of the Kunlun Sect, he’s like the head of the sect. To dedicate everything to the next generation instead of enjoying wealth and glory, who else would do that?”

The reactions around them were similar.

But Cho Un-hwi saw it.

Amidst the overwhelming emotions, he saw Wang Woo subtly drop a wooden ball into his sleeve.

“Instructor Cho Un-hwi!”

– Anhui Province! Suzhou!

The prediction was spot on.

The destination was set for the Cat Sect, Myojinmun.

***

After the Selection Ceremony.

A celebratory dinner was held for their efforts.

Even though it wasn’t entirely relaxing with so many superiors around, Cho Un-hwi had nothing to complain about.

He was the star of the event.

“Instructor Cho, try this too.”

“Oh, your glass is empty. Here, let me fill it.”

Surprisingly, Mo Yong Seon-ya offered food, and Yeo Mae-hong eagerly refilled his glass.

“Really. You promised, right?”

“Me too. Don’t forget about me? Pinky swear.”

It wasn’t just them.

“Instructor Cho, do you need anything else? I’ll get it for you.”

“No, I’ll go. Instructor Cho, just relax here.”

Even temporary instructors like Jo Hyeon and the proud instructors of Euncheon Hall were fidgety.

“Haha. What’s all this?”

He muttered as he enjoyed being waited on and filled his stomach.

The reason for their behavior was simple.

“You’re lucky. Myojinmun?”

Instructor Yang Dae-cheol said enviously.

“Myojinmun is a place everyone wants to visit.”

“Exactly.”

Instructor Jo Hyeon added.

“Female students dream of visiting it.”

“Right. You can pet lots of cats there.”

“The most famous thing is the Hundred Cat Formation, right?”

“It’s my dream to be trapped in the Hundred Cat Formation and face the Cat Fist Technique.”

Everyone’s eyes glazed over as they talked about Myojinmun.

‘At this rate, I might really meet my fiancée.’

If I can’t find her inside, I’ll cast the bait outside. Danya’s strategy was indeed brilliant.

‘Wait, does my fiancée like cats?’

It was a minor concern, but for now, he decided to be satisfied with his achievement.

“Haha. Just say the word. I’ll arrange a place for you at Myojinmun anytime.”

“Instructor Cho Un-hwi, don’t make empty promises.”

As he enjoyed his newfound status, a low warning came from two tables away.

Looking back, he saw Senior Instructor Jang Cheol-sim with a displeased expression.

“If the sect agrees, providing accommodation is possible, right?”

“Yes. It’s a mutual agreement between the academy and the client.”

In exchange for assigning tasks during the Murim Excursion, the client sect provides various conveniences during the excursion period.

It’s a simple symbiotic relationship.

“But making excessive demands is prohibited. Are you planning to fill Myojinmun with academy instructors and students?”

Sighing heavily, Jang Cheol-sim continued to scold.

“It’s a mutual aid arrangement. Inviting anyone at will will only burden Myojinmun.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Indeed.

Providing food and accommodation is all on the client.

But Jang Cheol-sim wouldn’t know.

‘Myojinmun was created for that purpose in the first place.’