Chapter 825: Ilcheonkyo.

Kuaaang-! Kukung-!

The dormitory for the Seongryongdae, prepared at the branch, and the training ground set up within it.

Rough sounds echoed from there.

Swishhh-! I turned my head at the sound I heard. The tip of the sword grazed my cheek.

Taking a step forward, I lowered my upper body. Another sword passed through where I had originally been.

I thrust out my fist and punched the air. As if waiting, sword energy flew in, and it was destroyed by my fist.

Even with brief movements, countless attacks poured in. Following them, my body moved ceaselessly.

Rolling my eyes, I slightly amplified my senses. Then, fighting spirit emanated from all directions.

Twisting my waist slightly, I wrapped my arms in fist energy.

‘One guy for now.’

I shifted my gaze. The target wasn’t the closest one, but the farthest one.

Applying a little force to my feet, I increased my speed.

“…!”

In an instant, I reached the target. The opponent seemed momentarily surprised by my appearance, but…

“Kkkh!”

They immediately readjusted their grip on the sword and changed their stance. It seemed they were switching from an offensive posture to a defensive one.

Seeing that, I raised the corners of my mouth.

That’s a good method.

They can’t afford a pointless power struggle, so they’re trying to minimize damage.

However.

‘For someone trying that, their defensive method seems unskilled.’

They seem to have focused their training on offense. Their stance is crude. No, it’s not quite at the level of ‘crude’, but…

‘At least, that’s how it looks to me.’

That’s how it looks when I consider them an ‘opponent’.

Kukung-!

“Kkeok!?”

My outstretched fist instantly burrowed into their solar plexus. Landing the attack wasn’t difficult. As I said, their stance was weak compared to their skill level, leaving them full of openings.

The fist energy crushed the protective energy wrapped around their body and hit directly.

“Kukluk…!”

The person who took my punch. The Yeoltujeongeom collapsed onto the floor, retching.

Their pale face caught my attention, but this wasn’t the time to dwell on it, so I immediately turned my back.

An attack had already arrived behind me.

This time, it was a fist. And a very large fist at that.

The energy wrapped around it had considerable compression. It looked like it would hurt quite a bit if I blocked it recklessly.

Should I dodge? Or should I counter? The deliberation was short.

Kwaaah-!

My relatively small fist collided with the large fist.

As the fist energies clashed, an immense shockwave spread out.

However, the only one who suffered damage in the process was the opponent.

The man who charged forward, firing fist energy, instead grabbed his own arm and widened the distance; compared to him, I was completely unharmed.

Seeing that, I spoke.

“You’re too focused on one aspect. You should have anticipated a counter.”

While the opponent had much more energy, the reason the situation turned out this way was simple.

An unusually large amount was concentrated solely on the surface of the fist.

With that kind of concentration, even slight misadjustments could strain the wrist. It meant the attack didn’t consider durability.

“Kkeuuhht-!”

The man who received the counter was momentarily flustered but prepared to leap to regroup. He seemed intent on creating distance. This was also a decent tactic.

The problem was.

Kkuuk-!

“…!”

That I had anticipated it and was already stepping on his instep.

With his lower body pinned, his movements were restricted. I could sense his panic.

I could see him raising his energy, perhaps trying to forcibly pull his foot free, but I was already swinging my other leg while keeping my foot on his instep.

My calf, accelerated, struck his side. Simultaneously, I released his instep. Then…

“Keu-uh-!”

Kuuung–!!

Before the scream could even finish, he was slammed into the wall.

“Two down.”

The moment I muttered that, fighting spirit surged from both sides. Two flashes of light dove towards me.

Not only did they capitalize on my focus on the fight, but they also used blind spots. It was a clever tactic.

Their positioning was good, too.

It was an attack that couldn’t be dodged from above or below. Proof that they coordinated well.

They were a mess when they started, but after a few beatings, they seem to be getting the hang of it.

If so.

‘How should I handle this?’

Should I take a few hits? Or deal with them differently? Taking hits wouldn’t be bad.

This level is passable, I suppose. It seemed like holding back a bit would be the right thing to do in this situation, but…

Hwa-reureu-reuk-!

“Hut!”

“No–!!”

That sort of thing didn’t suit my temperament.

Flames erupted instantly along my body. Those approaching flinched and changed their movements.

Since they were already charging, they couldn’t retreat, so taking the hit was the only option.

So, I immediately used my energy to reinforce my protective aura.

They didn’t seem to intend to stop their attack; they looked like they planned to endure the flames and push further. They have guts.

I decided to give them more points for that.

Paaaaah–!!

The flames passed. Those who had braced themselves took the hit.

Just then.

“What?”

“What the…?”

Everyone glared with strange suspicion. They must have braced themselves.

They chose to endure the flames with their protective energy and attack. That must have been their choice, but…

Things unfolded differently than expected.

The flames shot out weren’t hot at all, contrary to their appearance.

Of course. It was merely a distraction.

I could have made them erupt ferociously if I wanted, but I didn’t.

What I wanted was to create confusion through deception, and…

The plan was successful.

Ummmph.

A very slight opening appeared.

I didn’t miss it.

Kkang-!

“Kkeuk!?”

I dealt with the closest one first. I intended to strike their wrist and make them drop their sword, but…

‘Oh.’

The sword tip merely dipped from the impact. They didn’t drop it. I hadn’t held back on the force, but it was a decent reaction.

I liked it.

‘What was their name again?’

Was it Seong Hyukjin? He was someone who had decent results in the sparring arena and was with me during the White-Ranked Monster incident.

“Kkeureuk!”

Shifting my thoughts, I struck his chin with my knee. It hit squarely, and he staggered and fell.

‘Three like this.’

Counting, I flicked my fingertips.

Tik-! My index and middle fingers rubbed together, creating sparks.

The small sparks quickly grew in size.

A little thicker. A little harder.

Yet, not overwhelmingly strong.

If I were to compare the intensity…

Right.

‘Enough to block a sword once.’

Kkigig-!

“Kkeuk!”

The person cutting through the flames in front of me scowled. It could be cut, but the speed was strangely slow.

It felt like they needed to apply significant force to cut through.

“What kind of flame…!”

It’s just flames, so why is it so heavy?

The person bit their lip in confusion.

That’s why they didn’t notice.

“Too slow.”

“…Hup!!”

I grabbed them by the collar.

I could have hit their chin or solar plexus, but this served a purpose. Holding them, I threw them backward.

“Kkeuak!?”

Despite being thrown suddenly, they hastily prepared for a breakfall. However, their intention was thwarted.

Kung!

“Kkeok!?”

“Euk!”

The person who flew through the air crashed into another Yeoltujeongeom who was leaping in from behind, collapsing together. It was to handle the situation, as they were about to charge in after observing.

And so.

“Kkeo… euh.”

“Kukluk…!”

The sparring match ended.

The ones who had been fighting fiercely were crawling on the floor, exhausted; I stood in the center, looking at them.

“Hmm.”

Looking at the groaning, suffering guys, I nodded.

‘Pass.’

Not bad. No, good. Their coordination was much better than I expected.

If it’s this much, I figured they’d be fine with a bit more training.

The problem was.

“Heeuueu…”

“Damn it… the difference is this huge.”

The expressions of those who had fallen weren’t good. I thought I’d held back enough, but was I too overwhelming?

I tried to regulate it, but to have their self-esteem crumble this much… that was quite disappointing.

‘Hmm.’

Should I praise them for doing okay? But in their current state, it doesn’t seem very helpful.

Maybe I should curse them out instead? Like, ‘What kind of men are you, getting like this after just a little bit of this?’

‘Yeah, that’s better.’

Praise? What praise? If I’m going to say something, this is better. Just as I thought that and was about to speak…

“Young Master-! That was amazing!”

“…!”

At the alluring voice, those lying down immediately turned their gazes.

Standing at the training ground entrance far away was the captivating beauty(?), Yeonhong, cheering them on.

“…”

Confirming that, my expression instantly soured.

“M-Miss…”

“Miss Yeonhong was watching…!”

“It was such a cool display. You all worked hard-!”

“…Huk…”

“K, Khm.”

As she spoke with an encouraging smile, the men’s faces lit up.

‘Just from that…?’

‘…Damn it.’

I was speechless. Especially since I knew what Yeonhong was really thinking.

‘How on earth does she do that?’

A blunt and stoic person. The very Amwang who wouldn’t even shed a tear if his arm burst open.

But does dressing as a woman change a person that much?

No matter how often I see it, it’s utterly baffling. Especially her voice, but even more so her flirtatious tone and actions; I can’t get used to them.

“You worked hard…!”

“Ah, no. It’s merely part of training.”

“That’s right. A warrior must strive in training, and not lose heart even in defeat.”

“Great Leader-nim… you truly worked hard. Now, let’s go for the next round of training. You aren’t tired, are you?”

“Of course! Tired?!”

“…”

They left as if wanting to show Yeonhong more of their cool side. Watching them, I had to stare with a sour expression.

‘What bullshit.’

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

It’s a ridiculous sight, but it’s helpful in the end, so I have nothing to say.

‘They said it’s easier to manage them in that form. Could this be what they meant?’

Amwang’s words came to mind. If that was truly the meaning, then they must be a truly terrifying person.

Moreover.

‘By becoming someone so different, their identity remained unknown their whole life.’

I think I understand why Amwang’s identity hasn’t been revealed until now.

With this level of perfection in cross-dressing, who would dare suspect anything?

From the current Yeonhong, there was absolutely no sense of being male, let alone any trace of Amwang.

Coincidentally, my eyes met Yeonhong’s. As soon as our eyes met, she smiled, and her smile was so excessively radiant that I involuntarily flinched.

I forced myself to look away and spoke to those nearby who, like the guys just now, were staring intently at Yeonhong.

“Alright, next.”

As I called them out, several people flinched.

Then, they hesitated and didn’t come forward, so I glared at them once.

“Not coming out? We’re short on time, so hurry…”

I was about to say this impatiently when a voice reached my ears.

-Great Leader-nim. A guest has arrived.

It was Tang Soyeol’s telepathic message.

Oh dear.

‘They came earlier than expected.’

I thought they’d come after noon at the earliest, but to show up first thing in the morning…

-Shall I tell them you’re training and ask them to wait a moment?

-No. I’ll head over now, so wait in the room.

-Understood.

After ending the telepathic exchange, I clicked my tongue. I still had guys left to train, but things got complicated.

“Something’s come up, so everyone train individually for now.”

“…!”

Hearing that, their expressions brightened. They seemed to think the training was over.

“We’ll resume right after this, so keep that in mind.”

“…”

As I stated firmly, their bright expressions immediately crumbled.

Seeing that, I chuckled and moved on.

‘I’ve memorized the faces of those who just crumpled.’

I’ll deal with them later. Especially the ones I plan to push extra hard.

---

Moving my steps, I arrived at the branch’s VIP room.

Without hesitation, I found and opened the door.

Deureureuk.

As I roughly opened the door and entered, the person waiting inside frowned.

Seeing him, I smiled brightly and said.

“Long time no see?”

“…”

“Hey, loosen up your expression when greeting someone, will you? You’re making me feel awkward.”

Ignoring his lukewarm response, I pulled out a chair and sat down.

“You don’t need tea, right? I didn’t prepare anything specific, but I can get you water if you need it.”

“Ha….”

The old man reacted as if my statement was absurd.

“You truly aren’t in your right mind.”

“I was trying to be considerate, so it hurts to hear you say that.”

“Not just your mind, but your actions too. Are you really crazy?”

“Why?”

The old man, who had scowled.

Gyecheonmunju, the master of Gyecheonmun, looked at me and asked.

“The fact that you summoned me here is proof of that.”

Gyecheonmunju, who is treated as part of the demonic sects.

Especially summoning him to the Murim Alliance so casually in the current situation. Gyecheonmunju mentioned this absurd circumstance, but…

“Haha. That’s ridiculous.”

Hearing that, I could only chuckle.

“And you, coming just because I summoned you, are you sane? Besides.”

Whooong-! I scattered my energy, creating an energy barrier around us.

“The branch chief here is one of your people anyway. So honestly, it doesn’t matter.”

“…!!”

Mentioning Mok Riseon caused Gyecheonmunju’s eyes to widen.

“…How did you know?”

I didn’t offer denial or excuses. Was it because I spoke with certainty?

Their reaction made things easier for me.

“Like I said last time, how I found out isn’t important, is it? And I have no intention of telling you.”

“So you’re staying here, knowing that?”

“Where else would a member of the Murim Alliance go besides the branch? They provide a home and food, so where else could be as comfortable?”

“…”

“Don’t worry about trivial matters. If you’re curious, find out yourself. What’s important isn’t how I found out, but the fact that you came here. Isn’t that right?”

“You…”

“How was Ilcheonggeom?”

“…”

Without hesitation, I asked the question first.

“Did they listen well?”

“Haha.”

Hearing the question, Gyecheonmunju burst into another hollow laugh.

“Are you not considering the possibility that I might not have listened to you and not come to meet you?”

“Ah… don’t do that?”

“Do what?”

“Stop playing mind games. You came here because you went and got a reaction, right? So just answer what I asked. I don’t like thinking too hard.”

Gyecheonmunju narrowed his eyes.

Those eyes held an unknown question.

“Are you truly a righteous sect member…?”

“How do I look?”

“…”

The answer was clear in Gyecheonmunju’s eyes. A look that clearly said ‘absolutely not’. I didn’t deny it either. I’d never actually thought of myself as a righteous sect member. Nor did I particularly want to be.

As I calmly met his gaze, time passed, and Gyecheonmunju said, frowning.

“…Ilcheonggeom was just as you said.”

It seems he’s decided to get straight to the point.

“Oh?”

“When I relayed your words exactly, their reaction was just as you predicted.”

“Hmm, good.”

“Yes, as if you two conspired to toy with this old man.”

“Hahaha.”

“Hahahahaha.”

We burst into laughter. Nodding at his suspicious words, I said.

“If I suspected that, I wouldn’t have come here, would I?”

“I also have something I want to confirm.”

“Is that so? Then, has your confirmation been made?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Then, what happens if the confirmation isn’t completed?”

“Do you want to know?”

Deol-gdeok-! As our conversation progressed, the surrounding objects began to shake slightly.

Seeing that, I asked Gyecheonmunju.

“I wonder if it’s okay to be this bold, coming all the way to the main base. What if you get caught?”

“Didn’t you say yourself that the branch chief is on your side? If so, do you think I came here without any plan?”

“Eueuum….”

His words implied he had prepared something upon coming to the branch.

Hearing that, I thought.

Should I just kill him?

It was a fleeting thought. Unintentionally, the thought crossed my mind.

‘No. I can’t.’

I suppressed it immediately. I still had much to use him for and much to investigate.

Killing him now would be a waste.

So, at least…

“…Right, I get that you’ve prepared something. I also have something I need to ask.”

“I don’t intend to let this go so easily-“

“Ilcheonkyo.”

I have to ask about this one thing.

“…”

Gyecheonmunju stopped talking. And then.

“Old man. Do you know anything about this place called Ilcheonkyo?”

Kwadeuk-!

Swords rained down from the ceiling.