Chapter 124: The Shinmu Murim Excursion (3)

The advance team was quite impressive.

Since they were to assist the young students during the Murim Excursion, it seemed they would be dispatched to various regions.

However, the world is vast.

Once they split up according to their destinations, there were only a handful of instructors heading to Anhui Province.

Leading them was an elderly instructor from the Wudang Sect with white hair.

“This is our first formal introduction, isn’t it? I’m Instructor Shim.”

“Instructor Shim.”

True to his reputation from the Wudang Sect, known for its serene and pure environment, Instructor Shim was a very kind-hearted person.

The unique thing about him was that he had an unusual companion.

“Haha. Do you know him?”

Standing next to him was a delicate-looking young man.

“I’m Cheongsu.”

The greatest prodigy of the Wudang Sect.

‘Why is the future Wudang’s greatest swordsman here?’

Sensing his curiosity, Instructor Shim explained sheepishly.

“Honestly, it’s because of my selfishness. Even though he’s been confirmed as the next successor, there are still some concerns.”

Is this a form of favoritism?

“Wudang Mountain is a sacred place, ideal for training martial arts, but it’s hard to gain experience there.”

According to him, Cheongsu was excellent in martial arts and knowledge but lacked practical experience.

“So, I’m taking him along as a temporary assistant to broaden his horizons.”

“Are there temporary assistants?”

“Of course. You’re the unusual one. Usually, they’re not appointed for long periods.”

“It disrupts their training.”

Instructor Shim gestured over his shoulder.

“Anyway, since you’re around the same age, you should get along.”

*Pat. Pat.*

Cheongsu, who had been standing blankly, was startled by the pats on his back.

With a flushed face, he quickly cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

“Please take care of me.”

For some reason, his ears were also bright red.

Looking back, Cho Un-hwi saw Baek Ri Seol’s puzzled face where Cheongsu’s gesture was directed.

“Huh?”

Next to her was Mo Yong So-hye, half-smiling mischievously.

‘What’s this situation?’

***

Instructor Shim was an excellent leader.

He seemed to have a lot of experience in the Jianghu and was skilled in mediation as a leader.

“We’ll follow Instructor Shim’s instructions.”

Moreover, as a representative of the Wudang Sect, alongside the Huashan Sect, his presence was something even the proud Euncheon Hall instructors couldn’t easily challenge.

Thanks to this, they reached Danpung Ridge near Muhan City without much difficulty.

Danpung Ridge.

This rugged town where rivers and mountains meet was the last checkpoint guarded by the Murim Alliance’s external warriors.

During the four days it took to get here, Cho Un-hwi understood why Instructor Shim had brought Cheongsu.

“Cheongsu, go ahead and check if there are any available lodgings.”

“I sent a letter yesterday.”

“I know, but we should still check in case something urgent came up.”

“I understand.”

Though he tried to act responsibly, Cheongsu lacked flexibility.

In this regard, Instructor Shim was an excellent educator.

“Let’s have a light meal and some drinks.”

He subtly provided drinks to ease the tension among the instructors.

“Please leave the room next to ours empty, just in case.”

He skillfully negotiated with the innkeeper, slipping him some money.

His handling of matters was so smooth that it was clear he was a seasoned veteran.

In contrast, Cheongsu…

“They said to do this.”

He diligently relayed messages.

“Is this right?”

But often made mistakes.

Seeing this, Cho Un-hwi was convinced.

‘He’s a typical training-focused person.’

He didn’t show the same prowess he had in the mock training at Kaifeng Prefecture.

He was just a trainee flustered by real combat.

‘Well, it’s common.’

There are many who are unbeatable in sparring but falter in real combat.

He remembered many skilled swordsmen who weren’t particularly dominant.

They could be swordsmen but not heroes.

It was clear why Instructor Shim had gone to the trouble of bringing him as a temporary assistant.

At least he was good at one thing.

“Cheongsu, it seems there are some new faces.”

Among the temporary assistants, he maintained discipline.

“Since we’ll be together for a while, how about introducing yourselves?”

With his delicate appearance and musty tone, he quickly took control.

But it wasn’t easy.

“Miss Baek Ri?”

“…”

“It’s your turn…”

No matter how much he spoke, Baek Ri Seol remained unresponsive.

Annoyed, she blew cold air, creating a frosty atmosphere among the temporary assistants.

“Baek Ri student.”

“…Be quiet.”

When she locked eyes with Jegal Tan, known for his sternness, some timid students gasped.

The situation was only resolved when Mo Yong So-hye poked her in the side.

“I’m Baek Ri Seol.”

That was it.

“Haha. Hello, I’m Mo Yong So-hye!”

“My friends call me Yul-seo!”

If it weren’t for her overly lively nature, everyone might have stayed silent.

‘Yul-seo?’

It should be Yul-seo of the Breaking Sky.

Where did that lie come from?

He wanted to retort but kept quiet at Shim’s question.

“You have a knack for finding such talents.”

“Indeed. Even if it’s not Jegal student, I heard Namgung student wasn’t very talented.”

“Can you share your teaching methods?”

Influenced by Shim, the instructors eagerly asked questions.

As he responded appropriately, Shim stood up.

“Haha. I’ve been feeling tired lately. I’ll retire early.”

He even showed consideration by leaving early when the drinking session got lively.

Instructor Shim was a magnanimous figure, unlike anyone Cho Un-hwi had seen at Dongcheon Hall.

***

Thus, the five-day journey ended at Danpung Ridge.

“From here, it’s outside the Murim Alliance’s territory.”

Standing before the last checkpoint guarded by the external warriors, Instructor Shim spoke.

“Beyond here is the Jianghu, outside the Alliance’s jurisdiction.”

“Do you understand what this means?”

An instructor, with a tense voice, responded.

“It means we won’t be under the Alliance’s protection.”

“Correct. From now on, you’ll be responsible for your actions and their consequences.”

Instructor Shim made eye contact with each instructor and cupped his hands.

“I wish you all good fortune.”

***

Watching the departing group, Cho Un-hwi leaned on one leg.

“They’re finally gone.”

It had been a tense time.

Though Shim had taken care of many things, living among others was unfamiliar to him.

‘Hiding my identity, interacting with others is just a hassle.’

His lazy eyes regained some clarity, and his slightly hunched back straightened.

“Shall we get going?”

As he muttered, Baek Ri Seol stretched her arms and jumped up and down.

“Instructor, do we have a plan?”

“Of course.”

“Really?”

“Why are you surprised?”

Mo Yong So-hye, trembling nearby, asked cautiously.

“We’re not climbing mountains again, are we?”

“Why? Do you want to?”

“It’s not that. I just want to be prepared.”

Though he said no, seeing the heavy luggage she had packed, he could guess.

‘You’re prepared for camping.’

It made him want to do the opposite.

‘Change of plans.’

Cho Un-hwi pointed behind him.

“Follow the path we came on.”

He then pointed to the end of the main road.

The end of the road was the horizon.

“We’ll walk straight along this road.”

Simple, right?

Hearing they would walk along the well-maintained main road, the four faces lit up.

‘It won’t be as easy as they think.’

***

The main road was bustling with carriages and people.

This was the gateway to the Murim Alliance’s territory.

It was natural for many merchants to gather here.

As a result, moving alone in the open was slower than navigating through people and carriages.

But it wasn’t a problem.

“Oh, what’s in that carriage?”

“That’s a famous troupe, returning to Muhan City.”

Watching the passersby was entertaining.

But after a day, it got boring.

“Yellow Star Escort Agency!”

*Clop. Clop.*

When the Murim Alliance’s couriers arrived, they had to step aside.

“Oh no! The horse has collapsed. Hey! Porter!”

They often had to stop for various incidents.

With all the delays, they had to march through the night.

“Ugh. Can’t we rest?”

“We have to cover 150 li (about 60 kilometers) a day.”

The first day ended with a leisurely stroll during the day and a forced march at night.

They slept briefly on the roadside grass.

They were completely exhausted.

The next day was the same.

They walked all day.

Nothing special happened, but their bodies felt heavy, and their legs kept dragging.

It was strange, but it was common when traveling with an instructor, so they ignored it and kept walking.

They got blisters on their feet.

The next day, they walked again.

From dawn to dusk.

Their load felt heavier than the day before.

The grains and cooking utensils they brought for camping felt like they weighed a ton.

They cried as they walked.

They managed to cover 200 li that day.

They collapsed again.

On the fifth day.

The main road still stretched to the horizon.

They had covered a considerable distance, but the horizon was still far away.

Mo Yong So-hye was the first to collapse.

“I can’t do it!”

Unlike the others, her short strides meant she had to take two steps for every one they took.

She was the first to tire.

Throwing her luggage, she whimpered.

“How long do we have to walk?”

“Until we reach Hong’an. About 600 li (240 kilometers).”

“Haven’t we covered 600 li in five days?”

At Baek Ri Seol’s question, Cho Un-hwi clicked his tongue.

“That’s the straight-line distance. The road avoids mountains and rivers, so it’s longer.”

“So the actual distance is…”

“About double? 1,200 li.”

Gasp.

Seeing Mo Yong So-hye’s horrified expression, Cho Un-hwi scolded her.

“Why? It’s just walking along the main road.”

The Jianghu is all about walking!

Don’t you know Jianghu Walking?

The instructor’s annoying but accurate logic was frustrating.

It was true.

The main road was maintained by the government, making it smooth. Potholes were filled for travelers’ convenience, making it a pleasant route.

Except for those who had to walk endlessly.

“Walking mindlessly is torture.”

“That’s why children…”

“Look at the trees and flowers.”

“Relax.”

“All I see are weeds and your annoying back.”

You’re really harsh.

Hanging out with Baek Ri Seol seems to have made her sharp-tongued.

‘This is why you should choose your friends wisely.’

Jegal Tan intervened.

“Instructor, how about taking a carriage?”

“Carriage?”

Cho Un-hwi unfolded a crumpled note from his pocket.

Baek Ri Seol peeked and gasped.

“What? Meal expenses?”

“Sister. Maybe daily allowance?”

To their remarks, Cho Un-hwi replied dejectedly.

“This is our travel budget.”

“Ugh.”

“For ten days.”

Mo Yong So-hye’s pupils shook.

“With that pittance?”

“You think so too? It’s infuriating. When I complained to the senior instructor, he said.”

– If you’re upset, get promoted.

His hatred for the Murim Alliance deepened.

“Even so, you want to take a carriage?”

Everyone fell silent.