Chapter 129: Myojinmun (3)

When they arrived at the meeting place with the warriors of Cheongyang Sect, Instructor Shim was already waiting.

Meeting him for the first time in several days, Instructor Shim immediately apologized.

“I’m sorry. Seeing the people so brutally injured, I couldn’t control my emotions.”

A Wudang Sect martial artist who couldn’t even manage his emotions and caused such a scene?

‘He must be extraordinarily meddlesome.’

However, Cheongyang Sect Leader Seo Tae-myung wasn’t bold enough to openly scold a disciple of the Wudang Sect.

“If you witnessed injustice, it’s only right to rise up and punish the evil. You did well.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Sect Leader.”

“Where are the bandits?”

Instructor Shim pointed to the mountain path.

“There’s a bandit camp at the top of the mountain.”

“At the top?”

Seo Tae-myung shaded his eyes with his hand and squinted at the mountain peak.

The terrain obscured the view, making it difficult to see. Instructor Shim reassured him.

“Don’t worry. I’ve marked the location.”

“That’s fortunate.”

“I was lucky. For some reason, they were harshly dragging villagers to the camp, which is how I found it.”

“A case of missing villagers…”

It seemed Instructor Shim had his reasons.

‘Recently, there have been reports of unexplained disappearances in the Jianghu.’

Moreover, with the matter of Chui Geol-gae of the Beggars’ Sect being publicized, it’s likely he took action himself.

“Let’s go quickly.”

“Don’t you need to rest?”

Though he looked exhausted, Instructor Shim firmly replied.

“Resting can wait until justice is served.”

***

They only discovered the bandit camp when they neared the mountain peak.

Hidden by the rugged terrain, it wasn’t visible from below, but up close, they saw a sturdy stockade made of thick logs, sharpened at the ends.

Seeing the watchtower built to guard against enemy approaches, it became clear why Instructor Shim had returned.

“It’s a formidable defensive position. It’s unusually sturdy.”

The camp, built into the steep mountain terrain, was fearsome enough to make even government soldiers balk.

Instructor Shim nodded in agreement.

“With my strength, breaking the stockade is the best I can do.”

“Can you manage?”

“If I give it my all, I can.”

“Clear the way, and we’ll follow right behind.”

Turning around, Seo Tae-myung addressed his disciples.

“Listen up, disciples.”

He was preparing to motivate them.

Seeing this, Instructor Shim turned to Cheongsu.

Cheongsu’s delicate face was pale with tension.

“This is your first real combat.”

“Stay close behind me and be careful.”

“Always watch out for hidden weapons and arrows. Even a master can’t avoid a stray blade.”

“There are many enemies. Be mindful of your energy distribution as the fight may be prolonged.”

Listing various potential dangers, Instructor Shim urged Cheongsu.

Watching this, Baek Ri Seol bit her finger.

“Instructor, don’t you have anything to say to us?”

“No. Just do your best.”

At the curt response, Baek Ri Seol puffed her cheeks.

“Isn’t it too much to say nothing for such a dangerous real combat?”

“Sister is right. Give us a sincere answer!”

Raising their arms threateningly, the two protested, and Cho Un-hwi chuckled.

“Just remember one thing.”

It’s simple.

“I’m right behind you.”

What more reassuring advice could there be?

“Yes!”

“Got it!”

The four of them steeled their resolve.

***

“I’ll go first.”

With that, Instructor Shim displayed his impressive footwork, quickly ascending the steep mountain path.

*Tatata!*

Spotting the intruder running with lightness skills, there was a commotion beyond the stockade.

“Damn! It’s a Wudang Sect Daoist!”

“Damn it! Shoot! Keep shooting!”

“Don’t let him get close to the stockade!”

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

Dozens of arrows soared into the sky.

Arcing gracefully, the arrows rained down on Instructor Shim.

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

Admiring the precise archery, Seo Tae-myung, who was lying low in the valley, swallowed his groan.

“They’re quite elite.”

He was surprised to see such precise archery from mere bandits.

At that moment, Instructor Shim stopped at a small rock.

He moved his sword in a gentle circle.

The small circle grew larger, and larger still.

Eventually, it formed a massive arc. Seeing this, the warriors of Cheongyang Sect gasped in admiration.

“Tai Chi Sword Technique!”

“I never thought I’d see Tai Chi Sword in my lifetime.”

“Truly the ultimate technique of Wudang.”

The series of circles seemed clumsy yet allowed not a single arrow to pass.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

The arrows, their tips severed, fell uselessly to the ground.

Instructor Shim deflected the arrows mid-air with precise swordsmanship.

Having blocked the attack, Instructor Shim resumed his rapid approach to the stockade.

“Stop him! Stop him!”

“Damn it! Where is the boss?”

Some continued shooting arrows, but the bandits’ response was no longer coordinated.

Deflecting the occasional arrow, Instructor Shim finally reached the stockade.

“Haaaa!”

With a powerful shout, he struck the stockade with his left hand, which had been waving gently like capturing air.

*Boom!*

The stockade shook violently under the force of his palm strike.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

Repeated strikes caused the stockade to tilt.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The ropes binding the logs snapped under the pressure, and part of the stockade collapsed.

*Crash!*

As the stockade toppled, the bandits screamed.

“Damn it! What a monster!”

“Run! The logs are falling!”

Some cried out in pain as they were crushed under the falling logs.

‘This is the power of a master.’

Swiftly breaking through the enemy’s defense with overwhelming force.

Such a powerful strike instilled fear in the enemy and hope in allies.

Inspired by this, Seo Tae-myung raised his sword.

“Protect Instructor Shim!”

“Follow the leader!”

“Charge!”

*Whooo-*

With a battle cry, the warriors of Cheongyang Sect charged up the steep slope.

Cheongsu, not to be outdone, used his lightness skills to follow Instructor Shim.

Lastly, Jeong Yang.

“Watch closely.”

Determined to prove his skills, he climbed the slope with his gleaming new sword.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

A fierce battle ensued between the bandits defending the stockade and the warriors of Cheongyang Sect trying to break through.

*Clap. Clap.*

Cho Un-hwi clapped.

“Alright. It’s our turn now.”

Time to move out, my students.

***

By the time they leisurely arrived at the stockade, Instructor Shim had already recovered some of his energy.

*Squish.*

Stepping on the warm, flowing blood, they saw Instructor Shim at the front, cutting down two bandits.

“Impressive skill.”

Though I don’t know why he’s at Euncheon Hall.

Even while effortlessly cutting down bandits, his eyes never left Cheongsu.

“What are you doing! Didn’t I tell you to keep your eyes wide open!”

“Behind you! A hidden weapon! How did you not see that?”

“Your sword is filled with killing intent! Wield it with a calm mind!”

“Your body is stiff. Why can’t you relax?”

Instructor Shim’s scolding made Cheongsu break out in a cold sweat as he struggled.

‘The kid’s doing pretty well.’

Why is he nitpicking so much?

In reality, Cheongsu’s skills were not bad.

His sword deflected and cut with precision, and his strikes carried significant force.

Cutting an opponent’s weapon in half with one strike isn’t easy.

Moreover, the adept execution of the Wudang Sect’s Divine Gate Thirteen Swords was rhythmically striking the opponent’s vital points.

The precision with which he hit the wrist’s vital points showed Cheongsu’s potential.

‘I understand why the kid’s complaining.’

His skills were indeed impressive.

At Euncheon Hall, it would be hard to find an equal.

In a world where even a faceless mother’s friend’s son’s success can cause suffering, having such a talented model student next to you?

Comparisons would lead to immense feelings of defeat.

‘But it’s unfortunate.’

“Move aside! If you’re going to do it like that, stop immediately!”

The relentless scolding continued.

“Keep your eyes wide open!”

“See the broader picture!”

“Why can’t you do this?”

Cheongsu flinched with every scolding.

His movements started lagging as he recalled each criticism.

The once fluid swordplay became hesitant, and his movements noticeably slowed.

His steps, once confident, became cautious, and he fought defensively.

“Haha! I struck him!”

Meanwhile, the warriors of Cheongyang Sect steadily gained ground.

‘How can he stay safe while distracted?’

*Swoosh!*

He missed an ambush targeting his back.

Instructor Shim, who cut down the bandit in his place, turned red with anger.

“Where is your focus!”

“I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”

“Get your act together. This isn’t a game!”

Cho Un-hwi shook his head.

“He’s completely ruined.”

Scolding a child who’s already tense won’t help.

“Maybe being a model student has its own challenges.”

Serves you right, you annoying model student.

“I wonder how my students are doing.”

Cho Un-hwi turned his gaze.

Fortunately, his students were performing their roles as taught.

“Brother Namgung! [Killing Intent]!”

“Got it.”

*Clang!*

When Mo Yong So-hye shouted, Namgung Yun-ho stepped forward, deflecting arrows and swords.

“I’ll hold them off.”

*Swish.*

While Namgung Yun-ho deflected attacks from the front, Jegal Tan moved constantly, disrupting the enemy’s formation.

“Did you think three of you could stop me?”

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

Occasionally, Baek Ri Seol leaped over the enemy, delivering relentless sword strikes.

As her sword flashed, the bandits recoiled in fear.

Their attack and defense, precision and boldness, blended seamlessly.

It was an impressive display of coordinated four-direction sword formation.

Seeing this, the warriors of Cheongyang Sect murmured in admiration.

“Who is that young lady?”

“Handling four swords as one, what a unique technique.”

“That young man from the Jegal Clan is amazing. Such swift swordsmanship.”

The warriors of Cheongyang Sect praised Shinmu Academy’s students.

Meanwhile, Cho Un-hwi focused on Namgung Yun-ho.

“Ha. The kid’s changed again.”

His movements were simpler and more efficient, but Cho Un-hwi noticed.

“His strategic thinking is impressive, and now he’s even mastered timing?”

Namgung Yun-ho’s sword deflected five attacks with fluidity.

In the past, he would have deflected five swords with five strikes.

*Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!*

Now, he deflected four swords with one strike and cut down the fifth.

Even then, he had enough energy to continue his techniques, making it hard to tell where one strike ended and another began.

‘They call him the Sword Ghost of the Namgung Clan.’

Even when trampled, he grew and eventually bloomed.

With a bit of sunlight, he’s already blossoming beautifully.

“Well, he’s still got a long way to go.”

He’s just reached a level worth acknowledging.

There’s no room for complacency.

“Well, it’s time to get moving. If I want to make a living as an instructor, I have to do something.”

*Stroll. Stroll.*

Cho Un-hwi started moving.