Chapter v20c7

## Where Do You Think Machun Pavilion Is?

– I Don’t Know, Sir

Machun Pavilion, the counterpart to the Righteous Faction’s Cheonmu Academy, was shrouded in a surprisingly thick fog of mystery, despite its fame. One would think its location would be common knowledge, but it seemed to vanish behind a veil of ambiguity whenever someone tried to pinpoint it.

“Where do you think Machun Pavilion is?”

If you were to ask a random martial artist this question, nine out of ten would imagine a massive, black fortress hidden deep within the remote mountains, far from civilization. But that was a naive answer, born from a lack of understanding of the Dark Faction’s nature. With a little bit of thought, one would realize that this seemingly plausible answer was a product of “mental conditioning,” far removed from reality.

The Dark Faction sought profit through violence. And to do that, they needed targets. But remote areas were sparsely populated, making them unsuitable for their purposes. In other words, the low population density made them commercially unviable. The Righteous Faction, with their noble ideals and disregard for material wealth, could afford to seclude themselves in the mountains, living off the land. But the Dark Faction, whose primary source of income was illegal activities, couldn’t. They craved power and gold, not enlightenment or knowledge. Therefore, they preferred bustling cities, where opportunities for profit were abundant, over remote mountains.

The battle for territory in the underworld was always fierce and brutal. But prime locations, the so-called “money magnets,” were a symbol of a faction’s power, so no one gave them up easily. And when they established their bases, they usually – almost always – used disguises. That was why many Dark Faction members were involved in legitimate businesses. Inns, taverns, horse stables, and even the oldest profession, prostitution. There was hardly any industry they didn’t have a hand in.

So it wouldn’t be surprising if Machun Pavilion, the training ground for the Dark Faction’s future generations, was located in Dongting Lake, a bustling tourist destination with a high population density and a strategic location for water transportation. Yeong-Ryeong and her two maids, Mong-Mu and Hwan-Mu, had come here not for sightseeing, but because Machun Pavilion was here. But they had run into a problem as soon as they arrived.

“Excuse me, what did you say?”

“I said I don’t know, sir.”

“How can you not know? It’s a famous place!”

“But I’ve never heard of ‘Machun Pavilion.’ I can’t tell you what I don’t know.”

“That’s impossible…”

Mong-Mu was speechless. How many times had they been turned away? And it wasn’t just here.

“I don’t know.”

“I’m not sure.”

“Is there such a place?”

“Never heard of it.”

Those were the typical responses they received whenever they asked about Machun Pavilion’s location.

“This is strange, Miss. Why doesn’t anyone know? Machun Pavilion is supposed to be famous.”

Mong-Mu, who had been arguing with the locals, returned, her brow furrowed.

“It is strange. But it also makes sense.”

“What do you mean?”

She asked, confused.

“They do know. They’re just pretending not to know… like this.”

“You’re saying they’re lying to us!”

She exclaimed, her voice filled with indignation.

“Mmm…”

Yeong-Ryeong quickly covered her mouth. They were in a crowded street.

“Why are you shouting? You startled me.”

“I’m ashamed of you, Miss! If you want, I can sew his mouth shut.”

Hwan-Mu said, her voice filled with disdain.

“Mmm! Mmm!”

Mong-Mu protested.

“Why are you getting so worked up? It’s probably a rule. An unwritten rule that exists outside the law, sometimes even above the law. And breaking it invites punishment. We’re outsiders. We can’t question their rules. And besides, they might actually not know.”

“I don’t understand, Miss.”

Mong-Mu said, pouting, as soon as she removed her hand.

“That’s because you’re stupid. Period.”

Hwan-Mu said bluntly.

“What? So you understand?”

“Of course. She’s saying that they can control the mouths of these commoners without even having to show their faces. They can use intermediaries. Period.”

“That’s right.”

Yeong-Ryeong agreed with her interpretation.

“B-but Machun Pavilion is one of the largest organizations in the Dark Faction! They have thousands of members, including students! How can they hide something that big?”

Mong-Mu, feeling like the only idiot in the room, tried to salvage her pride.

“Where are we?”

“Dongting Lake.”

She replied sullenly.

“And what is Dongting Lake like?”

“It’s full of water. And it’s huge. It’s the only lake with a horizon.”

“Yes, it’s vast. Like a miniature ocean.”

“So you’re saying…”

She was starting to understand.

“Yes. If you wanted to build a secret base, this would be the perfect place. If they’re hiding somewhere in this vast lake, it would be very difficult to find them, unless you have wings like a bird or fins like a fish.”

“Then what should we do? Should we swim?”

“If you want to drown, be my guest. But let’s wait a little longer. I’m not ready to be fish food yet. We need to find a place to stay first.”

“Should I go look for one?”

“No. I saw an inn called ‘Fantasy Inn’ on our way here. Let’s stay there and have a meal.”

“Yay! Food!”

Mong-Mu, who was feeling hungry, cheered. She had forgotten all about her embarrassment.

“Mong-Mu, behave yourself!”

Hwan-Mu scolded her.

“Mind your own business!”

She retorted, sticking her tongue out.

“Come on, stop fighting. Let’s go. It’ll be dark soon.”

Yeong-Ryeong intervened, stopping their bickering. It was a familiar sight, something she had witnessed countless times on their journey.

“Yes, Miss.”

They replied in unison, their bickering forgotten.

* * *

## A Recruitment Offer

– Blood Jade Fairy Ok Yu-Gyeong

*Crash! Bang! Thud!*

The night at Fantasy Inn, located on the shores of Dongting Lake, began with the sound of a table collapsing.

Four men sprawled on the floor, as the table, laden with food, overturned.

“Get out!”

Yeong-Ryeong, who had been watching the scene with a cold expression, ordered them to leave.

“Scram! Before I shove these chopsticks up your noses!”

Mong-Mu shouted, dusting off her hands. The men, scrambling to their feet, their noses bleeding, fled the inn.

“There are too many vermin here, Miss.”

Hwan-Mu said, her gaze cold.

“You’re right. How many times has this happened…?”

Yeong-Ryeong sighed, straightening her posture.

‘This is clearly Machun Pavilion’s territory. Why are they letting these thugs run wild?’

She was curious about their motives.

“Don’t they even patrol this area?”

*Clap! Clap! Clap!*

Three sharp claps, followed by a woman’s voice, came from behind them.

“Impressive skills.”

Yeong-Ryeong, who hadn’t sensed her presence, whirled around, startled. A beautiful woman, in her thirties, with a commanding presence and a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes, was standing there.

‘Such power…’

She felt a shiver run down her spine.

“Who are you, Senior?”

She asked, her voice tense.

“My name is Ok Yu-Gyeong. Shall we sit down and talk?”

She pointed at an empty seat.

“Y-yes! Of course. Please, have a seat.”

She quickly stood up and offered her the seat.

“Thank you.”

* * *

“Hmm, so you’re here to take the Machun Pavilion entrance exam?”

“Yes, Senior.”

“I don’t see many people with your level of energy. I’m curious where you’ve been hiding all this time. And you seem to be well-educated, despite coming from a remote area. Your clothes are fashionable too. You could pass for a disciple from a prestigious sect.”

Her clothes were indeed impeccable, as she had said.

“One of my maids is very particular about such things. She considers it a personal insult if I’m mocked or ridiculed for my appearance.”

She had been subjected to Mong-Mu’s nagging throughout their journey.

“Hmm… A good maid. But you said you were having trouble finding Machun Pavilion?”

“Yes, Senior.”

“Then you’re in luck. You met me.”

“Huh?”

“I’m the best guide you could ask for. Because I’m…”

But she was interrupted.

“Captain! There you are!”

A young woman, in her twenties, dressed in fiery red robes, rushed into the inn, calling out to her. She was a striking beauty.

“Ryu-Ha? What brings you here?”

It was Seok Ryu-Ha, the Crimson Sword Maiden, who had been knocked unconscious by Yeomdo at the Hwasan Convention.

“We have a problem! I need your help!”

She said urgently.

“When don’t we have a problem?”

“This one is different.”

“Is that so?”

Ok Yu-Gyeong was about to ask for details, but Yeong-Ryeong interrupted her.

“Who are you?”

She asked, her voice wary.

“Don’t mind her. She’s one of my disciples. Ryu-Ha, introduce yourself. This is Mong Yeong-Ryeong, from Dream Illusion Manor. She’ll be joining us soon.”

“Oh, are you recruiting?”

“Yes. She seems promising. It’s a shame you missed her performance. I have to secure her before those other fools get their hands on her.”

Ok Yu-Gyeong nodded matter-of-factly.

“I-I don’t understand…”

She had missed something.

“Ah, she’s saying that when you join Machun Pavilion, you should join our unit, the ‘Blood Phoenix Unit.’ I’ll create a position for you.”

“Join your unit? Who are you?”

Who was she to make such an offer?

“Oh my, you don’t know her? She’s…”

“Enough with the introductions. I teach swordsmanship at Machun Pavilion. And I’m in charge of the Seventh Dormitory. She’s inviting you to join our unit.”

“…?”

She was bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

“It seems like you don’t understand.”

She nodded.

“Yes, I don’t understand at all. And join your unit? I’m here to learn, not to join a unit.”

“You really don’t know anything, do you?”

Ok Yu-Gyeong said, her eyes wide.

“I’m sorry.”

She apologized instinctively.

“Alright, since you’ll be joining us soon, I’ll enlighten you. There are thirteen units here. And twelve dormitories. And the leaders of each dormitory are traditionally the ‘Martial Arts Instructors.’ Although there are exceptions.”

She was even more confused.

“Do you know the biggest difference between the dormitory systems at Cheonmu Academy and Machun Pavilion?”

“No, I don’t.”

“It’s the way the dormitories are run. Our twelve dormitories are all equivalent to military units. The hierarchy is strict. The captain, the vice-captain, and the hundred or so members are all trained to be ready for combat at any time. In case of an emergency. It’s a far cry from those fools who think dormitories are just places to eat and sleep.”

“I see. That’s surprising. I had no idea!”

“Don’t be surprised yet! Sometimes the assignments are random, but usually there’s a selection process. If you’re talented, the units will fight over you. It’s quite common. And my unit, the Seventh Blood Phoenix Unit, is one of the ‘Top Three Units,’ or the ‘Three Heavenly Demons,’ of Machun Pavilion.”

She was shocked by her revelation.

“So you’re…”

She puffed out her chest, her hand on her hip, as if it were obvious who she was. But this time, her assumption was wrong.

“You’re a teacher!”

Seok Ryu-Ha, surprised by her unexpected response, stumbled.

“A-a teacher…? Haha…”

It wasn’t wrong, but it sounded strange.

“You’re the only one who calls me that. I’ve been called ‘Blood Asura’ many times, but ‘teacher’…? I can’t even remember the last time I heard that. Good, I like you more and more!”

“But… nothing’s been decided yet…”

“Nice to meet you, Junior!”

Seok Ryu-Ha finally looked at her, her head tilted slightly.

“Haven’t we met before?”

“I don’t recall.”

“Really? You look familiar… Strange…”

She seemed unconvinced, her head still tilted.

“We can reminisce later. So, what was it?”

Ok Yu-Gyeong asked Seok Ryu-Ha.

“Oh, right! I almost forgot! So, you see…”

She whispered in her ear, her voice low, as if she were conscious of Yeong-Ryeong’s presence. And as she spoke, Ok Yu-Gyeong’s expression darkened.

“Those bastards dared to…”

She was a woman of cold fury.

“Alright, I’ll be there soon. See you later, Yeong-Ryeong!”

“Farewell.”

Yeong-Ryeong bowed as she watched her leave.

“Oh, and you should go to the fifth pier on the east side tomorrow. You’ll find what you need there.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

She asked urgently.

“The reception desk!”

And with that, the two women vanished from the inn.