Chapter v9c13

Children’s fights turn into adult’s fights.

Maha Ryeong had no more room to retreat.

Now there was only one method left!

But even after cornering Maha Ryeong to this extent,

Regrettably, Bi Ryu-yeon ultimately missed the opportunity to hear Maha Ryeong’s apology.

The investments made so far had burst into nothingness in an instant.

“Hahaha! To think that murderous intent flows within these sacred academic walls… The atmosphere is too ominous! How about we soften the discourse a bit?”

In a situation on the brink of explosion, the person who appeared amidst a loud laughter, bathed in flashing sunlight, was none other than the instructor of Baekgeomjo (White Sword Squad) Cheon Ik jeom, the Neukgihan. He had just rushed over after hearing about the commotion.

“Instructor!”

Yong Cheon Myeong thought the situation had turned awkward. In the presence of the Martial Arts Department, it was impossible to carelessly mix swords. Reluctantly, Yong Cheon Myeong had no choice but to withdraw his fighting spirit. It was disheartening, but there was no helping it.

Just as he was about to sheathe his sword! A rough voice came from one side.

“Hmph! If a man draws his sword, he must at least cut something! With that spirit, how can you handle anything properly?”

The one who appeared, spitting out harsh words along with a cold sneer, was none other than the detestable Goyakhan. In an instant, a displeased look clearly appeared on Neukgihan’s face.

“It’s uncomfortable to hear words that incite fighting.”

Neukgihan said with a full smile after quickly hiding his displeasure, but the response was cold.

“Hmph! I find your hypocritical rotten smile even more uncomfortable and nauseating!”

Goyakhan burst out with a sneer.

“Heh! Isn’t that a bit too much to say? Isn’t that going too far?”

At Goyakhan’s prickly words, Neukgihan immediately retracted his smile. He was always an infuriating old man, impossible to like. But it wasn’t possible to openly reveal his true feelings.

“I just spoke the truth. When I see people whose insides don’t match their outsides, I feel a natural revulsion; my stomach turns and I feel nauseated. What can I do but accept my fate?”

It was a roundabout way of saying you are a disgusting person with a duplicitous nature. The atmosphere between the two was cooling down chillingly.

“Those two, they really are of bad age.”

Eun Seol-ran muttered, watching the two growl at each other like sworn enemies.

“After all, they are competitors and have been famous rivals from the start.”

To Na Yerin as well, the two seemed completely incompatible, like oil and water. She didn’t know the exact reason either. It seemed that one doesn’t need a reason or an excuse to dislike someone.

“Master Neuk! What brings you here, playing with swords instead of your usual tricks?”

The meaning was that the sword is not a toy, so don’t dance around with it. Goyakhan’s venomous words didn’t stop there.

“Or did you come with the intention of showing off your specialty of chasing women?”

Neukgihan’s face twisted more and more at Goyakhan’s relentless mockery. Neukgihan’s tongue also became sharp in response to Goyakhan’s attacks.

“Wasn’t Master Go too busy going around slaughtering people like a butcher, having no time to perfect his sword technique?” The meaning was that a sword is not made complete by merely nurturing murderous intent.

Neukgihan faced Goyakhan head-on, not to be outdone by the mockery.

‘This damned annoying pest!’

‘This damned old man with a disgusting temperament!’

Their gazes clashed fiercely, and sparks flew. It was too late to turn back now.

“Should I take that as a challenge?”

Goyakhan asked with a cold sneer.

“Of course. The kids have all seen it, so I can’t back down now.”

It meant he wouldn’t run away or hide. It was an attitude of defiance.

“How about we see the outcome at the upcoming mid-term evaluation?”

“Ho? Are you talking about the one that was just decided at the meeting?”

“Yes! That’s the one!”

The midterm evaluation was one of the rites of passage that the candidates of Hwasan covenent had to go through. It was an intermediate step to check the progress during the training in preparation for the Hwasan covenent , and it was an exam that could not be taken lightly as it influenced the selection process. Its impact was almost absolute, to the point that there was a saying that the midterm evaluation was as good as the final evaluation.

Some even called it not a midterm evaluation but a trial or elimination test. It was that harsh and challenging. Moreover, judging by Neukgihan’s reaction, this midterm evaluation seemed to be conducted a bit more uniquely.

“An interesting proposition indeed.”

Neukgihan seemed to be intrigued by Goyakhan’s suggestion.

“Let’s do it then.”

“Don’t regret it! If you want to beat an elder, you might have to close up your hobby of chasing women for a while?”

Goyakhan subtly mocked Neukgihan.

“There’s absolutely nothing to regret. Hahahaha!”

Neukgihan showed his characteristic slick smile. Goyakhan always felt nauseous seeing that smile.

“Have you all heard it? Resolve your petty feelings then and there! Do you understand?”

Goyakhan’s words were directed at Bi Ryu-yeon, Maha Ryeong, and Yong Cheon Myeong. The expression made it clear that exercising a veto was absolutely impossible. Not compromising was typical of Goyakhan’s character.

Maha Ryeong and Yong Cheon Myeong couldn’t readily respond to Goyakhan’s words.

“What’s the matter? Do you have a complaint?”

“No… No, sir. We will follow your orders.”

“Good! Then everyone disperse!”

Goyakhan looked around and shouted fiercely. Only then did people start to scatter one by one.

However, none of those leaving believed this matter would be neatly resolved as it was. Emotional remnants that needed to be settled still remained like a mountain.

I’m sorry!

– The Worries of Bi Ryu Yeon

“What are you so worried about?”

To Jang Hong, who had always thought of Bi Ryu Yeon as someone that lived a carefree life, free from worries, this was a surprising development.

What could possibly cause such concern for him?

“About that………..”

Bi Ryu Yeon began to speak with difficulty. It seemed that he needed a lot of courage to express his worries, so Jang Hong nodded emphatically.

“Speak! If there’s anything I can do to help, I will!”

However, Jang Hong soon regretted having made such an offer.

“What do you plan to do now?”

Jang Hong asked, as if interrogating him. This was not the broad-minded Jang Hong who had been ready to listen to worries just a moment ago. No matter how much he tried to think positively, Bi Ryu Yeon’s actions seemed too reckless.

“Not just once, but twice…………….”

Jang Hong’s expression was not a pleasant one.

“Hmmmmmm………….”

Without a clear solution in mind, Bi Ryu Yeon furrowed his brow deeply. His face, usually unbothered by trivial matters, was now twisted in frustration.

“Oh, how troubling………….”

Bi Ryu Yeon sighed deeply with a serious face.

“That’s why I told you to think more carefully before acting!”

Jang Hong was genuinely angry. He couldn’t forgive Bi Ryu Yeon’s carelessness.

“Hmm…………..?”

Bi Ryu Yeon groaned again. His silence, while maintaining his arms crossed, was pregnant with deep thought. It seemed there was no need for him to assert anything more.

“I’m sorry! I think I’ve made a mistake! I’m reflecting deeply on it!”

It was surprising to hear words of apology and reflection from Bi Ryu Yeon, who you would never expect to do such things.

“There’s nothing to be done! You made this mess, so you’ll have to take responsibility for it!”

Jang Hong spoke unequivocally.

“Is that really what I have to do?”

Bi Ryu Yeon spoke with a dejected look. He had not wanted to cause any unfortunate incidents.

“Didn’t I tell you not to be greedy! No matter how big your stomach is, eating two special delicacies is too much! Even four people usually can’t finish that amount!”

“I regret it too! I sincerely do!”

There was still so much food to be eaten.

‘It would be such a waste to leave it, right?’

What mattered to him now was the food laid out before him, not the trouble he had caused during the day with Maha Ryeong and the chief of the Gu Faction, Yong Cheon Myung; they were not within his defensive range.

‘Could there be some kind of monster nesting inside this man’s head?’

Jang Hong had recently begun to wonder if a monster was lurking in Bi Ryu Yeon’s head.

If he had the chance, he would like to split his head in two to check its contents, a recent recurring impulse. However, one thing he could be sure of was that whatever was inside would certainly be different from what was inside a normal person’s head.

‘If it weren’t the case, he couldn’t possibly act like this even if he was resurrected from death!’

Nevertheless, it was clear that he needed to properly inform Maha Ryeong. The ship had already set sail, but he had to prevent a drowning at the dock.

Even though a major incident had occurred that day, nature remained indifferent, and night fell as usual.

In Bi Ryu Yeon’s room, three men with serious faces were gathered, deep in discussion.

Their expressions were extremely solemn, with Jang Hong wearing the most serious one. He was the one who most clearly understood the gravity of what Bi Ryu Yeon had done that day. Every time he saw Bi Ryu Yeon confronting issues head-on that others would avoid, he felt the need to check if there was something wrong with his heart.

“Ryu Yeon! Have you lost your mind?”

Jang Hong asked bluntly.

“Why? I’m perfectly normal! Don’t you see?”

Bi Ryu Yeon answered directly. Of course, his doubts had not completely disappeared.

“I’m doubting because I’ve seen it!”

Jang Hong shouted angrily. He rarely raised his voice, but this time he was genuinely flustered by the absurdity of the situation.

“Do you even know who you’ve messed with?”

“Just some rude woman passing by!”

Bi Ryu Yeon’s response made Jang Hong slump his shoulders.

“So it is! You wouldn’t have done it if you knew. They say ignorance is courage, and you’re the very picture of it.”

Jang Hong was worried that his own sighs might cause the earth to cave in.

“What does it matter to me whether she’s the lord Gun Ung Hoe or not?”

Bi Ryu Yeon spoke as if it were of no importance.

“You… you knew and still!!!”

Jang Hong was flabbergasted. At this point, he wanted to split Bi Ryu Yeon’s skull to examine his brain and mental state.

“Well, should I have to worry about every person’s background and power before getting into a dispute? It’s too bothersome to pay attention to such things! Why should I care about others’ backgrounds or statuses when I’m not trying to secure a position for myself?”

“Still, you should avoid unnecessary trouble, shouldn’t you?”

“Was she that remarkable? Her behavior didn’t show any sign of nobility. Whoever her father is, her upbringing was clearly flawed.”

Bi Ryu Yeon’s assessment was harsh.

“About her father………….”

Jang Hong started cautiously. As he expected, Bi Ryu Yeon did not know everything.

“?”

“Do you know that her father is the head of the Cheonmu Martial Academy, Iron Fist Ma Jin Ga?”

“- – – – – – !”

“Ho-ho”

While Hyo-ryong was shocked, Bi Ryu Yeon only scratched his head nonchalantly. At that moment, Jang Hong had no choice but to question Bi Ryu Yeon’s comprehension skills. Hyo-ryong’s reaction was that of a normal person, which was somewhat comforting.

To meet Hyo-ryong’s expectations, Jang Hong had to continue.

“It’s too early to be shocked! Her maternal grandfather is also the revered Ha Hu Sik, known to everyone, or rather, not mentioned casually for fear of disrespect! She is the granddaughter of the Saint, and the inheritor of his martial legacy!”

Upon hearing Jang Hong’s thunderbolt-like revelation, Hyo-ryong was too shocked to react further. His friend had unknowingly messed with a very influential figure.

“I’m quite interested to know how powerful someone who has inherited the martial prowess of both the Saint and Iron Fist is. It’s still a mystery how such a woman got defeated by you, though.”

Jang Hong advised while glancing at Bi Ryu Yeon. He should have looked more shocked out of consideration for the person speaking, but compared to the pale Hyo-ryong, he seemed too lively. Jang Hong didn’t want to lose this interesting and bizarre friend.

‘Understand the seriousness of the situation!!! You damned friend!’

Jang Hong’s cry was just a silent echo in his own boiling heart.

“I’m not scared of people’s backgrounds or power! You should worry about improving your own life, which seems to be tied to such concerns!”

It was a suggestion to stop wasting worries. However, Jang Hong, with the thinking of a normal, sane person, could not do so.

“Be careful, anyway!”

“If I remember to be!”

Bi Ryu Yeon’s response was nonchalantly carefree.