Bang-! Thud thud-!
The lodging of the Seongryongdae prepared at the branch, and the training ground placed within it.
Rough sounds echoed from there.
Swish-! I turned my head at the sound. The tip of a sword grazed my cheek.
Taking a step forward, I lowered my upper body. Another sword passed through the spot where I originally stood.
I thrust my fist and struck the empty air. As if they had been waiting for it, a sword gang flew in and shattered against my fist.
Even in such short movements, countless offensives dug in. Following this, my body was also moving without rest.
Rolling my eyes, I slightly heightened my senses. Then, I felt fighting spirit from all directions.
Slightly twisting my waist, I wrapped fist energy around my arm.
‘One guy first.’
I shifted my gaze. The target wasn't the closest guy, but the farthest one.
Putting a little strength into my feet, I increased my speed.
“…!”
I reached the target in an instant. The opponent seemed a bit surprised by my appearance.
“Ugh!”
He immediately readjusted his sword and changed his stance. It seemed he was going to shift his offensive posture to defense.
Seeing that, I raised the corners of my mouth.
A good method.
Since he couldn't afford a pointless contest of strength, he was trying to minimize damage as much as possible.
However.
‘For someone doing that, his defensive style seems quite low in proficiency.’
It seems he trained focused on offense. His stance is crude. No, not crude enough to be called crude, but...
‘At least, in my eyes.’
When looking at him thinking of him as an 'opponent', it is so.
Thump-!
“Keok!?”
The thrust fist dug into his solar plexus in an instant.
Landing the attack wasn't difficult. As I said, his stance is lacking compared to his realm, so it's full of openings.
The fist energy crushed the strong energy wrapped around his body and struck directly.
“Cough…!”
The very person hit by my fist. Yeoltujeonggeom fell to the floor and vomited.
His haggard face bothered me, but it wasn't the time to look at it, so I immediately turned my back.
An attack had already arrived from behind as well.
This time, a fist. A very large one at that.
The strong energy wrapped around it had considerable compression. If I blocked it recklessly, it looked like it would hurt a bit.
Dodge? Or counter? The hesitation was brief.
Roar-!
My relatively small fist clashed against the large fist.
As the fist gangs collided, a tremendous shockwave spread out.
However, the only one hurt in the process was the opponent.
The man who rushed in firing his fist gang rather grabbed his own arm and created distance. Compared to him, I was fine.
Seeing that, I spoke.
“You focused too much on one thing. You should have anticipated a counter.”
The amount of strong energy was much greater on his side, but the reason the situation turned out like this was nothing else.
An unusually large amount was gathered only on the cross-section of his fist.
If it's like that, just a little adjustment can strain the wrist.
It meant it was an attack that didn't consider durability.
“Keugh-!”
The man hit by the counter was momentarily flustered but prepared to leap to regroup.
It seemed he was trying to widen the distance. This too was a good method.
The problem is.
Stomp-!
“…!”
I had anticipated that and was already crushing his instep.
With his lower body caught, his movements were bound. I felt a sign of panic.
It seemed he was raising his energy to forcefully pull his foot out, but I was already swinging my other leg while stepping on his instep.
My calf, picking up speed, pierced his side. At the same time, I released his instep. Then.
“Keu-oh-!”
Kuuung--!!
He crashed into the wall before his scream even finished.
“Two down.”
The moment I muttered the words, fighting spirit gushed from both sides.
Two flashes dug into me.
Not only did they use my focus on the battle, but they also utilized the blind spots. It was a smart method.
The positioning was also good.
It was an attack that couldn't be dodged up or down. It was proof that they coordinated well.
When we started, it was a total mess, but after beating them a few times, they seemed to be getting the hang of it.
Then.
‘What should I do?’
Should I just take it moderately? Or handle it differently? Taking it wasn't bad either.
At this level, it was somewhat a passing grade. It seemed right to let it slide in this situation, but.
Flare-!
“Ugh!”
“Damn--!!”
That kind of thing didn't suit my temperament.
Flames exploding instantly along my body. The approaching guys flinched and changed their movements.
Since they had already rushed in, they couldn't pull back, so it was right to just take it.
Thus, they immediately used their energy to reinforce their protective strong energy.
They didn't seem to intend to stop the attack. It looked like they planned to endure the flames and dig in further.
They had guts.
I decided to give them extra points for that.
Paaaah--!!
The flames passed by. The ones who steadied their minds were hit by the flames.
At that time.
“What?”
“What kind of...”
At the strange sign, everyone glared. They must have surely steadied their minds.
Enduring the flames with strong energy and attacking. That must have been their choice.
It flowed differently than expected.
The shot flames were not hot at all, unlike their appearance.
Naturally. It was simply a bluff.
If I wanted to, I could explode it as violently as I wanted, but I didn't.
What I wanted was to create panic with a trick.
The plan was successful.
Flinch.
A very subtle opening appeared.
I didn't miss it.
Smack-!
“Ugh!?”
I dealt with the closest guy first. I intended to strike his wrist and make him drop his sword.
‘Oh.’
From the shock, the tip of his sword only lowered. He didn't drop it. I didn't hit weakly, so it was a good reaction.
I liked it.
‘What was his name again?’
Was it Seong Hyeokjin? He was a guy with decent results in the sparring arena, and he was with me during the White-grade monster incident.
“Keureuk!”
Turning my thoughts, I struck his jaw with my knee. Having taken it head-on, he staggered and collapsed.
‘Three like this.’
Counting the numbers, I flicked my fingertips.
Tick-! My index and middle fingers rubbed together, and a spark flew.
The small spreading spark immediately grew in size.
A little thicker. A little harder.
Yet not overwhelmingly strong.
Comparing the intensity.
Yes.
‘Enough to block a sword once.’
Screech-!
“Keugh!”
The one who sliced through the flames in front frowned. It was cut, but the speed was strangely slow.
It seemed he had to use more force to cut it.
“What kind of flames...!”
It's merely a flame, so how could it be so heavy.
The man panicked and bit his lip.
So he didn't realize.
“Too late.”
“…Heok!!”
I grabbed him by the collar.
I could have struck his jaw or solar plexus, but I had a use for it. I grabbed him and threw him backward just like that.
“Keuak!?”
Even though thrown abruptly, he hurriedly prepared for a falling technique.
However, that intention was not fulfilled.
Thump!
“Keok!?”
“Ugh!”
The thrown figure collided with the Yeoltujeonggeom jumping in from behind and crumpled.
It was meant to control them as they tried to rush in after assessing the situation.
Like that.
“Keu-eo... uuh.”
“Cough... cough.”
The sparring ended.
The guys who had fought to their heart's content were tired and crawling on the floor, and I stood in the center, looking at them.
“Hmm.”
Groaning in pain, I nodded as I looked at the guys.
‘Pass.’
Not bad. No, it's good. They coordinated much better than expected.
At this level, it seemed fine to roll them a bit more.
The problem was.
“Heuu...”
“Damn it... to think there's such a difference.”
The expressions of the fallen guys weren't very good. I thought I beat them moderately, but was it too overwhelming?
I adjusted it to some extent, but to see their self-esteem crumble like this. This part was truly disappointing.
‘Hmm.’
Should I praise them for doing well? But with that state, it didn't seem like it would help much.
Should I rather curse at them? Saying, are you men acting like this after just a little bit of this?
‘Yeah, that's better.’
Praise, my foot. If I'm going to do it, this is better. Thinking so, the moment I was about to spit out the words.
“Young Master-! That was so good!”
“…!”
At the sweet voice, the fallen guys immediately sent their gazes.
At the entrance of the training ground far away, a captivating beauty(?), Yeonhong, was standing and cheering.
“...”
Confirming that, my expression instantly rotted.
“Y-Young Lady...”
“To think the Young Lady was watching...!”
“It was such a cool sight. You all worked so hard-!”
“…Heok….”
“Ahem.”
As she spoke with a comforting smile, vigor returned to the men's expressions.
Just from that...?
‘…Damn it.’
I was at a loss for words. Especially since I knew what Yeonhong's true identity was, it was even more so.
‘How on earth does he do that?’
A blunt and stoic figure. The one who wouldn't even let out a groan even if his arm was bursting right now was Amwang.
But does a person change like that just because he cross-dresses?
No matter how much I look, it's utterly baffling. Especially the voice aside, that sweet tone and behavior were impossible to adapt to.
“You worked hard…!”
“N-no. It is merely part of training.”
“That is right. As a martial artist, one must naturally strive in training. And one must not lose spirit even in defeat.”
“Captain... you really worked hard. Now. Let's go do the next training. Surely you're not tired?”
“Of course! Tired my foot!”
“...”
They left as if to show an even cooler side to Yeonhong. I had to watch them go with a scowling expression.
‘What utter bullshit.’
I let out a sigh and swept my hair up.
It was a shitty sight, but since it was actually helpful, I had nothing to say.
‘He said it had to be that look to manage them easily. Could this be what he meant?’
I recalled what Amwang had said. If that was truly what he meant, did he foresee this situation too?
If so, he was truly a frightening guy.
Furthermore.
‘Since he becomes such a completely different person, it's no wonder his identity was unknown for his whole life.’
I felt like I understood the reason Amwang's identity hadn't been revealed until now.
With a cross-dressing disguise of that level of perfection in the world, who would dare suspect it?
From the current Yeonhong, not even a hint of masculinity or the aura of Amwang could be felt.
Coincidentally, my eyes met with Yeonhong's. She smiled the moment our eyes met, and that smile was so excessively bright that I flinched against my will.
I averted my gaze with effort and spoke to the guys next to me who were staring intently at Yeonhong like the ones earlier.
“Alright, next.”
At the call, a few flinched.
Then, since they didn't come out as if hesitating, I glared at them once.
“Not coming out? I don't have time so hurry...”
I was about to urge them, but a voice reached my ears.
-Captain. A guest has arrived.
It was Dang So-yeol's sound transmission.
Oops.
‘He came faster than expected.’
I thought he would come at least past noon, but to think he'd visit right in the early morning.
-You are in the middle of training, should I tell him to wait a moment?
-No. I'll go now, so wait in the room.
-Understood.
Ending the sound transmission, I clicked my tongue briefly. There were still more guys left to roll, but work got tangled up.
“Something came up, so do your individual training.”
“…!”
Hearing the words, vigor rose on their faces. It seemed they thought they could finish now.
“We'll start right back up after it ends, so know that.”
“...”
As I spat it out firmly, the bright expressions immediately shattered.
Seeing that, I smirked and moved my steps.
‘I remember the faces of the guys whose expressions just crumpled.’
I'll see them when I get back later. I planned to roll them especially hard.
*******************
Moving my steps, the place I found was the branch's VIP room.
Without hesitation, I found the door and opened it.
Rattle.
Opening it roughly and entering, the person waiting inside frowned.
Looking at him, I smiled broadly and spoke.
“Long time no see?”
“...”
“Come on, can you lighten your expression when someone greets you? You're making it awkward.”
Ignoring his uncomfortable reaction, I pulled out a chair and sat down.
“You don't need tea, right? I didn't prepare anything in particular. If you need it, I'll give you water at least.”
“Ha...”
The old man reacted as if my statement was absurd.
“You are truly out of your mind.”
“I said it to take care of you, it's a bit much to say that.”
“Not only your mind, but your actions are the same. Are you really crazy?”
“Why?”
The old man with a frown.
The owner of Gyecheonmun, the Gyecheonmunju, looked at me and asked.
“Calling me all the way here is the proof.”
The Gyecheonmunju, who is treated as the Evil Faction.
Especially calling him to the League so casually in a situation like this. The Gyecheonmunju pointed out that absurd situation, but.
“Haha. I'm dumbfounded.”
I merely let out a laugh at those words.
“Are you in your right mind then, for coming when called? Furthermore.”
Whoosh-! I scattered my energy and set up an energy barrier around the surroundings.
“The branch head here is your person anyway, right? Honestly, it doesn't matter.”
“…!!”
When I mentioned Mok Riseon, the Gyecheonmunju's eyes widened.
“…How do you know that?”
He didn't spit out any denials or excuses. Was it because I spoke with conviction?
Rather, him reacting like that made it easier for me.
“I said it last time too, but how I know isn't important, is it? Naturally, I have no intention of telling you either.”
“You mean you stay here knowing that.”
“Where else would a Murim League person go besides the branch. They give me a house and food, where else would be as comfortable as here.”
“...”
“Don't worry about private matters. If you're curious, find out on your own. What's important is not how I found out, but the fact that you came here. Right?”
“You bastard...”
“How was the Ilcheonggeom?”
“...”
I asked without hesitation.
“Did he listen well?”
“Haha.”
The Gyecheonmunju, who heard the question, let out a dry laugh again.
“Do you not consider the case where I didn't listen to you and didn't go to meet him?”
“Well... you wouldn't do that, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don't annoyingly start a war of nerves. You went to meet him and there was a response, so you came here. So just answer what I asked. I don't really like using my head.”
The Gyecheonmunju narrowed his eyes.
An unfathomable doubt was contained in that gaze.
“Are you really from the Righteous Faction...?”
“How do I look?”
“...”
The answer to the words could be seen in Gyecheonmun's eyes.
It was a look that said absolutely not. I didn't deny it either. Because I've actually never once thought of myself as a righteous faction member. I don't really want to be one either.
As I quietly stared at those eyes, time passed, and the Gyecheonmunju spoke with a furrowed brow.
“…The Ilcheonggeom was just as you said.”
It seemed he was planning to just get to the point too.
“Really?”
“When I conveyed your words exactly, the reaction was also as you said.”
“Hmm, that's good.”
“Yeah, as if you two had planned it to mock this old man.”
“Hahaha.”
“Hahahaha.”
We both burst into laughter. Nodding at the words filled with suspicion, I said.
“If you doubted that, you wouldn't have come here, right?”
“I also had something I wanted to confirm.”
“Is that so? Then is it confirmed?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Then, what happens if it's never confirmed until the end?”
“Do you want to know?”
Rattle-! As the conversation went on, the surrounding objects shook little by little.
Looking at that, I asked the Gyecheonmunju.
“I don't know if it's okay to be so audacious coming all the way to the main base. What are you going to do if you die?”
“You said it too. That the branch head is on my side. Then, would I have come without any thoughts?”
“Umm...”
The words meant he had prepared something when coming to the branch.
Hearing that, I thought.
Should I just kill him?
A fleeting thought. I unknowingly had such a thought.
‘No. I can't.’
I immediately suppressed it. There was still a lot to use him for and a lot to find out.
Killing him now would be nothing but a waste.
So, at least.
“…Alright, I get that you've prepared something. I also have something to ask.”
“I don't plan on letting it pass so easily-”
“Ilcheon-gyo.”
I had to ask at least this.
“...”
The Gyecheonmunju stopped speaking. And.
“Old man. Do you know anything about a place called Ilcheon-gyo?”
Crack-!
Swords poured down from the roof.