Chapter: 301
If you were to ask what the significance of the existence of Shinryonggwan is…
In terms of name, it would be considered the premier swordsmanship training institution.
The center of the Justice Faction.
It is a sword training institution created by the Murim Alliance.
It has maintained its top position for centuries without ever descending.
Of course, that’s not all.
If you say you’re from Shinryonggwan, networking happens naturally, as those entering Shinryonggwan are from prestigious families.
Just engaging in small talk or sharing a few stories can yield quite significant benefits.
Take, for instance, the Tournament of Dragons and Phoenixes, which is held a few days each year.
Considering that most people go there to make connections, Shinryonggwan is pretty decent in that regard.
Just being there is already an advantage.
Not to mention, while its significance has somewhat waned, as befitting a top educational institution, there are indeed some great instructors as well.
‘Though it probably isn’t too different from what they’re taught in Sega.’
What makes a prestigious family prestigious?
What makes an esteemed school esteemed?
After countless years of establishing its foundation, it has continued to grow while maintaining its position.
Thus, it is indeed a prestigious and renowned institution.
At the very least, there will be documented information and training methods within the organization.
If you were to ask if Shinryonggwan is better than that, I can’t help but think it might be a little ambiguous.
It’s not just me; everyone understands this.
Yet, we still send our children or apprentices to Shinryonggwan.
That signifies that the value of being from this place is indeed significant.
When was Shinryonggwan established?
Several centuries ago.
After the blood calamity caused by the Blood Demon had passed…
Just when it was about to be incinerated.
The Blood Demon had vanished, yet the Magic Gate remained open.
Moreover, it was a time when demon beasts were still rampant.
So, the leaders of the Justice Faction gathered to begin training swordsmen.
This marks the origins and precedent of Shinryonggwan.
Of course, martial arts are not taught.
The martial arts of one’s own clan or sect already exist.
In fact, there’s even a possibility that the martial arts learned may be unique to certain schools or one-on-one legacies.
It seems a bit strange for Shinryonggwan to teach martial arts.
What nonsense are they teaching?
To the instructor, who changes every time.
There are martial arts exclusive to the Murim Alliance; however, those are only for those directly affiliated with the Alliance.
This has nothing to do with the later entrants.
So, what do the successful candidates learn by coming this far?
‘They learn how to defeat demon beasts.’
Naturally, since it’s a sword training institution, they learn how to deal with demon beasts.
It wasn’t for nothing that they divided people according to the martial arts they use or their weapons!
The level of the demon beast.
The types of demon beasts.
The individual differences among identical demon beasts.
Different strategies and theories for each.
As a side note, they also learn about the Sapa side as well.
After spending years drilling this into their heads, it would indeed be considered a well-rounded education.
Whether you’re from Sega or a school, if you’re a martial artist with guts, you’ll eventually need to face demon beasts.
‘In a little while, we’ll be facing more humans than demon beasts, though.’
That’s the case before the blood calamity occurs.
Anyway…
That’s why I said there’s not much point in me being here.
How to deal with demon beasts?
How many magic stones have I sucked from those demons using Demonic Absorption in my past life?
How many demon beasts have I encountered and slain?
If you even count the experience of facing the red demon beast that hasn’t appeared yet, at the very least, I’d be stronger in both theory and practice than the instructors here.
So what’s next?
Networking?
In any case, once the Heavenly Horse shows up and unleashes chaos, it’ll all be over.
Networking? Good grief!
Half of the people here will get corrupted into demonized beings.
Whether it’s because they’re caught in the clutches of the Heavenly Horse or because they trot over to find it themselves and end up corrupted.
“Woocheol-ah.”
I sit casually in a reclining chair, waiting.
I say to the dude next to me.
“… Yes, yes, bro.”
A hulking dude with black hair.
That would be Pae Woo-cheol, my roommate.
He’s the guy I clocked in the chin last night, and he fell like a sack of potatoes.
What’s more, the moment he got up, he lunged at me again. A quick tap on his shoulder had him acting all tame!
People really do need to communicate.
Even physical communication counts as communication, right?
Since my intentions were understood, it’s bound to be a success.
“You and I are in the same group? Awesome!”
“…”
“Woocheol?”
“Yes! This is great!”
Hehehe.
The towering and scatterbrained Pae Woo-cheol looks awkwardly pleased.
It seems he’s trying a little too hard to look friendly.
But he looks just as intimidating as me, so it’s not quite heartwarming.
‘So there are three groups in total.’
There are three groups made up solely of martial artists.
Additionally, they said they classified bows and specialty genres into separate groups.
Especially in the case of swords, which had a massive number of members — more than double that of the other groups.
That only means there are a ton of sword practitioners.
Interestingly enough, Dang So-yeol is among the sword practitioners.
If a dagger counts as a sword, then sure, it’s a sword…
Even Dang So-yeol herself seems clueless as to why she’s there.
I’ll have to poke fun at her when I see her later on.
And so, I sit here, calmly waiting since morning…
knock knock—
Finally, the awaited figure opens the door and walks in.
A middle-aged man, about the size of Pae Woo-cheol or Hwang Bo-cheol, wearing a blue hero’s robe on his head.
This signifies he’s an instructor affiliated with the Murim Alliance.
“Nice to meet you.”
A voice matching his bulk resonates.
Moreover, the weight in his voice fills the spacious room.
You can tell from the intensity and control of his aura that…
He’s someone who’s definitely passed the peak.
‘Who is this?’
With this sort of caliber, I should be able to tell who he is, but…
Being from the same martial arts circle only intensifies the curiosity.
“Ghh….”
“Cough…”
Those who can’t handle the heavy aura from the instructor seem to struggle to breathe ugh….
It seems to be an intimidation tactic…
And it’s obviously effective; the expressions of the previously indifferent ones have brightened up!
The instructor continuously scans the surroundings, releasing his aura.
His fierce gaze sweeps past each of the late candidates one by one.
‘He’s sizing them up.’
It’s clear that the instructor is evaluating everyone else’s capabilities.
I steal a glance at Pae Woo-cheol beside me.
He looks slightly furrowed but not overly troubled.
‘Oh, this guy’s not too bad!’
I assumed he was just a nobody because of that hit to the chin, but…
It turns out he holds his own unexpectedly well.
In addition to Pae Woo-cheol, a few other guys are either managing or letting out their energy.
Including Pae Woo-cheol, there are four men.
And one woman.
I don’t recognize any of them, but they seem to be competent individuals.
Each gaze from the instructor passes over everyone.
Finally, his eyes land on me.
“…!”
The moment he sees me, his shoulders flinch.
I can see his eyes widen, and his pupils tremble.
His startled reaction is quite amusing.
‘Oh, he’s noticed me.’
I’d hidden my inner injuries pretty well.
It seems the instructor’s level is even higher than anticipated.
‘Should I tease him a little?’
I considered revealing just a tad bit of my strength to provoke him but ultimately decided against it.
Just a small smile will suffice.
Clears throat.
The instructor seems to calm down before shifting his gaze.
“I am the deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps, affiliated with the Murim Alliance. You can call me Cheol Hwan-oh.”
‘Oh.’
After hearing the name, I can’t help but internally gasp.
Upon recognizing the name, everything makes sense.
“Deputy head…?
“Cheol Hwan-oh… the one from Yi Cheon Cheong Kwon (义千靑拳)…!?”
I can hear the murmurs buzzing around me.
Cheol Hwan-oh from Yi Cheon Cheong Kwon.
It seems he’s a martial artist whose name is known to some degree.
But the title of deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps carries even more weight.
Of course, in my mind, Cheol Hwan-oh is remembered as a different character entirely.
I recall the thickly-built instructor.
‘He’s one of the Sword Demon’s men.’
Just the realization gives me a smirk.
The Sword Demon is probably holed up somewhere practicing the unique martial arts his master left behind.
That crazy guy, hiding out in a mountain and not showing his face to the world!
In the piercing madness of the Thousand Soul Star.
I have no idea which mountain he’s buried in, so I can’t go find him.
But he’ll surely make his face known in the central plains in a few years.
In my past life, Cheol Hwan-oh was one of the fools who followed that lunatic.
Since the Sword Demon’s subordinates all wore masks, I didn’t recognize their faces.
However, I know now, thanks to the name.
‘I heard he was from the Murim Alliance, but…’
It’s rather nostalgic to realize he was a deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps as well.
Meanwhile, finding out even the deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps fell to corruption is just unreal!
“You’re about to have me as your instructor for the next six months.”
Half a year.
Considering the Shinryonggwan education period is two years…
That’s a long yet a brief period.
“Do you have any questions?”
With his monotonous greeting wrapped up.
Unlike the vibrant greeting of the Cheonghae Ilgeom, this one was shockingly laid-back.
I quite like that.
In response to the question about whether there are any inquiries.
A few guys raise their hands excitedly.
“I have a question.”
“Your name.”
“I am Cheon Il-seon of the Cheon Clan.”
“I won’t accept that. Just mention your name when introducing yourself. I’m sure you’ve been warned about this, right?”
His words slice through the air like a blade.
Shinryonggwan had to maintain the pretense of receiving education at the same level, regardless of which clan or sect one belongs to.
That’s why he probably made such remarks.
‘…Will that even work?’
I’m still brimming with skepticism.
“I’m Hyo Won-byeok. Why has the deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps come here to teach?”
Using one as a sacrificial lamb to keep the conversation flowing.
Luckily, the next guy quickly doesn’t miss a beat and pivots, voicing a question.
It was quite a straightforward query.
Cheol Hwan-oh pauses for a moment, considering the question before replying with a grin.
“I had some time on my hands and was just curious if there are any outstanding individuals here.”
“…Does that mean you came in search of new recruits for the Blue Dragon Corps?”
“I won’t accept further questions than this.”
Cheol Hwan-oh wraps up the inquiry.
But those words carried a great deal of meaning.
Keeping it balanced and not crossing the line too much.
He casually drops hints.
If someone stands out here, there might be a chance to get selected by the Blue Dragon Corps.
Some of them gleam with excitement as they understand that implication.
From my perspective, I’d just be going to the Alliance’s swordsmanship group to do something.
But the Blue Dragon Corps is among the top contingents within the current Murim Alliance.
This was also where the Heavenly Sword King Namgung-jin had resided as the commander.
Only notably strong individuals can belong among those associated with the Justice Faction.
Naturally, getting into it is far from easy.
In that regard, the words the instructor just said carry considerable weight.
I must be the only one who feels indifferent to it around here.
The instructor accepted several inquiries and answered them after that.
What can we learn from the instructor?
Why is he only teaching for six months?
Meanwhile, any personal inquiries are completely rejected without hesitation.
Seeing this, I thought,
‘It seems like the Blue Dragon Corps thing was brought up intentionally.’
Whether to inspire the enthusiasm of the late candidates, or to weed out those who seem genuinely interested…
In any case, the reason isn’t particularly important.
“I’ll take no more questions.”
Despite many still raising their hands, the instructor declares the end.
It seems it’s nearly time.
Ah, so I get to hear this.
In my past life, I couldn’t pass and didn’t get to hear what was taught here in Shinryonggwan.
The sound of chatting grows quieter.
Perhaps due to the question-and-answer session, the atmosphere has relaxed somewhat.
At that moment, a heavy aura erupts from Cheol Hwan-oh’s body.
Whoosh—!
It’s energy from a whole different dimension compared to earlier.
It’s so dense that they struggle to release even a moan ugh….
The previously relaxed mood becomes tight in an instant.
“This is the first training session.”
Cheol Hwan-oh continues without releasing his aura.
“Other groups are probably starting with explanations of theory. My approach will be different.”
The theory concerning their respective levels.
Those parts are incredibly dull even to imagine.
“A martial artist is one who must face the demon beasts directly, rather than rely on theory.”
Crack.
That sound is from Cheol Hwan-oh’s forearm.
“However, sadly, I cannot bring demon beasts before you for the first training session.”
At the same time, the corners of his mouth lift.
What he displays along with that energy creates a menacing facade.
“I’ll take on the role of a demon beast myself. It’s simple: you just need to take me down.”
Hearing those words makes me tilt my head.
He’s starting fiercely right off the bat.
What that means is, he’s saying he’ll face nearly twenty people alone.
I hadn’t anticipated that he’d start like this.
‘What a reckless approach.’
I can understand the intention.
At that moment, amidst the candidates who can’t squeeze out even a little sound of their aura grr—, tiny doubts start to appear on their faces.
-How can he take on this number all by himself?
That’s roughly what they’re thinking.
No matter how strong the deputy head of the Blue Dragon Corps may be,
How on earth could he face this many opponents at once?
That’s the kind of thoughts they’ll be having.
I suspect the instructor wants to shatter such naive thoughts before kicking off.
It’s not a bad strategy.
They need to get their heads straight if they want to put in legitimate effort.
Moreover,
If he’s Cheol Hwan-oh, he should have the ability to carry out such thoughts and succeed.
However, there is one problem he didn’t foresee.
“Excuse me, instructor.”
Just as all are gasping and struggling to breathe under Cheol Hwan-oh’s obscure aura and heavy presence…
Someone casually raises a hand to speak.
“…!”
The instructor displays a noticeable reaction to this unexpected situation.
His expression says he genuinely didn’t expect someone to raise their hand here.
In this awkward atmosphere, the one who speaks up is none other than me.
“I have a question.”
“…Didn’t I say I wouldn’t be accepting any more questions?”
“Because it’s an important inquiry! Is that not allowed?”
I ask with a bright smile, causing his brows to furrow.
“What is your name?”
“Gu Yangcheon.”
Upon hearing my name, there’s no particular reaction from him.
He probably already knew about me in advance.
“What question is it?”
“Actually…”
Even though it’s an unexpected situation, to my surprise, I’m feeling quite good about it.
I’m planning to finish the education at Shinryonggwan, which I thought would take two years, in just one year.
For that, I need some somewhat complicated and tedious procedures.
In that sense, this situation right now is exactly what I was hoping for.
“Is it not possible to do it alone?”
“…What did you just say?”
The instructor’s expression twists into a tight frown.
He looks quite angry, but I find it amusing.
So, savoring that look, I smile and say.
“I’m asking if it’s not possible for me to take down the demon beast alone as you mentioned.”
If he grasped the meaning of my words…
Cheol Hwan-oh’s energy intensifies little by little.
It’s clear that my inquiry is beginning to get on his nerves.
And for good reason.
What I proclaimed essentially means…
Hunting you down would require no one else; I’d be adequate by myself.
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