Chapter: 325
Even if you try to engage in practical training at Shinryonggwan, there’s nothing particularly special about it.
As much as they teach the laws and theories of dealing with monsters.
Ultimately, practice is about how to deal with monsters.
To be precise.
It means assessing whether one has truly understood the education provided within Shinryonggwan.
From what I can see so far, it seems that practicality will mainly consist of hunting monsters.
In fact, the primary reason for the practice was to hunt monsters.
If there’s something a little different, it would be:
‘Is this the place where I took the entrance exam last time?’
First of all, the scope is much wider than I expected.
The two mountains where the entrance exams were previously held encompass the entire area designated for practical training.
Those two mountains aren’t just small hills; while they might not be as massive as Mount Tai, they are quite large, making the area significantly spacious.
‘Moreover…’
I’m not exactly sure how the exercise will proceed.
If the instructors are to assign scores to each student individually, it would make sense to observe one-on-one encounters with monsters.
However, designating this vast area as a training ground is not entirely understandable.
If they’d released monsters for the sake of practice, that would make managing the aftermath a hassle.
Even if instructors are deployed, I wondered how easy it would be to handle unexpected accidents if they arise.
“The time limit is until the sun sets. There will be instructors watching everywhere, so it’s advisable not to waste time on frivolities.”
The warning tone of Cheol Hwan-o resonates through the air.
The other trainees wear expressions brimming with tension.
But honestly, this schedule isn’t particularly hazardous.
They aren’t exactly the sort to be afraid of confronting monsters.
At most, there are a few blue monsters scattered among the green majority.
Even if going solo is risky, in a group, the dangers are reduced significantly.
Ironically, we should be more cautious of people.
After all, there are more than a few crazy folks in this world.
The instructors’ primary concern is likely the chance of fights breaking out among the students.
Since they are all unrefined fighters, it’s hard to predict what reckless acts an enraged individual might commit.
Of course, if these are normal people associated with a clan or sect with a reputable name, there isn’t much benefit in engaging mindlessly in combat.
Most would probably think twice, anticipating the backlash that might follow.
As previously mentioned.
The real issue is there can be exceptions.
For example.
‘Like me.’
Naturally, if someone acts like a jerk, it’s only reasonable to return the favor twofold.
Enduring it can happen just once or twice.
How long can someone merely endure?
If provoked, one has to retaliate.
Maybe that’s why.
I had a feeling Cheol Hwan-o was focusing his gaze on me while speaking.
“Fighting among students is prohibited. If caught, strict punishment will be meted out, so remain vigilant.”
It’s probably just a delusion. If you keep moving your eyes, you might occasionally make eye contact.
“Make sure… to watch yourself!”
…or maybe not?
It genuinely feels like he’s speaking directly to me.
Surely, it must be just my imagination.
‘What did you learn in two months that qualifies this as practice?’
Well, I’m going to participate anyway.
Thinking about it, it was just so blunt.
Having learned for only two months, what sort of practical training could they expect? I found myself puzzled.
Given that most have had encounters with these monsters before, I can see how it might be plausible.
But applying what we learned in Shenlonggwan’s methods is a whole different ballgame.
I heard that one can earn a fair amount of points from this practice.
Thinking about that, it’s likely that everyone will be doggedly determined.
From my perspective, those techniques aren’t particularly efficient.
‘To put it kindly, they’re just sticking to the basics.’
Should I label it as orthodox?
It lays out the most basic maneuvers for any given situation.
Even the instructors imparting this knowledge are probably aware that those guidelines aren’t sufficient.
It’s not about teaching the most basic way to deal with challenges.
They surely understand that guiding students on effective responses would be the right approach, yet they continue to adhere to the old-fashioned methods dictated from above.
‘Thus, growth remains stagnant.’
Acquire the fundamentals.
I recognize they mean for us to learn everything else through practical experience after graduation.
If that’s the case, why bother learning here then?
No matter how often I ponder it, my conclusion remains unchanged.
What’s important is the reputation of Shinryonggwan and the connections forged there.
The education received there is, in truth, largely insignificant.
‘It’s rotten, after all.’
They claim it’s the finest swordsmanship institution managed by the Murim Alliance.
Only the name remains intact.
I imagine everyone desires that name.
But when a crisis arises, they are thrown aside in an instant.
What’s the point of having a file room?
What are the four great families?
What do the Murim Alliance and the righteous sect represent?
Fools who are too satisfied with a false sense of peace.
What hope can sprout from decayed roots?
If it weren’t for the divine sword, there wouldn’t be a word left for those who would’ve been wiped out.
Expectations toward the righteous sect have dwindled to almost nothing from my previous life.
Oh, how filthy they are.
While putting on a facade of seeking righteousness and harmony, they’re fully aware of the demons lurking within.
‘I don’t want to get involved, but if I want to live, they must be dealt with.’
So, it’s time to eliminate those guys one at a time before long.
To smooth over the impending challenges that lie ahead.
“Brother.”
“Hm?”
While I was walking, Pae Woo-cheol brought up a conversation.
“Do you have any plans for the summer?”
“Summer?”
Suddenly, summer? Is there something happening then?
“Are you planning to return to Sega?”
“…Sega…? Ah.”
I wondered what Pae Woo-cheol was getting at; it seemed he was referring to the period when regular training would be on hold.
During that time, we either practiced in the closed facility established within the academy or made use of the common training ground.
Or, we’d plan on returning to our families.
As for me…
“…Returning home might be too much.”
Given the news of the incident about the notation reaching Sega, it was clear that my father might really have a word or two with me.
With summer arriving, it would be better to avoid going home for now.
If possible, it’d be ideal to keep that distance.
“I don’t know about the others, but…”
When the time is right, Gu Jeol-yeop or Gu Yeon-seo could end up going home.
Especially Gu Jeol-yeop, due to matters concerning Guseonmun.
‘If I’m not going, I have to make sure to act wisely this time.’
After witnessing how he was treated by Young-poong last time, I realized I really needed to treat him well.
I had thought about being lazy and just going with the flow.
But having been in that awkward situation while feeling nervous and silly, my teeth clenched instinctively.
‘I wouldn’t know if he’s a straight-up no-go.’
You could gather experience by means of rolling with it.
But truly, I can’t grasp why that guy appears so capable.
‘Back in my day, there was no one like me, so I had to grind solo.’
Sure, Elder Lee relentlessly tried to capture me and train me back then.
Not wanting to end up trapped and rolling under that old geezer’s guidance, I often fled.
Anyway.
If there’s someone willing to help, I must give my all and show appreciation.
Yet, it just doesn’t sit well with me.
These young ones today, tsk tsk.
Just thinking about Gu Jeol-yeop makes me frown.
Seeing my expression, Pae Woo-cheol flinched.
What on earth is this kid so nervous about now?
“So what’s that about?”
I asked with slight annoyance.
Scratching the back of his head, Pae Woo-cheol replied,
“Actually… if you don’t have other plans, how about coming along to our Sega?”
“Your place?”
If I went over to Pae’s family, that’s in Sichuan, right?
Isn’t that where the Tang Dynasty is based?
“…Sichuan.”
Typically, I would have returned home.
If I sensed that there was no way over the wall by that time…
I might have even aimed to find a White Horse Stone…
‘…Isn’t that somewhere near Sichuan, though?’
It may not be explicitly in Sichuan, but the direction likely aligns.
The White Horse Stone is buried under a deep lake that emerged centuries ago during the rampage of a white-ranked monster.
“Hm…”
The directions do coincide just right.
If I haven’t sensed any need to cross that wall by that point…
“I’ll consider it.”
“Oh…! Thank you.”
“You invited me, so what’s with the gratitude?”
If I’ve been invited, I ought to express gratitude.
I speak with a hint of incredulity, yet Pae Woo-cheol merely smiles brightly.
“I’m sure my father would be quite fond of you.”
“Don’t assume I’ll go, you rascal.”
It’s definitely risky to go there when I can’t even surpass the wall.
I’ll need to strategize since the guy guarding that spot poses a danger.
The thought process behind wanting to obtain the White Horse Stone at Hwagyeong is twofold.
Efficiency is key, but I also wonder if I’m capable of dealing with that ‘monster’ at my current abilities.
Moreover, there’s a slight concern.
‘…I doubt that’ll happen, though.’
There’s also the risk my father might show up, ready to drag me along.
In that case, I would have no options whatsoever.
‘I seriously doubt that will happen.’
Unless there’s an issue like the Jinma Gyeongmun.
Unless it’s something akin to the incident Gu Hee-bi underwent last time.
My father isn’t the type to make easy moves in those mountains.
It’s for a good reason Hohyeop and Guga are called the guardians of Shanxi.
‘Not going is also a problem.’
If the future head of the family gets into trouble and vanishes with Pae Woo-cheol, it does paint a troublesome scenario…
But what can I do about it?
If you dislike it, then don’t elect me as the next head.
It feels like I can afford to stray a bit at this point.
With that consideration, I smiled wryly and said to Pae Woo-cheol,
“You should head out too. It looks like it’s about to start.”
“Oh. Understood.”
At my words, Pae Woo-cheol slightly bowed his head and leapt away.
The reason I decided to send him off like this was elementary.
Even before we initiated this practice, there were clear instructions against cooperating.
They suggested maintaining distance from one another.
It was at this point that individual trainees began distancing themselves from each other.
What’s more:
‘It could be troublesome if Pae Woo-cheol got mixed in.’
Even if no rule existed, I had already planned to start without him.
This turned out to be a convenient excuse.
I scanned my surroundings.
Wherever I looked, the mountains were packed with trees.
Using my qi to expand my perception, I sensed movements here and there; they were likely other students.
In the perceived gaps, those feeling a bit weaker were likely hidden instructors.
‘Two nearby.’
Additionally, there were monsters scattered all around.
Observing all this continues to amaze me.
What do those cliques calling themselves righteous think they are doing by releasing monsters in these unspoiled mountains?
How on earth did they confine them in the first place?
Are there no questions being raised on this matter?
‘Or did they eliminate all those who dared to criticize?’
That seems like a plausible theory.
Whoosh!
Just as I was surveying the area.
An arrow shot high into the sky.
It wasn’t just one or two.
It mirrored the entrance exam.
It was an arrow imbued with intent.
As it soared into the high heavens…
Boom!
It burst with a small sound, and the contained energy spread out.
This signaled the beginning of the practical training.
I watched that quietly.
As I started to move slowly, I could feel the presence of monsters emerging gradually around me.
Yet, I didn’t move to engage with them.
It couldn’t be helped.
My ultimate goal in this exercise was.
Because it wasn’t monsters I was after.
I made a brief leap.
Utilizing my qi to conceal my presence.
The moment I cloaked my presence, I noticed those around me beginning to show signs of confusion.
They were likely observing instructors, panicking since they had lost track of me.
Shaking off those instructors.
The location I chose was the highest peak of the mountain.
“…Oh, my joints.”
Settling on a rock in front of me, I tapped on my knees.
At such a young age, there shouldn’t be any aches in my body.
But perhaps due to mental fatigue, my joints had been bothering me lately.
“I wonder if it will rain tomorrow?”
I uttered such trivial thoughts.
Gazing upward at the sky quietly.
It was a bright sunny day with no signs of rain.
I watched the drifting clouds.
A clear, sunny atmosphere with a mere sprinkle of clouds is ideal.
“Why does it feel so frustratingly slow, as if they flow and whine so much?”
I didn’t find myself getting lost in contemplation.
Since there was nothing else appealing to look at, I resorted to observing that instead.
“When will they come?”
I had journeyed all the way up here only to find nothing.
Failing to locate it would be a touch awkward.
It wouldn’t look great to fumble around after climbing up.
At that moment, I wondered if I should start picking grass and perhaps playing on a grass flute.
Crisp.
It was then that I suddenly felt a presence nearby.
I shifted my gaze.
I didn’t aim to discover who it was.
Since the storyline was obvious.
Considering how much I had stirred things up.
It was about time for it to explode soon.
“I thought you weren’t coming,”
I grinned as I said this, eliciting an immediately stiffened expression from the one who had appeared.
There was no hint of the usual smiles he wore in front of others.
A strange tension hung in the air.
How could such a stark policy shift occur?
I found myself genuinely appreciating that transformation.
Because it perfectly resembled the behavior I had been yearning for in him.
The person watching me parted their lips slightly.
“…Were you waiting for me?”
“Not too long. I just arrived.”
Though I greeted him like a long-lost friend,
the expression on Jang Seon-yeon’s face continued to harden.
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