Chapter 566: It Wasn't Bad Being with You.
Chapter 566: It Wasn't Bad Being with You.
“Did you intend to join this hall?”
Seo Jin’s answer was an instinctive choice. It was a split-second judgment—she realized she would only be able to uncover the truth behind Im Hyeon’s death if she were on the inside.
“I wanted to learn martial arts where my brother was.”
Seo Jin let out a soft sigh.
“But now that he’s gone...”
She spoke with a troubled air, acting as if she were unsure of what to do next.
Her current demeanor made it seem as though she were more concerned for her own future than grieving for Im Hyeon. She made a conscious effort to appear as if they were only casual acquaintances—sad about his death, but prioritizing her own affairs.
If she appeared too devastated or insisted on joining no matter what, it would look like she was entering specifically to investigate his death.
I’m sorry, Brother.
She had been dazed with shock at first, but as suspicions about Im Hyeon’s death arose, her mind began to whir with cold precision.
“You would have had to pass an entrance exam even if Instructor Im were still here,” Gi Seok noted.
“I’m confident I can pass.”
“Then take the exam and enter. Our hall provides opportunities to anyone, at any time.”
Gi Seok spoke as if it didn't matter whether she joined or not. Looking at him now, he seemed like someone who had absolutely nothing to do with Im Hyeon’s death.
“I’ll have to think about it—whether I can attend a place where he’s no longer present. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
As she headed for the door, Gi Seok offered a final word of comfort.
“Do not be too consumed by grief. One cannot live as a martial artist if they are overly attached to the cycle of life and death.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Seo Jin bowed politely to Gi Seok and left the room.
A short while after she departed, a man entered. It was Pyo-san, an instructor at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall and Gi Seok’s right-hand man.
When he entered, Gi Seok was looking down from the window, watching Seo Jin as she left the building. Pyo-san walked up beside him.
“The name Instructor Im wrote down as his emergency contact...” Pyo-san’s gaze also followed Seo Jin as she walked below. “It was that woman, Seo Jin.”
Gi Seok’s eyes sharpened as he watched her. “She didn't seem ordinary. Which family is she from?”
“The Ghost Gate.”
Gi Seok turned to Pyo-san, surprised. “The Ghost Gate?”
“Yes. She is the youngest daughter of the Ghost Gate Leader.”
“This has become a headache.”
The Ghost Arts of the Ghost Gate were incredibly difficult for an ordinary martial artist to deal with. He had intended to kill her to silence any witnesses if necessary, but the situation changed if she carried the Ghost Gate’s bloodline. If he killed her recklessly, the Ghost Gate would move heaven and earth to avenge their daughter.
“That little ghost seemed suspicious of Instructor Im’s death,” Pyo-san noted. “She’ll likely join the hall to investigate.”
“I will see to it that she fails the exam.”
Gi Seok shook his head. “If she fails despite having the skill, she’ll only become more suspicious. Rather than letting her run around investigating from the outside, it’s better to keep her close where we can keep an eye on her.”
Gi Seok turned back to Pyo-san. “Once she enters, take charge of her yourself.”
“Understood.”
Gi Seok’s gaze returned to Seo Jin, who was now standing near the training ground in the distance. She had stopped walking and was watching the trainees practicing on the grounds.
An image flashed through her mind. The crowd of people around her vanished, leaving Im Hyeon lying alone and bleeding on this vast training ground.
...Brother.
Only after leaving Gi Seok’s office and being alone did the grief truly begin to surge.
Since they were young, her biological brother, Gwi Ryeongja, had been boring, doing nothing but researching the Great Regression Art alongside their father every day. The one who had actually played with her was Im Hyeon. He would ask her brother to play first, and when he was rejected, he would call for her next.
— Jin, let’s go catch cicadas!
— I have to study. Father will scold me!
— Study later, let’s go catch cicadas now!
It was the same when they grew a bit older.
— Jin, a troupe of performers came to town. Let’s go watch!
— My brother gave me a task. He’ll scold me if I just leave!
— A little scolding is worth it! I heard it’s a really fun show!
To her, whose life was stifled by the requirement to research the Great Regression Art, Im Hyeon was more than just a neighborhood brother; he was her breath of fresh air.
Once, while arguing about the research, she had shouted at Gwi Ryeongja.
— Let’s say the Great Regression Art is possible, like you say. What are you going to do if you go back to the past? Are you just going to shut yourself away and research again? Since you’ve achieved regression, will you research reincarnation next? If you haven't thought of anything else... Brother, aren't we living the wrong life? Shouldn't we be living that life right now? The life you want to live after going back—shouldn't you be living that now?
Thinking back, the person who showed her that such a life existed was Im Hyeon. It was through playing with him that she saw the world outside the laboratory.
However, she hadn't seen him properly for the past few years. She had once declined his request to meet because she was too tired, and another time because she was truly too busy. She had thought she could just see him later. Like always.
If I had known it would be like this, I should have seen him then.
Regret welled up, and tears pooled in her eyes. But she forced herself to swallow her sobs. Now was not the time to cry.
If someone murdered my brother and is covering it up, I will find them no matter what.
She wasn't the only victim in this. Both she and her brother, Gwi Ryeongja—who would eventually hear this news—were victims. They would live with regret and pain for the rest of their lives.
She was more worried about her brother. He had lost his only friend. And Gwi Ryeongja was the one who had rejected Im Hyeon’s company more than anyone else for the sake of his research.
*
The next day, Seo Jin took the entrance exam. The result was exactly as expected.
“Pass!”
Seo Jin successfully passed the form demonstration, the internal energy test, and finally, the sparring match with an instructor. Though she had primarily learned Ghost Arts, she possessed the fundamental martial arts skill required to enter the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall.
“Congratulations.”
The person who had conducted her sparring demonstration was Pyo-san, Gi Seok’s subordinate.
“Thank you.”
Pyo-san briefly explained the hierarchy of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall.
“New students who have just entered belong to the White Dragon Unit. Once you pass the White Dragon Unit, you move to the Blue Dragon Squad; after that, the Black Dragon Squad; and the final stage is the Yellow Dragon Squad. Only after completing the Yellow Dragon Squad are you truly considered an alumnus of this hall.”
“How long does it usually take to finish the Yellow Dragon Squad?”
“Those with exceptional talent can do it within a year, while those without it might not manage even after twenty years.”
Now that she was inside, she saw that there were truly a lot of students. There were hundreds of students in the White Dragon Unit alone, and thirty instructors to teach them.
She realized they must be making an enormous amount of money. Since it was so difficult to graduate, how many people were simply paying their monthly fees indefinitely?
Regardless, her vague hope that she could find something out once she entered the hall was just that—a vague expectation. It wouldn't even be easy to find someone who knew Im Hyeon.
“Now, follow me.”
One might have expected a regular student to guide her, but Pyo-san personally led her on a tour of the hall. He pointed out which building was which, showing her the places a newcomer needed to know: where to wash, where to change clothes, and where to eat.
Finally, they arrived at a corner of the training ground.
“This is where you will train starting tomorrow. Do not be late!”
“Understood.”
As Pyo-san turned to leave, Seo Jin asked abruptly. “Instructor, did you know Instructor Im?”
“I did.”
“Then do you know what kind of accident caused his death?”
Pyo-san turned back to her. “What is your relationship with Instructor Im that you ask such a thing?”
“He was a brother I was close with back in our hometown. He’s the reason I wanted to come here.”
Pyo-san seemed lost in thought for a moment before answering. “Instructor Im died while sparring with a disciple.”
Seo Jin was startled by the unexpected words.
“In cases like this, we keep the cause of death secret out of respect for the instructor’s honor.”
“Exactly who was he fighting when he died?”
Pyo-san’s expression turned cold. “What if you knew? Are you going to go and take revenge? He died in a fair duel.”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Then why do you want to know?”
Leaving the speechless Seo Jin behind, Pyo-san strode away. Watching his retreating back, Seo Jin’s eyes sank into a cold chill.
Because he had spoken as openly as Gi Seok, without hiding anything, his words sounded like the truth. But Seo Jin did not believe him.
He had made one mistake.
When she first arrived, the martial artist who guided her had said there were many instructors with the surname Im and asked which one she was looking for. However, when she asked Pyo-san just now if he knew Instructor Im, he had answered immediately. Normally, he should have asked, “Which Instructor Im?”
There’s only one reason he knew.
He had already spoken with Gi Seok. In a place with this many instructors, what were the chances that the person who happened to be in charge of her exam had discussed her with Gi Seok? It meant the two were in league.
You people... just what are you trying to hide that you’d go this far?
*
The sound of insects could be heard from afar. Geom Mu-geuk and Lee An were performing Qi Circulation in the forest.
They were rushing toward the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall using their Lightness Skill. With her increased internal energy, Lee An could run for a long time without rest. Her speed was also much faster than traveling by horse.
They ran and ran. When their internal energy ran low, they performed Qi Circulation, and once replenished, they ran again. It was a journey of nothing but running, with no time for proper conversation or even a decent meal, but Lee An was happy nonetheless.
It was the first time she had ever run like this with Geom Mu-geuk to her heart's content.
Lee An, having finished her meditation, opened her eyes. Geom Mu-geuk, who should have finished long ago, was lost in thought with his eyes closed. His expression was so grim that she couldn't bring herself to speak to him.
Geom Mu-geuk was remembering the events of that day in the past.
“Seo Jin!”
When he had arrived after pushing his Lightness Skill to the limit, Seo Jin was collapsed on the ground. In the distance, he saw the back of the culprit fleeing rapidly. All he could see was long, flowing white hair.
He couldn't give chase. Seo Jin’s condition was critical.
“Stay with me!”
He pressed her pressure points to stop the bleeding. But the wound was too deep. It was a miracle she hadn't died instantly.
“Just hold on a little longer!”
He tried to pick her up to take her to a physician, but she grabbed his arm.
“It’s okay.”
She sensed her own death. Seeing the despair filling Geom Mu-geuk’s face, she forced a smile.
“It’s alright, friend.”
“I’m not alright.”
Geom Mu-geuk let out a deep groan of grief. She was his only friend. She was his friend and his hope.
If he hadn't heard about the Great Regression Art from her, he wouldn't have struggled so hard to survive. He would have taken his own life or gone to Hwa Mu-gi and died a dog’s death in vain.
“When you see my brother later, make sure to tell him. Tell him I lived a life without regrets before I went.”
Due to a final burst of clarity, her eyes became clear and her speech was as articulate as if she weren't injured.
“Tell him to please not live a life only researching the Great Regression Art, but to live his own life.”
“Yes, I will tell him.”
Seo Jin squeezed Geom Mu-geuk’s hand. “Life as a ronin wasn't so bad, as long as I was with you.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s heart ached. In his life as a ronin, he had never placed meaning on any death. But now, he was so angry he felt like he might explode.
“If it’s you, you’ll definitely be able to go back to the past.”
As her eyes slowly closed, Geom Mu-geuk shouted. There was something she had to hear before she died.
“Who was that guy just now? Who was the one who killed you?”
Seo Jin looked at Geom Mu-geuk and gave one last smile.
“...Just think about your own revenge.”
Seo Jin’s eyes drifted shut.
When her eyes were completely closed, Geom Mu-geuk opened his. Seo Jin had told him not to seek revenge, but he had hunted the man down relentlessly and taken it.
It was only after that that he had sought out Gwi Ryeongja. He couldn't go to him without avenging her. He couldn't go to him and deliver her words without having taken his revenge.
Lee An asked cautiously, “Why are you so serious? Did you have a bad dream?”
The grim expression on Geom Mu-geuk’s face slowly softened as he smiled at Lee An.
“I dreamed I lent you money and couldn't get it back.”
Lee An gave a faint smile. Young Master, who did you lose in your dream?
“How much did I borrow? If I was going to stiff you, I should have taken a huge amount. Dream-Lee An, I hope you at least live well!”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed heartily at Lee An’s banter.
“Shall I carry you for the first time in a while?”
Knowing this was a suggestion to go faster using his Rapid Speed Step, Lee An hopped onto Geom Mu-geuk’s back.
Lee An whispered in his ear, “Lend me some money too—aaaaaaah!”
*
From the next day, Seo Jin’s life at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall began in earnest. She learned martial arts from Pyo-san alongside the peers who had entered at the same time.
After three double-hours of training a day, the rest of the time was free. They could go home or stay and practice their martial arts. After the first training session ended today, Seo Jin was looking around the hall.
Today was her chance. Since it was the first day of training, she could go anywhere. Even if she entered a restricted area, she could claim she didn't know. She drew a map in her head as she explored various parts of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall.
As she went deeper into the hall, the color of the martial uniforms changed. From white to blue, and further in, to black. Naturally, the aura of the students also became sharper and more powerful.
No one paid her any mind until she reached the Black Dragon Squad’s territory, but when she entered the area where people wore yellow uniforms, someone finally stopped her.
“Why has a member of the White Dragon Unit come all the way here?”
From the Yellow Dragon Squad area onward, there were guards at every entrance. Judging by their yellow uniforms, they also seemed to be martial artists belonging to the Yellow Dragon Squad.
“Today is my first day. I was looking around out of curiosity.”
At the mention of it being her first day, the guard’s cold expression softened slightly.
“You are not allowed in here. Fall back.”
It was just as the guard was about to flatly send her away.
“A newcomer?”
Seo Jin turned at the voice from behind. A man with long, flowing white hair was walking toward them.