Chapter 568: You’re Actually Not Very Good at Swearing, Are You?
Chapter 568: You’re Actually Not Very Good at Swearing, Are You?
Yeon Baek-jin burst into laughter.
“Why are you laughing?”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, the man’s expression shifted to one of pure ridicule.
“Three recruits claiming they’ll take over the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall? How could I not laugh?”
“Then will you help us?”
“What?”
Geom Mu-geuk looked him in the eye and asked again.
“If a great warrior like you helped us, wouldn't taking it over be a simple matter?”
In that moment, Geom Mu-geuk saw it—a slight tremor in Yeon Baek-jin’s eyes. It was a suggestion that should have been laughed off as nonsense, yet he hadn't. This irrepressible agitation clearly stemmed from a long-standing, deep-seated regret.
Yeon Baek-jin set his cup down with a heavy thud.
Geom Mu-geuk quickly spoke up to de-escalate.
“My apologies. I’m just nervous about tomorrow’s entrance exam, so I started spouting nonsense.”
Yeon Baek-jin stared intensely at Geom Mu-geuk. This was the man who had asked to share a table while accompanied by a woman beautiful enough to be called the greatest beauty in the world.
“Who are you?”
The intense suspicion that had been momentarily suppressed by Lee An’s appearance surged back to the surface.
“I am Geom Yeon. I use the character for ‘smoke,’ not ‘connection.’ Once the work is done, I’ll disappear like smoke.”
“I didn't ask for the meaning of your name.”
“Right. My apologies.”
Yeon Baek-jin’s suspicion soon subsided. If someone were trying to approach him intentionally, they wouldn't have sent such a strange fellow. Moreover, they certainly wouldn't have sent such a stunning woman with him. These two stood out far too much to be spies.
Yeon Baek-jin stood up and spoke to Seo Jin.
“Let’s have a drink sometime when it’s quiet.”
Seo Jin gave a slight, silent nod. The fact that he asked to drink with her even while Lee An was present showed that he didn't view her as a mere object of desire. If he had, he would have been hitting on Lee An instead.
Before leaving, Yeon Baek-jin stole another glance at Lee An. Even upon second look, her face was truly breathtaking. He suspected the martial arts hall would be in an uproar for a while once she joined.
Once Yeon Baek-jin left the inn, only the three of them remained.
Seo Jin observed the change in Geom Mu-geuk. In front of Yeon Baek-jin, he had truly looked like a greenhorn anxious about tomorrow’s entrance exam. His slip of the tongue had seemed genuine, and his fluster appeared real. But now, not a trace of that clumsiness remained in his demeanor.
“He regrets not becoming the Hall Master of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall.”
Seo Jin confirmed that Geom Mu-geuk had read the man correctly.
“You saw right. When he introduced himself to me, he said he was a man who failed to become the master of this place simply because he was born too late.”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded. Back when he was seeking revenge for Seo Jin in his past life, he hadn't looked deeply into Yeon Baek-jin or the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall. Revenge had been too urgent then. Now, he needed to observe the man calmly.
Seo Jin spoke to Geom Mu-geuk and Lee An.
“Please, come up to my room for a moment.”
Seo Jin led the two of them to her room on the second floor of the inn. Once inside, she bowed to Geom Mu-geuk with the utmost respect.
“I shall greet you formally. Seo Jin, Leader of the Ghost Shadow Squad’s Second Team, greets the Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-geuk welcomed her with a smile.
“Welcome to the Ghost Shadow Squad.”
She likely had no idea how moved he was in this moment, or with what heart he was looking at her.
‘In this life, I won’t get to hear those grateful words you said to me as a friend.’
He felt a pang of regret over that, but a life incomparably better awaited her now. She would have Lee An as her Captain, Blue Face as a fellow Team Leader, and she would meet other comrades.
‘You won’t have to die as a ronin in some nameless field anymore.’
Next, Seo Jin bowed politely to Lee An.
“Seo Jin, Leader of the Second Team, greets the Captain.”
“Thank you for believing in me,” Lee An replied.
“Please speak comfortably now, Captain.”
“I will, Team Leader Seo.” Lee An spoke with a mysterious smile. “You know I went through a lot of trouble because of you, right?”
The two women looked at each other and laughed. The comment made it clear just how much effort Lee An had put into persuading her. Seo Jin was by no means an easy person to win over.
“Still, I wanted to make Team Leader Seo one of my people as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.”
After the greetings, Lee An asked, “Team Leader Seo, tell us what the current situation is.”
Seo Jin recounted everything that had happened since she arrived at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall.
“So, the Master, Gi Seok, and the Instructor, Pyo-san, are hiding something, and you feel like that Yeon Baek-jin we saw today knows something as well.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Lee An looked at Geom Mu-geuk. When her eyes asked what they should do next, he took a step back.
“Don’t look at me. This is Ghost Shadow Squad business, so handle it as you see fit. I’ll just play the role of your shield and sword.”
This was exactly what Lee An wanted. She wished to resolve this matter herself, alongside Seo Jin, as much as possible.
“With the most reliable sword and shield in the Murim behind me, I have nothing to fear. Shall we go conquer the Jianghu right now?”
True to her word, Lee An didn't agonize over it.
“First, we’ll enroll tomorrow, then we’ll decide how to proceed.”
“Good!”
Geom Mu-geuk acted excited, saying it was his first time entering a martial arts hall in his life. However, he didn't let his guard down. He went down to the innkeeper and secured the room next to Seo Jin’s.
“It might be uncomfortable, but you two should share a room. I’ll stay next door.”
In the unlikely event of a surprise attack, they would be safer together. Besides, it would be a good chance for the two of them to get closer.
That night, Geom Mu-geuk practiced his martial arts within the Space-Time Displacement Technique, utilizing the Time Heaven Secret Technique. There, he strove tirelessly to break through the seventh stage of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art and reach the eighth. Since he was granted far more time than others, his effort was also several times greater.
This space belonged only to him. For Geom Mu-geuk, this was his true martial arts hall.
*
The next day, Seo Jin was attending a martial arts class for the White Dragon Unit led by Pyo-san.
“With vigor! With discipline!”
There were about thirty members in the White Dragon Unit under Pyo-san’s lead. He had taken charge of the class for the newest recruits so he could keep an eye on Seo Jin. Those who showed enough skill would be promoted to the next class, and after passing several stages within the White Dragon Unit, they would take the exam to move up to the Blue Dragon Squad.
The trainees were terrified of the instructors and tried their best to stay in their good graces. If they were disliked, they wouldn't even be allowed to take the promotion exams. Today, everyone was sweating profusely, fearing they might offend Pyo-san.
As the class was nearing its end, another instructor walked toward them, leading two people. One trainee, practicing a basic form, lost his footing and his posture crumbled.
But no one paid him any mind. Everyone was too busy staring at the two people approaching.
“These are the new recruits for the White Dragon Unit.”
The two people who commanded everyone’s attention were Geom Mu-geuk and Lee An. They had passed the entrance exam and joined the White Dragon Unit. Not only the trainees but even Pyo-san was captivated by Lee An.
Soon, Pyo-san spoke to the two of them.
“Come forward and introduce yourselves.”
Geom Mu-geuk stepped forward first.
“I am Geom Yeon.”
“I am Lee An.”
Pyo-san told them, “Report here starting tomorrow.”
Geom Mu-geuk and Lee An replied vigorously, “Yes, sir!”
Pyo-san’s gaze shifted toward Seo Jin. Seo Jin was also looking at Lee An, acting like an ordinary trainee just like the others.
“That is all for today’s training.”
As soon as Pyo-san withdrew, all eyes focused on the newcomers. Some stared blatantly, while others stole glances. Among them, one man stepped forward with the most blatant approach.
“I am Yu Gwang.”
He had a swaggering demeanor, a large build, and a loud voice.
“I’ll be blunt. I like you.”
His attitude hovered somewhere between bravery and rudeness, but to the current Lee An, he just seemed cute. Moreover, his voice, which he was trying so hard to make forceful, was trembling slightly.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“I said I heard you.”
Yu Gwang was flustered, as if this wasn't the reaction he had expected. Perhaps it was because everyone’s eyes were on him, but he didn't back down.
“Let’s have a drink to welcome you.”
“With everyone?”
“No, just the two of us.”
“I’m not really in the mood for drinks on my first day. Maybe next time.”
If he were a normal person, he would have accepted the polite rejection, but Yu Gwang acted like a man on a mission.
“A junior rejecting a senior’s request on the very first day? You’ve got quite the nerve.”
Even though they were in the same White Dragon Unit, he was trying to pull rank just because he had joined first. Lee An stole a glance at Geom Mu-geuk. He was watching the scene with Seo Jin, looking like he was enjoying a fun show.
“I like women with nerve.”
It was then that another trainee stepped in.
“Why don't you stop?”
The person who intervened this time was Gyo Seok. He was a trainee with a smaller build than Yu Gwang, but he was brave.
“Why are you forcing someone who said no?”
Yu Gwang’s expression hardened instantly. The anger from being rejected was redirected toward Gyo Seok.
“This bastard always has to interfere in my business, doesn't he?”
Seeing as he immediately resorted to profanity, it seemed they didn't get along well.
“It’s not interference; it’s telling you not to harass people.”
“What the hell do you mean, harass? I just asked for a drink!”
“That is harassing.”
It seemed Gyo Seok had also fallen for Lee An at first sight. He didn't look like the type to step forward like this normally.
“You might get a lesson for acting up just because you trust your family background.”
From those words, it was clear that Gyo Seok was the son of a fairly prestigious family.
“That again!”
“What else is there to you besides your family? You idiot! If you’re so upset, come at me!”
Geom Mu-geuk and Seo Jin were enjoying the situation from a short distance away.
“It’s a mess.”
“Well, she has the kind of face that starts brawls, doesn't she? It would be stranger if young men’s blood didn't boil after seeing Lee An.”
Seo Jin had to agree. Lee An possessed a beauty that even another woman had to acknowledge.
“You like pretty women too, don't you, Team Leader Seo?”
“How did you know?”
How could I not? You told me yourself.
Before the regression, Seo Jin had really liked pretty women. She said looking at beautiful things made her feel good. She didn't just like beauties; she liked flowers and pretty clothes too.
Seo Jin felt a strange sensation from the deep gaze he directed at her. The Young Cult Leader’s eyes weren't like those wild, blood-boiling eyes over there. Yet, looking into them, she felt an inexplicable resonance.
Seo Jin looked at Lee An and asked, “You must have known this chaos would happen. Why didn't you have her wear a disguise to look plain?”
Geom Mu-geuk gave an unexpected answer.
“She was born beautiful; she should live enjoying her beautiful face.”
Since she had spent a long time suffering from the side effects of the Full Body Petrification Art, he wanted Lee An to enjoy these things.
“She never got to experience anything like this because she spent her life protecting me. Men fighting over her because they like her, people lining up... aren't those good memories to brag to her children about later?”
Geom Mu-geuk wanted her to live with her own face from now on. Instead of spending time on disguises, he would lead her to train her martial arts so that living with that face wouldn't be a burden or a hassle.
Seo Jin stared at Geom Mu-geuk for a moment with a feeling she couldn't quite understand. ‘He really considers even those aspects for his subordinates?’
Just then, a woman among the White Dragon Unit warriors walked toward Geom Mu-geuk.
“She’s coming for me,” Geom Mu-geuk whispered. “Right, it’s not just the men whose blood boils.”
The woman stopped in front of him. “You said your name was Geom Yeon?”
“I’m Geom Yeon, using the character for ‘smoke.’ I’m called that because I’ll stay for a bit and then disappear like smoke. Want to grab a drink? I’m fine with it even if it’s the first day. Oh, what’s your name? What do you like?”
As he poured out words she hadn't even asked for, a hint of disappointment flashed across the woman’s face. He was handsome and had a great aura, but to be such a chatterbox from the very first sentence!
The woman subtly backed away. “I have something to do today.”
As she retreated, Seo Jin teased him. “She really did disappear like smoke.”
Geom Mu-geuk wore a look of mock disappointment. Of course, Seo Jin knew he had intentionally driven the woman away.
“You pathetic loser! Get lost!”
“You’re the one who should back away from the recruit!”
Yu Gwang and Gyo Seok, who had been fighting with words, looked ready to come to blows at any moment. Eventually, Seo Jin stepped in. She was a Team Leader, after all; she couldn't just stand by for her Captain’s sake.
“Assaulting someone over a private matter will result in immediate expulsion from the hall.”
At Seo Jin’s words, Yu Gwang and Gyo Seok looked at her.
“That’s what it said in the enrollment papers. I read those things very carefully.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled faintly. She had been like that during her ronin days too. While most ronins signed contracts haphazardly, Seo Jin would read every line meticulously. Her personality was exactly the same.
Even at the mention of expulsion, the two didn't back down.
“If a senior can’t protect a junior, he deserves to be expelled!”
Then, Lee An spoke in a bright tone.
“In honor of your passionate friendship, I suppose we should have a drink.”
At the word ‘friendship,’ Yu Gwang and Gyo Seok flinched.
“Friendship?”
When Yu Gwang asked as if to protest, Lee An gave an unexpected answer.
“You two are close, aren't you?”
“What are you talking about?”
Lee An stepped closer to Yu Gwang.
“You’re actually not very good at swearing, are you?”
Yu Gwang flinched. As Lee An’s face came close to his, the man who had been shouting profanities couldn't even meet her eyes.
“I grew up in an environment where I heard a lot of swearing. I’m very good at distinguishing real swearing from fake swearing.”
She moved her face to follow his gaze as he tried to look away.
“Actually, you’re the nicer one, aren't you? That’s how it looks to me.”
Yu Gwang looked away again. Lee An met his eyes once more, and eventually, Yu Gwang squeezed his eyes shut. Gyo Seok, who had been listening, finally confessed.
“Sorry. I asked my friend for a favor. Because I liked you.”
The plan was for Yu Gwang to pick a fight so that Gyo Seok could step in like a righteous hero and save her. In truth, the two were best friends.
“How did you know?”
At Gyo Seok’s question, Lee An laughed.
“Your eyes are too innocent, and your acting is awkward.”
Yu Gwang looked apologetically at Gyo Seok. “Sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry. I ruined it for no reason.”
Lee An stepped between them and linked arms with both.
“You guys are so cute.”
The two were startled, their faces turning beet red.
“Right, this is how a martial arts hall should be. It has to be this pure to be a real hall. Let’s go have a drink. I have some things to ask you both.”
With their arms linked, the two boys were dragged away by Lee An. The onlookers were stunned. The beauty who seemed so difficult to even approach was acting incredibly friendly.
Seo Jin was also surprised. She already knew Lee An had a bright personality, but she hadn't realized the two were acting in concert.
‘I still have a long way to go compared to the Captain.’
If the Captain knew, did the Young Cult Leader know too? Seo Jin was curious about that.
Lee An, walking ahead, turned her head toward Geom Mu-geuk. He smiled broadly and mouthed a silent message to her.
You’re ready to graduate now, Lee An.