Chapter 42
Chapter 42
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Agreement and Training
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"It's called Mok Un-san."
A middle-aged man who appeared to be in his late forties bowed his head. Even before a potential employer, he carried himself with dignity rather than servility, giving him an air of resolve.
"He served as a martial arts instructor for the Shaanxi Mok Clan. Unfortunately, the clan was wiped out, scattering its survivors, and Master Mok has been wandering the world in search of them."
Steward Seo gave a brief rundown of his background.
His origins in the Shaanxi Mok Clan made it clear he wouldn't be staying with the Iron Lion Sect for long.
"What will you teach them?"
Do Cheon finally spoke up after a long pause.
"I'll teach them to recognize themselves as martial artists."
"What's the point if they can't even protect themselves?"
"It's better than those who strut around relying solely on their skills."
"I can't stand by and watch my people get hurt or killed. Even if they're low-level martial artists, I want them to be able to defend themselves."
"I'll teach them formations where four form a unit to defend themselves."
"You mean the Mok Clan's formations?"
"Just the common ones circulating in the world."
"Will that help?"
"For low-level martial artists, the basics are best. They're easy to learn, and their simplicity brings solidity."
"How long will it take?"
"Six months to build a solid foundation."
"Very well. I'll entrust our sect's martial artists to you, Instructor Mok. Consult Steward Seo for anything you need."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you. I appreciate it."
Mok Un-san bowed his head.
Do Cheon returned the bow, then turned to Steward Seo.
"Steward Seo."
"Yes."
"Whatever he was paid before, double it here."
"As you wish."
"You really handle everything so smoothly. But don't you need an assistant steward? I worry you'll overwork yourself."
"I'll let you know if I do."
"To make our sect strong, we need the right people. Don't skimp on the money. Our business is booming, and if it's not enough, I'll raid some unorthodox sects to fund it."
"Understood."
"Good, then we're all set. Please show Instructor Mok to his quarters."
"Yes."
Steward Seo smiled and replied before leading Mok Un-san out. Left alone, Do Cheon sipped his cooled tea. It was bitter, but the clean aftertaste was pleasant.
"We're steadily building our foundation. I just wish Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, Little Sparrow, and Young Ki would grow stronger soon... But rushing won't help."
Do Cheon nodded, set down his teacup, and headed outside.
"I heard from the steward earlier that an instructor has arrived to train you lot."
"Really?"
"Who is he?"
Iron Mountain's words drew interest from Yu Chil and Wi Hong. They'd been bored, spending their guard shifts lounging in the warm sunlight like this.
"Know the Shaanxi Mok Clan?"
"No."
"I heard they were wiped out."
Wi Hong seemed to know something, so Iron Mountain and Yu Chil turned to him.
"They were a reputable clan in southern Shaanxi. From what I heard, it was less than ten years ago—they were raided by mysterious assailants and destroyed overnight. Rumors say those assailants were the Guiya Forest."
"Guiya Forest—one of the Twelve Evil Factions?"
"Yes."
"Whoa, the Twelve Evil Factions sound terrifying. How did they end up fighting a place like that?"
Yu Chil asked.
"Not all Twelve Evil Factions are equal. Only places like the Tyrant Emperor Sect or Solar Heaven are truly fearsome. As Iron Lion Sect martial artists, we shouldn't bow to anyone but them. Right, brother?"
Wi Hong turned to Iron Mountain.
"Of course."
Iron Mountain scratched his sideburns in agreement.
"So, what's the point of learning from a Mok Clan instructor? Their clan got crushed by Guiya Forest. If we learn from one of their survivors, won't Guiya Forest look down on us?"
"Hey, why worry about that? Brother Iron Mountain has it all figured out. If it's no good, he'll teach us himself. Right, brother?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'll teach you myself."
"As expected of brother!"
"Thank you, brother."
The two bowed deeply.
Iron Mountain grinned awkwardly. He knew he wasn't yet skilled enough to teach anyone.
"But brother, is it true that your Thunder Barrier Fist makes a thunderous roar?"
Yu Chil asked, and Wi Hong's eyes sparkled too.
"Of course. Every punch booms like thunder. Master it beyond proficiency, and lightning strikes with each fist. Enemies drop like flies."
"Whoa, amazing!"
"Invincible Thunder Emperor Iron Mountain! Sounds epic just imagining it!"
"Invincible Thunder Emperor?"
"A nickname I came up with for the brother I admire."
"You rascal, that's thoughtful."
"Absolute Thunder God!"
Yu Chil followed, and Wi Hong quickly coined his own. Iron Mountain burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! You rascals! If I become the Thunder Emperor or Thunder God, you two should at least be called Thunder Heroes."
"Thank you, brother!"
"This Thunder Hero Wi Hong thanks you too."
"Hahaha! From now on, we're Thunder Heroes, Thunder Heroes!"
"Hey, hey, keep it down."
"What's wrong with dreaming big?"
"Yeah, dream big. Big dreams."
The three laughed merrily. From afar, Do Cheon watched with a frown.
"Those guys need some serious straightening out!"
Honam Merchant Guild, Jeong Ga-bo.
"Setting up safe houses like this all over the world—it's no wonder the righteous factions get called sinister."
The one grumbling about the righteous factions was Heaven-Rending Legion Kang Yi-wi. Volcanic Divine Sword Yi Jo-yang laughed it off and offered him a seat.
"You didn't come just to complain. Have you found a solution?"
"The obvious solution is to kill him and eliminate the threat."
"...!"
"But since we can't, that's the problem."
"Then?"
"No matter how I think about it, we have no choice but to assign someone to watch him."
"Hm."
Volcanic Divine Sword nodded, clearly understanding.
"Great minds think alike."
"We can't kill or imprison him, so we must monitor him thoroughly."
"Send in rabble, and we'll just provoke him."
"He knows manners but could turn on us anytime."
"Exactly. We need to choose carefully, but my side's first impressions are ruined—no suitable candidates."
"We have someone on ours."
"That's why I'm here. He doesn't seem to hate women, and they get along well."
"Then we should call in Byeon Ryeo-gun?"
"Yes. For now, she's the only answer."
"Understood."
Volcanic Divine Sword nodded.
And so, the two agreed to summon Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun and send her to the Iron Lion Sect.
The dawn at the Iron Lion Sect was noisy.
The low-level martial artists had stripped off their upper garments and were running laps around the back mountain from the crack of dawn. Not by choice, but by order. Under Mok Un-san's instructions as their new martial arts instructor, they kept running. Trained bodies might find running easy, but after half a shichen circling the mountain, most were gasping, muscles cramping in exhaustion.
"Huff huff! This isn't training—it's self-harm."
"Yeah. A shichen would've been perfect. Why half a shichen?"
"It won't be like this every day, right?"
"Nah, first day to establish authority."
"Authority my ass—shut up already. You're making me want to complain too. I'm dying here."
Some collapsed spread-eagled, others lay flat, all muttering complaints and worries. They held back in front of Mok Un-san because he'd run with them. Of the eighty-odd men, only he and five others were fine. Jo Tak, eyeing the sprawled group, approached Mok Un-san resting alone at the front.
"I'm Jo Tak, acting representative."
"Ah, do you have something to say?"
"Everyone's exhausted."
Mok Un-san's brow furrowed at Jo Tak's words.
"You don't seem exhausted."
"I've done this training regularly, so it's nothing."
"Why?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do you run regularly?"
"Since I only know third-rate martial arts, I figured I needed a sturdy body."
"Well done."
"...!"
"As you said, without skills to boast about, you need a strong body. I hear you get double pay here compared to elsewhere?"
"Yes."
"Shouldn't you work twice as hard then?"
"Of course."
"Can they work harder with that stamina?"
Jo Tak was speechless.
"I'm getting double pay too. So I'll train you twice as well— no complaints."
"Yes."
"Breakfast time. Head down."
"Yes."
Jo Tak retreated dejectedly.
After breakfast, they enjoyed sweet rest. Expecting basic drills, they were left alone instead. An hour later, they were called back for more mountain laps.
They started collapsing after one shichen. Even fresh-faced Jo Tak and others flagged visibly nearing half a shichen. Many straggled, utterly drained.
"Lunch in an hour—keep up and head down by then."
Mok Un-san left those words and descended.
"This won't be the end!"
Jo Tak's ominous prediction was spot on.
After lunch, another hour of laps; before dinner, one more. No one finished a full lap each time.
Three days since Mok Un-san arrived as instructor. Not one of the eighty was unscathed. Hollow-eyed, they shuffled like wounded soldiers.
On the fourth dawn.
As they began running, one man appeared.
Iron Mountain.
Having heard Yu Chil and Wi Hong's daily gripes and watched the previous training, he'd come thinking this wouldn't do.
"We hired you to teach basic martial arts, not turn healthy men into this mess. What's the reason?"
Iron Mountain came out aggressively.
Mok Un-san politely cupped his fists. Introduced by Steward Seo two days prior, he knew Iron Mountain was a sect disciple.
"Young Master Do entrusted it to me."
"Damn it, he didn't say half-kill them!"
"If you don't like my methods, tell Young Master Do to fire me."
"Fire you? I'm not that heartless. Just take it easy—training's good, but it has to be manageable."
Iron Mountain spoke with frustration.
Mok Un-san stared at him, then dropped an unexpected line.
"That's why you're in that state, Brother Iron."
"...!"
"They say eyes see what they want. Yours see these men as martial artists?"
"What the hell are you saying?!"
"Pathetic."
"You bastard!"
"Martial artists speak with skill, not words. Like this: If everyone here, including you, Brother Iron, unites to take me down, I'll grant your wishes."
"So you wanna show off your martial arts after all?"
"No. I'll use only raw strength, no internal energy."
"Fine, I know my skills suck. That's why I'm training hard. I won't be lacking tomorrow. Watch me."
"It's not about skills."
"Then what?"
"Whether you qualify as martial artists."
"...?"
"If you're not afraid to eat dirt in front of everyone, prove it. Skills may lack, but show a warrior's resolve."
Iron Mountain knew he couldn't win. The man was an instructor; he was barely past third-rate. He'd learned from Do Cheon recently, but basics only—not enough.
'Still, since my internal energy stabilized after that beating, maybe I can hold my own?'
He wondered.
How far he'd come.
Yu Chil and Wi Hong watched, but he ignored them. Fights involve hits both ways.
"Fine. Let's go. I'll take a beating if I must, but land one punch on that smug face."
Iron Mountain rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward.
Mok Un-san stood with arms loose.
"I'll use a bit of internal energy. You do the same."
"If you're worthy."
As Mok Un-san's words ended, Iron Mountain charged.
Like a raging boar, fists stormed out, but Mok Un-san dodged with minimal twists. Enraged, Iron Mountain leaped, spinning into a roundhouse.
Mok Un-san extended hands, grabbed the leg, and hurled him aside.
Iron Mountain crashed into a tree, motionless.
"Brother!"
"Iron Mountain brother!"
Yu Chil and Wi Hong rushed over.
The eighty-odd martial artists sighed at the one-sided instant end. Mok Un-san glared and bellowed.
"He tried to speak for you and ended up like that— you'll just watch? And call yourselves martial artists?"
Yu Chil and Wi Hong reacted first. Confirming Iron Mountain merely unconscious, they charged wildly. Caught by Mok Un-san's hands, they tumbled—but not headfirst like Iron Mountain, so they sprang up and attacked again. Punches flew briefly before they fell again.
"The instructor permitted it!"
As they fell, Jo Tak shouted and charged. His solid basics made fierce punches, but he joined them on the ground.
"Are you cowards?!"
Even Jo Tak down, Mok Un-san mocking, others charged one by one, tumbling disgracefully. Then the rest rushed en masse.
One shichen later.
Charge, fall; rush, tumble.
Over eighty gave no breathing room, yet couldn't touch his sleeve—scattering everywhere.
The exhausted from three days' training collapsed first; even basics like Jo Tak fell after three or four tries.
Mok Un-san surveyed the sprawled bodies coldly.
"Over eighty couldn't overcome one man's strength. This is your true, weak, pathetic reality—yet you deem yourselves martial artists."
No one rebelled despite the pride-shattering words; only groans.
Mok Un-san glanced around, then descended. Soon, someone waited.
Do Cheon.
"Thank you."
"Not sure it'll help."
"We'll see."
Do Cheon smiled faintly.
Today's events were Iron Mountain's doing, but also Do Cheon's plan. Anticipating his visit, he'd asked Mok Un-san to deliver harsh lessons if it happened.
"I'll give them two days' full rest. Sudden heavy exertion means peak fatigue."
"I'm no expert—handle it as you see fit, Instructor Mok."
"Understood."
Mok Un-san bowed and walked off, then paused as if struck by thought.
"Teaching has sharpened my eye. Brother Iron has a fine physique."
"He doesn't know it, but it's naturally gifted."
"You knew?"
"Yes."
Do Cheon's rising martial realm sharpened his insight, revealing what he'd missed before. That's why he taught Iron Mountain the Iron Lion King's Thunder Barrier Fist. With full focus, Iron Mountain's innate frame could surpass even Yi Yeol as a master.