Flame Tiger Double Claws (2)
Life in Cheonmu Academy's advanced class flowed more comfortably than ever, and my proficiency in Yeom Ho Ssang Jo was rising right along with it.
"Heard the rumor?"
One day, Meng Yuon came over to us with some startling news.
"They're bringing in a special guest instructor starting this summer."
The talk was all about the special guest instructor.
Cheonmu Academy's instructors fell into two categories. The first were the full-time regulars who lived on-site year-round. The second were these special guests—experts with notable reputations in the current era or unique skills beneficial to the cadets, invited temporarily for about two months.
Cases like the second weren't all that common, which was probably why the advanced class buzz was electric.
"I hope it's a stunning beauty of a master."
It started with the weirdo mindlessly clamoring for a female expert.
"I'd prefer one of the Ten Great Warriors under Heaven."
Others were totally clueless about reality, dreaming way beyond special guest territory.
"Hmph, enough with the nonsense. Special guests are usually peak experts making waves in Hebei or Henan Province."
Just as the mood was heating up, Nangong Cheol—quiet as a folding screen since losing to Meng Yuon—piped up smugly with his know-it-all bit.
"He's right. Inviting masters from too far away is a logistical nightmare."
Peng Jincheon nodded in agreement.
That narrowed it down to active experts from Hebei and Henan...
"Quiet down! Today, we're starting training with the special guest instructor."
Right on cue. As opinions flew among the cadets—like calling a tiger brings one—Dan Ri-cheong strode in first with the introduction.
"The expert we went to great lengths to invite is none other than..."
Dan Ri-cheong signaled outside the training grounds, and the special instructor finally made his entrance.
Who could it be?
A special guest was a nice break from the routine advanced classes, so even I was curious.
"The rising star from Henan Province who burst onto the scene with brilliant martial feats—the Black Raven Claw, Master Wang Pil!"
Ooooh!
Exclamations of awe rippled through the crowd at the hottest name in recent murim buzz.
"Black Raven Claw Wang Pil!"
"Started as a ronin, now acknowledged as a peak expert in the righteous faction's mid-ranks!"
"Famous for his signature Black Raven Heavenly Claw, with those razor-sharp metal talons on his fingertips, right?"
Amid the cadets' eager anticipation, Wang Pil finally stepped into view.
"Pleased to meet you all. I'm Black Raven Claw Wang Pil, active in Henan."
Wang Pil had a skinny frame and average height, but his arms were freakishly long—one glance and you knew why the claw style suited him. His dark skin and piercing eyes radiated peak expert poise.
"Since we invited Instructor Wang Pil with such effort, I'm sure you'll all gain much from him."
Dan Ri-cheong gave the formal intro, then stepped out with a grin. Now it was time for Special Guest Instructor Black Raven Claw Wang Pil.
"Hahat, me—an instructor at the renowned Cheonmu Academy? Still surprises even me."
Wang Pil looked mid-thirties at most. Maybe because he wasn't from a prestigious righteous sect and had clawed his way up as a special guest, he seemed thrilled.
"As your instructor, let me share my story."
A true self-made man, he brimmed with pride in his origins. Skipping cadet questions, he launched into his tale—from his jianghu debut to grinding his way to peak realm.
By the end, he was strutting with self-praise so thick some cadets couldn't hide their disappointment.
Then, out of nowhere, my name came up.
"I hear there's a guy who racked up huge merits in the recent exchange with Paecheon Academy... Cheon Myeong, was it?"
All eyes naturally turned to me.
"Oh, you must be him. So, you learned the Yeom Ho Ssang Jo techniques from my revered Flame Flower Divine Lord?"
I thought it was praise at first, but the vibe twisted oddly.
"Yes, I got lucky."
I tried to play it humble.
"Luck in the world of combat? If it exists, it's skill. I'd love to see that famed Yeom Ho Ssang Jo in action."
He was prying into the technique.
I demurred—it was too new to show off—but Wang Pil dug in his heels.
"If you're game, how about a light spar? We're both claw specialists; just a friendly comparison."
"Pardon?"
"I'm a rough fighter. I teach better through action than words."
He kept pressing, leaving me no choice.
"Heh, even the great Cheon Myeong knows fear?"
Whatever grudge he nursed, his jabs wore me down.
"Fine."
I agreed on the spot. Perfect timing—I wanted to test Yeom Ho Ssang Jo properly, and here was a genuine peak claw master as my opponent. No better debut conditions.
(Flame Tiger Double Claws)
Ching!
Surprised by my quick agreement, Wang Pil drew the razor-sharp metal claws from his fingertips and loosened up.
"Kuh~ Fitting of Cheonmu Academy's star prospect. Next to you, I'm just a nobody."
His weird barbs made it click late: he wanted to beat the hotshot me for spotlight.
Black Raven Claw Wang Pil had risen fast to snag this gig, but he was still young and brimming with vigor. Add jealousy that some no-name punk like me learned the technique he idolized, and yeah—this spar was his petty outlet.
"Let's see just how mighty this Yeom Ho Ssang Jo really is."
He kept spewing small-man crap as we faced off.
Peak expert. Claw virtuoso.
Didn't scare me one bit.
Lose to a guy slinging this moronic trash talk?
I was more pissed at his roundabout provocations than any real grievance. Beating him wasn't just victory—it was payback.
"Since you insist... I'll oblige."
I eyed the sneering Wang Pil, ready to serve up a real burn.
You think I'm some snot-nosed kid biting off more than I can chew...
Time to make him regret it thoroughly.
"Senior, you take first strike."
"Graciously accepted."
He even sheathed his weapons, waggling his fingers with a mocking grin: Come on, show me that great Yeom Ho Ssang Jo taste.
"Why no guard stance...?"
"Hey, I'm the senior expert here—no need."
His cockiness was proving the adage: arrogance spells defeat.
Craving a hit that bad? Fine, I'd deliver.
"Huuuuh."
I exhaled steadily, channeling Yeom Ho Ssang Jo.
Everyone knew I'd learned it, but few realized I'd mastered it in one go—only Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon here, really.
"Heh heh heh."
"Cheon Myeong!"
Most cadets figured famed Wang Pil would hold and win, but my friends knew better. Still, their eyes screamed don't kill the special instructor.
"Here I come."
"Bring it. I'll spot the flaws and fix 'em myself."
Baek Ho Jun—actual teacher of the art—found no faults. Who was this clown?
No more words needed.
I swallowed a smirk, focusing on drawing up scorching solar true ki.
Roarrrrr!
Hands ignited in an instant with inner force flames.
Lame next to Baek Ho Jun's, sure—but packed with undeniable fire attribute.
"Kinda underwhelming?"
Wang Pil yapped on, clueless how pulling this off sans Solar Twin Palms heart method was impressive.
I unleashed my claws mercilessly at his upturned nose.
Yeom Ho Ssang Jo!
I never went all-out in friendly spars. Even at full, I'd pull punches.
Not this time.
Full throttle, grudge-fueled.
"Wh-whoa?"
Realms matched; real fight, I'd win eight outta ten.
No guard, yielded initiative—outcome obvious.
KABOOM!
Panicking at the massive tiger claws, he backpedaled into a helpless block—arms crossed desperately.
Splurt!
Not a block; a sacrifice. Deep gashes wept thick blood.
"Aaaagh! Aaaaah!"
And that wasn't the terror. Yeom Ho Ssang Jo's true horror was the internal burn seeping from claw wounds.
My version was a spark to the original's blaze, but the heat? Undeniable.
"I-Instructor!"
Cadets rushed in worry; he'd taken a brutal beating.
"Satisfied now?"
I approached with a smile. He'd stanched the bleeding barely, head bowed in shame.
Peak expert—he got it. The "punk" was his equal, and my Yeom Ho Ssang Jo mastery was legit.
"Gotta... see the physician."
Pale as death, he muttered—and poof. Never showed at the academy again.
Just ghosted.
This is Yeom Ho Ssang Jo's might!
Wang Pil was already beneath notice. Even caught off-guard, one-shotting a solid peak expert? I could only marvel at the killer move anew.