His True Identity (1)
Even after the invincible poison master Dang Gwanwol departed, I devoted myself to mastering the Formless Poison Skill for quite some time. Nurturing the ember of that skill within me into a roaring blaze was solely my responsibility.
My heart felt empty after the man I respected so deeply had left, but I channeled that void into my training. Afterward, I eagerly awaited news of Dang Gwanwol's glorious return, but the tidings I hoped for never came.
The small comfort was that, per the original story, Dang Gwanwol should have been found dead, shocking the jianghu. Instead, he was merely listed as missing. I worried, but didn't dwell too deeply.
Great Hero Dang isn't the type to abandon revenge.
I had no doubt he'd revive at the Man Dok Mun. All I could do was build my skills and reputation at Cheonmu Academy, so one day I could aid him and the Man Dok Mun.
Thus, the moment my special leave ended, I hurried back.
"Long time no see."
"You've matured even more while we were apart."
Returning to the advanced class at Cheonmu Academy, my two closest friends welcomed me. Meng Yuon and Peng Jincheon stared at me intently before saying that.
They sensed it because I'd grown further after meeting Dang Gwanwol. And having finally reached the super first-rate realm I'd longed for, no late-stage talent intimidated me anymore.
Except for one: Heavenly Dragon Sovereign Sword Baek Muhon.
Baek Muhon was a monstrous genius and martial arts prodigy, inheriting supreme techniques from his father, the world's greatest martial artist, Invincible Wind Cloud Sword Baek Taeryeong. He'd surely reached the super first-rate realm by now too.
Only Baek Muhon could match me.
"I got a fragment of enlightenment and focused on solo training," I replied vaguely to my friends, then grew curious about changes at the academy over the past week.
"Anyway, anything happen while I was gone?"
A week wasn't long, but with the chill winds blowing, the final graduation ceremony loomed.
"Nothing much... Oh!"
"That thing, right?"
Meng Yuon and Peng Jincheon slapped their knees as something clicked.
"Cheon Myeong, remember that special instructor who fled after losing to you?"
"That Black Raven Claw Wang Pil guy?"
The sudden mention of the special instructor made my heart sink.
Did he reveal I beat him and ran?
The academy's rules were strict, especially between instructors and cadets—highly conservative. If the leadership learned of it, I could face discipline.
So when Wang Pil came up, I feared post-incident repercussions.
"Don't worry. It's not that."
"While you were away, a new special instructor replaced Wang Pil."
I sighed in relief.
"Phew~ For a second there..."
Such news was always welcome. I'd felt the advanced class had nothing left to teach me, so a special instructor might offer more.
"Who's the new special instructor?"
Wang Pil had been hired for his unique brewing mastery over raw power. If this one was similar... but no.
"Don't freak out."
"It's someone extremely famous."
For my usually composed best friends to hype it up, it had to be big.
"Who?"
I leaned in, curiosity piqued. They shouted in unison:
"Phantom Showman Yun Ja-an!"
Surpassing my expectations, my lips curled into a grin.
"For real?"
"Totally!"
"Unusually, Hero Yun's side requested it—they wanted him to experience being a special instructor."
"Yeah. Even coming all the way from distant Gansu Province."
The Phantom Showman Yun Ja-an was a top-tier expert among super first-rates, suddenly appearing in Gansu and becoming the talk of the town. His fan techniques creating illusions had rocketed him to fame.
"He even said he'll become a full instructor after this special stint."
"If he does, he'd be one of the academy's most legendary instructors ever."
Rare for such a master to seek an instructor role—cadets like us couldn't help but get excited. Especially Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon, hungry to grow stronger.
And Yun Ja-an possesses the illusion arts we lack—perfect for me and the group.
A proper teacher with real teachings after so long. I was thrilled, then something hit me.
Wait—Phantom Showman Yun Ja-an?
I'd forgotten something about him. He definitely left a mark in the Seven Falls, Eight Rises: Invincible Fist King storyline... but it wouldn't come to mind.
He has some hidden side people don't know...
"Class with him today?"
I had to see for myself.
* * *
"The wonder of illusions differs from multiplicity or multi-strikes. Centered on the true body..."
As a special advanced class instructor, meeting Phantom Showman Yun Ja-an was easy—class was today.
The diligently lecturing Yun Ja-an matched his reputation: quiet, scholarly demeanor. Nothing special.
If I had to pick traits, maybe his corpse-pale skin and sharp eyes?
Staring hard at his attire and features yielded no forgotten memory. I'd helped create this world and read it dozens of times—I prided myself on remembering most things. Yet here, at a key moment, that pride crumbled.
"Hm? Why stare so intently?"
Yun Ja-an smiled at me, the latecomer.
"Nothing, sir."
"It's fine. Got a question? Speak freely."
He mistook my gaze for curiosity. I couldn't say I'd forgotten something about him, so I asked what I'd always wondered.
"Can illusion arts be integrated into fist and claw techniques?"
He nodded, pleased.
"Excellent question. To answer: yes, not just fists and claws, but swords, sabers, spears, polearms—any martial art. I can wield my full power with fans or other weapons."
My real curiosity lingered, but I liked his answer. Learning his illusions would enhance my fist and claw arts.
"I see. Thank you."
"No, that was insightful for the class."
Time flew with his reply; class ended.
"Already over."
Yun Ja-an packed regretfully to return, then met my eyes and beamed.
"You're the one who shone in the exchange with Tae Cheon Academy, right?"
Surprised by the mention, I humbly deflected.
"No, just luck."
"Luck is skill. I like talents like you."
He smiled, bowed to the class, and left. As he did:
Cheon Myeong, was it? I'd love to teach you my signature Phantom Ghost Gate Technique... Care to visit my room?
Inviting me privately for extra lessons on his famed Phantom Ghost Gate Technique—joy mixed with shock.
Why me?
The forgotten fact, his odd favor—it felt off. I agonized in that instant.
Accept Yun Ja-an's offer?
Instructors rarely taught prized arts to cadets, but it happened. No harm, worst case even.
Understood.
Just before he left, I sent a secret transmission.
Good. After dinner, come to my private quarters—tell no one.
His pale face lit up. Staring at his retreating figure, I thought:
Yun Ja-an, I still don't know your hidden truth... but if it's foul, my hands will end you.
Prepared for the worst, I awaited evening. True to his word, I slipped away unseen—even from Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon—to his quarters.
Not for greed over his arts.
"Something feels off."
What I'd forgotten about Phantom Showman Yun Ja-an pointed to trouble. Maybe a Magyo spy or Sapa master seeking revenge? No.
Definitely another identity...
Still unsolved, time passed; I reached the special instructor's isolated quarters—far from the academy, deserted at night.
"Ah, you've come."
He greeted me with his signature ashen smile.
And more: "Inviting a prized cadet, I've prepared fitting tea."
He'd brewed it already, offering a cup.
"Drink up. Not as fine as the Dragon Well elites savor, but great for martial artists—good for the body."
His pushy tea offer seemed suspicious, but I wasn't worried. Even if poisoned.
Immunity to all poisons!
With the Formless Poison Skill, I needn't fear poison—instead, I could poison him in a blink.