His True Identity (3)
As I mentioned earlier, the Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un had a few specialties. The first was his exceptional talent in illusionary martial arts, enough to fabricate the identity of a peak-level master known as the Illusion Water Master Un Ja-an. And the source of that talent was...
"This Illusion Ghost Technique Book."
Sure enough, rummaging through Hwa Wol-un's robes revealed a rare martial arts manual. Titled the Illusion Ghost Technique Book, it contained not only his signature Illusion Ghost Gate Technique but also the secrets that had allowed him to evade capture as a notorious criminal in the martial world.
'Not just mixing illusions into martial arts, but applicable to various footwork techniques and even disguise arts.'
In simple terms, the Illusion Ghost Technique Book was a comprehensive manual of diverse illusionary secrets, making it versatile for many applications. With this alone, one could master Hwa Wol-un's specialty, the Illusion Disguise Technique.
"Master this, and I could change my face at will!"
For someone like me, who monopolized fortuitous encounters and had to alter multiple futures, this was an incredibly useful ability. Being able to alter my appearance freely would make traveling much easier from now on.
There were more treasures.
"Oh! Found an excellent lightness skill!"
One common trait among long-evading martial criminals was their possession of superior footwork or lightness skills.
'This Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un wasn't a top-tier lightness expert, but he had a trump card footwork for evasion.'
The lightness skill called Illusion Body Flight was what had greatly aided his prolonged escapes. Rather than boosting sustained speed like elite lightness arts, it created instantaneous illusions to produce multiple fleeing images in various directions.
"Heh, used right, this could be a lot of fun."
The demon had used it for flight, but I planned to employ it more aggressively.
There was also a manual for his vile specialty and demonic art, the Pulse Absorption Technique, but I had no desire to learn it.
'No, this filthy demonic art needs to vanish from the world.'
With that thought, I summoned blazing energy into my palms using the incantations of the Flame Flower Twin Claws.
Whoosh!
I reduced the Pulse Absorption Technique to a handful of ashes in one go.
Realistically, it could have fetched a high price on the black market or from underworld dealers, but I couldn't flood the Central Plains with such a demonic art just for personal gain.
"Filthy pervert demon, and yet you had so many good things!"
Next came the spirit elixirs. Shockingly, there was a top-grade elixir—at least first-class, if not supreme—the Spring Wind Pill.
'The Spring Wind Pill lightens the body and excels above all in boosting inner energy.'
This superior elixir was originally the pride of Chun Do Temple, a renowned orthodox temple, but somehow this filthy demon had it. Most likely stolen or taken from a victim.
He also carried five Revival Life Pills, perfect for life-saving emergencies as a fugitive.
'But why hadn't he consumed such precious elixirs beforehand and kept them?'
A sudden curiosity struck me.
Typically, villains like this Southeast Color Demon would consume valuable elixirs on the spot. Carrying them risked loss or seizure by enemies. Above all, their greed made them prefer immediate use over potential theft by others.
Yet he had kept them, so there must be a reason.
"That's it!"
Pondering, I quickly realized the answer.
As Hwa Wol-un himself had admitted, he was on the verge of completing the Pulse Absorption Technique. He'd likely saved the Spring Wind Pill to consume alongside its completion, maximizing the effects.
"You idiot. Didn't you know saving it would just turn to shit?"
Whatever the case, it had fallen into my hands—a massive gain for me.
Besides the manuals and elixirs, there was gold and treasures, but I deliberately left those untouched. Taking only what I needed and reporting the rest to Cheonmu Academy would boost my merits far more.
Swoosh!
I tucked away not just the Spring Wind Pill but the Revival Life Pills securely in my robes and stood.
"Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un. You'll pay dearly for your crimes."
Leaving those words for the unconscious wretch, I grabbed his hair.
Easy transport was a luxury for such scum. Dragging him across the floor, I headed straight for the main Cheonmu Academy building.
Gansu Province's renowned master and peak expert, the Illusion Water Master Un Ja-an's true identity is... shockingly, the martial criminal Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un!
This vile demon brazenly infiltrated Cheonmu Academy and extended his claws, but fell into the hands of the academy's strongest student, Cheon Myeong, and got what he deserved!
A mere student achieved the feat of capturing the Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un, whom the entire martial world had pursued in vain for so long!
The news of my capturing Hwa Wol-un spread beyond Cheonmu Academy to the entire martial world. Especially since this Southeast Color Demon was a criminal hunted by both orthodox and unorthodox factions alike, it greatly boosted my reputation.
"Well done, truly well done!"
When I arrived dragging Hwa Wol-un by the hair, Academy Head Baek Ho Jun of the Flame Flower Divine Army and Vice Head Dan Ri-cheong of the Soft Wind Silver Sword were both stunned, along with the others. But that shock was brief. After I explained everything and revealed his true face now that the Illusion Disguise Technique was shattered, the academy leaders all realized the truth.
"Cheon Myeong! You're practically a legend of Cheonmu Academy."
Following Dan Ri-cheong's praise, even Baek Ho Jun showered me with compliments. This wasn't boasting—throughout Cheonmu Academy's long history, no student had ever captured and subdued a Southeast Color Demon-level criminal.
"Incredible. Truly incredible."
The upper-class instructors unanimously sang my praises. It was only natural. Had it not been for me, a martial criminal and pervert demon would have infiltrated smoothly, endangering many students and...
"He was undoubtedly after the various elixirs and treasures in our Cheonmu Academy!"
Baek Ho Jun declared firmly, suppressing Hwa Wol-un before immediately arranging his transfer to the Murim Alliance.
"My god! Something like that happened?"
"Capturing that fearsome Southeast Color Demon? Impressive."
My childhood friends Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon, learning the news late, approached in astonishment. The special instructors I'd defeated were secondary; they were shocked by the true identity of the Illusion Water Master Un Ja-an.
Not just my friends—the entire orthodox martial world was reeling. The respected martial artist Un Ja-an turning out to be the Southeast Color Demon turned Gansu's pride into its shame overnight.
"Cheon Myeong, he's being sent to the Murim Alliance, so you'll get not only the bounty on Hwa Wol-un's head but a hefty reward too."
Academy Head Baek Ho Jun patted my back, praising me lavishly. Strictly speaking, as a Murim Alliance affiliate, receiving their rewards and commendations was immense honor.
"You're too kind."
I bowed politely with cupped fists, showing proper etiquette.
"Before the Murim Alliance's reward, I should give you one myself."
Good deeds bring good fortune.
"Cheon Myeong, you've long surpassed student level—even instructor level. Further training is pointless. Until the final graduation ceremony, train freely as you wish."
A small but hugely helpful boon for me. I needed time not just for martial arts but medicine, poison arts, and now the new Illusion Ghost Technique Book skills.
'Free time granted—this is a huge advantage.'
I couldn't hide my rising smile.
And one more thing.
"For the final graduation ceremony, teams of three will form... Cheon Myeong, as a special privilege, you may choose your teammates first."
"...!!"
A massive reward followed.
Teams were usually formed among like-minded members, but instructors' influence or leadership directives often split them.
'I was already worried Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon, whom I've grown close to and nurtured, might end up in different teams.'
Settling it here filled me with joy.
"Naturally, you'll pick your closest friends Meng Yuon and Peng Jincheon?"
"I'd be grateful if you allowed it."
I answered Dan Ri-cheong's question as if I'd been waiting.
"Excellent. The three of you are now a team—soon to be Cheonmu Team 3."
With Vice Head Dan Ri-cheong's words, echoed by Academy Head Baek Ho Jun, it was official.
"Woooah!"
"Yes!"
Finally teaming up, we couldn't contain our joy and cheered. The instructors and leaders watched proudly before announcing the remaining reward.
"With free training granted, you'll need a private residence over dorms. Cheon Myeong's great merit means equal treatment with others would be reverse discrimination. Thus, we grant you the large private quarters in the north!"
Baek Ho Jun was on a roll today. Even a grand private residence—nothing could be better.
"Thank you. I'll strive even harder."
Today was practically my birthday, Cheon Myeong's.
"Woooow!"
Entering the massive private residence in the northern part of the academy, I couldn't help shouting in excitement. No doubt, this was the most luxurious house I'd ever seen. Neither the original protagonist Cheon Myeong nor my real-world self had ever owned property, amplifying the thrill.
'They let me use a place this nice?'
It was at least twice as large and opulent as the Southeast Color Demon Hwa Wol-un's special instructor quarters. Even servants at my beck and call—perfect convenience.
Best of all...
"Can't have a day this great without a feast!"
"We're here, Cheon Myeong!"
Peng Jincheon and Meng Yuon had rushed over to celebrate, bringing food and liquor for a modest party.
And not just them.
"Cheonmu Academy's pride!"
"Our upper-class pride deserves celebration."
Most upper-class students joined, filling me with elation.
'Most are from the Nine Great Sects, One Gang, or Five Great Families—folks who initially disliked me.'
Yet now they acknowledged me, even idolized me as their boast. Unmatched joy.
"Hahaha! Great! No mercy for anyone leaving drinks today!"
After all that hard training, one day of fun was fine. And so, I dove into a wild feast with my friends.
Just for today!