Chapter 376
Chapter 376
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 376
Chapter Title: Dongdo Assembly (7)
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I'd always been the type to squeeze every moment out of my time.
Now, with Yin Ha-seong in tow, trips to the Plum Blossom Hall to seek instruction from Namgung Won had been added to the mix.
It made for truly relentless days with no time to breathe.
About half a month after we started frequenting the Plum Blossom Hall...
"Young Master Yong-un?"
"Speak, Miss Jegal."
The outlines of the anti-poison training program for civilians had taken shape.
"Here. We've received official permission from the Bureau to gather the populace for poison arts training."
"I've approved the manual... and all other preparations are in place?"
"Yes. We've got the operating committee's approval, and Ok-gi has even fine-tuned the concentration of the smoke bombs."
"What about the participants? We need a proper mix of wandering martial artists and local residents."
"We've prioritized one hundred escorts and porters each, recommended by the transport agencies and merchant groups that signed up for the Dongdo Assembly. Here's the roster and any special notes."
"I'll review it. Anything else?"
"For the townsfolk around Dagger Valley, we've limited it to those recommended by the Beggars' Sect's patrols. For the inaugural session, three hundred should be just right."
"So total headcount is five hundred?"
"Yes."
"That's manageable... The academy's kitchen staff won't be overburdened with meals either. Let's proceed."
With the framework set, the training plans advanced smoothly.
We had the gazette for dissemination from the start, and the Beggars' Sect was fully cooperative.
The spots filled up in no time with commoners eager to participate, and the date was locked in.
Thus, under the watchful eyes of the renowned elders who had attended the Dongdo Assembly...
I and the assistants took the stage of the grand training ground as the trainees assembled below.
"Instructors, assemble!"
"Assemble!"
More than half the gathered crowd were upstanding locals known for their good conduct.
They freely voiced their thoughts upon seeing us in our red hats.
"That Ghost Dragon fella and his cohorts—they're all so dashing."
"Tell me about it. I signed up just to see those faces up close. Worth the trip!"
"But what's this 'Life-Preserving Defense' thing? Poison arts countermeasures... what exactly does it entail?"
"Yeah. They said it'd include simulated real scenarios and discipline-building exercises, and we consented... but the details are still a mystery."
"Hm. Maybe something like the Five Animals Frolic—easy enough for ignoramuses like us to pick up?"
"Why are they all wearing those red hats, though?"
As the murmurs rose...
My master chimed in.
- Heh. They're really going through with this training. Not content with the jianghu... now even the common folk...
Wu So-rung swallowed dryly and spoke up.
"Trainees, you all seem truly clueless... It breaks my heart a little."
Yin Ha-seong added his piece.
"Minus the escorts, it's just shy of four hundred, but finally, the commoners will see Brother Yong-un's true face. After today, his moniker might shift from Ghost Dragon to Evil Dragon?"
I flicked their foreheads sharply.
"Ow!"
"Yowch!"
Straightening up, I said,
"Most of today's trainees aren't jianghu folk. One slip, and accidents happen. Stay sharper than ever. No grinning."
"...S-Sorry."
"...Yes, sir."
"We explained during recruitment that it would be grueling. Don't go soft on them."
I eyed each instructor in turn.
"Only by completing this training properly can they have even a slim chance of surviving jianghu dangers. Keep in mind that slacking off endangers the trainees."
"Yes, sir."
"Instructors, to your positions!"
"To positions!"
As the instructors echoed my lion's roar and dispersed, the crowd hushed, sensing the training was about to begin.
Breaking the ensuing silence, I announced the start.
"Greetings. I am Eon Yong-un, the lead instructor for those assembled on this training ground."
"Ghost Dragon! Ghost Dragon!! Ghost Dragon!!"
"The World's Greatest Junior Expert!"
"Top Newcomer Hero!!"
"Quiet! Quiet!!! Who interrupts the instructor!?"
"......"
"Whatever you've heard about me doesn't matter! Poison arts allow no room for carelessness! I will gladly play the demon to ensure you trainees pass this course safely and gain the strength to survive in the jianghu."
With the welcome done, I raised my whistle and beckoned Jeong Hyeon.
"We'll now begin with exercises to focus the mind. First, a demonstration from our skilled assistant. Instructor Jeong Hyeon, forward."
"Forward!"
"Exercise six: spread legs, high jumps prep."
"Eek!"
Peep-peep-pee—
"One!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The poison arts countermeasures training was an event spearheaded by the Dongdo Assembly.
With the Righteous Martial Academy's cooperation, the academic schedule was halted for it.
The visiting dignitaries who had gathered for the inauguration watched the entire process.
"...Thus, I hereby report their graduation!"
"I am Jegal Cheok, elected chairman of the Dongdo Assembly."
Clap-clap-clap.
"Having observed the training from start to finish, even this old jianghu veteran was left agape at how vividly it simulated real combat. I offer praise to the graduates who endured such rigor and applause to the instructors who led it."
As the graduates exited the Righteous Martial Academy, many of the visiting dignitaries began departing as well.
Among those leaving was the Silver Radiance Merchant Group's elderly acting steward.
"Ha-seong is tied up with tasks from Young Master Eon, so I'll see you off alone."
"Heh heh. The sight of that young lady directing instructors alongside the Ghost Dragon and leading the trainees... and Young Master Ha-seong's newfound poise. The Southern Jiang Merchant King would have been overjoyed to see it, but alas, only I am here."
"As if Father would be pleased."
"He keeps such heavy words inside out of care, but no one cherishes you more. It lent face to our Silver Radiance amid all those luminaries."
"It's unwise for merchant folk to show off too much in the jianghu. It invites envy. Better to flash gold plainly and keep a low profile. Father sent you in his stead with that in mind."
"Heh heh heh. Truly, only you can succeed the Merchant King and lead Radiance Prosperity."
"...Mind your words."
"Heh heh. Yes, I'll watch my tongue. Take care, miss. You're rising to third year soon? Graduation before you know it."
At the steward's following words, Yin Xia Lian tilted her head.
"Feels like there's a barb in that."
"I see Young Master Ha-seong as suited to live as a jianghu hero. But you are of the merchant world. In this old man's honest view, I'd urge you to return to scholarly pursuits... Failing that, stay as far from the chaos as possible."
"......"
"Please, take care."
"...Safe travels."
Bidding the steward farewell, Yin Xia Lian returned to the student council room.
There, Yin Ha-seong plunked down an armful of documents on the desk.
"Off well?"
"Yeah. These the ones you were sorting?"
"Yep."
That's when Dang Ok-gi burst through the student council room door.
"Done done done!"
Eon Yong-un turned to her.
"Done with what?"
Dang Ok-gi pulled a wooden box from her sleeve.
"Succeeded in isolating just the toxicity from the Human-Faced Earth Spirit's inner core! The Dang family elders and I were at it nonstop—finished just now!"
She opened the box.
The inner core inside gleamed like blue jade, emanating a faint chill.
"Certain?"
"Kya! What do you take me for? Of course I'm certain, or I wouldn't have brought it!"
Eon Yong-un asked once more, then turned to Yin Xia Lian.
"Then take it, Miss Yin."
Yet, for some reason, Yin Xia Lian's hand hesitated toward the box.
...Do I really deserve this?
Her initial reason for joining the Righteous Martial Academy journey wasn't far from the steward's parting advice.
It was just to build connections for dominating the merchant world later...
Make networks, gain enough strength to protect herself.
More specifically, to fold the perceptive Eon Yong-un—whom only she truly valued—under Silver Radiance's wing.
...Now that I think about it, the guest and host have completely swapped.
She'd been swept up in Eon Yong-un's massive current and ended up here before she knew it.
The chaos will only intensify.
Having shared life-and-death struggles countless times with Eon Yong-un and the other Eon siblings...
She didn't cling to her own life.
But she wondered if the Human-Faced Earth Spirit's inner core shouldn't go to someone else.
In her musing, Yin Xia Lian's gaze drifted to Yin Ha-seong.
......
No need to mention Jeong Hyeon, Namgung Yun, or Jegal Seolji.
Even Yin Ha-seong had made leaps in skill since learning advanced techniques from the Sword Emperor.
I'm stuck in place despite daily guidance from my master, the Sword Phoenix.
Did she truly merit taking it?
Maybe the steward was right.
As she pondered focusing on her strengths as a merchant for everyone's good, rather than greedily pursuing the warrior path...
Eon Yong-un spoke with evident displeasure.
"It's not like we're holding a ritual. Why just stare? Pocket it already. Or if not, I'll take it?"
He menacingly reached for the box.
Caught in her thoughts, Yin Xia Lian blurted,
"Would you?"
At her words...
Eon Yong-un paused his hand and grew serious.
"You've been off lately. What's wrong? Some new nagging tactic because I've piled on the work?"
"Just..."
"...Friend fee?"
"......"
"...Not that, I guess. That'd be worse."
"You brought up underperformers last summer break. Thinking it over, aren't I the one that fits?"
"I said that to mean don't slack off. And that resignation talk last time wasn't idle... What's specifically bothering you? I can't fix what I don't know."
"Just had the thought that everyone has their strengths. I'm good with an abacus, so maybe stick to that."
As Yin Xia Lian finished...
Eon Yong-un let out a soft sigh.
"Recall all the battles we've fought. We prepared meticulously, yet got bounced around like fried beans. Every moment demanded judgment, always on the edge of death."
"......"
"Friends and foes alike no longer see us as easy junior experts. The blades we'll face will only grow longer. Like what happened on the southern coast."
"......"
"We need both the abacus-wielding Miss Yin and the sword-wielding Miss Yin."
Silence settled briefly in the room.
"But..."
"And."
Eon Yong-un added gravely,
"I am convinced Miss Yin's potential as a swordmaster is boundless."
"......"
His words brimmed with conviction.
Yin Xia Lian fiddled with the documents on the desk to hide her embarrassment.
She needed to pretend to work to mask the awkwardness.
Finally, she spoke haltingly.
"...Ah. I was gonna use that as an excuse to slack off a bit. Doesn't fly with you, huh, Master Eon."
"Don't spout nonsense just 'cause you're embarrassed."
"Th-That's! Pretend you didn't hear! Are you quick on the uptake or not!?"
"Anyway, secure that inner core and hand it to Professor Sword Phoenix. Absorbing it now with your jitters risks qi deviation."
"Got it."
"If you fall to qi deviation now, we're all sunk. The workload alone is a mountain... Settle your nerves by knocking out the docs Ha-seong just brought."
"...You monster."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Amid those frenetic days...
I steadily visited Namgung Won with Yin Ha-seong.
Once he mastered all the forms of the Heavenly Bow Swordplay, I went alone.
"From today, swing a bit faster again. Exactly twice the speed of yesterday's strokes."
"Yes, sir."
Our sessions with Namgung Won had originally started with slow swings.
At some point, they shifted to gradually regaining his original speed.
When we reached the velocity from our first clash in the bamboo grove...
Clang!!!
I noticed my swings carried far more weight.
'My strikes feel stronger.'
- Inevitable. You've crossed death's edge countless times, facing foes a cut above. Through those fights, your Heaven-Splitting Sword grew lighter, nimbler. Lighter steps, parries over counters.
'...Come to think of it, yeah.'
- Revisiting heavy stances and formal forms naturally weighs the blade down.
Clang! Clang!
Kakakakakang!!!
- You'd grumble about why I didn't tell you sooner.
'Never crossed my mind. Didn't want you taking the hit alone?'
- Sure. Anyway, your original style wasn't wrong. Could rigid forms beat superiors?
Kaaaang!!!
- Your swings were valid too. The Namgung elder mentioned myriad paths, yet picked one first.
'True.'
- Even you'll find it distant, but raising the sword with heart demands layered insights. No shortcuts to that realm.
Thus, conversing with my master as I swung Regret for a good while...
Swaaaaaang!!!!
Kaaaaang!!
Namgung Won, pushed back over ten paces by my Heaven-Splitting Lone Howl form, sheathed his blade and spoke.
"That's all the insights this old man can share. Never cease pondering the sword, but make the mindset from when you first faced my blade—'I wish to be judged purely by the sword, no tricks'—your North Star. Pursue it, and you won't trail my name... No. That's not it."
"......?"
"The title of World's Greatest Swordsman will grace yours."