Chapter 221
Chapter 221
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Translator: penny
Chapter Title: The Eve of Departure (4)
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"This life feels a bit strange."
Returning to the valley, Chu Un-hwi chuckled to himself.
It was because the reactions from people after his dispatch location was decided had been impressive.
"Instructor Jang Cheol-sim! This is unfair treatment!"
The sight of Yeo Mae-hong, who always smiled brightly, flying into a rage like fire was a first.
"That's right. No matter how important the mission is, we can't send a comrade to their death!"
"The academy's sponsoring sects are important, but we can't accept requests that go too far. Please reconsider!"
Even the usually quiet Squad Leader Yang and Instructor Jo Hyeon raised their voices in unison.
What was surprising was Jang Cheol-sim's reaction.
"...It seems there was some mistake. I'll formally raise an objection."
The man who lived by the rules to the letter declared he would personally turn the higher-ups upside down.
'Can't have that.'
He had gone so far as to move Myo Gwang to set this up. But the moment he said he would accept, Moyong Seon-ya came rushing in with axe-like glares.
"Are you in your right mind? Why go there?"
Her round eyes bulging as she yelled was quite a sight.
"Come to think of it, they're all quite spirited people."
For some reason, a ticklish feeling kept bubbling up inside him.
It wasn't unpleasant at all.
"A feeling I've never experienced in my previous life."
There had been almost no one who worried about him.
Only his bride.
Only she had filled her big eyes with concern for his well-being.
'Thinking about it makes me want to see her.'
But he couldn't go.
'One visit, and I might not want to leave.'
Savoring the bitterness, he suddenly looked up at the valley.
Splash.
He saw Nangong Yun-ho, pinching his nose, diving into the water.
"Heh heh."
His flailing was comical, but his utterly serious face made him laugh.
"Yah!"
Moyong So-hye diving into the water with a strange shout.
"I'm not losing today, no matter what!"
Baek Ri-seol boldly declaring her ambition toward the whirlpool before getting sucked under with a scream.
His gaze took in Un-ho-seung, the twins, Dang-gan and Il-pyo, Jegal Tan, and others in turn.
"When the time to actually leave came, I almost forgot."
'To capture this scenery before going.'
At first, it was a relationship born from mutual interests.
But day by day, this daily life felt utterly natural.
At the same time, he even wanted to stay here forever as an instructor and watch them grow.
"Did I have such sensibility too?"
He had thought all weak emotions had worn away in his previous life.
"An unexpected discovery."
Chu Un-hwi muttered wistfully and let out a weary sigh.
"Looks like the fools' laid-back attitude has rubbed off on me. Not good..."
He had to unleash a storm of blood soon, after all.
He let out a self-mocking lament, but for some reason, he couldn't tear his gaze from the valley.
The sun set.
The moon rose plumply, creating foam of moonlight over the valley.
"......"
Chu Un-hwi smiled faintly and gazed endlessly at the valley, over and over.
Thud thud thud thud thud.
At the lead of a hundred galloping horses charging fiercely were two old men spurring ahead.
However, their posture on horseback was truly bizarre.
"Tch. My tail looks ridiculous."
The grumbling one was the old man with red twin swords slung across his back.
"The alliance leader is heartless too. I've served loyally my whole life, and this is the result? They say when the hunt ends, they eat the hunting dogs—it's exactly that."
Balancing solely on his two legs atop a horse galloping at full speed, hands clasped behind his head, tilting it without a wobble—an old man in black martial robes with half-white beard clicked his tongue.
"Watch your words. Have you forgotten the entire Iron Blood Beast Corps is the alliance leader's ears?"
"Die this way or that."
"Tch. You haven't improved a bit with age."
The Heavenly Silent Assassin's Sword, spitting curses, glanced back at the following Iron Blood Beast Corps and asked.
"More importantly, think of a way to earn merit and gain forgiveness."
"Heh heh heh. A way?"
Unclasping his hands to grip the reins, the old man sneered.
"Simple. This Brutal Death Squad steps up and slaughters them all. Wait."
Shrugging his shoulders, the old man spotted a procession in the distance and smacked his forehead.
"Heh heh. Perfect timing—guys to celebrate this seat's return are passing by."
What he pointed to was a merchant caravan group.
Their flustered looks upon seeing this side were laughably pathetic.
"Iron Blood Beast Corps!"
The old man shouted with a delighted smile.
"Go ahead and capture those bastards—string them up!"
"Yes, sir!"
Thud thud thud thud thud.
The hundred horsemen charged en masse toward the shimmering procession beyond the plains.
Once the decision for the rivers and lakes journey was set, there was no need to linger long.
After simple farewells, he immediately left the Divine Martial Academy.
"Prolonged goodbyes only bring sorrow."
Muttering that, he headed to a shabby民家 on the outskirts of Infinite Castle.
A group was already waiting there.
"M-My lord!"
"We've come to see you off, young master."
Yo-ran gave a slight curtsey beside the noisily bouncing Dan-ya.
"Heh heh. Didn't expect you to come see me off personally."
"How could I miss seeing off the historic moment of the young master stepping into the rivers and lakes?"
Chu Un-hwi chuckled at her deliberately pouty tone.
"A million-nyang smile on the road out—didn't know I'd enjoy such luxury."
"...Goodness, young master."
Watching Yo-ran's ears turn red as her face flushed, Dan-ya suddenly shoved her face in.
"My lord. What'll we do? A grand procession like before? Or maybe the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons with you on a golden throne crossing the rivers and lakes."
"Why draw attention, you fool."
"Eek."
Ignoring the black-bandaged one wilting dejectedly, Chu Un-hwi turned his head.
"Focus on crushing the Heavenly Net Society trash. It's been a while since stepping into the rivers and lakes."
"Leave it to me. Heh heh heh."
As Dan-ya grinned wickedly, Yo-ran approached and handed him two books.
"Investigation materials on the Iron Chain Alliance."
"You've worked hard, branch leader."
"Especially on the two death generals who set out this time. On the Brutal Death Squad and Heavenly Silent Assassin's Sword."
Flipping through, their unique martial arts and favored techniques were listed in detail.
"They're the ones the Iron Chain Alliance leader cherished like limbs. Knowing your enemies should help."
The books contained more than that. Even incredibly detailed histories that made one wonder how they were obtained.
"The moment they entered the rivers and lakes, they massacred two passing merchant caravans."
"Quite impatient fellows."
"They're already stirring up evil sects using their infamy as a weapon. As the alliance leader's trusted limbs, they're in fierce competition to catch his eye with loyalty."
"They even use their heads, huh?"
Chu Un-hwi closed the book.
"Useful info for the rookies."
"Not helpful for you, young master?"
"I don't need preparation. My enemies do."
"Young master..."
Yo-ran's eyes wavered with disappointment at her hard work being dismissed as useless.
"Sorry. Can't lie. Hmm..."
Stroking his chin, Chu Un-hwi added,
"More importantly, something I want to know."
"Y-Yes, young master. Whatever it is, I'll find out."
"Not that."
Glancing above Yo-ran's head, Chu Un-hwi asked,
"Know any famous jewelry shops in Fujian Province?"
"J-Jewelry shops?"
"Your hair ornaments look bare. I'll bring a gift on the way back. Look forward to it."
Yo-ran's face flushed again at the smile floating in the darkness.
"...L-Look forward to it...?"
"Haha. The million-nyang smile is pretty, but this side is too good to miss."
Smiling at her, Chu Un-hwi turned back with a sharp aura.
"Oha-jam-do."
At the call, Oha-jam-do, who had been guarding the perimeter, approached.
Having made significant progress in the Heavenly King Conclusion he relayed before, their auras were incomparable to past.
"Protect the branch leader until I return."
"We receive the Dark Lord's command."
"Then."
As he turned, the eldest of the flustered Oha-jam-do urgently shouted,
"Ah, Dark Lord. We've prepared a carriage."
"Carriage? No need."
"It's a long way to Fujian. They're all divine steeds, so if it's a hassle, at least ride one."
"No need for that either."
Drawing a firm line, Chu Un-hwi stepped back with a grin.
"No matter what you ride, you won't keep up with me alone."
Bam!
With a small foot stomp, his figure vanished before their eyes. Oha-jam-do blinked.
"Where to..."
"Gone in an instant."
Despite growth embarrassing to compare to before, they couldn't even sense his presence vanishing.
"The heavens."
Only after Yo-ran's point did Oha-jam-do spot the faint figure flying through the night sky.
"Flying dozens of jang with a human body."
"Truly a divine being."
The figure soon vanished from sight, heading east.
Toward Fujian Province, where all eyes in the rivers and lakes were drawn by the Iron Chain Alliance's emergence.
"Ughhh."
Moyong So-hye groaned like an old crone while pounding her limbs.
"My joints all ache."
"...I don't even have the energy to speak."
The two with pallid faces trudged along the alley.
This was a mountain lodge owned by the Baek Family, not far from the mountain pond.
It was called a lodge, but a splendid scenic spot built midway up the mountain.
Usually for wealthy merchants to rest or poets and scholars admiring the views, but they used it to recuperate when training fatigued them.
Moyong So-hye muttered nostalgically,
"Still harsh training, but compared to before, it's paradise. When thrown into the wild, there wasn't even lodging, let alone food."
"Forget men and women—couldn't distinguish human from beast."
"Eat or be eaten. That was it."
As they giggled recalling memories,
Baek Ri-seol's face suddenly shadowed.
"By the way... where did Instructor Chu go this time?"
"He said he's back from the promotion exam."
"Yeah, I know, but it's frustrating. Is this what it's like for a wife waiting for her husband outside?"
Moyong So-hye asked Baek Ri-seol, who dramatically placed a hand on her cheek and sighed.
"But... did Instructor Chu really propose?"
"Yes. I heard it clearly."
Baek Ri-seol insisted, but Moyong So-hye couldn't believe it.
"First, him calling you his treasure and promising to cherish you forever sounds too cheesy to buy."
"What? He's always romantic."
"A romantic guy dumps the girl he promised a future with like luggage? I thought you were skipped like a stone."
"Maybe embarrassed?"
The more she heard, the fishier it seemed, but with her adamant insistence, Moyong So-hye couldn't refute.
Changing the subject in resignation,
"Anyway, glad training's over. Thought gills would sprout on my neck."
"Agreed."
The hellish whirlpool was impossible for a human body to endure.
No matter the effort, getting battered in the rapids was the best.
"Can we find a way to break it before Instructor Chu returns?"
"Worry first about surviving it."
As they chatted while walking,
"Ugh!"
A stifled groan came from the alley corner ahead.
Followed by sharp voices.
"A beggar like you has no reason to be here."
"If you're harboring foolish thoughts, give up. You'll be disappointed soon enough."
"Knowing your place is a student's duty, right?"
At the clear hostility in the voices, Baek Ri-seol and Moyong So-hye exchanged looks.
"Sister, this is..."
"Yeah. Sounds like bullying?"
Flash.
Their gazes intertwined with mutual understanding.
"Should we intervene? Might be personal."
"We can check directly."
Tat tat!
The two swiftly turned into the alley.
In the alley depths were seven women surrounding one woman.
Clearly at odds with hostility, they wore familiar uniforms.
"...What? You guys?"
One of the gang turning annoyedly raised an eyebrow.
"Bronze Hall?"
Then sneered.
"Move along. This is senior sisters' business."
As she waved dismissively, a girl beside her spotted Baek Ri-seol and startled.
Whispering to the leader, the sneering woman's face filled with panic.
"Bronze Hall Ice Flower?"
Shocked gazes slowly turned to Moyong So-hye.
"Vampire Fist Girl!"
"Eek!"
The women shrieked in unison, retreating three steps instantly. Moyong So-hye was shocked.
If emotions could be voiced, it'd be 'Boom! Heaven-shattering shock!'
"Bronze Hall's Snow Woman and Blood Fist..."
"Why are those two here?"
"No rumors about this!"
In the panic, the woman who had been haughty earlier retreated with trembling lips.
"H-H-H... First time meeting like this. Student Baek Ri-seol."
"You know me?"
"Y-You're... quite famous?"
Her soft words belied her quivering lips.
As Baek Ri-seol advanced step by step, chin raised at the sudden meekness,
"This is the Baek Family lodge. What's this commotion near me?"
"Th-That is."
"Among you."
Baek Ri-seol narrowed her eyes, whispering the follow-up,
"I see some who begged for a lesson before. Was it insufficient?"
Clink.
As her five sheathed swords shifted in her arms, a fierce energy instantly swirled in the alley.
Having mastered controlling her aura through recent training.
The hostility-sensing outburst swept like a biting gale, panicking the women.
'Worse than the rumors!'
'Aura that chills the body?'
'Beyond student level already.'
The panicked women babbled excuses—no intent to fight, misunderstanding, nonsense.
Interest lost, Baek Ri-seol withdrew her aura and snapped coldly,
"Get lost!"
Rumble.
They fled the alley in hurried steps. Sighing at the sight, Baek Ri-seol turned to leave,
but Moyong So-hye was staring skyward, eyes squeezed shut, mouth agape.
"...No chance of making friends now."
"Didn't you give up already?"
"I had one last thread of hope."
"Give up. Instructor Chu said the rivers and lakes tomorrow will be crappier than today."
"Instructor Chu's an idiot. Moron. Sea cucumber. Anemone. Sea anemone. Waaah!"
As Moyong So-hye wailed all the insults she knew,
"Huh? Instructor Chu?"
"Huh?"
Turning sharply at the familiar title, the woman previously surrounded was dusting her clothes with a bright smile.
"Thanks for the help."
"Who are you? How do you know Instructor Chu?"
Awkward at the sharp reaction, the woman scratched her cheek with a finger resignedly.
"Hoho. Fate, huh. Actually, I was looking for Instructor Chu."
"Our instructor?"
"Yeah. Heard he's heading out soon."
Baek Ri-seol's face chilled at the sachet in her hand.
"You. What's your relation to Instructor Chu?"
"Nothing much, but I've received many favors. Wanted to repay somehow."
Favors? Repay?
A woman's instinct rang the alarm.