A Sudden Order
Seonwoo Seol returned to the West Blue Bird Hall for a brief moment during lunchtime. The moment she stepped into her room, she found her personal maid, who had accompanied her all the way from the Sacred Cult, waiting silently with her head bowed.
"What is it? Did something happen?"
"My Lady, a letter has arrived from the Sacred Cult."
"A letter? For me?"
"Yes, My Lady."
'It's just a letter. Why is she being so cautious?'
Seonwoo Seol stared at the envelope held in her maid's hands. On the back of the black silk envelope, a single character was written in a powerful, sweeping script that resembled a soaring dragon.
Seol ().
'Father...?'
Even with just that single character, she knew exactly whose handwriting it was. The Heavenly Demon, Seonwoo Dan.
She couldn't fathom why he had suddenly sent a letter. Usually, even when she wrote to him asking if he didn't miss his own daughter, he would only send verbal messages back through his subordinates.
Pouting slightly, Seonwoo Seol took the letter from her maid and unfolded it.
The spring breeze has receded, and the scorching heat is slowly creeping in. I wonder how you are doing. How is it that you do not send even a single word to your father?
Seonwoo Seol chuckled at the words, feeling as though her father was acting like a spoiled child.
'You wouldn't even reply if I wrote to you anyway.'
Following that was a long list of complaints about how he thought of his daughter day and night, whether sitting or standing.
...Though I have many worries, the subordinates I assigned to you report that all is well, so I shall set my anxieties aside. From here on, I write of serious matters.
Seonwoo Seol, who had been enjoying this rare glimpse of her father's softer side, froze the moment she read the next lines. The content was serious enough to instantly wipe the smile from her face.
...I wish for you to cease your activities as a head tutor at the Academy after this year and return to the Cult. This is not a request from a father, but an order from Seonwoo Dan, the Leader of the Sacred Cult.
An order to cease her duties as a head tutor and return to the Sacred Cult. Seonwoo Seol bit her lip at the bolt from the blue.
'You said that since I would have to spend my entire life serving the Sacred Cult and its followers, I could live freely while I was at the Academy...'
Seonwoo Seol felt a surge of resentment toward Seonwoo Dan for breaking his promise. It was because she did not know the deeper circumstances binding herself, the Sacred Cult, and the Academy.
Seonwoo Seol was the daughter of Seonwoo Dan. Her very enrollment in the Academy served as proof that the Heavenly Demon harbored no ambitions toward the Jianghu. She was a hostage, a living declaration to the rest of the world that the Cult would cause no harm.
She had become such a symbol because the Mutual Righteousness Academy itself had been established for that very purpose.
On the surface, the Mutual Righteousness Academy was described as a place of learning to foster righteous martial artists, but the reality was far different. It was more accurate to view it as collateral for peace, born from The Secret Pact forged by the giants of the Central Plains.
The previous Emperor, the Wulin Alliance Leader, the Cult Leader, and the Leader of the Four Blood Alliance—the heart of the unorthodox factions—had all agreed to this secret pact to avoid a devastating civil war of mutual destruction. Only by putting their most precious children on the line could they put a brake on the ambitions of power-hungry elders who thirsted for conflict.
Thus, the descendants of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, as well as key figures from the Sacred Cult and the Four Blood Alliance, were all forced to enroll in the Mutual Righteousness Academy.
In truth, the Academy was a place where the youth of the Jianghu, hailing from clans and sects of all sizes, were kept in check and monitored under the guise of education.
Naturally, this surveillance was carried out by the instructors dispatched from the various sects, clans, and the Imperial Palace. Of course, even the instructors themselves were unaware that their role was to spy on the children. They had no idea that the periodic reports they submitted to the Academy were being used for such a purpose.
These inner workings were secrets kept from even the successors of the various sects and clans; only an extremely select few knew the truth.
Even Seonwoo Seol believed her enrollment was merely to interact with the Imperial Palace and the orthodox factions on behalf of her father, the Heavenly Demon. She was completely oblivious to the fact that she was a hostage.
Under these circumstances, even the peerless Heavenly Demon, Seonwoo Dan, could not reject the secret pact forged by the previous Cult Leader and the giants of the Central Plains. Breaking the pact would undoubtedly dye the waters of the Yangtze River crimson.
Yet, he was still a father. Wanting to grant Seonwoo Seol everything she desired, and despite knowing exactly what kind of place the Academy was, he had allowed her to remain there as a head tutor for her safety and peace of mind.
However, that indulgence could no longer be extended.
Given the nature of the Sacred Cult, which revered strength above all else, it was uncertain whether she would succeed Seonwoo Dan as the next Cult Leader. After all, the Heavenly Demon Seonwoo Dan himself had risen to his position not through bloodline, but because he was the most talented disciple of the previous Heavenly Demon.
Nevertheless, with talent like hers, it was inevitable that Seonwoo Seol would assume a vital role within the Cult. Though he ordered her return for various other unrevealed reasons, to Seonwoo Seol, he simply looked like a father who had broken his word.
The letter, which thoroughly concealed Seonwoo Dan's true feelings and the underlying reality, grew increasingly formal toward the end.
...Starting next year, the child of the Left Guardian will enroll. I expect you to prepare the necessary handover materials for them in advance.
Perhaps because of this, the latter half of Seonwoo Dan's letter felt rather trivial to Seonwoo Seol. Still, knowing that any oversight could lead to trouble, she read it thoroughly before tossing it into the brazier for security.
Whoosh...
At the thought of having to leave the Academy next year, Seonwoo Seol watched the letter turn to ash in the flames, her face clouded with worry.
"My Lady, was the news bad?"
"Yes... It seems I can only remain a head tutor until the end of this year."
Hearing Seonwoo Seol's melancholic tone, the maid looked at her with concern. Having served as her nanny since she was a mere child, she wanted nothing more than to comfort her young mistress.
With a reassuring tone, the maid began to massage Seonwoo Seol's shoulders.
"Then you must do your absolute best so that no regrets remain."
"My absolute best?"
"Yes, My Lady. Once you return to the Sacred Cult, won't you regret the things you left unfinished here? I believe it is best to bring a proper, definitive end to everything so that doesn't happen."
'A definitive end...'
Seonwoo Seol nodded. Her maid's words made perfect sense.
'Indeed. I shouldn't leave any room for regret.'
She would do everything she could possibly do at the Academy. Clenching her fists with renewed determination, a certain someone came to mind.
Yoon Gomyung.
A man who always wore a goofy, carefree smile, yet possessed a depth of character greater than anyone else in the Academy.
'Should I tell him that I'm returning to the Sacred Cult next year...?'
While Seonwoo Seol was lost in thought, a knock sounded at the door.
"My Lady, shall I let them in?"
"Yes, let them in."
As the maid opened the door, a familiar figure met Seonwoo Seol's gaze.
"Vice Commander?"
The Vice Commander of the Shadowless Unit stepped inside with a stiff expression, his attire unusually disheveled.
"You said you would return before dawn. You're a bit late."
"My apologies... I was investigating those who bear the unidentified tattoos."
Sensing that something was off, Seonwoo Seol gestured toward a floor cushion.
"Are you hurt? Please, sit down first and we can—"
"No, just give me a moment... *Cough!*"
The pale-faced Vice Commander coughed, covering his mouth. Dark blood seeped through his fingers, leaving Seonwoo Seol in utter shock.
"Vice Commander, wait! You've suffered severe internal injuries!"
"...It seems... things have become rather complicated."
"Tell me exactly what happened! What do you mean?"
Just as Seonwoo Seol sprang up to support him, he collapsed.
"Ugh..."
The Vice Commander fell straight to the floor.
"Vice Commander! Pull yourself together!"
Unable to comprehend this sudden turn of events, Seonwoo Seol knew she had to find someone immediately.
Someone who possessed the medical knowledge to treat his injuries, yet could be trusted to keep the secret of a Shadowless Unit member whose identity must never be revealed.
There was only one person in the entire world who fit both criteria.
The Small Martial Arts Ground, a secluded training area where few people ever ventured. Two figures stood facing each other.
It was none other than Man Hanseok and myself.
Man Hanseok grinned and clasped his hands in a martial salute.
"Alright, here I come!"
With those words, he unsheathed the spear slung across his back.
His long spear, crafted from black ironwood, was incredibly sturdy yet remarkably flexible. The spear shaft bent almost to its breaking point before the tip whipped forward, colliding directly with my forearm.
Clang!
It wasn't the sound of flesh hitting wood, but rather the heavy ring of a stone pillar being struck. Man Hanseok's eyes widened in surprise.
"...Fist Qi!"
"Huh? Surely the instructors and head tutors show you that all the time?"
"I knew it! You really are a master!"
It had been a long time since I'd seen a face filled with such pure, unadulterated admiration, completely devoid of jealousy.
This was a guy who, despite having his yang energy fully replenished, didn't waste it on anything foolish and immediately challenged me to a spar. He was the absolute epitome of innocence.
Of course, while his personality and speech were pure, the spear techniques he was unleashing on me were the definition of brutal.
Even when his body had been riddled with cold yin energy, his spearplay had been incredibly swift. Now, even as an absolute master in the Peak Realm, I found myself instinctively forced to defend.
Clack! Clang!
As Man Hanseok swung his long spear like a massive club, I deflected the blows with my left arm, utilizing the subtle principles of softness to redirect his force.
The problem was that even though I had deflected the strikes using soft force, the residual shockwave from the spear brushing past my left arm was immense. My entire arm vibrated from the impact.
It was as if his newly restored yang energy had given him wings. What was this, some kind of martial energy drink?
Whoosh!
Grit-toothed, Man Hanseok swung his spear in a massive, sweeping arc. He was clearly aiming to land a heavy blow that would send me rolling or stumbling, but unfortunately for him, that wasn't quite enough to break my guard.
With that final strike, the three free moves I had granted him came to an end.
Each of his blows had been incredibly heavy, making them highly satisfying to block.
Grip.
Man Hanseok took a deep breath and tightened his hold on his spear. He seemed to realize that none of his three opening moves had breached my defenses.
"Are you ready now?"
"...Yes!"
A crisp, energetic reply. A bright grin spread across Man Hanseok's face, showing he was thoroughly enjoying this.
Thud!
I stomped my foot firmly onto the ground. Executing a powerful step, I lunged forward, instantly closing the distance using the First Stage of the Baekyak-gwonkyeol.
Weaving in a zigzag pattern, I threw a fierce punch coated in fist qi.
"Ugh!"
Clatter!
Man Hanseok deflected my fist with his spear and immediately reacted, swiftly leaping backward to create space.
Then, utilizing the elasticity of the spear shaft, he attempted to whip the weapon around to strike my upper body and sweep me off my feet.
Swish!
But I was just a fraction faster. I bent my upper body backward, folding at the waist as if snapping in half.
Ordinarily, the thick spear shaft would have slammed into my ribs, but unfortunately for him, it found only empty air.
Instead, I was going to use the spring-like tension of my waist to deliver a devastating counterattack.
A massive shockwave infused with the profound principles of the Third Stage of the Baekyak-gwonkyeol.
"Ah...!"
Man Hanseok's face fell in shock, clearly not expecting me to evade his strike in such a manner.
I seized the opening to strike back.
I snapped my bent waist upright. Nothing else, just my waist.
As I straightened my spine with explosive speed, I channeled the power of the Third Stage—a force capable of shattering solid boulders—into my fist.
And I unleashed a single strike.
The Third Stage of the Baekyak-gwonkyeol: Yearning Day and Night.
A technique that embodied the anxious, sleepless worry of one desperately seeking to save another.
Realizing it was too late to dodge, Man Hanseok instinctively gripped his spear with both hands, raising it to form a desperate block.
Boom!
The moment the explosive force of the Third Stage collided with the spear, a heavy tremor rippled through the air.
"Whoa?!"
With a startled cry, Man Hanseok was sent flying backward.
Such was the sheer destructive power of Yearning Day and Night—it could blow back even a massive, heavy frame like his in an instant.
Startled, Man Hanseok bounced off the ground and sprang back to his feet like a giant rubber ball.
Clack! Clatter!
He began targeting my vital points, unleashing a dazzling flurry of spear strikes to disrupt my vision.
Despite his rugged, straightforward appearance, he was remarkably adept at using feints and variations.
Every time I blocked one of his sudden transitions, the collision between his spearhead and my fist qi sent sparks flying through the air.
Seeing him execute the Ice Limit Spear with far greater intensity than during his usual training, it was clear he was pouring every ounce of his soul into this spar.
Watching his dedication to the duel gave even me pause for thought.
I had seen countless students training in the Small Martial Arts Ground and other small practice yards around the Academy.
Some practiced with burning passion, while others merely went through the motions half-heartedly.
But out of everyone I had observed, Man Hanseok was by far the most diligent.
Right now, he was far from a pretty sight. Sweat poured off him like rain, and his breathing was incredibly ragged.
Yet, his expression was brighter than ever.
He was pouring everything he had into this spar, looking as though there was nothing in the world he enjoyed more.
"..."
I stepped forward to meet his passion.
'Maybe helping students who struggle like Man Hanseok isn't such a bad way to spend my time,' I thought.
Once more, I thrust my fist forward.
Boom!
"Whoa!"
Instead of dodging, Man Hanseok blocked the incoming punch head-on and was sent skidding backward once again.
This time, however, he managed to keep his balance and land firmly on his feet. He let out a breathless chuckle.
"Wow... I really can't beat you, Chef Yoon."
"No, you did great. Your strength is no joke."
The only things Man Hanseok lacked were raw skill and experience. And even those would come with time if he kept training this hard.
Only after we had caught our breath and brushed the dust off our clothes did we resume our conversation.
"By the way, that sweeping move you used earlier. Instead of using it as a feint, wouldn't it be better to use it as a direct strike?"
"Well, that form was originally meant for that, but..."
While we were discussing the techniques from our spar, a figure clad in familiar crimson martial robes came sprinting toward us from the edge of the Small Martial Arts Ground.
Wait, I recognized those robes.
"Oh, Little Heavenly Demon?"
The person who skidded to a halt in front of me was Seonwoo Seol, looking incredibly frantic.
Without even taking a moment to catch her breath, she grabbed me, her voice laced with urgency.
"Chef Yoon, it's an emergency! Hurry!"
"Huh? Wait, what's the emergency?"
"Just follow me, quick!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
Knowing that I couldn't use high-level movement techniques properly, Seonwoo Seol simply grabbed me by the waist and hoisted me up.
"Ch-Chef Yoon?"
Man Hanseok stared at us with a completely blank expression, utterly bewildered by Seonwoo Seol's sudden action.
"I'll explain later!" I yelled back.
But seriously, since when was I this easy to lift?
Carrying me like a sack of potatoes, Seonwoo Seol dashed through the Academy grounds at breakneck speed. I managed to ask her mid-flight:
"What on earth is going on?"
"The Vice Commander is hurt!"
"The Vice Commander? You mean the Vice Commander of the Shadowless Unit?"
I was genuinely shocked to hear that the very man who had once been caught spying on me—only to be bribed with dasik—was injured.
But if he was hurt, shouldn't she be taking him to a physician instead of...? Ah.
Right. His identity as a member of the Shadowless Unit couldn't be exposed.
Given Seonwoo Seol's status as the Little Heavenly Demon, he was essentially her secret bodyguard.
Arriving at the West Blue Bird Hall, Seonwoo Seol carried me straight into her quarters.