Tying Up Loose Ends
The Drunken King of Northern Yuan had out of nowhere left behind the phrase "Repay resentment with blood," and one of the bastards Hanseok had beaten down had the exact same words tattooed on the back of his hand. It was a neat summary of this entire incident, but it left me wondering what on earth it actually meant. I couldn't help but conclude that there was something deeply suspicious about this phrase, "Repay resentment with blood."
"Repay resentment with blood... I wonder what that's supposed to mean," Seonwoo Seol muttered, resting her chin on her hand with a contemplative look. It was her first time hearing the phrase too.
"Repay resentment with blood" sounded like the slogan of some newly emerged unorthodox sect. And a massive one at that.
"They breed guard dogs, kidnap people in broad daylight without getting caught, and are large enough to evade the surveillance of both the orthodox factions and the government to experiment on Poison Humans."
A crazy organization capable of recruiting the current grand villain, the Drunken King, and even the legendary Bat Twins of the previous generation? This wasn't a problem for rising stars like us to solve.
"Should we hand this over to the established ones?"
"Who's 'the established ones'?"
"No, it's not a person's name... I mean the masters who are way stronger than us."
"You should have just said so from the start." Seonwoo Seol gave my arm a playful nudge. Unlike before, she didn't hesitate to initiate physical contact these days.
Anyway, be that as it may.
Seonwoo Seol and I headed toward the Discipline Hall. Since we were both staff members of the academy, we had to report any major incidents to the Discipline Hall.
So, after a long time, we went to meet Woo Mi-do, the Discipline Hall Master. But...
"None of the three are here," the administrative instructor waved his hand.
"I understand the Principal being busy day and night, but Hall Master Woo and Dean Dan too?"
"The Principal and Hall Master Woo went to the Murim Alliance on other business, and the Northern and Western Pavilion Directors went to Gyeongsa."
"Oh, this is pretty important... Is there anyone else around?"
"The Sword Empress and the Southern Pavilion Director are still here. Why don't you try going to them?"
I hesitated at the administrative instructor's suggestion. Should I go to the Sword Empress, who I knew but who constantly tried to scout me into the Sword Pavilion, or the Southern Pavilion Director, who I didn't know but who was famous for his cold, rational demeanor?
"..."
The hesitation didn't last long. The answer was obvious.
"Ah, Inner and Outer Hall Master. And the Little Heavenly Demon Tutor is here as well."
"Southern Pavilion Director."
Even though it was early autumn, we decided to meet a muscular man who had coolly shed his shirt and possessed a wild mane of light pink hair. From the description alone, he sounded like a total weirdo, but in reality, he was an incredible figure.
He was Paeng Gyegeon, the Director of the Southern Pavilion and a martial artist who held the formidable title of the Cold-Hearted Fist King. He was famous for knocking out the teeth of villains for free with every swing of his boulder-like fists.
True to his title, Paeng Gyegeon spoke with an expression as chilly as a winter wind.
"I heard you and the Little Heavenly Demon Tutor stopped the Bat Twins."
Since we had arrived at the academy in a carriage alongside the Tang Clan warriors, it was inevitable that rumors of our exploits would spread. Especially with Man Hanseok wrapped head-to-toe in bandages like a mummy.
Fortunately, Dang Mieon had personally stopped by the Discipline Hall to explain the circumstances, allowing us to get through this quietly. If Dang Mieon hadn't vouched for us, we surely would have faced a scolding for putting a student in danger instead of protecting him.
"I'd like to say it was nothing, but honestly, it was quite overwhelming. If not for the Poison Dragon, I might have been severely injured myself."
"Even so, it is a magnificent achievement. Even if the Poison Dragon was the one who finished them, anyone would find a master who has unleashed their latent power to be a troublesome opponent."
Being praised with such a stoic face made me feel a bit bashful. Maybe I was like a whale that danced when complimented.
"I assume you didn't come here to boast of your achievements. What brings you to me?"
"Actually, the situation seems quite grave, so I wanted to report it first."
Technically, my position as the Inner and Outer Hall Master and Chief Chef didn't put me directly under the Pavilion Director, but "reporting" felt like the most appropriate term here.
I handed over a document detailing the mysterious organization that had recruited the Drunken King and the Bat Twins, as well as the recurring phrase "Repay resentment with blood."
Paeng Gyegeon, flipping through the papers, stroked his chin and pointed to a specific passage.
"Repay resentment with blood... Does it mean to wash away one's grudges with blood?"
"Yes, that is exactly how the characters were written."
At my reply, Paeng Gyegeon silently tapped his fingers on the desk. He looked deep in thought. Had he heard it somewhere before?
After a long silence, Paeng Gyegeon's lips twitched slightly, and he nodded.
"This is a very serious matter. I will inform the Principal immediately via carrier falcon."
"Thank you, Director."
"No need for thanks. Rather, we should thank you for allowing the academy to respond quickly."
Lowering his voice, Paeng Gyegeon scanned the surroundings before asking, "But is it true? Does this 'Poison Human' truly exist?"
"Ah, the Poison Human. According to Fellow Daoist Man Hanseok, who was there, yes. The Poison Dragon also confirmed it."
Paeng Gyegeon stroked his chin and shook his head.
"Hmm. It seems even our academy cannot escape this great storm."
"Do you think the impact will be that widespread?"
"Indeed."
With a grim expression, Paeng Gyegeon crossed his arms and answered.
"To prevent the creation of Poison Humans at all costs, the academy has always taught that the Poison Humans created by the Poison Star thirty years ago were merely mutant Poison Jiangshi. Someone has intentionally unsealed what we worked so hard to hide."
"He's right. Regardless of orthodox, unorthodox, or demonic factions, the creation of Poison Humans is strictly forbidden. Attempting to make one is tantamount to declaring war on the entire martial world," Seonwoo Seol added with a serious expression.
Paeng Gyegeon nodded. "The Little Heavenly Demon Tutor makes an excellent point. Kidnapping and experimenting on innocent civilians is already a heinous crime deserving of condemnation, but attempting to refine a Poison Human crosses a line that can never be uncrossed."
"So this mysterious organization shouting 'Repay resentment with blood' is willing to make enemies of everyone."
"Which is why I said the academy cannot escape this storm."
I was glad I reported it. This information would undoubtedly reach the Murim Alliance through the Tang Clan's channels. But rather than having the Murim Alliance pass it down to the academy, it was much better for me to deliver the information directly. As a vivid eyewitness account, there was less chance of the details being distorted.
Still crossing his arms, Paeng Gyegeon concluded, lost in thought.
"I hope nothing comes of it, but a great storm will soon blow through the academy."
With a final word of appreciation for our hard work, Paeng Gyegeon dismissed us. Leaving his office, we felt a lingering sense of unease.
"How do you think the Sacred Cult will view this situation?" I asked.
"Well... Knowing my father's personality, I can only guess he'll double down on preparations. He'll keep in constant contact with the Central Plains martial world."
"Does that mean they won't step outside of Xinjiang?"
"Probably. Although he inherited the title of Heavenly Demon, my father is surprisingly moderate. As long as the Central Plains doesn't provoke him, his stance is that the Sacred Cult will remain quiet."
If the Sacred Cult declared they would stay out of it, the ones to step up would likely be the Murim Alliance and the Imperial Court. I racked my brain trying to figure out how things would unfold, but since I wasn't a master strategist, it only gave me a headache.
"I don't know. Let's just go eat."
"...Why the sudden mention of food?"
"Vacation is almost over. Once the semester starts, I won't have much time to cook for you. So let's go eat."
"I like the sound of that, but isn't this a bit out of nowhere?"
"We've done everything we can. That's why."
Do your best and leave the rest to heaven. When you've done all you can, you leave the results to fate. Fretting over it won't make the mysterious organization suddenly vanish into thin air.
"How about the Japchae I made last time?"
"Chef Yoon, why do you put so many cellophane noodles in your Japchae? Usually, people only put vegetables and meat."
"Well, because it tastes better with cellophane noodles?"
"It definitely tastes good, but at that point, isn't it Chow Mein instead of Japchae?"
"It's up to the chef."
"What kind of logic is that?"
"So, do you hate Japchae?"
"I like it, but..."
"Then let's go eat Japchae."
Ah, when will I be able to proudly declare that this is Korean-style Japchae? It was a dilemma.
In front of the academy's main gate.
Man Hanseok, who had finally risen from his sickbed, tightly held the hand of Dang Go-hye, who was dressed in light travel attire.
"I will definitely visit Sichuan during the winter break."
"No. Sichuan is too far, so I'll go to Guangdong instead."
"Huh? Guangdong?"
At the sudden mention of his family home, Man Hanseok's face stiffened.
"Young Master Man's family home is in Guangdong, isn't it?"
"Well, yes, I know that..."
"...If we're dating, shouldn't we introduce ourselves to your parents? Are you embarrassed of me?"
"No, that's not what I meant... It's just, introducing you to my parents so suddenly is..."
Seeing Man Hanseok fluster and sweat, I couldn't help but chuckle.
Since Hanseok had recovered enough to spar with me again, Dang Go-hye could no longer use nursing him as an excuse to stay at the academy. Forced to return to her family home in Sichuan, she had spent her remaining time constantly drilling instructions into his head.
Seeing how she turned even their final farewell into an opportunity to discuss meeting the parents, she must have truly fallen for him.
Dang Go-hye smoothed down Man Hanseok's untidy collar, giving him a stern warning.
"If you look at another girl, I'll kill you."
"P-Please... our junior is watching. For our final farewell, can we say something proper instead of 'I'll kill you' or 'I'll destroy you'?"
As Man Hanseok gestured toward Gongson Yeongji, who was hiding behind my back, Dang Go-hye let out a soft sigh.
"......See you during winter break."
Perhaps feeling a bit shy, Dang Go-hye gave a coy pout before stepping onto the carriage.
"Chef Yoon, make sure Young Master Man doesn't fool around."
"Of course, you can count on me."
She had threatened to put laxatives in my food if I didn't, so of course I had to comply.
Just as she was about to leave, Dang Go-hye pulled a letter envelope from her sleeve and handed it to me.
"What is this?"
"The results of the investigation into the extreme poison in the glass vial you gave me. I was allowed to look at it too, and it was incredibly fascinating."
"Is that so?"
"You might be quite shocked when you read it."
With those final words, Dang Go-hye signaled Man Hanseok to come closer.
"Did you forget something?"
"Just come here."
As Man Hanseok leaned in close, Dang Go-hye suddenly grabbed him by the collar and...
Smooch!
Oh my, how scandalous! What on earth was that?
It wasn't on the lips, but I definitely saw Dang Go-hye's lips plant firmly on Man Hanseok's cheek.
"Uh, uh?"
"......Hmph."
Looking thoroughly satisfied, Dang Go-hye flashed a pleased smile, closed the carriage door, and departed from the academy.
As expected of a daughter of the Tang Clan, showing such public displays of affection without a care for who was watching.
"That lady certainly knows how to make an exit. Let's go, Han—huh?"
I was about to head back inside the academy, but I noticed Man Hanseok staring blankly at the departing carriage.
After watching Dang Go-hye's carriage for a long time, Man Hanseok finally managed to speak.
"......Chef Yoon."
"Yeah?"
"Is this feeling in my heart... love?"
"You crazy bastard."
With that, I turned around to head back to the main gate, only to find Seonwoo Seol casting sidelong glances at me.
"What?"
"O-Oh, nothing."
Autumn was just around the corner, but had everyone gone mad from the heat? Everyone was acting strange today.
"..."
Was I the only normal person here along with Gongson Yeongji?
The problem was, even Gongson Yeongji was looking at me with a subtle expression.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
"......No, it's nothing."
Everyone really needed to get their heads on straight.
The vacation was drawing to a close.
That meant it was time to prepare for the second semester.
Since I had to catch up on piled-up paperwork, I was in the Inner Dining Hall Master's office, planning the menus for next month and the month after.
"It has to be meat. There are so many kinds of meat in the world, why do we have to eat grass?"
"Balance is what's important. How can we eat meat every single day?"
"It's just not a proper meal if there's no meat. Ask any Fellow Daoist passing by, and they'll say the same thing."
"Sometimes you need to eat vegetables to soothe your stomach!"
"Meat!"
"Vegetables!"
Look at them go.
The carnivore Man Hanseok and the balanced-diet advocate Seonwoo Seol were locked in a fierce debate right in front of my desk.
How did this happen, you ask?
The three of them, including Gongson Yeongji, had slinked into my office, looked at the menu I had already finished planning for next month, and started backseat-driving—telling me to take this out and put that in. Before long, they had ended up fighting among themselves.
Meanwhile, Gongson Yeongji, the youngest of the group, was sitting quietly in her chair, waiting patiently while the two oldest after me were bickering like children.
"Yeongji."
"Yes...?"
"What do you think?"
"...I think there are too few mushrooms."
"Ah, mushrooms. You're right. I should add more mushrooms."
The moment I made the adjustment based on Gongson Yeongji's suggestion, Man Hanseok grumbled with a pout.
"Hey, why do you listen to our junior but completely ignore our suggestions?"
"Aren't you embarrassed to be arguing with a first-year junior?"
"Mushrooms are tasty too, but still, meat is..."
"Eating too much meat will make you sick. Do you want to get gout?"
"Ah, that's a bit..."
Dismissing Man Hanseok's complaints, I continued writing the menu.
Slam!
Without a knock or a warning, the door burst open. Everyone, including myself, was startled.
Three men entered: two dressed in gloomy black robes, and one in bright orange. The man in orange looked to be of a decent age, but his face was clean-shaven and remarkably delicate. Furthermore, the way he scurried in with short, mincing steps like a woman with bound feet was incredibly bizarre.
"This is the Inner Dining Hall Master's office, correct?"
What was with that high-pitched, nasal voice? It sounded like someone who had inhaled half a balloon of helium... Oh, wait.
Could it be?
"Yes, it is. Who might you be?"
"You do not seem to know who I am."
"I have a rough idea, but I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions."
At my response, the man let out a sly, high-pitched chuckle.
"Hohoho."
"Are you from the Eastern Depot?"
At my question, Man Hanseok flinched and looked around nervously. He was probably thinking I was finally being dragged away for badmouthing the Emperor.
"Quick-witted, aren't we?"
The man placed a hand over his chest and introduced himself.
"I am Ha Migwa of the Eastern Depot. My rank, of course, is Associate Director."
"......!"
At his brief introduction, Seonwoo Seol gasped in surprise and whispered to me.
"...If he's the Associate Director, he's the second-in-command of the Eastern Depot."
Gasp.
This unimposing-looking middle-aged man was the second-in-command of the Eastern Depot?