Chapter 148
Chapter 148
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 148
Chapter Title: Spear Star Mo Yong-hwi
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I shared stories with Gwang-yang about what was left.
"Still, I've made a few acquaintances. The kids are generally good-natured. Even with big age gaps, they treat me kindly. Most are in their teens, twenties are sparse, and... there's only one other person in their thirties like me."
"Is that person a late starter?"
"No. He said he started early. But he doesn't put in any effort. He's the type who just makes excuses all day long. I treated him well at first since he followed me around calling me 'Brother Gwang, Brother Gwang'... but then I found out he was gambling behind my back."
"...Gambling?"
"Yes. Dressed like a slacker, but he's from a wealthy family. Turns out he's the black sheep kicked out from a house that even runs a merchant guild. He kept clinging to me saying 'just for today'... Haven't seen him since I cut him off clean."
"Hm."
I glanced up at the building in front of us. Everything was elegantly antique and beautiful.
Solid, expensive-looking structures that bespoke the Murim Alliance's prestige.
"How are the dorms?"
"There are four dorms in total... divided into new and old buildings, and each of those into main and annex halls. They're numbered Dorm 1 through Dorm 4 in order."
"Big differences?"
"Dorm 1 is just luxurious. They even have personal maids, great food... paradise. Dorm 1 is huge, like a palace. Dorm 2 is a step down, no personal maids, but shared attendants handle everything so no inconveniences."
"And the old ones..."
"Up to Dorm 3 is livable. Fewer attendants, but they still clean for you. Buildings are worn but tidy... food's decent too. Right here."
"What about Dorm 4?"
"Dorm 4... honestly, it's in bad shape. They call it the Dead Dorm more often. It's on the outskirts of the Heavenly Martial Academy, far from the river too. Buildings look like they'll collapse any minute... students handle maintenance themselves. There's a cafeteria, but rations are so poor they go out to work on the side."
"...What kind of academy is that?"
"We thought it was just a rumor at first... but it's not. Master. Want to check it out together?"
Truth be told, I was curious.
Whether such a place existed in this seemingly flawless academy.
"Later. Meeting the director comes first."
"Oh, right. What about Su-ah? Isn't she too young to leave here?"
"True, but... I hear the Heavenly Martial Academy's age limit is fifteen."
"...That tiny girl is over fifteen?"
"Yeah. Exactly fifteen."
I'd heard it straight from her. No reason to lie.
Gwang-yang clicked his tongue.
"I know kids don't grow if they don't eat properly... but how neglected was she to end up like that? What kind of parents were they?"
"Who knows. Didn't pry deep... but they weren't decent people. Don't bring it up with Su-ah. Could hurt her."
"...Got it. Still... she's so small, worried the kids might bully her..."
"Handle it then. Gwang-yang."
"M-Master asking me...! I'll treat her like my own daughter!"
Gwang-yang thumped his chest. I chuckled.
"Thanks."
"No need! Master! After all you've given me...!"
"How's Mighty Force Sword?"
"Ah. Well... there's a snag. Explain now?"
"No. Later, all at once. Time to move again soon. Gwang-yang. When Na-rin returns, watch Su-ah together. Be kind."
"Yes! Master! Safe travels!"
I left. Heavenly Martial Academy Director, Mo Yong-hwi.
Beneath the Four Reverends are the Five Stars.
Beneath the Seven Swords, Nine Dragons soar.
That famous rumor included the existence of the Five Stars.
A nickname isn't just about raw martial prowess. It's born from achievements and the tales people naturally spin around them.
Stronger ones might hide throughout the murim. But the famed aren't weak by any means.
The Four Reverends above the heavens.
And right below, five twinkling stars.
One represented Mo Yong-hwi.
"...You're the Silent Sword."
Austere office. Stark silence, not a single luxury in sight.
The man seated there set down his tea.
One of the Five Stars.
Spear Star Mo Yong-hwi.
From the sword-renowned Moyong Clan, a rare spear master.
I bowed amid his unmasked, prickling aura.
At least peak Harmony Realm entry.
No pushover.
"Greetings, Spear Star."
"Skip the embarrassing title. Director's fine."
"Yes, Director."
He stood. Loomed before me. His face was dignified yet strikingly handsome.
They said the director's fame came from more than just skill, but his looks too...
Not wrong.
"Heard about your exploits. Impressive feats."
"I'm ashamed."
"Your task here is simple. Assist in the beginner class, teach the students."
"With my shallow foundation, I worry if I can do it properly."
"Extend your hand."
Same as the Murim Alliance Lord did before.
Mo Yong-hwi gripped my wrist, frowning. Bluntly asked.
"A body that can't hold inner energy?"
"Yes."
"...Yet you kept wielding the sword."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Why, indeed.
I answered simply.
"I wanted to grow strong."
"...Hm."
He nodded curtly and returned to his seat.
"Instructors use the same dorms as students. For you... Dorm 1 might cause friction."
"What do you...?"
"Dorm 1 is for scions of the Nine Great Gates and Five Great Clans. You stirred up Shaolin; their glares won't be friendly."
"I see."
"Can't put you in Dorm 2 either. That's for those closely tied to Dorm 1. More friction. Best is Dorm 3. Some inconveniences, but I'll assign a dedicated maid."
"That's fine."
"Don't refuse my kindness."
Kindness, or surveillance?
I nodded reluctantly. He reached for the stacked documents.
"You'll be here just over two months. Take what you want. I won't stop you."
"Thank you."
"One warning..."
He glanced up.
"Don't enter the special management wing. No matter what."
"...Pardon?"
"No explanation. No need. Just stay out. That's enough."
"........."
"Welcome to Heavenly Martial Academy. A warrior reflects on self while teaching others."
Mo Yong-hwi tidied his papers.
"Get any missing details from your supervising instructor outside. Silent Sword. A word of caution... don't stir trouble here. Handling it is my duty... Personally, I'd prefer you stay low and vanish quietly."
".......?"
To lower my guard?
Or is his tie to the Alliance Lord more than allies?
Before pondering his parting words' meaning, he pointed to the door.
"Business done. Out. Red Cloud."
"...Director."
"More to say?"
"It's about..."
I explained about Su-ah.
He nodded calmly, as if already informed.
"I'll place the child in beginner class. Alliance Lord's already approved. But Red Cloud. One question. Heard she's no kin. Just a nobody picked up in Shaolin territory."
Background check done already.
Shady bunch.
Mo Yong-hwi tilted his head.
"Why bring such a child?"
"...Promised to reunite her with missing parents, but couldn't. They were long dead... So I took responsibility. That's all."
"......"
Mo Yong-hwi's eyes narrowed. Couldn't read the emotion.
Just an eviction notice.
"Business done. Leave."
I exited.
The waiting man frowned at me.
My supervising instructor. Overseer of the entire beginner class.
"Outside, who knows. But inside, I'm unequivocally your senior. Red Cloud. Name's Im Won-pyeong."
"Yes, Senior."
"Don't know what fluke built your fame, but power without backing has limits."
The refined-looking man clicked his tongue. Eyes burned with clear hostility.
"Don't get cocky."
That one line revealed his feelings.
Jealousy and envy.
Didn't like my fame.
"Yes, Senior."
I bowed. Might as well comply for now.
Can't expect everyone to like you. His attitude was his choice; no need to threaten unless crossed.
Just cut him down if he oversteps.
I followed him to learn my instructor duties.
...
Underground training hall.
The woman sprawled atop it panted. She brushed sweat-matted hair from her cheek, cursing through pretty lips.
"Driving me crazy... Why does the gap feel even wider than before...?"
"Know the saying, 'the more you know, the more you see'?"
The equally sweat-soaked woman handed her water.
"What we saw was just the tip of the iceberg. As levels rise, the massive outline gradually reveals itself."
"Even so... there's a limit. For humans..."
"Does the First Demon seem human to you?"
"...Fair. So I haven't weakened? Right?"
"Of course. Ryeong-ryeong, you're stronger. Much more than before."
The woman, Joo Ryeong-ryeong, sprang up. Gulped the water.
"Pwah! Feels alive. Thanks."
The woman, Black Peony, shoved her away firmly.
"Don't cling. Ryeong-ryeong. You stink."
"I stink?"
"You know. After getting hit by the First Demon, impurities seep out with sweat. Ridiculous hair-removal marrow-wash. Only she and the Cult Leader could do it."
"Sniff sniff. I don't smell."
"Nose clogged. Blow it."
Joo Ryeong-ryeong blew her nose.
A hard booger popped out.
"...What stench is this?!"
"Never noticed?"
"Nope. Always passed out after Leader beat me. Then Dan-hwa sprinkled water. Sniff sniff. Nasty. Wow. My body had this smell...? Not before, right?"
"No. Clumped impurities, extra foul. Come on, wash up. First time awake after sparring today? Do it yourself."
"Dan-hwa didn't faint?"
"Head feels exploded instead. Who knew the First Demon was versed in both civil and martial?"
"Still love it. Hurts... but before it was pointless pain, now it's purposeful. Plus... feel a bit stronger?"
"Not a bit, a lot. Time passed too. Me too. Since dantian fully healed, growing fast. Combining old martial arts and spells... even surprised the First Demon."
"Can't picture her surprised."
"Eyebrows twitched in front of me. Definitely shocked."
"Really?"
"Yep."
They quickly washed and donned clothes. The First Demon's mansion, now their home.
After dawn training, personal review followed. Black Peony and Joo Ryeong-ryeong headed to her study.
"Hate studyingyy."
"Have to anyway. Ryeong-ryeong. Fools lose much. To seize everything fiercely, learn all kinds."
"I knooow... I knooow... Ugh..."
"First time seeing someone cry over studying. Really."
Joo Ryeong-ryeong studied grudgingly through tears. Then crashed on the desk, brain overloaded.
"Ah."
Whispering at the stacked books.
A missed name.
"Miss Red Cloud."
"...Mood drops suddenly."
"Said something wrong?"
"I miss him too, holding back."
"Ah. Miss him. Miss him. Miss him."
"One more, and I'll spank you."
Black Peony persisted doggedly, writing more characters.
Then slyly slumped like Ryeong-ryeong. Servants passing whispered at the duo sighing beauties.
"Something happened..."
"Too gorgeous, aren't they?"
"And kind."
"Hold their hand once, dream fulfilled."
Black Peony, cheek on arm, lifted her head.
Her smooth brow furrowed slightly.
"Ugh... was suppressing it..."
"Others like us?"
"Heard Eun Seol-ran always scowls lately. What about Baek Mae? Looked half-dead last time. Asked me about Red Cloud's moves... knew nothing, couldn't help."
"Groooan..."
"With sect leaders gone with Cult Leader, vice leaders run sects now. Power shifts brewing, lots buzzing in Demon Hall. Serving proxy First Demon, ran into Nine Heavens Jade Maiden Geum Seo-ryeon by chance... asked me where her disciple went."
"That woman's still on that?"
"Her skills seem higher too. Honed her blade? Like the First Demon... hates losing. Wants what she likes at any cost."
"Like me."
"Me too."
Exchanging glances, they gripped brushes again.
"Gotta work hard... to see Red Clooooud... Anyway, how's Baek Mae?"
"Hearing her skills advance by leaps. Details? No. Barely talked self last meet. But her aura's sharply different... chilling presence now."
"Everyone's grinding..."
"Each has goals. Baek Mae: Blood Demon Squad. Eun Seol-ran: revenge..."
"Ours?"
"Red Cloud."
"Right."
A voice intruded.
"Ryeong-ryeong. Too one-track? Love's better with variety. Try a nice guy nearby? Like me."
Black Peony and Joo Ryeong-ryeong turned.
Full Moon's info broker, Black Wind, leaned on the door grinning. Tipped his stylish hat.
"Long time, ladies?"
Black Peony asked sourly.
"When'd I request? Coming now?"
"...Busted my ass gathering intel... manners eaten by dogs? Ryeong-ryeong, not you too?"
"Who?"
"...Full Moon! Black Wind of Full Moon! We shared a bed! At that clinic!"
"Don't say creepy shit. I was alone."
"Same room!"
Black Wind spun fuming.
"Fine, leaving then. Tsk."
"Drop the info. Forgot we're Full Moon clients? Want a beating?"
"...Argh, regret giving that then!"
Grumbling, Black Wind pulled documents.
"Gathered Red Cloud stuff as requested. Big fuss at Murim Alliance."
"...Safe?"
"Tangled deep with Buljon of Shaolin... no life threats. Our branches scarce in murim, hard to gather. Praise me."
"Buljon? Fought one of Justice Faction's top four? I know him... body's fine?! Right?!"
"Tease more, you're dead. Spill."
"...Warmth please..."
"What's pretty about you?"
"........."
Black Wind scratched his head.
"Anyway, listen sharp from now..."
"I'll hear that too."
Black Wind flinched. Eyes swiveled to meet another's.
The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's most dangerous figure.
Heavenly Demon Proxy.
First Demon.
She tilted her head.
"What's Red Cloud doing now?"
"First Demon. Weren't you at Demon Hall?"
"Some shadow sneaked into the mansion, so I returned."
"Wha...? Pierced my peak stealth art...?"
"That noisy? Weirder not to notice. Speak quick. Before I rip your mouth open myself."