Episode 106: Return to the Martial Arts Academy

The period of probation for Sabi Kang had finally come to an end.

Naturally, this meant that the special class cadets could resume their lessons as well.

As a result, the area around the special class building buzzed with the lively energy of students gathering early in the morning.

The academy, which had once been swept by a storm of conflict, was slowly regaining its former vitality.

Watching the scene from a distance was Cheon Sae-myung, who had once faced death at the hands of Eon Byeok in the Hoja Forest.

Yet, something about his expression had changed.

Where once his gaze was sharp and critical, now he looked upon the special class building with an unexpectedly gentle expression.

Just then, Instructor Deung approached him.

“The special class is starting lessons again, I see.”

Cheon Sae-myung nodded slowly.

“In the end, everything seems to be finding its rightful place, doesn’t it?”

Deung looked at him with wide eyes, surprised by the unexpected softness in Cheon Sae-myung’s demeanor.

In the past, he would have been plotting ways to trouble Sabi Kang by now.

But now, he seemed to regard the special class with a fondness.

Could it be that surviving a brush with death had changed him?

After all, it was Sabi Kang who had saved him.

Cheon Sae-myung turned to Deung.

“Instructor Deung, I think I’ve been wrong all this time.”

“What do you mean…?”

“I used to think Instructor Sabi Kang was unfit to be an instructor. His past weaknesses, his recent impulsive actions—none of it sat well with me.”

“Understandably so.”

“But now I’ve realized I was mistaken. The qualities of a good instructor don’t come from such things.”

“What are you saying…?”

“He’s an excellent instructor. He knows how to nurture talent and protect his students. Moreover, he stands firm against the envy and jealousy of his fellow instructors.”

Deung could hardly believe his ears.

To hear Cheon Sae-myung speak so highly of Sabi Kang was astonishing.

Cheon Sae-myung continued with a wry smile.

“Perhaps I envied his talents. I must have been jealous, which is why I tried so hard to make things difficult for him.”

“You’re the head instructor, after all. It’s natural to question and monitor the qualities of an instructor…”

But Cheon Sae-myung shook his head.

“No, I know better than anyone that it’s not something that can be dressed up like that. And I’m grateful to you for trying to understand my ugly side.”

“Instructor Cheon…”

“Despite my pettiness, Instructor Sabi Kang saved me from danger.”

”…”

“Not only that, before the organizational competition, he repeatedly warned us about the schemes of the dark sect. Yet, I branded him a traitor and insisted on proceeding with the competition. It’s truly shameful.”

“Instructor Cheon, everyone makes mistakes.”

“Yes, everyone makes mistakes. But when they become frequent, trust is lost.”

“Still, hearing your feelings makes me feel ashamed. I still think about the broken Ohocheon Hwangdo…”

“Hahaha. How could I not understand your feelings, Instructor Deung? But that was the result of a fair match, so don’t let it weigh on you.”

“Understood. I’ve learned a lot from you today, Instructor Cheon.”

“I’m just embarrassed. Instructor Sabi Kang… he might truly be someone I can’t even hope to surpass. Even in this situation, he never once blamed me. Not even once. He’s truly a man of great virtue.”

“Indeed. I see that quality in you as well, Instructor Cheon. Thank you for enlightening me.”

“Haha, you’re making me blush, Instructor Deung.”

Cheon Sae-myung and Deung continued their conversation in a warm and friendly atmosphere for quite some time.

Deung felt a comforting warmth deep in his heart.

How long had it been?

Since he had a conversation filled with warmth rather than negativity.

Reflecting on it, he realized he had been consumed by envy, jealousy, hatred, and anger recently.

And not just that.

His desire for material things had driven him to live fiercely, always wanting more and better.

But now, he realized the futility of it all.

‘Perhaps the fact that he broke my sword three times was his way of teaching me this lesson.’

It’s not the sword that matters, but the person wielding it.

That was what his master had told him when he first held a sword.

Despite hearing such a simple truth, he had ignored it, focusing only on the flashy aspects.

He glanced to the side.

Cheon Sae-myung stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the special class building.

His face, bathed in sunlight, seemed brighter and more radiant than usual.

This must be what someone looks like when they’ve gained enlightenment.

‘Yes, I should live with a new mindset too. No more accepting bribes, and I should treat the cadets fairly while cultivating myself.’

He suddenly felt reborn.

It seemed as if Sabi Kang had appeared in his life to teach him this truth.

Just then, he noticed Yeon Jin sweeping the yard in a corner.

When he first started doing odd jobs at the academy, his face was always filled with distress.

And understandably so, having fallen from the position of ‘cadet leader’ to a mere janitor.

But now, even his expression seemed serene.

‘Perhaps doing these chores every day has taught Instructor Yeon something as well.’

With a light heart, Deung bid farewell to Cheon Sae-myung and turned to leave.

As he strolled through the academy, he pondered various thoughts.

He began to hear sounds he hadn’t noticed before.

The chirping of birds, the cheerful conversations of male and female cadets, the clashing of weapons during sparring.

All these sounds brought him joy.

‘Why didn’t I hear these sounds before?’

With a change of heart, everything seemed beautiful.

Just then, a woman walked gracefully toward him.

The enchanting figure was none other than Mae Seol-ran.

Deung greeted her with a smile.

‘Come to think of it, I heard that Instructor Mae’s earrings and rings were gifts from Instructor Sabi Kang.’

Rumor had it that they were quite valuable.

There were even whispers that he had distributed such treasures among the cadets.

What would he have done if he were in that position?

If he had such treasures in his hands?

He would have used them for himself or offered them as bribes to someone.

‘Indeed, he and I are of different calibers.’

Deung chuckled wryly and continued walking.

He headed toward the Ho Yeon Pavilion.

It was a place where various weapons were stored.

In the past, he wouldn’t have even considered going there.

No, he wouldn’t have given it a second glance.

As an instructor who taught swordsmanship, he believed he needed a sword of exceptional quality.

The idea of using the cheap weapons stored at the Ho Yeon Pavilion was unthinkable to him.

‘It’s not the sword that’s important, but the person.’

Deung chuckled softly.

To think he was only now realizing this simple truth.

Just as he was about to enter the pavilion, a familiar voice called out to him.

“Isn’t that Instructor Deung?”

Deung paused, then broke into a bright smile.

“Well, if it isn’t Instructor Sabi Kang!”

“Hahaha. It’s good to see you. It’s been three months.”

“Indeed. So, where are you coming from?”

“Oh, I just had a conversation with the headmaster about the unfairness of my recent disciplinary action.”

“Understandable. You have every right to feel wronged.”

“Oh, you understand? I didn’t expect you to be so understanding, Instructor Deung.”

“Hahaha! Is that so? Don’t make me blush. I still have some conscience left.”

“Hahaha. By the way, I’m sorry about what happened during the organizational competition. That sword… it seemed precious to you.”

Deung waved his hand with a smile.

“Don’t worry about it. They say a true craftsman never blames his tools, right? I’m grateful you treated me with sincerity.”

“I’m thankful you see it that way. In that spirit, I have a small gift for you.”

“A gift…?”

Deung’s eyes widened in surprise.

Hadn’t there been rumors about him distributing treasures to the cadets?

Sabi Kang casually tossed a sheathed sword to him.

Thunk.

Deung caught it instinctively and examined it closely.

The sheath was adorned with intricate decorations.

A dragon, piercing through clouds, was engraved on it.

It was clear at a glance that this was no ordinary sword.

Deung’s eyes wavered.

“Is this…?”

“It’s nothing much, but I went through some trouble to get it for you.”

Deung’s hand trembled slightly.

“This, this is… the famous Pae Wang Cheon Ryong Do, isn’t it?”

Sabi Kang responded with a smile.

Deung, still in disbelief, spoke.

“How could you give me something so precious…!”

“Well, I did break your sword three times… I felt I owed you.”

“Instructor Sabi…”

“Hahaha. It’s getting a bit embarrassing, so I’ll take my leave. See you.”

“Instructor Sabi…, Instructor Sabi…!”

By the time Deung looked up, Sabi Kang had already left.

“Oh, he makes me feel so small.”

A single tear rolled down his cheek.

He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and fastened the Paewang Cheonryongdo, a sword gifted by Sabigang, to his waist.

“I can’t believe the Paewang Cheonryongdo is in my hands…”

The sword was far more valuable than any he had ever owned.

As he stood there, unable to move, a middle-aged man emerged from Hoyeongak and approached him.

“Ah, isn’t it Instructor Deung?”

“Oh, Master Hoyeongak! How are you?”

“Well, well. But that sword… I haven’t seen it before.”

A curious glint appeared in Master Hoyeongak’s eyes.

“Oh, haha! It just sort of came into my possession.”

“I see. May I take a closer look?”

“Of course, haha.”

Deung handed over the Paewang Cheonryongdo with a pleased expression.

Master Hoyeongak, known for his expertise in weaponry, examined the sword with a discerning eye.

“This is truly remarkable. Absolutely extraordinary.”

“Haha, isn’t it?”

“Where on earth did you find something like this?”

“Well, it was a gift from someone who admires me.”

Even now, Deung couldn’t help but lie out of habit.

Master Hoyeongak nodded ambiguously.

“A gift, you say… I see.”

“What do you think? How does it look to you, Master?”

“I can only say it’s astonishing.”

“Is it really that impressive?”

“Indeed. The craftsmanship and the clean lines of the blade leave no room for doubt.”

“Hahaha.”

“It’s so perfectly made… Anyone would be fooled at first glance.”

“Haha, exactly. Even I was… fooled… wait, fooled?”

“Yes, it’s very similar to the Paewang Cheonryongdo. But anyone with a keen eye would recognize it’s a replica.”

“Hold on… Are you saying this is a fake? The Paewang Cheonryongdo?”

“Hmm? You didn’t know?”

Master Hoyeongak looked puzzled as he asked.

Caught off guard, Deung stammered in response.

“Haha! Of course, I knew. I was just testing how well you could tell. If I was rude, please forgive me…”

“Hahaha, no need. It’s a prank worth playing. It’s such a convincing replica. But the person who gave it to you must have quite the sense of humor.”

“Yes, indeed… quite the character.”

Deung’s lips trembled as he replied.

“Sabigang, you bastard… I’m going to kill you!”

A different kind of tear began to form in his eyes.