Episode 133: Return of the Demon Instructor
Seok Ji-pyeong’s eyes twitched uncontrollably.
Why on earth was this man here?
Was it shock that almost made him voice thoughts best kept to himself?
“You… you’re the instructor from Yongcheon Hall, aren’t you? What brings you here?”
“Ah, I’m flattered you remember me, though you don’t seem quite as high and mighty now.”
Seok Ji-pyeong gritted his teeth at the instructor’s mocking tone but kept his composure, merely observing him.
Sabi-gang glanced around before speaking.
“Pure coincidence, really. I was leading my students on an outdoor lesson. We found this terrain fascinating and were in the middle of a geography class when, lo and behold, we spotted Blood Lotus warriors approaching. And then we saw them transporting people in cages. We couldn’t just stand by, so we decided to intervene. My students showed remarkable courage.”
Even a little thought would reveal something was off, but Seok Ji-pyeong had no time to ponder such things. The priority was to escape now that the Blood Lotus warriors had been dealt with.
“Is that so? Regardless, thank you! We were engaged in battle with the Blood Lotus at Hojak Valley, but fell victim to their underhanded tactics.”
In truth, it was merely a failed operation, but he had to preserve some dignity with an excuse.
“I see, that’s what happened.”
“Yes. Not just me, but the leaders of Cheonan Pavilion, Jeonggeom Squad, and Chui Squad are all imprisoned here. Many of our main leaders are also captured. Please, release us. I assure you, your efforts will be duly reported and rewarded.”
Seok Ji-pyeong’s eyes gleamed with hope.
But Sabi-gang merely stroked his chin, deep in thought.
“Hmm.”
“What’s the matter? Is there a problem?”
“Well, I’m contemplating something.”
“Contemplating? About what? Just get us out of here already.”
“It’s not as simple as it seems…”
“Why not? Don’t tell me you don’t have the key?”
“Oh, I have the key. Right here.”
Sabi-gang jingled a set of keys he had taken from the fallen guard.
Seok Ji-pyeong swallowed hard, gripping the bars.
“Then what’s the issue?”
Sabi-gang scratched his head, chuckling.
“Ha ha, it’s a bit complicated…”
“Just tell me. If I can help, I will.”
“Well… it’s against regulations, you see.”
“Regulations?”
“Yes. Remember the last time I got reprimanded for putting my students in danger during the Spring Festival? I believe it was the principled Cheonrang Leader who reported it.”
Seok Ji-pyeong’s face paled.
‘This guy! Holding a grudge and bringing it up now!’
But he couldn’t afford to antagonize Sabi-gang, who held his life in his hands.
“Ah, that was unfortunate. My apologies.”
“So, if we rescue you again, I fear we might be reprimanded for endangering the students…”
“That won’t happen! You’ll be hailed as heroes!”
“Hmm. But you know how people can change their tune once they’re out of danger.”
“What will it take for you to believe me? We don’t have time! Save us now, or many will condemn your inaction!”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, it’s not…”
“If we leave you here, you’ll likely be taken by the Blood Lotus or killed. It’s not like this will be public knowledge.”
Sabi-gang’s serious tone made Seok Ji-pyeong’s eyes waver.
‘This guy! He’s serious! He really might leave us here!’
Fear gripped him as he realized the Blood Lotus territory was closer. If Sabi-gang left them, returning alive seemed impossible.
Seok Ji-pyeong clutched the bars tightly, shouting.
“Trust me! I will ensure your deeds are recognized!”
“Hmm.”
Sabi-gang pondered, resting his chin on his hand, while Seok Ji-pyeong fidgeted like a nervous puppy.
‘Just save me already, you fool!’
In his heart, he wanted nothing more than to escape and immediately take revenge on Sabi-gang.
Finally, Sabi-gang grinned at Seok Ji-pyeong.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
“What do you propose?”
“We have a method for situations like this.”
“What method…?”
Sabi-gang pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over.
“A letter of intent… a blood oath, if you will.”
“A blood oath?”
“Yes, a declaration from your heart, pledging cooperation with my future endeavors. I’ll keep it safe, and if you break the promise, I’ll make it public.”
Seok Ji-pyeong’s lips twitched.
This was clearly a way to hold something over him.
Seeing Seok Ji-pyeong’s conflicted expression, Sabi-gang shrugged and turned away.
“Seems you’re not interested, so we’ll just leave…”
“Wait! I’ll write it! I’ll do it!”
“Wise choice. It’s mutually beneficial, don’t you think?”
Sabi-gang smirked, handing the paper through the bars.
Then he sniffed the air, wrinkling his nose.
“Ugh, what’s that smell? Did you… wet yourself?”
“What?! No!”
“Then did you… soil yourself?”
“I told you, no!”
“The smell is quite strong…”
Seok Ji-pyeong bit his finger, suppressing his rising anger.
“What should I write?”
“Alright, let’s begin. First, ‘I, Seok Ji-pyeong, hold Instructor Sabi-gang in the highest regard.’”
Seok Ji-pyeong hesitated, then clenched his teeth and began to write.
**
Sabi-gang folded the papers with satisfaction, tucking them away.
Not only Seok Ji-pyeong, but also Lee Sa-heum, Jeonggeom Leader, and Chui Leader had written their confessions.
Each contained their deepest secrets.
With these blood oaths, they wouldn’t dare act recklessly.
As leaders who valued honor and reputation, they would have to be more cautious.
Sabi-gang raised his voice.
“Alright, let’s commence the rescue operation. Ensure the safe extraction and transport of those bound in the iron chains.”
“Understood!”
The students responded in unison, dispersing quickly.
Having gained real combat experience at the Blood Lotus secret base, the students moved with precision and coordination.
Though Tang Yi-hyeop and Mae Seol-ran led them, their organizational skills were impressive.
There were about a dozen captives in the iron chains.
Among them, the one furthest back was Wolrang Leader Maeng Hwi.
Clang!
As the cell door opened, Gok Bo-ok spoke reassuringly.
“Please, come out. You’re safe now.”
“Thank you. I will never forget this debt.”
Maeng Hwi spoke sincerely.
He led the Wolrang Squad under the Ho-hyeop Party, having lost all hope after witnessing the death of Party Leader Jang Cho-shin at the hands of the Evil Sky Monster.
‘I thought I’d never see my only daughter again, but these students saved me.’
Gok Bo-ok smiled and helped Maeng Hwi walk, though being at the back meant they lagged behind.
They had climbed about halfway up the slope when…
Rumble. Rumble.
A low vibration and a heavy sound echoed from behind.
‘What is that?’
Gok Bo-ok paused and turned around.
Boom!
A pile of rocks at the canyon’s base exploded, and a shadow shot up.
“Where do you think you’re going?!”
The shadow’s piercing voice reverberated through the canyon.
It was the Evil Sky Monster.
He leapt into the air, heading straight for Gok Bo-ok at the rear.
“Ugh!”
Startled, Gok Bo-ok quickly shielded Maeng Hwi.
“Don’t mess with me!”
The Evil Sky Monster shouted, extending his hand.
Gok Bo-ok instinctively crossed his arms.
Boom!
“Argh!”
With a loud crash, Gok Bo-ok was sent flying.
If not for the iron gauntlets on his arms, his bones would have shattered.
The Evil Sky Monster reached out, striking Maeng Hwi’s back.
Crack!
“Aaaargh!”
Veins bulged on the Evil Sky Monster’s hand as his fingers dug deep into Maeng Hwi’s back.
The last remnants of Menghui’s strength were swiftly drained by the hands of the malevolent demon, leaving his skin a sickly, ashen hue.
The technique was known as the Breath-Siphoning Claw.
It was a sinister martial art, ingeniously combining the essence-absorbing power of the Ghost-Slaying Claw with dark sorcery.
In the end, Menghui’s entire body withered away, resembling nothing more than a bundle of dry twigs.
With a careless flick, the demon tossed Menghui’s lifeless form over the edge of the ravine like a crumpled piece of paper.
The cadets who witnessed this turned pale with shock.
“He’s not dead yet!”
“Hurry! He’s a master!”
The demon tilted his head back and roared with a voice that shook the air.
“You fools! Do you think you can escape my grasp so easily?”
The power in his voice caused the cadets and prisoners to cling desperately to the steep path, struggling to keep their footing.
Just as the demon prepared to launch himself again, a sharp sound cut through the air.
Whoosh!
A sword flew in from nowhere.
Thwack!
Instinctively, the demon reached out and caught the blade with his hand.
His eyes narrowed sharply.
“Did it cut my hand?”
This was the hand trained in the Ghost-Slaying Claw.
It was no ordinary hand; it was a weapon in its own right.
Yet, it had been cut.
He bled.
This meant the strange sword that had flown at him was no ordinary weapon.
The demon quickly retreated, releasing the sword, which spun through the air before returning to its owner.
Standing atop a rock, the demon scowled.
“Who are you?”
“To catch Berthas with your bare hand, not bad.”
Sabikang wiped the blood from the blade and grinned.
He spoke calmly to the cadets climbing the slope.
“Leave this to me and focus on rescuing the prisoners safely.”
“Yes, Instructor!”
With determined expressions, the cadets resumed their climb up the steep path.