Episode 205: Return of the Demon Instructor
Just then, Sabi Kang waved his hand and approached.
“That’s enough, that’s enough. They’re people I know well, so you can let it go.”
Only then did Ham Cheonseok bow respectfully and step back.
Beside Sabi Kang stood the Chief Military Officer, Gu Yoon.
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung’s faces brightened as they greeted him again.
“Oh, Instructor Sa! It’s been a while!”
“How have you been?”
Sabi Kang responded with a smile to their greetings.
“I’ve been doing well, as always. Ah, let me introduce you. This is the Chief Military Officer of our main sect.”
At the mention of “Chief Military Officer,” Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung’s expressions faltered.
‘This man is the Chief Military Officer!’
The two quickly clasped their hands in a respectful gesture.
“I’m Cheon Saemyung from Yongcheon Hall!”
“I’m Instructor Deung Buhyung from Yongcheon Hall!”
They looked at Gu Yoon with eyes shining with admiration.
‘This refined man is the Chief Military Officer? He’s younger than I expected.’
It was their first time meeting someone of such high rank.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!’
When else would they meet someone of such stature within the sect?
But then, Gu Yoon said something unexpected.
“Ah, so these are the instructors who, while lacking in manners and common sense, aren’t too bad at heart?”
“Hahaha. That’s right. You still remember?”
Gu Yoon nodded at Sabi Kang’s words.
“Of course. Have you ever seen me take the Lord’s words lightly?”
Then, with a suddenly stern expression, he addressed Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung.
“You two should show proper respect to Lord Sa. Your current attitude will only earn the disapproval of everyone here.”
Gu Yoon’s expression was unusually stern and serious.
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung stiffly looked around.
Sure enough, all the martial artists in the hall were glaring at them.
Everyone seemed displeased with how they had treated Sabi Kang.
Gu Yoon urged them on.
“What are you waiting for?”
“Ah, yes, understood.”
Finally, Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung quickly bowed deeply.
“Cheon Saemyung from Yongcheon Hall greets Lord Sabi Kang.”
“Deung Buhyung from Yongcheon Hall is honored to meet Lord Sabi Kang.”
“Haha, well then.”
Sabi Kang scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed, but a smile played on his lips.
Cheon Saemyung’s face twisted at the sight.
‘This guy… he’s enjoying this!’
Though anger simmered inside, there was nothing he could do.
He hadn’t expected Sabi Kang to be treated with such high regard.
Sabi Kang patted their shoulders.
“You’ve come a long way. Enjoy yourselves before you head back.”
Only then did the other martial artists, who had been watching, nod and look away.
“Thank you, Lord.”
“Thank you.”
The two replied in unison and straightened up.
Sabi Kang and Gu Yoon resumed their conversation as they walked away.
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung stood there, dazed.
‘Is that… it?’
The moment they thought was a golden opportunity for advancement had passed in the blink of an eye.
They quickly turned to watch Gu Yoon’s retreating figure.
“Follow me.”
A cold voice came from behind.
Ham Cheonseok was standing there, watching them.
“Ah, yes…”
Ham Cheonseok led them to a secluded spot.
**
“Hahaha! Did that really happen?”
Cheon Saemyung laughed heartily, clearly tipsy.
Deung Buhyung, sitting beside him, grinned widely as he took another drink.
The two were currently sharing drinks with a woman.
If it weren’t for her presence, their spirits would have been utterly crushed.
Deung Buhyung, eager to please, praised her.
“You are truly a bold and generous person! It’s an honor to meet you!”
“Indeed! I, Cheon Saemyung, have never met anyone as delightful as you! Please, accept my drink!”
Cheon Saemyung filled her glass.
The two exchanged a knowing glance.
‘We don’t know who this woman is, but she seems well-informed about the sect’s affairs. She must live within the inner circle. This could be our chance to make connections and advance!’
This thought was deeply rooted in their minds.
Moreover, the woman was stunningly beautiful.
If luck was on their side, they might seize both love and success.
The woman smiled sweetly and asked,
“You two are quite delightful yourselves. I think we’d get along well. If I ever needed your help, would you be willing to lend a hand? It would mean a lot.”
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung exchanged another glance, their eyes gleaming.
‘This is an opportunity!’
A woman from the inner circle of the sect was asking for their help!
This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for advancement!
Cheon Saemyung stood up and declared,
“Of course! I, Cheon Saemyung, would do anything for you!”
“I, Deung Buhyung, feel the same! I’d go through fire and water to help you!”
“Thank you, your words mean a lot.”
“As men of honor, we don’t just talk. Please accept our sincerity!”
“Indeed! We are not the type to just boast!”
The woman, with a captivating smile, asked again,
“So, would you really take my hand if I offered it?”
“Absolutely!”
“Without a doubt!”
They shouted in unison.
But then…
‘Something feels off.’
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung glanced around.
The people around them were casting cold looks.
But they quickly dismissed it.
‘Hmph! Do you think you can criticize us for seeking advancement? Don’t be ridiculous. Didn’t you all rise through the ranks the same way? We won’t be swayed by your looks!’
Cheon Saemyung, regaining his composure, asked,
“We’ve been so taken by your charm that we haven’t even asked your name. Would it be alright to know?”
“Of course.”
‘This is it! We’re finally connecting with the upper echelons of the sect!’
Their faces lit up with anticipation.
The woman smiled brightly and replied,
“My name is Seo Laehyang. But everyone calls me ‘Hongmyo.’”
“Ah, I see. Hongmyo, Seo Lae… huh?”
It was then that Cheon Saemyung realized something was terribly wrong and froze.
He quickly looked around to see everyone shaking their heads in disapproval.
Seo Laehyang, with an amused expression, said,
“I’ll remember your kindness. Your willingness to do anything for me. I really liked that.”
“Th-that…!”
Cheon Saemyung and Deung Buhyung’s faces fell into despair.
They had just publicly pledged themselves to a woman from the demonic sect.
How could they possibly recover from this?
It was a moment of silent agony for the two.
**
The grand farewell ceremony had ended.
It was time to leave.
All the martial artists of the Inspection Bureau gathered to see Sabi Kang off from the sect’s outer grounds.
Especially Gok Bo-ok, who followed along, sniffling and with teary eyes.
Of course, he claimed it was just a bad cold causing his runny nose.
But everyone knew.
He was barely holding back tears.
The same could be said for any of the Heavenly Destruction Unit members.
Maeseolran maintained a calm demeanor as she bid farewell.
Until yesterday, it hadn’t felt real.
But now, seeing him off, it was starting to sink in.
He was leaving.
They had been through so much together, and now they were parting ways, leaving her with mixed emotions.
After all, he was the first man she had ever truly cared for.
“Please… take care.”
Maeseolran murmured softly.
Sabi Kang approached her.
“Don’t worry. Even if I’m lonely, I’ll manage.”
Maeseolran chuckled.
Today, even his silly jokes didn’t annoy her.
“Always with the jokes.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“Enough… oh!”
Suddenly, Sabi Kang’s lips met hers.
Maeseolran’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit, unable to react.
She didn’t even think to resist.
Oh, whatever.
She closed her eyes and embraced Sabi Kang.
Their kiss lingered.
After a while, Sabi Kang straightened up and looked around at the martial artists who had come to see him off.
“Listen to the new Lord! If you cause trouble, I won’t let it slide.”
“Yes, sir!”
The martial artists shouted in unison.
Their voices were so loud it seemed to shake the sky.
Sabi Kang grinned and began to walk away.
He gradually disappeared into the distance.
As he descended the hill, Gok Bo-ok suddenly shouted,
“Waaah! Instructor! Take care of yourself! Stay healthy!”
His sudden outburst of tears prompted the other members to join in, their voices trembling.
“Stay healthy!”
“Take care!”
Sabi Kang didn’t look back, only waving his hand.
Meanwhile, Mok Danhwa watched his retreating figure, silently reflecting.
‘I know. You didn’t save me that night on purpose. I’ll remember your intentions.’
At this moment, the members of the Heavenly Destruction Unit were just young trainees, and Sabi Kang was their instructor.
**
“Brother!”
Bang!
Churyang slammed his hands on the table.
Ham Cheonseok glared at him.
“What on earth do you think you’re doing? No means no!”
“Oh, come on! Just let me go!”
“No.”
“Isn’t this a bit much? Have I ever asked for something this seriously before?”
“No matter what you say, the answer is still no.”
“You know, don’t you, brother? I’ve decided to take him as my master!”
“Before that, you’re a member of the Black Wolf Brigade!”
Ham Cheonseok shouted, his voice booming.
Churyang let out a long sigh.
He was definitely not his usual self.
Gone was the playful, clumsy demeanor he usually wore.
But still…
“I can’t let you go.”
Ham Cheonseok was resolute.
Churyang wasn’t backing down either.
“I’m going! You have to let me! I’m going no matter what!”
“Do you think throwing a tantrum will change anything?”
“You know as well as I do that he’s different from everyone else! Don’t you also consider him a true benefactor?”
Ham Cheonseok clamped his mouth shut.
He couldn’t deny it.
No, he couldn’t possibly deny it.
That much was true.
Sabikang, he was the one who saved his son.
A son who was living a life no better than a corpse had found new life thanks to him.
Churyang wanting to take him as a master was something to be welcomed.
But…
“It’s too dangerous.”
“Is there any place in the martial world that’s not dangerous? Didn’t you say that yourself?”
“But you know where that is, don’t you? Even he doesn’t know how long he can last there. And there’s no guarantee he’ll accept you.”
“He said he’d take me as his disciple. If I say I’m going, he won’t refuse.”
“Still, no. That’s the Blood Sect. It’s not a place you can just waltz into.”
“Brother! Do I look like I’m asking to go on a stroll?”
Churyang’s eyes burned with determination.
Ham Cheonseok fell silent again.
A sigh escaped him.
How could he break that stubbornness?
There was only one time he had ever managed to break Churyang’s stubbornness.
When he brought him into the Black Wolf Brigade.
That was the first and last time he remembered.
Churyang spoke with a firm expression.
“If you try to stop me, I’ll fight you if I have to.”
“You little…!”
Ham Cheonseok glared at him.
Churyang met his gaze calmly.
‘This kid… really…’
A wry smile formed.
When was the last time Churyang had been this serious?
Yes, come to think of it, he had been by his side for a long time.
He had only broken his stubbornness once, but that one time had bound Churyang to him for so long.
‘Is it time… to let him go?’
It would be truly dangerous.
But with him…
Maybe…
Ham Cheonseok looked intently at Churyang.
Churyang clenched his fists tightly.
Ham Cheonseok clicked his tongue.
“Are you going to hit me?”
“If I have to, I will.”
“You crazy fool. You dare challenge the leader?”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re expelled, you brat.”
“What? Wait, what?”
“I said you’re expelled, you brat. How can I keep someone who challenges the leader? It pains me, but as of today, you’re no longer a member of the Black Wolf Brigade.”
“Brother… does that mean…?”
“What are you doing? Get out of here. Why is a newly expelled brat still hanging around?”
“Brother…!”
Churyang rushed to Ham Cheonseok and hugged him tightly.
Ham Cheonseok let out a light sigh and embraced him firmly.
“Take care of yourself.”
“Of course, brother! Stay healthy!”
Churyang bowed deeply and dashed out.
Ham Cheonseok looked out the window with a bittersweet gaze.
“Is he that happy? Heartless kid.”
Despite his words, a faint smile lingered on his lips.