Episode 35: Return to the Martial Arts Academy
“Did you hear that? Just now… he called him a benefactor…”
Baek Mihyang glanced at Min Yuhyang, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Yeah… I heard it too…”
Min Yuhyang nodded, still in shock.
They both turned to look at Mok Danhwa, whose expression was equally frozen.
They had expected the martial artists to chase after them, causing a commotion. But instead, they bowed their heads to Sabigang, calling him a benefactor.
The other students were just as bewildered.
Maeseollan, who had just stepped down from the carriage, tilted her head in confusion.
“What’s going on?”
Her clear voice startled the leader of the martial artists, who couldn’t help but flinch. He was captivated by her beauty, the likes of which he had never seen before. Regaining his composure, he shouted,
“We, the people of Changcheonmun and Angang, owe a great debt to Instructor Sabigang. We wish to express our gratitude!”
“A debt?”
“If it weren’t for Instructor Sabigang, none of us would be here today. Not only us, but the people of Angang would not have been safe either!”
Maeseollan’s eyes widened as she looked at them.
‘What are they talking about? Have they mistaken him for someone else?’
Sabigang caught her gaze and grinned, as if to say, “That’s just the kind of person I am.”
Maeseollan raised an eyebrow at him.
“What exactly happened?”
“Well, it’s a long story,” Sabigang replied evasively, but the leader of the martial artists spoke up.
“I am Kang Neungcho, the leader of the Red Wolf Squad of Changcheonmun. We wish to invite Instructor Sabigang to our main hall. Please, join us.”
“Just like that, you want to take me away? I have my own path to follow,” Sabigang replied, feigning annoyance.
Kang Neungcho dropped to one knee and pleaded, “Forgive our rudeness! Please, return with us to our main hall. Our leader is eager to meet you!”
“Then why didn’t your leader come himself?”
“Our leader is currently occupied with urgent matters. But please understand his sincerity.”
“Hmm.”
Sabigang crossed his arms, pondering for a moment.
‘Meeting them could be beneficial for the future.’
The leader of Changcheonmun, Ho Yobeom, wasn’t known for exceptional martial skills, but he was a man of integrity. In the future, he would earn the trust of the righteous alliance and take on significant responsibilities.
In times of crisis, trustworthy people were rare, and his honesty was a beacon for martial artists.
Finally, Sabigang nodded and replied courteously, “Very well. I will go with you. But I have a condition.”
“What is it?”
“I am responsible for these students. I cannot go alone; they must come with me.”
Kang Neungcho responded without hesitation, “Of course. It would be an honor to guide you and the students.”
**
The students gaped at the lavish spread of food before them, their mouths watering. Though they came from affluent families and were used to fine dining, the grueling journey had left them famished.
“Please, help yourselves. You are the future of the martial world. With such an excellent instructor guiding you, the future of our righteous path is bright. Enjoy your meal.”
As soon as Ho Yobeom finished speaking, the students eagerly dug into the feast. Some tore into roasted chicken with their hands, while others devoured the richly flavored meat with abandon.
Watching them with satisfaction, Ho Yobeom turned to Sabigang and offered a respectful nod.
“If you hadn’t intervened back then, we would have faced a disaster.”
“Well, I had no choice. I didn’t want to die,” Sabigang replied with a shrug.
“Ha ha ha. Regardless of what you say, the people of Changcheonmun and Angang will never forget your kindness.”
“True, I did save everyone.”
Ho Yobeom smiled warmly at Sabigang.
‘What an intriguing person.’
When Sabigang had swiftly dealt with the two criminals, Ho Yobeom’s feelings were mixed. But those two had committed unforgivable crimes. Could he have acted so decisively without hesitation? No, he had hesitated, and thus had done nothing at the time.
If Sabigang hadn’t stepped in, Angang would have been in ruins by now.
“Changcheonmun will remember your kindness until the end of our days.”
“I know.”
“How do you know?”
Ho Yobeom asked, amused, as Sabigang continued to eat.
Sabigang shrugged. “I just know. You’re that kind of person.”
“You knew about me?”
“In a way.”
Ho Yobeom simply laughed, deciding not to press further. It would be impolite to interrogate a benefactor.
The students, their bellies full, wore smiles for the first time in a while.
Ho Yobeom ensured that Sabigang and his group had the best accommodations.
“If there’s anything you need, please let us know.”
He maintained his courtesy to the end.
**
Swish!
Thwack!
An arrow narrowly missed a leaf, soaring into the sky.
‘So close…’
Dan Lijeong sighed inwardly and nocked another arrow. She had been practicing since dusk with a bow she found among the weapons in the carriage.
It felt different from when she had taken archery lessons before. With a serious mindset, everything seemed clearer.
‘This time…!’
Thwack!
Swish!
The arrow flew through the air, piercing a leaf. Though it was still attached to a branch, it had been swaying in the wind.
‘Ah! It’s not about seeing with your eyes. You have to feel it.’
There was an invisible connection between her and the target, a sensation she needed to trust.
“Not bad.”
Sabigang’s voice startled her as he appeared beside her.
Dan Lijeong scratched her head, embarrassed. “I’m still far from perfect.”
“No, you’re doing well. You have talent.”
“Thank you, Instructor!”
“Here, take this.”
Sabigang handed her a large bow, its craftsmanship clearly exceptional.
“Why are you giving me this?”
“It’s yours now.”
“What?”
“It’s a gift.”
“But…”
“Don’t you want it?”
“No, it’s not that!”
“Then just take it. Why so many questions?”
“Thank you, Instructor!”
“Keep practicing.”
“Yes? Oh, yes!”
“Plans have changed. You’ll need to fill the gap.”
“What do you mean…?”
“Just something like that. Anyway, practice until you can hit two falling leaves at once. Then come see me.”
“Two falling leaves?”
Dan Lijeong’s eyes widened. She could barely hit a leaf on a branch, let alone two falling ones.
But Sabigang continued as if it were nothing.
“It won’t take you long. And with that bow, you’ll improve faster.”
“But can I really accept this bow…?”
“Yes. It was meant for you.”
Dan Lijeong frowned, looking down at the large bow. She couldn’t understand what Sabigang was saying.
Then she remembered…
‘Isn’t this the bow that senior had?’
The mysterious martial artist they had met at the outskirts of Angang. He had used a bow just like this one.
As if reading her thoughts, Sabigang spoke up.
“You’re the new owner of that bow. Its previous owner died with misguided intentions. Use it well.”
“But…!”
“Dan, your role has become more important.”
Sabigang’s expression was serious, leaving Dan Lijeong speechless. She swallowed hard and nodded, not fully understanding.
Sabigang patted her shoulder and turned away.
As he walked, he pondered.
‘Things have deviated more than I expected.’
Dan Gugi was supposed to be a key figure in the future. He needed to meet him before he made irreversible mistakes. But he had been just a moment too late.
Now, Dan Lijeong would have to fill that void.
‘Well, she’ll do fine.’
It would have been better to nurture both of them as valuable assets, but it couldn’t be helped.
The future was still far off. There was time to prepare.
**
In the dark of night, three shadows moved stealthily toward the stables.
It was Mok Danhwa, Min Yuhyang, and Baek Mihyang.
At some point, Min Yuhyang whispered urgently, “Over here! Here!”
Mok Danhwa and Baek Mihyang joined her. There were six horses, the ones that pulled their carriage.
Mok Danhwa smiled with satisfaction.
“Alright, let’s get started.”
At her signal, Baek Mihyang approached the horses with a wooden sword in hand, leaving the stable doors wide open.
What would Sabigang’s expression be if horses went wild in the middle of the night at someone else’s house?
Nung Sosso would surely be pale with worry.
“How dare they use the haystack I used as a bathroom…!”
No one had actually accused her of such a thing, but Mok Danhwa, with her twisted mind, harbored such paranoid thoughts.
“Let’s start!”
At Baek Miryeong’s words, Mok Danhwa nodded.
Finally, Baek Miryeong slapped a horse on the rump with a resounding smack.
Neigh!
The horse reared up, letting out a loud cry.
Mok Danhwa, Baek Miryeong, and Min Yuhyang quickly dashed out of the way.
But then…
Neigh! Neigh!
The six horses in the stable went wild, and one of them charged straight at Mok Danhwa.
“Danhwa! Watch out!”
Baek Miryeong and Min Yuhyang shouted in unison, startled.
“Aaah!”
Mok Danhwa screamed as she fell, trying to defend herself, but the horse changed direction, and her attack missed.
Meanwhile, another horse was charging at her.
She was about to be trampled.
“No! Danhwa!”
“Aaaah!”
The three of them screamed, covering their eyes.
But then…
Nothing happened?
Mok Danhwa slowly opened her tightly shut eyes.
Standing before her was a petite girl who had appeared out of nowhere.
“Sosso…?”
The girl with neatly braided hair was none other than Nung Sosso.
The horse that had stopped in front of her was calming down, snorting softly.
Nung Sosso gently stroked the horse’s muzzle and spoke soothingly.
“There, there. It’s okay.”
The horse snorted as if it understood her words.
Not just that one, but all the other horses that had been running wild began to calm down and gather around her.
‘How… how is she doing that?’
Mok Danhwa and the others watched Nung Sosso in awe.
Finally, Nung Sosso turned to Mok Danhwa.
“Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”
“This is all your fault!”
“Huh?”
“If you had taken care of the horses properly, this wouldn’t have happened!”
Caught off guard by the sudden accusation, Nung Sosso stammered, unable to respond.
Her large eyes seemed ready to spill tears at any moment.
‘This is so frustrating!’
Mok Danhwa clicked her tongue and got to her feet.
“What’s going on here?”
Sabigang’s voice cut through the tension.
Before Nung Sosso could say anything, Mok Danhwa snapped sharply.
“The horses went wild, and I almost got hurt!”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Sabigang narrowed her eyes, surveying the stable.
“Why did the horses suddenly go wild?”
“How should I know?”
“Then why were you lurking around the stable at this hour? You must know that.”
“Lurking? Who was lurking?”
“If you weren’t lurking, then why are you here?”
“I just… needed to take care of something!”
“What could you possibly need to do in a stable? Surely you weren’t using it as a bathroom or doing something indecent…?”
“What are you talking about! It’s nothing like that!”
“Then why are you here?”
Sabigang’s gaze turned icy.
‘Ugh…!’
Mok Danhwa bit her lip, unable to come up with an excuse.
“Annoying…”
In the end, she muttered coldly and walked away.
“Danwha.”
Baek Miryeong and Min Yuhyang quickly followed her.
Nung Sosso bowed her head slightly.
“It’s not your fault.”
“But…”
“You only bow your head when you’re showing respect or admitting fault.”
“Yes…”
“Now, shall we continue with today’s task?”
“Oh, yes! I just…”
“I know. I saw it too. You’re improving. Well done.”
“Then, I’ll rely on you again tonight.”
“Alright, did you bring a change of clothes?”
“Yes.”
Nung Sosso blushed slightly and added.
“Um, Instructor.”
“Hmm?”
“Could you… be a bit gentler tonight?”
“Of course, I’ll be as gentle as possible. Let’s go to my room.”
As Sabigang led the way, Nung Sosso quickly followed.
Long after the two had left, another woman entered the stable through a different entrance.
Maeseollan.
She quietly watched the direction they had gone and murmured to herself.
“A change of clothes? Could it be that Sabigang has a taste for that sort of thing?”
Her expression twisted slightly.