Episode 370: Return to the Demonic Sect
Sitting by the window on the second floor of the inn, Deung Bu-hyeong gazed down at the bustling streets of Wuhuan with a satisfied smile.
The minor incident of bumping shoulders with someone earlier had already slipped from his mind.
“As expected, a big city has its share of beautiful women.”
Indeed, among the people passing by on the street, there were quite a few women of striking beauty.
Having spent so much time in the quiet Yongcheon Pavilion, everything in this large city seemed new and exciting.
But then, a sudden shout from a distance caught his attention.
“Hey! Stop right there!”
The urgency in the voice was enough to turn not only Deung Bu-hyeong’s head but also those of the people around him.
He saw someone turning back and running quickly, followed by a man chasing after him, panting heavily.
It seemed clear that the person running ahead had stolen something from the man chasing him.
As if to confirm this, the man shouted, “Someone help! That scoundrel stole my money! Stop, you thief!”
However, the thief was surprisingly agile, and the distance between them wasn’t closing.
Coincidentally, the pickpocket was heading straight for the inn where Deung Bu-hyeong was.
Deung Bu-hyeong clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“There’s always trash like this wherever you go.”
With that, he stepped onto the window ledge and leaped down.
Whoosh, thud!
As Deung Bu-hyeong suddenly dropped from the sky, the thief skidded to a halt, falling on his backside in surprise.
“Who the hell are you?”
The thief shouted, but Deung Bu-hyeong just stood there with his hands behind his back, clicking his tongue again.
“Life is short. Why waste it like this?”
“What… what are you?”
The thief squinted at Deung Bu-hyeong, then glanced at the sword hanging at his waist.
“Think you’re some kind of martial artist, huh? You have no idea who you’re dealing with!”
With that, he put his fingers to his lips and let out a sharp whistle.
Deung Bu-hyeong frowned slightly as a group of ragged-looking men began to appear one by one.
Soon, about ten men surrounded him, each exuding a menacing aura.
The young man who had been chasing the thief hesitated and stopped, watching the scene unfold.
Deung Bu-hyeong narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation.
The aura these men gave off was certainly unusual.
But…
“Nothing to worry about.”
Having roughly gauged their abilities, Deung Bu-hyeong chuckled softly to himself.
“If you know I’m a martial artist and still act like this… are you from the Hao Clan?”
The man who seemed to be the leader smirked.
“Looks like you’re new to Wuhuan. The Hao Clan doesn’t stand a chance here with us around.”
“Oh?”
“We’ll strip you to the bone! Get him!”
At that moment, the ragged men lunged at Deung Bu-hyeong all at once.
Deung Bu-hyeong spun like a top, drawing his sword with elegant precision.
Swish!
A sharp blade aura swept through the area.
At the same time, a purple mist emanated from the sword, enveloping the surroundings.
It was the effect of the Misty Phantom Sword.
Deung Bu-hyeong, as if possessed, swung his sword with grace.
It was a sword technique honed through intense solitary training.
With the mystical power of the Misty Phantom Sword added, it felt as if he were walking on clouds.
The pickpocket’s gang attacked chaotically, but Deung Bu-hyeong remained unfazed.
It was as if he were a blend of human and celestial being.
No matter how much they struggled, they couldn’t even graze his clothes.
Finally, after deeply cutting the leader’s thigh, Deung Bu-hyeong extended his long sword, pointing it at the man’s throat.
Thunk!
“Please, spare me!”
Realizing they were no match for him, the leader backed away, pleading.
Deung Bu-hyeong suppressed the thrill in his chest and spoke with feigned sternness.
“I’d rather not show mercy to scum like you, but I don’t wish to shed blood today. Now, get lost.”
“Th-thank you!”
The pickpockets bowed repeatedly, retreating with hurried steps.
Deung Bu-hyeong called out to them in a clear voice.
“If you ever pull a stunt like this again, I won’t forgive you in the name of justice!”
Finally, the pickpockets fled, groaning.
The crowd that had gathered to watch erupted in applause, showering Deung Bu-hyeong with praise.
The young man who had been robbed approached, bowing deeply.
“Thank you so much! If it weren’t for you, I would have been in real trouble.”
Feeling a bit proud, Deung Bu-hyeong cleared his throat and spoke with authority.
“Be more careful next time. The world is a dangerous place these days.”
“I will. Oh, I’m Ja Un-ryong from the Iron Body Sect in Bongyang. I’m truly impressed by your martial skills! And to say you won’t forgive in the name of justice… wow. I hope I can say something that cool one day.”
Deung Bu-hyeong grinned, glancing at Ja Un-ryong’s attire.
“So, you’re a martial artist too. Nice to meet you. I’m Deung Bu-hyeong from Yongcheon Pavilion.”
“Oh, Yongcheon Pavilion! Isn’t that the place known for its elite disciples under the Alliance?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I never thought I’d meet an instructor from there! It’s an honor.”
“Haha, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Despite his words, Deung Bu-hyeong couldn’t help but feel pleased.
He noticed the sword at Ja Un-ryong’s waist and commented.
“You seem to practice swordsmanship as well.”
“Ah, yes. It’s a bit embarrassing. I’m not bad in sparring or duels, but in real situations, I…”
“What’s the problem?”
“My heart races, my breathing gets heavy, and I get dizzy. If something unexpected happens, like being pickpocketed, I panic and my mind goes blank… haha…”
Ja Un-ryong laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Deung Bu-hyeong chuckled.
“A typical ‘sparring warrior,’ huh?”
A ‘sparring warrior’ was a term popular in the martial world, referring to someone skilled in practice but lacking in real combat.
Ja Un-ryong, still embarrassed, asked.
“But what brings you to Wuhuan, Senior? Yongcheon Pavilion is quite far from here.”
“The head of the pavilion recommended me to the Myeolma Pavilion. So, I had no choice…”
“Oh, a recommendation!”
“Yes, they keep insisting that someone of my talent should be here…”
“That’s amazing! When I came here, my master told me not to embarrass the sect and to behave, but I snuck away.”
“Really? So you’re also…”
“Yes, I’m here to join the Myeolma Pavilion.”
“Ah… I see. They say they’re recruiting students through duels, so you might have a chance. You said you’re confident in duels, right?”
“Yes, but I’m actually applying to be an instructor, not a student. Haha…”
Ja Un-ryong smiled sheepishly, scratching his head again.
“An instructor?”
Deung Bu-hyeong asked in surprise, though inwardly he scoffed.
“Now everyone thinks they can be an instructor. When I go to the Myeolma Pavilion, the head will have to beg me to join.”
But he hid his thoughts and patted Ja Un-ryong on the shoulder.
“Hahaha! It’s good to have big ambitions.”
“Please teach me a lot, Senior. By the way, I’m only twenty-eight, so feel free to speak casually.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll treat you like a younger brother.”
“Thank you, Senior. Since this is fate, let me treat you to a meal. I would have lost all my money if it weren’t for you.”
“Well, then, I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Let’s go, Senior.”
The two of them headed into the inn.
Meanwhile, among the crowd, a man with a wide-brimmed hat watched them silently, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
“Yongcheon Pavilion… It seems the Alliance is serious.”
**
“The pavilion is really spacious!”
Ja Un-ryong exclaimed, looking around in awe.
Walking beside him, Deung Bu-hyeong nodded in agreement.
“It is indeed.”
“Is Yongcheon Pavilion smaller?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I heard they built special halls for training in various environments.”
“Well, the demonic arts of the Mareng Sect are notoriously unpredictable and evil.”
Deung Bu-hyeong agreed as they walked.
Ja Un-ryong clasped his hands in excitement.
“Ah, just thinking about meeting the head of the Myeolma Pavilion is thrilling. Aren’t you excited too, Senior?”
Deung Bu-hyeong chuckled.
“To be honest, I don’t even know who the head is.”
“Really?”
“A true martial artist doesn’t rely on reputation. I’m only focused on eradicating demons and monsters.”
“Wow… that’s impressive. You’re truly different.”
“Well, it’s only natural.”
Deung Bu-hyeong walked with a satisfied expression.
Ja Un-ryong continued to chatter away.
“To think I’d actually see that plaque with my own eyes. I’d heard the rumors since arriving in Muhan, but I never thought they were true.”
“A plaque, you say?”
“Haven’t you seen it? The plaque at Myeolmagwan with that ridiculously long official name.”
“But isn’t Myeolmagwan just three characters? Besides, as I mentioned before, I’m not one to rely on reputation, so I didn’t feel the need to look at it.”
“You’re quite different, aren’t you? So, do you not know the full official name of this place?”
“Is there an official name?”
“Yes, the full name is the famous Absolute Supreme Invincible…”
Just then, someone stepped in front of them.
“What brings you here?”
It was Gojoksan.
Not recognizing him, Deungbuyung straightened his shoulders and spoke confidently.
“We’re here for the instructor evaluation. Here’s our letter of recommendation.”
But Gojoksan didn’t even glance at the letter and said, “Are both of you here for the evaluation?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Follow me.”
As Gojoksan turned and walked away, Deungbuyung felt a bit miffed.
‘What a stiff fellow.’
With an awkward expression, Deungbuyung tucked away the letter and followed Gojoksan into a pavilion.
“Please wait here,” Gojoksan said, leaving them in the outer hall before disappearing into the inner chamber.
Jaunryong, grinning from ear to ear, said, “I’m really looking forward to this. Meeting the master of Myeolmagwan in person!”
“You sure get excited over the strangest things. Then again, I felt the same way when I went for my evaluation at Yongcheongwan.”
“Oh, really? I’ve heard great things about Master Eungiryung too.”
“Indeed. He hides a razor-sharp skill behind a gentle smile.”
“Truly impressive.”
“By the way, what was that official name of Myeolmagwan you mentioned earlier?”
“Oh, that. It’s Absolute Supreme Invincible…”
Just then, the door to the inner chamber opened again, and Gojoksan reappeared.
“You may come in now.”