Episode 406: Return of the Dark Instructor

“Hmph! Still drunk on the sweet taste of power, aren’t you?”

Deung Bu-hyeong muttered under his breath as he strode forward, his steps firm and determined.

He had thought that if it were Muk Yang-je, they might have a reasonable conversation. He even believed that approaching first would be welcomed. He was willing to concede, even if Muk Yang-je wanted to act superior. After all, weren’t they both instructors now? And weren’t they of similar age?

Yet, here was Muk Yang-je, clinging to past glories despite having fallen to the rank of an instructor due to a grave mistake. It was pathetic. And to think he had the nerve to ignore him!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. If you’ve fallen, shouldn’t you be trying to climb back up? Sitting around lamenting your fate changes nothing. Deung Bu-hyeong had hoped to use Muk Yang-je’s past status to his advantage, to rise again.

“Hmph! Treat me like that, will you? Enjoy being an instructor for life!”

He cursed under his breath as he turned into an alley. Just then, a dark figure caught his eye, rounding a corner in the distance.

“Hmm? Who could that be at this hour?”

Sensing something amiss, Deung Bu-hyeong quickly concealed his presence. As he cautiously peeked around the corner, he saw a figure in dark clothing and a black hat disappearing around another bend.

“That guy…!”

There was no doubt. It was Instructor Wi Geom-jong. Deung Bu-hyeong frowned.

“Where could he be going at this late hour?”

From their first meeting, Deung Bu-hyeong had disliked Wi Geom-jong. Remembering how he had felt intimidated by him at the inn still made his blood boil.

“There’s something off about him… Could he be up to something?”

With this thought, Deung Bu-hyeong decided to follow Wi Geom-jong. Wi Geom-jong walked for a long time, eventually slipping out through the back gate of the Myeolma Hall. The further they went, the more suspicious Deung Bu-hyeong became. Why leave the hall at such a late hour? And why head towards such a deserted area?

When they reached a dense forest, Deung Bu-hyeong lost sight of Wi Geom-jong for a moment.

“Where did he go?”

As he searched the surroundings, a hawk suddenly soared from the forest, cutting across the night sky.

“What the…!”

Using his inner strength to enhance his vision, Deung Bu-hyeong noticed a message tied to the hawk’s leg.

“That’s it! A messenger hawk!”

Instinctively, he drew a dagger and hurled it.

Swish, swish, swish!

Three daggers flew, but the hawk, well-trained, evaded them with graceful glides. The hawk soared higher, out of reach, and disappeared towards the northwest.

“Damn it! I lost the crucial evidence!”

Deung Bu-hyeong bit his lip and clenched his fist. Using a messenger hawk meant the message was important. No one would use such a hawk for a mere love letter. A hawk that well-trained must belong to a significant organization. And to send it from the forest at this hour meant it was something that couldn’t be seen by others.

“Wi Geom-jong… You’re definitely up to something!”

Deung Bu-hyeong extended his senses, probing the surroundings. He moved in the direction where he guessed the hawk had taken off.

“There it is!”

He sensed a faint energy ahead, unmistakably Wi Geom-jong’s. Deung Bu-hyeong carefully approached, suppressing his own presence. Finally, he hid behind a large rock and peeked out.

In the middle of a small clearing stood Wi Geom-jong, his back straight.

At that moment—

“What are you doing here, senior?”

A voice suddenly startled Deung Bu-hyeong, nearly making him cry out. He turned to see Ja Un-ryong standing there, head tilted in curiosity.

“Why are you so surprised? At this hour…”

“Shh!”

Deung Bu-hyeong quickly signaled for silence and urgently pulled Ja Un-ryong closer.

“Why… mmph!”

Deung Bu-hyeong covered Ja Un-ryong’s mouth and spoke to him through telepathy.

[I think we can finally uncover that guy’s true identity tonight.]

[Who do you mean by ‘that guy’?]

Ja Un-ryong asked, confused. Deung Bu-hyeong, pressing his back against the rock, took a deep breath and replied.

[Wi Geom-jong!]

[Instructor Wi Geom-jong is here?]

[Yes. I saw him leaving the hall. Didn’t it strike you as suspicious? That’s why I followed him.]

[Hmm. I see. But maybe he just went for a walk…]

“Hmph! That’s nonsense! Why would anyone come here for a walk at this hour? And I saw the crucial evidence… though I couldn’t secure it.”

[What was it?]

[A messenger hawk!]

This time, Ja Un-ryong seemed genuinely surprised and asked again.

[A messenger hawk? Are you saying Instructor Wi sent one somewhere?]

[Yes. It was a well-trained hawk, skilled enough to dodge my daggers.]

[In that case, this is no ordinary matter. Shouldn’t we report this to the head instructor?]

[Let’s observe a bit more. But why are you here?]

[I saw you leaving and followed out of curiosity. You were moving so cautiously, I couldn’t help myself. Hehe.]

Ja Un-ryong scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin, and Deung Bu-hyeong shook his head. At times like this, Ja Un-ryong seemed like a carefree youth.

[In any case, we must be careful. If we’re discovered…]

[I think we’ve already been discovered, senior.]

“What?”

As Deung Bu-hyeong muttered in disbelief, a dark shadow loomed over him. Looking up, he saw Wi Geom-jong standing atop the rock, glaring down at them.

“Gah!”

Startled, Deung Bu-hyeong nearly fell backward.

“What are you doing here, you two?”

Wi Geom-jong’s voice was icy. Deung Bu-hyeong quickly regained his composure and pointed accusingly.

“Hmph! What are you doing here?”

“It seems the orthodox sects have no sense of hierarchy. Is that how an instructor speaks to a superior?”

“Sh-shut up! Just confess what you were doing here!”

“I was training in martial arts. Is it the orthodox way to spy on others’ training?”

“Hmph! Don’t be ridiculous! Do you think I didn’t see the messenger hawk you sent?”

Wi Geom-jong chuckled coldly.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Not only did you spy on my training, but now you’re trying to frame me?”

“You scoundrel! Do you think you can get away with this? I never liked you from the start!”

“Hmph! What proof do you have for such accusations? Show me your evidence.”

“My eyes are the evidence!”

“Then perhaps it’s best to pluck out those rotten eyes.”

“W-what?”

With a swift motion, Wi Geom-jong drew his sword, exuding a menacing aura.

“If I keep listening to your drivel, my ears might rot. Speak one more word, and I’ll cut off your tongue. Do you think I won’t?”

“You, you…!”

Deung Bu-hyeong stammered, unable to respond. The murderous intent emanating from Wi Geom-jong was suffocating, like being pierced by countless needles.

Sensing the tension, Ja Un-ryong quickly intervened.

“Ahaha, let’s all calm down. It seems there’s been a misunderstanding. Instructor Wi, please forgive us.”

“What are you doing? Instructor Ja! I clearly saw…”

[Senior, let’s resolve this after we leave. It’s too dangerous here.]

[Hmm…!]

Reluctantly, Deung Bu-hyeong fell silent, and Ja Un-ryong continued.

“It seems there’s been a mistake. Let’s leave it at that for now. Continuing this won’t benefit anyone.”

“And what about the apology for spying on me?”

“I apologize on his behalf.”

Ja Un-ryong bowed his head, and Wi Geom-jong’s gaze shifted to Deung Bu-hyeong, as if asking why he remained silent. Ja Un-ryong quickly sent another telepathic message.

[Senior, now is not the time.]

“Tch!”

Deung Bu-hyeong clicked his tongue inwardly and apologized.

“I’m sorry. But know this: I didn’t see any of your martial arts. I’m not even sure you were training.”

With that parting shot, Deung Bu-hyeong turned and walked away.

“Damn it, let’s get out of here before that guy loses it again. Just wait, you scoundrel! I’ll unmask you yet!”

Meanwhile, Jaunryong watched as Deung Buhyung walked away, then turned back to Weigeomjong and offered a respectful gesture.

“Please, Instructor Wei, I hope you can understand. I’ll take my leave now.”

With a slight smile, Jaunryong quickly turned and ran off.

Weigeomjong, watching their retreating figures, murmured to himself, “So, I did see it…”

A chill glinted in his eyes.

**

“Haah!”

With a sharp cry, the sword’s energy sliced through the air.

Whoosh! Swish, swish, swish! Whirl!

Each time the slender blade cut through the night, the starlight and moonlight shattered into countless fragments.

The blend of sword energy and light was as beautiful as a painting.

In that painting, the woman dancing with her sword looked like a celestial maiden.

Indeed, though she was practicing swordsmanship, it was as graceful as a dance.

And the woman performing this sword dance was none other than Maeseollan.

Whirrrrring!

At some point, a beautiful resonance emanated from her sword.

Anyone who witnessed this would have been left speechless, captivated.

First, they would be amazed that swordsmanship could be so beautiful, and then they would be struck by the strength that lay within that beauty.

But the only person watching her, Sabigang, maintained a calm expression throughout.

Whirrrrring! Whirr!

Now, the sword seemed to hiss like a snake.

It was as if dozens of snakes were coiling around Maeseollan, darting in and out.

How long did this sword dance continue?

Whirrrrring!

The sword that had wrapped around Maeseollan suddenly unfurled, transforming into dozens of snakes.

Sss! Sss! Sss!

The enemies surrounding her fell, struck at their vital points.

Whoosh!

As the last enemy fell, Maeseollan steadied herself and took a deep breath.

Drip.

A bead of sweat that had gathered at her chin fell to the ground.

“How was it?”

Maeseollan turned to Sabigang with a faint smile.

Sabigang nodded.

“It seems you’ve reached a new level.”

“Really?”

“Truly.”

A slight smile appeared on Sabigang’s lips as well.

Maeseollan felt like cheering.

Though he often joked and made light-hearted comments, she knew he was the most critical when it came to evaluating martial arts.

Regulating her breath, Maeseollan spoke.

“So, I have a favor to ask.”

“Alright. I’ll hear it.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“Another sword. I’ll try to find one.”

Maeseollan smiled knowingly.

“That’s touching, but that’s not my request.”

Sabigang looked surprised.

“Then what is it?”

“I can’t keep relying on you. I want to find one myself this time.”

“So, the favor is?”

“Don’t go out of your way to find a sword for me. I’ll manage somehow. It doesn’t have to be a legendary sword. A true master doesn’t blame their weapon.”

Initially, she had intended to ask Sabigang for help.

But she changed her mind.

This time, she wanted to handle it herself.

She couldn’t always depend on him.

She wanted to be a support he could lean on.

Maeseollan looked at Sabigang quietly.

After a moment, she spoke.

“Thank you, though.”

“If you’re really grateful, tonight…”

“I’m touched right now, so don’t ruin it with silly talk.”

Sabigang chuckled and said, “Since when did you start speaking informally to me?”

“Since you disappeared. You made a woman worry, so you should endure at least that much.”

“I suppose I have no choice. I’ll probably keep worrying you, so I’ll endure it.”

Maeseollan gave him an incredulous look before breaking into a smile.

The two gazed at each other for a long moment before slowly leaning in for a kiss.

The moonlight gently enveloped them.