Episode 55: Return to Songbaek
The procession of Sabigang and the cadets finally reached the hill overlooking Songbaek.
In the distance, the bustling village came into view.
“So, this is Songbaek at last.”
Dan Lijeong, holding the reins of the carriage, gazed at the cityscape with a complicated expression.
“What on earth was Muntak thinking, asking such a question…?”
He sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.
Meanwhile, the other cadets looked at Songbaek with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Before arriving here, during an outdoor training session, Jo Muntak had suddenly posed a question.
“Instructor, aren’t the Paegeomyeonga and Seomgeommokga considered the pinnacles of swordsmanship today?”
“That’s right.”
“Then, if they were to face off, who would win?”
It was an unexpected question.
Given its sensitivity, the cadets glanced at Yeon Wugyeong and Mok Danhwa for their reactions.
Strangely, Jo Muntak seemed to have changed a bit since he started receiving private lessons from Sabigang. It was as if he was trying to emulate someone he admired, becoming more like Sabigang.
Dan Lijeong also gauged the reactions of the two but trusted Sabigang to handle it deftly.
“He’ll probably give a vague answer.”
That would be the usual approach.
But he momentarily forgot that Sabigang was anything but ordinary.
Initially, Sabigang’s response was typical.
“The type of swordsmanship matters, but more important are the skills and abilities of the fighters.”
However, Jo Muntak was persistent, genuinely curious.
“Come on, not the obvious answer. What if their skills and abilities were identical?”
The cadets held their breath, looking at Sabigang.
They were eager to know which swordsmanship was superior.
Surprisingly, Sabigang didn’t beat around the bush.
“Currently, Paegeomyeonga has the upper hand. Seomgeommokga’s ‘Lightning Sword’ has a critical flaw.”
The cadets murmured among themselves.
Mok Danhwa, visibly upset, spoke up.
“What do you mean? Are you suggesting there’s a problem with Seomgeommokga’s swordsmanship?”
“Well, I’m just pointing out a weakness I know of.”
It was true.
Sabigang had analyzed and studied the martial arts of various schools in the martial world.
His grand plan—to restore the martial world through his return—required mastering and improving upon the renowned martial arts.
Mok Danhwa smiled coldly.
“Even as an instructor, it seems you’ve made a mistake. How dare you criticize Seomgeommokga’s swordsmanship.”
‘Just an instructor…!’
She swallowed her thoughts, glaring at Sabigang.
But Sabigang shrugged it off, unfazed.
“Well, no one likes to admit the weaknesses of their own martial arts.”
“That’s not it…!”
Mok Danhwa started to shout but then clamped her mouth shut.
Getting angry here would be pointless.
It would only make her look foolish.
Soon, they would reach Songbaek.
It would be better to prove herself there.
Then Jo Muntak asked another question.
“If the weaknesses you mentioned were corrected, could Seomgeommokga defeat Paegeomyeonga?”
“It’s not something I can say for sure, but it would certainly give them an edge.”
This time, Yeon Wugyeong scoffed, glaring at Sabigang.
But it was nothing compared to Mok Danhwa’s feelings, having her swordsmanship deemed inferior.
Mok Danhwa maintained her composure, smiling gently.
“Instructor, once we reach Songbaek, my family is nearby. My father would like to invite you and the others to our home. Perhaps you could discuss this with him directly?”
She thought Sabigang would realize his mistake by now.
However.
“Of course, I planned to do that. Even if you told me not to. Haha. Consider it a home visit, a chance to unwind after the journey.”
‘What? He treats our home like some kind of inn!’
Mok Danhwa bit her lip.
‘Hmph, let’s see how long that arrogance lasts!’
She forced a smile.
“My father will be pleased.”
Thus, visiting Seomgeommokga upon reaching Songbaek became inevitable.
But…
‘He won’t be pleased at all, will he?’
Dan Lijeong sighed deeply, looking at the village.
Mok Danhwa would undoubtedly complain to her father about Sabigang.
Whether Sabigang knew this or not, he remained unperturbed.
‘He really is carefree.’
After all, what could Dan Lijeong do about it?
In the end, he resigned himself, shaking the reins.
‘Oh well, whatever happens, happens.’
Sabigang and the cadets continued toward Songbaek along the main road.
**
Contrary to Dan Lijeong’s concerns, Seomgeommokga welcomed Sabigang and the cadets warmly.
Mok Cheolwoo set up tables and chairs in the training yard, hosting a grand feast.
The cadets, eager for a taste of fine cuisine, devoured the food.
As the cadets filled their bellies and the adults’ drinking session reached a comfortable rhythm, the issue Dan Lijeong had feared finally arose.
It all started with a comment from Mok Cheolwoo.
Amidst casual conversation, Mok Cheolwoo burst into laughter, making a pointed remark.
“Hahaha. It’s impressive that you found the missing Tang hero. But how could someone as talented as you make such a mistake?”
“Hahaha. What mistake are you referring to?”
Sabigang, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension, responded with a tipsy smile.
“When dealing with the Black Twin Demons. I heard from Danhwa that you just watched while they did terrible things to my daughter…”
Though he smiled, there was a subtle anger beneath the surface.
The cadets, now full, were perceptive enough to sense the shift in atmosphere.
They stopped their chatter, turning their attention to Sabigang.
Sensing the tension, Maeseollan stepped in with a bright smile.
“The situation was dire, and Instructor Sa was likely overwhelmed. Please, Master Mok, accept my drink and let go of any hard feelings.”
Tang Yi-hyeop, who was nearby, also spoke up.
“I don’t know the details, but without our lord, it could have been disastrous.”
“Well, that’s a fair point.”
Mok Cheolwoo’s mood softened slightly, swayed by the beautiful Maeseollan and the renowned Tang Yi-hyeop.
Even more surprising was Tang Yi-hyeop referring to Sabigang as ‘lord.’
Up to that point, things were going well.
The problem arose with Sabigang’s tactless comment.
“Hahaha. Actually, I did it on purpose.”
“What?”
“To be honest, while Danhwa may be a beloved daughter to you, not everyone sees her that way. Some cadets find her intimidating or burdensome, and among the instructors, she’s known for being difficult due to her prickly personality.”
As Sabigang continued speaking without hesitation, the cadets, along with Maeseollan and Tang Yi-hyeop, stiffened.
‘What are you saying? In the Mok family’s estate!’
Maeseollan silently screamed, pinching Sabigang’s thigh.
“Ouch. Why are you pinching me?”
‘Oh, this clueless man…!’
Flustered, Maeseollan stammered.
“Ah, it’s just… haha…”
Sabigang tilted his head, continuing.
“As I said, Mok Danhwa’s personality is a bit abrasive. People find it burdensome to associate with such a personality. In short, think of it as an ‘unpleasant personality.’”
“What…?”
Mok Cheolwoo’s face turned red with anger.
Dan Lijeong’s mouth hung open, spilling the water he had been drinking.
Anyone could see that Mok Cheolwoo was struggling to contain his rising fury.
Yet Sabigang seemed oblivious to this fact.
Unable to bear it, Maeseollan intervened.
“Hahaha. Instructor Sa, you’ve gone too far with your joke. Master Mok, please don’t take it to heart and let it go in one ear and out the other…”
But once again, Sabigang interrupted.
“No, that’s not right. A father should know his daughter better than anyone. I refrained from intervening during Mok Danhwa’s ordeal for two reasons.”
“Um… Instructor Sa…?”
Maeseollan, anxious, gripped Sabigang’s arm tightly.
But…
‘Why does his arm feel like iron…!’
It felt like grasping a solid piece of metal.
Even with some force applied, it was futile.
Sabigang, seemingly unaffected, continued his reckless speech.
“First, it was a bit of payback for her rude behavior. Haha. As you know, instructors are human too. When a cadet disobeys and deliberately defies an instructor, it’s only natural to feel a bit of schadenfreude when they face consequences.”
“Ugh…”
“Secondly, I wanted to teach her a lesson and make her reflect on her behavior. So, I waited for her to genuinely repent and ask for forgiveness. Though, judging by her unchanged attitude, it seems my efforts were in vain.”
“Are you serious right now…?”
“That’s the gist of it. Also, my visit here isn’t just about enjoying the comforts of a nice place. I came to ask you, sir, to properly educate your daughter.”
With that, Sabigang flashed a bright smile and downed her drink.
The room fell into a stunned silence, as if everyone had turned to stone.
In the oppressive quiet, the only sound was Sabigang cheerfully munching away, oblivious to the tension around her.
Mok Cheol-woo’s hand trembled as he held his glass, but Seo Jin-rip, the chief officer beside him, gently grasped his arm and whispered so only he could hear.
“Stay calm. All eyes are on us.”
The reputation of the Seomgeom Mok family was at stake. If the head of the family lost his temper defending his daughter, it wouldn’t look good.
Mok Cheol-woo took a deep breath and forced a smile.
“Well, I suppose I only see the good in my own child.”
“I understand, but that’s not the way. If you only shield your child, they might end up a worthless person. Even if they can’t contribute to society, they shouldn’t cause harm, right?”
Sabigang continued to chatter nonchalantly, her chopsticks never pausing. The atmosphere was as tense as walking on thin ice.
Mok Cheol-woo clenched his fist and changed the subject.
“Speaking of which, I heard one of the students asked an interesting question.”
“What was it?”
“They wanted to know which is superior: our Seomgeom Mok family’s swordsmanship or the Paegeom Yeon family’s.”
“Oh, yes, I remember.”
“And you mentioned there are issues with our Seomgwang Byeongryeok Sword technique?”
“Indeed. It’s a problem that’s both light and heavy, depending on how you look at it.”
“Hahaha! I didn’t realize our instructor had such keen insight. Could you perhaps demonstrate?”
“What do you mean?”
“The weaknesses of the Seomgwang Byeongryeok Sword.”
Mok Cheol-woo’s eyes glinted coldly.
Sabigang finally set her chopsticks down on the table.
“You’re quite the talker during meals, aren’t you, Master Mok?”
“What?”
“Well, it’s only natural for a warrior to be curious. I’ll show you the flaws in the Seomgwang Byeongryeok Sword.”
“Very well. How will you…?”
Before Mok Cheol-woo could finish, Sabigang scanned the students.
“Mok Dan-hwa and Yeon Woo-gyeong, step forward.”
As the students murmured among themselves, Mok Dan-hwa and Yeon Woo-gyeong walked to the center of the room, looking puzzled.
Mok Cheol-woo frowned.
“What are you doing, instructor?”
“Just watch.”
Sabigang smiled and gestured with her chin.
“Now, both of you draw your swords and spar.”
“What?”
“Excuse me?”
“I said, have a duel. Show me your full capabilities.”
Mok Cheol-woo smirked inwardly.
‘Interesting. Let’s see how this plays out.’
Mok Dan-hwa glanced at Mok Cheol-woo, who gave a calm nod, signaling his approval for the match.
Finally, the two students bowed to each other in respect.
Moments later, they launched themselves at one another.
Ta-at!