Chapter 661: Return of the Demon Instructor
The music paused for a moment.
Though Dan Ri-hyuk’s sudden interruption during the performance could have been seen as rude, Deung Deung-deung showed no sign of displeasure.
Instead, he clasped his hands respectfully and said, “Then, please, go ahead.”
“Alright. Shall we begin?”
With those words, the instruments resumed their melody.
As the two began their spear and sword dance, the music picked up a faster tempo, matching their movements.
The music soared to higher notes, and their movements grew more intense.
“Impressive. They’re definitely above average.”
Thud. Thud-thud.
Their spear and sword clashed in harmony with the music, creating a rhythm of their own.
The performance was so lively that it was hard not to be swept up in the excitement.
Deung Deung-deung moved with grace.
It was as if he wielded a sword, not a spear.
When the melody curved gently, his spear traced large arcs, and when the tempo quickened, his spear thrust forward with precision.
Thud! Thud! Thud-thud!
The two moved as if they had choreographed this dance together.
Even Dan Ri-hyuk had to admit it.
“It’s not just flashy. But… it’s too soft. Even a child could block such lightness.”
Though fluid, spear techniques relied on strength and power.
Deung Deung-deung’s style seemed more suited for performance than real combat.
As the music quickened, the rhythm became more staccato, and Dan Ri-hyuk’s swordplay shifted accordingly.
As the music reached its climax, Dan Ri-hyuk’s presence became more pronounced.
Swish! Swish-swish!
Dan Ri-hyuk’s sword moved faster.
Meng Ga-sook, who had been watching casually, now observed with sharp eyes.
“Now it’s serious.”
Others, including the masters and disciples around, noticed the change too.
But no one was more aware of Dan Ri-hyuk’s shift than Deung Deung-deung.
He deftly parried the rapidly approaching sword with his spear.
Thud-thud-thud!
He thought to himself, “So that’s how you want to play it? Fine, I’ll match you. I didn’t like you much anyway.”
Swish-swish-swish!
Deung Deung-deung thrust his spear with speed.
Sa Bi-ran watched with interest.
The music and their dance raced towards a crescendo.
Sparks occasionally flew.
Dan Ri-hyuk still wore a playful smile, while Deung Deung-deung’s expression shifted with each moment.
Just then, Deung Ga-hwi approached Sa Bi-ran.
“Shouldn’t we stop them now?”
“No, as Dan Ri-hyuk suggested, it’s not a bad idea to test them. Let’s watch a bit longer.”
A gruff voice suddenly interrupted.
“You should stop them.”
They turned to see Jeok Bi standing with arms crossed.
“It’s dangerous to let this continue.”
Sa Bi-ran smiled faintly.
“Don’t worry. Dan Ri-hyuk won’t push too far. He’ll ease up soon.”
Jeok Bi frowned slightly and looked back.
“What are you talking about? The danger is on the other side.”
Jeok Bi’s gaze was fixed on Dan Ri-hyuk.
“He doesn’t seem to have mastered swordsmanship.”
Sa Bi-ran’s expression turned intrigued as she looked back.
The spear and sword dance was nearing its climax.
On the surface, Dan Ri-hyuk was like a storm, while Deung Deung-deung seemed like a butterfly struggling through it.
Each move was so close that it was hard not to tense up.
But finally, the butterfly emerged unscathed from the storm.
As the music transitioned from its peak to the finale, the flow changed.
The butterfly became even more graceful.
And finally.
Shing!
With a clear metallic sound, Dan Ri-hyuk’s sword flew into the air.
“Gah!”
Startled, Dan Ri-hyuk quickly stepped back to avoid the spear aimed at him.
Swish!
“Whoa!”
Bending his waist like a bow, Dan Ri-hyuk fell back, landing on his rear.
In the next moment.
Shing, clang!
The golden spear that had soared into the sky struck the floor of the banquet hall just as the music played its final note.
The spear landed precariously between Dan Ri-hyuk’s legs.
Had it been just a finger’s breadth deeper, Dan Ri-hyuk’s precious…
“I almost… lost everything!”
Dan Ri-hyuk looked at Deung Deung-deung with a dazed expression.
The final surge had been so intense it sent shivers down his spine.
Just when he thought the real fight was starting, it was already over.
Trying to recover from the embarrassing situation, Dan Ri-hyuk forced a smile as he stood.
“Ha, that was quite something. A splendid spear dance.”
His speech naturally shifted to a more formal tone, though he didn’t notice.
Deung Deung-deung smiled gently in response.
“Thanks to your excellent sword dance, the spear dance shone even brighter.”
“That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Haha.”
Dan Ri-hyuk awkwardly laughed as he reached for the spear embedded in the floor.
He tried to pull it out with force… but?
“Hmm…?”
He tried again with more strength…
“Why won’t it budge?”
Dan Ri-hyuk gritted his teeth and pulled with all his might.
But the spear remained firmly in place.
In fact, now that he was holding it, he realized just how heavy it was.
“What kind of spear is this…!”
As he struggled, a voice interrupted.
“Step aside. I’ll handle it.”
Dan Ri-hyuk turned to see a burly young man approaching, who then grabbed the spear.
Dan Ri-hyuk smirked inwardly.
“Whoever you are, that spear won’t come out so easily…”
Swish!
”…It came out?”
Dan Ri-hyuk gaped at the young man.
The young man tossed the spear back to Deung Deung-deung and turned away.
“Nice to meet you. I was late to the banquet due to some matters. I’m Gok Mu-seong.”
Sa Bi-ran smiled warmly at him.
Gok Mu-seong.
He was the son of Gok Bo-ok.
Though Gok Bo-ok married a woman who didn’t practice martial arts, fortunately, his son inherited his natural strength.
As the situation took an unexpected turn, Dan Ri-hyuk burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! If I had used a bow, the outcome might have been different. I’m not as familiar with the sword.”
“A bowman?”
Deung Deung-deung tilted his head, and Sa Bi-ran interjected.
“No, he doesn’t use a bow, so he can’t be called a bowman.”
“What nonsense! I am a bowman.”
Dan Ri-hyuk exclaimed, his face slightly flushed.
“My main weapon is the bow.”
Deung Deung-deung smiled faintly.
“Then let’s enjoy a match with your bow someday.”
“Sounds good!”
Dan Ri-hyuk and Deung Deung-deung exchanged intense glances.
**
The next morning.
Sa Bi-ran prepared to leave the Heavenly Martial Hall.
Chu Ryang and his daughter, Chu So-hye, had returned to the hall earlier than expected after finishing their business.
With Ban-myo also present, there was no reason to delay.
At the entrance of the Heavenly Martial Hall, Chu Ryang looked at Sa Bi-ran with a hint of regret.
“Parting so soon after meeting is such a shame.”
Sa Bi-ran smiled gently.
“There will be many more days to meet again.”
“Yes, indeed. But I’m not sure how helpful that one will be.”
Chu Ryang glanced to the side.
There, Chu So-hye was affectionately petting the yawning Ban-myo.
“They’ll both be a great help.”
It wasn’t just a platitude.
Ban-myo could track scents quickly, leading them to the enemy, and Chu So-hye, skilled in communicating with Ban-myo and wielding mana weapons, would be a valuable asset.
“Take care.”
“Yes, Master.”
Sa Bi-ran replied with a bright smile.
As she turned, the martial artists from the Heavenly Martial Hall lined up.
For this moment, Sa Bi-ran called their names with a serious expression.
“Jeok Bi, Gok Mu-seong, Chu So-hye, and Deung Deung-deung.”
Those named stood with determined expressions.
Only Deung Deung-deung hesitated, raising his hand.
“Um… could you please use my full name? Just calling my name feels like ‘et cetera,’ you know?”
“Oh, sorry. Let me try again. Jeok Bi, Gok Mu-seong, Chu So-hye, Deung Deung-deung!”
“Yes!”
“From today, you are temporarily part of the Baekhwadan and must follow my orders absolutely.”
“Understood, Leader!”
The four shouted in unison.
Ban-myo let out a cute cry.
With that simple departure ceremony, the Baekhwadan finally left the Heavenly Martial Hall.
Led by their guide, Ban-myo.
Meng Ga-sook watched their retreating figures from the observation tower.
Someone behind him asked, “They’ll do well, won’t they?”
“Indeed, she is none other than the daughter of Lady Sabigang.”
“Exactly. And let’s not forget my exceptional son.”
Maeng Gasuk turned with a gentle smile.
The person speaking to him was none other than Deung Jakyung.
“Right, so there’s no need to worry. But who are you…?”
“Oh, come on! If even you don’t recognize me, I’ll be really down!”
“Hahaha, just kidding. How could I not know you? You’re always fun to tease.”
“Try living like me, always blending into the background. Is that really amusing?”
“Is that so? But seriously, I’m curious… who are you to be in my room?”
“Sir!”
“Hahaha! Alright, alright. So, tell me, who are you?”
“Sir… are you serious?”
Deung Jakyung looked as if he might burst into tears.
At that moment, Maeng Gasuk broke into a wide grin.
“No, if I forgot your name was Deung Jakyung, I’d truly be losing my mind.”
“Is this really funny to you?”
“Not entirely unamusing.”
“You better live a long life, sir! Until the walls are covered in filth!”
“Well, I promised Biran I wouldn’t let it come to that.”
“Break that promise! I’ll clean it up for you!”
“Haha, alright, alright.”
“So please, stop teasing me.”
“Alright, I will. By the way, what was your name again?”
“Oh, come on!”
“Hahaha!”
Maeng Gasuk’s hearty laughter echoed through the hall.
Creak… Thud!
The iron door opened and then closed.
Sabigang emerged from the chamber, her expression somber as she gazed into the air.
“I suppose it’s time to gather the kids.”
“Is it serious?”
It was Hongyeom’s voice.
Sabigang cracked her neck and replied, “Not quite, but they’re planning something bigger than I thought. What about the Baekhwadan?”
“They should be leaving for Cheonsinmugwan by now. With Banmyo there, they’ll strike directly at the enemy’s base.”
“Good. Let’s get ready too.”
“Understood!”
With that response, the presence in the air vanished.
“Your grand plans… I’ll ruin them before they even come to fruition.”
A wicked smile crept onto Sabigang’s lips.