Chapter 108: Snow Flower Academy (5)
The children of the Peace Class, overseen by Yeon Cho-hee, headed to a quiet, spacious clearing within the palace grounds.
About two hundred orphans cheered for Il-gwang with shining eyes. At first, they had been intimidated by his fearsome face and threatening build, but now they burst into laughter every time he opened his mouth.
“This is the supreme combat art of the martial world, so you must not use it lightly. It can kill. When did I say you should use it?”
The children shouted in unison, “When bad uncles try to kidnap us!!!”
Nodding, Il-gwang said, “One of us was actually kidnapped once. Step forward for a moment.”
So-so stepped forward hesitantly. Il-gwang then patted the back of her head with a palm larger than an adult’s head. Seeing that awkward gesture, Yeon Cho-hee smiled secretly from the side.
“This child was kidnapped by bad uncles but managed to escape. How? By using the fist technique I taught her.”
So-so recalled her memories. When she was captured by human traffickers in Hanzhong without any weapons, she remembered using the Break Mountain Fist Il-gwang had taught her.
“Yes, it was scary.”
The children’s mouths fell open in awe.
“Wow~ So-so is the best!”
“Big Sister So-so is cool.”
Seeing So-so look proud of herself, Il-gwang gestured for her to return to her spot.
“Watch me closely. The basis of combat is to never avoid the opponent’s eyes. The second is to induce carelessness. How?”
The orphans’ voices echoed again, “Uncle, you are handsome!!!”
“Yes. If you say that, the opponent will let down their guard and speak. That is when you launch your attack. Everyone, follow me. First Form: Fatal Groin Punch!”
Il-gwang pulled his left fist to his waist and threw his right fist forward.
Boom!
It was a simple basic motion, but the sound of tearing air was strong enough for the children to feel it on their cheeks. Watching from the side, Cho-hee was also surprised by the intensity of Il-gwang’s martial arts.
Soon, the children in horse stances threw their right fists forward, copying Il-gwang’s movement.
“Hiya!”
“Ya!”
With the height of the small children, their strikes would land squarely on the opponent’s vital spot.
“The bastard struck by the First Form will definitely bend forward! What did I say you should do then?”
The children shouted with serious expressions, “Second Form: Throat Strike!!!”
“Correct! Retrieve your right hand, cup your left hand like this, and strike upward from below.”
Boom!
The children began to mimic his movement again. Since it was self-defense rather than complex martial arts, it was not difficult.
“Hiya!”
“Ya, ya!”
Smiling warmly, Il-gwang prepared the next form.
“Good job! And the Third Form is the most important ultimate technique. You know it without me showing you, right?”
“Yes, Uncle!!!”
“We will shout the form name together on three! One, two, three!”
The children shouted in unison, “Third Form: Taunting Retreat!!!”
Unless they were So-so, the successor of the Sword Saint, there was no way young children could defeat adults. Running away was indeed the best technique.
“Do not get caught and run away well. If you get caught, you’ll get spanked.”
The children giggled, finding it hilarious.
“Yes, heehee.”
“Giggle.”
“Hahaha.”
When they had first arrived in Chang’an, these children had no smiles. The dark shadows that had filled the orphans’ faces were gradually lifting. Knowing this, Il-gwang felt proud.
“If the opponent seems too strong and you judge that you cannot escape, do not resist and surrender quietly. However, you must leave a trail.”
The girl sitting next to So-so blinked and asked, “Then will you rescue us, Uncle?”
“You can take off your shoes or tear your sleeves. If you leave a trail, I will surely find you.”
At that, Cho-hee clapped her hands in applause.
“Everyone, let’s applaud Teacher Il-gwang!”
The children cheered happily, “Waaaah!”
“Uncle, you’re the best~!”
“Haha. That was fun!”
His role was complete. Cho-hee approached him, expressing her sincere gratitude.
“Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay you…”
Waving his hand, Il-gwang looked embarrassed.
“Haha… of course I should help. Just ask anytime.”
After exchanging a few words of farewell, he turned to leave. Just then, the children swarmed around him like puppies.
“Uncle, you’ll come again, right?”
“I want to see you every day…”
“So-so, make sure to bring him…”
Il-gwang smiled awkwardly as he patted their heads.
“Be good. I’ll visit again.”
“Really?”
“You must come back… promise?”
Bidding the children farewell, Il-gwang felt a lump in his throat. Hadn’t he also been an orphan?
‘If only someone had cared for me like this… I wouldn’t have lived such a life in the back alleys.’
Though he prided himself on growing up strong, his inner mind was filled with painful and lonely memories. At their age, what he had learned was street fighting, and he had to survive by running errands for hoodlums.
As he walked silently, Il-gwang suddenly stopped. He saw familiar figures ahead.
“General, what brings you here…?”
Hands clasped behind his back, Jang-yang was watching him with a pleased expression. Beside him stood Adjutant So-mu.
“Haha. I’ve actually been watching for a while. I didn’t know you had this side to you.”
“Yes… it just happened…”
“You are doing well. These children will gather to become our future. Only when the children’s minds are joyful can we have a bright future. Keep up the good work.”
“Yes, General…”
“It is good to see these poor children looking happier today. Haha…”
Having seen what he wanted, Jang-yang turned to leave, So-mu walking in step with him.
“Many soldiers are afraid of Centurion Il-gwang, but his heart is more righteous than anyone’s, is it not?”
“He is someone who cannot tolerate injustice. Haha… though his fiery temper worries me at times.”
“Haha. His spirit is extraordinary, so I expect great things from him. I wanted to recommend him as an adjutant, but since the imperial court has vanished… it is a pity we have no way to appoint him for now.”
“What is happening to the new emperor?”
“Since he died without naming an heir, this state will continue for the time being. However, we cannot allow another incompetent figure to step forward just because of their bloodline. The other military governors won’t accept it either.”
“Once the situation stabilizes, how about organizing a council of military governors?”
“That would be wise. I worry that the longer the vacancy lasts, the weaker our regional unity will become.”
“Indeed. General Yu Gwang is keeping to himself, and the military governors in the rear show no movement.”
“Yes. The only one we can hope to align with is Military Governor Han Se-chung. But since he is struggling in Xiangyang…”
This was their biggest headache. Because General Yu Gwang refused to deploy, Xiangyang remained in crisis. They could not leave things as they were.
“I must find a way.”
“I am also pondering it. Let us wait until next month when the messenger returns.”
“Understood. Is there any news from Goryeo? If either we or Goryeo collapse, the other won’t be able to hold out either.”
“Since Lin’an fell, the sea routes have been blocked, making it difficult to obtain information. The last I heard, they had gathered their forces at Liaodong Fortress to hold out.”
“It is a relief they are holding back Sa Myo-ari, one of the two great generals of the Hui Dynasty.”
“It is a country of many talents. Although their situation cannot be easy, it seems we don’t have to worry about them for the time being.”
Conversing, the two arrived at Taiye Pond. Many residents had already gathered around this massive lake to rest.
“Haha… is it not wonderful to enjoy the scenery with the residents?”
“Yes. To think this vast and beautiful lake was built solely for the imperial family’s leisure…”
“Before long, this place will be set up for boating, eating, and drinking.”
“Everyone will love it.”
Jang-yang nodded with a pleased smile.
“This place will also create quite a few jobs. Furthermore, if tourists from other regions come and spend money, it will help normalize the city quickly.”
So-mu pointed to a spot and said, “Surely. They are over there.”
It was a tea stall set up near the lake. Currently, the army operated it at a very low price. Two individuals were sitting at a wooden table with four chairs.
“How do you know they are the members of the volunteer army we agreed to meet today?”
“They are the only ones nearby who have trained in martial arts.”
“Haha… you have sharp eyes. Let’s go.”
As Jang-yang and So-mu approached, the two middle-aged men quickly stood up and bowed. Seeing their military uniforms, they had immediately recognized their identities.
“Nice to meet you, General. We have always wanted to meet you.”
Jang-yang grasped their hands warmly, “You have suffered much. Thank you, and thank you again.”
“What did we do? Compared to the achievements of the government forces, ours is but a drop in the bucket.”
“Haha… had it not been for the volunteer army, we would have faced disaster multiple times. Please sit.”
The four sat around the table. As Jang-yang looked toward the stall, a soldier quickly approached with a tense face.
“I will bring tea immediately, General.”
“How much does the tea cost here?”
“It is one copper coin.”
Considering that the average price in Hanzhong was three copper coins, it was extremely cheap. So-mu pulled four copper coins from his pocket and handed them over.
“Four cups, please.”
“Oh, no, Adjutant! How can we take your money…”
“If you know the General’s character, you should take it. Before you get caned.”
As So-mu joked, the soldier chuckled, took the coins, and quickly left. Though unintended, a faint smile appeared on the faces of the others. Thanks to that, the conversation began in a light atmosphere.
“I am Captain Song Gyeom, and this is Adjutant Mu Hyeon.”
So-mu also nodded, introducing himself.
“I am So-mu, leader of the Wolf Fang Squad.”
Surprise filled the faces of Song Gyeom and Mu Hyeon. Who was the leader of the Wolf Fang Squad? He was a fierce commander who had claimed countless enemy heads and possessed a legend of undefeated combat. Their eyes were filled with respect.
“It is an honor to meet the greatest hero of Shaanxi.”
“Indeed, we did not expect the leader of the Wolf Fang Squad to join us today…”
So-mu responded with a silent salute. Once the introductions were over, Jang-yang asked with a bright face, “I heard you defeated two thousand cavalrymen at Hu County. And that General So-so, the first volunteer army leader, helped you?”
Hearing the name So-so again, So-mu flinched.
Within the army, the only one who suspected the truth was Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong, but even she kept silent because the matter was too absurd. Furthermore, since he had lost the child in light movement, there was no need for him to spread the rumor. Consequently, So-mu did not know the exact details yet.
Song Gyeom nodded and answered, “Yes. At the moment of crisis, General So-so, with a single roar, brought down all two thousand cavalrymen. Afterward, her subordinate appeared and helped us finish them off.”
Jang-yang’s eyes widened in shock.
“Adjutant So-mu, she brought down two thousand warhorses with a single roar. It is the first time in my life I’ve heard of such a thing. Could you do the same?”
“It is impossible for me. It requires high-level wide-area sonic martial arts powered by deep internal energy. Typically, a sonic technique…”
As he spoke, he flinched again. A chill ran down his spine.
‘It cannot be. It’s impossible. She was a child who was in the medical camp with Yeon Seo-hwa.’
Jang-yang looked at Song Gyeom and asked, “What an extraordinary figure. It is a pity she has vanished again.”
“Yes. If we meet her again, we will surely arrange a meeting for you, General.”
Nodding, Jang-yang looked at So-mu.
“Your complexion doesn’t look good. Is something wrong?”
Trying to calm his startled mind, So-mu spoke, “It’s nothing, General.”
Soon, the soldiers brought four cups of tea. Jang-yang took a sip and said, “By the way, I heard you requested this meeting for a specific reason.”
Song Gyeom nodded and pulled a map from his pocket.
“We have been searching the area around Chang’an to eliminate the remnants of the Hui army.”
“I know. We are very grateful. Did something happen?”
Song Gyeom pointed to a spot on the map. It was a secluded area about fifty li from Chang’an.
“We discovered mysterious experts here. They are definitely not from the martial world.”
His mind now calm, So-mu showed interest in this intriguing news.
“Tell me in detail.”
“It was a cave. Twenty of our volunteers who went to scout were killed, and only one barely returned alive.”
They needed to hear more.